Phytochrome,the Visual Pigment of Plants

Plants require light for photosynthesis. In order to adapt to the light conditions in their particular habitat, they have developed various photoreceptor systems. Of these, phytochrome allows even two-color vision in the red/far-red region. The photoreceptor phytochrome is of interest not only to botanists, but also to natural product chemists, photochemists, biochemists, photobiologists, and recently molecular biologists. Despite numerous studies, there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge of this photoreceptor. This article first describes the basic structural studies of the tetrapyrrole chromophore and its photochemical cis–trans isomerization, which is the source of the chromoprotein's photochromism. In the section on the protein moiety, beside other topics, the domain structure of phytochrome and the conformational changes during phototransformation are discussed. Finally, the known phytochrome genes are used to derive phylogenetic relationships, and possible structure–function relationships are discussed.     

Renormalization group and high-temperature series for the two-dimensional ising model

We employ high-temperature series to investigate a two-parameter class of renormalization group transformations for the two-dimensional Ising model on the triangular lattice. For the static case we identify an optimal organization of the high-temperature expansion and an optimal transformation matrix and thus find, in second order, =0.96 and the magnetic eigenvaluey=2-/2=1.76.From recursion relations for flip rates we find the dynamic exponent to be the same for all transformations in our two-parameter class,z=2.32.Our fixed-point flip rates do not describe a Markov process even though the corresponding master equation for the single-event probability displays no explicit memory effects. The non-Markovian nature shows up only in a violation of the Markovian detailed balance conditions.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of both enantiomers of cispentacin

Based on the lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution of the silyloxyalcohol (1RS,2SR)-5 by transesterification with vinyl acetate in the presence of lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia a synthesis of both enantiomers of the β-amino acid cispentacin (1R,2S)-1 and (1S,2R)-1 using simple functional group interconversions is described.     

The rhodium complex of a tris(bipyridine) ligand—Its electrochemical behaviour and function as mediator for the regeneration of NADH from NAD+

The tris-bipyridine ligand3a and its stoichiometric Rh³⁺ complex have been prepared. Cyclovoltammograms of the complex at pH 7.4 using a glassy carbon disk electrode reveal a strong reduction peak at –620 mV and two weak reduction peaks at more negative voltage. The reduction potential of the new complex is shifted by 300 mV to more positive values as compared to [Rh(bipy)₃]³⁺. There is no reversible reoxidation peak of the Rh(I) complex formed due to the decomplexation of one of the three bipyridine units in the course of the transition Rh(III)Rh(I). The Rh(III) complex of3a was also studied with respect to its function as a possible redox mediator for the electrochemical regeneration of NADH from NAD⁺. The preparative electrolysis of the Rh³⁺ complex of3a in the presence of NAD⁺ yields a selective formation of NADH, whereas NAD dimers were not detected. On the other hand, a significant acceleration of this reaction compared to [Rh(bipy)₃]³⁺ was not observed.     

Molecules with Large Cavities in Supramolecular Chemistry

Supramolecular chemistry is a new area of research that has rapidly developed from pure synthetic chemistry, and its novelty has led to interdisciplinary cooperation between organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, and physics. Whereas molecular chemistry essentially deals with the covalent bonding of atoms, Supramolecular chemistry is predominantly involved in the study of the weaker intermolecular interactions resulting in the association and self-organization of several components to form larger aggregates (supramolecules). The first crown ether discovered by the subsequent Nobel prizewinner Pedersen was more the fortuitous reaction product of an impurity, but nowadays, some twenty-five years later, chemists are able to tailor host molecules to special requirements. Host compounds having a cyclophane skeleton make an important contribution, since their aromatic structural units ensure the necessary rigidity of the molecular structures and thereby improve the preorganization of the coordination sites for the cooperative binding of the guests. During the course of the rapid development of Supramolecular chemistry such a large number of synthetic hosts has been developed and their interaction with guests studied in such depth that we must restrict ourselves here to a discussion of a particular group of host compounds, namely cavity-supporting macrobicyclic and macrooligocyclic phanesu, which bear a similar relation to open-chain and monocyclic hosts as the metal-complexing cryptands to the podands and crown ethers. The molecular architecture of these three-dimensionally bridged macrooligocycles is a challenge for synthetic chemistry. (Not only the size and shape of the intramolecular cavity, but also the provision of the latter with suitable coordination centers have to be included in the synthesis strategy.) The capacity for the envelopment of guests from all sides and the expedient endo functionalization often also produce a particularly strong binding of host and guest, outstanding selectivities with regards to molecular recognition, and special properties of the Supramolecular complexes.     

POTENTIATION OF MEROCYANINE 540-MEDIATED PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY BY SALICYLATE and RELATED DRUGS

Abstract— Simultaneous exposure to merocyanine 540 (MC540) and light of a suitable wavelength kills leukemia, lymphoma and neuroblastoma cells but is relatively well tolerated by normal pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. This differential phototoxic effect has been exploited in preclinical models and a phase I clinical trial for the extracorporeal purging of autologous bone marrow grafts. Salicylate is known to potentiate the MC540-mediated photokilling of tumor cells. Assuming that salicylate induces a change in the plasma membrane of tumor cells (but not normal hematopoietic stem cells) that enhances the binding of dye molecules it has been suggested that salicylate may provide a simple and effective means of improving the therapeutic index of MC540-mediated photodynamic therapy. We report here on a direct test of this hypothesis in a murine model of bone marrow transplantation as well as in clonal cultures of normal murine hematopoietic progenitor cells. In both systems, salicylate enhanced the MC540-sensitized photoinactivation of leukemia cells and normal bone marrow cells to a similar extent and thus failed to improve the therapeutic index of MC540 significantly. On the basis of a series of dye-binding studies, we offer an alternative explanation for the potentiating effect of salicylate. Rather than invoking a salicylate-induced change in the plasma membrane of tumor cells, we propose that salicylate displaces dye molecules from serum albumin, thereby enhancing the concentration of free (active) dye available for binding to tumor as well as normal hematopoietic stem cells.     

Phosphinophosphiniden-Phosphorane tBu2P?P = P(R)tBu2 aus Li(THF)2[η2-(tBu2P)2P] und Alkylhalogeniden

The Phosphinophosphinidene-phosphoranes ^tBu₂P? P = P(R)^tBu₂ from Li(THF)₂[η²-(^tBu₂P)₂P] and Alkyl Halides We report the formation of ^tBu₂P? P = P(R)^tBu₂ a and (^tBu₂)₂PR b (with R = Me, Et, ⁿPr, ⁱPr, ⁿBu, PhCH₂, H₂C = CH? CH₂ and CF₃) reactions of Li(THF)₂[η²-(^tBu₂P)₂P] 2 with MeCl, MeI, EtCl, EtBr, ⁿPrCl, ⁿPrBr, ⁱPrCl, ⁿBuBr, PhCH₂Cl, H₂C = CH? CH₂Cl or CF₃Br. In THF solutions the ylidic compounds a predominate, whereas in pentane the corresponding triphosphanes b are preferrably formed. With ClCH₂? CH = CH₂ only b is produced; CF₃Br however yields both ^tBu₂P? P = P(Br)^tBu₂ and ^tBu₂P? P = P(CF₃)^tBu₂, but no b . The ratio of a:b is influenced by the reaction temperature, too. The compounds ^tBu₂P? P = P(Et)^tBu₂ 4a and (^tBu₂P)₂PEt 4 b , e. g., are produced in a ratio of 4:3 at ?70°C in THF, and 1:1 at 20°C; whereas 1:1 is obtained at ?70°C in pentane, and 1:2 at 20°C. Neither ^tBuCl nor H₂C = CHCl react with 2 . The compounds a decompose thermally or under UV irradiation forming ^tBu₂PR and the cyclophosphanes (^tBu₂P)_nP_n.     

Reaktionen des [(me3Si)2P]2PLi mit Chlorphosphanen

Reactions of [(me₃Si)₂P]₂PLi with Chlorophosphanes [(me₃Si)₂P]₂PLi 1 with (C₆H₅)₂PCl yields only a small amount of the expected [(me₃Si)₂P]₂P–P(C₆H₅)₂ 2 ; the main products are (me₃Si)₂P–P(C₆H₅)₂ 3 and (C₆H₅)₂P–P(C₆H₅)₂ 4 besides some (me₃Si)₃P 5 and (C₆H₅)₂P–Sime₃ 6. 3 and 4 result from the metallation of (C₆H₅)₂PCl by 1 t-buPCl₂ and 1 form the P₃-ring (me₃Si)(me₃C)P₃[P(Sime₃)₂] 9 as main product besides some [(me₃Si)₂P]₂P–Sime₃ 7 and 5. 9 is afforded by elimination of me₃SiCl, from the initially formed unstable [(me₃Si)₂P]₂P–P(Cl)Cme₃ 10 . Similarly 1 and PCl₃ yield mainly the P₃-ring (me₃Si)(Cl)P₃ · [P(Sime₃)₂] 11 due to elimination of me₃SiCl from [(me₃Si)₂P]₂P–PCl₂.     

Reaktionen von Silylphosphanen mit Schwefel

Reactions of Silylphosphines with Sulphur We report about reactions of Me₂P? SiMe₃ 2 , MeP(SiMe₃)₂ 3 , (Me₃Si)₃P 4 , P₂(SiMe₃)₄ 5 , and (Me₃Si)₃P₇ 1 with elemental sulphur. Without using a solvent 2 reacts very vigorously. The reactions with 3 and 4 show less reactivity which is even more reduced with 5 and 1 . With equivalent amounts of sulphur the reactions with 2 , 3 , 4 lead to compounds with highest content of sulphur. These compounds are Me₃SiS? P(S)Me₂ 9 from 2 , (Me₃SiS)₂P(S)Me 13 from 3 and (Me₃SiS)₃P(S) 16 from 4 . Besides, the by-products (Me₃Si)₂S 8 , P₂Me₄ 7 , and Me₂P(S)? P(S)Me₂ 11 can be obtained. The reactions of silylphosphines in a pentane solution run much slower so that the formation of intermediates can be observed. Reaction with 2 yields Me₃SiS? PMe₂ 6 and Me₂P(S)PMe₂ 10 , which lead to the final products in a further reaction with sulphur. From 3 (Me₃SiS)(Me₃Si)PMe 14 and (Me₃SiS)₂PMe 12 can be obtained which react with sulphur to (Me₃SiS)₂P(S)Me 13. 4 leads to the intermediates (Me₃SiS)(Me₃Si)₂P 18 , (Me₃SiS)₂(Me₃Si)P 17 , (Me₃SiS)₃P 15 yielding (Me₃SiS)₃P(S) 16 with excess sulphur. Depending on the molar ratio (P₂SiMe₃)₄ 5 reacts to (Me₃Si)₂P? P(SSiMe₃)(Sime₃), (Me₃SiS)(Me₃Si)P? P(SSiMe₃). (Diastereoisomer ratio 10:1), (Me₃SiS)₂P? P(SiMe₃)₂ and (Me₃SiS)₂P? P(SSiMe₃)(Sime₃). With the molar ratio 1:4 the reaction yields (Me₃SiS)₂P? P(SSiMe₃)₂ (main product), (Me₃SiS)₃P(S) and (Me₃SiS)₃P. All silylated silylphosphines tend to decompose under formation of (Me₃Si)₂S. (Me₃Si)₃P₇ reacts with sulphur at 20°C (15 h) under decomposition of the P₇-cage and formation of (Me₃SiS)₃P(S). The products of the reaction of 5 with sulphur in hexane solution (molar ratio more than 1:3) undergo readily further reactions at 60°C under cleavage of P? P bonds and splitting off (Me₃Si)₂S, leading to (Me₃SiS)₃P(S) and cage molecules like P₄S₃, P₄S₇, and P₄S₁₀ and P? S-polymers. (Me₃SiS)₃P(S) isi thermally unstable and decomposes to P₄S₁₀ and (Me₃Si)₂S. Sulphur-containing silylphosphines like (Me₃SiS)P(S)Me₂ react with HBr at ?78°C under formation of Me₃SiBr (quantitative cleavage of the Si? S bond) and Me₂P(S)SH, which reacts with HBr to produce H₂S and Me₂P(S)Br.     

Darstellung SiH-haltiger Silylphosphine und Untersuchung ihrer PMR-Spektren

The preparation of SiH-containing silylphosphines from SiH-containing chlorosilanes is successful by using an excess of chlorosilans. Chemical shift data and coupling constants of the compounds H_xSi[P(C₂H₅)₂]_4?x and (CH₃)_xSi[P(C₂H₅)₂]_4?x are communicated and compared with those of H_xSiX_4?x and (CH₃)_xSiX_4?x (X = halogen or H).