Reaction prospecting by 31P NMR: enantioselective rhodium-DuPhos catalysed addition of ZnMe2 to diphenylphosphinoylimines

Chiral shift ³¹P NMR spectroscopy allows the identification of ligand leads in asymmetric catalyst systems for ZnMe₂ addition to ArCHNP(O)Ph₂. Subsequent GC-based optimisation shows [RhCl(CH₂CH₂)₂]₂ and (R,R)-MeDuPhos to be the optimal pre-catalyst combination (product in 78–93% ee). Transmetallation of [(MeDuPhos)Rh{N(P(O)Ph₂–CHMeAr}] with ZnMe₂ appears to be the rate limiting step of the catalytic cycle as competing coordination by the imine starting material leads to Ph₂P(O)NHCH₂Ar via MVP hydrogen-transfer. This limitation can largely be overcome by the slow addition of the imine.     

Amphipathic helices as mediators of the membrane interaction of amphitropic proteins, and as modulators of bilayer physical properties

The amphipathic helix (AH) motif is used by a subset of amphitropic proteins to accomplish reversible and controlled association with the interfacial zone of membranes. Functioning as more than mere membrane anchoring domains, amphipathic helices can serve as autoinhibitory domains to suppress the protein activity in its soluble form, and as sensors or modulators of membrane curvature. Thus amphipathic helices can both respond to and modulate membrane physical properties. These and other features are illustrated by the behavior of CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), a key regulatory enzyme in PC synthesis. A comparison of the physico-chemical features of CCT's AH motif and 10 others reveals similarities and several differences. The importance of these parameters to the particulars of the membrane interaction and to functional consequences requires more systematic exploration. The membrane partitioning of amphitropic proteins with AH motifs can be regulated by various strategies including changes in membrane lipid composition, phosphorylation, ligand-induced conformational changes, and membrane curvature. Several amphitropic proteins that control budding or tubule formation in cells have AH motifs. The insertion of the hydrophobic face of these amphipathic helices generates an asymmetry in the lateral pressure of the two leaflets resulting in an induction of positive curvature. Curvature induction or stabilization may be a universal property of AHA proteins, not just those involved in budding, but this possibility requires further demonstration.     

Concise,efficient and highly selective asymmetric synthesis of (+)-(3S,4R)-cisapride

A concise asymmetric synthesis of the gastroprokinetic agent (+)-(3S,4R)-cisapride {(+)-(3S,4R)-N(1)-[3′-(4″-fluorophenoxy)propyl]-3-methoxy-4-(2″′-methoxy-4″′-amino-5″′-chlorobenzamido)piperidine} from commercially available starting materials has been developed. The key step of this synthesis employs the diastereoselective conjugate addition of lithium (R)-N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amide to tert-butyl 5-[N-3′-(4″-fluorophenoxy)propyl-N-allylamino]pent-2-enoate and in situ enolate oxidation with (?)-camphorsulfonyloxaziridine to set the (3S,4R)-configuration found within the piperidine ring of the product. This synthesis proceeds in 9 steps from commercially available 1-(4′-fluorophenoxy)-3-bromopropane with an overall yield of 19%.     

Supramolecular Chemistry In Silico

Computational protocols capable of modelling supramolecular complexes have been evaluated. The complexation of cations by crown ethers and quaternary ammonium ions by an oxacalix[3]arene are presented as examples. In the latter case reliable qualitative results were obtained using the semi-empirical PM3 method where guest LUMO and electrostatic potential energies have been shown to correlate with experimental binding data. The optimal method for more accurate results combines semi-empirical equilibrium geometry and property calculations with single point energy calculations at the HF/6–31G* or BP/6–31G* quantum mechanical level.     

Compositional variations in monomeric trimethylsilylated allyl lanthanide complexes

Treatment of three equivalents of the potassium salt of the bis(1,3-trimethylsilyl)allyl anion with various late lanthanide triflates (M = Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) produces the unsolvated triallyllanthanide complexes (A′ = 1,3-(SiMe₃)₂C₃H₃). The use of lanthanide halides (Cl, I) with the potassium allyl also generates neutral complexes, but when lanthanide iodides and the corresponding lithium allyl are combined, the lanthanate species are formed. Trends in the bonding of lanthanide allyl complexes with the trimethylsilylated-allyl ligand are explored and compared with those of cyclopentadienyl lanthanide complexes.     

Consumer perspectives on genetic testing, research and services for ethnoculturally diverse populations

A panel of individuals from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds and representing a variety of genetic disorders presented their consumer perspectives on genetic programs, testing and services. Their remarks emphasized how misunderstanding and miscommunication between health care professionals and many of the populations for whom they provide services can lead to unfilled genetic service needs. Panelists recommended that health care professionals become more aware and knowledgeable about the diversity of customs, beliefs and cultures of those receiving their services. Only by building a foundation of trust and mutual respect will genetic testing, research and services become more accessible to individuals from diverse populations, their families and their communities.     

Cyclic imides. XII(i). Absorption and fluorescence spectra of 3-benzamidophthalimides

The ultraviolet absorption, fluorescence, and infrared absorption spectra of fifteen 3-benz-amidophthalimides are described. In general, the nature or position of the substituents on the benzamide moiety has little effect on the ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra of these, compounds. The absorption baud at 271 nm is more sensitive to substituent variations than the other two bands (at 227 nm and 341 nm), indicating this band is a composite of bands observed in the spectra of 3-aminophthalimide and the substituted benzamide. The fluorescence of 3-amino-phthalirnide and the 3-benzamidophthalimides is due to the same transitions. The infrared absorption wavenumbers for the amide and imide vibrations of the 3-benzamidophthalimides are characterized.