Structural Analysis of the Minor Cerebrosides from a Glass Sponge Aulosaccus sp.

The minor cerebrosides from a Far‐Eastern glass sponge Aulosaccus sp. were analyzed as constituents of some multi‐component RP‐HPLC fractions. The structures of eighteen new and one known cerebrosides were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, optical rotation data and chemical transformations. These β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→1)‐ceramides contain sphingoid bases N‐acylated with straight‐chain (2R)‐2‐hydroxy fatty acids, namely, (2S,3S,4R,11Z)‐2‐aminoeicos‐11‐ene‐1,3,4‐triol, acylated with 15E‐22:1, 16Z‐21:1, 15Z‐21:1, 15Z‐20:1, 15E‐20:1, 19:0, 18:0 acids, (2S,3S,4R)‐2‐amino‐13‐methyltetradecane‐1,3,4‐triol—with 19Z‐26:1, 16Z‐23:1, 23:0, 22:0 acids, (2S,3S,4R)‐2‐amino‐14‐methylpentadecane‐1,3,4‐triol—with 16Z‐23:1, 16E‐23:1, 15Z‐22:1, 22:0 acids, (2S,3S,4R)‐2‐amino‐14‐methylhexadecane‐1,3,4‐triol, linked to 16Z‐23:1, 15Z‐22:1 acids, (2S,3S,4R)‐2‐amino‐9‐methylhexadecane‐1,3,4‐triol—to 16Z‐23:1 acid, and (2S,3S,4R)‐2‐aminohexadecane‐1,3,4‐triol, attached to 15Z‐22:1 acid. The 13‐methyl and 9‐methyl‐branched trihydroxy sphingoid base backbones (C₁₅ and C₁₇, respectively) have not been found previously in sphingolipids. The ceramide parts, containing other backbones, present new variants of N‐acylation of the marine sphingoid bases with the 2‐hydroxy fatty acids. The combination of the instrumental and chemical methods used in this study improved the efficiency of the structural analysis of such complex cerebroside mixtures that gave more detailed information on glycosphingolipid metabolism of the organism.     

Fatty Acids from a Glass Sponge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aulosaccus</Emphasis> sp. Occurrence of New Cyclopropane-Containing and Methyl-Branched Acids

In order to identify new structures, the free fatty acids from an extract of a glass sponge Aulosaccus sp. (from the north‐west Pacific) belonging to one of the least chemically investigated classes (Hexactinellida), were fractionated by RP‐HPLC and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and GC–MS of their pyrrolidine derivatives, methyl(ethyl) esters and their dimethyl disulfide adducts. One hundred and twenty‐three C₁₂–C₃₁ acids (including nine new compounds) were detected, one hundred and ten of these compounds have not been found previously in glass sponges. The levels of common methylene‐interrupted polyenes, monoenes of the (n–7) family and less common branched‐chain components proved to be high. New acids were shown to be 5,13‐dimethyl‐tetradec‐4‐enoic, cis‐10,11‐methylene‐heptadecanoic, 10,12‐dimethyl‐octadecanoic, cis‐12,13‐methylene‐nonadecanoic, (14E)‐13‐methyl‐eicos‐14‐enoic, 19‐methyl‐eicos‐13‐enoic, cis‐20,21‐methylene‐heptacosanoic, 27‐methyl‐octacos‐21‐enoic and (22Z)‐nonacos‐22‐enoic. Some important mass spectrometric characteristics of pyrrolidides of homologous cyclopropane fatty acids are reported and discussed.     

Cationic copolymers of α,β‐poly‐(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl)‐DL‐aspartamide (PHEA) and α,β‐polyasparthylhydrazide (PAHy): synthesis and characterization

In the present study the derivatization of two water‐soluble synthetic polymers, α,β‐poly(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl)‐DL ‐aspartamide (PHEA) and α,β‐polyasparthylhydrazide (PAHy), with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTA) is described. This reaction permits the introduction of positive charges in the macromolecular chains of PHEA and PAHy in order to make easier the electrostatic interaction with DNA. Different parameters affect the reaction of derivatization, such as GTA concentration and reaction time. PHEA reacts partially and slowly with GTA; on the contrary the reaction of PAHy with GTA is more rapid and extensive. The derivatization of PHEA and PAHy with GTA is a convenient method to introduce positive groups in their chains and it permits the preparation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes with DNA. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Multi‐Enzymatic Synthesis of Optically Pure β‐Hydroxy α‐Amino Acids

A novel enzymatic production system of optically pure β‐hydroxy α‐amino acids was developed. Two enzymes were used for the system: an N‐succinyl L ‐amino acid β‐hydroxylase (SadA) belonging to the iron(II)/α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase superfamily and an N‐succinyl L ‐amino acid desuccinylase (LasA). The genes encoding the two enzymes are part of a gene set responsible for the biosynthesis of peptidyl compounds found in the Burkholderia ambifaria AMMD genome. SadA stereoselectively hydroxylated several N‐succinyl aliphatic L ‐amino acids and produced N‐succinyl β‐hydroxy L ‐amino acids, such as N‐succinyl‐L ‐β‐hydroxyvaline, N‐succinyl‐L ‐threonine, (2S,3R)‐N‐succinyl‐L ‐β‐hydroxyisoleucine, and N‐succinyl‐L ‐threo‐β‐hydroxyleucine. LasA catalyzed the desuccinylation of various N‐succinyl‐L ‐amino acids. Surprisingly, LasA is the first amide bond‐forming enzyme belonging to the amidohydrolase superfamily, and has succinylation activity towards the amino group of L ‐leucine. By combining SadA and LasA in a preparative scale production using N‐succinyl‐L ‐leucine as substrate, 2.3 mmol of L ‐threo‐β‐hydroxyleucine were successfully produced with 93% conversion and over 99% of diastereomeric excess. Consequently, the new production system described in this study has advantages in optical purity and reaction efficiency for application in the mass production of several β‐hydroxy α‐amino acids.

     

Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Protocol for Preparation of Diverse α,β‐ and β,β‐Dihaloenones from Diazodicarbonyls

Efficient one‐step syntheses of α,β‐ and β,β‐dihaloenones were achieved by ruthenium(II)‐catalyzed reactions between cyclic or acyclic diazodicarbonyl compounds and oxalyl chloride or oxalyl bromide in moderate to good yields. This methodology offers several significant advantages, which include ease of handling, mild reaction conditions, one‐step reaction, and the use of an effective and non‐toxic catalyst. The synthesized compounds were further transformed into highly functionalized novel molecules bearing aromatic rings on the enone moiety using the Suzuki reaction.

     

Chemical Synthesis of Rare Natural Bile Acids: 11α‐Hydroxy Derivatives of Lithocholic and Chenodeoxycholic Acids

A method for the preparation of 11α‐hydroxy derivatives of lithocholic and chenodeoxycholic acids, recently discovered to be natural bile acids, is described. The principal reactions involved were (1) elimination of the 12α‐mesyloxy group of the methyl esters of 3α‐acetate‐12α‐mesylate and 3α,7α‐diacetate‐12α‐mesylate derivatives of deoxycholic acid and cholic acid with potassium acetate/hexamethylphosphoramide; (2) simultaneous reduction/hydrolysis of the resulting △¹¹‐3α‐acetoxy and △¹¹‐3α,7α‐diacetoxy methyl esters with lithium aluminum hydride; (3) stereoselective 11α‐hydroxylation of the △¹¹‐3α,24‐diol and △¹¹‐3α,7α,24‐triol intermediates with B₂H₆/tetrahydrofuran (THF); and (4) selective oxidation at C‐24 of the resulting 3α,11α,24‐triol and 3α,7α,11α,24‐tetrol to the corresponding C‐24 carboxylic acids with NaClO₂ catalyzed by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl free radical (TEMPO) and NaClO. In summary, 3α,11α‐dihydroxy‐5β‐cholan‐24‐oic acid and 3α,7α,11α‐trihydroxy‐5β‐cholan‐24‐oic acid have been synthesized and their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra characterized. These compounds are now available as reference standards to be used in biliary bile acid analysis.     

An Efficient Cobalt(I)‐Catalysed Reformatsky Reaction using α‐Chloro Esters

An efficient cobalt(I )‐catalysed Reformatsky reaction using α‐chloro esters has been developed. The catalyst is prepared by reducing the cobalt(II ) chloride (5 %)/1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe)(5 %)/zinc iodide (10 %) system with zinc metal in acetonitrile in the presence of both the α‐chloro ester and the carbonyl compound; good to excellent conversions to β‐hydroxy esters are obtained at room temperature in 2.5 h.     

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Mannich Reactions of 5H‐Oxazol‐4‐ones: Highly Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Chiral α‐Alkylisoserine Derivatives

The first organocatalytic Mannich reaction of 5H‐oxazol‐4‐ones with various readily prepared aryl‐ and alkylsulfonimides has been developed. Two commercially available pseudoenantiomeric Cinchona alkaloids‐derived tertiary amine/ureas have been demonstrated as the most efficient catalysts to access the opposite enantiomers of the Mannich products with equally excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. From the Mannich adducts, important α‐methyl‐α‐hydroxy‐β‐amino acid derivatives, such as the α‐methylated C‐13 side chain of taxol and taxotere, can be conveniently prepared.     

Synthesis of Amino Acid Conjugates and Further Derivatives of 3α‐Hydroxylup‐20(;29)ene‐23,28‐dioic acid

Triterpenes of betulinic acid type exhibit many interesting biological activities. Therefore a series of new 3α‐hydroxy‐lup‐20(29)‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acid derivatives 2a—22 with putative pharmacological activities were synthesized. As starting compounds 3α‐hydroxy‐lup‐20(29)‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acid ( 1a ), isolated from Schefflera octophylla, or its 3‐O‐acetyl derivative 1b were used. Mono‐ and diesters ( 2a—b from 1a , and 4d from 4c ) were prepared with CH₂N₂. Oxidation of the isopropenyl side chain with OsO₄ yielded the 20,29‐diols ( 4a—b from 1b , and 19 from 17 ), which were in the case of 4b further transformed to the 29‐norketones 8a/mdash;b . Oxidation of the isopropenyl side chain with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid afforded the 20,29‐epoxide 12 (from 1b ) and the 29‐aldehydes and a‐hydroxy aldehydes ( 13a—c from 2a, 14a—c from 2b , and 16a—c from 15a ). Ring A was modified by a tosylation—elimination sequence using p‐TsCl/NaOAc, which afforded diolefin 15a (from 2a ) with Δ^2,20(29) double bonds or 23‐nor‐Δ^3,20(29)diolefin 17 (from 1a ). Compounds 4b, 4c , and 8a were coupled with L ‐methionin, L ‐phenylalanin, L ‐alanin, L ‐serin, and L ‐glutaminic acid via amide bonds at positions 23 and 28 to afford the amino acid conjugates 5a—7b and 9a—11 .     

Poly‐α,β‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐DL‐aspartamide: A new drug carrier

Poly‐α,β‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐DL ‐aspartamide (PHPA) was synthesized by the ring‐open reaction of polysuccinimide (PSI) and 3‐hydroxypropylamine. The polymer was characterized by ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, FTIR, and GPC. Mark–Houwink coefficients were obtained from viscometry and GPC measurements, K = 5.53 × 10⁻³ and α = 0.78 in water. The acute toxicity of PHPA was examined and it revealed no death in ICR mice up to the dose treated of 15.3 kg/kg, and hematological parameters showed no significant difference between treated and control animals. The potential use of PHPA as a drug carrier was also investigated. In a typical case, a contraceptive drug, norethindrone (NET), was bonded to PHPA, and the drug sustained released as long as 120 days an in vitro test. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 2411–2417, 2000     

Photocatalytic degradation of 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methylphenyl) propane (BPP) based on molecular recognition interaction

BACKGROUND: Endocrine disruptors in the aquatic environment and their potential adverse effects are currently issues of concern. One of these endocrine disruptors is 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methylphenyl)propane (BPP). In this work the molecular recognition interaction of BPP with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was studied using IR spectroscopy and steady state fluorescence spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic degradation behaviour of BPP based on molecular recognition interaction was investigated in a TiO₂/UV–visible (λ_max = 365 nm) system. This might provide a new method for the treatment of some organic pollutants in wastewater. RESULTS: β‐CD reacts with BPP to form a 1:1 inclusion complex, the formation constant of which is 4.94 × 10³ L mol^?1. The photodegradation rate constant of BPP after molecular recognition by β‐CD showed a 1.42‐fold increase in the TiO₂/UV–visible (λ_max = 365 nm) system. The photodegradation of BPP depended on the concentration of β‐CD, the pH value, the gaseous medium and the initial concentration of BPP. The photodegradation efficiency of BPP with molecular recognition was higher than that without molecular recognition. After 100 min of irradiation the mineralisation efficiency of BPP after molecular recognition by β‐CD reached 94.8%, whereas the mineralisation efficiency of BPP before molecular recognition by β‐CD was only 40.6%. CONCLUSION: The photocatalytic degradation of BPP after molecular recognition by β‐CD can be enhanced in the TiO₂/UV‐visible (λ_max = 365 nm) system. This enhancement is dependent on the enhancement of the adsorption of BPP, the moderate inclusion depth of BPP in the β‐CD cavity and the increase in the frontier electron density of BPP after molecular recognition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Highly Enantioselective Phase‐Transfer Catalytic α‐Alkylation of α‐tert‐Butoxycarbonyllactams: Construction of β‐Quaternary Chiral Pyrrolidine and Piperidine Systems

A new enantioselective α‐alkylation of α‐tert‐butoxycarbonyllactams for the construction of β‐quaternary chiral pyrrolidine and piperidine core systems is reported. α‐Alkylations of N‐methyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonylbutyrolactam and N‐diphenylmethyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonylvalerolactam under phase‐transfer catalytic conditions (solid potassium hydroxide, toluene, −40 °C) in the presence of (S,S)‐3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetrahydro‐2,6‐bis(3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)‐4,4′‐spirobi[4H‐dinaphth[2,1‐c:1′,2′‐e]azepinium] bromide [(S,S)‐NAS Br] (5 mol%) afforded the corresponding α‐alkyl‐α‐tert‐butoxycarbonyllactams in very high chemical (up to 99%) and optical yields (up to 98% ee). Our new catalytic systems provide attractive synthetic methods for pyrrolidine‐ and piperidine‐based alkaloids and chiral intermediates with β‐quaternary carbon centers.     

Gamma‐linolenic and stearidonic acids from Moroccan Boraginaceae

Seeds from 20 species belonging to Boraginaceae, subfamilies Boraginoideae and Heliotropioideae, were surveyed in a search for new sources of γ‐linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). Seed oil content ranged from 7.5% in Echium humile ssp. pycnanthum to 28.8% in Anchusa undulata. GLA ranged from 0.2% of total fatty acids in Heliotropium undulatum to 20.2% in Lithodora maroccana. This last species may be considered as new source of GLA. GLA content was also tested in other Lithodora species from the south east of Spain, to compare GLA percentages among related taxa. GLA amounts in all Echium species reached approximately 12%, in good agreement with previous findings in other European Echium species. SDA ranged from an absence in several Cynoglossum species to 16.2% in Echium humile ssp. pycnanthum, which may be considered as a new source of this fatty acid.     

Synthesis and characterization of α‐butyl‐omega‐{3‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxy‐ ethylamino)propoxy]propyl}polydimethylsiloxane

A novel synthesis path for the monotelechelic polydimethylsiloxane with a diol‐end group, α‐butyl‐omega‐{3‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxyethylamino)propoxy]propyl}polydimethylsiloxane, is described in this article. The preparation included three steps, which were anionic ring‐opening polymerization, hydrosilylation, and epoxy addition. The structure and polydispersity index of the products were analyzed and confirmed by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, H? H, and C? H. Correlated Spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The results demonstrated that each step was successfully carried out and the targeted products were accessed in all cases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Efficient Lipase‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution and Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of β‐Hydroxy Nitriles. Correction of Absolute Configuration and Transformation to Chiral β‐Hydroxy Acids and γ‐Amino Alcohols

Chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution of β‐hydroxy nitriles 1 has been carried out using Candida antarctica lipase B and a ruthenium catalyst. The use of a hydrogen source to depress ketone formation in the dynamic kinetic resolution yields the corresponding acetates 2 in good yield and high enantioselectivity. It is shown that the ruthenium catalyst and the enzyme can be recycled when used in separate reactions. We also report on the preparation of various enantiomerically pure β‐hydroxy acid derivatives and γ‐amino alcohols from 1 and 2. The latter compounds were also used to establish the correct absolute configuration of 1 and 2.     

Three‐Component Reactions of 2‐Alkynylbenzaldoximes and α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds with Bromine or Iodine Monochloride

The three‐component reaction of 2‐alkynylbenzaldoximes and α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds with bromine or iodine monochloride is described, which generates the unexpected 2‐(4‐haloisoquinolin‐1‐yl)ethanol derivatives in good to excellent yields.     

Preparation and evaluation of a series of α‐hydroxy ethers from 9,10‐epoxystearates

Several novel α‐hydroxy ethers were prepared by treatment of isobutyl 9,10‐epoxystearate with a number of aliphatic alcohols in the presence of acid catalyst in good overall yield from oleic acid. The low‐temperature behavior of each material was analyzed through cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) determination. The most desirable α‐hydroxy ether prepared in this study was isobutyl 9(10)‐(2‐ethylhexoxy)‐10(9)‐hydroxystearate. Therefore, additional α‐hydroxy‐2‐ethylhexyl ethers were produced from alkyl 9,10‐epoxystearates (alkyl: butyl, hexyl, 2‐methylpentyl, 2‐ethylbutyl, 2‐ethylhexyl) to explore the effect of ester variability on CP and PP of the optimized 2‐ethylhexyl ether moiety. The most bulky ester group, 2‐ethylhexyl, exhibited the most favorable low‐temperature performance, which in the case of 2‐ethylhexyl 9(10)‐(2‐ethylhexoxy)‐10(9)‐hydroxystearate yielded a CP of –26 °C and a PP of –29 °C. An improved synthesis of 2‐ethylhexyl 9(10)‐(2‐ethylhexoxy)‐10(9)‐hydroxystearate was then developed from oleic acid. Lastly, in an effort to optimize yield, sulfuric acid at 10 mol‐% was found to be the most effective acid catalyst in the conversion of epoxides to α‐hydroxy ethers.     

Michael Reaction of Nitroalkanes with β‐Nitroacrylates under a Solid Promoter: Advanced Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Nitro‐Functionalized α,β‐Unsaturated Esters and 1,3‐Butadiene‐2‐carboxylates

A new class of nitro‐functionalized α,β‐unsaturated esters has been prepared by a regio‐ and diastereoselective Michael addition of nitroalkanes to β‐nitroacrylates, performed at room temperature, under carbonate on polymer as promoter, and in the presence of ethyl acetate as eco‐friendly solvent. Moreover, by the modular choice of the reaction conditions the method allows the synthesis of 1,3‐butadiene‐2‐carboxylates.     

Chemical Synthesis of the Epimeric (23R)‐ and (23S)‐Fluoro Derivatives of Bile Acids via Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Reaction

A method for the synthesis of two (23R)‐ and (23S)‐epimeric pairs of 23‐fluoro‐3α,7α,12α‐trihydroxy‐5β‐cholan‐24‐oic acid and 23‐fluoro‐3α,7α‐dihydroxy‐5β‐cholan‐24‐oic acid is described. The key intermediates, 23,24‐dinor‐22‐aldehyde peracetates were prepared from cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids via the 24‐nor‐22‐ene, 24‐nor‐22ξ,23‐epoxy, and 23,24‐dinor‐22‐aldehyde derivatives. The Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction of the 23,24‐dinor‐22‐aldehydes using triethyl 2‐fluoro‐2‐phosphonoacetate in the presence of LiCl and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU), and subsequent hydrogenation of the resulting 23ξ‐fluoro‐22‐ene ethyl esters, followed by hydrolysis, gave a mixture of the epimeric (23R)‐ and (23S)‐fluorinated bile acids which were resolved efficiently by preparative RP‐HPLC. The stereochemical configuration of the fluorine atom at C‐23 in the newly synthesized compounds was confirmed directly by the X‐ray crystallographic data. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral differences between the (23R)‐ and (23S)‐epimers were also discussed.     

Structural elucidation and iron oxidation states in situ formed β‐Ca3(PO4)2/α‐Fe2O3 composites

A detailed structural analysis on the in situ synthesized β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α‐Fe₂O₃ composites is demonstrated. Compositional ratios, the influence and occupancy of iron at the β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂ lattice, oxidation state of iron in the composites are derived from analytical techniques involving XRD, FT‐IR, Raman, refinement of the powder X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Iron exists in the Fe³⁺ state throughout the investigated systems and favors its occupancy at the Ca²⁺(5) site of β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂ until critical limit, and thereafter crystallizes as α‐Fe₂O₃ at ambient conditions. Fe³⁺ occupancy at the β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂ lattice yields a Ca₉Fe(PO₄)₇ structure that is isostructural with its counterpart. A strong rise in the soft ferromagnetic behavior of β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α‐Fe₂O₃ composites is obvious that depends on the content of α‐Fe₂O₃ in the composites. Overall, the diverse level of iron inclusions at the calcium phosphate system with a Ca/P ratio of 1.5 yields a structurally stable β‐Ca₃(PO₄)₂/α‐Fe₂O₃ composites with assorted compositional ratios.