Cinnamoylphenethyl amides from Polygonum hyrcanicum possess anti-trypanosomal activity

A methanolic extract from aerial parts of Polygonum hyrcanicum (Polygonaceae) showed high activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 = 3.7 microg/mL). Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract resulted in isolation of cinnamoylphenethyl amides, including N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (1), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine (7), and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (8) as the main active constituents (IC50s ranging from 2.2 to 13.3 microM). Some structurally related, but less active compounds, such as cannabisin B (2), tyrosol (3), p-coumaric acid (4), ferulic acid (5), and N-cis-feruloyltyramine (6) were also identified, along with N-trans-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyldopamine (9). Cytotoxicity of the active compounds in L6 cells was determined, and selectivity indices (SI) of 7.9 to 33.4 were calculated.     

Transmission gaps in one-dimensional Fibonacci quasiperiodic structure containing epsilon-negative materials

We investigate the transmission properties of one-dimensional Fibonacci quasiperiodic structure consisting of dispersive and lossless epsilon-negative (ENG) materials. It is found that for both TE and TM polarizations with normal and oblique incidences, there exist transmission gaps which are invariant with a change of scale and sensitive to incident angles. Analytical methods based on transfer matrices and effective medium theory have been used to explain the properties of transmission gaps.     

Assessing the equation of state and comparing it with other relationships used for determining the surface tension of solids

Some facts regarding the equation of state (EQS) in calculating the surface tension of solids by means of contact angle measurements were manifested. In the present investigation, it was mathematically proved that the surface tension of a solid as estimated by the EQS is in fact equivalent to the Zisman critical surface tension for that same solid. Additionally, the applicability of the EQS's approach in attaining the surface tension of powdered solids by the aid of the capillary rise procedure is also discussed and its limitations are clarified. Furthermore, a methodology was devised so that the surface tension of solids as determined by the EQS could be compared with those calculated by approaches using components of surface tension. This methodology revealed that the applications of approaches based on the geometric mean (i.e. Owens/Wendt and van Oss et al. relationships) are restricted to achieving only high surface tensions of solids.     

DBU: An Efficient Base Catalyst for Synthesis of the New Oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine Derivatives

New types of oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines were synthesized via 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene-catalyzed heteroannulation of 2-substituted 5-amino-4-cyano-1,3-oxazoles with various isothiocyanates.     

Pentafluorophenylammonium triflate: A highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives in water

A simple, inexpensive, environmentally friendly and efficient route for the rapid and efficient synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives using pentafluorophenylammonium triflate (PFPAT) as a catalyst is described. Various quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent yields. The preparation of PFPAT catalyst from simple and readily available starting materials makes this method more affordable.     

(NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O as an Efficient,Selective, and Reusable Catalyst for the Oxidation of Thiols to Disulfides Using Potassium Bromate

Abstract

Ammonium molybdate, (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4H₂O, is found to be an efficient and selective catalyst for the oxidation of thiols to corresponding disulfides using potassium bromate in aqueous acetonitrile as the solvent. Among various solvents tested, CH₃CN/H₂O showed better results in terms of the reaction yield and rate. In the absence of (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4H₂O, the oxidation reaction is not selective for the formation of disulfides. The catalyst can be easily recovered after completion of the reaction and reused without any significant loss of its activity.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfer, and Silicon and the Related Elements for the following free supplemental files: Additional text and figures.]     

Nanocrystalline cellulose-reinforced composite mats for lithium-ion batteries: electrochemical and thermomechanical performance

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)-reinforced poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) composite mats have been prepared by electrospinning method. Polymer electrolytes formed by activating the composite mats with 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide/1-butyl-3-methypyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide electrolyte solution. The addition of 2 wt% NCC in PVdF-HFP improved the electrolyte retention and storage modulus of the separator by 63 and 15 %, respectively. The developed electrolyte demonstrated high value of ionic conductivity viz. 4?×?10^?4?S?cm^?1 at 30 °C. Linear scan voltammetry revealed a wide electrochemical stability of the composite mat separator up to 5 V (vs. Li⁺/Li). Cyclic voltammetry of the polymer electrolyte with a graphite electrode in 2.5 to 0 V (vs. Li⁺/Li) potential range showed a reversible intercalation/de-intercalation of Li⁺ ions in the graphite. No peaks were observed related to the reduction of the electrolyte on the anode.     

Determination of pesticide residues in peaches by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometric detection

ABSTRACT

A multi-residue method using selected ion monitoring mode GC-MSD has been developed for the quantitative analysis of 30 widely used pesticides in fresh peaches produced in Swat Malakand, Pakistan. The planned methodology involved a sample extraction procedure using liquid-liquid partition with acetonitrile followed by a clean-up step based on solid-phase extraction (SPE). Method validation was performed in accordance with European Union guidelines. The European Union criteria (recovery 70–120%, RSD <20%) were met for majority of pesticides. For most of the pesticides, signal-to-noise ratios were good and background-corrected mass spectra often contained sufficient diagnostic to enable identity and confirmation. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range 0.01–1.0 mg/kg. The above method was successfully applied to the analysis of peach samples (n = 30) from the field. Pesticide concentration in real peach samples was compared with the maximum residue levels (MRLs). Pesticide residues were detected in 73% of the peach samples. Most frequent residues were metalaxyl, α-cypermethrin, azoxystrobin, dimethoate, tebuconazol, λ-cyhalothrin and spiromesifin in peach samples.     

Oxalic acid as a simple and efficient organocatalyst for three-component synthesis ofα-amino nitriles

A simple,efficient,and general method has been developed for the synthesis ofα-amino nitriles.Oxalic acid as a BrФnsted acid promotes the addition of TMSCN to various imines(generated in situ).