Improved conversion of 6‐endo‐tosyloxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐ones into 6‐exo‐acetoxy and 6‐exo‐benzoyloxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐ones

The reaction conditions for the conversion of 6‐endo‐tosyloxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one ( 7b ) into 6‐exo‐acetoxy ( 8b ) and 6‐exo‐benzoyloxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one ( 8a ), respectively, were improved. Thus known 6‐endo‐tosyloxy‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐ones (+)‐(1RS,6SR,8SR,11RS)‐11‐[(4‐toluenesulfonyl)oxy]tricyclo[6.2.2.0^1,6]dodecan‐9‐one ( 1a ), 13‐methyl‐15‐oxo‐9β,13b‐ethano‐9β‐podocarpan‐12β‐yl‐4‐toluenesulfonate ( 3a ), and methyl (13R)‐16‐oxo‐13‐[(4‐tolylsulfonyl)oxy]‐17‐noratisan‐18‐oate ( 5 ), were converted,in comparable yields, as previously recorded, but much shorter times, into (+)‐(1RS,6SR,8SR,11SR)‐11‐(benzoyloxy) tricyclo[6.2.2.0^1,6]dodecan‐9‐one ( 2 ), 13‐methyl‐15‐oxo‐9β,13β‐ethano‐9β‐podocarpan‐12α‐yl benzoate ( 4 ), and methyl (13S)‐13‐(benzoyloxy)‐16‐oxo‐17‐noratisan‐18‐oate ( 6 ), respectively.     

Retracted: Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Selective Acylation of 4H‐Benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one Derivatives with α‐Oxo Carboxylic acids via Preferential Cyclic Imine‐N‐Directed Aryl C−H Activation

The benzoxazine scaffolds are of much interest as they are found in a large array of natural products and pharmaceutical drugs with diverse activities. We have developed a palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative selective mono‐ and bis‐acylation of 4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one derivatives with α‐oxo carboxylic acids via preferential cyclic imine‐N‐directed C−H activation. 2‐Aryl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one was acylated with a variety of substituted phenylglyoxylic acids to produce the corresponding products. It was observed that electron‐donating groups (CH₃, OCH₃) at any position of the aromatic ring of phenylglyoxylic acid provided good to excellent yields, whereas phenylglyoxylic acids containing electron‐withdrawing groups (COCH₃, CN, NO₂) gave the products in moderate yields. Interestingly when the reaction was performed with silver triflate (AgOTf) in place of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in the presence of 4 equivalents of glyoxylic acid, the bis‐acylated product was obtained together with a small amount of mono‐acylated product. This is the first report of acylation of 2‐aryl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones via C−H activation. The notable features of this reaction are acylation with more challenging heteroarene‐oxo carboxylic acids and alkyl oxo carboxylic acids. This new protocol provides an easy and efficient access to a variety of o‐acyl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one derivatives which are of pharmaceutical importance.

     

Rational Design,Synthesis, and Potency of N‐Substituted Indoles,Pyrroles, and Triarylpyrazoles as Potential Fructose 1,6‐Bisphosphatase Inhibitors

By using computer modeling and lead structures from our earlier SAR results, a broad variety of pyrrole‐, indole‐, and pyrazole‐based compounds were evaluated as potential fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) inhibitors. The docking studies yielded promising structures, and several were selected for synthesis and FBPase inhibition assays: 1‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]‐1H‐indole‐5‐carboxamide, 1‐(α‐naphthalen‐1‐ylsulfonyl)‐7‐nitro‐1H‐indole, 5‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐3‐phenyl‐1‐[3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐1H‐pyrazole, 1‐(4‐carboxyphenylsulfonyl)‐1H‐pyrrole, and 1‐(4‐carbomethoxyphenylsulfonyl)‐1H‐pyrrole were synthesized and tested for inhibition of FBPase. The IC₅₀ values were determined to be 0.991 and 1.34 μM , and 575, 135, and 32 nM , respectively. The tested compounds were significantly more potent than the natural inhibitor AMP (4.0 μM ) by an order of magnitude; indeed, the best inhibitor showed an IC₅₀ value toward FBPase more than two orders of magnitude better than that of AMP. This level of activity is virtually the same as that of the best currently known FBPase inhibitors. This work shows that such indole derivatives are promising candidates for drug development in the treatment of type II diabetes.     

Copolymerization of 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methyl acrylate and (10‐oxo‐10‐hydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl) methyl acrylate with styrene and their thermal degradation characteristics

Two phosphorus‐containing acrylates of 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methyl acrylate and (10‐oxo‐10‐hydro‐9‐oxa‐10λ⁵‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl) methyl acrylate were free‐radical‐copolymerized with styrene (St). The r₁ reactivity ratio values (related to the novel acrylates) were 0.342 and 0.225, respectively, and the r₂ reactivity ratio values (related to St) were 0.432 and 0.503, respectively. The thermal stability of the copolymers was tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in N₂ or air, and the ignitability was tested by measurements of UL‐94 vertical combustion tests and the limiting oxygen index. The results of TGA and combustion tests indicated that the effect of flame retardancy was determined by the nature of the phosphorus‐containing substituent. Compared with the 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide based group, the 1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phorsphabicyclo[2,2,2]oct‐4‐yl methol based group could enhance the ability of char formation with an antidripping effect. It is concluded that phosphorus‐containing acrylates are potential flame‐retarding monomers for styrenic polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Heterobimetallorganische 1,2‐(N,N‐Dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocenyl‐Derivate des vier‐ und zweiwertigen Zinns: Synthesen,Charakteristika und Kristallstrukturen

SnCl₄ reacts with [1,2‐(N,N‐dimethylaminomethyl) ferrocenyl]lithium (FcNLi) under formation of the organo tin compounds of the four valued tin (FcN)_n SnCl _4‐n [n = 1( 1 ), 2( 2 ), 3( 3 ), 4( 4 )]. The heterobimetallic chelate complex bis[1,2‐(N,N‐dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocenyl]tin(II) (FcN)₂ Sn ( 5 ) is formed at the reaction of SnCl₂ with two equivalents of FcNLi. The heterobimetallic tin compounds 1 — 5 were characterized by ¹H NMR‐, ¹³C‐NMR and mass spectroscopy, single crystal x‐ray analyses ( 1,3,4,5 ), ⁵⁷ Fe‐Moessbauer spectroscopy ( 1, 3, 4, 5 ), respectively cyclic voltammetry.     

Preparation and kinetic analysis of PS‐b‐PBA block copolymer by 4‐oxo‐TEMPO capped polystyrene macroinitiators

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate) block copolymers were prepared from 4‐oxo‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinooxy (4‐oxo‐TEMPO) capped polystyrene macroinitiators at a high temperature, 165°C. It was found that the number‐average molecular weight of PBA chains in block copolymers could reach above 10,000 rapidly at early stage of polymerization with a narrow polydispersity index of 1.2–1.4, but after that, the polymerization seemed to be retarded. Furthermore, according to the kinetic analysis, the concentration of 4‐oxo‐TEMPO was increased mainly by the hydrogen transfer reaction of hydroxylamine (4‐oxo‐TEMPOH) to growing radicals during polymerization. This increase in 4‐oxo‐TEMPO concentration could retard the growth of polymer chains. The rate constant of the hydrogen transfer reaction of 4‐oxo‐TEMPOH to growing radicals, k_H, estimated by the kinetic model is about 9.33 × 10⁴M^‐1s^?1 at 165°C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Pharmacophore‐Based Design of Novel Oxadiazoles as Selective Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) Receptor Agonists with in vivo Efficacy

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists have shown promise as therapeutic agents for multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their regulatory roles within the immune, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Here, the design and optimization of novel [1,2,4]oxadiazole derivatives as selective S1P receptor agonists are described. The structure–activity relationship exploration was carried out on the three dominant segments of the series: modification of the polar head group (P), replacement of the oxadiazole linker (L) with different five‐membered heterocycles, and the use of diverse 2,2′‐disubstituted biphenyl moieties as the hydrophobic tail (H). All three segments have a significant impact on potency, S1P receptor subtype selectivity, physicochemical properties, and in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profile of the compounds. From these optimization studies, a selective S1P₁ agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(4‐{5‐[2‐methyl‐2′‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine ( 45 ), and a dual S1P_1,5 agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐{5‐[2′‐methyl‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine ( 49 ), emerged as frontrunners. These compounds distribute predominantly in lymph nodes and brain over plasma and induce long lasting decreases in lymphocyte count after oral administration. When evaluated head‐to‐head in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model, together with the marketed drug fingolimod, a pan‐S1P receptor agonist, S1P_1,5 agonist 49 demonstrated comparable efficacy while S1P₁‐selective agonist 45 was less potent. Compound 49 is not a prodrug, and its improved property profile should translate into a safer treatment of relapsing forms of MS.     

Identification of a Small‐Molecule Inhibitor of HIV‐1 Assembly that Targets the Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)‐bisphosphate Binding Site of the HIV‐1 Matrix Protein

The development of drug resistance remains a critical problem for current HIV‐1 antiviral therapies, creating a need for new inhibitors of HIV‐1 replication. We previously reported on a novel anti‐HIV‐1 compound, N²‐(phenoxyacetyl)‐N‐[4‐(1‐piperidinylcarbonyl)benzyl]glycinamide ( 14 ), that binds to the highly conserved phosphatidylinositol (4,5)‐bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P₂) binding pocket of the HIV‐1 matrix (MA) protein. In this study, we re‐evaluate the hits from the virtual screen used to identify compound 14 and test them directly in an HIV‐1 replication assay using primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This study resulted in the identification of three new compounds with antiviral activity; 2‐(4‐{[3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐yl]methyl})‐1‐piperazinyl)‐N‐(4‐methylphenyl)acetamide ( 7 ), 3‐(2‐ethoxyphenyl)‐5‐[[4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole ( 17 ), and N‐[4‐ethoxy‐3‐(1‐piperidinylsulfonyl)phenyl]‐2‐(imidazo[2,1‐b][1,3]thiazol‐6‐yl)acetamide ( 18 ), with compound 7 being the most potent of these hits. Mechanistic studies on 7 demonstrated that it directly interacts with and functions through HIV‐1 MA. In accordance with our drug target, compound 7 competes with PI(4,5)P₂ for MA binding and, as a result, diminishes the production of new virus. Mutation of residues within the PI(4,5)P₂ binding site of MA decreased the antiviral effect of compound 7 . Additionally, compound 7 displays a broadly neutralizing anti‐HIV activity, with IC₅₀ values of 7.5–15.6 μM for the group M isolates tested. Taken together, these results point towards a novel chemical probe that can be used to more closely study the biological role of MA and could, through further optimization, lead to a new class of anti‐HIV‐1 therapeutics.     

Ethylene/1‐octadecene copolymerization using [η5:η1‐C5Me4‐4‐R1‐6‐R‐C6H2O]TiCl2 catalysts

Copolymerization of ethylene with 1‐octadecene was studied using [η⁵:η¹‐C₅Me₄‐4‐R₁‐6‐R‐C₆H₂O]TiCl₂ [R₁ = ^tBu (1), H (2, 3, 4); R = ^tBu (1, 2), Me (3), Ph (4)] as catalysts in the presence of Al(i‐Bu)₃ and [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄]. The effect of the concentration of comonomer in the feed and Al/Ti molar ratio on the catalytic activity and molecular weight of the resultant copolymer were investigated. The substituents on the phenyl ring of the ligand affect considerably both the catalytic activity and comonomer incorporation. The 1 /Al(i‐Bu)₃/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] catalyst system exhibits the highest catalytic activity and produces copolymers with the highest molecular weight, while the 2 /Al(i‐Bu)₃/[Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] catalyst system gives copolymers with the highest comonomer incorporation under similar conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis,extraction, and anti‐bacterial studies of some new bis‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives part I

A series of new bis triazole Schiff base derivatives (4) were prepared in good yields by treatment of 4‐amino‐3,5‐diphenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole (3) with bisaldehydes (1). Schiff bases (4) were reduced with NaBH₄ to afford the corresponding bisaminotriazoles (5). All the new compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral data. Their overall extraction (log K_ex) constants for 1 : 1 (M : L) complexes and CHCl₃/H₂O systems were determined at 25 ± 0.1°C to investigate the relationship between structure and selectivity toward various metal cations. The extraction equilibrium constants were estimated using CHCl₃/H₂O membrane transfer with inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy spectroscopy. The stability sequence of the triazole derivatives in CHCl₃ for the metal cations was exhibited a characteristic preference order of extractability to metal ions [Fe(III) > Cu(II) > Pb(II) > Co(II) > Ni(II) > Mn(II) > Zn(II) > Mg(II) > Ca(II)]. The compounds were tested for anti‐microbial activity applying agar diffusion technique for 11 bacteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Viscosity/molecular‐weight relationship for γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane)s

A series of γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (DHT‐PDMS) samples with different molecular weights were prepared through the acid‐catalyzed equilibrium copolymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and 1,3‐bis[γ‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropoxy)propyl]tetramethyldisiloxane. The intrinsic viscosity in toluene ([η]_toluene) and the number‐average molecular weight (M_n) were determined with an Ubbelohde viscometer and ¹H‐NMR spectra, respectively. In this way, the relationship between [η]_toluene and M_n was established. For 2.0 × 10⁴ < M_n < 4.0 × 10⁴, [η]_{toluene,25°C} was 1.874M_n ^0.323. The solution behavior of DHT‐PDMS was also investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1759–1762, 2004     

Synthesis of 2H‐Thiopyrans by Rhodium(II) Acetate‐Catalyzed Reaction of 4‐Amino‐2,5‐dihydro‐3‐thiophenecarbonitriles with α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds. Part 1

4‐Amino‐2,5‐dihydro‐3‐thiophenecarbonitriles 1 reacted with dimethyl diazomalonate in the presence of rhodium(II) acetate to give regioselectively 4‐cyano‐2H‐thio‐pyrans 2 (C ₂— S insertion), and 5‐cyano‐2H‐thiopyrans (C ₅— S insertion) were not isolated. Similar insertion was also observed in the reaction of 1 with methyl diazoacetoacetate and ethyl diazobenzoylacetate. The starting compounds 1 were synthesized by the reaction of tetrahydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐thiophene‐carbonitrile with morpholine, piperidine, and pyrrolidine in the presence of formic acid in ethanol.     

Ethylene polymerization by 3‐oxa‐pentamethylene bridged asymmetric dinuclear titanocene/MAO system

An asymmetric 3‐oxa‐pentamethylene bridged dinuclear titanocenium complex (CpTiCl₂)₂(η⁵‐η⁵‐C₉H₆(CH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂)C₅H₄) ( 1 ) has been prepared by treating two equivalents of CpTiCl₃ with the corresponding dilithium salts of the ligand C₉H₇(CH₂CH₂OCH₂ CH₂)C₅H₅. The complex 1 was characterized by ¹H‐, ¹³C‐NMR, and elemental analysis. Homogenous ethylene polymerization catalyzed using complex 1 has been conducted in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO). The influences ofreaction parameters, such as [MAO]/[Cat] molar ratio, catalyst concentration, ethylene pressure, temperature, and time have been studied in detail. The results show that the catalytic activity and the molecular weight (MW) of polyethylene produced by 1 /MAO decrease gradually with increasing the catalyst concentration or polymerization temperature. The most important feature of this catalytic system is the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polyethylene reaching 12.4, which is higher than using common mononuclear metallocenes, as well as asymmetric dinuclear titanocene complexes like [(CpTiCl₂)₂(η⁵‐η⁵‐C₉H₆(CH₂)_nC₅H₄)] (n = 3, MWD = 7.31; n = 4, MWD = 6.91). The melting point of polyethylene is higher than 135°C, indicating highly linear and highly crystalline polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

NBD‐Based Green Fluorescent Ligands for Typing of Thymine‐Related SNPs by Using an Abasic Site‐Containing Probe DNA

The binding behavior of green fluorescent ligands, derivatives of 7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD), with DNA duplexes containing an abasic (AP) site is studied by thermal denaturation and fluorescence experiments. Among NBD derivatives, N¹‐(7‐nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol‐4‐yl)propane‐1,3‐diamine (NBD‐NH₂) is found to bind selectively to the thymine base opposite an AP site in a DNA duplex with a binding affinity of 1.52×10⁶ M ^?1. From molecular modeling studies, it is suggested that the NBD moiety binds to thymine at the AP site and a protonated amino group tethered to the NBD moiety interacts with the guanine base flanking the AP site. Green fluorescent NBD‐NH₂ is successfully applied for simultaneous G>T genotyping of PCR amplification products in a single cuvette in combination with a blue fluorescent ligand, 2‐amino‐6,7‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxypteridine (diMe‐pteridine).     

Discrete versus In Situ‐Generated Aluminum‐Salen Catalysts in Enantioselective Cyanosilylation of Ketones: Role of Achiral Ligands

The monometallic species {Salen}AlX (X=Me, 2a , b ; X=Cl, 4a , b ; O‐i‐Pr, 5a,b ) and open bimetallic species {Salen}[AlMe₂]₂ ( 3a , b ) that result from binary combinations between an aluminum precursor [trimethylaluminum, dimethylaluminum chloride, aluminum tris(isopropoxide)] and a diprotio {Salen}H₂ pro‐ligand 1a , b ( a =1R,2R‐cyclohexyl‐salen; b =1R,2R‐diphenylethylene‐salen) have been isolated. The crystal structures of 3b , 4b and of μ‐oxo species [{diphenylethylene‐salen}Al]₂O ( 6b ) are reported. The discrete species 2 – 5a,b have been individually evaluated in the asymmetric cyanosilylation of acetophenone. It is shown that, in several cases, these discrete catalysts display dramatically different performances than the catalyst systems in situ‐generated from the binary combinations. The influence of the achiral ligand X on both the enantioselectivity and activity of the cyanosilylation reaction has been investigated, resulting in the definition of a highly active and productive hexafluoro‐2‐propoxide‐based catalyst for a variety of aryl alkyl ketones (TON up to 470, TOF up to 140 h⁻¹ at −20 °C for acetophenone).     

Indoloazepinone‐Constrained Oligomers as Cell‐Penetrating and Blood–Brain‐Barrier‐Permeating Compounds

Non‐cationic and amphipathic indoloazepinone‐constrained (Aia) oligomers have been synthesized as new vectors for intracellular delivery. The conformational preferences of the [l ‐Aia‐Xxx]_n oligomers were investigated by circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopy. Whereas Boc‐[l ‐Aia‐Gly]_2,4‐OBn oligomers 12 and 13 and Boc‐[l ‐Aia‐β³‐h‐l ‐Ala]_2,4‐OBn oligomers 16 and 17 were totally or partially disordered, Boc‐[l ‐Aia‐l ‐Ala]₂‐OBn ( 14 ) induced a typical turn stabilized by C₅‐ and C₇‐membered H‐bond pseudo‐cycles and aromatic interactions. Boc‐[l ‐Aia‐l ‐Ala]₄‐OBn ( 15 ) exhibited a unique structure with remarkable T‐shaped π‐stacking interactions involving the indole rings of the four l ‐Aia residues forming a dense hydrophobic cluster. All of the proposed FITC‐6‐Ahx‐[l ‐Aia‐Xxx]₄‐NH₂ oligomers 19 – 23 , with the exception of FITC‐6‐Ahx‐[l ‐Aia‐Gly]₄‐NH₂ ( 18 ), were internalized by MDA‐MB‐231 cells with higher efficiency than the positive references penetratin and Arg₈. In parallel, the compounds of this series were successfully explored in an in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeation assay. Although no passive diffusion permeability was observed for any of the tested Ac‐[l ‐Aia‐Xxx]₄‐NH₂ oligomers in the PAMPA model, Ac‐[l ‐Aia‐l ‐Arg]₄‐NH₂ ( 26 ) showed significant permeation in the in vitro cell‐based human model of the BBB, suggesting an active mechanism of cell penetration.     

Organosoluble and light‐colored fluorinated polyimides based on 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐phenylethane and various aromatic dianhydrides

To investigate the CF₃ group affecting the coloration and solubility of polyimides (PI), a novel fluorinated diamine 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐amino‐2‐ trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐phenylethane (2) was prepared from 1,1‐ bis(4‐hydrophenyl)‐1‐phenylethan and 2‐chloro‐5‐nitrobenzotrifluoride. A series of light‐colored and soluble PI 5 were synthesized from 2 and various aromatic dianhydrides 3a–f using a standard two‐stage process with thermal 5a– f(H) and chemical 5a–f(C) imidization of poly(amic acid). The 5 series had inherent viscosities ranging from 0.55 to 0.98 dL/g. Most of 5a–f(H) were soluble in amide‐type solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N‐ dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), and even soluble in less polar solvents, such as m‐Cresol, Py, Dioxane, THF, and CH₂Cl₂, and the 5(C) series was soluble in all solvents. The GPC data of the 5a–f(C) indicated that the Mn and Mw values were in the range of 5.5–8.7 × 10⁴ and 8.5–10.6 × 10⁴, respectively, and the polydispersity index (PDI) Mw /Mn values were 1.2–1.5. The PI 5 series had excellent mechanical properties. The glass transition temperatures of the 5 series were in the range of 232–276°C, and the 10% weight loss temperatures were at 505–548 °C in nitrogen and 508–532 °C in air, respectively. They left more than 56% char yield at 800°C in nitrogen. These films had cutoff wavelengths between 356.5–411.5 nm, the b* values ranged from 5.0–71.1, the dielectric constants, were 3.11–3.43 (1MHz) and the moisture absorptions were in the range of 011–0.40%. Comparing 5 containing the analogous PI 6 series based on 1,1‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]‐1‐ phenylethane (BAPPE), the 5 series with the CF₃ group showed lower color intensity, dielectric constants, and better solubility. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2399–2412, 2005     

Characteristics of poly(AAc5‐co‐HPMA3‐cl‐EGDMA15) hydrogel‐immobilized lipase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC‐4713

Four series of noble networks were synthesized with acrylic acid (AAc) copolymerized with varying amount of 2‐hydroxy propyl methacrylate or dodecyl methacrylate (AAc/HPMA or AAc/DMA; 5:1 to 5:5, w/w) in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA; 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20%, w/w) as a crosslinker and ammonium per sulfate (APS) as an initiator. Each of the networks was used to immobilize a purified lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC‐4713. The lipase was purified by successive salting out with (NH₄)₂SO₄, dialysis, and DEAE anion exchange chromatography. Two of the matrices, E_15a, i.e. [poly (AAc₅‐co‐DMA₁‐cl‐EGDMA₁₅)] and I_15c, i.e. [poly (AAc₅‐co‐HPMA₃‐cl‐EGDMA₁₅)], that showed relatively higher binding efficiency for lipase were selected for further studies. I_15c‐hydrogel retained 58.3% of its initial activity after 10th cycle of repetitive hydrolysis of p‐NPP, and I_15c was thus catalytically more stable and efficient than the other matrix. The I_15c‐hydrogel‐immobilized enzyme showed maximum activity at 65°C and pH 9.5. The hydrolytic activity of free and I_15c‐hydrogel‐immobilized enzyme increased profoundly in the presence of 5 mM chloride salts of Hg²⁺, NH₄⁺, Al³⁺, K⁺, and Fe³⁺. The immobilized lipase was preferentially active on medium chain length p‐nitrophenyl acyl ester (C:8, p‐nitrophenyl caprylate). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4636–4644, 2006     

GluN2B‐Selective N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists Derived from 3‐Benzazepines: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amines

Given their high neuroprotective potential, ligands that block GluN2B‐containing N‐methyl‐D ‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors by interacting with the ifenprodil binding site located on the GluN2B subunit are of great interest for the treatment of various neuronal disorders. In this study, a novel class of GluN2B‐selective NMDA receptor antagonists with the benzo[7]annulene scaffold was prepared and pharmacologically evaluated. The key intermediate, N‐(2‐methoxy‐5‐oxo‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐yl)acetamide ( 11 ), was obtained by cyclization of 3‐acetamido‐5‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid ( 10 b ). The final reaction steps comprise hydrolysis of the amide, reduction of the ketone, and reductive alkylation, leading to cis‐ and trans‐configured 7‐(ω‐phenylalkylamino)benzo[7]annulen‐5‐ols. High GluN2B affinity was observed with cis‐configured γ‐amino alcohols substituted with a 3‐phenylpropyl moiety at the amino group. Removal of the benzylic hydroxy moiety led to the most potent GluN2B antagonists of this series: 2‐methoxy‐N‐(3‐phenylpropyl)‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amine ( 20 a , K_i=10 nM ) and 2‐methoxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐phenylpropyl)‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amine ( 23 a , K_i=7.9 nM ). The selectivity over related receptors (phencyclidine binding site of the NMDA receptor, σ₁ and σ₂ receptors) was recorded. In a functional assay measuring the cytoprotective activity of the benzo[7]annulenamines, all tested compounds showed potent NMDA receptor antagonistic activity. Cytotoxicity induced via GluN2A subunit‐containing NMDA receptors was not inhibited by the new ligands.     

Indolo[3,2‐c]quinoline G‐Quadruplex Stabilizers: a Structural Analysis of Binding to the Human Telomeric G‐Quadruplex

A library of 5‐methylindolo[3,2‐c]quinolones (IQc) with various substitution patterns of alkyldiamine side chains were evaluated for G‐quadruplex (G4) binding mode and efficiency. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assays showed that IQcs with a positive charge in the heteroaromatic nucleus and two weakly basic side chains are potent and selective human telomeric (HT) and gene promoter G4 stabilizers. Spectroscopic studies with HT G4 as a model showed that an IQc stabilizing complex involves the binding of two IQc molecules (2,9‐bis{[3‐(diethylamino)propyl]amino}‐5‐methyl‐11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium chloride, 3 d ) per G4 unit, in two non‐independent but equivalent binding sites. Molecular dynamics studies suggest that end‐stacking of 3 d induces a conformational rearrangement in the G4 structure, driving the binding of a second 3 d ligand to a G4 groove. Modeling studies also suggest that 3 d , with two three‐carbon side chains, has the appropriate geometry to participate in direct or water‐mediated hydrogen bonding to the phosphate backbone and/or G4 loops, assisted by the terminal nitrogen atoms of the side chains. Additionally, antiproliferative studies showed that IQc compounds 2 d (2‐{[3‐(diethylamino)propyl]amino}‐5‐methyl‐11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium chloride) and 3 d are 7‐ to 12‐fold more selective for human malignant cell lines than for nonmalignant fibroblasts.