Two types of intramolecular addition of an Al-N multiple-bonded monomer LAlNAr' arising from the reaction of LAl with N3Ar' (L = HC[(CMe)(NAr)]2, Ar' = 2,6-Ar2C6H3, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3)

The reaction of beta-diketiminated aluminum(I) monomer LAl with a large bulky azide N3Ar' (L = HC(CMeNAr)2, Ar' = 2,6-Ar2C6H3, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) in the temperature range from -78 degrees C to room temperature affords two different isomers 2 and 3, which have been characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray structural analyses, as well as elemental analysis. The variable-temperature 1H NMR kinetic studies of this reaction indicate the existence of the monomer LAlNAr' (1) at low temperature and the thermal stability of the compounds increases in the order of 1 < 2 < 3.     

Optimized separation of scopoletin and umbelliferone and cis-trans isomers of ferulic and p-coumaric acids by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A systematic optimization strategy for reverse-phase h.p.l.c. is used to produce complete separation of all components of a mixture containing two coumarins, umbelliferone and scopoletin, and the cis-trans isomers of two cinnamic acids, p-coumaric and ferulic. A series of experiments gives retention time data for each of these substances in four citric acid-buffered mobile phases. A mathematical model fitted to this data gives model parameters that provide the basis for a window diagram of relative retentions vs. mobile phase pH. The window diagram gives an estimate of the mobile phase pH required for optimum separation.     

Multisample probe for fast-atom bombardment / mass spectrometry

An inexpensive multisample fast-atom bombardment (FAB) probe assembly was designed for high-throughput analysis of samples on a VG ZAB-SE mass spectrometer. The system consists of a vacuum lock system and a FAB probe whose tip contains five or more sample wells. The probe enters the mass spectrometer source region perpendicular to the secondary ion beam axis, The probe is maintained at high voltage on contact with a spring clip attached to the screen plate of the source block. Sample throughput with the multisample probe is twice that of a coaxial probe, with about twice the sensitivity and no sample cross contamination.     

Triazine chemistry VIII. 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazines

2,5-Dihydro-5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine and some of its alkylated derivatives have been prepared. Nmr spectroscopic analysis has established that the 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo tautomers are preferred over the 4,5-dihydro-5-oxo ones. This preference, and the behavior of 1,2,4-triazines in some other chemical reactions has been interpreted in terms of electron-electron repulsions between the lone pairs of electrons of N₁ and N₂ in this ring system.     

Efficient synthesis of p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl)benzene

Selective, high yield partial fluorination of p-bis-(trichloromethyl)benzene to p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl)benzene has been accomplished by warming a slurry of the p-bis-(trichloromethyl)benzene in anhydrous HF which also contains a small quantity of inert solvent, such as 1,2-dichloroethane.     

Partition and binding constants in micelles and vesicles from fluorescence quenching data

A method of analysing steady-state fluorescence quenching in compartmentalized systems is proposed which allows the evaluation of partition and binding constants where both association processes occur simultaneosly. The number of binding sites is shown to be dependent on the nature of the quencher.     

Simplex optimization of the separation of phospholipids by high-pressure liquid chromatography

A simplex procedure is shown to be an efficient approach for solving separation problems. The best solvent ratio for the separation of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin has been found by means of a two-dimensional simplex capable of expansion and contraction. A successful high-pressure liquid chromatography separation of lysophosphatidylcholine, phoaphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidic acid was achieved with a 180-cm column packed with Corasil II and a solvent mixture of chloroform—methanol—ammonia (50.0:35.9:7.0, v/v/v).     

Solubility of carbazole in binary chloroalkane + dibutyl ether solvent mixtures

Solubilities are reported for carbazole in three binary chloroalkane + dibutyl ether solvent mixtures at 25°C. Results of these measurements are compared with solution models developed for solubility in systems containing specific solute-solvent interactions. A simple model based on a single 1:1 carbazole:dibutyl ether complex described the solubility data, though the calculated equilibrium constant was about one-half of values published previously. A more sophisticated solution model, which assumes both carbazole:dibutyl ether and carbazole:chloroalkane complexes, was needed to thermodynamically describe the systems studied. Equilibrium constants for three presumed carbazole:chloroalkane complexes are calculated from measured carbazole solubilities.     

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.     

Four levels of pattern recognition

Problems of pattern recognition in chemistry and other subjects can be divided conveniently into four different types depending on the level of scope of the problem.(1) Classification into one of a number of defined classes. As an example blood samples taken from persons known to be either controls or welders are considered. The problem is whether trace element concentrations in these samples contain information on whether or not a person is a welder.(2) Level 1 plus the possibility that an object is an outlier, i.e. does not belong to any of the defined classes. As an example, the üse of ¹³C-n.m.r. data to decide whether 2-substituted norbornanes have the exo or endo structure is discussed. (2A) Level 2, asymmetric. This situation occurs when one class does not have a systematic structure, but another class is homogeneous and can be described by a level 2 model. This occurs in the classification of materials or compounds as good or bad, active or inactive, and in binary classifications. As an example the use of trace element data to classify steel samples as having good or poor properties of strength is discussed.(3) Level 2 plus the ability to relate the variables measured to external properties of continuous character. As an example, the classification of a series of chemical compounds as β -receptor blockers, β -receptor stimulants, or neither, on the basis of their structural variables is discussed. In addition, relations between these structural variables and the measured biological activity are sought within each of the two classes.(4) Level 3 with the difference that several external property variables in the objects are measured. It may be desirable to use variables of the objects both for classification and for relations to several property variables: such examples are numerous in analytical chemistry.