Regioselective coupling of pentafluorophenyl substituted alkynes: mechanistic insight into the zirconocene coupling of alkynes and a facile route to conjugated polymers bearing electron-withdrawing pentafluorophenyl substituents

The reaction of Cp(2)ZrCl(2) with 2 equiv of BuLi at -78 degrees C, followed by the addition of an unsymmetrical tetra- or pentafluorophenyl substituted alkyne R(1)C[triple bond]CAr(f) (R(1), Ar(f) = (CH(2))(4)Me, p-C(6)F(4)H; Me, p-C(6)F(4)H; Ph, C(6)F(5)), resulted in regioselective couplings of these alkynes to zirconacyclopentadienes in which the Ar(f) substituents preferentially adopt the 3,4-positions (beta beta) of the zirconacyclopentadiene ring. With Cp(2)Zr(py)(Me(3)SiC[triple bond]CSiMe(3)) as the zirconocene reagent, the couplings could be carried out at room temperature; however, at higher temperatures significant quantities of the 2,4-fluoroaryl substituted (alpha beta) isomers were also formed. None of the conditions employed produced the 2,5-fluoroaryl substituted (alpha alpha) isomers. These fluoroaryl-substituted zirconacyclopentadienes were readily converted to butadienes via reactions with acids. The zirconacyclopentadiene Cp(2)ZrC(4)-2,5-Ph(2)-3,4-(C(6)F(5))(2), which resulted from the coupling of PhC[triple bond]C(C(6)F(5)), was converted to the corresponding thiophene by reaction with S(2)Cl(2), and to an arene by reaction with MeO(2)CC[triple bond]CCO(2)Me/CuCl. Mechanistic studies on zirconocene couplings of (p-CF(3)C(6)H(4))C[triple bond]C(p-MeC(6)H(4)) indicate that the observed regioselectivities are determined by an electronic factor that controls the orientation of at least one of the two alkynes as they are coupled. Additionally, these studies suggest an unsymmetrical transition state for the zirconocene coupling of alkynes, and this is supported by DFT calculations. The reaction of [(C(6)F(5))C[triple bond]CCH(2)](2)CH(2) with Cp(2)Zr(py)(Me(3)SiC[triple bond]CSiMe(3)) resulted in a zirconacyclopentadiene in which the pentafluorophenyl substituents have been forced into the 2,5-positions (alpha alpha). Zirconocene coupling of the diyne (C(6)F(5))C[triple bond]C-1,4-C(6)H(4)-C[triple bond]C(C(6)F(5)) provided a route to conjugated polymers bearing electron-withdrawing pentafluorophenyl groups.     

Theoretical studies on the mechanism of acid-promoted hydrolysis of N-formylaziridine in comparison with formamide

[reaction: see text] We present an ab initio study of the acid-promoted hydrolysis reaction mechanism of N-formylaziridine in comparison with formamide. Since the rate of amide hydrolysis reactions depends on the formation of the tetrahedral intermediate, we focused our attention mainly on the reactant complex, the tetrahedral intermediate, and the transition state connecting these two stationary points. Geometries were optimized using the density functional theory, and the energetics were refined using ab initio theory including electron correlation. Solvent effects were investigated by using polarizable continuum method calculations. The proton-transfer reaction between the O-protonated and N-protonated amides was investigated. In acidic media, despite that the N-protonated species is more stable than the O-protonated one, it is predicted that both N-protonated and O-protonated pathways compete in the hydrolysis reaction of N-formylaziridine.     

Remarkable proteolytic activity of imidazoles attached to cross-linked polystyrene

The insoluble resins synthesized by attaching imidazoles to poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene) effectively hydrolyzed albumin with half-life as short as 20 min at pH 7 and 25 degrees C. Thus, peptide hydrolysis was accomplished with imidazole in an artificial system for the first time. The imidazole-based artificial proteinases manifested optimum activity at pH 7-8. The proteolytic activity of the imidazole-based artificial proteinases exceeded that of previously reported organic artificial proteinases including catalytic antibodies. High proteolytic activity was observed when imidazole was attached to the resin through the C-2 atom instead of the N atom. The catalytic activity was greatly reduced when the content of imidazole was lowered. This indicates catalytic cooperation of at least two proximal imidazole moieties attached to the resin. Possible mechanisms for the effective protein hydrolysis by the proximal imidazoles are presented.     

Isolation of a potent anti-MRSA sesquiterpenoid quinone from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica

A highly potent anti-MRSA sesquiterpenoid has been isolated from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, which has been traditionally used to treat infectious diseases in Korea. This naturally occurring antibiotic was identified as mansonone F (1). This compound has been found to be highly active specifically against MRSA and showed an MIC range of 0.39-3.13 microg/ml which is comparable to that of vancomycin.     

Investigation of methods suitable for the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of proteins from ribonucleoprotein complexes

A variety of protein isolation and purification techniques for ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes were investigated for their compatibility with downstream analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Ribosomal proteins from Escherichia coli 70S ribosomes were obtained using methods such as phenol extraction and precipitation by organic solvents or acids. Under optimal conditions, more than 90% of the expected ribosomal proteins were detected in a single MALDI-MS experiment. The most effective approach combined ribosome denaturation by buffer exchange with acid precipitation of the ribosomal ribonucleic acids. An improved acid precipitation approach, involving the sequential additions of acetic and trifluoroacetic acid, yielded more complete protein coverage while minimizing loss of ion signal from lower molecular weight proteins. With phenol extraction, substantial gains in ion abundance of higher molecular weight proteins are noted, although some of the lower molecular weight proteins were not efficiently extracted. These results illustrate several effective approaches for protein isolation from protein complexes such as RNPs that are MALDI-MS compatible, and these approaches should extend the use of MALDI-MS for proteomics-based analyses of other protein-nucleic acid complexes.     

Two organometallic fragments inclusioned in a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane: evidence for transition metal-arene interaction through the cavity

The preparation of an 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane ligand, 25,26,27,28-tetrakis{2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy}calix[4]arene (4), is described. Ligand 4 is obtained in four steps in 17% overall yield. Reaction of 4 with AgBF4 produced the encapsulated two silver complex [Ag2{(P,P,P,P)-tetraphencalix[4]arene}](BF4)2. The solid-state structure shows that the encapsulated silver undergoes a substantial pi-interaction by two opposite arene rings. Rhodation of 4 employing [Rh(cot)2]BF4 yielded the encapsulated complex with a bent coordination mode. Two organometallic fragments inclusioned inside a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraphosphane was also achieved by the reaction of 4 with [PtH(PPh3)2 (thf)]+. Full characterization includes X-ray structural studies of compounds 4-6.     

A series of tetrahomodioxacalix[4]biscrown-n. Syntheses, crystal structures, and metal binding abilities

A series of novel tetrahomodioxacalix[4]biscrowns with crown-2, crown-3, crown-4, crown-5, and crown-6 units were synthesized. Conformations of each product are dependent on the base used and their conformation stabilities. All conformations were proven by NMR spectra and/or X-ray crystal structures. The 1,3-alternate homodioxacalix[4]biscrown-4 (4b) shows the best selectivity for K+, whereas the 1,3-alternate homodioxacalix[4]crown-5 (5) does for Cs+. Those selectivities are attributable to electrostatic interaction between the metal ion and the crown ring, as well as a pi-metal complexation. However, the C-1,2-alternate conformation does not take the metal ions regardless of the crown species as a result of steric hindrance from the methylene bridge of an ArCH2Ar unit.     

Correlated atomic force microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging of live bacterial cells

We report on imaging living bacterial cells by using a correlated tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). For optimal imaging of Gram-negative Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells, we explored different methods of bacterial sample preparation, such as spreading the cells on poly-L-lysine coated surfaces or agarose gel coated surfaces. We have found that the agarose gel containing 99% ammonium acetate buffer can provide sufficient local aqueous environment for single bacterial cells. Furthermore, the cell surface topography can be characterized by tapping-mode in-air AFM imaging for the single bacterial cells that are partially embedded. Using in-air rather than under-water AFM imaging of the living cells significantly enhanced the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio of the AFM images. Near-field AFM-tip-enhanced fluorescence lifetime imaging (AFM-FLIM) holds high promise on obtaining fluorescence images beyond optical diffraction limited spatial resolution. We have previously demonstrated near-field AFM-FLIM imaging of polymer beads beyond diffraction limited spatial resolution. Here, as the first step of applying AFM-FLIM on imaging bacterial living cells, we demonstrated a correlated and consecutive AFM topographic imaging, fluorescence intensity imaging, and FLIM imaging of living bacterial cells to characterize cell polarity.     

Improved Compatibility of Styrene-Maleic Anhydride Copolymer/Polyethylene Blends Through Reactive Mixing

Abstract

To improve the compatibility of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer/low density polyethylene (SMA/LDPE) blends, LDPE grafted with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-isophorone diisocyanate (LDPE-g-HI) was prepared and blended with SMA of which anhydride was converted to carboxylic acid (SMAAc). The infrared spectra of LDPE-g-HI established the presence of isocyanate group. In the blend morphology, some adhesions between the two phases and much finer dispersions were observed in the SMAAc/LDPE-g-HI blends, indicating that chemical reactions took place during the melt blending. The lower heat capacity change at the glass transition temperature demonstrated that chemical bonds were produced in the SMAAc/LDPE-g-HI blends. From the results of the rheological test, it was found that strong positive deviation from the mixing rule occurred in viscosity for the SMAAc/LDPE-g-HI blends, concerning with good adhesion and finer dispersions. In the measurement of tensile property, the improved mechanical properties for the SMAAc/LDPE-g-HI blends were shown.