One-carbon chain extension of esters to alpha-chloroketones: a safer route without diazomethane

The reaction of a variety of methyl esters with dimethylsulfoxonium methylide at 0-25 degrees C affords the chain-extended beta-keto dimethylsulfoxonium ylides. Subsequent treatment with hydrogen chloride in THF proceeds with loss of DMSO to afford the corresponding alpha-chloroketones. This sequence has been utilized to convert the methyl esters of CBZ-protected alanine and valine to the anti N-protected alpha-amino epoxides, which are important pharmaceutical intermediates. When the same protocol is applied to BOC-protected phenylalanine methyl ester, epimerization occurs so that the use of a more reactive aryl ester is required. This chemistry provides a practical route to alpha-chloroketones that avoids the use of toxic and explosive diazomethane.     

Chemical modification of silica surface by immobilization of functional groups for extractive concentration of metal ions

Increased utilization of mechanically stable synthetic matrices particularly silica gel as a solid support and its surface modification either by impregnation of organic ligands directly or covalent grafting through spacer unit for extractive concentration of trace elements are highlighted in the present article. Experimental evidences for existence of surface silanol and its chemical nature have explored the idea of silica surface modification. Recent methods of development in functionalized silica synthesis by attachment of various ligands or organic reagents to the silica surface and techniques of characterization of the modified surface have been reported. Analytical applications of various modified silica surfaces, in particular, adsorption of trace elements taking separation and preconcentration into account from complex synthetic mixture as well as natural water is presented.     

Mixed micelles of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and chlorhexidine digluconate in aqueous solutions of isopropyl alcohol

The influence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) on the size and composition of the mixed micelles in mixtures of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CG) has been determined as a function of the composition of the systems. The addition of 0.5 M and 1.0 M IPA had little significant effect on the composition of the mixed micelles as determined both by analysis of critical micelle concentration (CMC) data using a theoretical treatment based on excess thermodynamic quantities and by an empirical treatment of conductivity data. Static and quasielastic light scattering measurements showed a progressive decrease of the aggregation number and hydrodynamic radius of TTAB micelles on addition of IPA, but minimal changes in the properties of the small CG aggregates. The results show that the micellar weight in the TTAB/CG/IPA solutions is determined by the ratio of the surfactants in the system and for each TTAB/CG ratio decreases on addition of IPA.     

o-hydroxylmethylphenylchalcogens: synthesis, intramolecular nonbonded chalcogen...OH interactions, and glutathione peroxidase-like activity

[Structure: see text]. The synthesis and characterization of a series of organochalcogen (Se, Te) compounds derived from benzyl alcohol 13 are described. The synthesis of the key precursor dichalcogenides 15, 22, and 29 was achieved by the ortho-lithiation route. Selenide 18 was obtained by the reaction of the dilithiated derivative 14 with Se(dtc)2. Oxidation of 15 and 22 with H2O2 afforded the corresponding cyclic ester derivatives 17 and 24, respectively. Oxidation of selenide 18 with H2O2 affords the spirocyclic compound 19. The presence of intramolecular interactions in dichalcogenides 15 and 22 has been proven by single-crystal X-ray studies. The cyclic compounds 17 and 19 have also been characterized by single-crystal X-ray studies. GP(X)-like antioxidant activity of selenium compounds has been evaluated by the coupled bioassay method. Density functional theory calculations at the mPW1PW91 level on ditelluride 22 have identified a fairly strong nonbonding interaction between the hydroxy oxygen and tellurium atom. The second-order perturbation energy obtained through NBO analysis conveys the involvement of n(O) --> sigma(Te-Te) orbital overlap in nonbonding interaction. Post wave function analysis with the Atoms in Molecules (AIM) method identified distinct bond critical point in 15 and 22 and also indicated that the nonbonding interaction is predominantly covalent. Comparison between diselenide 15 and ditelluride 22 using the extent of orbital interaction as well as the value of electron density at the bond critical points unequivocally established that a ditelluride could be a better acceptor in nonbonding interaction, when the hydroxy group acts as the donor.     

Tegoprens in anaerobic digestion of a mixture of cheese whey,poultry waste,and cattle dung for improved biomethanation

To obtain enriched methane content and improve the anaerobic digestion of a mixture of cattle dung, poultry waste, and cheese whey, the effect of various doses of Tegoprens: T-3012, T-3022, T-5842, T-5843, T-5851, T-5852 has been studied, in bench-scale digesters. Among them, Tegoprens 3022 showed more than a 45% increase in gas production with higher methane content.