Acridinone-based anion receptors and sensors

The interaction of a variety of acridinone derivatives containing hydrogen-bond donor groups in the 4- and 5-positions with anions demonstrate the potential of this new scaffold in anion receptor and sensor design.     

Dynamic metal-ligand coupling in the infrared MCD spectra of the cobalt(II) tetrahalides

The axial single-crystal magnetic circular dichroism spectra of Cs₃ZnCl₅/Co²⁺ and Cs₃ZnBr₅/Co²⁺ have been measured over the 4000–7000 cm^?1 region of the ⁴A₂ → ⁴T₁ (F) transition at ambient and liquid-helium temperature. The B/D and C/D terms obtained give transition moment ratios, 〈t₂∥m∥t₂〉/〈e∥m∥t₂〉, in accord with the value required (?3^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}/2^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) by a dynamic ligand-polarisation model for d-electron transition probabilities in tetrahedral metal complexes.     

An approach to developing a force field for molecular simulation of martensitic phase transitions between phases with subtle differences in energy and structure

d,l-Norleucine is one of only a few molecules whose crystals exhibit a martensitic or displacive-type phase transformation where the emerging phase shows a topotaxial relationship with the parent phase. The molecular mechanism for such phase transformations, particularly in molecular crystals, is not well understood. Crystalline phases that exhibit displacive phase transitions tend to be very similar in structure and energy. Consequently, the development of a force field for such phases is challenging as the phase behavior is determined by subtle differences in their lattice energies and entropies. We report an approach for developing a force field for such phases with an application to d,l-norleucine. The proposed procedure includes calculation of the phase diagram of the crystalline phases as a function of temperature to identify the best force field. d,l-Norleucine also presents an additional problem since in the solid state it exists as a zwitterion that is unstable in vacuo and therefore cannot be characterized using high-level ab initio calculations in the gas phase. However, a stable zwitterion could be obtained using Onsager's reaction-field continuum model for a solvent (SCRF) using both Hartree-Fock and density functional theory. A number of force fields and the various sets of partial charges obtained from the SCRF calculations were screened for their ability to reproduce the crystal structures of the two known phases, alpha and beta, of d,l-norleucine. Selected parameter sets were then employed in free energy minimizations to identify the best set on the basis of a correct prediction of the alpha-beta phase transition. The Williams' nonbonded parameters combined with partial charges from SCRF-Polarized Continuum Model calculation were found to reproduce the structures of the phases accurately and also maintained their stability in extended molecular dynamics simulations in the Parrinello-Rahman constant stress ensemble. Moreover, we were also able to successfully simulate the phase transformation of the beta- to the alpha-phase. The identified force field should enable detailed studies of the phase transformations exhibited by crystals of d,l-norleucine and hence enhance our understanding of martensitic-type transformations in molecular crystals.     

Catecholamine release from cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in the presence of 60-Hz magnetic fields

Effects of powerline frequency (50/60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields on the central nervous system may involve altered neurotransmitter release. This possibility was addressed by determining whether 60-Hz linearly polarized sinusoidal magnetic fields (MFs) alter the release of catecholamines from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, a well-characterized model of neural-type cells. Dishes of cells were placed in the center of each of two four-coil Merritt exposure systems that were enclosed within mu-metal chambers in matched incubators for simultaneous sham and MF exposure. Following 15-min MF exposure of the cells to flux densities of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 2 mT, norepinephrine and epinephrine release were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrochemical detection. No significant differences in the release of either norepinephrine or epinephrine were detected between sham-exposed cells and cells exposed to MFs in either the absence or presence of Bay K-8644 (2 microM) or dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 10 microM). Consistent with these null findings is the lack of effect of MF exposure on calcium influx. We conclude that catecholamine release from chromaffin cells is not sensitive to 60-Hz MFs at magnetic flux densities in the 0.01-2 mT range.     

Nitrophenyl derivatives of pyrrole 2,5-diamides: structural behaviour,anion binding and colour change signalled deprotonation

Two new pyrrole 2,5-diamide clefts have been synthesized containing 4-nitrophenyl or 3,5-dinitrophenyl groups appended to the amide positions. The 3,5-dinitrophenyl derivative has been shown to deprotonate in the presence of fluoride, which in acetonitrile solution, gives rise to a deep blue colour.     

Hexameric MnII Dendrimer as MRI Contrast Agent

A Mn^II chelating dendrimer was prepared as a contrast agent for MRI applications. The dendrimer comprises six tyrosine‐derived [Mn(EDTA)(H₂O)]^2? moieties coupled to a cyclotriphosphazene core. Variable temperature ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy revealed a single water co‐ligand per Mn^II that undergoes fast water exchange (k_ex=(3.0±0.1)×10⁸ s^?1 at 37 °C). The 37 °C per Mn^II relaxivity ranged from 8.2 to 3.8 mM ^?1 s^?1 from 0.47 to 11.7 T, and is sixfold higher on a per molecule basis. From this field dependence a rotational correlation time was estimated as 0.45(±0.02) ns. The imaging and pharmacokinetic properties of the dendrimer were compared to clinically used [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2? in mice at 4.7 T. On first pass, the higher per ion relaxivity of the dendrimer resulted in twofold greater blood signal than for [Gd(DTPA)(H₂O)]^2?. Blood clearance was fast and elimination occurred through both the renal and hepatobiliary routes. This Mn^II containing dendrimer represents a potential alternative to Gd‐based contrast agents, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease where the use of current Gd‐based agents may be contraindicated.     

A configurational and conformational study of aframodial and its diasteriomers via experimental and theoretical VA and VCD spectroscopies

In this work we present the experimental and theoretical vibrational absorption (VA) and the theoretical vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra for aframodial. In addition, we present the theoretical VA and VCD spectra for the diasteriomers of aframodial. Aframodial has four chiral centers and hence has 2⁴ = 16 diasteriomers, which occur in eight pairs of enantiomers. In addition to the four chiral centers, there is an additional chirality due to the helicity of the entire molecule, which we show by presenting 12 configurations of the 5S,8S,9R,10S enantiomer of aframodial. The VCD spectra for the diasteriomers and the 12 configurations of one enantiomer are shown to be very sensitive not only to the local stereochemistry at each chiral center, but in addition, to the helicity of the entire molecule. Here one must be careful in analyzing the signs of the VCD bands due to the ‘non-chiral’ chromophores in the molecule, since one has two contributions; one due to the inherent chirality at the four chiral centers, and one due to the chirality of the side chain groups in specific conformers, that is, its helicity. Theoretical simulations for various levels of theory are compared to the experimental VA recorded to date. The VCD spectra simulations are presented, but no experimental VCD and Raman spectra have been reported to date, though some preliminary VCD measurements have been made in Stephens’ lab in Los Angeles. The flexible side chain is proposed to be responsible for the small size of the VCD spectra of this molecule, even though the chiral part of the molecule is very rigid and has four chiral centers. In addition to VCD and Raman measurements, Raman optical activity (ROA) measurements would be very enlightening, as in many cases bands which are weak in both the VA and VCD, may be large in the Raman and/or ROA spectra. The feasibility of using vibrational spectroscopy to monitor biological structure, function and activity is a worthy goal, but this work shows that a careful theoretical analysis is also required, if one is to fully utilize and understand the experimental results. The reliability, reproduceability and uniqueness of the vibrational spectroscopic experiments and the information which can be gained from them is discussed, as well as the details of the computation of VA, VCD and Raman (and ROA) spectroscopy for molecules of the complexity of aframodial, which have multiple chiral centers and flexible side chains. Festschrift in Honor of Philip J. Stephens’ 65th Birthday.     

Cation recognition by new diester- and diamide-calix[4]arenediquinones and a diamide-benzo-15-crown-5-calix[4]arene

The synthesis, metal, ammonium and alkyl ammonium cation coordination chemistry and electrochemical recognition studies of new diester-and diamide-calix[4]arenediquinone receptors are described. In addition the synthesis and coordination properties of a novel diamide benzo-15-crown-5-calix[4]arene molecule is reported.This paper is dedicated to the commemorative issue on the 50th anniversary of calixarenes.