Development of a routine method for the simultaneous confirmation and determination of clenbuterol in urine by minimal labeling isotope pattern deconvolution and GC-EI-MS

A novel and fast routine method for the simultaneous determination and confirmation of clenbuterol in bovine and human urine samples by gas chromatography electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) has been developed. The method employs isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and is based on a combination of minimal labeling (a single ¹³C label in the molecule) and isotope pattern deconvolution (IPD). This new methodology does not require the construction of a methodological calibration graph, and was compared with the classical IDMS procedure employed in clenbuterol analysis based on the use of a deuterated compound as internal standard (d₉-clenbuterol) and a calibration curve. The sample preparation consists of simple extraction with dichloromethane, which was dried and derivatized with chloro(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane, generating a cyclic dimethylsilamorpholine (DMS) derivative suitable for GC(EI)MS detection and identification. This compound produces five intense ions in the electron ionization source, which allow the presence of clenbuterol to be confirmed in just one analysis, as demanded by European Union directives. The accuracy of the method was studied by performing recovery experiments at different concentration levels (from 0.3 to 5 ng g⁻¹) in 5 mL bovine urine samples using two labeled compounds: an in-house-synthesized ¹³C₁-clenbuterol and a commercially available d₉-clenbuterol. The detection limit of the method in human urine was 0.050 ng g⁻¹ with a sample volume of 10 mL, and is thus suitable for antidoping control purposes. Finally, the ¹³C₁-clenbuterol standard was employed for the determination of clenbuterol in two reference materials, BCR-503 and BCR-504 (lyophilized bovine urine). The concentrations obtained were in agreement with the certified values, with a reproducibility of below 1% RSD.     

Synthesis of ferrocene-substituted 2-azetidinones.

The photochemical reaction of alkoxychromium(0)carbene complexes and ferrocene mono- and disubstituted imines formed 2-azetidinones having one or two ferrocene moieties in good yields. Yields decrease when the carbene moiety bears an aminoferrocene moiety attached to the carbene carbon, while complex 9 having the ferrocene directly bonded to the carbene carbon was totally inert in these reactions. Access to beta-lactams with the ferrocene tethered to the C3 position through a methylene group was gained using the lithium enolate derived from ethyl 3-ferrocenylpropanoate. The reaction of this enolate produced two unexpected processes. Thus, 2-azetidinone 15 having an hydroxyl group at the C3 position was obtained together with the expected beta-lactam 14, by reaction of the lithium enolate of ethyl 3-ferrocenylpropenoate and imine 1. Additionally, unsaturated amide 17 was obtained by base-promoted Hoffmann-like breakage of the beta-lactam ring formed in the reaction of the same enolate and imine 2. Oxidation of the anion at the C3 of the 2-azetidinone ring on compound 14, as well as the sterically driven ring-breakage of the C3 anion derived from the nonisolated 2-azetidinone 18, should be responsible for this behavior.     

Nitrate Anion Recognition in Organic–Aqueous Solvent Mixtures by a Bis(triazolium)acridine‐Containing [2]Rotaxane

The synthesis of a novel [2]rotaxane host system containing a bis(triazolium)acridine‐based axle component is reported. ¹H NMR anion‐binding titrations reveal that the rotaxane is able to recognise selectively the NO₃^? anion over a range of more basic oxoanions (AcO^?, HCO₃^? and H₂PO₄^?) in a competitive organic–aqueous solvent mixture.     

Simple strategy for the optimization of solid-phase extraction procedures through the use of solid-liquid distribution coefficients application to the determination of aliphatic lactones in wine

A practical strategy for the optimization of solid-phase extraction (SPE) systems is presented. Critical SPE volumes (sample loaded, rinsing and elution solvent) are calculated from solid–liquid extraction coefficients and from basic bed parameters determined in simple experiments, using the Lövkist Jonsson model and other expressions derived from the general theory of chromatography. The agreement between calculated and measured volumes is satisfactory, which makes it possible to consider different sorbents and rinsing and elution solvents in the SPE optimization with a relatively low experimental effort. The strategy has been successfully applied to the optimization of a SPE method directed to the selective extraction of aliphatic lactones from wine. Six different reversed-phase sorbents were studied and the one showing maximum extraction selectivity was selected. Wine (50 ml) is extracted in a 200 mg cartridge filled with Bond Elut-ENV resins. Interferences are removed with 20 ml of methanol–water (40:60) with 1% NaHCO₃. Elution is carried out with 1.8 ml of dichloromethane. The extract is concentrated to 0.15 ml and analyzed by GC–ion trap MS. Eight odor-active aliphatic γ and δ lactones (with 8–12 C atoms) from wine are recovered (R>75%) in an extract free from wine major volatiles. Detection limits are in the 40–300 ng/l range, well below the odor detection threshold of these compounds. Linearity (r²>0.996) and precision (average R.S.D. 3.5%) are satisfactory in all cases. The levels in wine of some of these lactones (γ-octa, undeca and dodecalactones) are reported by first time and results demonstrate that can be present at concentrations above or close to their corresponding odor thresholds.     

Inorganic solids for dual magnesium and sodium battery electrodes

Despite the success of lithium-ion batteries, recognized through the award of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the forecast of a wide application of these systems to avoid the use of fossil fuels and their effect on global warming has raised doubts about their safety, sustainability, and performance. To make a post-lithium era possible, other reducing metals are investigated. While sodium shows certain analogies with lithium, some advantages with respect to its abundance and availability or the lack of Al alloy that could substantially reduce production costs make sodium-ion batteries a good alternative, particularly for stationary applications. On the other hand, other abundant multivalent elements such as Mg can provide even higher energy densities. The possibility of using dual ions can be a strategy to get the best of each element in a synergistic battery system. Dual Na⁺/Mg²⁺ systems have been considered a potential option by different researchers. In this review, we shall discuss different results on dual-metal-ion systems studied in our laboratory, particularly vanadium oxides and phosphates and layered manganese oxides.

Graphical abstract

     

A straightforward route to obtain C1-labeled clenbuterol

Singly-labeled ¹³C₁-clenbuterol has been synthesized employing a straightforward pathway starting from easily available acetanilide. The critical step was the Friedel-Crafts acylation of this compound with marked acetyl chloride, being the first example of the use of this methodology applied to the synthesis of a clenbuterol derivative. Subsequent chemical reactions afforded the desired product with good yields.     

Mixed Halide Tin(IV) Complexes with NN-dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide

By oxidative-addition reactions of Br₂ and I₂ to SnCl₂ in the presence of NN-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), the mixed halide complexes SnCl₂Br₂L₂ (L ? DMF, DMSO) and SnCl₂I₂(DMSO)₂ are obtained. The IR, Raman and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectra suggest that the ligands coordinate in cis position through the oxygen atom, a C₁ symmetry being found for SnCl₂I₂(DMSO)₂. SnCl₂Br₂(DMSO)₂ crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with two molecules per unit cell. The lattice constants are a = 752.4, b = 1350.6, c = 820.3 pm, α = 89.60, β = 117.31 and γ = 90.83°. 2317 independent observed reflexions were used for refinement: R = 8.4%. The structure is disordered and our results are again consistent with a C₁ molecular symmetry. Mixtures of products were obtained by reaction of SnCl₂ with I₂ in the presence of DMF and by reaction of SnBr₂ with I₂ in the presence of DMSO.     

Experimental observations on the competing effect of tetrahydrofuran and an electrolyte and the strength of hydrate inhibition among metal halides in mixed CO2 hydrate equilibria

In the present work, experimental data on the equilibrium conditions of mixed CO₂ and THF hydrates in aqueous electrolyte solutions are reported. Seven different electrolytes (metal halides) were used in this work namely sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), potassium bromide (KBr), sodium fluoride (NaF), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium bromide (NaBr). All equilibrium data were measured by using Cailletet apparatus. Throughout this work, the overall concentration of CO₂ and THF were kept constant at (0.04 and 0.05) mol fraction, respectively, while the concentration of electrolytes were varied. The experimental temperature ranged from (275 to 305) K and pressure up 7.10 MPa had been applied. From the experimental results, it is concluded that THF, which is soluble in water is able to suppress the salt inhibiting effect in the range studied. In all quaternary systems studied, a four-phase hydrate equilibrium line was observed where hydrate (H), liquid water (L_W), liquid organic (L_V), and vapour (V) exist simultaneously at specific pressure and temperature. The formation of this four-phase equilibrium line is mainly due to a liquid–liquid phase split of (water + THF) mixture when pressurized with CO₂ and the split is enhanced by the salting-out effect of the electrolytes in the quaternary system. The strength of hydrate inhibition effect among the electrolytes was compared. The results shows the hydrate inhibiting effect of the metal halides is increasing in the order NaF < KBr < NaCl < NaBr < CaCl₂ < MgCl₂. Among the cations studied, the strength of hydrate inhibition increases in the following order: K⁺ < Na⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mg²⁺. Meanwhile, the strength of hydrate inhibition among the halogen anion studied decreases in the following order: Br^? > Cl^? > F^?. Based on the results, it is suggested that the probability of formation and the strength of ionic–hydrogen bond between an ion and water molecule and the effects of this bond on the ambient water network are the major factors that contribute to hydrate inhibition by electrolytes.     

Determination of pharmaceuticals in soils and sediments by pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The present work describes the development of a sensitive analytical method based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and pre-concentration by solid-phase extraction (SPE), followed by liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS) for the determination of seventeen pharmaceuticals in soils and sediments. The method is based on sample homogenisation using Na₂–EDTA washed sand and extraction with water at 90 °C. Special emphasis was placed on the optimization of the extraction procedure to develop a green method that reduces, at a maximum, the use of organic solvents in order to eliminate matrix components during the clean-up. The proposed method was linear in a concentration range from 0.3 to 333 ng g⁻¹, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.993. Method detection (MDLs) and quantification (MQLs) limits ranged from 0.1 to 6.8 ng g⁻¹ and from 0.25 to 23 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Absolute recoveries were analyte dependent, varying between 50% and 105% at the MQL level, except for fenofibrate (40%) and diclofenac (34%). The intra-day and inter-day precision was given by RSD values from 0.7% to 7.9% and from 1.6% to 14.5%, respectively. Acetaminophen, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, clofibric acid, codeine, diazepam, fenofibrate, metropolol, ofloxacin and propanolol were detected at concentrations from MDL to 35.62 ng g⁻¹ in soils and sediments from marsh areas. Due to the low recoveries, results for fenofibrate and diclofenac can only be considered as semi-quantitative. The method was fully suitable for the other 15 pharmaceuticals.     

Pd(II)-catalyzed deprotection of acetals and ketals containing acid sensitive functional groups

The pincer complex [Pd(C¹,O¹,N¹-L)(NCMe)]ClO₄ (L = monoanionic ligand resulting from deprotonation of the acetyl group of the dimethyl monoketal of 2,6-diacetylpyridine) is used for the high-yield and selective catalytic hydrolysis of aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic, and acyclic dimethyl-acetals, -ketals, and dioxolanes, even in the presence of large substituents. Other protecting groups, such as THP or TBDMS, or very acid-sensitive alcohols were not affected. The catalyst is easily prepared in high yield from Pd(AcO)₂ and 2,6-diacetylpyridinium perchlorate stable to air and moisture, easily and fully recoverable and reusable.