Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 1,3-enynes

[reaction: see text] We report a copper(I)-catalyzed procedure for the synthesis of 1,3-enynes. This method affords a variety of enynes in good to excellent yields. This method can tolerate a variety of functional groups, does not require the use of expensive additives, and is palladium-free.     

Segregated assemblies in bridged electron-rich and electron-poor pi-conjugated moieties

We report a general strategy for the spontaneous segregation of electron-rich and electron-poor pi-conjugated moieties using mutually phobic aliphatic fluorocarbon-hydrocarbon interactions.     

Anti-Osteoporosis Effect of Perilla frutescens Leaf Hexane Fraction through Regulating Osteoclast and Osteoblast Differentiation

Osteoporosis is the result of an imbalance in the bone-remodeling process via an increase in osteoclastic activity and a decrease in osteoblastic activity. Our previous studies have shown that Perilla frutescens seed meal has anti-osteoclastogenic activity. However, the role of perilla leaf hexane fraction (PLH) in osteoporosis has not yet been investigated and reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PLH in osteoclast differentiation and osteogenic potential using cell-based experiments in vitro. From HPLC analysis, we found that PLH contained high luteolin and baicalein. PLH was shown to inhibit RANKL-induced ROS production and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multi-nucleated osteoclasts. Moreover, PLH significantly downregulated the RANKL-induced MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to the attenuation of NFATc1 and MMP-9 expression. In contrast, PLH enhanced osteoblast function by regulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and restoring TNF-α-suppressed osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic potential. Thus, luteolin and baicalein-rich PLH inhibits osteoclast differentiation but promotes the function of osteoblasts. Collectively, our data provide new evidence that suggests that PLH may be a valuable anti-osteoporosis agent.     

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of vinyl sulfides

[reaction: see text] We report a method for the synthesis of vinyl sulfides using the soluble copper(I) catalyst [Cu(phen)(PPh3)2]NO3. The desired vinyl sulfides are obtained in good to excellent yields, with retention of stereochemistry. This protocol tolerates a wide variety of functional groups or substrates, is palladium-free, and does not require the use of expensive or air-sensitive additives.     

Synthesis of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans via copper(I)-catalyzed coupling of o-iodophenols and aryl acetylenes

[reaction: see text] We report a copper(I)-catalyzed procedure for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans. This protocol can be used to synthesize a variety of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans in good to excellent yields. This method can tolerate a variety of functional groups, does not require the use of expensive additives, and is palladium-free.     

Radical scavenging activities of flavonoids from roots of Akschindlium godefroyanum

Chemical constituents of crude ethyl acetate extract of roots of Akschindlium godefroyanum (Kuntze) H. Ohashi were investigated and seven flavonoids were isolated. Their structures were identified based on spectroscopic methods as well as by comparison with spectral data reported in the literature as six flavanonols and a flavonol including 7,4′-dihydroxy-5,3′-dimethoxyflavanonol (1), neophellamuretin (2), taxifolin (3), erycibenin D (4), geraldol (5), fustin (6) and garbanzol (7). Compounds 2, 4 and 7 were found in the genus Akschindlium for the first time. Compounds 3, 5 and 6 appeared to have free radical scavenging activities using DPPH assay with IC₅₀ of 21, 40 and 15 μg/mL, respectively.