Synthesis of fused 1,2-naphthoquinones with cytotoxic activity using a one-pot three-step reaction

A method for the synthesis of fused 1,2-naphthoquinones, as analogues of biologically active natural terpene quinones, is described. The intermediate polycyclic naphthalenes were prepared by a one-pot palladium-catalysed process from simple alkynes, one of which was made from an optically pure biomass-derived levoglucosenone. The prepared methoxy-substituted naphthalenes were subsequently transformed in one step to 1,2-naphthoquinones by a trivalent-iodine-mediated oxidation. The naphthoquinone products were found to have cytotoxic properties.

Phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract for application as natural antioxidant in fresh sausage

The development of natural additives is considered an important research topic. In this work, the use of Cymbopogon citratus (CC) extract as a natural additive for chicken sausage refrigerated was investigated. The CC extract was characterized by electrospray ionization with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-ToF-MS) and the identified compounds were directly related to the antioxidant activity demonstrated by CC in the fresh sausage. In total, 31 phytochemical compounds were identified, and 27 of these still were not described in the literature for CC. The antimicrobial activity showed that CC extract is a potential antibacterial agent. Besides, the results showed that CC extract reduced lipid oxidation compared to synthetic additive. The sensorial characteristics were maintained, demonstrating good acceptability by the consumer. The results confirmed that CC can keep the quality of chicken sausage refrigerated for up to 42 days of storage.