First example of the synthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>-macroheterocycle based on 2(5<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-furanone and 2,2´-oxydiethanethiol

A base-catalyzed reaction of 3,4-dichloro-5-methoxy- and 3,4-dichloro-5-ethoxy-2(5H)-furanones with 2,2´-oxydiethanethiol gave thiols and bis-thioethers of 2(5H)-furanone series. A new S,O-macroheterocyclic compound containing a 18-membered oxathiamacrocycle and two 2(5H)-furanone fragments was synthesized based on the thiols in an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Carbon in boron carbide: The crystal structure of B<Subscript>11.4</Subscript>C<Subscript>3.6</Subscript>

A single crystal of boron carbide obtained from a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) product was studied by X-ray crystallography: B_11.4C_3.6, a = 5.594(2) Å, c = 11.977(7) Å, V = 324.6(7) ų, space group R3m, Z = 3, ρ_calcd = 2.56 g/cm³, R = 0.048. The content of carbon in the single crystal was estimated at ～24 at % from analysis of the unit cell parameters, bond lengths, and the volume of B_{12 ? x} C _x icosahedra, which demonstrated the possibility of obtaining by SHS carbon-rich boron carbide crystals due to the substitution of carbon atoms for boron atoms in icosahedra. Comparison of the X-ray crystallographic data for single crystals of boron carbide with the results of quantum-chemical calculations (an ab initio method (the 3–21G basis set) with geometry optimization) showed that the C-B-C group in a crystal has a nonlinear structure.     

Structure of valence band in cluster model for cytochrome-<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>-oxidase active centers

The electron structure of cluster model for active centers of cytochrome-c-oxidase has been calculated by DFT (PBE) method in 6-31G basis. The cluster model was constructed on the basis of experimental PDB-structure and included 1105 hemoprotein atoms. The valence band ceiling of cytochromeoxidase active centers is shown to be formed by the atoms of carbon and nitrogen from porphyrin ring of cytochrome heme a₃ and atoms of carbon and nitrogen from imidazol moieties of histidine connected with Cu atom in cytochrome a₃. D-orbitals of Cu and Fe atoms from heme a₃ and d-orbital of Fe atom from heme a contribute mainly to the orbital group. A conclusion is made that the catalytic activity of the structure is determined by these two types of orbitals. Cu d-orbitals of cytochrome a are substantially low in energy. It is suggested that Cu atoms of cytochrome a shift the chemical potential of d-orbitals belonging to the active center that results in their easier electron accepting and releasing. This can be a decisive factor in the electron transport process.     

Structure of methyl-7-methoxy-7-phenyl-6-<Emphasis Type="Italic">endo</Emphasis>-halobicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-6-<Emphasis Type="Italic">exo</Emphasis>-carboxylate diastereomers in single crystals

The structure of diastereomeric methyl-7-anti-methoxy-7-syn-phenyl-and methyl-7-syn-methoxy-7-anti-phenyl-6-endo-bromobicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-6-exo-carboxylates 2a and 3a and their chlorine-and iodine-substituted analogs 2b and 3c was studied by XRD. The diastereomers differ in the geometrical parameters of the carbon framework of the molecules. The C(1)-C(2)-C(3)-C(4)-C(5)-C(6) six-membered ring is in the intermediate conformation between envelope and chair in structures 2 and envelope in structures 3. In compound 2a, the cyclobutane fragment has a higher degree of folding than in 3a; one of the possible reasons for that is the donor-acceptor interaction between the 6-methoxycarboxylic and 7-methoxy groups in molecule 2a.     

Preparation of stereochemically pure <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>-alkenoic acids and their methyl esters from bicyclo[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>.1.0]alkan-1-ols. Application in the synthesis of insect pheromones

Oxidative cleavage of exo- and endo-alkyl- and hydroxyalkyl-substituted bicyclo[n.1.0]alkan-1-ols with (diacetoxy-λ³-iodanyl)benzene gave the corresponding methyl alkenoates exclusively with E or Z configuration of the double bond. This reaction was used as the key stage in the syntheses of stereoisomerically pure components of pest insect pheromones: (E)-dodec-9-en-1-yl acetate (European pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana), (Z)-tetradec-11-en-1-yl acetate (European oak leafroller Tortrix viridana), and (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trien-1-yl acetate (tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">CrMAPK3</Emphasis> regulates the expression of iron-deficiency-responsive genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</Emphasis>

Background

Under iron-deficient conditions, Chlamydomonas exhibits high affinity for iron absorption. Nevertheless, the response, transmission, and regulation of downstream gene expression in algae cells have not to be investigated. Considering that the MAPK pathway is essential for abiotic stress responses, we determined whether this pathway is involved in iron deficiency signal transduction in Chlamydomonas.

Results

Arabidopsis MAPK gene sequences were used as entry data to search for homologous genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genome database to investigate the functions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family in C. reinhardtii under iron-free conditions. Results revealed 16 C. reinhardtii MAPK genes labeled CrMAPK2–CrMAPK17 with TXY conserved domains and low homology to MAPK in yeast, Arabidopsis, and humans. The expression levels of these genes were then analyzed through qRT-PCR and exposure to high salt (150 mM NaCl), low nitrogen, or iron-free conditions. The expression levels of these genes were also subjected to adverse stress conditions. The mRNA levels of CrMAPK2, CrMAPK3, CrMAPK4, CrMAPK5, CrMAPK6, CrMAPK8, CrMAPK9, and CrMAPK11 were remarkably upregulated under iron-deficient stress. The increase in CrMAPK3 expression was 43-fold greater than that in the control. An RNA interference vector was constructed and transformed into C. reinhardtii 2A38, an algal strain with an exogenous FOX1:ARS chimeric gene, to silence CrMAPK3. After this gene was silenced, the mRNA levels and ARS activities of FOX1:ARS chimeric gene and endogenous CrFOX1 were decreased. The mRNA levels of iron-responsive genes, such as CrNRAMP2, CrATX1, CrFTR1, and CrFEA1, were also remarkably reduced.

Conclusion

CrMAPK3 regulates the expression of iron-deficiency-responsive genes in C. reinhardtii.

     

Synthesis and structure of silicon-containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-methyland <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-benzoylamides of diisopropylphosphoric acid

Diisopropyl N-benzoyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)phosphoramidate reacts with ClCH₂SiMe₂Cl under mild conditions to form diisopropyl N-benzoyl-N-[(chlorodimethylsilyl)methyl]phosphoramidate (III). Diisopropyl N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)phosphoramidate with ClCH₂SiMe₂Cl affords an N-transsilylation product which does not rearrange into diisopropyl N-[(chlorodimethylsilyl)methyl]-N-methylphosphoramidate (XV) even under severe conditions (4 h, 130°C). Compound XV was prepared by the reaction of diisopropyl phosphorochloridate with N-[(methoxydimethylsilyl)methyl]-N-methylamine followed by treatment of diisopropyl N-[(methoxydimethylsilyl)methyl]-N-methylphosphoramidate with boron trichloride. Analysis of experimental and calculated ²⁹Si chemical shifts points to a five-coordinate silicon atom in compound III and a fourcoordinate silicon atom in compound XV. According to B3LYP calculations with due regard to solvent effects, compound III is an isomer with a C=O→Si bond. By variation of substituents at silicon, phosphorus, and carbonyl carbon atoms, chelate structures with either C=O→Si or P=O→Si dative bonds can be obtained.     

Formation of solvate structures by the <Emphasis Type="Italic">ortho</Emphasis>-, <Emphasis Type="Italic">meta</Emphasis>-, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">para</Emphasis>-isomers of hydroxybenzoic acid in supercritical fluid

The solvate structures formed by the ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers of hydroxybenzoic acid (o-HBA, m-HBA, and p-HBA) with a polar co-solvent (methanol at a concentration of 0.030 and 0.035 mole fractions) in supercritical carbon dioxide at a constant density of 0.7 g/cm³ and temperatures of 318 and 328 K have been studied by the classic molecular dynamics. It has been determined that a stable hydrogen-bonded complex with the co-solvent forms via the hydrogen of the carboxyl group for all isomers. The probability of this complex existence is high at all temperatures and concentrations. In the o-HBA molecule, the other functional groups are engaged in the intramolecular hydrogen bond, but not involved in interactions with methanol. It has been found that m-HBA and p-HBA can be involved in hydrogen bonds with methanol via hydroxyl hydrogen and oxygen atoms; they are characterized by the presence of one more co-solvent molecule (rarely, two molecules) in their solvation shell and intermittent formations/breakages of hydrogen bonds via other functional groups. These bonds are far less stable, and their formation is sensitive to change of temperature and co-solvent concentration. It has been concluded that the degree of selective solvation of m-HBA and p-HBA by co-solvent molecules is approximately the same, but the rate of structural rearrangements in the nearest environment of m-HBA is higher than that of p-HBA.     

Cycloascauloside b from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astragalus caucasicus</Emphasis>

The structure of a new cycloartane glycoside isolated from leaves of Astragalus caucasicus Pall. (Leguminosae) was elucidated using chemical transformations and spectral data. Cycloascauloside B is 20R, 25-epoxy-24S-cycloartan-3β,6α,16β,24-tetraol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1å2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside.     

Cycloaminomethylation of dihydric phenols catalyzed by <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>-metal compounds

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 7,16,25-triaryl-7,8,16,17,25,26-hexahydro-6H,15H,24H-tribenzo[f,m,t][1,5,8,12,15,19,3,10,17]hexaoxatriazacyclohenicosines, 3,8-diaryl-2,3,4,7,8,9-hexahydrobenzo[1,2-e:4,3-e′]bis[1,3]oxazines, 3,9-bis(chlorophenyl)-3,4,9,10-tetrahydro-2H,8H-benzo[1,2-e:3,4-e′]bis[1,3]oxazines, and 2,9-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,2,3,8,9,10-hexahydrobenzo[1,2-e:6,5-e′]bis-[1,3]oxazines via cycloaminomethylation of pyrocatechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone with N,N-bis(methoxymethyl) anilines in the presence of samarium catalysts.     

Synthesis and structure of bis(1,2-diaminoethane) copper(II) bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-hydroxybenzoate) monohydrate and <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-diaquabis(1,2-diaminoethane)copper(II) bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-aminobenzoate)

X-ray structural analysis has been performed for two complex compounds: Cu(en)₂(o-HB)₂H₂O (I) (a = 16.873(4) Å, b = 8.713(2) Å, c = 14.803(3) Å, β = 91.15(2)°, V = 2175.8(8) ų, C2/c, Z = 4, R(F) = 0.0263, 1516 reflections with I > 3σ (I)) and [Cu(en)₂(OH₂)₂]²⁺(o-AB^?)₂ (II) (a = 7.488(5) Å, b = 22.122(8) Å, c = 7.856(5) Å, β = 118.77(2)°, V = 1140.7(11) ų, P2₁/n, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.0432, 1684 reflections with I > 3σ(I)) synthesized under identical conditions (en is ethylenediamine, o-HB is o-hydroxybenzoate, and o-AB is o-aminobenzoate). Although the compounds were assumed to have similar structures and the Cu-Lig bond lengths and the cis and trans angles are acceptable for an octahedral structure, the geometric parameters of o-HB suggest that the copper atom has a plane square environment.     

Alkylation of 2-(methylsulfanyl)-6-polyfluoroalkylpyrimidin-4(3<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-ones with haloalkanes

The alkylation of ambident anions of 2-(methylsulfanyl)-6-(polyfluoroalkyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones with 4-bromobutyl acetate leads to concurrent formation of O- and N-(4-acetoxybutyl) derivatives. Polar aprotic solvents favor formation of the O-isomer, and weakly polar dioxane favors N-alkylation. The reaction of 2-(methylsulfanyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one with an equimolar amount of 1,2-dibromoethane in polar acetonitrile gives a mixture of N,N-, O,O-, and N,O-bridged bis-pyrimidines, as well as N- and O-[2-(methylsulfanyl)ethyl] derivatives, whereas in the presence of 10 equiv of 1,2-dibromoethane the N,O-isomer is formed as the only product. The reaction in weakly polar tetrahydrofuran yields N,N- and N,O-bispyrimidines.     

The thermodynamic properties of the [(Me<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si)<Subscript>7</Subscript>C<Subscript>60</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> fullerene complex

The temperature dependence of the heat capacity C _p ^o of the [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ fullerene complex was measured for the first time using precision adiabatic vacuum calorimetry over the temperature range 6.7–340 K and high-accuracy differential scanning calorimetry at 320–635 K. For the most part, the error in the C _p ^o values was about ±0.5%. An irreversible endothermic effect caused by the splitting of the dimeric bond between fullerene fragments and the thermal decomposition of the complex was observed at 448–570 K. The thermodynamic characteristics of this transformation were calculated and analyzed. Multifractal analysis of the low-temperature (T < 50 K) heat capacity was performed, and conclusions were drawn concerning the character of the heterodynamicity of the structure. The experimental data obtained were used to calculate the standard thermodynamic functions C _p ^o (T), H ^o (T) ? H ^o (0), S ^o (T) ? S ^o (0), and G ^o (T) ? H ^o (0) over the temperature range from T → 0 to 445 K and estimate the standard entropy of formation of the compound from simple substances at 298.15 K. The standard thermodynamic properties of [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ are compared with those of the (C₆₀)₂ dimer, the [(η⁶-Ph₂)₂Cr]⁺[C₆₀]^?? fulleride, and the initial C₆₀ fullerene.     

Crystal structures of a family of layered coordination polymers containing divalent metal ions (Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Co<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Zn<Superscript>2+</Superscript>) and the 3-amino 4-methyl benzoate ion

The syntheses and crystal structures of the layered coordination polymers M(C₈H₈NO₂)₂ [M = Mn (1), Co (2), Ni (3) and Zn (4)] are described. These isostructural compounds contain centrosymmetric trans-MN₂O₄ octahedra as parts of infinite sheets; the ligand bonds to three adjacent metal ions in μ³-N,O,O′ mode from both its carboxylate O atoms and its amine N atom. In each case, weak intra-sheet N–H?O and C–H?O hydrogen bonds may help to consolidate the structure. Crystal data: 1, C₁₆H₁₆MnN₂O₄, M _r = 355.25, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6534(2) Å, b = 4.3990(1) Å, c = 15.5733(5) Å, β = 95.1827(10)°, V = 726.85(3) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.026, wR(F ²) = 0.067. 2, C₁₆H₁₆CoN₂O₄, M _r = 359.24, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6131(10) Å, b = 4.3374(4) Å, c = 15.3556(17) Å, β = 95.473(4)°, V = 703.65(12) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.041, wR(F ²) = 0.091. 3, C₁₆H₁₆N₂NiO₄, M _r = 359.02, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6374(4) Å, b = 4.2964(2) Å, c = 15.2827(8) Å, β = 95.9744(14)°, V = 694.66(6) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.028, wR(F ²) = 0.070. 4, C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₄Zn, M _r = 365.68, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.6385(5) Å, b = 4.2967(3) Å, c = 15.2844(8) Å, β = 95.941(3)°, V = 694.89(7) ų, Z = 2, R(F) = 0.038, wR(F ²) = 0.107.     

Research on the Solid State Fermentation of Jerusalem Artichoke Pomace for Producing <Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>-2,3-Butanediol by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paenibacillus polymyxa</Emphasis> ZJ-9

R,R-2,3-butanediol (R,R-2,3-BD) was produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9, which was capable of utilizing inulin without previous hydrolysis. The Jerusalem artichoke pomace (JAP) derived from the conversion of Jerusalem artichoke powder into inulin extract, which was usually used for biorefinery by submerged fermentation (SMF), was utilized in solid state fermentation (SSF) to produce R,R-2,3-BD. In this study, the fermentation parameters of SSF were optimized and determined in flasks. A novel bioreactor was designed and assembled for the laboratory scale-up of SSF, with a maximum yield of R,R-2,3-BD (67.90 g/kg (JAP)). This result is a 36.3% improvement compared with the flasks. Based on the same bath of Jerusalem artichoke powder, the total output of R,R-2,3-BD increased by 38.8% for the SSF of JAP combined with the SMF of inulin extraction. Overall, the utilization of JAP for R,R-2,3-BD production was beneficial to the comprehensive utilization of Jerusalem artichoke tuber.     

Synthesis of oxo derivatives of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-tolysulfonyl)hexahydrocycloalka[<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>]indoles

Hydroxymercuration-demercuration of N-p-tolysulfonyl-4,4a,9,9a-tetrahydro-3H-carbazoles and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,3a,4,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indoles leads to the formation of the corresponding N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-2-ols and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-2-ols. The latter are oxidized to 2-oxo derivatives with potassium dichromate. The oxidation of 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-ol under analogous conditions gives 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolysulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-one.     

A Quantum Chemical Study of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>30</Subscript>, C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Molecules and Fe@C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Endocomplex

(U)PBE0/cc-pVDZ method is used to study the structure of C₆₀Cl₃₀, C₆₀(OH)₃₀ molecules and Fe@C₆₀(OH)₃₀ endocomplex. The triplet state of the endocomplex is shown to be the lowest in energy among its four states corresponding to different spin multiplicities and positions of Fe nucleus within the fullerene cavity. This state is characterized by bonding between the iron atom and one of two benzenoid cycles of the carbon cage, six internuclear Fe–C distances (208 pm), and 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d^7.24s^0.14p^0.3 electron configuration of iron with spin population of 2.36.     

Thermooxidative decomposition of heterocyclic <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-oxides

Thermooxidative decomposition of pyridine N-oxide, 4-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)pyridine N-oxide, 4-(4-methoxystyryl)pyridine N-oxide, quinoline N-oxide, 2-methylquinoline N-oxide, 4-chloroquinoline N-oxide, 2-styrylquinoline N-oxide, and 2-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)quinoline N-oxide was studied. The kinetic parameters of the thermooxidative processes were calculated according to three independent procedures. The relation between the nature of heterocyclic N-oxide and its stability to thermal oxidation was analyzed.     

3-(1-Methyl-1-nitroethyl-1-<Emphasis Type="Italic">ONN</Emphasis>-azoxy)-4-aminofuroxan. Synthesis and transformations of the amino group

A four-step procedure to convert 4-(1-methyl-1-nitroethyl-1-ONN-azoxy)-3-cyanofuroxan into 3-(1-methyl-1-nitroethyl-1-ONN-azoxy)-4-aminofuroxan was developed. The pathways of transformation of the amino group of the synthesized compound into N-nitramino-, N-alkyl-N-nitramino-, N,N’-methylenediamino-, N,N’-methylene-N,N’-dinitramino-, and azo groups were studied.     

Synthesis and piezoelectric properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-phthaloylglutamic acid derivatives

The (S,S)- and (R,R)-enantiomers of dimethyl 2,4-diphthalimidoglutarate were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of bromine in dimethyl (2S,4RS)-4-bromo-N-phthaloyl-glutamate upon treatment with potassium phthalimide, followed by separation. The crystal structure of the obtained compounds was studied by X-ray diffraction. Crystals of enantiomerically pure dimethyl 4-hydroxy- and 4-phthalimido-N-phthaloylglutamates were found to possess a noticeable piezoelectric activity.