Structural elucidation and bioactivity of novel secondary metabolites from Carex distachya

Four new carexanes and a new seco-derivative metabolite have been isolated and characterized from the herbaceous plant Carex distachya Desf. All of the structures have been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. These compounds derive from the cyclization of prenylate stylbenoid precursors. The seco-carexane is formed by a further oxidative cleavage of the C-7-C-8 bond. The absolute configurations have been determined by Mosher's method using appropriate chemical correlations. All of the carexanes A-H have been tested for their phytotoxicity against Lactuca sativa. The bioassays showed an inhibitory effect on seed germination for all compounds described in this report.     

Isolation and characterization of miscellaneous terpenoids of Schisandra chinensis

Two new bisnortriterpenoids with 18-norschiartane skeleton, wuweizidilactones G (1) and H (2), four new highly oxygenated nortriterpenoids based on a schisanartane skeleton, schindilactones D-G (3-6), a pre-schisanartane skeleton, pre-schisanartanin B (7), and a novel 3,4-seco-21,26-olide-artane triterpenoid wuweizilactone acid (8), along with 24 known terpenoids with different carbon frameworks, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the stems and leaves of Schisandra chinensis. The terpenoids produced by this plant have chemical diversity. The structures of new compounds 1-8 have been characterized by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity of all the Schisandra nortriterpenoids were evaluated.     

Identification of polyoxypregnane glycosides from the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A facile method based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(+)ESI-MSⁿ) has been established for the analysis of polyoxypregnane glycosides in the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima. The data reveals the ability of MSⁿ in the structural elucidation of polyoxypregnane glycosides including the nature of the polyoxypregnane core, the kinds of the substituents and the types of sugar residues. Offline Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) is also performed to assign accurate elemental compositions. In this study, eighteen polyoxypregnane glycosides have been investigated. Among these components, five compounds are unambiguously identified as Marsdenoside K, Tencissoside A, B, C and D; two compounds are established as novel compounds based on mass spectral data; and the other eleven compound's structures are tentatively proposed. Furthermore, breakdown curves are constructed to distinguish five pairs of isomers among these eighteen compounds. As far as our knowledge, this is the first report on identification of polyoxypregnane glycosides in the stems of M. tenacissima by HPLC/ESI-MSⁿ directly, which could save time and material consuming efforts in traditional phytochemistry analyses.     

Synthesis and characterization of n=5, 6 members of the La4Srn−4TinO3n+2 series with layered structure based upon perovskite

Layered compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the n=5 and 6 members of the perovskite-related family La₄Sr_n−4Ti_nO_3n+2 by combining X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Their structure can be regarded as comprising [(La,Sr)₅Ti₅O₁₇] and [(La,Sr)₆Ti₆O₂₀] perovskite blocks joined by crystallographic shears along the a-axis, with consecutive blocks shifted by 1/2 [100]_p. The n=5 member is similar to the previously reported n=5 member of other A_nB_nO_3n+2-related series. The n=6 member, which has only been briefly reported in other systems previously, is also a well-behaved member of this A_nB_nO_3n+2 series.     

Analysis of European oak bark beetle (Scolytus intricatus) extracts using hyphenated and chiral chromatography techniques

Two bioactive compounds, viz. 4-methylheptan-3-ol (I) and 4-methylheptan-3-one (II) have been identified in European oak bark beetle (Scolytus intricatus) extracts by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric and electroantennographic detector systems. Further examination of these compounds using gas chromatography on chiral stationary phases, as well as a comparison with optically active standards proved the absolute configuration of the identified compounds to be (3R,4S)-I and (S)-II. The discovery of (3R,4S)-I and (S)-II as insect-produced compounds in both sexes of S. intricatus constitutes the first reported occurrence in this species.     

The synthesis and characterisation of novel o-substituted benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-boranes

The novel compounds o-(chloromethyl)benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-borane and o-(methoxymethyl)benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-borane have been synthesised in 54% and 51% yields, respectively, and have been fully characterised. An improved method for the synthesis of α-chloro-α′-methoxy-o-xylene is also reported.     

Characterization of gem-difluoropropargyl synthons through HF loss from protonated molecules in methane chemical ionization mass spectra

Electron impact and methane chemical ionization mass spectra were obtained following gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for several gem-difluoropropargyl compounds, which had been synthesized as potential intermediates for synthesis of gem-difluoromethylene-containing C-3 acetylenes. EI spectra were variable with respect to the presentation of molecular ions, depending on substituent functional groups present. Methane-CI spectra were characterized by loss of 19 mass units from molecular weight with all compounds examined. These [M − 19]⁺ ions often presented as base peaks of the CI spectra, and were more reliably present and abundant than [M + 1]⁺ ions for these compounds. These ions could have been formed by elimination of HF from the protonated molecules under conditions of methane chemical ionization.     

Synthesis, structural and larvicidal studies of some triorganotin 2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrates

A series of triorganotin 2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrates, (R₃SnO₂CCH(CH(CH₃)₂)C₆H₄Cl-4), where R = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, phenyl and cyclo-hexyl, have been synthesized. Elemental analyses, Mössbauer, Infrared and NMR spectroscopies have been used to characterize their structures. Based on the spectroscopic results, all the complexes with the exception of the tricyclohexyl compound were found to be five-coordinated in the solid state while the tricyclohexyltin derivative was determined to be four-coordinated. Structural assignments based on spectroscopic data are supported by the crystallographic results of four of the triorganotin butyrates (trimethyl-, tri-n-propyl-, tri-n-butyl- and tricyclohexyltin 2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrate). Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy studies indicated that all the complexes were tetrahedral in solution. Larvicidal activities of the complexes were evaluated against the 2nd instar stage of the Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. The toxicity data indicate that there does not appear to be any significant differences of the compounds towards the different mosquito species based on their averaged toxicity values. In addition, the toxicity of the triorganotin compounds towards the mosquito larvae was concluded to be dependent on both the compound and the species of mosquito larvae.     

Natural product inhibitors of fatty acid biosynthesis: synthesis of the marine microbial metabolites pseudopyronines A and B and evaluation of their anti-infective activities

Total syntheses of the title natural products, pseudopyronines A (1) and B (2), have been achieved using methyl β-oxo carboxylic ester starting materials. The natural products and a small set of structurally related compounds were evaluated for growth inhibitory activity against a range of pathogenic microorganisms and were found to exhibit good potency (IC₅₀≥0.46 μg/mL) and selectivity towards Leishmania donovani. Several of the compounds inhibited recombinant fatty acid biosynthesis enzymes from both Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, validating these targets in the search for new anti-infective agents.     

Efficient access to disubstituted exo-glycals. Application to the preparation of C-glycosyl compounds

Efficient methods of preparation of disubstituted exo-glycals by palladium cross-coupling reaction on the readily available dibromo exo-glycal and methoxycarbonyl exo-glycal have been developed. Hydrogenation of these new monosubstituted and disubstituted exo-glycals proceeded with a high stereocontrol and led to original C-glycosyl compounds.     

Larvicidal and structural studies of some triphenyl- and tricyclohexyltin para-substituted benzoates

Several new triphenyl- and tricyclohexyltin para-substituted benzoates were synthesized. Their structures were characterized by IR and Mössbauer spectroscopies. The structures were determined to be four-coordinated monomers. Larvicidal activities of the new compounds as well as other benzoates were evaluated against the 2nd larval instar of the Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Results from the screening studies indicated that the triphenyltin benzoates were more toxic towards the Ae. aegypti larvae. A quantitative-structure activity relationship was also developed for the An. stephensi larvae.     

Combined microwave-assisted isolation and solid-phase purification procedures prior to the chromatographic determination of phenolic compounds in plant materials

A fast, sensitive and selective procedure employing a combination of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and solid phase extraction (SPE) was applied prior to liquid chromatographic identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in plant materials. MAE has been tested and optimized for the isolation of phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic, vanilic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, benzoic, m-coumaric, o-coumaric, rosmarinic, cinnamic acids) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, syringaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and vanillin in various plants. The effects of experimental conditions on MAE efficiency, such as solvent composition, temperature, extraction time, have been studied. The extraction efficiencies were compared with those obtained by computer-controlled, two-step Soxhlet-like extractions. Plant extracts were purified and phenolic compounds were pre-concentrated using SPE on polymeric RP-105 SPE sorbent prior to HPLC analysis. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Hypersil BDS C₁₈ column using a mobile phase consisted of 0.3% (v/v) acetic acid in water (solvent A) and methanol (solvent B) at flow rate 0.6 ml min⁻¹ and column temperature 30 °C with gradient elution.     

Carexanes: prenyl stilbenoid derivatives from Carex distachya

Metabolites with a new molecular skeleton, named carexane, have been isolated from the leaves of Carex distachya. The structures have been determined on the basis of the spectroscopic characteristics of the compounds. Bidimensional NMR has furnished important data useful for the characterization and the stereochemistry of the molecules. The compounds have a tetracyclic skeleton derived from the coupling of the prenyl moiety on a stilbenoid structure.     

Povarov reactions of exo-glycals: preparation of C-linked, quinoline analogues

A one-pot approach based upon the Povarov reaction has been efficiently employed with a number of exo-glycals and para-substituted benzanilines to synthesize novel open-ring, carbohydrate-derived quinolines. The mechanism of this reaction was studied and an explanation for the observed stereoselectivity is proposed. Treatment of the compounds with the Lewis acid, boron trichloride, successfully removes the benzyl ether protecting groups in good yields. Several of the prepared compounds have been screened in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) 60 cell line model. Moderate activity was observed for several leukemia cell lines.     

Dioxadispiroketal Compounds and a Potential Acyclic Precursor from Amomum aculeatum

Four new compounds having an unusual 1,7-dioxadispiro[5.1.5.2]-12-ene-11-one tricyclic ring system (1-4), their potential precursor, 5R-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-eicosan-3-one (5), and two known compounds, aculeatins A (6) and B (7), have been isolated from Amomum aculeatum. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and the configurations were established by 2D NOE correlations. Compounds 1-4, 6, and 7 showed cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines.     

Synthesis of tris(β,β,γ-oximinoalkyl)amines from aliphatic nitro compounds and methyl vinyl ketone

A general strategy for the assembly of previously unknown tris(β,β,γ-oximinoalkyl)amines from aliphatic nitro compounds and methyl vinyl ketone is described. The strategy involves N,N-bis(siloxy)enamines as key intermediates. The latter are accessible by double silylation of alkylnitro compounds. Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of tris(β,β,γ-oximinoalkyl)amines are prepared and structurally characterized.     

Synthesis of N-substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-diones

The synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-dione hydrochlorides is reported starting from 1,4-dihydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-3(2H)-ones or ethyl (3-aminomethyl-1,4-dimethoxynaphth-2-yl)acetates. A third strategy relies on the synthesis of the title compounds via an N-protected 2-(3-bromomethyl-1,4-dimethoxynaphth-2-yl)ethylamine. The synthesized 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-benz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-diones are a new class of quinones, which have not been reported yet.     

Synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-linked orthogonally urethane-protected dipeptide mimetics

The synthesis of a new class of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-linked orthogonally urethane-protected dipeptide mimetics is described. The protocol employs a reaction between an N-protected amino acyl fluoride and an amino acid-derived amidoxime. All the three commonly employed urethanes have been used in this protocol for N-protection. The course of the reaction was found to be high yielding and all new compounds were well characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy. The O-acyl amidoxime intermediate has also been isolated as a stable solid.     

Thermal phase transitions of solid chiral N,N′-carbonyl-bis-(l-amino acids) and their methyl and benzyl esters

Compounds derived from different N,N′-carbonyl-bis-(l-amino acids) and their methyl and benzyl esters were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance. The amino acids used were valine, leucine, phenylglycine and phenylalanine. All compounds revealed complex thermal behaviour as proved by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry and optical birefringence observation by polarizing microscope. Above isotropization temperature N,N′-carbonyl-bis-(l-amino acids) decomposed. The number and kinds of thermal phase transitions of investigated esters vary from a simple phase transition and melting to a complex polymorphism, and strongly depends on molecular structure. One to four phase transitions have been observed upon heating. Phase transition temperatures showed considerable variation with choice of the supstituent on symmetric carbons and therminal carboxylic groups. The results are discussed in terms of the architecture of investigated molecules that hinder mesomorphism.     

N-tert-Butyl-N-chlorocyanamide: a new reagent for the efficient preparation of gem-chloronitroso compounds

A new reagent for the efficient preparation of gem-chloronitroso compounds has been developed. The reaction of ketoximes with N-tert-butyl-N-chlorocyanamide takes place instantaneously in carbon tetrachloride at room temperature with excellent yields under mild conditions.