Phosphorus-31 Fluorine-19 N.M.R. Through-Space Coupling

Abstract

Through-space coupling, which may be observed when NMR active nuclei are close in space, is additive to any through-bond coupling. The magnitude of the coupling via the through-space mechanism varies according to the element, its valency and the distance between the coupled atoms-independently of the number of bonds separating the coupled atoms. The couplings between carbon-bound fluorine and phosphorus (in its three valent three coordinate state) have been studied using a series of 0-(trifluoromethyl)phenylphosphanes (1). The phosphorusfluorine coupling is lowest (29. 6Hz) for the primary phosphine (1, Y = H). It is 43 Ha for the diethylamino derivative (1, R = Et₂N), rising to 53–56 Ha when Y is phenyl, heteroaromatic, alkyl and ethoxy groups, and then to 63 and 68 Hz for the phenoxy and fluoro derivatives. The PF coupling is largest (85–88 Hz) for the dichloro and dibromo compounds. The coupling constants are zero or close to aero for the corresponding salts, oxides and sulphides. The changes in the magnitude of the phoaphane couplings are discussed in terms of conformational and electronic influences on a through-space spin-spin coupling mechanism.     

On an asymptotic distribution of dependent random variables on a 3-dimensional lattice

We define conditions under which sums of dependent spatial data will be approximately normally distributed. A theorem on the asymptotic distribution of a sum of dependent random variables defined on a 3-dimensional lattice is presented. Examples are also presented.     

Determination of thickness, aspect ratio and size distributions for platey particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation and electron microscopy

Sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) can be used to prepare fractions of very narrow mass range for electron microscopic (EM) analysis. Assuming the particle density is the same for all particles within that fraction the equivalent spherical diameter for the particles can be calculated from SdFFF theory. Integration of the micrograph image of each particle yields an area measurement which, when used in conjunction with the equivalent spherical particle diameter (from SdFFF), provides information about the particle thickness and aspect ratio. Thus SdFFF-SEM can be used to provide detailed information about clay morphology across the particle size distribution of the sample. Three clay minerals have been studied using the methodologies outlined in this paper. The aspect ratio for the Purvis School Mine kaolinite ranged from 2.8–5.9, for RM30 illite from 11.3–24.3, and for Muloorina illite from 3.1–4.3.     

Synthesis of some N-oxygenated products of 3,4-dimethoxyampetamine and its N-alkyl derivatives

The synthesis of N-monoalkylhydroxylamines, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines, nitrones, oxaziridines, nitroso and other N-oxidised products of 3,4-dimethoxyamphetamine and its N-methyl and N-benzyl derivatives is described, including a new and simple method for preparing N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines and a method for the isolation and analysis of an α-unsubstituted nitrone.     

Identification and stereochemistry of (2s, 4s, 5r)- and (2r, 4s, 5r)-2,3,4-trimethyl-5-phenyloxazolidine, degradation products of ephedrine

The condensation of (−)-ephedrine with acetaldehyde gives two diastereomeric 2,3,4-trimethyl-5-phenyloxazolidines, of greatly differing thermodynamic stability. The structure and configuration of both the diastereoisomers was confirmed by chemical studies and by NMR spectroscopy.     

Electrochemical processes in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Editorial Comment Last month we presented, as a Special Feature, a set of five articles that constituted a Commentary on the fundamentals and mechanism of electrospray ionization (ESI). These articles produced some lively discussion among the authors on the role of electrochemistry in ESI. Six authors participated in a detailed exchange of views on this topic, the final results of which constitute this month's Special Feature. We particularly hope that younger scientists will find value in this month's Special Feature, not only for the science that it teaches but also what it reveals about the processes by which scientific conclusions are drawn. To a degree, the contributions part the curtains on these processes and show science in action. We sincerely thank the contributors to this discussion. The give and take of intellectual debate is not always easy, and to a remarkable extent this set of authors has maintained good humor and friendships, even when disagreeing strongly on substance. Graham Cooks and Richard Caprioli Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Derivatization for electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. 4. Alkenes and alkynes

A survey of derivatization strategies and prospective derivatization reactions for conversion of simple alkenes and alkynes to 'electrospray-active' species is presented. General synthetic strategies are discussed and illustrative examples of prospective derivatives prepared from model compounds are presented along with their electrospray ionization (ES) mass spectra. The identified derivatives of these neutral, nonpolar analytes are either ionic or are ionizable in solution through Bronsted acid/base chemistry, by Lewis acid/base chemistry, or by chemical or electrochemical electron-transfer chemistry. Once ionized, the derivatives are expected to be amenable to detection by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Derivatives are identified for positive and negative ion analysis of both alkenes and alkynes. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanisms of selenium-mediated protection from photocarcinogenesis and cell death are not solely p53-dependent

Recent studies published in Oncogene and Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA ascribe a role for selenium, acting through wild type p53, in protecting skin cells in culture from ultraviolet radiation-induced death. While selenium clearly protects cells against ultraviolet radiation-induced death, data that we present and discuss in this letter shows that wild type p53 is not required for such protection. Moreover the non-physiologically high levels of selenium used in some studies leads us to question the relevance of such effects for selenium-induced photoprotection.