The structure,absolute configuration and biosynthesis of nortiliacorinine a

The incorporation of (±)-norcoclaurine, (±)-coclaurine, (±)-N-methylcoclaurine and dehydro-N-methylcoclaurine into nortiliacorinine A in Tiliacora racemosa colebr has been studied and specific utilisation of the (±)-coclaurine demonstrated. The evidence supports oxidative dimerization of two coclaurine units to give nortiliacorinine A. Experiments with (±)-N-methylcoclaurine and (±)-[1-³H, N-¹⁴CH₃]N-methylcoclaurine established that only one N-methylcoclaurine unit is specifically utilised to constitute that “half” of the base which had phenolic OH group in the benzylic portion and further demonstrated that the H atom at the asymmetric centre in the 1-benzylisoquinoline precursor is retained in the bioconversion into nortiliacorinine A. Double labelling experiment with (±)-[1-³H, 6,0-¹⁴CH₃]N-methylcoclaurine showed that O-Me function of the precursor is lost in the bioconversion into nortiliacorinine A. Parallel feedings of (+)-(S)- and (-)-(R)-N-methyl-coclaurines and (-)-(S)-, and ( + )-(R)-coclaurines revealed that the stereo-specificity is maintained in the biosynthesis of nortiliacorinine A from 1-benzylisoquinoline precursors and established ‘S,S’-configuration at the two asymmetric centres in nortiliacorinine A.     

Synthesis of 3‐(substituted)‐2,4,8,15‐tetroxa‐3‐phosphadispiro[5.2.5]hexadecane‐3‐oxides

Novel 3‐(substituted)‐2,4,8,15‐tetroxa‐3‐phosphadispiro[5.2.5]hexadecane‐3‐oxides (3‐12) have been synthesized by cyclization of 1,5‐dioxaspiro[5.5]undecande‐3,3‐dimethanol (1) with various substituted aryl phosphorus dichloridates (2) in dry toluene‐THF in the presence of triethylamine at 40‐60 ^oC. Their molecular structures were determined by ir, nmr and mass spectral studies and were screened for antifungal activity against Curvularia lunata and Aspergillus niger, and antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Most of them possess significant activity.     

Heterocyclic inflammation inhibitors

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most widely used medicines for relief of pain. These drugs have some side effects, particularly toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Various approaches have been used for obtaining safer anti-inflammatory drugs. In this review we have summarized the recent developments in the following areas; (i) mode of action of NSAIDs (ii) Role of COX-1 & COX-2 in inflammation, (iii) Different approaches used to improve gastric tolerance i.e. chemical manipulation, formulation & co-administration, development of non specific (COX-1 & COX-2 inhibitors) and specific (COX-2 inhibitors) inflammation inhibitors, and development of inflammation inhibitors having a mode of action other than COX-1 & COX-2 inhibition. We have also focused on the safety of COX-2 inhibitors and the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and their role as inflammation inhibitors.     

Studies on the interaction of Eu(III) with lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), lapachol (2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone), juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) and plumbagin (2-methyl-5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone)

pH-metric studies show that one mole of Eu(III) interacts with three molecules of each of juglone, plumbagin, lawsone and lapachol in solution. The stability and thermodynamics of these systems (50% aqueous acetone, 0.1 M KNO₃ ionic strength) are discussed and explained.     

Studies in spiroheterocycles. Part V. Synthesis of new fluorinated spiro[3H-indole-3,2′-oxiran]-2(1H)-ones

Reinvestigation of the reaction of 3-aroylmethyleneindol-2-ones with hydrogen peroxide has revealed that a 1:1 isomeric mixture of spiro[3H-indole-3,2′-oxiran]-2(1H)-ones is formed. The structures of the two isomers have been confirmed by their ir, pmr and mass spectral studies. Mass fragmentation patterns of these compounds are discussed.     

EXAFS studies of cobalt oxides and oxide glasses

The exafs of Co²⁺ has been studied in rare earth cobaltites and in sulphate and borate glasses. It has been found that the environment of Co²⁺ ions is very similar in these cases. It appears feasible to study local structures in glasses using probe ion exafs. Communication No. 151 from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit.     

Gravimetric determination of molybdenum and tungsten using pyridoin as a reagent

Summary Pyridoin has been used as a reagent for the gravimetric determination of molybdenum and tungsten. The reagent quantitatively precipitates molybdenum from ammonium molybdate solution at p_H 2.0–9.5 and tungsten from sodium tungstate solution at p_H 2.0–4.5. The precipitate in each case is ignited to the oxide and weighed.

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Zusammenfassung Zur gravimetrischen Bestimmung von Molybdän und Wolfram wird Pyridoin als Reagens empfohlen. Molybdän wurde aus Ammoniummolybdatlösung bei p_H 2,0–9,5 quantitativ ausgefällt, Wolfram aus Natriumwolframatlösung bei p_H 2,0–4,5. Die Niederschläge wurden jeweils zum Oxid verglüht und dieses ausgewogen.

     

Synthesis and characterisation of bis(pentafluorophenyl)antimony(V) cations, [(C6F5)2SbL3]

Pentacoordinate complex cations of the general formula [(C₆F₅)₂SbL₃]³⁺ stabilized as solid salts in combination with tetraphenylborate (BPh₄), tetrafluorobroate (BF₄) anions, where L=DMSO, Ph₃AsO, PyO, DMF, α-, β- and γ-picoline have been isolated. The newly formed complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, solid-state IR and and NMR. From these results, a five-fold coordination around antimony was required.