Synthesis of (+)-boronolide and (+)-deacetylboronolide using Pd-catalyzed carbonylation and lactonization

(+)-Boronolide and (+)-deacetylboronolide were synthesized using Pd-catalyzed CO insertion and lactonization as the key step. As to the ¹³C NMR data of (+)-deacetylboronolide, the assignment at C-6 position should be revised.     

Fusopoltides B–E,new polyketides isolated from Fusarium solani B-18

Four new polyketides, fusopoltides B–E, were isolated, along with four known compounds, from Fusarium solani B-18 cultured on brown-rice. Fusopoltide B is a diastereomer of its co-isolated known compound, fusopoltide A, featuring a pentaleno[1,2-c]pyran ring system. Fusopoltide C and fusopoltides D–E are incorporated the first natural polyketides featured decahydro-pentaleno[1,2-c]pyran and pentaleno[1,2-c]furan ring systems, respectively. The structural assignments were established using comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, the modified Mosher's ester method, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations.     

Alkanoylation of quinazoline by nucleophilic aromatic substitution: Combined experimental and computational study

A combined experimental and computational study on the key intermediates of NHC-catalyzed acylation reaction, Breslow intermediates (BIs), has been conducted in order to achieve a direct nucleophilic alkanoylation of N-heterocycles. Various BI precursors are alternatively prepared and used in the reaction with 4-chloroquinazoline. The present study reveals that the intermediates having benzimidazole moiety serve as acylating agents for the introduction of straight-chain alkanoyl groups. Natural bond orbital analysis indicates that the reactivity of intermediates partly correlates to the occupancy of the π_C-C bonds of the hydroxyl enamine moieties. The putative rate-determining step of the acylation reaction has been theoretically investigated. Several new 4-alkanoylquinazolines are synthesized using the BI precursors.     

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous zinc layered hydroxide-isoprocarb nanocomposite

The ion exchange method was used to intercalate a poor water-soluble insecticide, isoprocarb into zinc layered hydroxide (ZLH). PXRD analysis indicated the successful intercalation with good crystallinity for the resulting nanocomposite, with a basal spacing of 33.1 Å. FTIR analyses showing the resemblance of an absorption peak of the nanocomposite with the host and the guest anion. The thermal analysis confirmed that the nanocomposite had better thermal stability compared to the pristine isoprocarb. The nanocomposite also characterized by elemental and surface morphology analysis. The surface analyses of the host and nanocomposite showed mesoporous-type material characteristics. On the whole, the intercalation process decreased the pore size of the nanocomposite compared to the pristine host, layered zinc layered hydroxide-sodium dodecyl sulphate (ZLH-SDS). The obtained material is believed has a great potential as an environmentally friendly insecticide.     

A new class of flavonoids bearing macrocyclic polyethers by stereoselective photochemical cycloaddition reaction

A new class of flavonoids bearing cyclic polyethers involving a phenyl ring was conveniently provided by the intramolecular photochemical dimerization of 2-chromonecarboxylic esters. Irradiation of 2-chromonecarboxylate with a polyether tethered at both ends promoted intramolecular [2 + 2] cyclobutane formation leading to 14- to 27-membered cyclic polyethers. The efficiency depended on the substituted position of the phenyl ring, with ortho- and meta-substituted derivatives giving cycloadducts in good chemical yields and quantum efficiencies, whereas the para-derivatives were inert toward photolysis. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the stereochemistry of the macrocyclic cycloadducts exhibited C₂-symmetry.     

Pistacia integerrima gall extract mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their biological activities

This paper reports a rapid, facile and one-pot synthesis of environmentally safe gold nanoparticles capped and stabilized with galls extract of Pistacia integerrima. The aqueous gold ions when exposed to P. integerrima galls extract were rapidly reduced as evident from abrupt color change to ruby red, suggesting the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) which were further characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their stability was evaluated against varying pH and different volumes of sodium chloride (NaCl) as well as at a range of temperature (20–80 °C). Au-NPs were tested for enzyme inhibition, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, muscle relaxant and sedative activities. The UV–Vis spectra of the gold nanoparticles gave surface plasmon resonance at 540 nm while the SEM analysis revealed the particle size in the range of 20–200 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of amines, amide groups and alcohols in capping and reduction of gold nanoparticles. Au-NPs showed remarkable stability in different NaCl and pH solutions as well as at elevated temperature. Au-NPs have good antifungal activity and possessed antinociceptive and muscle relaxant properties as observed from their zone of inhibition and significant attenuation of acetic acid induced writhing and reduction of time spent on the rota rod respectively. These results concluded that the gall extract of P. integerrima is a very good bioreductant for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles that have potential for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.     

Ferric nitrate-promoted oxidative esterification of toluene with N-hydroxyphthalimide: Synthesis of N-hydroxyimide esters

A ferric nitrate-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) with toluene derivatives is reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly using molecular oxygen as an oxidant, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of N-hydroxyimide esters. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism was proposed.     

Synthesis of 3-aminoindan-1-one derivatives from 2-acetylbenzaldehydes and secondary amines by Mannich annulation

An acid-promoted 2-component Mannich annulation reaction of readily available acetylbenzaldehydes and secondary amines has been reported. The approach provides a simple and efficient method under mild conditions to synthesize 3-aminoindan-1-one derivatives in moderate to good yields.     

Encapsulated ultrafine and highly dispersed molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles in hollow mesoporous silica spheres as an efficient epoxidation catalyst for alkenes

A facile post-synthetic strategy was developed to functionalize the preformed hollow mesoporous silica spheres by encapsulating the molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) nanoparticles inside the interior cavity. Hollow mesoporous silica spheres were prepared and employed as carriers, and the encapsulation of MoO₂ nanoparticles was achieved through a one-pot hydrothermal protocol. After characterization, the encapsulated MoO₂ nanoparticles were certified to be ultrafine and highly dispersed, which greatly promoted the catalytic activity. The as-prepared catalysts were utilized in epoxidation of alkenes and exhibited as a promising catalyst in this reaction. After reacting for 10 h, the optimal catalyst MoO₂@SiO₂-1 achieved a conversion above 95% and selectivity above 95%, respectively. Moreover, the catalysts also exhibited good reusability, conversion of 78% and selectivity of 89% (reaction time 4 h) were still obtained after recycling for 5 times. Meanwhile, the employed facial and efficient hydrothermal approach could be expanded to other molybdenum modified heterogeneous catalysts in various applications.     

Synthesis of 8-deoxypumiliotoxin 193H and 9-deoxyhomopumiliotoxin 207O

The asymmetric synthesis of 8-deoxypumiliotoxin 193H and 9-deoxyhomopumiliotoxin 207O has been achieved, starting from both enantiomers of (+)- and (?)-10. Enantiomerically pure alcohols (+)- and (?)-10 were obtained by lipase-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic 10, which was prepared in 3 steps from new lactam-type building block (?)-8 in a highly stereoselective manner.     

Design and synthesis of ruthenium bipyridine catalyst: An approach towards low-cost hydroxylation of arenes and heteroarenes

Two new ruthenium bipyridine complexes were designed and synthesized for intermolecular Csp²-H hydroxylation. An environmentally begin and inexpensive oxidant was employed as an oxygen source thereby enhancing its applicability and resulting in the remarkable increase of yield. In the catalytic process a ruthenium (IV) cationic complex is formed which enables the regioselective CO bonds formation and also proves to be tolerant to a broad substrate scope. Activation of CH bonds adjacent to removable and non-removable directing groups have been explored efficiently.     

Reductive immobilization and long-term remobilization of radioactive pertechnetate using bio-macromolecules stabilized zero valent iron nanoparticles

Reductive immobilization of radioactive pertechnetate (⁹⁹TcO₄^?) in simulated groundwater was studied by prepared carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and starch stabilized zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI), and long-term remobilization of reduced Tc was also evaluated under anoxic and oxic conditions. The stabilized nZVI can effectively reduce soluble ⁹⁹Tc(VII) to insoluble ⁹⁹Tc(IV), and they can be easily delivered into a contaminated groundwater zone and facilitate in situ remediation. In this study, CMC-stabilized nZVI showed higher reactivity than that using starch as the stabilizer. Batch experiments indicated that more than 99% of ⁹⁹Tc(VII) (C₀ = 12 mg/mL) was reduced and removed from groundwater by CMC-stabilized nZVI with a CMC content of 0.2% (w/w) at a broad pH of 5–8. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses further confirmed that ⁹⁹Tc(VII)O₄^? transformed into ⁹⁹Tc(IV)O₂ (s). The presence of bicarbonate exhibited insignificant effect on Tc immobilization, while humic acid (HA) inhibited reaction mainly due to retardation on electron transfer and formation of Tc(IV)-HA complexes. More interesting, the immobilized Tc(IV) remained insoluble even after 120 d under anoxic condition, while only ～21% was remobilized when exposed to air. Therefore, bio-macromolecules stabilized nZVI nanoparticles could be a viable alternative for in situ remediation of radioactive contamination in groundwater.     

Enantioselective Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins catalyzed by pyrrolidine-HOBt

The oxytriazole catalyst “pyrrolidine-HOBt” developed for asymmetric Michael addition of cyclohexanone to nitroolefins is now evaluated for the asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins under similar reaction conditions. The results of this study indicate that, the oxytriazole catalyst “pyrrolidine-HOBt” is equally effective in promoting the Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins on employing benzoic acid as an additive. The desired products, γ-nitrocarbonyl compounds were obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities.     

Design,synthesis and SAR study of novel sulfonylurea derivatives containing arylpyrimidine moieties as potential anti-phytopathogenic fungal agents

Acetohydroxyacid synthase(AHAS) was considered as a promising target for antifungal agents.Herein,three series of novel sulfonylureas(SUs) 9-11 containing aromatic-substituted pyrimidines were designed and synthesized according to pharmacophore-combination and bioisosterism strategy.The in vitro fungicidal activities against ten phytopathogenic fungi indicated that most of the title compounds exhibited broad-spectrum and excellent fungicidal activities.Based on the preliminary fungicidal activities,a CoMFA model was constructed and the 3 D-QSAR analysis indicated that either a bulky group around the 5-position of the pyrimidine ring or electropositive group around the 2-position of the benzene ring would be favour to fungicidal activities.In order to study interaction mechanism,10 k was automatically docked into yeast AHAS and it further indicated that bearing bulky groups-aryl at the pyrimidine ring was critical to enhance antifungal activities.It revealed that the antifungal activity of derivatives 9-11 probably results from the inhibition of fungal AHAS.Thus,the present results strongly showed that SUs should be considered as lead compounds or model molecules to develop novel antiphyt o pathogenic fungal agents.     

First Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck coupling reactions of alkenes and aryl bromide/iodide

A Cp*Co(CO)I₂ catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck coupling of alkenes and aryl halide is established at feasible reaction conditions. The Cp*Co(III) catalyst excellently work to couple the aryl iodide and alkene, and produce up to 94% yield of the coupling product. In case of the coupling of aryl bromide and alkene, slightly reduced activity of the catalyst was observed, and moderate to good yield of the product was obtained. Apart from functionally different styrene, the catalyst was also able to activate the acrylates, which seems difficult to be activated by other reported metal complexes. The coupling proposed herein is tolerant a wide variety of aryl halides, stryenes, and acrylates enable to form CC bond using inexpensive metal in catalysis. Hence, the present catalyst is highly economical, consists a non-endangered metal and is highly efficient for Heck coupling reaction. Moreover, the cobalt metal in high oxidation state (+3) is not much explored for the CC cross-coupling reactions.     

Highly stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-3-methoxy-1-methyleneisoindoles via DMAP catalyzed cyclization of methyl 2-alkynylbenzimidates

A DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine) catalyzed cyclization of methyl 2-alkynylbenzimidates has been developed, which affords 3-methoxy-1-methyleneisoindoles with excellent Z-stereoselectivity under mild and transition-metal-free conditions. The (Z)-3-methoxy-1-methyleneisoindole products can be converted to corresponding 3-amino-1-methyleneisoindoles, 3-methoxy-isoindoles, 3-methyleneisoindolinones and isoindolinones with high efficiency.     

Facile,single-pot preparation of nanoporous SiO2 particles (carrier) with AgNPs at core and crust for controlled disinfectant release

This study demonstrates a novel, facile and one-pot approach to synthesize silica nanoparticles with silver at core and crust (SiNP-AgCC). A modified Stöber method was used to make SiNP-AgCC. A significant reduction in the size of SiO₂ nanoparticles was seen, with 2–5 nm AgNPs being uniformly distributed on the surface and 10–20 nm AgNPs in the center. A typical mesoporous SiO₂ particle (SiNP) produced using the Stöber method was transformed to nanoporous SiO₂ by this modified Stöber method. Nanoporous SiO₂ particles with silver in the center are advantageous for slow and consistent Ag⁺ release, which was confirmed by Ag⁺ ion release test. Antibacterial activities of the samples were tested to evaluate the disinfection performance of the samples on gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using disk diffusion and the LB-agar method. SiNP-AgCC showed prolonged silver release for more than 20 days and improved antibacterial properties even after five days of incubation.     

Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by hollow cobalt hydroxide for degradation of ibuprofen and theoretical study

Hollow microsphere structure cobalt hydroxide (h-Co(OH)₂) was synthesized via an optimized solvothermal-hydrothermal process and applied to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for degradation of a typical pharmaceutically active compound, ibuprofen (IBP). The material characterizations confirmed the presence of the microscale hollow spheres with thin nanosheets shell in h-Co(OH)₂, and the crystalline phase was assigned to α-Co(OH)₂. h-Co(OH)₂ could efficiently activate PMS for radicals production, and 98.6% of IBP was degraded at 10 min. The activation of PMS by h-Co(OH)₂ was a pH-independent process, and pH 7 was the optimum condition for the activation-degradation system. Scavenger quenching test indicated that the sulfate radical (SO₄^{? ?}) was the primary reactive oxygen species for IBP degradation, which contributed to 75.7%. Fukui index (f ^?) based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation predicted the active sites of IBP molecule for SO₄^{? ?} attack, and then IBP degradation pathway was proposed by means of intermediates identification and theoretical calculation. The developed hollow Co(OH)₂ used to efficiently activate PMS is promising and innovative alternative for organic contaminants removal from water and wastewater.     

Cobalt-catalyzed hydrocyanation and hydroarylation of enamines

A mild, general and efficient hydrocyanation and hydroarylation of enamines catalyzed by Co(salen) complexes are described. Both reactions include regioselective CH bond formation of enamines, and the corresponding products are obtained in high yield. Hydroarylation critically discriminates the benzyl and benzoyl aromatic rings on nitrogen in cyclization step, and the corresponding isoindolinones including quaternary carbons are exclusively given.     

Catalyst- and organic solvent-free synthesis of thioacids in water

Thioacids and thioamino acids were synthesized in excellent yields from readily available acyl benzotriazoles and sodium hydrosulfide in water at room temperature. The new methodology features mild reaction conditions, high yields, short reaction times, and does not involve the use of organic solvents or bases. The reaction is eco-friendly, and the workup procedure is simple and does not require chromatographic separation.