Determination of 1-hydroxypyrene in human urine by HPLC with electrochemical detection at a boron-doped diamond film electrode

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) at a boron-doped diamond film electrode with preliminary separation and preconcentration by solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the determination of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in human urine. 1-HP is among the most widely used biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Optimal HPLC-ED conditions have been found: mobile phase methanol-0.05 mol L(-1) phosphate buffer pH 5.0 (80:20, v/v), detection potential +1,000 mV versus Ag/AgCl (3 mol L(-1) KCl), and flow rate 0.8 mL min(-1). For SPE, LiChrolut(?) RP-18 E cartridges were used. The extraction yield was (87.0 ± 5.8)% (n = 5). The concentration dependence of 1-HP was measured in the concentration range from 0.01 to 10 μmol L(-1) (2.18-2,180 μg L(-1)) using methanolic solutions resulting from the SPE pretreatment of spiked human urine samples. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio 3) and the limit of quantification (signal-to-noise ratio 10) of the biomarker were 0.013 μmol L(-1) (2.84 μg L(-1)) and 0.043 μmol L(-1) (9.39 μg L(-1)), respectively, which is sufficient for its determination in the urine of persons exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Monolayers of an amphiphilic para-carboxy-calix[4]arene act as templates for the crystallization of acetaminophen

The title compound, 5,11,17,23-tetra-carboxy-25,26,27,28-tetradodecyloxy-calix[4]arene, 1, has been studied at the air–water interface, self-assembled as Langmuir monolayers, for its ability to interact with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), acetaminophen (APAP), and to initiate its crystallization. The Π/A isotherm study shows that there is a clear interaction between 1 and APAP causing an expansion of the monolayer. In addition to the known phase transition occurring at a surface tension of 38 mN m^?1, an additional kink is observed in the compression isotherm for concentrations of APAP above 40 mM suggesting that this API is causing an additional phase transition of the monolayer. Interface-initiated crystallization studies show that the presence of a monolayer spread on a supersaturated solution of APAP (26 g L^?1) triggers this API crystal growth from the interface. The transfer of 1-based monolayers on glass surfaces has been carried out using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. The so-produced monolayers have been shown to template the crystallization of APAP. LB films of 1 have characterized using imaging and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The results suggest that each monolayer has an average thickness of 18 Å, which is consistent with the molecular structure of 1 self-organized parallel to the interface with the alkyl chains pointing out parallel to the axis of the macrocycle and without interdigitation of the alkyl chains. The presence of APAP in the subphase during the LB transfer causes a limited but relevant increase in the layer thickness. The study of the capabilities of the LB films to initiate crystallization of APAP is also demonstrated showing the influence of the monolayer packing on the quantity of formed crystals.     

Photoelectron spectra and structures of three cyclic dipeptides: PhePhe, TyrPro, and HisGly

We have investigated the electronic structure of three cyclic dipeptides: cyclo(Histidyl-Glycyl) (cHisGly), cyclo(Tyrosyl-Prolyl) (cTyrPro), and cyclo(Phenylalanyl-Phenylalanyl) (cPhePhe) in the vapor phase, by means of photoemission spectroscopy and theoretical modeling. The last compound was evaporated from the solid linear dipeptide, but cyclised, losing water to form cPhePhe in the gas phase. The results are compared with our previous studies of three other cyclopeptides. Experimental valence and core level spectra have been interpreted in the light of calculations to identify the basic chemical properties associated with the central diketopiperazine ring, and with the additional functional groups. The valence spectra are generally characterized by a restricted set of outer valence orbitals separated by a gap from most other valence orbitals. The theoretically simulated core and valence spectra of all three cyclic dipeptides agree reasonably well with the experimental spectra. The central ring and the side chains act as independent chromophores whose spectra do not influence one another, except for prolyl dipeptides, where the pyrrole ring is fused with the central ring. In this case, significant changes in the valence and core level spectra were observed, and explained by stronger hybridization of the valence orbitals.     

A Thermo‐ and Photo‐Switchable Ruthenium Initiator For Olefin Metathesis

A ruthenium carbene complex bearing azobenzene functionality is reported. The complex exists in the form of two isomers differing by the size of the chelate ring. Both isomers were isolated by applying kinetic or thermodynamic control during the synthesis and characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The isomerization of the complex was studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The stable isomer was tested as a catalyst in olefin metathesis. The complex was activated at about 100 °C to promote ring‐closing and ring‐opening polymerization metathesis reactions. The activation took place also at room temperature under middle ultraviolet radiation.     

Direct vinylation of glucose derivatives with acetylene

Vinyl ethers, promising chiral carbohydrate synthons, have been synthesized by the addition of glucose acetals (1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose, methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside, 1,2-O-cyclohexylidene-α-d-glucofuranose, methyl α-d-glucopyranoside) to acetylene under atmospheric and elevated pressures in an autoclave in the presence of superbase catalytic systems (KOH-DMSO, t-BuOK-DMSO). The complete vinylation of 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose and methyl α-d-glucopyranoside has been realized under elevated pressure of acetylene in the system KOH-THF as well.     

Crystal Structures of 1,5,9,18,22,26-Hexaaza[11.11]-p-cyclophane Adducts; Two-dimensional Supramolecular Networks

Two newly identified supramolecular structures arise from self-assembly of the macrocyclic 1,5,9,18,22,26- hexaaza[11.11]-p-cyclophane salts with o-nitrophenol (C₂₈H₅₀N₆)⁴⁺·4(C₆H₄NO₂O)⁻ (1) and with HCl (C₂₈H₅₂N₆)⁶⁺·6Cl^-·4H₂O (2). In both cases two-dimensional supramolecular sheets are formed.     

Structural Study of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Solvate with Dioxane

The crystal structure of the molecular complex of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene with dioxane has been determined by X-ray analysis. The asymmetric unit contains one host and four guest molecules. The calix[4]resorcinarene moiety adopts a bowl conformation with C_4v symmetry. Four undecyl chains are axially oriented. Calix molecules are packed in a bowl-to-bowl fashion with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers. One of the hydrophilic dioxane molecules is located at the rim of the calix moiety and is hydrogen bonded to the other one. There is no interaction to attract, or direct the dioxane molecule into the interior of the cavity. There is an exo complex formed. The dioxane molecules – located in the hydrophobic part – are highly disordered.