Synthesis of l-3-epi-isofagomine, its homo-, n-butyl and bicyclic analogues from d-glucose as glycosidase inhibitors

Eu/Tb luminescence for alkaline phosphatase and β-galactosidase assay in hydrogels and on paper devices

Simple technologies for efficient detection of important (bio)molecules are always in great demand. We now report the detection and assay of two biologically important enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and β-galactosidase, in Eu- or Tb-based cholate hydrogels, respectively, and on filter paper discs coated with such hydrogels. Pro-sensitizers derived from 1-hydroxypyrene and 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene were incorporated into Eu or Tb cholate hydrogels, respectively. Upon enzyme action, these artificial substrates liberate free sensitizers both in the gel and on gel-coated discs, resulting in turn-on luminescence, red/magenta for Eu, and green for Tb. The detection of enzymes was also demonstrated in natural/biological samples using low-cost systems.

Rapid Access to Nitrogenous Heterobicycles via RhIII -Catalyzed Isomerization from Alkynes to Allenes

We show that N-alkynylnitrones are efficiently converted to nitrogenous heterobicyclic compounds with a nitrogen atom at the bridgehead position by using a Rh^III -catalyst. Our mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via an allene intermediate, which is generated in situ through Rh^III -catalyzed isomerization of the alkyne group.