Bifunctional N-Oxides of Alkyldiamidoamines

A homologous series of new surface-active 1,1-bis{[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl]-amido}alkane-di-N-oxides were synthesized in the reaction of an appropriate diethyl 2-alkylmalonate with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine followed by oxidation with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. The adsorption isotherms of their aqueous solutions were measured and evaluated to obtain adsorption parameters: critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface excess concentration (Γ_CMC), equilibrium surface tension at the CMC (γ _CMC), cross-sectional area of the adsorbed surfactant molecule (A _CMC), standard free energies of adsorption and micellization

Synthesis and Surface Properties of Dicephalic Surfactants with a 1,3-Dioxane Ring

A new group of surface active dicephalic derivatives of 1,3-dioxane, i.e., 2-alkyl-5,5-bis{[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]amido}-1,3-dioxane-di-N-oxides, were synthesized with high yields by the reaction of an appropriate 2-alkyl-5,5-bis-(carboxyethyl)-1,3-dioxane with an excess of N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine followed by oxidation with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Structures and purity of all intermediates and final di-N-oxides were confirmed by means of ¹H-NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy. Synthesized compounds showed high surface activity with low values of critical micelle concentration and high effectiveness of surface tension reduction (γ _CMC). However, only derivative with the longest 2-alkyl substituent showed good foaming and moderate emulsifying properties.

Synthesis and Properties of Novel Antifungal Gemini Compounds Derived from <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Acetyl Diethanolamines

A series of new N-acetylated non-ionic and cationic gemini surfactants (3a–f) having dimeric structures derived from primary and tertiary amines with variably long tails (C₈–C₁₂–C₁₈) were synthesized. In addition, N-acetylated monomeric analogues 6a and 6b were prepared and their antifungal potency and surface properties were also determined. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness of surface tension reduction (γ_CMC), surface excess concentration (Γ), and area per molecule at the interface (A) were also determined and the resulting values indicate that the cationic series is characterized by good surface-active and self-aggregation properties. For the first time, all surfactants were tested to evaluate their antifungal properties using the method for the broth macrodilution test (M27-A2, NCCLS). Four microbial strains were used to perform the study: Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), C. albicans (ATCC 64548), and a wild-type strain of C. parasilosis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9763). The antimicrobial activity was measured by yeast growth inhibition expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Results were compared to those obtained for their monomeric analogues and for a commercially available reference compound (Fluconazole). Gemini 3b, 3e and 3f were found to be the most potent compounds. The results show S. cerevisiae as the most sensitive strain. In contrast, the wild strain of C. parapsilosis was resistant.

Synthesis and Properties of Surface Chemically Pure Alkylamidoamine-N-oxides at the Air/Water Interface

A homologous series of surface active 2-(alkanoylamino)ethyldimethylamine-N-oxides, EDA-p(O), and 3-(alkanoylamino)propyldimethylamine-N-oxides, PDA-p(O), were synthesized. Their aqueous stock solutions were processed by the automatically operating apparatus to remove surface-active contamination and provide chemical purity at the air/water interface. In case of 3-(tetradecanoylamino)propyldimethylamine-N-oxide, PDA-14(O), the difference between equilibrium surface tension values of the purified surfactant solutions and the corresponding values of the solutions prepared from the “as received” compounds amounts to 15 mN m⁻¹. Moreover, in presence of the surface-active contaminants time needed to reach equilibrium surface tension values is over 2 h. For the solution of the “surface-chemically pure” grade the change of the surface tension within adsorption time is negligible and the equilibrium is reached instantaneously. Physicochemical properties of obtained surface-chemically pure aqueous solutions of N-oxides of alkylamidoamines and adsorption parameters (standard free energy of adsorption, ΔG°_ads, surface excess by saturation surface concentration, Γ_∞, minimum surface area demand per molecule adsorbed, A _min) were evaluated from the equilibrium surface tension versus concentration isotherms at the air/water interface using Gibbs’s equation. The introduction of the CH₂ moiety into the intermediate part of molecule causes a slight decrease of the hydrophobic character of surfactant. Also the minimum surface area demand, A _min, is slightly greater for PDA series than for the corresponding EDA derivatives. Surface potential measurements were performed in addition to surface tension studies. Electric surface potential versus concentration isotherms was determined. Surface potential increases with increasing surfactant’s bulk concentration for all investigated compounds. At highest concentrations, where interface is almost saturated, changes of surface potential become almost negligible.

Overexpression of a FAD3 Desaturase Increases Synthesis of a Polymethylene-Interrupted Dienoic Fatty Acid in Seeds of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis> L.

A cDNA encoding the Arabidopsis extraplastidic linoleate desaturase (FAD3) was overexpressed in the seeds of wild-type Arabidopsis and in a mutant line that accumulates high levels of oleic acid. In the transformed wild-type plants, linolenic acid (18:3Δ9,12,15) increased from 19% to nearly 40% of total seed fatty acids, with a corresponding decrease in linoleate content (18:2Δ9,12). In the high oleate mutant, a large increase in the level of a fatty acid identified by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry as mangiferic acid (18:2Δ9,15) was observed. The results demonstrate that the polymethylene-interrupted dienoic fatty acid, mangiferic acid, can be produced in seed oil through the overexpression of a fatty acid n-3 desaturase.

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Desmoscaris tripsinosa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Palaemonetes africanus</Emphasis> Responses to Concentrations of Neatex and Norust CR486 in Sediment

The assessment of water and sediment quality from chemical pollutants in the Nigerian Niger Delta were conducted using bioindicators (Desmoscaris tripsinosa and Palaemonetes africanus). The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2004), No.218 direct sediment toxicity assessment was employed. Shrimp were exposed to sediments treated with Neatex (liquid detergent) and Norust CR 486 (corrosion inhibitor) at concentrations of 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. Percentage mortality was measured as the ecological endpoint. Mean % mortality and estimated lethal concentration LC50 values varied with species type, concentration and exposure duration. Observed % mean mortality of the test organisms in both chemicals were significantly different from that of the control test suggesting that mortality may be induced by the effect of the chemicals. LC50s were significantly different for both chemicals at p < 0.05, t = 6.06 (fresh water) and p < 0.05, t = 12.34 (brackish). The values from this study are an indication that the chemicals have the potential to cause acute lethal toxicity. It is a prediction of likely adverse effects on shrimp populations in benthic sediment of the Niger Delta ecological zone. Consequently, there is a great need to protect some of the more sensitive invertebrates representing the major proportion of the diet of many other species.

Preparation,Surface-Active Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Bis(Ester Quaternary Ammonium) Salts

New cationic surfactants, bis-quaternary ammonium salts, were prepared from N,N-dimethylaminoalkyl esters of saturated fatty acids and products of the reactions of epichlorohydrin with primary amines: pentyl-, hexyl- and octylamine. The bis (ester–ammonium) salts obtained were examined in respect to their surface-active properties: critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness of surface tension reduction (γ_CMC), and adsorption efficiency (pC₂₀). All these surfactants showed good water solubility and low critical micelle concentrations of more than two orders of magnitude lower than these of corresponding mono-alkylammonium salts. They also showed good wetting capability, but worse foaming properties. All the surfactants tested were nontoxic to gram-negative bacteria, but some of them inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria and yeast.

Ring-Fluorinated Analog of Methyl Eugenol: Attractiveness to and Metabolism in the Oriental Fruit Fly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactrocera Dorsalis</Emphasis> (Hendel)

Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), males are highly attracted to the natural phenylpropanoid methyl eugenol (ME). They compulsively feed on ME and metabolize it to ring and side-chain hydroxylated compounds that have both pheromonal and allomonal functions. Side-chain metabolic activation of ME leading to (E)-coniferyl alcohol has long been recognized as a primary reason for hepatocarcinogenicity of this compound in rodents. Earlier, we demonstrated that introduction of a fluorine atom at the terminal carbon of the ME side chain significantly depressed metabolism and specifically reduced formation of coniferyl alcohol but had little effect on field attractiveness to B. dorsalis. In the current paper, we demonstrate that fluorination of ME at the 4 position of the aromatic ring blocks metabolic ring-hydroxylation but overall enhances side-chain metabolism by increasing production of fluorinated (E)-coniferyl alcohol. In laboratory experiments, oriental fruit fly males were attracted to and readily consumed 1,2-dimethoxy-4-fluoro-5-(2-propenyl)benzene (I) at rates similar to ME but metabolized it faster. Flies that consumed the fluorine analog were as healthy post feeding as ones fed on methyl eugenol. In field trials, the fluorine analog I was ∼50% less attractive to male B. dorsalis than ME.

Syntheses and Structural Characterization of Co(II) Coordination Polymers Supported by Bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-benzimidazolyl)methane and Bis(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-imidazolyl)methane

[Co₂(L¹)₂(NCS)₄]·4MeOH 1, [Co(L²)₂(H₂O)₂](Sal)₂·4H₂O (Sal = salicylate) 2 were obtained from self-assembly of the cobalt salts with bis(N-benzimidazolyl)methane (L¹), and bis(N-benzimidazolyl)methane (L²), and their structures were characterized by IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 exhibits a two-dimensional grid structure, whereas complex 2 is a coordination polymer having a one-dimensional linear chain structure. The grid in 1 lies parallel to the crystallographic ab plane and exhibits intra-grid M–M separations of 10.508 × 10.508 Å. Hydrogen bonds hold the cationic chains in 2 together leading to a three-dimensional network structure.     

Copolymerization of Chlorocyclotriphosphazene Derivatives Containing the Methacycloylbutenedioxy and <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(Ferrocenylmethyl)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Methylamino Substituents with Methylmethacrylate

The mixed substituent chlorocyclophosphazene monomers 2,2^′-N₃P₃Cl₄[O(CH₂)₄OC(O)C(Me)CH₂][C₅H₅FeC₅H₄CH₂NMe](1) and 2,2^′,4-N₃P₃Cl₃[O(CH₂)₄OC(O)C(Me)CH₂][C₅H₅FeC₅ H₄CH ₂NMe]₂ (2) undergo radical addition copolymerization with methylmethacrylate to produce a broad range of copolymers having pendant cyclophosphazenes containing a ferrocenyl substitutent. In both bulk and solution copolymerization, the conversion decreased with increasing amount of 1 in the monomer feed with no copolymer formation observed in co-monomer mixtures containing greater than 50% of 1. NMR studies of the copolymers show that the copolymer composition is the same as the monomer feed and that the triad tacticity is constant throughout the series for 1 but an increase in syndiotactic triads is observed for 2. TGA studies indicate an increase in char yield with an increase in the phosphazene content of the copolymer.

Surface Properties and Biological Activity of Select Cationic Surfactants

A series of cationic surfactants, N-(decyl N-tri-ethanol ammonium Bromide) (C₁₀), N-(dodecyl N-triethanol ammonium Bromide) (C₁₂), N-(hexadecyl N-triethanol ammonium Bromide) (C₁₆) were synthesized. These compounds have been evaluated by studying their surface properties, surface parameters, biodegradability and antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

Synthesis of Sulfated Sodium Salts of 1-Alkylamino-3-alkyloxy-2-propanols and N,N-Di-(2-hydroxy-3-alkyloxy propyl) Alkylamines as Potential Surfactants

1-Alkylamino-3-alkyloxy-2-propanols, V (a–g) and N,N-di-(2-hydroxy-3-alkyloxy propyl) alkylamines, VI (a–g) were prepared with the same chain length both for alkyl amino and alkyloxy groups by condensation of alkyl glycidyl ethers with long chain alkylamines by employing thermal and microwave-assisted methods. All the products were characterized by ¹H-NMR, IR and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry studies. These compounds were further sulfated and evaluated as their sodium salts for surfactant properties namely surface tension, critical micelle concentration, emulsifying property, wetting, foaming power and calcium tolerance. Sulfated 1-dodecylamino-3-dodecyloxy-2-propanol, VII c and sulfated N,N-di-(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxy propyl) dodecylamine, VIII c were found to exhibit superior surfactant properties among the respective series of monomers and dimers.

Surface and Biological Activity of Some Novel Cationic Surfactants

In this study, steps were taken toward the development of bactericidal and fungicidal synthetic cationic surfactants by reacting decyl, dodecyl or tetradecyl amine with acetic or hydrochloric acid to produce a series of amine salts which consequently converted to copper or cobalt cationic complexes via complexing the first series compounds with copper (II) or cobalt (II) ions. Surface properties such as interfacial tension and emulsifying power of these surfactants were investigated. The surface parameters including critical micelle concentration (CMC), maximum surface excess (Γ_max) and minimum surface area (A _min) were studied. Free energy of micellization (ΔG°_mic) and adsorption (ΔG°_ads) were calculated. The antimicrobial activity was determined via the inhibition zone diameter of the prepared compounds, which measured against five strains of a representative group of microorganisms. FTIR spectra, elemental analysis and H¹ NMR spectrum were performed to confirm compound structure and purity.

A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study on the Oxidation of Hydroxy Acids by <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Bromophthalimide in the Presence of a Micellar System

The kinetics of oxidation of some α-hydroxy acids viz. Tartaric acid (TA) and Malic acid (MA) by N-bromophthalimide (NBP) were studied in the presence of a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in perchloric acid medium at 313 K. The oxidation of TA and MA by N-bromophthalimide in the presence of CTAB is faster than in the absence of surfactant. The rate of oxidation of hydroxy acids was found to be in the order: TA > MA. First order kinetics with respect to NBP was observed in the oxidation of both hydroxy acids. The kinetics results indicate that the first order kinetics in hydroxy acids at lower concentrations tends towards a zero order at its higher concentrations. Inverse fractional order in [H⁺] and [phthalimide] were noted throughout its tenfold variation. With a progressive increase in [CTAB], the rate of reaction increased, reaches a maximum value and then constancy in k _Ψ was observed. Variation of [Hg(OAc)₂] and ionic strength (μ) of the medium did not bring about any significant change in the rate of reaction. The applicability of different kinetic models viz. the Piszkiewicz cooperative model, the Raghvan and Srinivasan model, and the Menger–Portnoy model were tested to explain the observed micellar effects. The effect of [CTAB] on the activation parameters was explored to rationalize the micellar effect. The values of rate constants observed at four different temperatures were utilized to calculate the activation parameters. A suitable mechanism consistent with the experimental findings has been proposed. The index of cooperativity and the micelle binding constant have been calculated.

Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Soldier Defense Secretions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Reticulitermes</Emphasis> in Southern California: A Critical Analysis of the Taxonomy of the Genus in North America

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) and soldier defense secretions (SDS) were characterized for collections of Reticulitermes from six counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Santa Barbara) in southern California. Collection sites included the type locality for R. hesperus, Lake Arrowhead (formerly known as Little Bear Lake) in the San Bernardino Mountains. In southern California, there are two CHC phenotypes, SC-A and SC-B, which are easily distinguished by the presence or absence of 5-methyl pentacosane, 5-methyl heptacosane, 5,17-dimethyl pentacosane, and 5,17-dimethyl heptacosane. These phenotypes are similar, but not identical, to previously designated phenotypes of Reticulitermes from northern California. The SDS of termites collected from southern California were characterized; (—)-germacrene A was abundant in all but the four samples from Lake Arrowhead. Soldiers of phenotype SC-A produced >79% germacrene A. The four samples from Lake Arrowhead produced no germacrene A, but contained >78% γ-cadinene. The SDS from the Lake Arrowhead samples were more similar to those of CA-A/CA-A′ from northern California than to any of the CHC phenotypes from southern California. Soldiers of CHC phenotype SC-B produced germacrene A, with the proportion varying from 16.2 to 98.7%. The SDS of SC-B were more similar to those of SC-A than to any of the phenotypes from northern California. The CHC phenotype SC-A found in southern California likely represents R. hesperus and SC-B appears to be a new, as yet undescribed species. We discuss the state of current taxonomic research on Reticulitermes.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of 8-Hydroxyquinoline and 2-Hydroxypyridine Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Two series of quaternary cationic surfactant were synthesized by reaction of 8-hydroxyquinoline and 2-hydroxypyridine with long chain alkyl halides (dodecyl, tetradecyl- and hexadecyl-bromide). Surface tension was measured in aqueous solution for different concentrations at 25 °C. Various surface properties of the synthesized surfactants were evaluated, particularly critical micelle concentration (CMC), efficiency (Π_CMC) as well as maximum surface excess (Γ_max) and minimum surface area (A _min). Micellization and adsorption in liquid/air interfaces thermodynamics were investigated. The synthesized cationic surfactants were evaluated for their biocidal activity. All compounds prepared showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Synthesis of Cleavable Aryl Sulfonate Anionic Surfactants and a Study of their Surface Activity

A series of cleavable aryl sulfonate anionic surfactants were synthesized from cyanuric chloride, aliphatic amine and H-acid mono sodium salt. Their structures were identified by ¹H NMR, Infrared Spectrum (IR) and Elementary Analysis (EA). Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in aqueous solutions at 25 °C were determined by a steady-state fluorescence probe method and a surface-tension method. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the value of their CMCs and surface tensions under CMC (γ _CMC) initially decreased and then reached a minimum (respectively 2.63 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ and 28.29 mN m⁻¹) when the carbon number was 10. The CMC and γ _CMC then increased when the carbon number was increased to 12. The results showed that, compared with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), such kinds of surfactants have much lower surface adsorption amounts and greater molecular areas on the aqueous surface.

Preparation and Application of Fluorinated Cationic Surfactants

Four fluorinated cationic surfactants were prepared by condensing 2,2,3,3, tetrafluoro-1-propyl chloroacetate with stoichiometric amounts of pyridine, 2-hydroxypyridine, 8-hydroxyquinoline and 8-hydroxyquinaldine to produce four quaternary ammonium salts. The surface and biocidal properties of these surfactants were investigated. Surface properties of their solutions including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness (Π_cmc), maximum surface excess (Γ_max) and minimum surface area (A _min) were investigated with respect to different concentrations at 25 °C. Standard free energies of micellization and adsorption of the prepared surfactants in the aqueous solution were studied. The biocidal activity was determined via the inhibition zone diameter of prepared compounds which tested against six strains as a representative group of microorganisms.

Influence of Sodium Ions on Micelles of Surfactin-C16 in Solution

The properties of surfactin-C₁₆ aqueous solution in the presence of Na⁺ ions, produced by Bacillus subtilis, were studied by the fluorescence method. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactin-C₁₆ was measured as 24.7 μM in 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 8.5–8.6). With an increase in Na⁺ concentration, the CMC value and micropolarity of surfactin-C₁₆ decreased while the microviscosity increased, which means that the addition of Na⁺ improves the surface activity and enhances the micellization of the surfactin-C₁₆ in solution. The preliminary aggregation number (N) was obtained by the steady-state fluorescence method.

Synthesis,characterization and antibacterial activity of quaternized <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>-(2-carboxyethyl) chitosan

N,O-(2-carboxyethyl)chitosan (N,O-2-CEC) was prepared from chitosan with 3-chloropropionic acid as modifying agent and NaOH as catalyst. Different quaternary ammonium groups were introduced into N,O-2-CEC by the reaction between N,O-2-CEC and different 2,3-epoxypropyl trialkyl ammonium chlorides in the presence of 25% NaOH aqueous solution, and obtained different quaternized N,O-2-carboxyethyl chitosans (QCECs). Structures of QCECs were characterized by FT-IR, ¹HNMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Antimicrobial activity of QCECs was evaluated against a gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Compared with N,O-2-CEC and quaternized chitosans, the QCECs had much stronger antimicrobial activity, which increased with increasing chain length of the alkyl in the quaternary ammonium groups. The presence of benzyl in quaternary ammonium groups could endow QCECs with much better antimicrobial activity.