Gel-entrapped bases: A smart window for the ligand-free Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction

A gel-entrapped base has been fabricated by using agarose (biopolymer), and tested in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in 95% ethanol. The developed environmentally benign polymer-supported base has low leaching and high stability for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction to give high yield with green credit.     

Single crystal X-Ray structure of BeF2: α-quartz

We report for the first time, the synthesis and X-ray diffraction studies of single crystals of BeF(2). The crystals were obtained during the sublimation of amorphous BeF(2) under static reduced pressure. BeF(2) crystallizes in the chiral trigonal space group P3(1)21. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study on these crystals shows that each of the Be atoms is bonded to four F atoms, and each of the F atoms is bonded to two Be atoms with associated Be-F bond distances of 1.5420(13) and 1.5471(13) ?, showing an almost regular tetrahedron. The infrared spectrum of these crystals recorded at room temperature shows distinct peaks around 770 and 410 cm(-1).     

Structure and vibrational spectra of some 8-oxa[5]helicenes

A systematic study has been conducted on the geometrical and electronic structure, heliomeric conformations of a series of 8-oxa[5]helicenes based on density functional theory (DFT) computations. A complete vibrational analysis has also been attempted for one of the 8-oxa[5]helicenes (molecule 5) on the basis of experimental infrared spectra in the far and mid infrared regions (60-3100 cm(-1)) and density functional theory computations using B3LYP/6-31G** method characteristic bands of the molecule identified. The approximate mean plane angle between the terminal rings A and E in the presently studied molecules are found to have values between 48.64° and 59.46°. This angle is much larger than the corresponding angle between the terminal rings in benzo[c]phenanthrene (～27°) and partially reduced benzo[c]phenanthrene (34.6-46.0°) and indicates that the presence of oxygen-containing six-membered ring provides a greater helicity to the molecules. Detailed quantum chemical study on molecule 4 shows the existence of two enantiomeric forms M- and P- of almost equal energy separated by a potential barrier of 15.55 kcal/mol. It is expected that similar 8-oxa[5]helicines (molecules 3, 5 and 6) may also exist in two enantiomeric forms.     

Computational Analysis Reveals Monomethylated Triazolopyrimidine as a Novel Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp)

The human population is still facing appalling conditions due to several outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The absence of specific drugs, appropriate vaccines for mutants, and knowledge of potential therapeutic agents makes this situation more difficult. Several 1, 2, 4-triazolo [1, 5-a] pyrimidine (TP)-derivative compounds were comprehensively studied for antiviral activities against RNA polymerase of HIV, HCV, and influenza viruses, and showed immense pharmacological interest. Therefore, TP-derivative compounds can be repurposed against the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to ensure the genomic variability and stability of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp protein. The molecular docking of natural and synthetic TP compounds to RdRp and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed to analyse the dynamic behaviour of TP compounds at the active site of the RdRp protein. TP compounds were also docked against other non-structural proteins (NSP1, NSP2, NSP3, NSP5, NSP8, NSP13, and NSP15) of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the inhibition potential of TP compounds was compared with Remdesivir and Favipiravir drugs as a positive control. Additionally, TP compounds were analysed for inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV RdRp protein. This study demonstrates that TP analogues (monomethylated triazolopyrimidine and essramycin) represent potential lead molecules for designing an effective inhibitor to control viral replication. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies will strengthen the use of these inhibitors as suitable drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2.     

From cyclic polyenes to carbohydrates: synthesis of the hexose sugar β-allose and its 2C-branched homologue from cyclooctatetraene

In an unconventional but interesting synthetic enterprise, the commercially available hydrocarbon cyclooctatetraene (COT) has been elaborated to the rare hexose sugar (dl)-β-allose and its 2C-branched analogue. The synthetic sequence delineated here is notable for its high regio- and stereoselectivity and is flexible enough to enable access to polyoxygenated systems, hexose sugars, and their siblings from a cyclic polyene precursor.     

High pressure phase transition in metallic LaB6: Raman and X-ray diffraction studies

High pressure Raman and angle dispersive X-ray diffraction (ADXRD) measurements on the metallic hexaboride LaB₆ have been carried out upto the pressures of about 20 GPa. The subtle phase transition around 10 GPa indicated in Raman measurements is confirmed by ADXRD experiments to be a structural change from cubic to orthorhombic phase. Ab-initio electronic band structure calculations using full potential linear augmented plane wave method carried out as a function of pressure show that this transition is driven by the interception of Fermi level by electronic band minimum around the transition pressure.     

Direct synthesis of 8-fluoro purine nucleosides via metalation-fluorination

A straightforward access to protected 8-fluoro nucleosides via metalation-electrophilic fluorination under heterogeneous reaction conditions is reported. This is the first synthesis of 8-fluoro-2'-deoxyribonucleoside derivatives. Phenylsulfonyl substituted nucleosides are accompanying byproducts, possibly indicating a competing radical process. Higher yields of 8-fluoro derivatives were obtained with 2'-deoxyribonucleosides, as compared to ribonucleosides. Deprotection of the hydroxyl groups leading to 8-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine using TASF in methylene chloride demonstrates the compatibility of desilylation with 8-fluoro substituted nucleosides. NMR data indicate a syn conformation of the 8-fluoro derivatives.     

Effect of O5+ ion implantation on the electrical and structural properties of Cu nanowires

Ion beam creates changes in the material along their track, not only embody the excellent properties but also tailor new materials. When the ions are implanted into the nanomaterials, they collide with the target atoms and interact through three different phenomena; electron collision, nuclear collision and charge exchange. In the present study, 1 MeV O⁵⁺ ions were implanted in copper nanowires of diameter 80 nm synthesized using template synthesis approach. Electrical and structural properties were recorded using Keithley 2400 series source meter and Rigaku X-ray diffractometer respectively, before and after the implantation. I–V characteristics showed the ohmic behavior with enhancement in conductivity of copper nanowires after implantation. No structural damage in the nanowires was revealed by XRD spectra. The work done can be viewed as a positive aspect of implantation in metallic nanowires especially in 80 nm diameter Cu nanowires and may be utilized to fabricate nanodevices.     

Local and Systemic Antitumor Effects of Photo-activatable Paclitaxel Prodrug on Rat Breast Tumor Models

We demonstrated that a large primary and a small untreated distant breast cancer could be controlled by local treatment with our light-activatable paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug. We hypothesized that the treated tumor would be damaged by the combinational effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and locally released PTX and that the distant tumor would be suppressed by systemic antitumor effects. Syngeneic rat breast cancer models (single- and two-tumor models) were established on Fischer 344 rats by subcutaneous injection of MAT B III cells. The rats were injected with PTX prodrug (dose: 1 umole kg⁻¹, i.v.), and tumors were treated with illumination using a 690-nm laser (75 or 140 mW cm⁻¹ for 30 min, cylindrical light diffuser, drug-light interval [DLI] 9 h). Larger tumors (~16 mm) were effectively ablated (100%) without recurrence for >90 days. All cured rats rejected rechallenged tumor for up to 12 months. In the two-tumor model, the treatment of the local large tumor (~16 mm) also cured the untreated tumor (4–6 mm) through adaptive immune activation. This is our first demonstration that local treatment with our PTX prodrug produces systemic antitumor effects. Further investigations are warranted to understand mechanisms and optimal conditions to achieve clinically translatable systemic antitumor effects.