Synthesis and crystal structure of (S)-pindolol

Racemic 3-(4-indolyloxy)-1,2-propanediol 2 has been effectively resolved into (S)- and (R)-enantiomers by a preferential crystallization procedure. Non-racemic (S)-2 was converted into (S)-4-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-1H-indole (S)-4 via a Mitsunobu reaction and then into (S)-pindolol (S)-1. The crystalline (S)-1 was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A large number of symmetry independent molecules (Z′ = 6) led to a weakening of the system of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which combined with a loose packing (PI = 64.6%), may be the cause of the abnormally low melting point of (S)-1 as compared with rac-1.     

Regioselective alkylation of the lower rim of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene with N-(p-nitrophenyl)-α-bromoacetamide

The preparation of partially substituted thiacalix[4]arenes 2–6 has been accomplished by conducting the reaction of the thiacalixarene 1 with N-(p-nitrophenyl)-α-bromoacetamide in acetone or acetonitrile in the presence of M₂CO₃ (M = Na, K and Cs). The influence of the reaction conditions (temperature, time, solvent, ratio of the reagents and the nature of the alkali metal carbonate) on regio- and stereoselectivity of this reaction is described.     

A Comparative Study of Biocathodes Based on Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Buckypapers Modified with Three Different Multicopper Oxidases

14 Single‐ and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes from different sources were characterized in detail, and the characteristics obtained were carefully analyzed. The carbon material with the highest capacitance, and also other superior properties (“Taunit‐M” from “NanoTechCenter”, Russia), was chosen for further modification and fabrication of buckypaper based electrodes. These electrodes were biomodified with plant and fungal laccases, as well as fungal bilirubin oxidase. The designed biocathodes were investigated in simple buffers and also in a complex physiological fluid (human serum). Biocathodes based on immobilized fungal laccase were bioelectrocatalytically inactive in chloride containing media at neutral pH. In spite of the quite high current densities realized using biodevices based on plant laccase and fungal bilirubin oxidase, the limited thermal stability of the enzymes renders the biocathodes inadequate for practical applications in implanted situations.     

Superelectrophilic activation of N-aryl amides of 3-arylpropynoic acids: synthesis of quinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives

The superelectrophilic activation of N-aryl amides of 3-arylpropynoic acids by Bronsted superacids (CF₃SO₃H, HSO₃F) or strong Lewis acids AlX₃ (X=Cl, Br) results in the formation of 4-aryl quinolin-2(1H)-ones in quantitative yields. The vinyl triflates or vinyl chlorides may be formed as additional reaction products. The investigated amides in reactions with benzene give 4,4-diaryl 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-(1H)-ones under the superelectrophilic activation. 4-Aryl quinolin-2(1H)-ones in POCl₃ are converted into 4-aryl 2-chloroquinolines. 4-Fluorophenyl-4-phenyl 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-(1H)-one give N-formylation products in a yield of 79% under the Vilsmeier–Haack reaction conditions.     

A concise approach to CF3-containing furan-3-ones, (bis)pyrazoles from novel fluorinated building blocks based on 2,3-butanedione

1,1,1-Trifluoro-4,5,5-trimethoxyhex-3-en-2-one and lithium (2Z)-1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dialkoxy-4-oxohex-2-en-2-olate were synthesized for the first time via direct trifluoroacetylation of 2,3-butanedione acetal derivatives. A simple and effective approach to acetal or acyl substituted CF₃-pyrazoles, 5,5′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3,3′-bipyrazole, and, to 5-trifluoromethylfuran-3-ones is presented.