Unusual mechanisms in Claisen rearrangements: an ionic fragmentation leading to a meta-selective rearrangement

A mechanistic investigation of the acid-catalysed redox-neutral oxoarylation reaction of ynamides using electrospray ionisation mass-spectrometry (ESI-MS) and quantum chemical calculations (DFT and MP2) is presented. This study reveals the diversity of pathways and products available from an otherwise deceptively simple-looking, classical transformation: fragmentation, an unusual meta-arylation and competing α-carbonyl cation pathways are some of the alternatives unveiled by ESI-MS and mechanistic experiments. Detailed calculations explain the observed trends and rationalise the results.

Chemical Composition of Scrophularia lucida and the Effects on Tumor Invasiveness in Vitro

A detannified methanolic extract of Scrophularia lucida L. attenuated the formation of cancer cell-induced circular chemorepellent induced defects (CCIDs) in the lymph endothelial cell barrier, which resemble entry ports for the intravasating tumor into the vasculature as a prerequisite for lymph node metastasis. Therefore, the composition of this extract was studied in an activity-guided approach. Since no data on the secondary metabolites of this plant were available, first phytochemical data were collected in the course of the fractionation of the extract. The study resulted in the identification of 14 substances, among them very rare iridoids, such as scrovalentinoside or koelzioside, and several flavonoids (e.g., nepitrin and homoplantaginin). One of the latter group, 2″-O-acetyl-homoplantaginin, is a new natural compound. In the most active fraction, the flavonoid hispidulin was identified as major component and the assay of the pure compound confirmed a contribution of hispidulin to the CCID-inhibitory effects of S. lucida. The activity of the two major iridoids in this assay was less compared to hispidulin.

C2-Modified Sparteine Derivatives Are a New Class of Potentially Long-Acting Sodium Channel Blockers

The lupin alkaloid sparteine is a well-known chiral diamine with a range of applications in asymmetric synthesis, as well as a blocker of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). However, there is only scarce information on the VGSC-blocking activity of sparteine derivatives where the structure of the parent alkaloid is retained. Building on the recent renewed availability of sparteine and derivatives we report herein how modification of sparteine at position 2 produces irreversible blockers of VGSCs. These compounds could be clinically envisaged as long-lasting local anesthetics.

Acetylated Furostene Glycosides from Solanum gilo Fruits

In continuation of our work on a traditional mixture of spices called "Nkui", used in Cameroon for its influence on women's reproductive health, we investigated the chemical composition of Solanum gilo, one component of "Nkui". A methanolic extract was studied in detail. After dereplication of several known compounds, two furo-5-stene-derived saponin glycosides with acetylated sugar moieties were isolated. By extensive 1- and 2D NMR experiments and HR-MS and GC-MS methods, the structures were elucidated as 26-[(3‴,4‴,6‴-tri-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy]-22-hydroxyfurost-5-en-3β-yl-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1″→2')-β-D-glucopyranoside (A) and 26-[(3‴,4‴,6‴-tri-O-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy]-22-hydroxyfurost-5-en-3β-yl-[O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1''''→4')-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1″→2')]-β-D-glucopyranoside (B), both new natural compounds.

Rare phenolic structures found in the aerial parts of Eriosema laurentii De Wild

Recent pharmacological and toxicological investigations of Eriosema laurentii (Leguminosae) have underlined the plausibility of the use of this plant in traditional African medicine. A very complex pattern of phenolic compounds was detected in the tested extracts. Based on these preceding results a detailed phytochemical study was performed and resulted in the isolation and identification of eleven compounds. All are reported in this plant for the first time and four of those are previously undescribed secondary metabolites: 3,4',6,8-tetrahydroxyflavanone-7-C-glucoside and 3,4',6,8-tetrahydroxyflavone-7-C-glucoside with an extremely rare substitution pattern as well as 1-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl)phenyl]-3-phenylpropan-1-one and 1-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl)phenyl]-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propan-1-one. Their structures were elucidated unambiguously by extensive MS- and NMR-experiments.

Arginine side-chain modification that occurs during copper-catalysed azide-alkyne click reactions resembles an advanced glycation end product

Dehydroascorbate is a by-product of copper-catalysed azide-alkyne click (CuAAC) reactions and also forms advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in tissues undergoing oxidative stress. Here we isolate and characterize an arginine-dehydroascorbate adduct formed during CuAAC reactions, investigate strategies for preventing its formation, and propose its biological relevance as an AGE.

Intermolecular Reactions of a Foiled Carbene with Carbonyl Compounds: The Effects of Trishomocyclopropyl Stabilization

endo-Tricyclo[3.2.1.0(2,4)]oct-8-ylidene is a foiled carbene reaction intermediate. It was generated by thermolyzing Δ(3)-1,3,4-oxadiazoline precursors dissolved in benzaldehyde and acetophenone. The products appear to stem from direct insertion of the carbene's divalent C atom into the α-bonds of the carbonyl compounds; however, this is only superficial. The strict stereochemistry observed is due to the topologies of the reaction intermediates of the proposed two-step mechanism. Bimolecular nucleophilic addition generates bent 1,3-zwitterions. The neutral reaction intermediates undergo pinacolic rearrangements to form the observed adducts. Product ratios reflect the migratory aptitudes of the carbonyl compounds' α-substituents. The carbene reaction was modeled using DFT. The singlet carbene's bicoordinate C atom bends 31° toward the endo-fused cyclopropane bond, elongating it to r = 1.69 Å. The resulting trishomocyclopropyl HOMO{-1} is a three-center two-electron bond responsible for the electron-deficient carbene's nucleophilicity. Its calculated properties are consistent with this assertion: (1) singlet-triplet (ΔE(S-T)) energy gap of -25 kcal/mol, (2) gas-phase proton affinity (PA) value of 272 kcal/mol, (3) hard and soft acid and base (HSAB) ΔN value of -0.2 in its initial reaction with the carbonyl compounds, and (4) negative frontier orbital interaction values ΔΔE(PhC(O)H) = -4.38 eV and ΔΔE(PhC(O)Me) = -3.97 eV.

Stereoselective gold(I) domino catalysis of allylic isomerization and olefin cyclopropanation: mechanistic studies

Gold(I) catalysis of olefin activation is still a rare feature in the repertoire of that metal. Mechanistic studies on the gold(I)-catalyzed cyclopropanation of allyl-substituted sulfonium ylides, including kinetic analysis as well as detailed computational studies, reveal that the reaction proceeds through activation of the alkene moiety. Furthermore, a novel competitive allylic isomerization pathway that interconverts "linear" and "branched" allylic isomers is uncovered. The subtle interplay of cyclopropanation and olefin isomerization results in an intriguing domino process where two independent catalytic transformations combine with near-perfect regio- and stereoselectivities.

Hybrids of salicylalkylamides and Mannich bases: control of the amide conformation by hydrogen bonding in solution and in the solid state

3-Aminomethylation of salicylalkylamides afforded hybrids with a Mannich base. In addition, it triggered the rotation of the amide bond. The observed conformational switch is driven by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the Mannich base and phenolic group. Crystal structure analysis reveals the stabilization of the hybrid molecules by double hydrogen bonding of the phenolic OH, which acts as an acceptor and donor simultaneously. The molecules contain an amide site and a Mannich base site in an orthogonal spatial arrangement. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds are persistent in a nonpolar solvent (e.g., chloroform). The conformational change can be reversed upon protection or protonation of the Mannich base nitrogen.

Indium-mediated allylation in carbohydrate synthesis: A short and efficient approach towards higher 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugars

Higher aminosugars are interesting targets in carbohydrate synthesis since these compounds play important roles in biological systems. However, their availability from natural sources is limited. Thus, in order to investigate their biological function, the development of facile and adaptable routes to this class of compounds is of fundamental importance. Our synthetic route towards these target molecules makes use of readily accessible pentoses and hexoses, which are subjected to indium-mediated two-carbon chain elongation. Subsequent ozonolysis and treatment with base yields α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, which are stereoselectively epoxidized using Jørgenson’s protocol. After Wittig chain elongation the obtained allylic epoxides were regio- and stereoselectively opened with trimethylsilyl azide under palladium catalysis. Finally, a suitable deprotection protocol, starting with acidic acetate cleavage and ozonolysis was established. Peracetylation of the products simplifies purification and subsequent azide reduction followed by final deacetylation using methanolic sodium methoxide furnishes the title compounds.

Chemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Metaxya rostrata

In a bioassay-guided approach the chemical composition of rhizomes of Metaxya rostrata (Kunth C. Presl) was studied for the first time. Investigations of the cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions on SW480 colorectal carcinoma cells resulted in the isolation of two polyphenols D cinnamtannin B-1 and aesculitannin B. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by different NMR experiments. Additionally, sugars, common sterols, such as sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol, as well as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were identified in Metaxya rostrata.

Compounds from gum ammoniacum with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

The use of herbal medicinal preparations in dementia therapy has been studied based on experience from traditional medicine. A dichloromethane extract of gum ammoniacum, the gum-resin from Dorema ammoniacum D. Don had shown acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in a previous study. The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of the active compounds from this resin. The extract was investigated by a respective colorimetric microplate assay and the active zones were identified via TLC bioautography and isolated using several chromatographic techniques. The structures of the active components were characterized by one- and two-dimensional ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as (2′S,5′S)-2′-ethenyl-5′-(3-hy-droxy-6-methyl-4-oxohept-5-en-2-yl)-7-methoxy-2′-methyl-4H-spiro[chromene-3,1′-cyclopentane]-2,4-dione (1), which is an analogue of doremone A and a new natural compound, and as (2′S,5′R)-2′-ethenyl-5′-[(2R,4R)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-oxohept-5-en-2-yl]-7-methoxy-2′-methyl-4H-spiro[chromene-3,1′-cyclo-pentane]-2,4-dione (2 = doremone A), (4E,8E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,9,13-trimethyltetradeca-4,8,12-trien-1-one (3 = dshamirone), and 4,7-dihydroxy-3-[(2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-yl]-2H-chromen-2-one (4 = am-moresinol). Dshamirone turned out to be the most active compound with an IC₅₀ value for AChE inhibitory activity of 23.5 μM, whereas the other substances showed weak activity. The concentrations of the analytes in the resin were determined by HPLC as 3.1%, 4.6%, 1.9%, and 9.9%, respectively.

Synergistic targeting/prodrug strategies for intravesical drug delivery--lectin-modified PLGA microparticles enhance cytotoxicity of stearoyl gemcitabine by contact-dependent transfer

The direct access to the urothelial tissue via intravesical therapy has emerged as a promising means for reducing the high recurrence rate of bladder cancer. However, few advanced delivery concepts have so far been evaluated to overcome critical inherent efficacy limitations imposed by short exposure times, low tissue permeability, and extensive washout. This study reports on a novel strategy to enhance gemcitabine treatment impact on urothelial cells by combining a pharmacologically advantageous prodrug approach with the pharmacokinetic benefits of a glycan-targeted carrier system. The conversion of gemcitabine to its 4-(N)-stearoyl derivative (GEM-C₁₈) allowed for stable, homogeneous incorporation into PLGA microparticles (MP) without compromising intracellular drug activation. Fluorescence-labeled GEM-C₁₈-PLGA-MP were surface-functionalized with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) or human serum albumin (HSA) to assess in direct comparison the impact of biorecognitive interaction on binding rate and anchoring stability. MP adhesion on urothelial cells of non-malignant origin (SV-HUC-1), and low- (5637) or high-grade (HT-1376) carcinoma was correlated to the resultant antiproliferative and antimetabolic effect in BrdU and XTT assays. More extensive and durable binding of the WGA-GEM-C₁₈-PLGA-MP induced a change in the pharmacological profile and substantially higher cytotoxicity, allowing for maximum response within the temporal restrictions of instillative administration (120 min). Mechanistically, a direct, contact-dependent transfer of stearoyl derivatives from the particle matrix to the urothelial membrane was found to account for this effect. With versatile options for future application, our results highlight the potential offered by the synergistic implementation of targeting/prodrug strategies in delivery systems tailored to the intravesical route.

Two Unusual Methylidenecyclopropane Glucosides from Metaxya rostrata C.Presl

Two new natural compounds, (1R,2E)-2-(6-hydroxyhexylidene)cyclopropyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and (6E)-6-[(2R)-2-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)cyclopropylidene]hexanoic acid (2), glucosides of a very rare methylidenecyclopropane alcohol, as well as two known glycosides of phenolic acids, namely 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosylcaffeic acid (3) and (E)-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosylcoumaric acid (4), and methyl α-fructofuranoside (5) were isolated for the first time from the rhizomes of the tree fern Metaxya rostrata C.Presl. The structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic data analysis, and the structure of 1 was additionally confirmed by X-ray crystal-structure analysis.

Novel chiral selector based on mefloquine--a comparative NMR study to elucidate intermolecular interactions with acidic chiral selectands

The synthesis, ab initio calculations, and a comparative nuclear magnetic resonance study of a novel chiral mefloquine-based selector (SO) are presented. On a series of variously N-acyl protected leucine selectands (SAs), a feasibility study of mefloquine carbamate as a basic chiral solvating agent, and potential fluorophilic high-performance liquid chromatography selector has been undertaken and evaluated. An analogy is drawn between the new SO and tert-butylcarbamoyl quinidine as a reference.

Synthesis of fluorinated maltose derivatives for monitoring protein interaction by (19)F NMR

A novel reporter system, which is applicable to the ¹⁹F NMR investigation of protein interactions, is presented. This approach uses 2-F-labeled maltose as a spy ligand to indirectly probe protein–ligand or protein–protein interactions of proteins fused or tagged to the maltose-binding protein (MBP). The key feature is the simultaneous NMR observation of both ¹⁹F NMR signals of gluco/manno-type-2-F-maltose-isomers; one isomer (α-gluco-type) binds to MBP and senses the protein interaction, and the nonbinding isomers (β-gluco- and/or α/β-manno-type) are utilized as internal references. Moreover, this reporter system was used for relative affinity studies of fluorinated and nonfluorinated carbohydrates to the maltose-binding protein, which were found to be in perfect agreement with published X-ray data. The results of the NMR competition experiments together with the established correlation between ¹⁹F chemical shift data and molecular interaction patterns, suggest valuable applications for studies of protein–ligand interaction interfaces.

GABA(A) receptor modulators from Chinese herbal medicines traditionally applied against insomnia and anxiety

Several Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are used in the treatment of insomnia, restlessness, or anxiety. However, mechanisms underlying this effect and scientific proof for their traditional use is scarce. In the present study CHMs were screened for their ability to modulate GABA-induced chloride currents (I(GABA)), and active principles were isolated thus providing scientific evidence for their use as sedative and/or anxiolytic agents in CM. Herbal drugs were extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water and further fractionated according to their bioactivity. The obtained extracts, fractions and finally pure compounds were tested for their ability to potentiate I(GABA) using the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique on recombinant α₁β₂γ(2S) GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. From all tested extracts the petroleum ether extract of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. rhizomes showed the strongest I(GABA) potentiation and was studied in more detail. This led to the isolation of the main components atractylenolide II and III, which seem to be responsible for the observed positive modulation of I(GABA) (166±12%, n=3 and 155±12%, n=3, respectively) in vitro. They were more active than the analogous compound atractylenolide I (96±3%, n=3) which differs in an additional double binding in position 9, 9a. Furthermore it could be shown that this effect is mediated independently of the benzodiazepine (BZ) binding site. In conclusion, A. macrocephala exerts its in vitro activity on recombinant GABA(A) receptors mainly through the two sesquiterpene lactones atractylenolide II and III (Fig. 1). This positive allosteric modulation of I(GABA) may partially be responsible for the traditional ethnopharmacological use of this herbal drug as a sedative.

Studies on the biodegradation of fosfomycin: synthesis of 13C-labeled intermediates, feeding experiments with Rhizobium huakuii PMY1, and isolation of labeled amino acids from cell mass by HPLC

Racemic (1R*,2R*)-1,2-dihydroxy-[1-(13)C(1)]propylphosphonic acid and 1-hydroxy-[1-(13)C(1)]acetone were synthesized and fed to R. huakuii PMY1. Alanine and a mixture of valine and methionine were isolated as their N-acetyl derivatives from the cell hydrolysate by reversed-phase HPLC and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. It was found that the carbon atoms of the respective carboxyl groups were highly (13)C-labeled (up to 65 %). Hydroxyacetone is therefore considered an obligatory intermediate of the biodegradation of fosfomycin by R. huakuii PMY1.

Gram scale synthesis of 3-fluoro-1-hydroxyacetone phosphate: a novel donor substrate in rabbit muscle aldolase-catalyzed aldol reactions

An efficient gram scale synthesis of 3-fluoro-1-hydroxyacetone phosphate (FHAP) has been developed. As a close analog to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, FHAP was used as a novel donor substrate for rabbit muscle aldolase catalyzed reactions. The different binding affinities of the gem-diol and keto form of FHAP were studied by (19)F-NMR.

Chitosan-glycolic acid: a possible matrix for progesterone delivery into skin

BACKGROUND

Chitosan-EDTA is an interesting matrix for dermal delivery; however, the adhesiveness is too small. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate chitosan-glycolic acid as possible dermal matrix for progesterone in comparison to chitosan-EDTA and carrageenan.

METHOD

After preparation of the chitosan-glycolic acid salt and characterization by NMR and FTIR, tensile studies using porcine skin and rheology measurements as well as standard diffusion experiments using dermatomed porcine skin were performed.

RESULTS

Results showed an improved skin adhesiveness of chitosan-glycolic acid and increased viscosity. Skin diffusion studies indicated the highest cumulative permeation of progesterone after 48 hours from chitosan-glycolic acid followed by carrageenan and chitosan-EDTA. A possible explanation might be a longer residence time on skin caused by the higher adhesiveness and with it higher progesterone skin permeation.

CONCLUSION

Chitosan-glycolic acid can be recommended as a suitable polymer for hydrogels and an adhesive matrix for a transdermal application of progesterone exhibiting excellent skin adhesiveness and permeation properties.

Apparently no sedative benzoflavone moiety in passiflorae herba

Due to the fact that an Indian group had reported a benzoflavone moiety (BZF) as an active principle in the herb of Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae), this study was performed to isolate the compound for analytical purposes. In Passiflorae herba from three different origins (cultivations in India, Italy and France) a compound with the published TLC characteristics was detected in trace amounts only in the Italian material. No traces of the substance were found in the drugs from India and France. In a commercial extract two compounds with the respective TLC characteristics were detected. One was identified as a phytol isomer. Due to the very small amounts of the second compound its structure elucidation was not successful. The amount of extract for the isolation corresponded to approximately the 10-fold amount of the drug, from which the isolation of 332 mg "BZF" had been reported. The detection of only trace amounts of a BZF-like compound in one of three commercial samples of Passiflorae herba and in an extract suggests for the first time that BZF is not the active principle in this drug and should not serve as an active marker.