Molecular dynamics simulations of the mononuclear zinc-beta-lactamase from Bacillus cereus complexed with benzylpenicillin and a quantum chemical study of the reaction mechanism

Herein, we present results from MD simulations of the Michaelis complex formed between the B. cereus zinc-beta-lactamase enzyme and benzylpenicillin. The structural and dynamical effects induced by substrate-binding, the specific role of the conserved residues, and the near attack conformers of the Michaelis complex are discussed. Quantum chemical methods (HF/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-31G*) are also applied to study the hydrolysis reaction of N-methylazetidinone catalyzed by a monozinc system consisting of the side chains of the histidine residues (His86, His88, and His149) complexed with Zn-OH and the side chains of Asp90 and His210. From this model system, we built molecular-mechanics representations of the prereactive complex and transition state configurations docked into the active site. Linear-scaling semiempirical calculations coupled with a continuum solvent model were then performed on these static models. We propose that the experimental rate data for the B. cereus enzyme is compatible with a one-step mechanism for the hydrolysis of beta-lactam substrates in which His210 acts as a proton donor.     

Annulative π-extension of BODIPYs made easy via gold(i)-catalyzed cycloisomerization

Here we report gold(i)-catalyzed cycloisomerization as a new powerful synthetic tool for the preparation of π-extended BODIPY derivatives. The catalytic system PPh^F₃AuCl/AgSbF₆ enables the synthesis of [b]-[2,1]naphtho-fused-BODIPYs (2a–2c) under mild conditions, in excellent yields and short reaction times. The reaction is totally regioselective to the 6-endo-dig product and for the α-position of the BODIPY, which is both the kinetically and thermodynamically favored pathway, as supported by the free energy profile calculated by means of Density Functional Theory (DFT). Moreover, this methodology also allows the synthesis of two new families of [b]-aryl-fused-BODIPYs, namely, [3,4]phenanthro- (2e and 2f) and [1,2]naphtho-fused (2g) BODIPYs. Their molecular and electronic structures were established by NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. As can be noted from the X-ray structures, 2a, 2e and 2g present interesting structural differences at both the molecular and packing level. Interestingly, despite being isomers, the UV/vis spectra of 2a and 2g revealed significant differences in their electronic structures. The origin of this finding was studied by Time-Dependent DFT calculations. Calculated DFT Nuclear Independent Chemical Shift (NICS(0)) values also supported the different electronic structures of 2a and 2g.

Here we report gold(i)-catalyzed cycloisomerization as a new powerful synthetic tool for the preparation of π-extended BODIPY derivatives.     

NADH Electrooxidation Using Bis(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) (2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-Exchanged Zirconium Phosphate Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes

We present a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified using the electron mediator bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione)(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺) exchanged into the inorganic layered material zirconium phosphate (ZrP). X‐Ray powder diffraction showed that the interlayer distance of ZrP increases upon [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ intercalation from 10.3 Å to 14.2 Å. The UV‐vis and IR spectroscopies results showed the characteristic peaks expected for [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺. The UV‐vis spectrophotometric results indicate that the [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ concentration inside the ZrP layers increased as a function of the loading level. The exchanged [Ru(phend)₂bpy]²⁺ exhibited luminescence even at low concentration. Modified CPEs were constructed and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry. The intercalated mediator remained electroactive within the layers (E°′=–38.5 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, 3.5 M NaCl) and electrocatalysis of NADH oxidation was observed. The kinetics of the modified CPE shows a Michaelis–Menten behavior. This CPE was used for the oxidation of NADH in the presence of Bakers' yeast alcohol dehydrogenase. A calibration plot for ethanol is presented.     

Polychlorinated polyamides. II. Synthesis and characterization of polyamides derived from 2, 5-dichloroterephthaloyl dichloride and perchloroterephthaloyl dichloride

New thermally stable polyamides were prepared by interfacial polymerization of the title compounds and various aliphatic and aromatic diamines. The polymers were characterized by infrared spectrometry, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The molecular weights of the polymers were estimated by viscosity measurements. The influence of the halogen content on the thermal properties and degree of polymerization of the polymers was studied. One of the polyamides was fractionated to determine the degree of polydispersity.     

The crystal structure of eudesma-4(15),7(11)-dien-8α, 12-olide: a sesquiterpene lactone fromTrattinickia rhoifolia Willd

The title compound, formula C₁₅H₂₀O₂, is orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁ witha=8.747(2),b=12.025(3),c=12.554(3)Å,Z=4, andD _m =1.32(2)g/ml. The structural analysis shows that the compound corresponds to eudesma-4(15),7(11)-dien-8,12-olide, a sesquiterpene lactone previously isolated fromAster umbellatus but whose crystal structure was unknown.     

Influence of samarium on the electrocatalytic activity of platinum electrodes for the hydrogenation of benzene

The hydrogenation of benzene on platinum electrodes in 0.5 M sulfuric acid as supporting electrolyte has been studied in the presence and the absence of samarium in solution. The hydrogenation overpotential of preadsorbed benzene was diminished to 90 mV with samarium in the solution and the hydrogenation current was significatively increased. These results are interpreted in terms of a synergic effect of samarium on hydrogen adsorption and, consequently, on the electrocatalytic activity of the platinum electrode for the hydrogenation of benzene.