Thermal decomposition of peroxy acetyl nitrate CH3C(O)OONO2

The thermal decomposition of peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN) is investigated by low pressure flash thermolysis of PAN highly diluted in noble gases and subsequent isolation of the products in noble gas matrices at low temperatures and by density functional computations. The IR spectroscopically observed formation of CH3C(O)OO and H2CCO (ketene) besides NO2, CO2, and HOO implies a unimolecular decay pathway for the thermal decomposition of PAN. The major decomposition reaction of PAN is bond fission of the O-N single bond yielding the peroxy radical. The O-O bond fission pathway is a minor route. In the latter case the primary reaction products undergo secondary reactions whose products are spectroscopically identified. No evidence for rearrangement processes as the formation of methyl nitrate is observed. A detailed mapping of the reaction pathways for primary and secondary reactions using quantum chemical calculations is in good agreement with the experiment and predicts homolytic O-N and O-O bond fissions within the PAN molecule as the lowest energetic primary processes. In addition, the first IR spectroscopic characterization of two rotameric forms for the radical CH3C(O)OO is given.     

Synthesis and structure of the incomplete cuboidal clusters [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3]+, [W3Se4H(3-x)(OH)x(dmpe)3]+ and [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3]+, and the mechanism of the acid-assisted substitution of the coordinated hydrides

The novel incomplete cuboidal cluster [W3Se4H3(dmpe)3](PF6), [1](PF6), has been prepared by reduction of [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with LiBH4 in THF solution. The trihydroxo complex [W3Se4(OH)3(dmpe)3](PF6), [2](PF6), was obtained by reacting [W3Se4Br3(dmpe)3](PF6) with NaOH in MeCN-H2O solution. The complexes [1](PF6) and [2](PF6) were converted to their BPh4- salts by treatment with NaBPh4. Recrystallisation of [1](BPh4) in the presence of traces of water affords the mixed dihydride hydroxo complex [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4). The crystal structures of [1](BPh4), [2](BPh4) and [W3Se4H2(OH)(dmpe)3](BPh4) have been resolved. Although the [1]+ trihydride does not react with an excess of halide salts, reaction with HX leads to [W3Se4X3(dmpe)3]+ (X = Cl, Br). The kinetics of this reaction has been studied at 25 degrees C in MeCN-H2O solution (1:1, v/v) and found to occur with two consecutive kinetic steps. The first step is independent of the nature and concentration of the X(-) anion but shows a first order dependence on the concentration of acid (k1 = 12.0 mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1)), whereas the second one is independent of the nature and concentration of both the acid and added salts (k2 = 0.024 s(-1)). In contrast, the reaction of [2]+ with acids occurs in a single step with kobs = 0.63 s(-1)(HCl) and 0.17 s(-1)(HBr). These kinetic results are discussed on the basis of the mechanism previously proposed for the reactions of the analogous [W3S4H3(dmpe)3]+ cluster, with special emphasis on the effects caused by the change of S by Se on the rate constants for the different processes involved.     

Analysis of conformational equilibria in aplidine using selective excitation 2D NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics/dynamics calculations

Aplidine (dehydrodidemnin B), a natural product with potent antitumor activity currently in multicenter phase II clinical trials, exists in DMSO as a mixture of four slowly interconverting conformations in a ratio of 47:33:13:7. NMR spectroscopy shows that these arise as a consequence of cis/trans isomerization about the NMe-Leu(7)-Pro(8) and Pro(8)-Pyr amide bonds of the molecule's side chain. Two major conformations account for 47% and 33% of the total population, a ratio of 60:40 between the two. They correspond to the cis- and trans-isomers, respectively, about the Pro(8)-Pyr amide bond. Two minor conformers arise as a consequence of similar isomerism about the Pro(8)-Pyr amide bond, but in structures in which the NMe-Leu(7)-Pro(8) amide bond is cis rather than trans. These account for approximately 13% and 7% of the total population, corresponding to a ratio of 65:35 cis/trans, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the three-dimensional structures of all four conformational isomers are similar in the macrocycle and that all are essentially unchanged with respect to the macrocycle of didemnin B. Significant differences in the conformation of the molecule's side chain are, however, observed between major and minor pairs. Analysis of hydrogen-bonding patterns shows that each major conformer exhibits a beta-turn like structure and is stabilized by hydrogen bonding between a different carbonyl group of the pyruvyl unit of the molecule's side chain and the NH of the Thr(6) residue. The minor isomers have a cis-amide bond between the NMe-Leu(7) and Pro(8) residues that obliges the side chain to adopt an extended disposition where hydrogen bonding to the macrocycle is absent. These results suggest that the ability of the molecule's side chain to adopt a beta-turn-like conformation may not be a prerequisite for biological activity in the didemnins and that conformations having an extended side-chain may play a role in the biological activity of aplidine.     

Proposed Mechanism for the Antitrypanosomal Activity of Quercetin and Myricetin Isolated from Hypericum afrum Lam.: Phytochemistry,In Vitro Testing and Modeling Studies

The in vitro activity of L. donovani (promastigotes, axenic amastigotes and intracellular amastigotes in THP1 cells) and T. brucei, from the fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial part of Hypericum afrum and the isolated compounds, has been evaluated. The chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts showed significant antitrypanosomal activity towards T. brucei, with IC₅₀ values of 12.35, 13.53 and 12.93 µg/mL and with IC₉₀ values of 14.94, 19.31 and 18.67 µg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical investigation of the fractions led to the isolation and identification of quercetin (1), myricitrin (2), biapigenin (3), myricetin (4), hyperoside (5), myricetin-3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (6) and myricetin-3’-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7). Myricetin-3’-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7) has been isolated for the first time from this genus. The chemical structures were elucidated by using comprehensive one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D NMR) spectroscopic data, as well as high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI–MS). These compounds have also been evaluated for their antiprotozoal activity. Quercetin (1) and myricetin (4) showed noteworthy activity against T. brucei, with IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values of 7.52 and 5.71 µM, and 9.76 and 7.97 µM, respectively. The T. brucei hexokinase (TbHK1) enzyme was further explored as a potential target of quercetin and myricetin, using molecular modeling studies. This proposed mechanism assists in the exploration of new candidates for novel antitrypanosomal drugs.     

Comparative study on the determination of cephalexin in its dosage forms by spectrophotometry and HPLC with UV-vis detection

This paper discusses the spectrophotometric determination of cephalexin as the intact cephalexin or as its acid-induced degradation product. Cephalexin can be determined in the range 1 × 10^–5–18 × 10^–5 M with relative standard deviations of 5-1%. The limits of quantitation and detection were 10^–5 and 0.3 × 10^–5 M, respectively. These procedures were compared with reversed-phase HPLC determination. No interference was observed in the presence of common pharmaceutical adjuvants. The H-point standard additions method was applied in order to correct for the possible presence of the cephalexin precursor, 7-aminocephalosporanic acid; this improves the selectivity of the UV-vis spectrophotometric method.     

Ferromagnetism and chirality in two-dimensional cyanide-bridged bimetallic compounds

The combination of hexacyanoferrate(III) anions, [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-), with nickel(II) complexes derived from the chiral ligand trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (trans-chxn) affords the enantiopure layered compounds [Ni(trans-(1S,2S)-chxn)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).2H(2)O (1) and [Ni(trans-(1R,2R)-chxn)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).2H(2)O (2). These chiral systems behave as ferromagnets (T(c) = 13.8 K) with a relatively high coercive field (H(c) = 0.17 T) at 2 K. They also exhibit an unusual magnetic behavior at low temperatures that has been attributed to the dynamics of the magnetic domains in the ordered phase.     

New strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of phenyl ketone cyanohydrins: quaternization of cyanohydrins derived from 2-p-tolylsulfinyl benzaldehyde

[reaction: see text] Optically pure functionalized cyanohydrins derived from 1-[2-(p-tolylsulfinyl)phenyl] ethanone can be obtained by the reaction of 2-p-tolylsulfinyl benzaldehyde derived cyanohydrins with bases and further treatment with suitable electrophiles. High yields and excellent stereoselectivities (up to de >98%) were obtained for these remote 1,4-asymmetric induction processes controlled by a sulfinyl chiral inductor.     

Screening of acetogenin-producing plants in Brazilian flora

The acetogenins are strongly bioactive natural compounds present in the bark, roots, leaves, and seeds of manyAnnonaceae plants. They are modified fatty acids and their cytotoxicities have been determined for different biological models including the in vitro growth inhibition of several human cancer cell lines. Very low acetogenin yield (< 0.1 g%) has been found previously in native phytobiomass, and we have now investigated the nonpredatory exploitation of the seeds as acetogenin sources characterizing the seed triacylglycerols (dominant fraction; > 90% of the whole lipid extracts) as potential valuable by-products.     

The Potential Energies of Cohesion of a Crystalline Organic Enantiomer and the Racemate; on the Energy for the Liquid Racemate [1]

The cohesion potential energy of the crystal of one enantiomer of ethyl 3-cyano-3-(3,4-dimethyloxyphenyl)-2,2,4-trimethylpentanoate, −47.7 ± 0.1 kJ mol⁻¹ (0–90°C), was found out from the heat of sublimation (123.2 ± 5.1 kJ mol⁻¹, 78.6°C) and the kinetic energies for the gas phase and the crystal. It was found that the entropy function of Debye’s theory of solids mathematically agreed with the vibrational entropy of the gas (variationally obtained), allowing to disclose the vibrational energy using the Debye energy function (E _vib 835.0 kJ mol⁻¹ (78.6°C), E ⁰ included). E _kin for the crystal (771.1 kJ mol⁻¹ (78.6°C)) was obtained by Debye’s theory with the experimental heat capacity. The cohesion energy represented a moderate part of the sublimation energy. The cohesion energy of the racemic crystal, −44.2 kJ mol⁻¹, was obtained by the heat of formation of the crystal in the solid state (3.0 kJ mol⁻¹, 83.3°C) and E _kin for the crystal (by Debye’s theory). The decrease in cohesion on formation of the crystal accounted for the energy of formation. The change in potential energy on liquefaction of the racemate from the gas state was disclosed obtaining added-up E _{vib + rot} for the liquid in the way as to E _vib for the gas, the Debye entropy function being increasedly suited for the liquid (E _{vib + rot} 763.4 kJ mol⁻¹ (115.4°C)). Positive ΔE _pot, 13.0 kJ mol⁻¹, arised from the increase in electronic energy (Δ _l ν_mean − 154.3 cm⁻¹, by the dielectric nature of the liquid), added to the cohesion energy.     

A new method for reversible immobilization of thiol biomolecules based on solid-phase bound thiolsulfonate groups

A new method for the reversible immobilization of thiol bimolecules, e.g., thiolpeptides and thiolproteins, to beaded agarose and other solid phases is reported. The method consists of an activation and a coupling step. The activation is based on oxidation of disulfides (or thiol groups via disulfides) present in a solid phase by hydrogen peroxide at moderately acidic pH. This oxidation leads to disulfide oxides (thiolsulfinate groups of which the majority are further oxidized to thiolsulfonate). The thiolsulfonate groups react easily with thiol compounds, which become immobilized via disulfide bonds. The pH range for thiol coupling is wide (pH 5-8), but for most thiols the reaction seems to proceed faster at pH>7. The stability of the reactive group to hydrolysis, especially at neutral and weakly acidic pH, is very high. The activated gel, therefore, can be stored as a suspension at pH 5 for extended periods. The method has been used to reversibly immobilize glutathione, β-galactosidase, alcohol dehydrogenase, urease, and papain, all with exposed thiol groups as well as thiolated bovine serum albumin and sweet-potato β-amylase. Depending on the thiol content of starting thiol-agarose, thiol-sulfonate-agarose derivatives with different binding capacities can be obtained. Thus, up to 5.0 mg (16 μmol) glutathione and 15 mg thiol-protein/mL gel derivative have been immobilized.