‘Untypical aging off-flavor’ in wine: formation of 2-aminoacetophenone and evaluation of its influencing factors

2-Aminoacetophenone (AAP) is known as the character impact compound responsible for the so called untypical ‘aging off-flavor’ (UTA) in Vitis vinifera wines. The formation of AAP is caused by an oxidative degradation of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), triggered by sulfuration after fermentation. Using different radical generating systems (hydroxyl and/or superoxide radical generating systems) it could be shown especially that superoxide radicals are responsible for the formation of AAP. Hereby, a pyrrole ring cleavage of IAA yields 3-(2-formylaminophenyl)-3-oxo-propionic acid (FAPOP), N-formyl-2-aminoacetophenone (FAP), and AAP. Analysis of 32 grape musts and their corresponding wines revealed that wines with a higher superoxide radical scavenger activity are less prone to UTA formation. However, UTA is not correlated with the IAA content of the must or wine. Differences in the release of IAA during fermentation of musts derived from early and late harvested grapes indicate a correlation between the ripeness of the processed grapes, the IAA content at the time of sulfuration, and the UTA formation.     

Photooxidation of Tryptophan Leading to 2‐Aminoacetophenone – A Possible Reason for the Untypical Aging Off‐flavor in Wine

2‐Aminoacetophenone (AAP) was recognized as the key compound for the so‐called untypical aging off‐flavor (UTA) in Vitis vinifera wines. In this study, it was shown that AAP can be formed by photooxidation of free and protein‐bound tryptophan (TRP) in combination with a subsequent storage in model wine. Solutions of TRP and lysozyme were exposed to artificial sunlight both in the presence and in the absence of the photosensitizer riboflavin. Aliquots of the irradiation batches were stored in model wine solutions containing tartaric acid, sulfite and ethanol in different combinations. AAP formation could be identified from both free and bound (lysozyme) TRP, while free TRP resulted in higher yields. The presence of riboflavin during irradiation generally favored the AAP formation. AAP formation increased with increasing irradiation times, but AAP was not detectable, if TRP was directly incubated in model wine. Not only the irradiation time but also the storage time of model wines favored the formation of AAP. Concerning the model wine composition, it became evident that the presence of tartaric acid resulted in the highest AAP formation during storage.     

The pivotal role of high-resolution mass spectrometry in the study of grape glycosidic volatile precursors for the selection of grapevines resistant to mildews

A breeding program to produce new grape varieties tolerant to main vine fungal pathogens (Plasmopara viticola and Erysiphe necator) is carrying out by crossing Vitis vinifera cv. “Glera” with resistant genotypes such as “Solaris,” “Bronner,” and “Kunleany.” Firstly, resistance gene-based markers analyses allowed the identification of five genotypes, which have inherited the resistance loci against mildews. To select those that also inherited the phenotype as close as possible to ‘Glera’ suitable to be introduced in the Prosecco wine production protocols, the grape glycosidic derivatives were studied by UHPLC/QTOF mass spectrometry. Targeted identification of the metabolites was performed using a database expressly constructed by including the glycosidic volatile precursors previously identified in grape and wine. A total of 77 glycosidic derivatives including many aroma precursors and some variety markers, were identified. Original resistant genotypes had distinct metabolomic profiles and different to ‘Glera’, while the crossings showed varying similarity degrees to V. vinifera parent. Findings demonstrated the Glera × Bronner and Glera × Solaris crossings are more suitable to produce high-sustainable Prosecco wines. Coupling of glycosidic volatile precursors profiling to multivariate statistical analysis was effective for phenotypic characterization of grapes and to evaluate their enological potential.     

Identification of new flavan‐3‐ol monoglycosides by UHPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF in grapes and wine

Flavan‐3‐ol monoglycosides, having four aglycons (+)‐catechin, (?)‐epicatechin, (?)‐epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallate monomeric units, are detected for the first time in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot grape seeds and wine. These compounds were analyzed in red wine, seed and skin extracts by electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (MS) in negative mode. Fragment ions derived from retro‐Diels Alder, heterocyclic ring fragmentation, benzofuran forming fragmentation and glycoside fragmentations were detected in targeted MS/MS mode. These compounds were not detected in skins; the comparative study showed evidence that these glycosylated compounds originate only from grape seeds. Our method allows for the identification of these glycosylated compounds based on their exact mass and their specific fragmentation pattern. However, exact glucose position on the monomeric units can not be determined. This work allowed us to partially identify 14 new flavan‐3‐ol monoglycosides, based on the exact mass of the molecular ions and their specific retro‐Diels Alder, heterocyclic ring fragmentation, benzofuran forming fragmentation and glycoside fragmentations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fast analysis of isobaric grape anthocyanins by Chip‐liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

In a previous work, direct‐infusion electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐IT‐MS/MS) was applied to the study of anthocyanins in extracts from the skins of Clinton grapes, a non‐Vitis vinifera red grape variety qualitatively and quantitatively rich in anthocyanins. A good characterization of anthocyaninins was obtained, but it was impossible to differentiate some compounds with the same nominal mass but with different elemental composition. In this work, the capabilities of quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOF‐MS) coupled with Chip‐liquid chromatography (LC‐Chip) were applied to the study of Clinton anthocyanins and this method provided the complete sample anthocyanin fingerprint in less than 5 min. Multi‐stage mass spectrometry (MSⁿ; n >2) was not necessary to identify isobaric compounds, nor were deuterium‐exchange experiments necessary to distinguish between compounds containing the same aglycone. The fast separation bypasses the problem of petunidin‐3‐O‐(6‐O‐acetyl)monoglucoside and delphinidin‐3,5‐O‐diglucoside quantification, present in the direct‐infusion ESI‐ITMS approach, due to overlapping with matrix interferences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Glucose and fructose levels on grape skin: interference in Lobesia botrana behaviour

The vineyard produces one of the most important crops in Portugal and is affected by various pests, such as the Lobesia botrana moth, which can be attracted chemically by compounds on the grape skin.In this study, the sugar contents (glucose and fructose) on grape skin were analysed for five Portuguese Vitis vinifera grape varieties and compared in grape juice and whole grapes. Samples were harvested in July, August and September of 2001 and 2002.The quantification was attained employing a new methodology, which comprised the preparation of a methanol solution to extract the compounds from the grape skin and further chromatographic analyses by liquid chromatography (LC) with refractive index (RI) detection. The samples designated by whole grapes were homogenised, centrifuged and filtrated, while the juice was obtained by crushing and filtration.Grape skin has shown higher levels of glucose than fructose, but both compounds increased from green berry (July) to veraison (August) and had a slight decrease from veraison to harvest (September).As expected, the glucose and fructose contents (total sugar) were higher in the whole grape than in the juice and much higher than in the grape skin itself. For Loureiro and Trajadura varieties, the levels of both sugars on grape skin were very similar. This resemblance strengthened the statement of the decisive role of this parameter in female L. botrana oviposition behaviour.     

Rapidly differentiating grape seeds from different sources based on characteristic fingerprints using direct analysis in real time coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics

The seeds of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) are a byproduct of wine production. To examine the potential value of grape seeds, grape seeds from seven sources were subjected to fingerprinting using direct analysis in real time coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics. Firstly, we listed all reported components (56 components) from grape seeds and calculated the precise m/z values of the deprotonated ions [M–H]^–. Secondly, the experimental conditions were systematically optimized based on the peak areas of total ion chromatograms of the samples. Thirdly, the seven grape seed samples were examined using the optimized method. Information about 20 grape seed components was utilized to represent characteristic fingerprints. Finally, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis were performed to analyze the data. Grape seeds from seven different sources were classified into two clusters; hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis yielded similar results. The results of this study lay the foundation for appropriate utilization and exploitation of grape seed samples. Due to the absence of complicated sample preparation methods and chromatographic separation, the method developed in this study represents one of the simplest and least time‐consuming methods for grape seed fingerprinting.     

One‐Step Synthesis of Dialkyl 2‐[(4‐Methylphenyl)sulfonyl]‐1H‐pyrrole‐3,4‐dicarboxylates by Reaction of Acetylenedicarboxylates with ‘Tosylmethyl Isocyanide’ (TsMIC) and Triphenylphosphine

The reactive 1 : 1 adducts in the reaction between Ph₃P and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates have been trapped with ‘tosylmethyl isocyanide’ (TsMIC ; 1 ) to yield dialkyl 2‐[(4‐methylphenyl)sulfonyl]‐1H‐pyrrole‐3,4‐dicarboxylates 3 (Scheme 1). The structures of the highly functionalized compounds 3 were corroborated spectroscopically (IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, and EI‐MS) and by elemental analyses. A plausible mechanism for this type of cyclization is proposed (Scheme 2).     

Synthesis of novel 5‐aryl‐1H‐tetrazoles

In this study phenylselenocyanate and some of its derivatives (o‐Cl, p‐Cl, p‐Br, o‐NO₂, p‐NO₂, o‐CH₃, p‐CH₃, o‐COOH, p‐COOH, p‐OCH₃ substituted) were synthesized ( 3a–3j ). The synthesized compounds were converted to 5‐aryl‐1H‐tetrazole ( 4a–4j ), by Et₃N ċ HCl‐NaN₃ in toluene, which are a new series of phenylselanyl‐1H‐tetrazoles. The structure of all the presently synthesized compounds were confirmed using spectroscopic methods (FTIR, ¹H NMR, MS). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:255–258, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20293     

New Synthesis and Reactions of Ethyl 5‐amino‐4‐cyano‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxylate

Synthesis of ethyl 5‐amino‐4‐cyano‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxylate 5 has been achieved via abnormal Beckmann rearrangement of o‐chloroaldehyde 1 . Reaction of o‐aminocarbonitrile 5 with concentrated H₂SO₄ furnished expected o‐aminocarboxamide pyrazole 6 . Key intermediates o‐aminocarbonitrile 5 and o‐aminocarboxamide 6 were successfully utilized for the synthesis of pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives. The replacement of Cl in o‐chlorocarbonitrile 3 with secondary amine furnished new synthon 13 , which was further used for the synthesis of polysubstituted heterocycles. The obtained new products were well characterized by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and mass spectra.     

Novel synthesis of 3‐phenylazo‐1,5‐benzothiazepines, ‐1,5‐benzoxazepines and ‐1,5‐benzodiazepines via a one‐pot reaction

Novel polysubstituted ‐1,5‐benzothiazepine, ‐1,5‐benzoxazepine, and ‐1,5‐benzodiazepine were prepared in good yields by the reaction of hydrazono derivatives with o‐thioaminophenol, o‐aminophenol and o‐phenylenediamine via a one‐pot reaction.     

Differentiation of Boc‐protected α,δ‐/δ,α‐ and β,δ‐/δ,β‐hybrid peptide positional isomers by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Two new series of Boc‐N‐α,δ‐/δ,α‐ and β,δ‐/δ,β‐hybrid peptides containing repeats of L ‐Ala‐δ⁵‐Caa/δ⁵‐Caa‐L ‐Ala and β³‐Caa‐δ⁵‐Caa/δ⁵‐Caa‐β³‐Caa (L ‐Ala = L ‐alanine, Caa = C‐linked carbo amino acid derived from D ‐xylose) have been differentiated by both positive and negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). MSⁿ spectra of protonated isomeric peptides produce characteristic fragmentation involving the peptide backbone, the Boc‐group, and the side chain. The dipeptide positional isomers are differentiated by the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of the protonated peptides. The loss of 2‐methylprop‐1‐ene is more pronounced for Boc‐NH‐L ‐Ala‐δ‐Caa‐OCH₃ (1), whereas it is totally absent for its positional isomer Boc‐NH‐δ‐Caa‐L ‐Ala‐OCH₃ (7), instead it shows significant loss of t‐butanol. On the other hand, second isomeric pair shows significant loss of t‐butanol and loss of acetone for Boc‐NH‐δ‐Caa‐β‐Caa‐OCH₃ (18), whereas these are insignificant for its positional isomer Boc‐NH‐β‐Caa‐δ‐Caa‐OCH₃ (13). The tetra‐ and hexapeptide positional isomers also show significant differences in MS² and MS³ CID spectra. It is observed that ‘b’ ions are abundant when oxazolone structures are formed through five‐membered cyclic transition state and cyclization process for larger ‘b’ ions led to its insignificant abundance. However, b₁⁺ ion is formed in case of δ,α‐dipeptide that may have a six‐membered substituted piperidone ion structure. Furthermore, ESI negative ion MS/MS has also been found to be useful for differentiating these isomeric peptide acids. Thus, the results of MS/MS of pairs of di‐, tetra‐, and hexapeptide positional isomers provide peptide sequencing information and distinguish the positional isomers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High‐throughput determination of fungicides in grapes using thin‐film microextraction coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A high‐throughput and environmentally friendly method based on 96‐well plate thin‐film microextraction was established to determine 14 fungicides in grapes and grape juice using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The thin‐film microextraction optimized method consisted of 60 min of extraction at pH 6.0 with the addition of sodium chloride (2–5%). Acetonitrile/water in the ratio of 8:2 was used for desorption analytes for 60 min. Evaluation of different extractive phases showed that polyacrylonitrile–polystyrene–divinylbenzene was the optimum coating. The linearity of the method was good in the range of 0.01–0.5 μg/mL for 14 fungicides with determination coefficients (R²) from 0.990 to 0.999, which indicated good linearity for both the grape juice and grape matrixes. The limit of detection was in the range of 0.002–0.01 μg/mL. The limit of quantitation was in the range of 0.01 mg/kg according to the minimum fortified level. The average absolute recoveries of the 14 fungicides ranged from 75.0 to 118.3%. The intraday relative standard deviation (n = 4) and interday relative standard deviation (n = 4) were 5.6–13.0% and 1.6–6.4%, respectively. This study showed that this method can be used for analyzing 96 samples in parallel, and the sample preparation time was approximately 2.0 min per sample. In addition, this approach offers a green and low‐cost sample pretreatment technique for future analyses.     

Anthocyanin identification and composition of wild Vitis spp. accessions by using LC–MS and LC–NMR

The composition and concentration of anthocyanins of grape berry skins were analyzed in order to assess phenotypic variation between four grape wine varieties belonging to 4 different species: Vitis vinifera, Vitis amurensis, Vitis cinerea and Vitis X champinii. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and NMR spectroscopy (LC–NMR) were used to separate and identify the structure of anthocyanins present in these species. Combination of LC–MS and LC–NMR data resulted in the identification of 33 anthocyanins. In particular, newly reported cis isomers of p-coumaric-derivatives were identified (petunidin-, peonidin- and malvidin-3-(6-p-coumaroyl)-5-diglucoside). In V. cinerea and V. vinifera, anthocyanins were monoglucoside derivatives whereas in V. amurensis and V. X champinii, both mono- and diglucoside derivatives were identified. Malvidin-, delphinidin- and petunidin-derivatives were, respectively, the most abundant components in V. cinerea and V. vinifera, V. amurensis and V. X champinii.     

Determination of glutathione content in grape juice and wine by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A modified preparation of sample was developed for the determination of glutathione content in grape juice and wine by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, using on-line pre-column derivatization. Ice-cold deoxygenated methanol was used to deactivate the oxidation enzymes in juices or wines and keep the glutathione stable. The optimum recovery of glutathione content in grape juice and wine was obtained when either the sample of grape juice or wine was mixed in ice-cold deoxygenated methanol in the ratio 10:90 (v:v) and further diluted in sodium acetate buffer in the ratio 1:1 (v:v). The optimized method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision and uncertainty. According to the validation data the method is appropriate for the determination of glutathione content in grape juice and wine. Glutathione contents in grape juices made from White Muscat grapes and Sauvignon Blanc wines were analysed. The average glutathione content in 28 young Sauvignon Blanc wines was 12.5 mg L⁻¹.     

3,5‐Dihydro‐2H‐thieno[2,3‐c]pyrrole 1,1‐Dioxide – A New Simple Pyrrole Unit. Preliminary Communication

2,3‐Dihydrothiophene 1,1‐dioxide (‘2‐sulfolene’) reacted with tosylmethyl isocyanide (TsMIC) in the presence of a base to give the hitherto unknown 3,5‐dihydro‐2H‐thieno[2,3‐c]pyrrole 1,1‐dioxide (‘β′‐sulfolenopyrrole’) from the expected cyclocondensation. A serendipitous formation of this β′‐sulfolenopyrrole was found earlier, when we investigated synthetic routes to a 3,5‐dihydro‐1H‐thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole 2,2‐dioxide (a ‘β″‐sulfolenopyrrole’) from TsMIC and 2,5‐dihydrothiophene 1,1‐dioxide (‘3‐sulfolene’). Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of β′‐sulfolenopyrrole. The X‐ray crystal‐structure analyses of β′‐sulfolenopyrrole and the isomeric β″‐sulfolenopyrrole are also reported here. This β′‐sulfolenopyrrole is a new type of a functionalized pyrrole, which is likely to be of interest for pharmaceutical purposes.     

Synthesis of New 3‐(Furan‐2‐yl)‐Substituted Dibenzo‐Diazepin‐1‐one Derivatives

A new series of 3‐(furan‐2‐yl) dibenzo‐diazepin‐1‐one derivatives were synthesized by condensation of 5‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione, o‐phenylenediamine, and aromatic aldehydes, in which in some of them existed two very close isomer compounds. All the compounds were characterized by IR, MS, ¹H NMR, and elemental analysis. Also presented were the crystal structures of 3a , 3b and 3e , which were obtained and determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction.     

Heterocyclic compounds from 4h‐3,1‐benzoxazin‐4‐one derivatives as anticancer agent

Behaviour of 2‐(4‐oxo‐4H‐benzo[d][l,3]oxazin‐2‐yl)‐benzoic acid (1) towards nitrogen nucleophiles namely, hydrazine hydrate, in different solvents, ammonium acetate, and o‐phenylenediamine has been investigated to give aminoquinazolin‐4‐one, benzotriazepinone, spiro‐type compound, and nitrogen bridgehead compounds 3‐5 , respectively. Also, reactivity of the aminoquinazolin‐4‐one 2 towards carbon elec‐trophiles such as ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl chloroacetate, and aromatic aldehydes has been discussed. Reaction of Schiff s base 8 with sulfur nucleophiles namely o‐aminothiophenol and/or thio‐glycolic acid afforded Michael type adducts. Structural assignments, of products 1‐24 have been confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral data (¹H‐ and ¹³C ‐NMR and MS fragmentation). The bioassay indicates that some of the target compounds obtained have good selective anticancer activity.     

Synthesis and spectral properties of 2‐[(o‐ and p‐substituted)aminophenyl] ‐3H‐5‐[(o‐ and p‐substituted)phenyl]‐7‐chloro‐1,4‐benzodiazepines

A series of twelve new 2‐[(o‐ and p‐substituted)aminophenyl]‐3H‐5‐[(o‐ and p‐substituted)phenyl]‐7‐chloro‐1,4‐benzodiazepines, which have possible pharmacological properties has been obtained. The synthesis was carried out following six steps. The structure of all products was corroborated by ir, ¹H nmr, ¹³C nmr and ms. In addition for the compound 2‐(o‐chloroaminophenyl)‐3H‐5‐(o‐fluorophenyl)‐7‐chloro‐1,4‐benzodiazepine 7, its structure was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies of New (Dimethylamino)‐Functionalised and 7‐Azaindole‐Substituted ‘Titanocene’ Anticancer Agents (7‐Azaindole=1H‐Pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine)

From the carbolithiation of 1‐(cyclopenta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐ylidene)‐N,N‐dimethylmethanamine (=6‐(dimethylamino)fulvene; 3 ) and different lithiated azaindoles 2 (1‐methyl‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl, 1‐[(diethylamino)methyl]‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl, and 1‐(methoxymethyl)‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl), the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienide intermediates 4a – 4c were formed (7‐azaindole=1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine). The latter underwent a transmetallation reaction with TiCl₄ resulting in the (dimethylamino)‐functionalised ‘titanocenes’ 5a – 5c . When the ‘titanocenes’ 5a – 5c were tested against LLC‐PK cells, the IC₅₀ values obtained were of 8.8, 12, and 87 μM , respectively. The most cytotoxic ‘titanocene’, 5a , with an IC₅₀ value of 8.8 μM is nearly as cytotoxic as cis‐platin, which showed an IC₅₀ value of 3.3 μM when tested on the epithelial pig kidney LLC‐PK cell line, and ca. 200 times better than ‘titanocene dichloride’ itself.