Preparation of USY zeolite VOx supported catalysts from V(AcAc)3 and NH4VO3. Catalytic properties for the dehydrogenation of n-butane in oxygen-free atmosphere

The preparation of different samples of vanadia supported on ultrastable zeolite (VO(x)/USY) is discussed. The samples were prepared in order to obtain highly dispersed V-species, avoiding the formation of crystalline vanadia and the destruction of the zeolite framework. Two methods were employed for preparing VO(x)/USY samples: an organic route using V(AcAc)3 and an inorganic route using NH4VO3. The characterization of the samples was performed with XRD, TPR, NH3-TPD, and N2 isotherms. From these results it is concluded that when VO(x) is supported on the surface of USY from acidic aqueous solution of ammonium metavanadate, the destruction of the zeolite framework is accomplished. For higher pH values in the impregnating solution, undesired V2O5 is formed on the USY surface. On the other hand, VO(x)/USY prepared from the organic precursor shows no destruction of the USY structure. In addition, highly dispersed VO(x) are formed, though for relatively high V loadings (6%) an obstruction of the zeolite windows takes place. The samples are tested as catalysts for gas phase dehydrogenation of n-butane to olefins. The catalysts prepared from NH4VO3 are almost inactive for the reaction. On the other hand, both samples prepared from V(AcAc)3 present initial conversion levels in the 8-12% range. However, the selectivity depends on the V loading, the catalysts with 6% loading being the most selective (75%). The catalytic patterns of the samples (activity and selectivity) are in agreement with the physicochemical features of the VO(x)/USY surface.     

Electrochemical and ESR study of 5-nitrofuryl-containing thiosemicarbazones antiprotozoal drugs

Cyclic voltammetry and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques were used in the investigation of several potential antiprotozoal thiosemicarbazones nitrofurane derivatives. A self-protonation process involving the protonation of the nitro group due to the presence of an acidic proton in the thiosemicarbazone moiety was observed in the first step of a CEE(rev) reduction mechanism of these derivatives. ESR spectra of the free radicals obtained by electrolytic reduction were characterized and analyzed. AM1 methodology was used to obtain the optimized geometries and UB3LYP calculations were performed to obtain the theoretical hyperfine coupling constants. The theoretical study exhibited an unusual assignment of the spin densities showing a free radical centered in the thiosemicarbazone moiety rather than the nitro which are in agreement with the experimental hyperfine pattern.     

The 7-nitroindole nucleoside as a photochemical precursor of 2'-deoxyribonolactone: access to DNA fragments containing this oxidative abasic lesion

On the basis of molecular modeling studies, the 7-nitroindole nucleoside 1 was selected as a suitable photochemical precursor for photochemical generation of the C1' deoxyribosyl radical under irradiation, which led to 2'-deoxyribonolactone. The nitro-indole nucleoside derivatives 1a and 1b were prepared and their conformation was determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The photoreaction of these nucleosides gave the corresponding deoxyribonolactone derivatives efficiently, with release of 7-nitrosoindole. This reaction was successfully applied to synthesis of oligonucleotides containing the deoxyribonolactone lesion.     

Reaction of monocyclic ferrocenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazoles with β-dicarbonyl compounds

Monocyclic 3- and 5-ferrocenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazoles with a free NH group in the molecule react with acetylacetone to form the corresponding enaminocarbonyl compounds. The latter were isolated as a single isomer, presumably E. 3-Ferrocenyldihydropyrazoles and 5-ferrocenyl-3-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrazole analogously react with acetoacetic ester. 5-Ferrocenyl-3-phenyl-, 3-(p-bromophenyl)-5-ferrocenyl, and 3,5-diferrocenyl-4,5-dihydropyrazoles react with acetoacetic ester to form acetoacetylpyrazolides.Translated from Zhurnal Obshchei Khimii, Vol. 74, No. 12, 2004, pp. 1942–1947.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by E. Klimova, Vazquez Lopez, T. Klimova, Martinez Garcia, Meleshonkova, Ruiz Ramirez.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Chemical modification of acetylcholinesterase with methoxypolyethylene glycol

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (EC 3.1.1.7) was modified with activated monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG). A decrease of 50% in the catalytic activity was measured during the coupling reaction and the change in the surface properties of AChE was used to separate by hydrophobic interaction chromatography the native and the modified enzyme. The native and the modified enzymes were found to have the same optimalcatalytic conditions. Moreover, the Michaelis constant of both enzymes were similar, whereas theV _m and the bimolecular-velocity constant calculated for organophosphorus inhibitors were slightly higher for the modified AChE. Finally, the modification with mPEG did not improve the thermal stability, whereas the stability in a few organic solvents increased.     

Functional derivatives of thiophene. I. Synthesis and 1H-NMR spectra in the 2-aminothiophene series

The preparation of 2-amino-5-nitrothiophene, 2-formamido-5-nitrothiophene, 2-acetamido-5-nitrothiophene and 2-t-butyloxycarbonylamino-5-nitrothiophene are described. Abnormal values of the coupling constants J_3.4 had been observed in the ¹H-nmr spectra of compounds obtained.     

OXYGEN DIFFUSION THROUGH HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE

The quenching by molecular oxygen of the fluorescence from a protoporphyrin IX adduct of horseradish peroxidase has been investigated using both intensity and time-resolved techniques. The bimolecular quenching rate constant determined for this process, as evaluated by the conventional Stern-Volmer analysis, was 2 x 10(8) M-1 s-1, among the lowest observed for protein systems. This result suggests that the heme binding site in horseradish peroxidase is relatively inaccessible to oxygen, which may account for the observation of room temperature phosphorescence in aerated solutions from enzymatically created triplet states.     

Biologically active compounds through catalysis: efficient synthesis of N-(heteroarylcarbonyl)-N'-(arylalkyl)piperazines

A practical route for the synthesis of new biologically active 5-HT(2 A) receptor antagonists has been developed. In only three catalytic steps, this class of central nervous system (CNS) active compounds can be synthesized efficiently with high diversity. As the initial step, an anti-Markovnikov addition of amines to styrenes provides an easy route to N-(arylalkyl)piperazines, which constitute the core structure of the active molecules. Here, base-catalyzed hydroamination reactions of styrenes with benzylated piperazine proceeded in high yield even at room temperature. After catalytic debenzylation, the free amines were successfully carbonylated with different aromatic and heteroaromatic halides and carbon monoxide to yield the desired compounds in good to excellent yields. The two key reactions, base-catalyzed hydroamination of styrenes and palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of haloarenes/heterocycles, showed tolerance towards various functional groups, thereby demonstrating the potential to synthesize a wide variety of new derivatives of this promising class of pharmaceuticals.