Synthesis and analysis of electrospray ionization-generated five-coordinate diastereomeric Ni–N-glycoside complexes using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer

Five-coordinate Ni N-glycoside complexes, consisting of a single tridentate N-glycoside ligand and a bidentate dap ligand coordinated to a central Ni(II) ion, were synthesized for a series of diastereomeric monosaccharides. Following excitation of the precursor ions in a quadrupole ion trap, reproducibly distinct product ion spectra were obtained for each diastereomeric complex. Neutral losses resulted from cross-ring cleavages of the monosaccharide ring and/or losses of a bidentate dap ligand. Isotopic labeling studies confirmed which particular carbon centers were lost from the precursor ion as a result of the cross-ring cleavages. Synthesis of the Ni–N glycoside complex was achieved using as little as 21 μg of monosaccharide. Production of the representative five-coordinate precursor ion was obtained over a wide range of metal–ligand:monosaccharide molar ratios and product ion spectra remained reproducible over this range.     

A simple and quick method for the preparation of radionuclide <Superscript>87</Superscript>Y/<Superscript>87m</Superscript>Sr generator using the <Superscript>nat</Superscript>Rb(α,xn)<Superscript>87</Superscript>Y reaction

A rapid method for the preparation of ⁸⁷Y/^87mSr radionuclide generator from a rubidium chloride target irradiated with 35 MeV α-particles is described. A simple two-step procedure is used to obtain a carrier-free ^87mSr isotope with a high enough radiochemical yield and high purity in the final aqueous fraction.     

The effect of NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> and OH<Superscript>−</Superscript> ions on the laser ablation of Cs<Superscript>+</Superscript> ion on Type 304 stainless steel

Type 304 stainless steel specimens artificially contaminated with CsCl solution were treated with KOH solution and KNO₃ solution, respectively. Cs⁺ ion removal tests by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm at a given fluence of 57.3 J/cm² were performed. The surface morphology and the relative atomic mole ratio of the specimen surface were investigated by SEM and EPMA. The order of Cs⁺ ion removal efficiency of laser was no-treatment < KOH < KNO₃ during the 42 shots. From the investigation of XPS peaks around 532.7 and 292.9 eV, KNO₃ on a surface of specimen was found to be fully decomposed during the laser irradiation. It was suggested that Cs₂O particulates formed by the reaction between the reactive oxygen generated from the nitrate ion and Cs⁺ ion on the metal surface could be easily suspended. For the KOH system, FeOOH was formed during the laser irradiation and it changed into Fe₂O₃. It was also suggested that Cs₂O particulates were formed by the reaction between the reactive oxygen generated from the decomposition of K₂O and Cs⁺ ion on the metal surface..     

Pulse radiolysis study of the oxidation of the I<Superscript>−</Superscript> ions with the radical anions Br<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>·−</Superscript> in an aqueous solution: formation and properties of the radical anion BrI<Superscript>·−</Superscript>

The radiation chemical redox transformations in solutions of bromides in the presence of minor additives of iodides were studied by pulse radiolysis. The change in the concentrations of the Br⁻ and I⁻ ions changes the ratio of the formed short-lived radical anions Br₂ ^·−, BrI^·−, and I₂ ^·−. The spectrum of the mixed radical anion BrI^·− contains a broad optical band at 370 nm with ɛ₃₇₀ = 9650 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹. The reduction potential of the BrI^·−/Br⁻, I⁻ pair is 1.25 V. The rate constants for the forward and backward reactions Br₂ ^·− + I⁻ ⇌ BrI^·− + Br⁻ are k _f = 4.3·10⁹ and k _r = 1.0·10⁵ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively; for the reactions BrI^·− ⇌ Br⁻ + I^·, k _f = 5.7·10⁸ s⁻¹ and k _r = 1.0·10¹⁰ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1787–1792, September, 2008.     

Theoretical study on the ion–molecule reaction of HCN<Superscript>+</Superscript> with NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>

A detailed theoretical study is carried out at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/6-311++G(3df,2pd) (single-point) levels as an attempt to investigate the mechanism of the little understand ion–molecule reaction between HCN⁺ and NH₃. Various possible reaction pathways are considered. It is shown that six dissociation products P ₁ (NH₃ ⁺ + HCN), P ₂ (NH₄ ⁺ + CN), P ₃ (NH₃ ⁺ + HNC), P ₉ (HCNH⁺ + NH₂) P ₁₀ (NCNH₃ ⁺ + H), and P ₁₂ (HNCNH₂ ⁺ + H) are both thermodynamically and kinetically feasible. Among these products, P ₁ is the most competitive product with predominant abundance. P ₃ and P ₉ may be the second feasible products with comparable yields. P ₁₂ may be the least possible product followed by the almost negligible P ₂ and P ₁₀ . Because the isomers and transition states involved in the HCN⁺ + NH₃ reaction all lie below the reactant, the title reaction is expected to be rapid, which is consistent with the measured large rate constant in experiment. The title reaction may have a potential relevance in Titan’s atmosphere, where the temperature is very low. Furthermore, our calculated results are compared with the previous experimental findings.     

Does the reagent gas influence collisional activation when performing in situ chemical ionization with an ion trap mass spectrometer?

Users of ion trap mass spectrometers frequently develop methods that associate chemical ionization with tandem mass spectrometry detection. With apparatus using internal ionization, the chemical reagent is present in the trap during the collision induced dissociation (CID) step and one may wonder if the reagent influences the fragmentation ratios in MS/MS. We report a comparison of the fragmentation ratios of protonated molecules when using the most common reagents (methane, ammonia, methanol, acetonitrile, isobutane) for performing in situ chemical ionization. Four molecules were chosen in the medical field to serve as models: alprazolam, diazepam, flunitrazepam and acetaminophen. In the non-resonant CID mode, the influence of the reagent mass is clearly seen in spite of its low partial pressure in the ion trap; the reagent acts as a "heavy target": the degree of fragmentation increases with the molecular weight of the reagent. In the resonant CID mode, there is no evident correlation between the fragmentation ratio of MH(+) ions and the nature of the CI reagent; a slight shift of the secular frequency of the precursor ion, which tends to reduce the CID efficiency, could compensate for the "heavy target" effect underscored in the non-resonant mode.     

Stereo-dynamics study of O + HCl → OH + Cl reaction on the <Superscript>3</Superscript>A″, <Superscript>3</Superscript>A′, and <Superscript>1</Superscript>A′ states

Using three accurate potential energy surfaces of the ³A″, ³A′, and ¹A′ states constructed recently, we present a quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculation for O + HCl (v = 0, j = 0) → OH + Cl reaction at the collision energies (E _col) of 14.0–20.0 kcal/mol. The three angular distribution functions—P(q_r ) P(\theta_{r} ) , P(j_r ) P(\varphi_{r} ) , and P(q_r ,j_r ) P(\theta_{r} ,\varphi_{r} ) , together with the four commonly used polarization-dependent differential cross-sections, \frac2ps \fracds₀₀ dw_t , \frac2ps \fracds₂₀ dw_t , \frac2ps \fracds_{22 +} dw_t , \textand \frac2ps \fracds_{21 -} dw_t {\frac{2\pi }{\sigma }}\,{\frac{{d\sigma_{00} }}{{d\omega_{t} }}},\,{\frac{2\pi }{\sigma }}\,{\frac{{d\sigma_{20} }}{{d\omega_{t} }}},\,{\frac{2\pi }{\sigma }}\,{\frac{{d\sigma_{22 + } }}{{d\omega_{t} }}},\,{\text{and}}\,{\frac{2\pi }{\sigma }}\,{\frac{{d\sigma_{21 - } }}{{d\omega_{t} }}} are exhibited to get an insight into the alignment and the orientation of the product OH radical. There is a similar behavior of the tendency scattering direction for the two triplet electronic states (³A″ and ³A′)—backward scattering dominates, however, forward scattering prevails for the case of ¹A′ state. Also, obvious differences have been found in the stereo-dynamical information, which reveals the influences of the potential energy surface and the collision energy. The degrees of polarization and the influence of the collision energy on the stereo-dynamics characters of the title reaction are both demonstrated in the order of ³A′ > ³A″ > ¹A′.     

Conformational analysis of the ΜΒΡ<Subscript>83–99</Subscript> (Phe<Superscript>91</Superscript>) and ΜΒΡ<Subscript>83–99</Subscript> (Tyr<Superscript>91</Superscript>) peptide analogues and study of their interactions with the HLA-DR2 and human TCR receptors by using Molecular Dynamics

The two new synthetic analogues of the MBP_83–99 epitope substituted at Lys⁹¹ (primary TCR contact) with Phe [MBP_83–99 (Phe⁹¹)] or Tyr [MBP_83–99 (Tyr⁹¹)], have been structurally elucidated using 1D and 2D high resolution NMR studies. The conformational analysis of the two altered peptide ligands (APLs) has been performed and showed that they adopt a linear and extended conformation which is in agreement with the structural requirements of the peptides that interact with the HLA-DR2 and TCR receptors. In addition, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of the two analogues in complex with HLA-DR2 (DRA, DRB1*1501) and TCR were performed. Similarities and differences of the binding motif of the two analogues were observed which provide a possible explanation of their biological activity. Their differences in the binding mode in comparison with the MBP_83–99 epitope may also explain their antagonistic versus agonistic activity. The obtained results clearly indicate that substitutions in crucial amino acids (TCR contacts) in combination with the specific conformational characteristics of the MBP_83–99 immunodominant epitope lead to an alteration of their biological activity. These results make the rational drug design intriguing since the biological activity is very sensitive to the substitution and conformation of the mutated MBP epitopes.     

Isothermal solubility diagram of the 2Na<Superscript>+</Superscript>,Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript>‖2Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, 2ClO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>‒</Superscript></Stack>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O quaternary system at 20 and 100°C

The solubility in the 2Na⁺,Mg²⁺‖2Cl⁻, 2ClO₃⁻-H₂O system was studied at 20 and 100°C and the solubility diagrams were plotted. New compounds were not found to form in the title quaternary reciprocal system. The sodium chloride field was observed to expand with rising temperature.     

Synthesis of the [<Superscript>2</Superscript>H,<Superscript>15</Superscript>N]-labeled antiviral drug “triazavirine”

Selective methods for the incorporation of stable isotopes ¹⁵N and ²H into the structure of antiviral medicine “triazavirine” 1 were developed. The synthesized isotopically modified “triazavirine” 1– ² H ₃ , ¹⁵ N ₃ contained the labeled atoms in both the azole and the azine rings. ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR spectra of the isotope-containing sample 1– ² H ₃ , ¹⁵ N ₃ were thoroughly analyzed.     

Thermodynamic parameters for the binding process of the OH<Superscript>−</Superscript> ion with the dissipative structures. Calorimetric and conductometric titrations

Conductometric and calorimetric titrations of Extremely Diluted Solutions (EDS) were performed by adding HCl or NaOH solutions. The aim of this study is to obtain further confirmation of the hypothesized presence, in the EDS, of molecular aggregates of water molecules. The measurements on the EDS evidenced some relevant differences compared to those on solutions with just water as solvent. The conductivity and the pH caused by adding the titrant, namely NaOH or HCl, were markedly different to those of the control solutions. We suppose that the preparation procedure of the EDS could produce non-equilibrium changes in the supramolecular structure of water. The experimental results were interpreted by considering the interactions that can take place between the OH⁻ or H₃O⁺ and the hypothesized molecular aggregates of water molecules i.e. dissipative structures. A comparison was made about the nature of the driving force that leads to the formation of the complexes between the two ions deriving from probes and the molecular aggregates of water molecules (dissipative structures). In this study, we have determined the thermodynamic parameters of association between molecular aggregates of water molecules (dissipative structures) in the EDS and OH⁻ or H₃O⁺ probe ions. The experimental results were interpreted by considering a favorable interaction between the H₃O⁺ and OH⁻ ions and the dissipative structures, due, probably, to steric hindrance and chemical affinity with the aggregates.     

Deuterium–hydrogen exchange reactions in peptides and polyatomic organic compounds,as studied on an ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer equipped with an ion trap with dynamic harmonization

The ultrahigh-resolution mass spectra of a substance P peptide labeled with deuterium have been obtained. The use of an ion trap with dynamic harmonization has made it possible to resolve the hyperfine isotopic structure of peaks and to reliably distinguish the hydrogen isotopes from the isotopes of carbon in the composition of the test molecules. The deuterium–hydrogen exchange reaction of humic acids has been performed in a gas phase, and it has been shown that the resolving power attained is sufficient for reliable interpretation of the results.     

Computational studies of the interactions of I<Superscript>−</Superscript> and I<Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript> with TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> clusters: implications for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract  

First principle density-functional theory calculations have been carried out on the interaction of I⁻ and I₃ ⁻ with TiO₂ anatase surfaces, modeled by finite clusters that range in size from 48 to 180 atoms. The total energy per TiO₂ unit and the HOMO-LUMO gaps decrease with increasing the size of the clusters. Both redox species (I⁻ and I₃ ⁻) are strongly adsorbed on the TiO₂ surface with the adsorbtion of I⁻ being stronger. Adsorption of triiodide leads to its dissociation. The positions of the HOMO and LUMO of the adsorbed systems shift negatively from their respective cluster values. Solvation effects have been modeled using the CPCM model. Introducing solvent reduces the shifting of HOMO and LUMO. Implications for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are discussed. Both the HOMO-LUMO shifting and the strong adsorption might affect the performance of the cell.     

Qualitative studies on the metabolism and the toxicological detection of the fentanyl-derived designer drugs 3-methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in rats using liquid chromatography–linear ion trap–mass spectrometry (LC-MS<Superscript>n</Superscript>)

The opioid 3-methylfentanyl, a designer drug of the fentanyl type, was scheduled by the Controlled Substance Act due to its high potency and abuse potential. To overcome this regulation, isofentanyl, another designer fentanyl, was synthesized in a clandestine laboratory and seized by the German police. The aims of the presented study were to identify the phase I and phase II metabolites of 3-methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in rat urine, to identify the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes involved in their initial metabolic steps, and, finally, to test their detectability in urine. Using liquid chromatography (LC)–linear ion trap–mass spectrometry (MSⁿ), nine phase I and five phase II metabolites of 3-methylfentanyl and 11 phase I and four phase II metabolites of isofentanyl could be identified. The following metabolic steps could be postulated for both drugs: N-dealkylation followed by hydroxylation of the alkyl and aryl moiety, hydroxylation of the propanamide side chain followed by oxidation to the corresponding carboxylic acid, and, finally, hydroxylation of the benzyl moiety followed by methylation. In addition, N-oxidation of isofentanyl could also be observed. All hydroxy metabolites were partly excreted as glucuronides. Using recombinant human isoenzymes, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were found to be involved in the initial metabolic steps. Our LC-MSⁿ screening approach allowed the detection of 0.01 mg/L of 3-methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in spiked urine. However, in urine of rats after the administration of suspected recreational doses, the parent drugs could not be detected, but their common nor metabolite, which should therefore be the target for urine screening.     

Structure of sulfanilamide-containing cobalt(III) dioximates with the [ZrF<Subscript>6</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript> and [BF<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript> anions

The complexes [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂]₂[ZrF₆]·5H₂O (I) and [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂][BF₄]·H₂O (II), where DH^? is the dimethylglyoxime monoanion, and Sam is para-aminobenzenesulfamide (sulfanilamide, white streptocid), were synthesized, and their crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination polyhedron of the Co³⁺ atom is an N₆ octahedron formed by four nitrogen atoms of the two dimethylglyoxime residues and two nitrogen atoms of the Sam fragments. The latter are realized in virtually parallel orientation relative to the polyhedron of the metal atom and its equatorial plane; the average value of the dihedral angles is 26.8(1)°, and there is π-π interaction between the benzene rings of the Sam fragments and the π delocalized equatorial metallocycle. The deviation of the cobalt atom from the four-angle plane is up to 0.009(1) Å. The (Co-N)_DH? and (Co-N)_Sam distances in the [Co(DH)₂(Sam)₂]⁺ complex cations vary from 1.892(2) Å to 1.907(3) Å and from 2.000(2) Å to 2.012(2) Å, respectively. The [ZrF₆]^2? and [BF₄]^? complex anions play the major role in crystal formation; they produce a substantial effect on the formation of a complex system of hydrogen bonds.     

<Superscript>1</Superscript>H NMR signal at 2.10 ppm in the spectrum of KMnO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-bleached heparin sodium: identification of the chemical origin using an NMR-only approach

The recently revised European Pharmacopeia and US Pharmacopeia heparin sodium monographs include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests on both identity and purity. In KMnO₄-bleached heparin, an unidentified NMR signal is present at 2.10 ppm at a level of 15–20% of the mean of signal height of the major glucosamine (GlcNAc/GlcNS,6S) anomeric proton signal at 5.42 ppm and of the major iduronic acid (IdoA2S) anomeric proton signal at 5.21 ppm. According to the new monographs, no unidentified signals greater than 4% should be detected at that position. Thus, the material did not meet the acceptance criterion. The signal at 2.10 ppm has been present at the same level in all released MSD KMnO₄-bleached heparin sodium batches analyzed over the past 10 years. The signal is a result of the KMnO₄ bleaching. No (oversulfated) chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate was detected in this material. A comprehensive NMR study using long-range heteronuclear 2D techniques identifies this signal at 2.10 ppm as originating from the acetyl methyl group of (6-sulfated) 2-N-acetyl-2-deoxy-glucono-1,5-lactone. This modified monosaccharide is formed by the KMnO₄ oxidation of the reducing end of a terminal N-acetylglucosamine.     

CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticle-modified electrode as a novel electrochemical interface in the quantification of Zn<Superscript>2+ </Superscript>ions at trace level: application to real sample analysis

A simple strategy has been proposed to quantify Zn²⁺ ions using CeO₂ nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode. The CeO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by sucrose-nitrate decomposition method, and it was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR, TEM, and surface area analyzer. The synthesized CeO₂ nanoparticles were used as modifier molecules as a thin film on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in the trace level quantification of Zn²⁺ by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) techniques. The fabricated sensor exhibited a good analytical response towards Zn²⁺ ions. The modified electrode showed a wide linearity in the concentration range 20–380 μg L^?1 with a limit of detection 0.36 μg L^?1. The proposed electrochemical sensor was successfully applied to trace level Zn²⁺ quantification from real sample matrices.     

Preparation of nano-SO<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst and its application in esterification of sebacic acid with 2-ethyl hexanol

A pure anatase phase nano-SO₄²⁻ /TiO₂ catalysts were synthesized and their catalytic activities were tested. Nano-SO₄²⁻/TiO₂ shows high activity and effective re-usable when used as basic catalysts for the synthesis of dioctyl sebacate.     

Effect of γ-dose on the crystal structure and leaching behavior of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> matrix labeled with <Superscript>181</Superscript>Hf/<Superscript>181</Superscript>Ta tracer

A new method for the possible incorporation of nuclear wastes has been attempted here by using ceramic matrix of TiO₂ as a host precursor for confinement. Hafnium is used as a simulant for actinide high-level waste. After incorporating ¹⁸¹Hf tracer into TiO₂ matrix, the leaching property of the resulting matrix was studied in water, sodium chloride and humic acid solutions. The leaching was measured in each of the case by following the radioactivity of ¹⁸¹Hf. TiO₂ matrix has also been exposed to γ-radiation in order to simulate the radiation field for nuclear waste. It has been investigated with a nuclear technique called time differential perturbed Angular Correlation (TDPAC) that the lattice structure of titania remains undisturbed even under a strong radiation field. The leaching of ¹⁸¹Hf has also been studied after irradiating the TiO₂ matrix with γ-radiation and the leaching behavior was observed not to change from that before irradiation.     

Structural organization of silver(I) complexes with O,O′-dialkyl dithiophosphates: Solid-state <Superscript>13</Superscript>C and <Superscript>31</Superscript>P CP/MAS NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies

Silver(I) complexes with four symmetrically substituted O,O′-dialkyl derivatives of dithiophosphoric acid of the general formula [Ag{S₂P(OR)₂}] _n (R = C₂H₅, i-C₃H₇, C₄H₉, and s-C₄H₉) were obtained. Their structures and spectroscopic characteristics were studied by solid-state ¹³C and ³¹P CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The parameters of the anisotropy of the ³¹P chemical shift ³¹P-δ _aniso and η (δ _aniso is the chemical shift anisotropy and η is the asymmetry parameter) calculated from the diagrams of the x ²-statistic revealed that the (RO)₂PS₂ groups act as bridging ligands in all the silver(I) complexes obtained. The hexanuclear complex [Ag₆{S₂P(O-i-C₃H₇)₂}₆] was found to form two modifications α and β. According to the X-ray diffraction data, the silver(I) complex with O,O′-di-s-butyl dithiophosphate exists as discrete hexanuclear molecules [Ag₆{S₂P(O-s-C₄H₉)₂}₆]. In the clear molecules β-[Ag₆{S₂P(O-i-C₃H₇)₂}₆], the signals for the phosphorus atoms were assigned to their positions determined from the X-ray diffraction data.