Neutrophil Immunomodulatory Activity of (−)-Borneol,a Major Component of Essential Oils Extracted from Grindelia squarrosa

Grindelia squarrosa (Pursh) Dunal is used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases; however, little is known about the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils from this plant. Thus, we isolated essential oils from the flowers (GEO_Fl) and leaves (GEO_Lv) of G. squarrosa and evaluated the chemical composition and innate immunomodulatory activity of these essential oils. Compositional analysis of these essential oils revealed that the main components were α-pinene (24.7 and 23.2% in GEO_Fl and GEO_Lv, respectively), limonene (10.0 and 14.7%), borneol (23.4 and 16.6%), p-cymen-8-ol (6.1 and 5.8%), β-pinene (4.0 and 3.8%), bornyl acetate (3.0 and 5.1%), trans-pinocarveol (4.2 and 3.7%), spathulenol (3.0 and 2.0%), myrtenol (2.5 and 1.7%), and terpinolene (1.7 and 2.0%). Enantiomer analysis showed that α-pinene, β-pinene, and borneol were present primarily as (−)-enantiomers (100% enantiomeric excess (ee) for (−)-α-pinene and (−)-borneol in both GEO_Fl and GEO_Lv; 82 and 78% ee for (−)-β-pinene in GEO_Fl and GEO_Lv), while limonene was present primarily as the (+)-enantiomer (94 and 96 ee in GEO_Fl and GEO_Lv). Grindelia essential oils activated human neutrophils, resulting in increased [Ca²⁺]_i (EC₅₀ = 22.3 µg/mL for GEO_Fl and 19.4 µg/mL for GEO_Lv). In addition, one of the major enantiomeric components, (−)-borneol, activated human neutrophil [Ca²⁺]_i (EC₅₀ = 28.7 ± 2.6), whereas (+)-borneol was inactive. Since these treatments activated neutrophils, we also evaluated if they were able to down-regulate neutrophil responses to subsequent agonist activation and found that treatment with Grindelia essential oils inhibited activation of these cells by the N-formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) agonist fMLF and the FPR2 agonist WKYMVM. Likewise, (−)-borneol inhibited FPR-agonist-induced Ca²⁺ influx in neutrophils. Grindelia leaf and flower essential oils, as well as (−)-borneol, also inhibited fMLF-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils (IC₅₀ = 4.1 ± 0.8 µg/mL, 5.0 ± 1.6 µg/mL, and 5.8 ± 1.4 µM, respectively). Thus, we identified (−)-borneol as a novel modulator of human neutrophil function.     

N-phosphonio formamidine derivatives: Synthesis,characterization, X-ray crystal structures,and deprotonation reactions

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of N-phosphonio formamidine derivatives of the general formula [R”₂N?C(H)=N?P(R’)R₂]⁺X^? is described. The data recorded in solution and the single crystal X-ray studies revealed that these compounds are best described by the combination of the two mesomeric N-phosphonio formamidine [R”₂N?C(H)=N?P(R’)R₂]⁺ and iminium phosphazene [R”₂N=C(H)?N=P(R’)R₂]⁺ forms. Formamidine phosphorus ylides ⁱPr₂N?C(H)=N?P(CH₂)R₂ were prepared after addition of ^tBuLi at –78 °C from the corresponding N-phosphonio compounds. [(PhCN)₂Pd(Cl)₂] was reacted with ⁱPr₂N?C(H)=N?P(CH₂)ⁱPr₂ to form the dimeric complex [(ⁱPr₂N?C(H)=N?P(CH₂)ⁱPr₂)Pd(Cl)(μ-Cl)]₂ which was structurally characterized by X-ray analysis. The deprotonation reactions conducted on [ⁱPr₂N?C(H)=N?PPh₃]⁺X^? occurred via an intramolecular rearrangement to give the cyanamide compound ⁱPr₂N?C≡N and PPh₃; transient formation of the amino-phosphazene-carbene ⁱPr₂N?C?N=PPh₃ was not observed.     

Study on the effects of cefotaxime on intracellular Ca^2＋ in human peripheral lymphocytes by fluoremetry

Characteristic of Fura-2-Ca~(2 )interaction was studied based on the fluorescence technique.The apparent dissociation constants(K_d)of the Fura-2-Ca~(2 )complex were determined at different temperature.The effect of cefotaxime(CEFA)on intracellular Ca~(2 )concentration([Ca~(2 )]_i)was discussed by using a ratiometric fluorescence dye Fura-2 as a probe.The basal[Ca~(2 )]_i in resting humanperipheral lymphocytes was 100 7 nmol/L but after treatment with cefotaxime,the changes of[Ca~(2 )]_i were observed in differentconditions.In the concentration range of 1-30 μmol/L of cefotaxime[Ca~(2 )]_i increased,as a result of releasing intracellular Ca2 stores.Higher concentration of cefotaxime(50-500 μmol/L)stimulated to decrease of[Ca~(2 )]_i.     

Effect of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) microparticles on growth of murine fibroblast L929 cells

Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) microparticles were successfully prepared and their proliferative effects on cultured fibroblasts were studied. PHBHHx microparticles (0.005-0.1 g/L) promoted cell proliferation in murine fibroblast L929 and elevated intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i). EGTA (ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) inhibited PHBHHx microparticle-induced cell proliferation by chelating the extracellular Ca²⁺ and blocking the PHBHHx particle-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase. Transwell experiments demonstrated that PHBHHx microparticles stimulated fibroblast proliferation when separated from cells by a 0.4 μm filter as effectively as when applied directly to cells. Since PHBHHx microparticles had a diameter of 75 μm, the stimulatory effect of PHBHHx particles on cell growth was attributed to degradation products smaller than 0.4 μm in diameter. The trophic effect of these microparticles is consistent with our previous reports demonstrating good biocompatibility for PHBHHx.     

Structures of 18-crown-6, 15-crown-5 and their metal complexes in methanol solution as studied by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra of 18-crown-6, 15-crown-5, and their complexes with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ have been investigated in methanol solution. Normal coordinate calculations are presented for the D_3d⁻ and C_i-symmetric structures of 18-crown-6. Analysis of the Raman spectra gives information on the ring conformations of the crown ethers and the stoichiometry of complexation. The uncomplexed ethers adopt diverse conformational states in methanol at room temperature, the D_3d state being the most stable in 18-crown-6 and various states equally stable in 15-crown-5. Most of the cations form 1:1 or 2:1 crown—metal complexes depending on the cation size relative to the hole size of crown. Exceptionally, Cs⁺ forms both 1:1 and 2:1 complexes with 18-crown-6. The ring structures in complexes of 18-crown-6 are not much distorted from the D_3d one, though the distortion is rather large in the 2:1 Cs²⁺ and 1:1 Ca⁺ complexes. Complexes of 15-crown-5 exhibit for types of ring structure depending on the size and charge of the cation. These structures are likely to involve distortion from the gauche or gauche′ conformation about the CC bonds and various conformation about the CO bonds.     

Role of Calcium in Photodynamically Induced Cell Damage of Human Fibroblasts

Photodynamically induced changes in the cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and its role in cell damage were investigated in human skin fibroblasts using confocal laser microscopy. Fluorescence and absorbance spectrophotometry measurements indicate that the photosensitizer aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS₄) binds to the plasma membrane and only after irradiation is able to enter the cells, causing massive morphologic alterations. Upon irradiation of sensitizer-treated cells, the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i is related to the amount of light and extracellular [Ca²⁺]_e. The increase in [Ca²⁺]_i was substantially reduced in the absence of [Ca²⁺]_e. Cell damage or death after photodynamic treatment was prevented and shifted toward higher fluence by increasing [Ca²⁺]_i at high [Ca²⁺]_e and was greater at low [Ca²⁺]_e. Application of Ca²⁺ channel blockers, such as Co²⁺, Cd²⁺ or verapamil, could not prevent the increase of [Ca²⁺]_i. Our results indicate that activation of the photosensitizer, AlPcS₄, causes an influx of Ca²⁺, which protects cells from photodamage. At low [Ca²⁺]_e and high fluence values, release of Ca²⁺ from internal stores probably as a protective measure occurs in order to increase the [Ca²⁺]_i.     

Nitro derivatives of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-alkylbenzoaza-15-crown-5: synthesis,structures, and complexation with metal and ammonium cations

A number of N-alkylnitrobenzoaza-15-crown-5 with the macrocycle N atom conjugated with the benzene ring were obtained. The structural and complexing properties of these compounds were compared with those of model nitrobenzo- and N-(4-nitrophenyl)aza-15-crown-5 using X-ray diffraction, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The macrocyclic N atom of benzoazacrown ethers are characterized by a considerable contribution of the sp3-hybridized state and a pronounced pyramidal geometry; the crownlike conformation of the macrocycle is preorganized for cation binding, which facilitates complexation. The stability constants of the complexes of crown ethers with the NH₄ ⁺, EtNH₃ ⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺ ions were determined by 1H NMR titration in MeCN-d₃. The most stable complexes were obtained with alkaline-earth metal cations, which is due to the higher charge density at these cations. The characteristics of the complexing ability of N-alkylnitrobenzoaza-15-crown-5 toward alkaline earth metal cations are comparable with analogous characteristics of nitrobenzo-15-crown-5 and are much better than those of N-(4-nitrophenyl)aza-15-crown-5.     

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with 2,6-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)pyridine as an ancillary ligand: Synthesis,structure and spectral studies

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes, [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺, with 2,6-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)pyridine as an ancillary ligand, L, have been synthesized and characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The formulations of the complexes were confirmed by the single crystal structure of their perchlorate salts. In both complexes, the Ru^II center is hexa-coordinated in a distorted geometry. In complex [1]⁺, the ancillary ligand L behaves as a bidentate ligand; in [2]²⁺, however, it binds the metal center as a tridentate ligand. The central pyridine nitrogen of terpyridine (N_p,trpy) is in a cis position with respect to the central pyridine nitrogen of the ancillary ligand (N_p,benz) in complex [1]⁺ and in a trans-position in complex [2]²⁺. The cis orientation of N_p,trpy and N_p,benz in complex [1]⁺ forces L to behave as bidentate. The quasi-reversible Ru^II/Ru^III couple appears at 0.90 and 1.44 V versus SCE in the case of complex [1]⁺ and [2]²⁺, respectively. [1]⁺, in the presence of aqueous AgNO₃, affords [2]²⁺ through an intramolecular dissociative interchange pathway.     

Synthesis and Complexing Properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>′-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Diaza Crown Ethers

The stability constants of complexes of 12-, 15-, and 18-membered diaza crown ethers, N,N′-dimethyl diaza crown ethers, and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) diaza crown ethers with alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions in 95% aqueous methanol at 25°C were determined. The stability of the complexes of unsubstituted diaza crown ethers with alkali metal cations is low, probably because of stabilization of the exo,exo conformation of the ligands due to interaction of the nitrogen lone electron pairs with the solvent. The complexes with the double-charged cations are appreciably more stable. N,N′-Dimethyl diaza crown ethers form stable complexes with all the ions studied. As compared to the dimethyl derivatives, N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) diaza crown ethers form more stable complexes with the Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺ ions, which is due to participation of the side hydroxyethyl groups in the coordination.__________Translated from Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii, Vol. 75, No. 4, 2005, pp. 665–669.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kulygina, Vetrogon, Basok, Luk’yanenko.     

Benzoaza-15-crown-5 ethers: synthesis,structure, and complex formation with metal and ethylammonium ions

Benzoaza-15-crown-5 ethers containing one or two nitrogen atoms in different positions of the macrocycle and bearing different substituents at these atoms were synthesized. The structures of azacrown ethers and their metal complexes were studied by X-ray diffraction. The stability constants of the complexes of azacrown ethers with Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, and EtNH₃ ⁺ ions were determined by ¹H NMR titration in MeCN-d₃. In free benzoazacrown ethers containing secondary nitrogen atoms bound to the benzene ring, as well as in N-acetyl derivatives, the N atoms are sp²-hybridized and have a planar geometry. The nitrogen lone pairs on the p orbitals are efficiently conjugated to the benzene ring or the carbonyl fragment of the acetyl group, which is unfavorable for the complex formation. In addition, the formation of complexes with benzoazacrown ethers containing secondary nitrogen atoms is hindered because the hydrogen atoms of the NH groups are directed to the center of the macrocyclic cavity. In benzoazacrown ethers bearing N-alkyl substituents or secondary nitrogen atoms distant from the benzene ring, the N atoms show a substantial contribution of the sp³-hybridized state and have a pronounced pyramidal configuration, which promotes the complex formation. The lead and calcium cations form the most stable complexes due to the high affinity of Pb²⁺ ions for O,N-containing ligands, a high charge density on these ions, and the better correspondence of the cavity size of the 15-membered macrocycles to the diameter of the Ca²⁺ ion. An increase in the stability of the complexes is observed mainly in going from monoazacrown ethers to diazacrown ethers containing identical substituents at the N atoms and in the following series of substituents: C(O)Me < H < Me < CH₂CO₂Et. In the case of the CH₂CO₂Et substituents, the carbonyl oxygen atom is also involved in the coordination to the cation. The characteristic features of the complexing ability of N-alkylbenzomonoaza-15-crown-5 ethers bearing the nitrogen atom conjugated to the benzene ring show that macro-cyclic ligands having this structure are promising as selective and efficient complexing agents for metal cations.     

Conductance and Thermodynamic Study of the Interaction of Mixed Oxygen–N2–Donor Macrocycles with Ag(I), Ni(II) and Fe(III) in Acetonitrile Solutions

The thermodynamic stabilities of Ag⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺with diaza-crown ethers have been determinedconductometrically in acetonitrile at temperatures of 293, 298, 303 and 308 K.Both the size of the macrocyclic ring and the hard and soft acidand base (HSAB) character of the metal ions influence the relative stabilities of the complexes. For the metal ions with diazacrown ethers the values of log K_f for the 1 : 1 complexesfollow the order Ag⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Fe³⁺in accordance with Pearson's principle of HSAB character. The enthalpy and entropy of complexation were determined from the temperature dependence of the complexationconstants. The complexation process is entropy governed.     

(A19N7)[In4]2 (A = Ca,Sr) and (Ca4N)[In2]: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Physical Properties,and Chemical Bonding

Single phase powders of (A₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ (A = Ca, Sr) and (Ca₄N)[In₂] were prepared by reaction of melt beads of the metallic components with nitrogen. The crystal structure of (Ca₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ was refined based on neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction data. The crystal structure of (Sr₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ was solved from the X‐ray powder pattern. The structure refinements in combination with results from chemical analyses ascertain the compositions. The compounds (A₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ (A = Ca, Sr) are isotypes of (Ca₁₉N₇)[Ag₄]₂; (Ca₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ is probably identical to the earlier reported (Ca_18.5N₇)[In₄]₂. The crystal structure of the isotypes (A₁₉N₇)[In₄]₂ (A = Ca, Sr; cubic, , Ca: a = 1471.65(3) pm; Sr: a = 1561.0(1) pm) contains isolated [In₄] tetrahedra embedded in a framework of edge‐ and vertex‐sharing (A₆N) octahedra. Six of these octahedra are condensed by edge‐sharing around one central A²⁺ ion to form “superoctahedra” (A₁₉N₆) which are connected three‐dimensionally via further octahedra by corner‐sharing. The crystal structure of (Ca₄N)[In₂] (tetragonal, I4₁/amd, a = 491.14(4) pm, c = 2907.7(3) pm) consists of alternating layers of perovskite type slabs of vertex‐sharing octahedra (Ca₂Ca_4/2N) and parallel arranged infinite zigzag chains equation/tex2gif-stack-1.gif[In₂]. In the sense of Zintl‐type counting the compounds (A²⁺)₁₉(N^3?)₇[(In^2.125?)₄]₂ present an electron excess, (Ca²⁺)₄(N^3?)[(In^2.5?)₂] is electron deficient. Metallic properties are supported by electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The analysis of the electronic structures gives evidence for the existence of homoatomic interactions In–In and significant heteroatomic metal–metal interactions Ca–In which favor the deviations of the title compounds from the (8 – N) rule.     

Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Cedrol,a Component of Essential Oils Isolated from Juniperus Species

Little is known about the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils isolated from Juniperus species. Thus, we isolated essential oils from the cones and leaves of eight juniper species found in Montana and in Kazakhstan, including J. horizontalis, J. scopolorum, J. communis, J. seravschanica, J. sabina, J. pseudosabina, J. pseudosabina subsp. turkestanica, and J. sibirica. We report here the chemical composition and innate immunomodulatory activity of these essential oils. Compositional analysis of the 16 samples of Juniper essential oils revealed similarities and differences between our analyses and those previously reported for essential oils from this species. Our studies represent the first analysis of essential oils isolated from the cones of four of these Juniper species. Several essential oil samples contained high levels of cedrol, which was fairly unique to three Juniper species from Kazakhstan. We found that these essential oils and pure (+)-cedrol induced intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization in human neutrophils. Furthermore, pretreatment of human neutrophils and N-formyl peptide receptor 1 and 2 (FPR1 and FPR2) transfected HL60 cells with these essential oils or (+)-cedrol inhibited agonist-induced Ca²⁺ mobilization, suggesting these responses were desensitized by this pretreatment. In support of this conclusion, pretreatment with essential oils from J. seravschanica cones (containing 16.8% cedrol) or pure (+)-cedrol inhibited human neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formyl peptide. Finally, reverse pharmacophore mapping predicted several potential kinase targets for cedrol. Thus, our studies have identified cedrol as a novel neutrophil agonist that can desensitize cells to subsequent stimulation by N-formyl peptide.     

Dialkyltriazaniumsalze, 4. Mitt.: Die Chloraminierung von sekundären aliphatischen Aminen

Zusammenfassung Die Chloraminierung von sekundären aliphatischen Aminen in Gegenwart von NH₃ führt zu 2,2-Dialkyltriazaniumchloriden. Auf diese Weise konnte das schon bekannte 2,2-Dimethyl- und 2,2-Diäthyltriazaniumchlorid sowie die noch unbekannten Verbindungen [(C₃H₇)₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^–, [(C₄H₉)₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^– und das 2-Methyl-2-benzyltriazaniumchlorid aus den entsprechenden sekundären Aminen dargestellt werden.

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Chloramination of secondary aliphatic amines

Chloramination of secondary aliphatic amines in the presence of ammonia yields 2.2-dialkyltriazanium chlorides. The known compounds [me ₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^– and [et ₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^– and the hitherto undescribed triazanium chlorides [pr ₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^–, [bu ₂N₃H₄]⁺Cl^–, and 2-methyl-2-benzyltriazanium chloride have been synthesized by this method.

     

Ammonia in the ion source. II. Clustering with aromatic nitro compounds

Under positive ion chemical ionization conditions with ammonla at relatively low pressure, aromatic nitro compounds do not form [M + H]⁺ ions but often form ionic clusters [M + NH₄]⁺ and [M + N₂H₇]⁺. Nitrobenzene forms a cluster [2M + NH₄]⁺ and aniline, formed by nucleophilic substitution, leads to a cluster [anilinium ion + nitrobenzene]⁺. The dinitrobenzenes form [M + NH₄]⁺ clusters and show evidence of nitroaniline formation and clustering. 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene gives little indication of clustering or of substitution. The six isomers of trinitrotoluene appear to be stabilized by the methyl group and form clusters up to [M + N₃H₁₀]⁺. Nucleophilic substitution leads to dinitrotoluidines, which also form clusters with ammonium ions.     

Equilibria in complexes ofN-heterocyclic molecules,Part XXIV. The reaction of nucleophiles with tris-(2,2′-bipyrimidine)iron(II) ion and its ruthenium(II) analogue

Summary The reactions of [Fe(bipym)₃]²⁺ and [Ru(bipym)₃]²⁺ with hydroxide ion in aqueous solution have been followed. The [Ru(bipym)₃]²⁺ species undergoes nucleophilic attack at the ligand to yield [Ru(bipym)₂(pyrimidine)(OH)]⁺ and [HCO₂]^– ion, involving cleavage of one pyrimidyl ring. Intermediates can be observed in the reaction of [Fe(bipym)₃]²⁺ with HO^–, N₃ ^– and SCN^–. The kinetics of the first reaction have been followed and the results are compared with those known for the reactions of [Fe(bipy)₃]²⁺, [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺ and similar compounds.Part XXIII: P. A. Williams,Transition Met. Chem., 78/84.     

Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy for quantitative Ca2+ imaging in living cells

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is a ubiquitous intracellular second messenger and involved in a plethora of cellular processes. Thus, quantification of the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and of its dynamics is required for a comprehensive understanding of physiological processes and potential dysfunctions. A powerful approach for studying [Ca²⁺]_i is the use of fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicators. In addition to the fluorescence intensity as a common recording parameter, the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) technique provides access to the fluorescence decay time of the indicator dye. The nanosecond lifetime is mostly independent of variations in dye concentration, allowing more reliable quantification of ion concentrations in biological preparations. In this study, the feasibility of the fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator Oregon Green Bapta-1 (OGB-1) for two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (2P-FLIM) was evaluated. In aqueous solution, OGB-1 displayed a Ca²⁺-dependent biexponential fluorescence decay behaviour, indicating the presence of a Ca²⁺-free and Ca²⁺-bound dye form. After sufficient dye loading into living cells, an in situ calibration procedure has also unravelled the Ca²⁺-free and Ca²⁺-bound dye forms from a global biexponential fluorescence decay analysis, although the dye's Ca²⁺ sensitivity is reduced. Nevertheless, quantitative [Ca²⁺]_i recordings and its stimulus-induced changes in salivary gland cells could be performed successfully. These results suggest that OGB-1 is suitable for 2P-FLIM measurements, which can gain access to cellular physiology.

Selective reagents in chemical ionization mass spectrometry: Tetramethylsilane with ethers

Chemical ionization mass spectra of several ethers obtained with He/(CH₃)₄Si mixtures as the reagent gases contain abundant [M + 73]⁺ adduct ions which identify the relative molecular mass. For the di-n-alkyl ethers, these [M + 73]⁺ ions are formed by sample ion/sample molecule reactions of the fragment ions, [M + 73 ? C_nH_2n]⁺ and [M + 73 ? 2CnH_2n]⁺. Small amounts of [M + H]⁺ ions are also formed, predominantly by proton transfer reactions of the [M + 73 ? 2CnH_2n]⁺ or [(CH₃)₃SiOH₂]⁺ ions with the ethers. The di-s-alkyl ethers give no [M + 73] ⁺ ions, but do give [M + H]⁺ ions, which allow the determination of the relative molecular mass. These [M + H]⁺ ions result primarily from proton transfer reactions from the dominant fragment ion, [(CH₃)₃SiOH₂]⁺ with the ether. Methyl phenyl ether gives only [M + 73]⁺ adduct ions, by a bimolecular addition of the trimethylsilyl ion to the ether, not by the two-step process found for the di-n-alkyl ethers. Ethyl phenyl ether gives [M + 73]⁺ by both the two-step process and the bimolecular addition. Although the mass spectra of the alkyl etherr are temperature-dependent, the sensitivities of the di-alkyl ethers and ethyl phenyl ether are independent of temperature. However, the sensitivity for methyl phenyl ether decreases significantly with increasing temperature.     

Mass-spectrometric study of the cyclization reactions of diazoketones. 8. 1-Diazo-3,4-epoxy-4-arylbutan-2-ones

An analysis of the mass spectra of 1-diazo-3,4-epoxy-4-arylbutanones has shown that the molecular ions of these compounds lose a molecule of nitrogen and that the [M — N₂]⁺ ions formed cyclize to form hydroxyfuran structures, whose further fragmentation determines the whole picture of the dissociative ionization of the compounds investigated under electron impact. The majority of the [M — N₂]⁺ ions have the form of the cyclic intermediate formed in the first step of the cyclization process. It cannot, however, be ruled out that a certain portion of the [M — N₂]⁺ ions are stabilized as a result of a Wolff rearrangement and do not cyclize at all.For report 7 see [1].Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 1, pp. 17–22, January, 1986.     

Ligand-enforced intimacy between a gold cation and a carbenium ion: impact on stability and reactivity

Controlling the reactivity of transition metal complexes by positioning non-innocent functionalities around the catalytic pocket is a concept that has led to significant advances in catalysis. Here we describe our efforts toward the synthesis of dicationic phosphine gold complexes of general formula [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Carb)Au(tht)]²⁺ decorated by a carbenium moiety (Carb) positioned in the immediate vicinity of the gold center. While the most acidic examples of such compounds have limited stability, the dicationic complexes with Carb⁺ = 9-N-methylacridinium and Carb⁺ = [C(Ar^N)₂]⁺ (Ar^N = p-(C₆H₄)NMe₂) are active as catalysts for the cycloisomerization of N-propargyl-4-fluorobenzamide, a substrate chosen to benchmark reactivity. The dicationic complex [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)C(Ar^N)₂)Au(tht)]²⁺, which also promotes hydroarylation and enyne cyclization reactions, displays a higher catalytic activity than its acridinium analog, indicating that the electrophilic reactivity of these complexes scales with the Lewis acidity of the carbenium moiety. These results support the role of the carbenium unit as a non-innocent functionality which can readily enhance the activity of the adjacent metal center. Finally, we also describe our efforts toward the generation and isolation of free γ-cationic phosphines of general formula [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Carb)]⁺. While cyclization into phosphonium species is observed for Carb⁺ = [C(Ar^N)₂]⁺, [C(Ph)(Ar^N)]⁺, and 9-xanthylium, [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)-9-N-methylacridinium)]⁺ can be isolated as an air stable, biphilic derivative with uncompromised Lewis acidic and basic properties.

This work describes the synthesis of carbenium-based, γ-cationic phosphines and their coordination to Au(i) cations , leading to carbophilic catalysts whose activity is enhanced by the ligand-enforced convergence of the positively charged moieties.