Spectroscopic investigation of π-acceptors in the determination and photoinduced degradation of Sulfacetamide

The presence of expired and unused Sulfacetamide (SA) drug in water led to a global need for the development of effective advanced method for the quantitative analysis and for minimizing its occurrence in the nature. To find new effective photochemical decomposition method close to that obtained by the well-known Fenton reaction, the photodegradation of SA was investigated in presence of dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and/or other common additives at two different wavelengths (365 and 256 nm). The role of DDQ in the degradation process of SA was evaluated in comparison to the other investigated π-acceptor systems (Chloranilic acid (CHL) and Picric acid (PA)). While the photodegradation process of SA was hardly to proceed in the absence of a catalyst and/or additive, addition of DDQ and NaNO₂ to the solution of SA induced decomposition of about 94% of SA within 25 min upon the exposure to light source at 256 nm. On the other hand, SA was quantitatively analyzed by recording the absorbance of its charge transfer (CT) products with DDQ, CHL and PA at a certain wavelength. CHL is preferred with concentrated samples of SA, while PA is recommended for diluted samples of SA. SA → DDQ has a widely range of stability over the pH range of 4.5-12.0. While SA → CHL is stable only in the acidic medium (pH = 4.8-5.6), SA → PA is steady in the basic medium (pH = 7.5-11.0). The nature of the DDQ CT complex was investigated in the solid state. The electronic structures of the complexes were studied by calculating the time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) spectra.

An unusual double radical homolysis mechanism for the unexpected activation of the aldoxime nerve-agent antidotes by polyhalogenated quinoid carcinogens under normal physiological conditions

We have recently shown that the pyridinium aldoximes, best-known as therapeutic antidotes for chemical warfare nerve-agents, could markedly detoxify the carcinogenic tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ) via an unusual double Beckmann fragmentation mechanism. However, it is still not clear why pralidoxime (2-PAM) cannot provide full protection against TCBQ-induced biological damages even when 2-PAM was in excess. Here we show, unexpectedly, that TCBQ can also activate pralidoxime to generate a reactive iminyl radical intermediate in two-consecutive steps, which was detected and unequivocally characterized by the complementary application of ESR spin-trapping, HPLC/MS and nitrogen-15 isotope-labeling studies. The same iminyl radical was observed when TCBQ was substituted by other halogenated quinones. The end product of iminyl radical was isolated and identified as its corresponding reactive and toxic aldehyde. Based on these data, we proposed that the reaction of 2-PAM and TCBQ might be through the following two competing pathways: a nucleophilic attack of 2-PAM on TCBQ forms an unstable transient intermediate, which can decompose not only heterolytically to form 2-CMP via double Beckmann fragmentation, but also homolytically leading to the formation of a reactive iminyl radical in double-steps, which then via H abstraction and further hydrolyzation to form its corresponding more toxic aldehyde. Analogous radical homolysis mechanism was observed with other halogenated quinones and pyridinium aldoximes. This study represents the first detection and identification of reactive iminyl radical intermediates produced under normal physiological conditions, which provides direct experimental evidence to explain only the partial protection by 2-PAM against TCBQ-induced biological damages, and also the potential side-toxic effects induced by 2-PAM and other pyridinium aldoxime nerve-agent antidotes.

Photosystem I with benzoquinone analogues incorporated into the A1 binding site

Time-resolved FTIR difference spectroscopy has been used to study photosystem I (PSI) particles with three different benzoquinones [plastoquinone-9 (PQ), 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ), 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (Cl₄BQ)] incorporated into the A₁ binding site. If PSI samples are cooled in the dark to 77 K, the incorporated benzoquinones are shown to be functional, allowing the production of time-resolved (P700⁺A₁^--P700A₁) FTIR difference spectra. If samples are subjected to repetitive flash illumination at room temperature prior to cooling, however, the time-resolved FTIR difference spectra at 77 K display contributions typical of the P700 triplet state (³P700), indicating a loss of functionality of the incorporated benzoquinones, that occurs because of double protonation of the incorporated benzoquinones. The benzoquinone protonation mechanism likely involves nearby water molecules but does not involve the terminal iron-sulfur clusters F_A and F_B. These results and conclusions resolve discrepancies between results from previous low-temperature FTIR and EPR studies on similar PSI samples with PQ incorporated.

Synthetic approaches towards the multi target drug spironolactone and its potent analogues/derivatives

Spironolactone is a well-known multi-target drug and is specifically used for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used for the treatment of edema, cirrhosis of the liver, malignant, pediatric, nephrosis and primary hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone in association with thiazide diuretics treats hypertension and in association with furosemide treats bronchopulmonary dyspepsia. The therapeutic mechanism of action of spironolactone involves binding to intracellular mineralocorticoids receptors (MRs) in kidney epithelial cells, thereby inhibiting the binding of aldosterone. Since its first synthesis in 1957 there are several synthetic approaches have been reported throughout the years, Synthetic community has devoted efforts to improve the synthesis of spironolactone and to synthesize its analogues and derivatives. This review aims to provide comprehensive insight for the synthetic endeavors devoted towards the synthesis of a versatile drug spironolactone and its analogues/derivatives.

An Exceptionally Facile Two-Step Structural Isomerization and Detoxication via a Water-Assisted Double Lossen Rearrangement

N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI), which is best known as an organocatalyst for efficient C-H activation, has been found to be oxidized by quinoid compounds to its corresponding catalytically active nitroxide-radical. Here, we found that NHPI can be isomerized into isatoic anhydride by an unusually facile two-step method using tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ, p-chloranil), accompanied by a two-step hydrolytic dechlorination of highly toxic TCBQ into the much less toxic dihydroxylation product, 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (chloranilic acid). Interestingly, through the complementary application of oxygen-18 isotope-labeling, HPLC combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight and high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric studies, we determined that water was the source and origin of oxygen for isatoic anhydride. Based on these data, we proposed that nucleophilic attack with a subsequent water-assisted Lossen rearrangement coupled with rapid intramolecular addition and cyclization in two consecutive steps was responsible for this unusual structural isomerization of NHPI and concurrent hydroxylation/detoxication of TCBQ. This is the first report of an exceptionally facile double-isomerization of NHPI via an unprecedented water-assisted double-Lossen rearrangement under normal physiological conditions. Our findings may have broad implications for future research on hydroxamic acids and polyhalogenated quinoid carcinogens, two important classes of compounds of major chemical and biological interest.

Spectral, thermal and kinetic studies of charge-transfer complexes formed between the highly effective antibiotic drug metronidazole and two types of acceptors: σ- and π-acceptors

Understanding the interaction between drugs and small inorganic or organic molecules is critical in being able to interpret the drug-receptor interactions and acting mechanism of these drugs. A combined solution and solid state study was performed to describe the complexation chemistry of drug metronidazole (MZ) which has a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with two types of acceptors. The acceptors include, σ-acceptor (i.e., iodine) and π-acceptors (i.e., dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ), chloranil (CHL) and picric acid (PA)). The molecular structure, spectroscopic characteristics, the binding modes as well as the thermal stability were deduced from IR, UV-vis, (1)H NMR and thermal studies. The binding ratio of complexation (MZ: acceptor) was determined to be 1:2 for the iodine acceptor and 1:1 for the DDQ, CHL or PA acceptor, according to the CHN elemental analyses and spectrophotometric titrations. It has been found that the complexation with CHL and PA acceptors increases the values of enthalpy and entropy, while the complexation with DDQ and iodine acceptors decreases the values of these parameters compared with the free MZ donor.

Compatible validated spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods for determination of vildagliptin and saxagliptin by factorial design experiments

Simple, selective and reproducible spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of vildagliptin and saxagliptin in bulk and their pharmaceutical dosage forms. The first proposed spectrofluorimetric method is based on the dansylation reaction of the amino group of vildagliptin with dansyl chloride to form a highly fluorescent product. The formed product was measured spectrofluorimetrically at 455 nm after excitation at 345 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in a concentration range of 100-600 μg ml(-1). The second proposed spectrophotometric method is based on the charge transfer complex of saxagliptin with tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (p-chloranil). The formed charge transfer complex was measured spectrophotometrically at 530 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in a concentration range of 100-850 μg ml(-1). The third proposed spectrophotometric method is based on the condensation reaction of the primary amino group of saxagliptin with formaldehyde and acetyl acetone to form a yellow colored product known as Hantzsch reaction, measured at 342.5 nm. Beer's law was obeyed in a concentration range of 50-300 μg ml(-1). All the variables were studied to optimize the reactions' conditions using factorial design. The developed methods were validated and proved to be specific and accurate for quality control of vildagliptin and saxagliptin in their pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Halogen vs hydrogen bonding in thiazoline-2-thione stabilization with σ- and π-electron acceptors adducts: theoretical and experimental study

Molecular charge-transfer complexes (CT) between thiazoline-2-thione (THZ) and different σ- (I2) and π-acceptors (Tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (CHL)) were investigated. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations using both MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ-PP and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory were corroborated to study the nature of the stabilizing forces for THZ-I2, THZ-DDQ, THZ-TCNE, and THZ-CHL. Halogen bonding (XB) was the stabilizing attractive force in THZ-I2 and THZ-CHL whereas; hydrogen bonding (HB) was dominated in both THZ-TCNE, and THZ-DDQ complexes. Formation constant (K), extinction coefficient (ɛ), thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) were measured in different solvents.

Charge transfer in the electron donor-acceptor complexes of a meso-phenol BODIPY dye with chloranils and fullerenes

UV-Vis spectral investigations of electron donor-acceptor complexes of laser dye 2,6-Diethyl-4,4-difluoro-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indecene (1c) with chloranils and fullerenes are reported in toluene medium. Well defined charge transfer (CT) absorption bands have been located in the visible region. Oscillator strengths, transition dipole and resonance energies of the CT complexes have been estimated. Vertical ionization potential of 1c has been determined utilizing Mulliken's equation. A possible mechanism for the interaction between electronic subsystems of chloranils, [60]- and [70]fullerenes with three different BODIPY dyes (1a, 1b and 1c shown in Fig. 1) have been discussed in comparing the parameters like degree of charge transfer and binding constant in nonpolar toluene. Comparison of 1c complexes is done with DFT/B3LYP/6-31G optimized gas phase geometries.

Oxidative Dimer Produced from a 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzoic Ester

The DPPH radical-scavenging abilities of the naturally occurring phenolic acid, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, and its methyl ester were evaluated. Both compounds in acetonitrile scavenged as many as four radicals compared to three or fewer radical consumption in acetone or ethanol. Only the ester showed relatively high ability in methanol. Oxidation with o-chloranil in acetonitrile resulted in methyl 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoate giving a novel benzocoumarin-type dimer, its chemical structure being confirmed by spectroscopic evidence. The formation of this dimer might partly account for the higher radical-scavenging efficiency of the ester in acetonitrile or methanol.

Spectrophotometric determination of citalopram hydrobromide in tablet dosage form using chloranil

A fast, sensitive and extraction free spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of citalopram hydrobromide in pharmaceutical raw and tablet formulations has been proposed. The newly proposed method is based on the charge transfer reaction between citalopram as electron donor and chloranil as electron acceptor. The charge transfer complex of citalopram and chloranil shows λ(max) at 550 nm in methanol. The experimental conditions such as reaction time, temperature, stoichiometry of the colored complex have been optimized. The developed method allows the determination of citalopram hydrobromide over a concentration range of 1-25 mg/ ml. The proposed method is used to determine the citalopram in tablet dosage forms. The results of proposed method are compared to the official USP method. The newly developed method is accurate, reproducible and easy to perform. It does not require stringent experimental conditions. No interference has been observed for excipients and additives in tablet formulations.

Potent methyl oxidation of 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine by halogenated quinoid carcinogens and hydrogen peroxide via a metal-independent mechanism

Halogenated quinones are a class of carcinogenic intermediates and are newly identified chlorination disinfection by-products in drinking water. We found recently that the highly reactive and biologically important hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) can be produced by halogenated quinones and H2O2 independent of transition metal ions. However, it is not clear whether these quinoid carcinogens and H2O2 can oxidize the nucleoside 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5mdC) to its methyl oxidation products and, if so, what the underlying molecular mechanism is. Here we show that three methyl oxidation products, 5-(hydroperoxymethyl)-, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-, and 5-formyl-2'-deoxycytidine, could be produced when 5mdC was treated with tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ) and H2O2. The formation of the oxidation products was markedly inhibited by typical (•)OH scavengers and under anaerobic conditions. Analogous effects were observed with other halogenated quinones and the classic Fenton system. Based on these data, we propose that the oxidation of 5mdC by TCBQ/H2O2 might be through the following mechanism: (•)OH produced by TCBQ/H2O2 may first abstract hydrogen from the methyl group of 5mdC, leading to the formation of 5-(2'-deoxycytidylyl)methyl radical, which may combine with O2 to form the peroxyl radical. The unstable peroxyl radical transforms into the corresponding hydroperoxide 5-(hydroperoxymethyl)-2'-deoxycytidine, which reacts with TCBQ and results in the formation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2'-deoxycytidine and 5-formyl-2'-deoxycytidine. This is the first report that halogenated quinoid carcinogens and H2O2 can induce potent methyl oxidation of 5mdC via a metal-independent mechanism, which may partly explain their potential carcinogenicity.

Sequestration of a highly reactive intermediate in an evolving pathway for degradation of pentachlorophenol

Microbes in contaminated environments often evolve new metabolic pathways for detoxification or degradation of pollutants. In some cases, intermediates in newly evolved pathways are more toxic than the initial compound. The initial step in the degradation of pentachlorophenol by Sphingobium chlorophenolicum generates a particularly reactive intermediate; tetrachlorobenzoquinone (TCBQ) is a potent alkylating agent that reacts with cellular thiols at a diffusion-controlled rate. TCBQ reductase (PcpD), an FMN- and NADH-dependent reductase, catalyzes the reduction of TCBQ to tetrachlorohydroquinone. In the presence of PcpD, TCBQ formed by pentachlorophenol hydroxylase (PcpB) is sequestered until it is reduced to the less toxic tetrachlorohydroquinone, protecting the bacterium from the toxic effects of TCBQ and maintaining flux through the pathway. The toxicity of TCBQ may have exerted selective pressure to maintain slow turnover of PcpB (0.02 s(-1)) so that a transient interaction between PcpB and PcpD can occur before TCBQ is released from the active site of PcpB.

Spectrophotometric, FTIR and theoretical studies of the charge-transfer complexes between isoniazid (pyridine-4-carboxylic acid hydrazide) and the acceptors (p-chloranil, chloranilic acid and tetracyanoethylene) in acetonitrile, their association constants, thermodynamic properties and other related properties

Spectrophotometric, FTIR and theoretical studies of the charge-transfer complexes between Isoniazid (pyridine-4-carboxylic acid hydrazide) and the acceptors (p-chloranil, chloranilic acid and tetracyanoethylene) in acetonitrile, their association constants, thermodynamic properties and other related properties were studied. Isoniazid (INH), a widely used anti tubercular agent was found to form beautifully colored charge-transfer complexes with p-chloranil, chloranilic acid and tetracyanoethylene in acetonitrile. The absorption maxima of the complexes were 484, 519 and 479 nm, respectively (isoniazid had no absorption, but the acceptors had absorption in these regions). The composition of the complexes were determined to be 1:1 from Job's method of continuous variations depending on the time period of experiments as the stability of some of the complexes (p-chloranil and tetracyanoethylene complexes) was time dependent. Solid complexes formed between isoniazid and the acceptors were isolated but p-chloranil was found to form two different complexes. FTIR spectra of the complexes and the acceptors were measured. FTIR spectra of the complexes showed considerable shift in absorption peaks, changes in intensities of the peaks and formation of the new band (probably due to hydrogen bonding) on complexation. The thermodynamic association constants and other thermodynamic parameters of the complexes were determined spectrophotometrically taking D and A in varying ratios (2:8-8:2) and also in equimolar ratios. The complex formation was found to be spontaneous and associated with negative changes of ΔG(0), ΔH(0) and ΔS(0). The energies hν(CT) of the charge-transfer complexes were compared with the theoretical values of hν(CT) of the complexes obtained from HOMO and LUMO of the donor and the acceptors. Density function theory utilizing different basis sets was used for calculation. hν(CT) (experimental) values of the transition energies of the complexes in acetonitrile differed from hν(CT) (theoretical) values in the gaseous state. I(D)(V) value of isoniazid was calculated. Charge-transfer complexes were assumed to be partial electrovalent compounds with organic dative ions D(+) and A(-) (in the excited state) and attempts had been made to correlate the energy changes for the formation of the complexes with the energy changes for the formation of electrovalent compounds between M(+) and X(-) ions.

Spectrophotometric, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and theoretical studies of the charge-transfer complexes between methyldopa [(S)-2 amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methyl propanoic acid] and the acceptors (chloranilic acid, o-chloranil and dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone) in acetonitrile and their thermodynamic properties

Methyldopa is a much used antihypertensive drug. It is the subject matter of study mostly for the determination and estimation of methyldopa in pharmaceutical properties. These considerations led us to study the charge-transfer interactions between methyldopa, a centrally acting antihypertensive agent of limited use with the known acceptors like o-chloranil (o-ClN), chloranilic acid (ClA) and dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ). Methyldopa (MDP) formed beautifully colored complexes (having absorption maxima at 581 nm and 368 nm; 519 nm; 583.5 nm, 547 nm and 346 nm, respectively) with the acceptors mentioned before. The physico-chemical properties of the complexes were studied using UV-visible spectrophotometry and FTIR measurements. The composition, the accurate association constants and thermodynamics of the complexes were determined spectrophotometrically. Attempts were made to interpret the thermodynamics of complexes in terms of I(D)(V), E(A)(V) and hν(CT). Solid CT complexes between MDP+o-ClN, MDP+ClA and MDP+DDQ were prepared and FTIR spectra of the complexes were studied. The energies hν(CT) of the charge-transfer complexes and vertical ionization potential I(D)(V) of methyldopa were compared with the theoretical values of hν(CT) obtained from HOMO and LUMO of the donors and acceptors calculated using Density Function Theory utilizing different basis sets. The agreement between the results can be regarded to be reasonable. Oscillator strengths and dipole strengths of the complexes were determined theoretically and experimentally and the limitations of the calculations were outlined.

Spectroscopic studies on the intermolecular charge transfer interaction of Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-phthalocyanines with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone and its application in colorimetric sensing of amino acids and amines

The interactions of Fe(II)Pc and Fe(III)Pc with π-acceptor 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (p-chloranil, p-CHL) have been investigated spectroscopically (UV/vis and FT-IR) and spectrofluorimetrically at three different temperatures. The stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:1. The results of electronic spectral studies indicated that the formation constant for Fe(II)Pc-p-CHL system is found to be higher than that for Fe(III)Pc-p-CHL system. This observation is well supported by the results of fluorescence quenching studies and the association constants calculated for Fe(II)Pc-p-CHL system is 4.2 × 10(3) mol L(-1) and that for Fe(III)Pc-p-CHL system is 2.2 × 10(3) mol L(-1). The data are discussed in terms of physico-chemical parameters viz. molar extinction coefficient, oscillator strength, dipole moment, ionization potential, dissociation energy and thermodynamic parameters. The results indicated that the formation of π-π CT complex is spontaneous and endothermic. Preliminary studies indicated that the CT complex can effectively be used as a colorimetric agent for sensing amino acids and amines.

Effects of methyl substituent on the charge-transfer complexations of dicarbazolylalkanes with p-chloranil, tetracyanoethylene and tetracyanoquinodimethane

Series of 1,n-dicarbazolylalkanes and 1,n-di(3-methylcarbazolyl)alkanes (where n=1-5) were synthesized and the molar extinction coefficients, equilibrium constants, enthalpies, and entropies of their charge-transfer (CT) complexes with the π-acceptors p-chloranil, tetracyanoethylene, and tetracyanoquinodimethane were investigated. 1,n-Di(3-methylcarbazolyl)alkanes formed CT complexes with higher equilibrium constants, more negative enthalpies and entropies than 1,n-dicarbazolylalkanes. Vibrational spectra of CT complexes of one of the donor molecules (1,4-dicarbazolylbutane) with all three acceptors were compared.

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies on charge-transfer molecular complexes formed in the reaction of imidazole and 1-benzylimidazole with σ- and π-acceptors

The spectrophotometric characteristics of the solid charge-transfer molecular complexes (CT) formed in the reaction of the electron donors imidazole (IML) and 1-benzylimidazole (BIML) with the σ-acceptor iodine and π-acceptors 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (CHL) have been studied in chloroform at 25 °C. These were investigated through electronic and infrared spectra as well as elemental analysis. The results show that the formed solid CT-complexes have the formulas [(IML)2 I]I3, [(IML)(DDQ)], [(IML)2(TCNE)5] and [(IML)(CHL)] for imidazole and [(BIML) I]I3, [(BIML)(DDQ)2], [(BIML)(TCNE)2] and [(BIML)(CHL)2] for 1-benzylimidazole in full agreement with the known reaction stoichiometries in solution as well as the elemental measurements. The formation constant KCT, molar extinction coefficient ɛCT, free energy change ΔG0, CT energy ECT and ionization potential Ip have been calculated for the CT-complexes [(IML)2 I]I3, [(IML)(DDQ)], [(IML)(CHL)], [(BIML) I]I3, [(BIML)(DDQ)2], [(BIML)(TCNE)2] and [(BIML)(CHL)2].

Molecular complexes of ketaconazole and oxatomide with p-chloranil: spectroscopic and spectrofluorimetric studies

The molecular complexes of the donors ketaconazole (KTZ) and oxatomide (OXA) drugs with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (p-chloranil, p-CHL) have been investigated spectroscopically (UV-vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR) and spectrofluorimetrically in different solvents and temperatures. The stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:1. The data are discussed in terms of formation constant, molar extinction coefficient, oscillator strength, dipole moment, ionization potential, dissociation energy and thermodynamic parameters. The results indicated that the formation of molecular complex is spontaneous and endothermic. The fluorescence quenching studies indicated that the interaction of the donors is spontaneous and the fluorescence quenching increased with an increase in the intensity of complexation with the acceptor.

Spectroscopic and spectrofluorimetric studies on the interaction of irbesartan with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone and iodine

Raman, UV-vis, 1H NMR, FT-IR, mass and fluorescence spectral techniques were employed to investigate the mechanism of interaction of irbesartan (IRB) drug with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and iodine. Interaction of IRB with iodine yields triiodide ion and its formation was confirmed by electronic and Raman spectra. The peaks appeared in Raman spectrum of the isolated product at 143, 113 and 76 cm(-1) are assigned to νas(I-I), νs(I-I) and δ(I3-) respectively, confirmed the presence of I3- ion. The interaction of DDQ with irbesartan was found to proceed through the formation of outer complex and its conversion to the CT complex. Formation constant (K), molar extinction coefficient (ɛ) and thermodynamic properties ΔH#, ΔS# and ΔG# were determined and discussed. Fluorescence quenching studies indicated that the interaction between the IRB and the acceptors are spontaneous and the IRB-DDQ interaction is found to be stronger than that the other system. Solvent variation studies indicated that the binding constant increased with an increase in polarity of the medium.

A high throughput screen identifies chemical modulators of the laminin-induced clustering of dystroglycan and aquaporin-4 in primary astrocytes

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) constitutes the principal water channel in the brain and is clustered at the perivascular astrocyte endfeet. This specific distribution of AQP4 plays a major role in maintaining water homeostasis in the brain. A growing body of evidence points to a role of the dystroglycan complex and its interaction with perivascular laminin in the clustering of AQP4 at perivascular astrocyte endfeet. Indeed, mice lacking components of this complex or in which laminin-dystroglycan interaction is disrupted show a delayed onset of brain edema due to a redistribution of AQP4 away from astrocyte endfeet. It is therefore important to identify inhibitory drugs of laminin-dependent AQP4 clustering which may prevent or reduce brain edema.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In the present study we used primary rat astrocyte cultures to screen a library of >3,500 chemicals and identified 6 drugs that inhibit the laminin-induced clustering of dystroglycan and AQP4. Detailed analysis of the inhibitory drug, chloranil, revealed that its inhibition of the clustering is due to the metalloproteinase-2-mediated ß-dystroglycan shedding and subsequent loss of laminin interaction with dystroglycan. Furthermore, chemical variants of chloranil induced a similar effect on ß-dystroglycan and this was prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

These findings reveal the mechanism of action of chloranil in preventing the laminin-induced clustering of dystroglycan and AQP4 and validate the use of high-throughput screening as a tool to identify drugs that modulate AQP4 clustering and that could be tested in models of brain edema.

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of charge-transfer complexes of thiazolidine-2,4-dione with sigma and pi acceptors

In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of novel charge-transfer complexes of thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) with sigma acceptor (iodine) and pi acceptors (chloranil, dichlorodicyanoquinone, picric acid and duraquinone). We also evaluated their thermal and electrochemical properties and we conclude that these complexes are frequency dependent. Charge-transfer complex between thiazolidine-2,4-dione and iodine give best conductivity. In conclusion, complex with sigma acceptors are more conducting than with pi acceptors.

Selective kinetic spectrophotometric method for determination of gatifloxacin based on formation of its N-vinyl chlorobenzoquinone derivative

A selective and simple kinetic spectrophotometric has been developed, for the first time, for the determination of gatifloxacin (GAT) in its dosage forms. The method was based on the formation of a colored N-vinyl chlorobenzoquinone derivative of GAT by its reaction with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone in presence of acetaldehyde. The formation of the colored product was monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbances at 655 nm. The factors affecting the reaction were studied and optimized. The stoichiometry of the reaction was determined, and the reaction pathway was postulated. Under the optimized conditions, the initial rate and fixed time (at 5 min) methods were utilized for constructing the calibration graphs. The graphs were linear in the concentration ranges of 2-100 and 10-140 microg ml(-1) with limits of detection of 0.84 and 3.5 microg ml(-1) for the initial rate and fixed time methods, respectively. The analytical performance of both methods was fully validated, and the results were satisfactory. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the determination of GAT in its commercial dosage forms. The label claim percentages were 99.7-100.5 and 98.2-99.5% for the initial rate and fixed time methods, respectively. Statistical comparison of the results with those of the reference method showed excellent agreement and proved that there was no significant difference in the accuracy and precision between the reference and the proposed methods. The proposed methods are superior to all the previously reported spectrophotometric methods in terms of the procedure simplicity and assay selectivity.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal structural investigations of the charge-transfer complexes formed in the reaction of 1-methylpiperidine with sigma- and pi-acceptors

The reactions of the electron donor 1-methylpiperidine (1MP) with the pi-acceptors 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (chloranil=CHL) and iodine (I(2)) were studied spectrophotometrically in chloroform at room temperature. The electronic and infrared spectra of the formed molecular charge-transfer (CT) complexes were recorded. The obtained results showed that the stoichiometries of the reactions are not fixed and depend on the nature of the acceptor. Based on the obtained data, the formed charge-transfer complexes were formulated as [(1MP)(TCNE)(2)], [(1MP)(DDQ)].H(2)O, [(1MP)(CHL)] and [(1MP)I]I(3), while in the case of 1MP-TCNQ reaction, a short-lived CT complex is formed followed by rapid N-substitution by TCNQ forming the final reaction products 7,7,8-tricyano-8-piperidinylquinodimethane (TCPQDM). The five solids products were isolated and have been characterized by electronic spectra, infrared spectra, elemental analysis and thermal analysis.

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of the charge transfer complexes of 2- and 3-aminopyridine

The interactions of the electron donors 2-aminopyridine (2APY) and 3-aminopyridine (3APY) with the pi-acceptors tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), 2-chloro-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (picryl chloride, PC), and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (chloranil) were studied spectrophotometrically in chloroform at room temperature. The electronic and infrared spectra of the formed molecular charge transfer (CT) complexes were recorded. Photometric titration showed that the stoichiometries of the reactions were fixed and depended on the nature of both the donor and the acceptor. The molecular structures of the CT-complexes were, however, independent of the position of the amino group on the pyridine ring and were formulated as [(APY)(TCNE)], [(APY)(DDQ)], [(APY)(PC)], and [(APY) (chloranil)]. The formation constants (K(CT)), charge transfer energy (E(CT)) and molar extinction coefficients (epsilon(CT)) of the formed CT-complexes were obtained.

Rapid and sensitive spectrofluorimetric determination of enrofloxacin, levofloxacin and ofloxacin with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone

A highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the first time, for the analysis of three fluoroquinolones (FQ) antibacterials, namely enrofloxacin (ENR), levofloxacin (LEV) and ofloxacin (OFL) in pharmaceutical preparations through charge transfer (CT) complex formation with 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil,CLA). At the optimum reaction conditions, the FQ-CLA complexes showed excitation maxima ranging from 359 to 363nm and emission maxima ranging from 442 to 488nm. Rectilinear calibration graphs were obtained in the concentration range of 50-1000, 50-1000 and 25-500ngmL(-1) for ENR, LEV and OFL, respectively. The detection limit was found to be 17ngmL(-1) for ENR, 17ngmL(-1) for LEV, 8ngmL(-1) for OFL, respectively. Excipients used as additive in commercial formulations did not interfere in the analysis. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations. The results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained using the official method; no significant difference in the accuracy and precision as revealed by the accepted values of t- and F-tests, respectively.

A surprising mechanistic "switch" in Lewis acid activation: a bifunctional, asymmetric approach to alpha-hydroxy acid derivatives

We report a detailed synthetic and mechanistic study of an unusual bifunctional, sequential hetero-Diels-Alder/ring-opening reaction in which chiral, metal complexed ketene enolates react with o-quinones to afford highly enantioenriched, alpha-hydroxylated carbonyl derivatives in excellent yield. A number of Lewis acids were screened in tandem with cinchona alkaloid derivatives; surprisingly, trans-(Ph(3)P)(2)PdCl(2) was found to afford the most dramatic increase in yield and rate of reaction. A series of Lewis acid binding motifs were explored through molecular modeling, as well as IR, UV, and NMR spectroscopy. Our observations document a fundamental mechanistic "switch", namely the formation of a tandem Lewis base/Lewis acid activated metal enolate in preference to a metal-coordinated quinone species (as observed in other reactions of o-quinone derivatives). This new method was applied to the syntheses of several pharmaceutical targets, each of which was obtained in high yield and enantioselectivity.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and thermal investigations of solid charge-transfer complexes of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and the acceptors iodine, TCNE, TCNQ and chloranil

The solid charge-transfer complexes formed in the reaction of the electron donor 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TMTACN) with the acceptors iodine, tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) have been isolated. These were characterized through electronic and infrared spectra as well as thermal and elemental analysis. The results show that the formed solid CT-complexes have the formulas [(TMTACN)I]I3, [(TMTACN)(TCNE)5] and [(TMTACN)(TCNQ)3] in full agreement with the known reaction stoichiometries in solution. The chloranil CT-solid complex cannot be isolated in pure form.

Sodium borohydride/chloranil-based assay for quantifying total flavonoids

A novel sodium borohydride/chloranil-based (SBC) assay for quantifying total flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, flavonones, flavononols, isoflavonoids, flavanols, and anthocyanins, has been developed. Flavonoids with a 4-carbonyl group were reduced to flavanols using sodium borohydride catalyzed with aluminum chloride. Then the flavan-4-ols were oxidized to anthocyanins by chloranil in an acetic acid solution. The anthocyanins were reacted with vanillin in concentrated hydrochloric acid and then quantified spectrophotometrically at 490 nm. A representative of each common flavonoid class including flavones (baicalein), flavonols (quercetin), flavonones (hesperetin), flavononols (silibinin), isoflavonoids (biochanin A), and flavanols (catechin) showed excellent linear dose-responses in the general range of 0.1-10.0 mM. For most flavonoids, the detection limit was about 0.1 mM in this assay. The recoveries of quercetin from spiked samples of apples and red peppers were 96.5 +/- 1.4% (CV = 1.4%, n = 4) and 99.0 +/- 4.2% (CV = 4.2%, n = 4), respectively. The recovery of catechin from spiked samples of cranberry extracts was 97.9 +/- 2.0% (CV = 2.0%, n = 4). The total flavonoids of selected common fruits and vegetables were measured using this assay. Among the samples tested, blueberry had the highest total flavonoid content (689.5 +/- 10.7 mg of catechin equiv per 100 g of sample), followed by cranberry, apple, broccoli, and red pepper. This novel SBC total flavonoid assay can be widely used to measure the total flavonoid content of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbal products, dietary supplements, and nutraceutical products.

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic study of charge transfer interaction between vitamin B6 and p-chloranil in aqueous ethanol mixtures of varying composition

Charge transfer complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry have been found to form between vitamin B(6) (pyridoxine hydrochloride) and a series of electron acceptors including p-chloranil. Since vitamin B(6) is soluble in water while the electron acceptors are insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol, the medium chosen for study is water-ethanol mixture. From the trends in the CT absorption bands the vertical ionization potential of vitamin B(6) has been determined to be 8.12 eV. The enthalpy and entropy of formation of the complex between p-chloranil and vitamin B(6) have been determined by estimating the formation constant (K) spectroscopically at four different temperatures in 75% ethanol-water mixture. Again, the magnitude of K has been found to decrease noticeably with decrease in dielectric constant of the medium (as the percentage of ethanol in the aqueous-ethanol mixture is increased). A plausible explanation for this has been given in terms of hydrolysis of pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Spectroscopic investigation of the charge-transfer interactions between 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and the acceptors iodine, TCNE, TCNQ and chloranil

The interaction of the interesting polynitrogen cyclic base 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TMTACN) with the sigma-acceptor iodine and pi-acceptors tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) have been studied spectrophotometrically and cyclic voltametrically in chloroform at 20 degrees C. Based on the obtained data, the formed charge-transfer complexes were formulated as [(TMTACN)I](+).I(3)(-), [(TMTACN)(TCNE)(5)], [(TMTACN)(TCNQ)(3)] and [(TMTACN)(chloranil)(3)] where the stoichiometry of the reactions, donor:acceptor molar ratios, were shown to equal 1:2 for iodine complex, 1:3 for chloranil and TCNQ complexes and 1:5 for TCNE complex.

Spectroscopic studies of charge transfer complexes between colchicine and some pi acceptors

Charge transfer complexes between colchicine as donor and pi acceptors such as tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), p-chloranil (p-CHL) have been studied spectrophotometrically in dichloromethane at 21 degrees C. The stoichiometry of the complexes was found to be 1:1 ratio by the Job method between donor and acceptors with the maximum absorption band at a wavelength of 535, 585 and 515 nm. The equilibrium constant and thermodynamic parameters of the complexes were determined by Benesi-Hildebrand and van't Hoff equations. Colchicine in pure form and in dosage form was applied in this study. The formation constants for the complexes were shown to be dependent on the structure of the electron acceptors used.

The first structural study on a cyclic tricoordinate phosphorochloridite and a pentacoordinate phosphorane based on 1,2,3,5-protected myo-inositol—a new conformation of 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane ring

Treatment of the phosphoramidite [myo-C(6)H(6)-2-[OC(O)Ph]-1,3,5-(O(3)CH)-4,6-(O(2)P-NH-i-Pr)] with o-chloranil affords the first example of inositol-based pentacoordinate phosphorane [myo-C(6)H(6)-2-[OC(O)Ph]-1,3,5-(O(3)CH)-4,6-(O(2)P-NH-i-Pr)(1,2-O(2)C(6)Cl(4))] (9) (X-ray structure) with a trigonal bipyramidal geometry at phosphorus. The six-membered 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane ring with the inositol residue has an unusual boat conformation in 9 which is quite different from that found in unrestrained rings investigated before, but is similar to that of its P(III) chloro precursor [myo-C(6)H(6)-2-[OC(O)Ph]-1,3,5-(O(3)CH)-4,6-(O(2)PCl)] (X-ray structure). Also, a convenient and chromatography-free procedure for the protected myo-inositol derivative [myo-C(6)H(6)-2-[OC(O)Ph]-1,3,5-(O(3)CH)-4,6-(OH)(2)] is reported.

Quinone-induced inhibition of urease: Elucidation of its mechanisms by probing thiol groups of the enzyme

In this work we studied the reaction of four quinones, 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ), 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (2,5-DM-1,4-BQ), tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TC-1,4-BQ) and 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) with jack bean urease in phosphate buffer, pH 7.8. The enzyme was allowed to react with different concentrations of the quinones during different incubation times in aerobic conditions. Upon incubation the samples had their residual activities assayed and their thiol content titrated. The titration carried out with use of 5,5'-di-thiobis(2-nitrobenzoic) acid was done to examine the involvement of urease thiol groups in the quinone-induced inhibition. The quinones under investigation showed two distinct patterns of behaviour, one by 1,4-BQ, 2,5-DM-1,4-BQ and TC-1,4-BQ, and the other by 1,4-NQ. The former consisted of a concentration-dependent inactivation of urease where the enzyme-inhibitor equilibrium was achieved in no longer than 10min, and of the residual activity of the enzyme being linearly correlated with the number of modified thiols in urease. We concluded that arylation of the thiols in urease by these quinones resulting in conformational changes in the enzyme molecule is responsible for the inhibition. The other pattern of behaviour observed for 1,4-NQ consisted of time- and concentration-dependent inactivation of urease with a nonlinear residual activity-modified thiols dependence. This suggests that in 1,4-NQ inhibition, in addition to the arylation of thiols, operative are other reactions, most likely oxidations of thiols provoked by 1,4-NQ-catalyzed redox cycling. In terms of the inhibitory strength, the quinones studied formed a series: 1,4-NQ approximately 2,5-DM-1,4-BQ<1,4-BQ<TC-1,4-BQ.

Nucleobase-Dependent Reactivity of a Quinone Metabolite of Pentachlorophenol

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a possible human carcinogen detected widely in the environment. A quinone metabolite of PCP, tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (Cl4BQ), is a reactive electrophile with the capacity to damage DNA by forming bulky covalent DNA adducts. These quinone adducts may contribute to chlorophenol carcinogenesis, but their structures, occurrence, and biological consequences are not known. Previous studies have indicated that several DNA adducts are formed in vivo in rats exposed to Cl4BQ, but these adducts were not identified structurally. In the present study, we have elucidated the structure of new agent-specific DNA adducts resulting from the reaction of dGuo, dCyd, and Thd with Cl4BQ. These have been characterized chemically by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, HPLC, UV, and NMR analysis. Two dGuo adducts and one dCyd adduct resulting from the reaction of double-stranded DNA with Cl4BQ have been identified. The results indicate that, in the structural context of DNA, Cl4BQ reacts most readily with dGuo compared to the other DNA bases and that the mode of Cl4BQ reactivity is dependent on the base structure; i.e., multiple types of adducts are formed. Finally, DNA adducts consistent with Cl4BQ reactions are observed when DNA or dGuo is treated with PCP and a peroxidase-based bioactivating system.

Mechanistic Aspects of the Formation of Aldehydes and Nitriles in Photosensitized Reactions of Aldoxime Ethers

The photooxidation of a series of aldoxime ethers was studied by laser flash photolysis and steady-state (product studies) methods. Nanosecond laser flash photolysis studies have shown that chloranil (CA)-sensitized reactions of the O-methyl (1), O-ethyl (2), O-benzyl (3), and O-tert-butyl (4) benzaldehyde oximes result in the formation of the corresponding radical cations. In polar non-nucleophilic solvents such as acetonitrile, there are several follow-up pathways available depending on the structure of the aldoxime ether and the energetics of the reaction pathway. When the free energy of electron transfer (DeltaGET) becomes endothermic, syn-anti isomerization is the dominant pathway. This isomerization pathway is a result of triplet energy transfer from CA to the aldoxime ether. For substrates with alpha-protons (aldoxime ethers 1-3), the follow-up reactions involve deprotonation at the alpha-position followed by beta-scission to form the benziminyl radical (and an aldehyde). The benziminyl radical reacts to give benzaldehyde, the major product under these conditions. A small amount of benzonitrile is also observed. In the absence of alpha-hydrogens (aldoxime ether 4), the major product is benzonitrile, which is thought to occur via reaction of the excited (triplet) sensitizer with the aldoxime ether. Abstraction of the iminyl hydrogen yields an imidoyl radical, which undergoes a beta-scission to yield benzonitrile. An alternative pathway involving electron transfer followed by removal of the iminyl proton was not deemed viable based on charge densities obtained from DFT (B3LYP/6-31G*) calculations. Similarly, a rearrangement pathway involving an intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer process was ruled out through experiments with a deuterium-labeled benzaldehyde oxime ether. Studies involving nucleophilic solvents have shown that all aldoxime ethers reacted with MeOH by clean second-order kinetics with rate constants of 0.7 to 1.2 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1), which suggests that there is only a small steric effect in these reactions. The steady-state experiments demonstrated that under these conditions no nitrile is formed. This is explained by a mechanistic scheme involving nucleophilic attack on the nitrogen of the aldoxime ether radical cation, followed by solvent-assisted [1,3]-proton transfer and elimination of an alcohol, similar to the results obtained for a series of acetophenone oxime ethers.

Charge-transfer complex formation between p-chloranil and 1,n-dicarbazolylalkanes

Dimer model compounds of polyvinylcarbazoles (1,n-di(N-carbazolyl)alkanes, when n=1-5) were synthesized to model the effects of distance and orientation between carbazole groups in polymeric systems. Charge-transfer (CT) complexes of carbazole, N-ethylcarbazole and 1,n-di(N-carbazolyl)alkanes with p-chloranil (p-CHL) have been investigated spectrophotometrically in dichloromethane. The colored products are measured spectrophotometrically at different wavelength depending on the electronic transition between donors and acceptor. The formation constants of the CT complexes were determined by the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated by Van't Hoff equation. Stochiometries of the complexes formed between donors and acceptor were defined by the Job's method of the continuous variation and found in 1:1 complexation with donor and acceptor at the maximum absorption bands.

Chemical, Pulse Radiolysis and Density Functional Studies of a New, Labile 5,6-Indolequinone and Its Semiquinone

The chemical and spectroscopic characterization of 5,6-indolequinones and their semiquinones, key transient intermediates in the oxidative conversion of 5,6-dihydroxyindoles to eumelanin biopolymers, is a most challenging task. In the present paper, we report the characterization of a novel, relatively long-lived 5,6-indolequinone along with its semiquinone using an integrated chemical, pulse radiolytic, and computational approach. The quinone was obtained by oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxy-3-iodoindole (1a) with o-chloranil in cold ethyl acetate or aqueous buffer: it displayed electronic absorption bands around 400 and 600 nm, was reduced to 1a with Na2S2O4, and reacted with o-phenylenediamine to give small amounts of 3-iodo-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]phenazine (2). The semiquinone exhibited absorption maxima at 380 nm (sh) and 520 nm and was detected as the initial species produced by pulse radiolytic oxidation of 1a at pH 7.0. DFT investigations indicated the 6-phenoxyl radical and the N-protonated radical anion as the most stable tautomers for the neutral and anion forms of the semiquinone, respectively. Calculated absorption spectra in water gave bands at 350 (sh) and 500 nm for the neutral form and at 310 and 360 (sh) nm for the anion. Disproportionation of the semiquinone with fast second-order kinetics (2k = 1.1 x 1010 M-1 s-1) gave a chromophore with absorption bands resembling those of chemically generated 1a quinone. Computational analysis predicted 1a quinone to exist in vacuo as the quinone-methide tautomer, displaying low energy transitions at 380 and 710 nm, and in water as the o-quinone, with calculated absorption bands around 400 and 820 nm. A strong participation of a p orbital on the iodine atom in the 360-380 nm electronic transitions of the o-quinone and quinone-methide was highlighted. The satisfactory agreement between computational and experimental electronic absorption data would suggest partitioning of 1a quinone between the o-quinone and quinone-methide tautomers depending on the medium.

Charge transfer complex studies between some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pi-electron acceptors

Charge transfer (CT) complexes of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, naproxen and etodolac which are electron donors with some pi-acceptors, such as tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), p-chloranil (p-CHL), have been investigated spectrophotometrically in chloroform at 21 degrees C. The coloured products are measured spectrophotometrically at different wavelength depending on the electronic transition between donors and acceptors. Beer's law is obeyed and colours were produced in non-aqueous media. All complexes were stable at least 2 h except for etodolac with DDQ stable for 5 min. The equilibrium constants of the CT complexes were determined by the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The thermodynamic parameters DeltaH, DeltaS, DeltaG degrees were calculated by Van't Hoff equation. Stochiometries of the complexes formed between donors and acceptors were defined by the Job's method of the continuous variation and found in 1:1 complexation with donor and acceptor at the maximum absorption bands in all cases.

Charge transfer complex formation between p-chloranil and 1,n-di(9-anthryl)alkanes

Dimer model compounds of polyvinylanthracenes (1,n-di(9-anthryl)alkanes, when n=1-5) were synthesized to model the effects of distance and orientation between anthracene groups in polymeric systems. Charge transfer (CT) complexes of anthracene, 9-methylanthracene and 1,n-di(9-anthryl)alkanes with p-chloranil (p-CHL) have been investigated spectrophotometrically in dichloromethane. The colored products are measured spectrophotometrically at different wavelength depending on the electronic transition between donors and acceptor. The formation constants of the CT complexes were determined by the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated by Van't Hoff equation. Stochiometries of the complexes formed between donors and acceptor were defined by the Job's method of the continuous variation and found in 1:1 complexation with donor and acceptor at the maximum absorption bands.

Catalytic, Enantioselective [4 + 2]-Cycloadditions of Ketene Enolates and o-Quinones: Efficient Entry to Chiral, α-Oxygenated Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

We report catalytic, enantioselective [4 + 2]-cycloadditions of o-quinones with ketene enolates (derived from readily available acid chlorides) using cinchona alkaloid derivatives as catalysts to produce products in high enantiomeric excess (ee) and good to excellent yields. The thermodynamic driving force for these reactions is due in part to the restoration of aromaticity to the products. The resulting chiral, bicycloadducts can be synthetically manipulated in a variety of useful ways, for example to provide a flexible synthesis of alpha-oxygenated carboxylic acid derivatives.

Distribution patterns of PCDD/Fs in chlorinated chemicals

The purpose of this research was to determine polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) in five chlorinated chemicals (phthalocyanine copper, phthalocyanine green, chloranil-1 and 2, and triclosan), and to compare their 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-IpI-dioxin equivalents (TEQ). The distribution patterns of total PCDD/Fs and 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs were elucidated in detail. The TEQ values of toxic PCDD/Fs in all chemicals were in the range of 5.03-1379.55 ng I-TEQ/kg. The contribution of OCDD and OCDF in phthalocyanine green was 75% of the total TEQ. For chloranils, the maximum contribution of toxic PCDD/Fs was from 2,3,7,8-substituted HxCDF and 2,3,7,8-substituted HpCDF. The TEQ of HxCDF and HpCDF in chloranil-1 was 90% and in chloranil-2 was 71%. And the toxic contribution increased with the degree of chlorination for PCDFs.

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic study of charge transfer complexes of cloxacillin sodium in aqueous ethanol medium

Cloxacillin sodium has been shown to form charge transfer (CT) complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry with a number of electron acceptors in 50% (v/v) aqueous ethanol medium. From the trends in the CT absorption bands, the vertical ionization potential of the drug molecule (cloxacillin sodium) has been estimated to be 7.89 eV. The enthalpies and entropies of formation of two such complexes have been determined by estimating the formation constants spectrophotometrically at five different temperatures. The oscillator strengths and transition dipole moments of these complexes have been determined. It has further been noted that the reduction of o-chloranil by aqueous ethanol is completely inhibited by cloxacillin sodium, a phenomenon that makes the present study of formation equilibrium possible.

The effect of pressure on hydrogen transfer reactions with quinones

The effect of pressure on the oxidation of hydroarenes 3-9 with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-quinone (DDQ; 1 a) or o-chloranil (10), leading to the corresponding arenes, has been investigated. The activation volumes were determined from the pressure dependence of the rate constants of these reactions monitored by on-line UV/Vis spectroscopic measurements in an optical high-pressure cell (up to 3500 bar). The finding that they are highly negative and only moderately dependent on the solvent polarity (DeltaV( not equal ) = -13 to -25 in MTBE and -15 to -29 cm(3) mol(-1) in MeCN/AcOEt, 1:1) rules out the formation of ionic species in the rate-determining step and is good evidence for a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism leading to a pair of radicals in the rate-determining step, as was also suggested by kinetic measurements, studies of kinetic isotope effects, and spin-trapping experiments. The strong pressure dependence of the kinetic deuterium isotope effect for the reaction of 9,10-dihydroanthracene 5/5-9,9,10,10-D(4) with DDQ (1 a) can be attributed to a tunneling component in the hydrogen transfer. In the case of formal 1,3-dienes and enes possessing two vicinal C--H bonds, which have to be cleaved during the dehydrogenation, a pericyclic hydrogen transfer has to considered as one mechanistic alternative. The comparison of the kinetic deuterium isotope effects determined for the oxidation of tetralin 9/9-1,1,4,4-D(4)/9-2,2,3,3-D(4)/9-D(12) either with DDQ (1 a) or with thymoquinone 1 c indicates that the reaction with DDQ (1 a) proceeds in a stepwise manner through hydrogen atom transfer, analogously to the oxidations of 1,4-dihydroarenes, whereas the reaction with thymoquinone 1 c is concerted, following the course of a pericyclic hydrogen transfer. The difference in the mechanistic courses of these two reactions may be explained by the effect of the CN and Cl substituents in 1 a, which stabilize a radical intermediate better than the alkyl groups in 1 c. The mechanistic conclusions are substantiated by DFT calculations.

[Ultraviolet spectral characteristics of charge-transfer reaction complex in micellar system and its application]

Charge-transfer (CT) reaction of chloranil (TCBQ) as a pi-electron acceptor with fleroxacin (FLX) as an electron donor has been studied by ultraviolet spectrophotometry method. Experiment showed that FLX reacted with TCBQ in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar systems, and a stable complex was formed and the absorbency was remarkably enhanced. Therefore, a simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive method for the determination of FLX has been developed. Beer's law is obeyed in the range of 0.6-24 mg x L(-1) of FLX and r = 0.9993. The apparent molar absorptivity of CT complexes at 326 nm is 3.3 x 10(4) L x mol(-1) x cm(-1). The composition of CT complex was found to be 1:1 by Bent-French and curved intersection methods. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of ESL in tablets. The recoveries are 99.2%-99.7%. The relative standard deviation is 0.7%-2.1%. The proposed methods are suitable for the routine quality control of drug alone and in tablets or capsules without fear of interference caused by the excipients expected to be present in tablets or capsules.

Development and validation of spectrophotometric methods for determination of fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine in pharmaceutical dosage forms

Three simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for determination of the hydrochloride salts of fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine in their pharmaceutical dosage forms. These methods were based on the reaction of the N-alkylvinylamine formed from the interaction of the free secondary amino group in the investigated drugs and acetaldehyde with each of 3 haloquinones, i.e., chloranil, bromanil, and 2,3-dichloronaphthoquinone, to give colored vinylamino-substituted quinones. The colored products obtained with chloranil, bromanil, and 2,3-dichloronaphthoquinone exhibit absorption maxima at 665, 655, and 580 nm, respectively. The factors affecting the reactions were studied and optimized. Under the optimum reaction conditions, linear relationships with good correlation coefficients (0.9986-0.9999) were found between the absorbances and the concentrations of the investigated drugs in the range of 4-120 microg/mL. The limits of detection for the assays ranged from 1.19 to 2.98 microg/mL. The precision values of the methods were satisfactory; the relative standard deviations were 0.56-1.24%. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the determination of the 3 drugs in pure and pharmaceutical dosage forms with good accuracy; the recoveries ranged from 99.1 to 101.3% with standard deviations of 1.15-1.92%. The results compared favorably with those of reported methods.

A simplified spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of saccharin in commercial noncaloric sweeteners

A simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric method for routine analysis of saccharin in commercial noncaloric sweeteners is proposed. This method is based on the reaction of saccharin with tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (p-chloranil) accelerated by hydrogen peroxide and conducted in an ethanol:acetone (4:1) medium, producing a violet-red compound (lambda(max) = 550 nm). Beer's law is obeyed in a concentration range of 2.05 x 10(-4) to 3.00 x 10(-3) M with an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.9998). The detection limit was 1.55 x 10(-5) M, and the effect of interferences on the spectrophotometric measurements was evaluated. The proposed procedure was applied successfully to the determination of saccharin in noncaloric sweeteners. Recoveries were within 99.2-104.3% with standard deviations ranging from to 0.5-1.6%. Results of the proposed method compare very favorably with those given by the high-performance liquid chromatography method recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.

Photochemical Acetalization of Carbonyl Compounds in Protic Media Using an in Situ Generated Photocatalyst

Carbonyl compounds are conveniently converted into their corresponding dimethyl acetals in good yields and short reaction times by means of a photochemical reaction in methanol with a catalytic amount of chloranil (2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone, CA) as the sensitizer. Using aldehydes gives better results than using ketones, which also tend to form enol ethers as side products. These results are similar to those of simple acid-catalyzed acetalization reactions, suggesting the involvement of a photochemically generated acid. On the basis of steady state and laser flash photolysis data the reaction is proposed to involve the in situ generation of a photocatalyst (2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-hydroquinone, TCHQ) via reaction of CA with the solvent. The acetalization process is initiated by ionization of TCHQ, followed by loss of a proton to the solvent or the carbonyl, which starts a catalytic reaction. The photocatalyst is regenerated via a disproportionation reaction.

Microwave-Assisted Syntheses of Regioisomerically Pure Bromorhodamine Derivatives

[structure: see text] Regioisomerically pure bromo-substituted rhodamine derivatives (bromorosamines) were prepared via microwave-accelerated condensation reactions followed by oxidation with chloranil. Reaction optimization was conveniently performed by monitoring UV absorptions attributed to the product.