The modulation of face-face π-π interactions in Lewis acid catalysis

The enantiomeric excess observed for the exo-adduct from the Lewis acid catalysed Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and methacrolein can be increased up to 21% by simple modification of the electronics of the aromatic ring in a series of stilbene-derived diol ligands, suggesting that the proposed face-face π-π interaction between the catalyst and the dienophile can be modulated by altering the electron density on the aromatic ring.     

Multipeak distributions of first passage times in bistable dynamics in a model of a thermochemical system.

A master equation is used to study transitions between the stable limit cycle and stable focus in the two-variable bistable system. The distribution function of the mean first passage time between these attractors and the relative dispersion of the mean first return time from the stable focus to itself as a function of the intensity of fluctuations are calculated and discussed. A coherence resonance is observed for the return time from the focus to itself.     

Total synthesis of the marine alkaloid halitulin

The structure of the strongly cytotoxic marine alkaloid halitulin (1) has been confirmed by total synthesis and its absolute configuration determined as (15S). The synthesis follows a strategy previously reported by one of us and uses an efficient preparation of the quinoline-7,8-diol unit by modified Baeyer-Villiger and Skraup reactions. The O-benzyl protecting groups were removed in the last step of the synthesis by transfer hydrogenolysis without concomitant reduction of the quinoline ring. The method can be applied for the synthesis of halitulin analogues.     

Exact solutions for Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction-diffusion system

Abstract. We consider the following simplified model for the Belousou-Zhabotinskii(B-Z)reaction:     

Alternative paths in the ring opening of oxadiaziridine: The diimide N-oxide versus the oxodiimide rearrangement

The ring opening of the oxadiaziridine by cleavage of the N-N bond has been theoretically investigated by SCF calculations improved with limited CI. The possible competition of this reaction with the better known ones (N-O bond cleavage, inversion of the N atom) is discussed. The chemical implications of the formation of a new type of 1,3-dipole are examined.     

The six-membered annulation reaction involving sequential palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation and Michael addition: scope and limitations

The palladium-catalyzed condensation of a variety of active methylene compounds with methyl 6-acetoxymethyl-hepta-2,6-dienoate was investigated. The six-membered adducts resulting from a η³ palladium complex alkylation-Michael addition sequence were obtained with moderate to good yields. In some cases, further evolution of the primary adduct was observed. The process has been expanded to access nitrogen heterocycles by using sodium p-toluenesulfonamide as the nucleophilic partner.     

ISOLATION,CHARACTERIZATION AND EXPRESSION OF THE COMPLEMENTARY DNA FOR HUMAN TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR (TNF-α)

A cDNA for human TNF-α (615bp) was isolated by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using first strand cDNA from PMA-induced HL-60 cells as template. The result from sequencing the 615 bp cDNA fragment indicated that it corresponded to the entire sequence of mature human TNF coding region. Direct expression of mature human TNF was achieved using a plasmid pHT-1 constructed by ligation of the cDNA and a synthetic DNA. The IPTG-induced bacterial product (hTNF) showed cytotoxicity to mouse L-929 cells. The TNF activity was further identified by neutralization of a specific monoclonal antibody against human TNF-α. Approximately 80,000 units of activity were detected per ml of culture at A600=2.     

Theoretical studies on the reaction path and dynamics of the reaction CH_3+H_2O→CH_4+OH

The reaction path, the dynamical properties along the reaction path and CVT rate constants are computed by the ab initio MO method, the reaction path Hamiltonian theory and the variational transition state theory. The results show that the effect of the electron correlation energy on activation barrier is large, the recrossing and tunneling effects exist in the reaction.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of antiangeogenic pentaketide dimers, epoxyquinols A and B, through an asymmetric aldol approach to their common monomeric precursor

A new enantioselective total synthesis of epoxyquinols A and B possessing unique pentaketide dimeric structures and potent antiangeogenic activity was achieved by oxidative dimerization of a monomeric pentaketide precursor obtained by the Evans asymmetric aldol reaction and a series of operationally simple transformations.     

First synthesis of α-aminophosphonates from natural porphyrin derivatives by the Kabachnik—Fields reaction

A preparative procedure is proposed for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates of natural porphyrins by the microwave-assisted Kabachnik—Fields reaction.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 1, pp. 256–259, January, 2005.