A new synthesis, including asymmetric synthesis, of spiro[4.n]alkenones from three components: cyclic ketones, chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, and acetonitrile; and a formal total synthesis of racemic acorone

1-Chlorovinyl p-tolyl sulfoxides were synthesized from several kinds of cyclic ketones and chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide in good yields. Treatment of the 1-chlorovinyl p-tolyl sulfoxides with cyanomethyllithium at −78°C to room temperature gave spirocyclic enaminonitriles in high yields. Acidic treatment of the enaminonitriles afforded spiro[4.n]alkenones in good yields. By using an unsymmetrical cyclic ketone, α-tetralone, and optically active chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, this procedure afforded enantiomerically pure spiro[4.5]decenone in good yield with excellent asymmetric induction from the sulfoxide chiral center. By using this method a formal total synthesis of a racemic spirocyclic sesquiterpene, acorone, was realized.     

Ruthenium-catalyzed arylation of 2-alkenylpyridines with aryl bromides: alternative E,Z-selectivity to Mizoroki-Heck reaction

Regio- and stereoselective arylation of 2-alkenylpyridines with aryl bromides is catalyzed by specific Ru(II)-phosphine complexes affording beta-arylated (Z)-2-alkenylpyridines, in which the aryl moiety is introduced cis to the pyridyl group. This geometrical selectivity is in sharp contrast to the Mizoroki-Heck reaction. [reaction: see text]     

Crystal structure of the parent misfit-layered cobalt oxide [Sr2O2]qCoO2

The crystal structure of our newly discovered Sr-Co-O phase is investigated in detail through high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) techniques. Electron diffraction (ED) measurement together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis show that an ampoule-synthesized sample contains an unknown Sr-Co-O ternary phase with monoclinic symmetry and the cation ratio of Sr/Co=1. From HREM images a layered structure with a regular stacking of a CdI₂-type CoO₂ sheet and a rock-salt-type Sr₂O₂ double-layered block is observed, which confirms that the phase is the parent of the more complex “misfit-layered (ML)” cobalt oxides of [M_mA₂O_m+2]_qCoO₂ with the formula of [Sr₂O₂]_qCoO₂, i.e. m=0. It is revealed that the misfit parameter q is 0.5, i.e. the two sublattices of the CoO₂ sheet and the Sr₂O₂ block coexist to form a commensurate composite structure. We propose a structural model with monoclinic P2₁/m symmetry, which is supported by simulations of ED patterns and HREM images based on dynamical diffraction theory.     

The first example of regiospecific magnesium carbenoid 1,3-CH insertion: its mechanism and stereochemistry

Addition reaction of two geometrical isomers of 1-chlorovinyl p-tolyl sulfoxides, derived from unsymmetrical ketones and chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, with lithium enolate of tert-butyl acetate gave single isomers of the adduct, respectively. Treatment of each diastereomer with i-PrMgCl resulted in the formation of magnesium carbenoids. Highly regiospecific 1,3-CH insertion reaction was found to take place from the magnesium carbenoids to afford cyclopropanes in high yields. Stereochemistry of the adducts, reaction mechanism, and origin of the regiospecificity are discussed.     

Development of a regenerable cell culture system that senses and releases dead cells

We developed a rapidly regenerable cell culture system in which the cell culture substrate detects cell death and selectively releases the dead cells. This culture material was achieved by combining a detector that responds to the signal from the dead cells and an actuator to release the dead cells. Benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide (BCAm) with a pendant crown ether receptor was used as the sensor to recognize cellular signals and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) was used as the actuator. This copolymer of NIPAM and BCAm can respond to potassium ions and change its nature from hydrophobic to hydrophilic at the culture temperature of 37 degrees C. Living cells concentrate potassium ion internally; when cells die, potassium ions are released. The polymer surface recognizes the potassium ions released from the dead cells, the NIPAM hydrates, and the dead cells are selectively detached. This in vitro culture system is a novel one in which artificial culture materials work cooperatively with cellular metabolism by responding to this signal from the cells, thereby realizing in vitro tissue regeneration partly mimicking the mechanisms of in vivo homeostasis.     

The Biological Effects of Forsythia Leaves Containing the Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor Phillyrin

Forsythia fruit (Forsythia suspensa Vahl (Oleaceae)) is a common component of Kampo medicines for treating the common cold, influenza, and allergies. The main polyphenolic compounds in the leaves of F. suspensa are pinoresinol β-d-glucoside, phillyrin and forsythiaside, and their levels are higher in the leaves of the plant than in the fruit. It is known that polyphenolic compounds stimulate lipid catabolism in the liver and suppress dyslipidemia, thereby attenuating diet-induced obesity and polyphenolic anti-oxidants might attenuate obesity in animals consuming high-fat diets. Recently, phillyrin was reported as a novel cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor derived from forsythia fruit. It was expected that the leaves of F. suspensa might display anti-obesity effects and serve as a health food material. In this review, we summarized our studies on the biological effects of forsythia leaves containing phillyrin and other polyphenolic compounds, particularly against obesity, atopic dermatitis, and influenza A virus infection, and its potential as a phytoestrogen.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Ruthenium Complexes of 1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecane, Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren), and Bis(2-aminoethyl)(iminomethyl)amine. A Microporous Layered Structure Consisting of {[K(tren)](2)[RuCl(6)]}(n)()(n)()(-) and {(H(5)O(2))(4)[RuCl(6)]}(n)()(n)()(+)

The second method for the synthesis of cis-[Ru(III)Cl(2)(cyclam)]Cl (1) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), with use of cis-Ru(II)Cl(2)(DMSO)(4) (DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) as a starting complex, is reported together with the synthesis of [Ru(II)(cyclam)(bpy)](BF(4))(2).H(2)O (2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) from 1. The syntheses of Ru complexes of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) are also reported. A reaction between K(3)[Ru(III)(ox)(3)] (ox = oxalate) and tren affords fac-[Ru(III)Cl(3)(trenH)]Cl.(1)/(2)H(2)O (3) (trenH = bis(2-aminoethyl)(2-ammonioethyl)amine = monoprotonated tren) and (H(5)O(2))(2)[K(tren)][Ru(III)Cl(6)] (4) as major products and gives fac-[Ru(III)Cl(ox)(trenH)]Cl.(3)/(2)H(2)O (5) in very low reproducibility. A reaction between 3 and bpy affords [Ru(II)(baia)(bpy)](BF(4))(2) (6) (baia = bis(2-aminoethyl)(iminomethyl)amine), in which tren undergoes a selective dehydrogenation into baia. The crystal structures of 2-6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction, and their structural features are discussed in detail. Crystallographic data are as follows: 2, RuF(8)ON(6)C(20)B(2)H(34), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c with a = 12.448(3) ?, b = 13.200(7) ?, c = 17.973(4) ?, beta = 104.28(2) degrees, V = 2862(2) ?(3), and Z = 4; 3, RuCl(4)O(0.5)N(4)C(6)H(20), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/a with a = 13.731(2) ?, b = 14.319(4) ?, c = 13.949(2) ?, beta = 90.77(1) degrees, V = 2742(1) ?(3), and Z = 8; 4, RuKCl(6)O(4)N(4)C(6)H(28), trigonal, space group R&thremacr; with a = 10.254(4), c = 35.03(1) ?, V = 3190(2) ?(3), and Z = 6; 5, RuCl(2)O(5.5)N(4)C(8)H(22), triclinic, space group P&onemacr; with a = 10.336(2) ?, b = 14.835(2) ?, c = 10.234(1) ?, alpha = 90.28(1) degrees, beta = 90.99(1) degrees, gamma = 92.07(1) degrees, V = 1567.9(4) ?(3), and Z = 4; 6, RuF(8)N(6)C(16)B(2)H(24), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 10.779(2) ?, b = 14.416(3) ?, c = 14.190(2) ?, beta = 93.75(2) degrees, V = 2200.3(7) ?(3), and Z = 4. Compound 4 possesses a very unique layered structure made up of both anionic and cationic slabs, {[K(tren)](2)[Ru(III)Cl(6)]}(n)()(n)()(-) and {(H(5)O(2))(4)[Ru(III)Cl(6)]}(n)()(n)()(+) (n = infinity), in which both sheets {[K(tren)](2)}(n)()(2)(n)()(+) and {(H(5)O(2))(4)}(n)()(4)(n)()(+) offer cylindrical pores that are occupied with the [Ru(III)Cl(6)](3)(-) anions. The presence of a C=N double bond of baia in 6 is judged from the C-N distance of 1.28(2) ?. It is suggested that the structural restraint enhanced by the attachment of alkylene chelates at the nitrogen donors of amines results in either the mislocation or misdirection of the donors, leading to the elongation of the Ru-N(amine) distances and to the weakening of their trans influence. Such structural strain is also discussed as related to the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the cis-[Ru(II)L(4)(bpy)](2+) complexes (L(4) = (NH(3))(4), (ethylenediamine)(2), and cyclam).     

A new type of palladium(0) complex having both electron-withdrawing and -donating sites in a ligand: 5,8-dihydro- and 5,8,9,10-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthoquinone complexes

A new type of palladium(0) complex, (5,8-dihydro-1,4-naphthoquinone)Pd(PPh₃)₂ and (5,8,9,10-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthoquinone)Pd(PPh₃)₂, having both olefin and quinone or dihydro-quinone sites in a ligand molecule was prepared. IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies of these complexes suggested that it is the quinone or dihydro-quinone CC bond which is complexed to Pd. Ligand exchange reactions showed that the stability order of the olefinic quinone complexes was as follows: (1,4-naphthoquinone)Pd(PPh₃)₂ > (5,8-dihydro-1,4-naphthoquinone) Pd(PPh₃)₂>(5,8,9,10-tetrahydro-1,4-naphthoquinone)Pd(PPh₃)₂.     

Development of a new file search system for nuclear magnetic resonance spectra: Production of an Enlarged Data Base and Search Test

A practical search system for proton n.m.r. spectra is reported. The coding rules and search algorithms are described in detail. Data for 8000 spectra have been converted into a computer-readable file from printed charts. Several search tests are used to evaluate the usefulness of the search system, and various effects of experimental conditions such as different instruments, frequencies and solvents on recall efficiency are described. The results presented indicate that the system should be applicable to routine analytical work.     

Light polarization in iodine-doped polyvinyl alcohol films

¹²⁹I Mössbauer measurements have been performed on unidirectionally stretched iodinedoped polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) films which are widely used as optical polarizers. In the films iodine is observed to be in the form of I^?, I ₃ ^? , and I ₅ ^? and the stretch of the films increases the abundance of the polyiodides, I ₃ ^? and I ₅ ^? . In the stretched PVA films, it has become clear that the linear polyiodides lie parallel to the stretching direction.