Stereospecific synthesis of enamines from α,β-epoxysilanes

Isomerically pure cis and trans enamines were prepared from α,β-epoxysilanes by alumina-assisted ring opening with pyrrolidine and morpholine followed by β-elimination.     

Complexes of poly(ethylene glycol)-based cationic random copolymer and calf thymus DNA: a complete biophysical characterization

Complete biophysical characterization of complexes (polyplexes) of cationic polymers and DNA is needed to understand the mechanism underlying nonviral therapeutic gene transfer. In this article, we propose a new series of synthesized random cationic polymers (RCPs) from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (MePEGMA) and (3-(methacryloylamino)propyl)trimethylammonium chloride with different mole ratios (32:68, 11:89, and 6:94) which could be used as a model system to address and answer the basic questions relating to the mechanism of the interaction of calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and cationic polymers. The solubility of the complexes of CT-DNA and RCP was followed by turbidity measurements. It has been observed that complexes of RCP with 68 mol % MePEGMA precipitate near the charge neutralization point, whereas complexes of the other two polymers are water-soluble and stable at all compositions. Dnase 1 digestion experiments show that DNA is inaccessible when it forms complexes with RCP. Ethidium bromide exclusion and gel electrophoretic mobility show that both polymers are capable of binding with CT-DNA. Atomic force microscopy images in conjunction with light scattering experiments showed that the complexes are spherical in nature and 75-100 nm in diameter. Circular dichroism spectroscopy studies indicated that the secondary structure of DNA in the complexes is not perturbed due to the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) segments in the polymer. Furthermore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques to determine complete thermodynamic profiles accompanying the helix-coil transition of CT-DNA in the complexes. UV and differential scanning calorimetry melting experiments revealed that DNA in the complexes is more stable than in the free state and the extent of stability depends on the polymer composition. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments showed that the binding of these RCPs to CT-DNA is associated with small exothermic enthalpy changes. A complete thermodynamic profile showed that the RCP/DNA complex formation is entropically favorable. Much broader opportunities to vary the architecture of the polymers studied here make these systems promising in addressing various basic and practical problems in gene delivery systems.     

Heterocyclic nitrogen base adducts of nickel(II)–di(2,4-dibromophenyl)carbazonate

The title complex was prepared and characterized by elemental and spectral analyses. The formation constants of various heterocyclic nitrogen base adducts with the Ni^II–di(2,4-dibromophenyl)carbazonate have been determined in a monophase by spectrophotometry at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The monodenatate and bidentate bases form penta- and hexa-coordinated adducts respectively with 1:1 stoichiometry for the metal chelate-base, whereas the unsaturated monodentate bases form hexa-coordinated adducts with 1:2 stoichiometry. The behaviour of saturated heterocyclic bases such as pyrrolidine, piperidine, hexamethyleneimine and morpholine towards the metal chelate has been studied, and the results are discussed in terms of steric hindrance, basicity and ring structure.     

Mechanism of ruthenium tetroxide-catalysed oxidation of aldoses by alkalineN-bromoacetamide

The kinetics of oxidation of three aldoses (glucose, mannose and galactose) byN-bromoacetamide (NBA) in the presence of an alkaline solution of RuO₄ as catalyst and Hg(OAc)₂ as co-catalyst and as a scavenger for bromide have been investigated. The main products of the oxidation are the corresponding aldonic acids. The reaction is zero order with respect to aldose and OH⁻. First order dependence of the reaction on both NBA and RuO₄ at low concentrations shifts to zero order at higher concentrations. Addition of acetamide decreases the reaction rate, while addition of Hg(OAc)₂ has the opposite effect. No significant effect of ionic strength was observed. OBr⁻ is postulated as the reactive oxidising species and a mechanism involving co-catalysis by RuO₄ and Hg^II is proposed. TMC 2588     

A simple autonull-type servo-controlled electronic balance for thermogravimetric applications

A simple electronic autonull-type recording balance using a helical quartz spring is described. Deviation from the null position is detected by a pair of photoemissive cells. The error signal generated across the cells as a result of weight change is processed by a servo-system which, in turn, produces an electric current in the balancing coil proportional to the force required to restore the null position. This current, recorded as the potential drop across a standard resistor, is a direct measure of the weight change.The balance has good linear response and can record weight changes up to 150 mg. The performance of the balance was tested in a thermogravimetric set-up, by studying the decomposition in air of the oxalates of copper, nickel and magnesium. The decomposition of nickel oxalate was also studied in flowing hydrogen. The weighing accuracy of the balance, compared against a Mettler model H-15 single-pan balance, was found to be within±1.5%.

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Zusammenfassung Eine einfache elektronische registrierende Quartz-Spiralfeder Kompensationswaage wird beschrieben. Die Abweichung von der Nullposition wird durch zwei Photoemissionszellen angezeigt. Das infolge der Gewichtsänderung durch die Zellen erzeugte Fehlersignal wird durch ein Servosystem empfangen, das seinerseits in der Ausgleichsspirale einen elektrischen Strom erzeugt, der proportional zur für die Wiederherstellung der Null-position benötigten Kraft ist. Dieser Strom, der als Spannungsgefälle in einem Standardwiderstand registriert wird, ist eine direkte Maßzahl der Gewichtsänderung.Die Waage zeigt ein gutes lineares Verhalten und kann Gewichtsänderungen bis zu 150 mg registrieren. Die Leistung der Waage wurde in einer thermogravimetrischen Vorrichtung durch Untersuchungen der Zersetzung der Oxalate von Kupfer, Nickel und Magnesium in Luft geprüft. Die Zersetzung von Nickeloxalat wurde auch in strömendem Stickstoff untersucht. Die Meßgenauigkeit der Waage, vergleichen mit der Einschalenwaage Mettler H-15 wurde im Bereich von±1.5% gefunden.

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Résumé On décrit une balance électronique enregistreuse simple du type auto-zéro, à hélice de quartz. La déviation de la position zéro est décelée par une paire de cellules photoémissives. Le signal de déséquilibre décelé par les photocellules et résultant d'un changement de poids, est reçu par un système asservi qui, à son tour, produit un courant électrique dans la bobine de la balance, proportionnel à la force nécessaire pour rétablir la position zéro. Ce courant, enregistré comme chute de potentiel dans une résistance étalon, est une mesure directe du changement de poids.La balance donne une bonne réponse linéaire et peut enregistrer des changements de poids allant jusqu'à 150 mg. Ses caractéristiques ont été examinées dans un montage thermogravimétrique, en étudiant la décomposition dans l'air des oxalates de cuivre, nickel et magnésium. La décomposition de l'oxalate de nickel a aussi été étudiée sous courant d'hydrogène. L'exactitude de la balance, comparée à celle d'un modèle Mettler monoplateau (type H-15), coïncide à±1.5%.

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, . . , , -, , . , , . 150 . , . . -15 +1.5%.

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The authors wish to express their thanks to Mr. S. P. Sen, Manager. Catalyst Development and Production Department of Fertilizer (Planning and Development) India Limited, for his keen interest and valuable suggestions.     

Fourth-derivative spectrophotometric determination of fungicide ferbam (iron(III) dimethyldithiocarbamate) in a commercial sample and wheat grains using 2,2′-bipyridyl

A procedure has been developed for the direct fourth-derivative spectrophotometric determination of iron(III) dimethyldithiocarbamate by converting it into an iron(II) 2,2'-bipyridyl complex, which is then dissolved in Triton X-100. Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range 0.5-20 microg mL(-1 )in the final solution. Various parameters such as the effect of pH and interference of large number of ions on the determination of ferbam have been studied in detail. The method is sensitive, highly selective and can be used for the determination of ferbam in a commercial sample and in mixtures with various dithiocarbamates (ziram, zineb, maneb, etc.) and from wheat grains.     

Mechanism of iridium(III) catalysis in the oxidation of diols by N-bromoacetamide

Summary The kinetics of iridium(III)-catalysed oxidation of 1,2-ethanediol and 1,4-butanediol by N-bromoacetamide (NBA) in HClO₄ in the presence of [Hg(OAc)₂] as a scavenger for Br^– have been investigated. The reactions are zero-order with respect to both diols, and first-order in NBA at low NBA concentrations, tending to zero order at high concentrations. The order in Ir^III decreases from unity to zero at high iridium(III) concentrations. A positive effect on the oxidation rate is observed for [H⁺] and [Hg^II] whereas a negative effect is observed for acetamide and [Cl^–]. Ionic strength does not influence the oxidation rate. (H₂OBr)⁺ is postulated as the oxidizing species. A mechanism consistent with the observed kinetic data is proposed.     

A novel bioassay for screening and quantification of taxanes

We report a novel method for screening and quantifying tubulin-binding antimitotic agents that promote microtubule formation. The method is based on the shift in the peak of the fluorescence emission difference spectrum of tubulin complexed to metal free tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) in the presence of antimitotic agents. Taxol (paclitaxel), an anti-tumor drug approved for the treatment of a variety of cancers, caused the appearance of a new fluorescence peak at 645 nm at concentrations as low as 125 nM, the intensity of which was a function of the paclitaxel concentration. Cephalomannine caused the induction of a new fluorescence peak at 651 nm only above 1 muM. Baccatin did not induce the appearance of any new peak within detectable operating measurement conditions. These observations are in accordance with the biological activities/cytotoxicities of these compounds. Accordingly, it is proposed that the new method can be used for high throughput screening of antimitotic compounds.     

Mechanism and kinetics of thermal decomposition of precipitates of the zinc oxide-aluminium oxide system from non-isothermal tg curves

Kinetics of decomposition of the precipitates of the ZnO&2sbndAl₂O₃ system, prepared by coprecipitation and mechanical mixing of the individual precipitates, have been studied. The decomposition of zinc basic carbonate is a first order rate process with an activation energy of 34.5 kcal/mole (Coats and Redfern equation). The decomposition of aluminium hydroxide is also best described as a first order rate process with one break in the Coats and Redfern plot corresponding to activation energies of 29.4 and 8.3 kcal/mole respectively. The entire course of decomposition of coprecipitated as well as mechanically mixed samples cannot be described by any one of the many rate equations available. Consequently, the Coats and Redfern equation has been employed. The plots indicate one or two breaks and thus two to three values of activation energy are reported. From the results it is to be concluded that decomposition of these precipitates is a heterogeneous process. The first step is definitely the decomposition of zinc basic carbonate followed by decomposition of aluminium hydroxide and/or interaction of the two precipitates resulting in the formation of “precursor” to spinel. The results of our earlier investigation on the same system (especially the formation of precursors) are well supported by the results reported in this investigation. p]A new equation (a modified form of the Elovich equation) has been proposed for such heterogeneous decomposition processes. The proposed equation also appears to be the general form of the equations where diffusion is the rate controlling process.