Cyclic Heptapeptides Axinastatin 2, 3, and 4: Conformational analysis and evaluation of the biological potential

The conformational analysis of naturally occurring cytostatic cyclic heptapeptides axinastatin 2, 3, and 4 was carried out by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy in combination with distance-geometry (DG) and molecular-dynamics (MD) calculations in explicit solvents. The synthesized secondary metabolites were examined in (D₆)DMSO. Axinastatin 2 was also investigated in CD₃OH. In all structures, Pro² is in the i + 1 position of a βI turn and Pro⁶ occupies the i + 2 position of a βVIa turn about the cis amide bond between residue 5 and Pro^6. In all peptides, a bifurcated H-bond occurs between residue 4 CO and the amide protons of residue 1 and 7. For axinastatin 2 and 3, an Asn I_g turn was found about Asn¹ and Pro^2. We compared these structures with conformations of cyclic heptapeptides obtained by X-ray and NMR studies. A β-bulge motif with two β turns and one bifurcated H-bond is found as the dominating backbone conformation of cyclic all-L-heptapeptides. Axinastatin 2, 3, and 4 can be characterized by six trans and one cis amide bond resulting in a β/βVI(a)-turn motif, a conformation found for many cyclic heptapeptides. Detailed biological tests of the synthetic compounds in different human cancer cell lines indicates these axinastatins to be inactive or of low activity.     

Geometry and Electronic Structure of CuCl(6)(4-) Polyhedra Doped into (3-Chloroanilinium)(8)[CdCl(6)]Cl(4)-An EPR and Structural Investigation

The EPR single-crystal and powder spectra of mixed crystals of (3-chloroanilinium)(8)(Cd(1-x)Cu(x)Cl(6))Cl(4) are measured as a function of temperature and x and analyzed with respect to the geometry and bonding properties of the CuCl(6) polyhedra. These undergo strong distortions due to vibronic Jahn-Teller coupling, with the resulting tetragonal elongation being superimposed by a considerable orthorhombic symmetry component induced by a host site strain acting as a compression along the crystallographic a axis. This strain becomes apparent in the cadmium compound (x = 0), whose crystal structure is also reported [a = 8.701(2) ?, b = 13.975(2) ?, c = 14.173(2) ?, alpha = 81.62(1) degrees, beta = 72.92(1) degrees, gamma = 77.57(1) degrees, triclinic P&onemacr;, Z = 1]. A calculation of the ground state potential surface and its vibronic structure nicely reproduces the g values, Cu-Cl spacings, and ligand field data. At high copper concentrations (including x = 1), the CuCl(6) polyhedra are coupled elastically, with the long axes of neighboring polyhedra having perpendicular orientations. The elastic correlation presumably is not of the long-range antiferrodistortive type, however. Above about 55 K, the angular Jahn-Teller distortion component becomes dynamically averaged within the time scale of the EPR experiment, leading to local tetragonally compressed CuCl(6) octahedra.     

Bis(cyclopentadienyl)methan-verbrückte Zweikernkomplexe,V. Heteronukleare Co/Rh-, Co/Ir-, Rh/Ir- und Ti/Ir-Komplexe mit dem Bis(cyclopentadienyl)methan-Dianion als Brückenliganden

Bis(cyclopentadienyl)methane-bridged Dinuclear Complexes, V^[1]. – Heteronuclear Co/Rh-, Co/Ir-, Rh/Ir-, and Ti/Ir Complexes with the Bis(cyclopentadienyl)methane Dianion as Bridging Ligand^* The lithium and sodium salts of the [C₅H₅CH₂C₅H₄]^- anion, 1 and 2 , react with [Co(CO)₄I], [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂, and [Ir(CO)₃Cl]n to give predominantly the mononuclear complexes [(C₅H₅-CH₂C₅H₄)M(CO)₂] ( 3, 5, 7 ) together with small amounts of the dinuclear compounds [CH₂(C₅H₄)₂][M(CO)₂]₂ ( 4, 6, 8 ). The ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra of 3, 5 , and 7 prove that the CH₂C₅H₅ substituent is linked to the π-bonded ring in two isomeric forms. Metalation of 5 and 7 with nBuLi affords the lithiated derivatives 9 and 10 from which on reaction with [Co(CO)₄I], [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂, and [C₅H₅TiCl₃] the heteronuclear complexes [CH₂(C₅H₄)₂][M(CO)₂][M′(CO)₂] ( 11–13 ) and [CH₂(C₅H₄)₂]-[Ir(CO)₂][C₅H₅TiCl₂] ( 17 ) are obtained. Photolysis of 11 and 12 leads almost quantitatively to the formation of the CO-bridged compounds [CH₂(C₅H₄)₂][M(CO)(μ-CO)M′(CO)] ( 14, 15 ). According to an X-ray crystal structure analysis the Co/Rh complex 14 is isostructural to [CH₂(C₅H₄)₂][Rh₂(CO)₂(μ-CO)] ( 16 ).     

Factors affecting the endo : exo ratio in diels-alder reactions of cyclopentadiene

The ratio of endo-CHO:exo-CHO in the Diels-Alder addition of a trans-αβ-unsaturated aldehyde to cyclopentadiene can be changed from 1:2 to 8:1, depending on temperature and BF₃-catalysis.     

Reactions of hydridosilacyclobutanes with low-valent complexes of iron or platinum

Unstable transition metal compounds formed from hydridosilacyclobutanes are described: 1-methyl-1-silacyclobutane reacts with nonacarbonyldiiron to give the complexes [Fe(CO)₄(H){$\text{Si(Me)CH}{}_2\text{CH}{}_2\text{C}$H₂}] and [$\text{Fe{CH}{}_2\text{CH}{}_2\text{CH}{}_2\text{Si}$(H)Me}(CO)₄], and with bis(triphenylphosphine)(ethylene)platinum(0) to give [Pt(H)(PPh₃)₂{$\text{Si(Me)CH}{}_2\text{CH}{}_2\text{C}$H₂}].     

Phosphorus-based p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene ligands

New calix[5]arene trivalent phosphorus derivatives have been synthesized which should be excellent ligands with which to study and control the interaction of a ligand atom with a metal. The larger cavity of the calix[5]arene (compared to calix[4]arene) provides a good balance between constraint and flexibility. Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with 2 equiv of either tris(dimethylamino)phosphine or dichlorophenylphosphine inserts two RP moieties into the calix[5]arene framework to give calix[5](PR)2(OH) (1, R = Me2N; 2, R = Ph). Further treatment of 1 with 4 equiv of HCl gives calix[5](PCl)2(OH) (3). Heating a solution of the monophosphorus compound calix[5](PNMe2)(OH)3 (4) releases dimethylamine to yield both monomeric calix[5](P)(OH)2 (6) and dimeric [calix[5](P)(OH)2](2) (7), the latter having a tubelike geometry. X-ray crystallographic studies confirm the structures and show that 1 and 2 have approximate cone conformations while 3 has an approximate 1,2-alternate conformation. The orientations of the phosphorus lone pairs and oxygen atoms in all derivatives provide a framework for both soft and hard ligand interactions within the calix[5]arene.     

Light-emitting tridentate cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing sigma-alkynyl auxiliaries: tuning of photo- and electrophosphorescence

The synthesis and structural, photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties of a class of platinum(II) complexes bearing sigma-alkynyl ancillary ligands, namely [(C/N/N)Pt(C[triple bond]C]nR] [H(C/N/N) = 6-aryl-2,2'-bipyridine; n = 1-4; R = aryl, alkyl, or trimethylsilyl], have been studied. Substituents with different steric and electronic properties were introduced into the tridentate cyclometalating and arylacetylide ligands, and the pi-conjugation length of the oligoynyl moiety was homologously extended from ethynyl to octatetraynyl. The X-ray crystal structures of several derivatives confirm the Pt-(CC) ligation and reveal various intermolecular interactions, such as pi-pi, Pt...Pt, and C-H...F-C. The complexes display good thermal stability and intense phosphorescence in fluid and glassy solutions with high quantum yields and microsecond lifetimes. Their emission energies are sensitive to solvent polarity, the electronic affinities of the substituents on both the cyclometalating and arylacetylide groups, and the length of the oligoynyl ligand. By choosing appropriate cyclometalating and sigma-alkynyl ligands, the emission color of this class of platinum(II) complexes can be tuned from green-yellow to saturated red. In addition to (3)MLCT [Pt(5d) --> pi*(C/N/N)] and (3)IL(C/N/N), intriguing (3)IL(alkynyl) excited states localized on -(C[triple bond]C)(4)- and -(C[triple bond]Cpyrenyl-1) moieties that afford narrow-bandwidth emissions have been observed. Selected Pt(II) complexes were doped into the emissive region of multilayer, vapor-deposited organic light-emitting diodes. The tunable electrophosphorescence energy resembles that recorded in fluid solutions for these emitters, and the devices exhibit high luminance and efficiencies (up to 4.2 cd A(-1)).     

Synthesis of the new, cubane-like W3S4Co cluster core. Completion of the homologous series [(eta5-Cp')3M3S4Co(CO)] (M = Cr, Mo, W)

Reaction between the cluster salts [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)][pts] (M = Mo, W; Cp' = methylcyclopentadienyl; pts = p-toluenesulfonate) and [Co(2)(CO)(8)] yielded the electroneutral clusters [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)Co(CO)]. The molecular structure of [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)W(3)S(4)Co(CO)] was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The unprecedented 60 electron W(3)S(4)Co cluster completes a homologous series of heterobimetallic clusters, [(eta(5)-Cp')(3)M(3)S(4)Co(CO)] (M = Cr, Mo, W), containing a cubane-like core motif.     

Nickel-manganese sulfido carbonyl cluster complexes. synthesis, structure, and properties of the unusual paramagnetic complexes Cp2Ni2Mn(CO)3(mu 3-E)2, E = S, Se

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) yielded the paramagnetic new compound Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(CO)(3)(mu(3)-S)(2) (1) and a new hexanuclear metal product Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(4)(CO)(14)(mu(6)-S(2))(mu(3)-S)(2) (2). Structurally, compound 1 contains two triply bridging sulfido ligands on opposite sides of an open Ni(2)Mn triangular cluster. EPR and temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 show that it contains one unpaired electron. The electronic structure of 1 was determined by Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations which show that the unpaired electron occupies a low lying antibonding orbital delocalized unequally across the three metal atoms. The selenium homologue Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(CO)(3)(mu(3)-Se)(2) (3) was obtained from the reaction of a mixture of Mn(2)(CO)(10) and [CpNi(CO)](2) with elemental selenium and Me(3)NO.2H(2)O. It also has one unpaired electron. Compound 1 reacted with elemental sulfur to yield the dinickeldimanganese compound, Cp(2)Ni(2)Mn(2)(CO)(6)(mu(4)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(5)), 4, which can also be made from the reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) and sulfur. Compound 4 was converted back to 1 by sulfur abstraction using PPh(3). The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(10) with [CpNi(CO)](2) in the presence of thiirane yielded the ethanedithiolato compound CpNiMn(CO)(3)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)S) (5), which was also obtained from the reaction of Mn(4)(CO)(15)(mu(3)-S(2))(mu(4)-S(2)) with [CpNi(CO)](2) in the presence of thiirane. Compound 5 reacted with additional quantities of thiirane to yield the new compound CpNiMn(CO)(3)[mu-S(CH(2)CH(2)S)(2)], 6, which contains a 3-thiapentanedithiolato ligand that bridges the two metal atoms. Compound 6 was also obtained from the reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(10) with [CpNi(CO)](2) and thiirane. The molecular structures of the new compounds 1-6 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.     

Proteomic analysis of the endoplasmic reticulum from developing and germinating seed of castor (Ricinus communis)

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been prepared and analysed from germinating and developing castor bean endosperm. A combination of one- and two-dimensional (1-D and 2-D) gel electrophoresis was used to study the complexity of sample and protein differences between the two stages. The ER of the developing oilseed is central to the synthesis, sorting and storage of protein and lipid reserves while the germinating seed is concerned with their degradation. Sample complexity has been reduced by separation of ER proteins into lumenal, peripheral membrane and integral membrane subfractions. Membrane proteins pose specific problems in aggregation and binding to passive surfaces. We have overcome this by collection of membranes at density gradient interfaces and by silanization of plastic ware. Several major components have been identified from 1-D gels by N-terminal sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) peptide mass fingerprints. These include protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), calreticulin and developing-ER-specific oleate-12-hydroxylase involved in the biosynthesis of ricinoleic acid. In excess of 300 spots are detectable in each developmental fraction by high sensitivity 2-D gels. This is the first 2-D electrophoretic analysis of plant ER. These gels reveal significant differences between germinating and developing ER. Preparative loading 2-D gels of germinating ER have been run and 14 selected spots characterized by quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS). Ten of these proteins were assigned function on the basis of identity with existing castor database entries, or by homology with other species. Two proteins, aspartate proteinase precursor and N-carbamyl-L-aminohydrolase-like protein, appear to be absent from developing profiles. Most of the proteins identified are concerned with roles in protein processing and storage, and lipid metabolism which occur in the ER. Data from three of the assigned spots included unidentified peptides indicating the presence of more than one protein in these spots following 2-D electrophoresis. More extensive analysis will have to await developments in genomics but the basic separation technologies to simplify sample identity for a plant ER preparation have been established.