Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Ferroptosis in a Panel of Cancer Cell Lines

The use of nanomaterials rationally engineered to treat cancer is a burgeoning field that has reported great medical achievements. Iron-based polymeric nano-formulations with precisely tuned physicochemical properties are an expanding and versatile therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment. Recently, a peculiar type of regulated necrosis named ferroptosis has gained increased attention as a target for cancer therapy. Here, we show for the first time that novel iron oxide nanoparticles coated with gallic acid and polyacrylic acid (IONP–GA/PAA) possess intrinsic cytotoxic activity on various cancer cell lines. Indeed, IONP–GA/PAA treatment efficiently induces ferroptosis in glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and fibrosarcoma cells. IONP–GA/PAA-induced ferroptosis was blocked by the canonical ferroptosis inhibitors, including deferoxamine and ciclopirox olamine (iron chelators), and ferrostatin-1, the lipophilic radical trap. These ferroptosis inhibitors also prevented the lipid hydroperoxide generation promoted by the nanoparticles. Altogether, we report on novel ferroptosis-inducing iron encapsulated nanoparticles with potent anti-cancer properties, which has promising potential for further in vivo validation.     

Rice-husk-supported FeCl3 nano-particles: Introduction of a mild,efficient and reusable catalyst for some of the multi-component reactions

Rice-husk-supported FeCl₃ nano-particles (FeCl₃–RiH) were prepared and used as an environmentally friendly catalyst in the synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds, 1,8-dioxo-octahydro xanthenes, and bis-indolyl methanes from simple and readily available precursor molecules.     

A Simple and Highly Efficient One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of Amides via Beckmann Rearrangements Using 1-Tosylimidazole (TsIm)

A facile and highly efficient method for one-pot Beckmann rearrangement of ketoximes into N-substituted amides using N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)imidazole (TsIm) is described. In this method, ketoximes are refluxed with TsIm and Cs₂CO₃ in the presence of SiO₂ as a recyclable catalyst in DMF affording the corresponding amides in high yields. This methodology is highly efficient and regioselective for various structurally diverse ketoximes including symmetrical and unsymmetrical as well as cyclic oximes. The results of quantum mechanical studies used to rationalize the experimental outcomes are discussed.     

A simple accurate model for prediction of deflagration temperature of energetic compounds

A novel general method is introduced to predict deflagration temperature of organic energetic compounds containing at least –NNO₂, –ONO₂, or –CNO₂ groups. Deflagration temperature is an important safety parameter in working with dangerous energetic compounds and their environmental problems. It is shown that the contribution of some molecular structure parameters can be used to interpret thermal decomposition of an energetic compound. For 86 energetic materials (corresponding to 102 measured values) with different molecular structures, the new correlation has the root mean square (rms) and the average deviations of 23.8 and 19.0 K, respectively. The new method is also tested for some energetic compounds with complex molecular structures, e.g., two new organic energetic molecules N,N′-bis(1,2,4-triazol-3yl)-4,4′-diamino-2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octanitroazobenzene (BTDAONAB) and 2,4,6-trinitrophloroglucinol.     

A green and efficient procedure for one-pot synthesis of xanthenes and acridines using silica boron–sulfuric acid nanoparticles (SBSANs) as a solid Lewis-protic acid

Silica boron–sulfuric acid nanoparticles (SBSANs) as a solid Lewis-protic acid have been found to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of xanthene and acridine derivatives. The SBSAN-catalyzed reaction between carbonyl compound (aldehyde/ketone/ethyl orthoformate) and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone) for synthesis of xanthene derivatives is performed under mild conditions with the excellent isolated yield. Also, we can apply a broad scope of carbonyl compounds and amines for efficient synthesis of various acridine derivatives in the presence of SBSAN catalyst. In these multicomponent approaches the SBSAN catalyst can be reused for several times without any treatment in its catalytic activity.     

Doped Nano‐Sized Copper(I) Oxide (Cu2O) on Melamine?Formaldehyde Resin: a Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nano Catalyst for ‘Click’ Synthesis of Some Novel 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives Having Antibacterial Activity

A facile and simple protocol for the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of organic azides with terminal alkynes catalyzed by doped nano‐sized Cu₂O on melamine? formaldehyde resin (nano‐Cu₂O? MFR) as a new and convenient heterogeneous catalyst is described. In this method, ‘click’ cycloaddition of various structurally diverse β‐azido alcohols and alkynes in the presence of nano‐Cu₂O? MFR in H₂O/THF 1 : 2 furnished the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole adducts 1a – 1o in good to excellent yields at room temperature (Scheme and Table 3). The nano‐Cu₂O? MFR was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, and FT‐IR. The nano‐Cu₂O? MFR could be easily recovered and recycled from the reaction mixture and reused for many consecutive trials without significant decrease in activity (Table 4). The in vitro antibacterial activities of all synthesized compounds were tested on several Gram‐positive and/or Gram‐negative bacteria (Table 5). The results demonstrate the promising antibacterial activity for some of the synthesized compounds.     

Simple and Highly Efficient Procedure for Conversion of Aldoximes to Nitriles Using N-(p-Toluenesulfonyl) Imidazole

A facile and efficient method for dehydration of aldoximes into nitriles using N-(p-toluenesulfonyl) imidazole (TsIm) is described. In this method, aldoximes were refluxed with TsIm in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) in dimethylformamide (DMF) to afford the corresponding nitriles in good yields. This methodology is highly efficient for various structurally diverse aldoximes including aromatic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic oximes. A plausible mechanism for the conversion of aldoxime into nitriles using TsIm/DBU is explained.     

Iranian chemist’s efforts to provide various effective methods for the synthesis of xanthenes

Xanthenes and their derivatives as very important classes of organic compounds are key structural elements of many biologically active compounds. These materials are important heterocyclic nucleus of various dyes and drugs. Because of their wide range of pharmacological, industrial and synthetic applications, many methods for the preparation of xanthenes are reported in the literature. In recent years, among the other chemists, introduction of new methods for the preparation of these types of compounds has attracted the attention of Iranian chemists. The result of these efforts is the introduction of appropriate, effective and efficient methods. In this paper, we have a brief review on these methods and their main advantages and important applicabilities.