Synthesis of N-methyl-3-aza[10] paracyclophane: A rigid analog of phenethylamine

The synthesis of N-methyl-3-aza[10]paracyclophane is reported which represents the first example of this ring system being formed via an acyloin reaction. This 3-aza[10]paraeyclophane ring system behaves physiochemically inbetween the normal [9]- and [10]paracyclophane ring systems. Reductive desulfurization of N-methyl-3-aza[10]paracyclophane-6-ethylene thioketal in ethanol provides a small amount of the title compound and an unexpected, ring-opened product, N-ethyl-N-methyl-p-heptylphenethylamine. A possible mechanism for the ring-opening process is suggested.     

Preparation and characterization of M(CH3)5 (M = Nb or Ta) and Ta(CH2C6H5)5 and evidence for decomposition by α-hydrogen atom abstraction

The preparations of Nb(CH₃)₅, Ta(CH₃)₅, and Ta(CH₂C₆H₅)₅ are reported in detail. The M(CH₃)₅ complexes decompose autocatalytically to give 3.4 ± 0.1 mol of methane and a non-hyclrolyzable residue with approximate composition MC_1–5H while Ta(CH₂C₆H₅)₅ decomposes in a non-autocatalytic manner to give ca. 2.6 mol of toluene per Ta. Decomposition of Nb(CD₃)₅ gave 96% CD₄ in diethyl ether while the toluene produced on decomposition of Ta(CD₂C₆H₅)₅ was at least 90%-d₃. An observed kinetic deuterium isotope effect of 2–3 in each case is evidence that an α-CH(D) bond is broken in a slow step of the decomposition. It is postulated that M(CH₃)₅ and Ta(CH₂C₆H₅)₅ decompose primarily by α-hydrogen atom abstraction though almost certainly in a complex, possibly intermolecular fashion in the case of M(CH₃)₅. In neither case (R = CH₃ or CH₂C₆H₅) was there evidence for significant homolytic cleavage of the metalcarbon bond to give free alkyl radicals.     

Highly substituted pyridines via tethered imine-enamine (TIE) methodology

A tethered imine-enamine methodology has been developed for the direct conversion of 1,2,4-triazines into highly substituted pyridines via the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction which avoids the need for a discrete aromatisation step. This TIE methodology has also been applied in one pot reaction cascades involving 1,2,4-triazines and utilising MnO(2)-mediated tandem oxidation processes (TOPs).     

MODULATION OF 8-METHOXYPSORALEN-DNA PHOTOADDUCT FORMATION BY CELL DIFFERENTIATION, MITOGENIC STIMULATION AND PHORBOL ESTER EXPOSURE IN MURINE T LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract The effects of cell differentiation and mitogen and phorbol ester stimulation on the formation of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP)-DNA photoadducts in murine T lymphocytes were examined using ³H-8-MOP. While there were no significant differences in 8-MOP photoadduct formation among BALB/c thymocytes, splenocytes, splenic T cells and MRL/1pr lymph node cells, BALB/c bone marrow cells showed fewer photoadducts than did the lymphocytes. This suggested that proliferating progenitor cells may be resistant to 8-MOP photoadduct formation. Incubation of purified splenic T cells with lectin mitogens for 2 h or with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 2–43 h resulted in reduction of 8-MOP photoadduct formation in the DNA, whereas 64 h cultivation with these agents augmented the photoadduct formation. The reduction of photoadduct formation induced by phytohemagglutinin was restored by the further addition of a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, H-7, to the culture. Thus, it is assumed that the reduction of adduct formation evoked by mitogens and PMA is mediated in part by the activation of PKC in the cells. On the other hand, the augmentation of the adduct formation induced by the longer-period cultures with mitogens and PMA appeared to be caused by down-regulation of PKC. The present study showed that the stimulatory signals in which PKC is presumably involved affect the ability of cells to form 8-MOP-DNA photoadducts.     

Solid state radioluminescent lighting

We have demonstrated novel types of tritium-powered, solid-phase radioluminescent (RL) light sources. These lights include: (1) all-organic formulations comprised of polystyrene and fluorescent organic dyes; (2) polydimethylsiloxane-based systems incorporating inorganic phosphors; and (3) inorganic aerogel-based systems doped with phosphors. Three principal design consideration for these new RL lights are described. These include: (1) incorporation of tritium into the solid matrix; (2) molecular engineering to maximize light-output efficiency; and (3) strategies for increasing longevity. The advanced RL lights, which are of interest due to potential advantages in efficiency, brightness and safety, are being developed for emergency lighting uses and for battery and lighting applications in remote locations.     

Selenocysteine-mediated backbone cyclization of unprotected peptides followed by alkylation,oxidative elimination or reduction of the selenol

An unprotected 16 residue peptide containing a C-terminal thioester and an N-terminal selenocysteine residue efficiently cyclizes in the presence of thiophenol; subsequent reduction, elimination or alkylation of the selenol yields modified cyclic peptides with alanine, dehydroalanine or a non-natural amino acid at the site of ligation.     

Synthesis of substituted carbazoles by a vinylic to aryl palladium migration involving domino C-H activation processes

Substituted carbazoles are readily prepared in good yields by the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkynes and N-(3-iodophenyl)anilines. This process proceeds by carbopalladation of the alkyne, heteroatom-directed vinylic to aryl palladium migration, and ring closure involving two consecutive C-H activation processes. The process has also been expanded to the synthesis of an indole. [Structure: see text]     

Regio- and stereoselective oxetane formation via paterno-buchi photocycloaddition

Carbonyl 2 + 2 photoaddition occurs selectively to the alkene moiety of 3-(4-methyl-3-pentenoxy)pyridine. Photolysis of alkene containing pyridines in acetophenone gives rise to an oxetane which is obtained with extremely high diastereoselectivity as shown by analysis of the major 2 + 2 photoproduct. A second photoproduct, 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-diphenylbutane, is obtained as a result of acetophenone coupling.     

Improved detection of multi-phosphorylated peptides in the presence of phosphoric acid in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

In contrast to lower phosphorylation states (e.g. the tryptic monophosphopeptide FQpSEEQQQTEDELQDK from bovine beta-casein), the specific detection of multi-phosphorylated peptides (e.g. the tetraphosphopeptide RELEELNVPGEIVEpSLpSpSpSEESITR from tryptic digestion of bovine beta-casein) has often been problematic for liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC/MS) analysis owing to their high affinity for adsorption to exposed surfaces. We observed an enhancement in the overall detection of phosphopeptides on addition of phosphoric acid (0.1-1.0%) to the sample solution; a 10-fold increase in sensitivity was determined for the detection of two tryptic phosphopeptides and also a significant improvement in the detection of the tetraphosphopeptide. Using capillary LC with ion trap tandem MS for detection and identification, the achievable detection limits were 50 fmol and 50 pmol for the monophosphopeptide and the tetraphosphopeptide, respectively. Phosphoric acid is believed to act as a blocking agent to available silanol groups on both the silica capillary surface and the C(18)-bonded stationary phase silica surface.     

Fluorescence polarization assays in signal transduction discovery

Fluorescence polarization (FP) has become widely employed for high throughput screening used in pharmaceutical drug discovery. Assays of important signal transduction targets are now adapted to FP. In this review we examine assays for cyclic adenosine monophosphate, phosphodiesterases, and protein kinases and phosphatases using FP competitive immunoassays and a direct enzymatic method called IMAP.