Contamination of dairy products with tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite and implications for human exposure

Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (AO168), an organophosphite antioxidant, can be oxidized to tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (AO168 = O) during the production, processing, and application of plastics. AO168 = O can be further transformed to bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. Here, we discovered the contamination of AO168 and its transformation products in dairy products for the first time. More samples contained AO168 (mean concentration: 8.78 ng/g wet weight [ww]), bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (mean:11.1 ng/g ww) and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (mean: 46.8 ng/g ww) than AO168 = O (mean: 40.2 ng/g ww). The concentrations of AO168 and its transformation products were significantly correlated, and differed with the packaging material and storage conditions of the product. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of AO168 and its transformation products were calculated. Although the overall dietary risks were below one, transformation products accounted for 96.7% of the total hazard quotients. The high-exposure EDIs of total AO168 were above the threshold of toxicological concern (300 ng/kg bw/day), and deserve continual monitoring.

An efficient synthesis of phosphonated cyclopentenones by NaN3-catalyzed three-component reaction between trialkyl phosphites, ethyl arylmethylidenecyanoacetates and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates

NaN3-catalysed three-component reaction between trialkyl phosphites, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and ethyl arylmethylidenecyanoacetates afforded phosphonated cyclopentenone derivatives. The process involves one C-P and two C-C bond formations in one synthetic step. All reactions were conducted in acetone as solvent at room temperature and the products were obtained in high yields as stable solids. The products were isolated and purified by simple washing with water and diethyl ether without need to tedious chromatography methods. The structures of products were proved by 1H, 13C and 31P NMR and IR spectral and elemental analysis data.

An efficient synthesis of functionalized β-amino- and β-hydrazinoalkylphosphonates by three-component reaction between trialkyl phosphites, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and aromatic amines or hydrazines

Three-component reaction between trialkyl phosphites, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and aromatic amines afforded β-aminoalkylphosphonate derivatives. Similar reaction between trialkyl phosphites, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and dinitrophenylhydrazine afforded β-hydrazinooalkylphosphonate derivatives. This method includes both the C-N and C-P bond formation in a one pot and single synthetic step in neutral and simple reaction conditions. All reactions were conducted in CH2Cl2 as solvent at room temperature without using any catalyst, and the stable products were obtained in high yields. The structures of all products were proved by 1H, 13C and 31P NMR and IR spectral and elemental analysis data.

Anaerobic dissimilatory phosphite oxidation, an extremely efficient concept of microbial electron economy

Phosphite is a stable phosphorus compound that, together with phosphate, made up a substantial part of the total phosphorus content of the prebiotic Earth's crust. Oxidation of phosphite to phosphate releases electrons at an unusually low redox potential (-690 mV at pH 7.0). Numerous aerobic and anaerobic bacteria use phosphite as a phosphorus source and oxidise it to phosphate for synthesis of nucleotides and other phosphorus-containing cell constituents. Only two pure cultures of strictly anaerobic bacteria have been isolated so far that use phosphite as an electron donor in their energy metabolism, the Gram-positive Phosphitispora fastidiosa and the Gram-negative Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans. The key enzyme of this metabolism is an NAD+ -dependent phosphite dehydrogenase enzyme that phosphorylates AMP to ADP. These phosphorylating phosphite dehydrogenases were found to be related to nucleoside diphosphate sugar epimerases. The produced NADH is channelled into autotrophic CO2 fixation via the Wood-Ljungdahl (CO-DH) pathway, thus allowing for nearly complete assimilation of the substrate electrons into bacterial biomass. This extremely efficient type of electron flow connects energy and carbon metabolism directly through NADH and might have been important in the early evolution of life when phosphite was easily available on Earth.

Vibrational Properties and DFT Calculations of Perovskite-Type Methylhydrazinium Manganese Hypophosphite

Recently discovered hybrid perovskites based on hypophosphite ligands are a promising class of compounds exhibiting unusual structural properties and providing opportunities for construction of novel functional materials. Here, we report for the first time the detailed studies of phonon properties of manganese hypophosphite templated with methylhydrazinium cations ([CH3NH2NH2][Mn(H2PO2)3]). Its room temperature vibrational spectra were recorded for both polycrystalline sample and a single crystal. The proposed assignment based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the observed vibrational modes is also presented. It is worth noting this is first report on polarized Raman measurements in this class of hybrid perovskites.

Redox mechanism and stability of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces: Cooperative proton/electron transfer and high efficacy for Uranium(VI) reduction

Uranium phosphites have recently emerged as promising materials to remediate radioactive contamination. In this study, the redox mechanisms of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces have been addressed by periodic DFT calculations with dispersion corrections. Different from other ligands, the phosphite anions (H₂PO₃^-, HPO₃^2-) are efficient reducing agents for uranyl reduction, and the redox reactions are divided into three steps, as isomerization between two phosphite anion isomers (Step 1), conformational transition (Step 2) and dissociation of the water molecule (Step 3). A second water molecule is critical to lower the activation barriers of Step 1, and all activation barriers are moderate so that the redox reactions occur favorably under normal conditions, which are further dramatically accelerated by the highly exergonic Step 3. Accordingly, formation of uranyl phosphites becomes an effective approach to manage uranium pollution. Moreover, the lower activation barriers for H₂PO₃^- rather than HPO₃^2- rationalize the superior reduction activities of uranyl phosphites and the enhanced stability of U(IV) products at lower pH conditions. Owing to the cooperative proton/electron transfer, the U(VI) reduction to U(IV) and P(III) oxidation to P(V) are completed within one step, with transition states being featured by the U(V) and P(IV) species.

Three-Component Reaction of Diamines with Triethyl Orthoformate and Diethyl Phosphite and Anti-Proliferative and Antiosteoporotic Activities of the Products

A three-component reaction between diamines (diaminobenzenes, diaminocyclohexanes, and piperazines), triethyl orthoformate, and diethyl phosphite was studied in some detail. In the case of 1,3- and 1,4-diamines and piperazines, products of the substitution of two amino moieties—the corresponding tetraphosphonic acids—were obtained. In the cases of 1,2-diaminobenzene, 1,2-diaminocyclohexanes and 1,2-diaminocyclohexenes, only one amino group reacted. This is most likely the result of the formation of hydrogen bonding between the phosphonate oxygen and a hydrogen of the adjacent amino group, which caused a decrease in the reactivity of the amino group. Most of the obtained compounds inhibited the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with 1, trans-7, and 16 showing broad nonspecific activity, which makes these compounds especially interesting in the context of anti-osteolytic treatment and the blocking of interactions and mutual activation of osteoclasts and tumor metastatic cells. These compounds exhibit similar activity to zoledronic acid and higher activity than incadronic acid, which were used as controls. However, studies of sheep with induced osteoporosis carried out with compound trans-7 did not support this assumption.

Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Arylketones Catalyzed by Enantiopure Ruthenium(II)/Pybox Complexes Containing Achiral Phosphonite and Phosphinite Ligands

A family of complexes of the formula trans-[RuCl₂(L)(R-pybox)] (R-pybox = (S,S)-ⁱPr-pybox, (R,R)-Ph-pybox, L = monodentate phosphonite, PPh(OR)₂, and phosphinite, L = PPh₂(OR), ligands) were screened in the catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone, observing a strong influence of the nature of both the R-pybox substituents and the L ligand in the process. The best results were obtained with complex trans-[RuCl₂{PPh₂(OEt)}{(R,R)-Ph-pybox}] (2c), which provided high conversion and enantioselectivity (up to 96% enantiomeric excess, e.e.) for the reduction of a variety of aromatic ketones, affording the (S)-benzylalcohols.

Continuous Flow Esterification of a H-Phosphinic Acid, and Transesterification of H-phosphinates and H-Phosphonates under Microwave Conditions

The microwave (MW)-assisted direct esterification of phenyl-H-phosphinic acid, transesterification of the alkyl phenyl-H-phosphinates so obtained, and the similar reaction of dibenzyl phosphite (DBP) were investigated in detail, and the batch accomplishments were translated into a continuous flow operation that, after optimization of the parameters, such as temperature and flow rate, proved to be more productive. Alcoholysis of DBP is a two-step process involving an intermediate phosphite with two different alkoxy groups. The latter species are of synthetic interest, as precursors for optically active reagents.

The Synthesis of α-Aminophosphonates via Enantioselective Organocatalytic Reaction of 1-(N-Acylamino)alkylphosphonium Salts with Dimethyl Phosphite

α-Aminophosphonic acids are phosphorus analogues of α-amino acids. Compounds of this type find numerous applications in medicine and crop protection due to their unique biological activities. A crucial factor in these activities is the configuration of the stereoisomers. Only a few methods of stereoselective transformation of α-amino acids into their phosphorus analogues are known so far and all of them are based on asymmetric induction, thus involving the use of a chiral substrate. In contrast, we have focused our efforts on the development of an effective method for this type of transformation using a racemic mixture of starting N-protected α-amino acids and a chiral catalyst. Herein, a simple and efficient stereoselective organocatalytic α-amidoalkylation of dimethyl phosphite by 1-(N-acylamino)alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts to enantiomerically enriched α-aminophosphonates is reported. Using 5 mol% of chiral quinine- or hydroquinine-derived quaternary ammonium salts provides final products in very good yields up to 98% and with up to 92% ee. The starting phosphonium salts were easily obtained from α-amino acid derivatives by decarboxylative methoxylation and subsequent substitution with triphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate. The appropriate self-disproportionation of enantiomers (SDE) test for selected α-aminophosphonate derivatives via achiral flash chromatography was performed to confirm the reliability of the enantioselectivity results that were obtained.

Insight into the Synthesis and Characterization of Organophosphorus-Based Bridged Triazine Compounds

In this article, we report the synthesis of 2,4,6-substituted s-triazine-based organophosphorus compounds via a two-step process, which enables their production in high yields, and with a high purity as solids. In the first step, a Michaelis–Arbuzov rearrangement of cyanuric chloride with triethyl phosphite afforded 2,4,6-trisdiethoxyphosphinyl-1,3,5-triazine (HEPT). Subsequently, the nucleophilic substitution reaction on the triazine carbon was achieved, owing to the electron-withdrawing ability of the phosphonate groups. This characteristic of HEPT facilitated its derivatization with bi-functional amines, producing novel P–C containing bridged triazine organophosphorus compounds. The molecular structures of all of the compounds were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, CHN elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray analysis. In the thermogravimetric analysis in an N₂ environment, >33% char formation was observed for the bridged compounds. The chemical composition analysis of the char obtained under the oxidative thermal decomposition of the bridged compounds confirmed the presence of phosphorus- and nitrogen-enriched species, which indicate their function in the condensed phase. Comparatively, the detection of HPO and H–C≡P in the gas phase during the pyrolysis of the bridged compounds can act as a source for PO^•, which is known for its gas phase flame inhibition reactions. The synergy of significant char formation and the generation of intermediates leading to PO^• during pyrolysis makes these molecules promising flame-retardant additives.

Ultrasonic-assisted Kabachnik-Fields reaction for rapid fabrication of AIE-active fluorescent organic nanoparticles

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FNPs) have been extensively explored for fluorescence "turn-on" bio-imaging applications with the unique advantages over conventional FNPs. Transformation of AIE-active molecules into FNPs can greatly expand their biomedical application potential. Here we reported a novel "one-pot" strategy for fabricating AIE-active FNPs through an ultrasonic-assisted, catalysts-free and solvent-free Kabachnik-Fields (KF) reaction for the first time. The KF reaction can be completed within 10min to generate AIE-active PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs through mixing polyethylenimine and aldehyde group containing AIE dyes and diethyl phosphate. These PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy etc. The cell uptake behavior as well as cell viability of PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs was examined to evaluate their potential for biomedical application. We demonstrated that the amphiphilic α-aminophosphonate polymers could self-assemble into PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs in aqueous solution and showed excellent water dispersibility. TEM image shows the size of PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs is 100-200nm. More importantly, the PTH-CHO-PEI-DEP FNPs emit strong green fluorescence and desirable biocompatibility, making them very suitable for biomedical applications. Finally, thus smart FNPs design together with their excellent performance will open a new avenue in the development of FNPs for following biological processes such as carcinogenesis.

Oxygen isotope studies of phosphite oxidation: purification and analysis of reactants and products by high-temperature conversion elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Increased attention has been recently focused on the origin and reactions of reduced-P oxyanions such as phosphite [PO3 (III)] in terrestrial and biological systems. We present new methods for studying O-isotopic reactions between PO3 (III) and other oxygen sources during oxidation of PO3 (III) to PO4 (V).

METHODS

Na2 (HPO3 )·5H2 O, used as a PO3 (III) source, contains structural water due to its hygroscopic nature; thus, we developed a method for determining the δ(18) O value of PO3 (III) after the removal of structural water. Next, we tested two techniques for purifying PO4 (V) from aqueous PO3 (III)/PO4 (V) mixtures: (1) precipitation of PO4 (V) as ammonium phosphomolybdate (APM); and (2) precipitation of PO4 (V) as magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP). The O-isotope compositions, (18) O:(16) O (δ(18) O values), of Na2 (HPO3 ) and Ag3 PO4 were analyzed by TC/EA/IRMS.

RESULTS

Structural water was removed from Na2 (HPO3 )·5H2 O after drying at 100 °C under vacuum and the δ(18) O value of PO3 (III) was obtained. The δ(18) O values of PO4 (V), which was extracted from (18) O-labeled PO3 (III)/PO4 (V) mixtures by APM and MAP precipitations, were not altered by the precipitation process. This result confirms that PO3 (III) is not converted into PO4 (V) by oxidation or hydrolysis under either strong acidic/oxidizing (APM) or alkaline (MAP) conditions for up to a 24-h period.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that both APM and MAP precipitation are reliable and effective methods for the separation and purification of PO4 (V) from aqueous PO3 (III)/PO4 (V) mixtures. The methods described here will permit the study of the isotopic evolution of various pathways of geochemical as well as biological PO3 (III) oxidation.

Aluminum hypophosphite microencapsulated to improve its safety and application to flame retardant polyamide 6

Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) is an effective phosphorus-containing flame retardant. But AHP also has fire risk that it will decompose and release phosphine which is spontaneously flammable in air and even can form explosive mixtures with air in extreme cases. In this paper, AHP has been microencapsulated by melamine cyanurate (MCA) to prepare microencapsulated aluminum hypophosphite (MCAHP) with the aim of enhancing the fire safety in the procedure of production, storage and use. Meanwhile, MCA was a nitrogen-containing flame retardant that can work with AHP via the nitrogen-phosphorus synergistic effect to show improved flame-retardant property than other capsule materials. After microencapsulation, MCA presented as a protection layer inhibit the degradation of AHP and postpone the generation of phosphine. Furthermore, the phosphine concentration could be effectively diluted by inert decomposition products of MCA. These nonflammable decomposition products of MCA could separate phosphine from air delay the oxidizing reaction with oxygen and decrease the heat release rate, which imply that the fire safety of AHP has been improved. Furthermore, MCAHP was added into polyamide 6 to prepare flame retardant polyamide 6 composites (FR-PA6) which show good flame retardancy.

Experimental and theoretical investigations on N,N'-diphenylguanidinium dihydrogen phosphite - a semi-organic nonlinear optical material

Single crystal of N,N'-diphenylguanidinium dihydrogen phosphite (DPGP) was grown by a slow evaporation technique and was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction to confirm the structure and crystalline nature of DPGP crystal. UV-vis spectral study revealed that the DPGP crystal is optically transparent. The chemical bonding and presence of various functional groups were confirmed by the FT-IR and FT-Raman spectral studies. The thermal behavior of DPGP crystal was analyzed by simultaneous TG-DTA studies. The laser induced surface damage threshold study was carried out for the grown crystal using Nd:YAG laser. The second harmonic generation (SHG) nonlinearity of the grown crystalline sample was measured by the Kurtz and Perry powder technique. The quantum chemical analyses were performed by density functional theory (DFT) using B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) basis set.

Synthesis of densely phosphorylated bis-1,5-diphospho-myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate and its enantiomer by bidirectional P-anhydride formation

The ubiquitous mammalian signaling molecule bis-diphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate (1,5-(PP)2 -myo-InsP4 , or InsP8 ) displays the most congested three-dimensional array of phosphate groups found in nature. The high charge density, the accumulation of unstable P-anhydrides and P-esters, the lack of UV absorbance, and low levels of optical rotation constitute severe obstacles to its synthesis, characterization, and purification. Herein, we describe the first procedure for the synthesis of enantiopure 1,5-(PP)2 -myo-InsP4 and 3,5-(PP)2 -myo-InsP4 utilizing a C2 -symmetric P-amidite for desymmetrization and concomitant phosphitylation followed by a one-pot bidirectional P-anhydride-forming reaction that combines sixteen chemical transformations with high efficiency. The configuration of these materials is unambiguously shown by subsequent X-ray analyses of both enantiomers after being individually soaked into crystals of the kinase domain of human diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate kinase 2.

Bifunctionalized allenes. Part XIII. A convenient and efficient method for regioselective synthesis of phosphorylated α-hydroxyallenes with protected and unprotected hydroxy group

The paper describes a convenient and efficient method for regioselective synthesis of phosphorylated α-hydroxyallenes using an atom economical [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of intermediate propargyl phosphites or phosphinites. These can be readily prepared via reaction of protected alkynols with dimethyl chlorophosphite or chlorodiphenyl phosphine respectively in the presence of a base.

Luminescence and thermal-quenching properties of Dy³⁺-doped Ba₂CaWO₆ phosphors

A series of new double perovskite tungstate Ba2CaWO6:xDy(3+) (0.01⩽x⩽0.15) phosphors were synthesized via solid state reaction process. XRD analysis confirmed the phase formation of Ba2CaWO6:Dy(3+) materials. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, concentration effect, thermal-quenching, and decay property were investigated. The phosphor could be excited by the UV light region from 250 to 400 nm, and it exhibits blue (493 nm) and yellow (584 nm) emission corresponding to (4)F(9/2)-(6)H(15/2) transitions and (4)F9/2-(6)H13/2 transitions, respectively. The optimum dopant concentration of Dy(3+) ions in Ba2CaWO6:xDy(3+) is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Dy(3+) is calculated as 14 Å. The thermal-quenching temperature is 436 K for Ba2CaWO6:0.05Dy(3+). The fluorescence lifetime is also determined in Ba2CaWO6:0.05Dy(3+).

Synthesis of non-racemic α-hydroxyphosphonates via asymmetric phospho-aldol reaction

It has been more than 50 years since the first phospho-aldol reactions of dialkyl phosphites were reported. These efficient P-C bond-forming reactions have become the cornerstone of methods for the synthesis of α-hydroxyphosphonates and, by numerous available substitution reactions, the synthesis of other α- and γ-substituted phosphonates and phosphonic acids. Much of the interest in α- and γ-substituted phosphonates and phosphonic acids has been stimulated by reports of their biological activity, which is often dependent upon their absolute and relative stereochemistry. In this chapter, we review diastereoselective and enantioselective additions of dialkyl phosphites to aldehydes and ketones, otherwise called the phospho-aldol, Pudovik or Abramov reactions.

Advanced oxidation of hypophosphite and phosphite using a UV/H2O2 process

The oxidation of hypophosphite and phosphite in an aqueous solution by an ultraviolet (UV)/H2O2 process was studied in this work. The reactions were performed in a lab-scale batch photoreactor. The effect of different parameters such as H2O2 dosage, H2O2 feeding mode and the initial pH of the solution on the oxidation efficiency of the process was investigated. The results indicated that the UV/H2O2 process could effectively oxidize hypophosphite and phosphite in both synthesized and real wastewater. However, neither H2O2 nor UV alone was able to appreciably oxidize the hypophosphite or phosphite. The best way of feeding H2O2 was found to be 'continuous feeding', which maximized the reaction rate. It was also found that the process presented a wide range of applicable initial pH (5-11). When treating real rinse-wastewater, which was obtained from the electroless nickel plating industry, both hypophosphite and phosphite were completely oxidized within 60 min, and by extending by another 30 min, over 90% of the chemical oxygen demand removal was obtained. Without any additional catalyst, the UV/H2O2 process can oxidize hypophosphite and phosphite to easily removable phosphate. It is really a powerful and environmentally friendly treatment method for the wastewater containing hypophosphite and phosphite.

Synthesis and spectral characterization of methyl 9(10)-dialkylphosphonostearates

Dimethyl, diethyl, and di-n-butyl phosphites were reacted with methyl or ethyl oleates using thermally initiated radical reactions. Reactions were conducted with or without the presence of a dilauroyl peroxide initiator. The reactions gave mixture of isomers with the phosphorus attached at the 9 or 10 carbon of the stearates. High yields (94-97%) and high purity products (98-99% by GC) were obtained in the presence of the initiator, while without initiator, the reaction was very slow resulting in very low conversions (<50% after 6 days). The phosphonostearate products were positively identified and thoroughly characterized using GC with EI-MS, FTIR, and (1)H-, (13)C-, and (31)P NMR spectra. GC achieved only partial resolution of the positional isomers. Principal component analysis was applied to successfully separate the MS-EI spectra of fractions from the 9- and 10-isomers. A mechanism to explain the observed MS fragmentation pattern and the relative abundances is proposed. 2D-NMR data analysis was applied to assign values of (13)C- and (1)H NMR shifts as well as P-C and P-H splitting constants. The molecular volume and the refractive indices of the phosphonostearates were determined experimentally and were found to be in agreement with the computationally predicted values using the PM3 semi-empirical method and the group-contribution method of Bondi.

Ethylenediammonium dication: H-bonded complexes with terephthalate, chloroacetate, phosphite, selenite and sulfamate anions. Detailed vibrational spectroscopic and theoretical studies of ethylenediammonium terephthalate

Crystalline complexes between ethylenediammonium dication and terephthalate, chloroacetate, phosphite, selenite and sulfamate anions were obtained by slow evaporation from water solution method. Room temperature powder infrared and Raman measurements were carried out. For ethylenediammonium terephthalate theoretical calculations of structure were performed by two ways: ab-initio HF and semiempirical PM3. In this case the PM3 method gave more accurate structure (closer to X-ray results). The additional PM3 calculations of vibrational spectra were performed. On the basis theoretical approach and earlier vibrational studies of similar compounds the vibrational assignments for observed bands have been proposed. All compounds were checked for second harmonic generation (SHG).

Determination of phosphite in a eutrophic freshwater lake by suppressed conductivity ion chromatography

The establishment of a sensitive and specific method for the detection of reduced phosphorus (P) is crucial for understanding P cycle. This paper presents the quantitative evidence of phosphite (P, +3) from the freshwater matrix correspondent to the typically eutrophic Lake Taihu in China. By ion chromatography coupled with gradient elution procedure, efficient separation of micromolar levels of phosphite is possible in the presence of millimolar levels of interfering ions, such as chloride, sulfate, and hydrogen carbonate in freshwater lakes. Optimal suppressed ion chromatography conditions include the use of 500 μL injection volumes and an AS11 HC analytical column heated to 30 °C. The method detection limit of 0.002 μM for phosphite was successfully applied for phosphite determination in natural water samples with recoveries ranging from 90.7 ± 3.2% to 108 ± 1.5%. Phosphite in the freshwater matrix was also verified using a two-dimensional capillary ion chromatography and ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results confirmed the presence of phosphite in Lake Taihu ranging from 0.01 ± 0.01 to 0.17 ± 0.01 μM, which correlated to 1-10% of the phosphate. Phosphite is an important component of P and may influence biogeochemical P cycle in lakes.

Site-specific modification of proteins by the staudinger-phosphite reaction

Chemoselective reactions are important tools for the modification of peptides and proteins. Thereby the modification is desired to be site specific and bioorthogonal. Here we describe the site-specific modification of azido-proteins via a Staudinger-type phosphite ligation. The reaction was carried out in aqueous system on proteins containing p-azido-phenylalanine in a single position introduced by the amber codon technique. A selective introduction of branched polyethylene scaffolds can be achieved with the application of the methodology reported herein.

Nanofiltration process of glyphosate simulated wastewater

Nanofiltration separation of glyphosate simulated wastewater was investigated using a DK membrane. The effects of operating parameters and the addition of impurities on membrane performance were studied in detail. It was found that at 20 °C, with a glyphosate concentration of 500 mg/L and pH of 2.96, the glyphosate retention rate and the membrane permeate flux increased slightly with increasing transmembrane pressure. With an increase in operating temperature, the permeate flux increased linearly while the retention rate decreased. The permeate flux and glyphosate retention rate decreased with increasing feed concentration. Within the pH range of 3-5, the glyphosate retention rate decreases with increasing pH and reaches a minimum at the isoelectric point of the membrane, while the permeate flux reaches a maximum level at this point. In the pH range of 5-11, with the increases of pH, the glyphosate retention rate increases and the permeate flux decreases. Glyphosate retention decreases slightly with increasing NaCl and phosphite concentrations. This can be explained in terms of the shielding phenomenon.

Dry autoclaving for the nanofabrication of sulfides, selenides, borides, phosphides, nitrides, carbides, and oxides

This review compiles various nanostructures fabricated by a distinct "dry autoclaving" approach, where the chemical reactions are carried out without solvents; above the dissociation temperature of the chemical precursor(s) at elevated temperature in a closed reactor. The diversity to fabricate carbides (SiC, Mo(2) C, WC), oxides (VOx-C, ZnO, Eu(2) O(3) , Fe(3) O(4) , MoO(2) ), hexaborides (LaB(6) , CeB(6) , NdB(6) , SmB(6) , EuB(6) , GdB(6) ), nitrides (TiN, NbN, TaN), phosphides (PtP(2) , WP), sulfides (ZnS, FeS/C, SnS/C, WS(2) , WS(2) /C), and selenides (Zn(1-x) Mn(x) Se/C, Cd(1-x) Mn(x) Se/C), with various shapes and sizes is accounted with plausible applications. This unique single-step, solvent-free synthetic process opens up a new route in the growing nanomaterials science; owing to its considerable advantages on the existing approaches.

Dinucleotides containing 3'-S-phosphorothiolate linkages

The 3'-S-phosphorothiolate (3'-SP) linkage has proven to be a very useful analogue of the phosphodiester group in nucleic acid derivatives; it is achiral and also shows good resistance to nucleases. Whilst oligonucleotides containing a 3'-SP linkage are best prepared using phosphoramidite chemistry, the corresponding dinucleotides are most efficiently synthesised using a Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction between a nucleoside 5'-phosphite and a nucleoside 3'-S-disulphide. The method described here is for a thymidine dinucleotide and is based on the use of a silyl phosphite, which is more reactive than simple alkyl phosphites and also simplifies the deprotection strategy. Full experimental details and spectroscopic data for the synthetic intermediates and the target dinucleotide are provided.

Organic secondary ion mass spectrometry: signal enhancement by water vapor injection

The enhancement of the static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) signals resulting from the injection, closely to the sample surface, of H(2)O vapor at relatively high-pressure, was investigated for a set of organic materials. While the ion signals are generally improved with increasing H(2)O pressure upon 12 keV Ga(+) bombardment, a specific enhancement of the protonated ion intensity is clearly demonstrated in each case. For instance, the presence of H(2)O vapor induces an enhancement by one order of magnitude of the [M + H](+) static SIMS intensity for the antioxidant Irgafos 168 and a ∼1.5-fold increase for polymers such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

A highly efficient bismuth salts-catalyzed route for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates

A convenient synthesis of different types of α-amino phosphonates via one-pot solvent-free three component reactions of aldehydes, amines and phosphites catalyzed by bismuth salts has been investigated. Bismuth triflate is found to be the most effective catalyst for this reaction.

Application of phosphine-phosphite ligands in the iridium catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-methylquinoline

The hydrogenation of 2-methylquinoline with Ir catalysts based on chiral phosphine-phosphites has been investigated. It has been observed that the reaction is very sensitive to the nature of the ligand. Optimization of the catalyst, allowed by the highly modular structure of these phosphine-phosphites, has improved the enantioselectivity of the reaction up to 73% ee. The influence of additives in this reaction has also been investigated. Contrary to the beneficial influence observed in related catalytic systems, iodine has a deleterious effect in the present case. Otherwise, aryl phosphoric acids produce a positive impact on catalyst activity without a decrease on enantioselectivity.

Asymmetric hydrophosphylation of chiral N-phosphonyl imines provides an efficient approach to chiral α-amino phosphonates

Chiral N-phosphonylimines were found to react with lithium phosphites to provide various substituted chiral α-amino phosphonates in excellent yields (94-97%) and diastereoselectivities (93:7-99:1). The types of bases utilized for generating the nucleophile are crucial for the effectiveness of asymmetric induction. In addition, N,N-isopropyl group on chiral N-phosphonylimine auxilliary was proven to be superior to other protecting groups in controlling diastereoselectivity. The absolute configuration was unambiguously determined by converting a chiral α-amino phosphonate into its authentic N-Cbz derivative.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship analysis of bicyclophosphorothionate blockers with selectivity for housefly gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor channels

BACKGROUND

Bicyclophosphorothionates (2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-sulfides) are blockers (or non-competitive antagonists) of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor channels. Twenty-two bicyclophosphorothionates with different 3- and 4-substituents were synthesised, and [(3)H]4'-ethynyl-4-n-propylbicycloorthobenzoate (EBOB) binding assays were performed to evaluate their affinities for housefly and rat GABA receptors.

RESULTS

Introduction of an isopropyl group at the 3-position enhanced the affinity of bicyclophosphorothionates for housefly GABA receptors and reduced the affinity towards rat GABA receptors. The 4-isopentyl-3-isopropylbicyclophosphorothionate showed the highest affinity for housefly GABA receptors (IC(50) = 103 nM) among the analogues tested, while the 4-cyclohexylbicyclophosphorothionate showed the highest affinity for rat GABA receptors (IC(50) = 125 nM). Among the bicyclophosphorothionates synthesised to date, the former analogue exhibited the highest selectivity for housefly GABA receptors, with an IC(50)(rat)/IC(50)(fly) ratio of approximately 97. Three-dimensional GABA receptor models successfully explained the structure-activity relationships of the bicyclophosphorothionates.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that minor structural modifications of blockers can change their selectivity for insect versus mammalian GABA receptors. The substituent at the 3-position of the bicyclophosphorothionates dictates selectivity for housefly versus rat GABA receptors. This information should prove useful for the design of safer insecticides and parasiticides.

Plasma chemical degradation of phosphorous-containing warfare agents simulants

The gliding electric discharge (or "glidarc") technique is a new advanced oxidation process used for the degradation of organic solutes or spent solvents. Discharges in humid air at atmospheric pressure produce active species (i.e., .OH and .NO) that are able to oxidize organic target up to carbon oxides and water. Aqueous solutions of triethylphosphate (TEP), a warfare agent simulant, are exposed to a glidarc in humid air to evaluate the solute stability under the impinging flux of active species. TEP was degraded and the overall zero order kinetic rate (k(0)=3.4 x 10(-4)mol h(-1)) was compared with that of previously considered tributylphosphate. The total degradation of TEP is monitored by the formation of H(3)PO(4) as the ultimate oxidation product of phosphorus by total organic carbon measurements. Extra investigation was performed on dimethylmethylphosphonate to examine the potential influence of the molecule symmetry on the degradation rate.

Removal of citrate and hypophosphite binary components using Fenton, photo-Fenton and electro-Fenton processes

Both citrate and hypophosphite in aqueous solution were degraded by advanced oxidation processes (Fe2+/H2O2, UV/Fe2+/H2O2, and electrolysis/ Fe2+/H2O2) in this study. Comparison of these techniques in oxidation efficiency was undertaken. It was found that Fenton process could not completely degrade citrate in the presence of hypophosphite since it caused a series inhibition. Therefore, UV light (photo-Fenton) or electron current (electro-Fenton) was applied to improve the degradation efficiency of the Fenton process. Results showed that both photo-Fenton and electro-Fenton processes could overcome the inhibition of hypophosphite, especially the electro-Fenton.

Carbohydrate-derived 1,3-diphosphite ligands as chiral nanoparticle stabilizers: promising catalytic systems for asymmetric hydrogenation

Metallic Ru, Rh, and Ir nanoparticles were prepared by the decomposition of organometallic precursors under H(2) pressure in the presence of 1,3-diphosphite ligands, derived from carbohydrates, as stabilizing agents. Structural modifications to the diphosphite backbone were found to influence the nanoparticles' size, dispersion, and catalytic activity. In the hydrogenation of o- and m-methylanisole, the Rh nanoparticles showed higher catalytic activity than the corresponding Ru nanoparticles. The Ir nanoparticles presented the lowest catalytic activity of the series. In all cases, the hydrogenation of o-methylanisole gave total selectivity for the cis-product, however, the ee of the product was always less than 6 %. A maximum of 81 % cis-selectivity was obtained for the hydrogenation of m-methylanisole, however, no asymmetric induction was observed. These results show that the catalytic activity is affected by a combination of influences from the substrate, the diphosphite ligands, and the metallic nanoparticles.

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.

Water solubilization of DDGS via derivatization with phosphite esters

Ethanol production from corn starch in the corn dry milling process leaves Distillers' Dry Grains and Solubles (DDGS) as a major by-product from which additional ethanol may be economically obtained from its glucan content. A challenge in processing the cellulose content of this material lies in its extensive inter-cellulose chain hydrogen bonding, which inhibits access of enzymes capable of cleaving glycosidic bonds, a transformation required for providing fermentable sugars. The phosphitylation of cellulosic OH groups using a reactive bicyclic phosphite ester is utilized to disrupt cellulosic hydrogen bonds, thus providing access to cellulose chains for further processing. We describe a method of pretreating DDGS with commercially available trimethylolpropane phosphite [P(OCH2)3CEt] in the presence of a slight molar excess of water to afford greater than 90% DDGS solubility in the reaction mixture in methanol and in water. Preliminary results using a model compound [D-(+)-permethylated cellobiose] indicate that glycosidic bonds are cleaved as a consequence of this pretreatment.

An improved method for de novo sequencing of arginine-containing, Nalpha-tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium-acetylated peptides

An improved method for de novo sequencing of arginine-containing peptides modified with succinimidyloxycarbonylmethyl tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium bromide (TMPP-Ac-OSu) is reported. A tagging reagent, TMPP-Ac-OSu, was introduced to improve the sequence analysis of peptides owing to the simplified fragmentation pattern. However, peptides containing arginine residues did not fragment efficiently even after TMPP-Ac modification at their N-termini. This report describes how fragmentation efficiency of TMPP-Ac-modified arginine-containing peptides was significantly improved by modifying the guanidino group on the side chain of arginine with acetylacetone.

The reaction of mixtures of [Rh4(CO)12] and triphenylphosphite with carbon monoxide or syngas as studied by high-resolution, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy

The fragmentation and redistribution reactions of [Rh4(CO)12-x{P(OPh)3}x] (x = 1-4) with carbon monoxide have been studied using high-resolution, high-pressure NMR spectroscopy. Under the conditions of efficient gas mixing in a high-pressure NMR bubble column, [Rh4(CO)9{P(OPh)3}3] fragments to give mainly [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2]; [Rh4(CO)11{P(OPh)3}] is also observed,implying redistribution of the phosphite ligand and/or recombination of the dimers to tetrameric clusters. Fragmentation of[Rh4(CO)10{P(OPh)3}2] is found to be pressure-dependent giving predominantly [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2] at low CO pressure (1-40 bar), and increasing amounts of [Rh2(CO)7{P(OPh)3}] at higher (40-80 bar) pressure. Using Syngas (CO : H2 (1 : 1)) instead of CO in the above fragmentations, homolytic addition of H2 to the dimer [Rh2(CO)6{P(OPh)3}2] to give [RhH(CO)3{P(OPh3}] and [RhH(CO)2{P(OPh)3}2] is observed. The distribution of tetrameric species obtained is similar to that obtained under the same partial pressure of CO. On depressurisation/out-gassing of the sample, the original mixture of tetrameric clusters is obtained.

17O NMR investigation of phosphite hydrolysis mechanisms

The use of solution 17O NMR spectroscopy in verifying the mechanism of trialkyl phosphite hydrolysis is presented. Trimethyl phosphite was reacted with 17O-labeled H2O at different temperatures and two reactant concentrations, with the reaction being monitored by 17O NMR. Kinetic details elucidated from the NMR spectra are also discussed.

Stereochemical Features Making Deoxycholic Acid Derived tropos Biphenylphosphites Efficient Chiral Ligands for Rhodium: The Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Dimethylitaconate as a Case Study

Different deoxycholic acid derived biphenylphosphites, whose tropos nature was ascertained by NMR and CD measurements, were used in the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of dimethylitaconate achieving enantiomeric excesses up to 91%. The comparison of these results to those obtained using the corresponding atropoisomeric binaphthyl analogues, together with NMR and CD measurements on the rhodium complexes of some phosphites, allowed us to shed light on the nature of the active catalytic species and on the asymmetric induction process and hence to recognize the most appropriate stereochemical features to reach good levels of enantioselectivity.

P-chiral oligonucleotides in biological recognition processes

Internucleotide phosphodiester linkages in non-modified oligonucleotides are quickly degraded by nucleolytic enzymes present in the cells and this feature practically eliminates natural DNA and RNA molecules from medical applications and from many structural and mechanistic studies. P-chiral oligonucleotide analogs, in which one of the non-bridging phosphate oxygen atoms is substituted with another heteroatom (e.g. S, Se) or a chemical group (e.g. CH3, BH3(-)), have significantly greater nuclease resistance and also offer important possibilities for detailed studies of interactions with other biomolecules at the molecular level. Notably, these substitutions do not disrupt hydrogen bonding between nucleobases and affect the overall geometry of the oligomers to only low or moderate extent, although important changes of hydration patterns and changes of interactions with metal ions are observed. Such the probes, including isotopomeric species labeled with a heavy oxygen isotope, possessing phosphorus atoms of selected absolute configurations, have been used for elucidation of the mode of action of many enzymes (nucleases, transferases, kinases), ribozymes and DNA-zymes, as well as for investigations on thermodynamic stability of nucleic acids complexes (duplexes, triplexes, i-motif) and for studies on a mechanism of conformational changes of B-Z type. They are also useful tools for analysis of interactions of the phosphoryl oxygen atoms in natural precursors with functional groups of proteins. The synthetic routes to stereodefined forms of selected types of P-chiral oligonucleotides are presented, as well as recently developed methods for their configurational analysis at micromolar concentration. Selected examples of application of diastereomerically pure P-chiral oligonucleotides for structural, biochemical and biological experiments are discussed.

Tautomerism and hydrogen bonding in guaninium phosphite and guaninium phosphate salts

The crystal structures of three similar guaninium salts, guaninium monohydrogenphosphite monohydrate, C5H6N5O+·H2O3P−·H2O, guaninium monohydrogenphosphite dihydrate, C5H6N5O+·H2O3P−·2H2O, and guaninium dihydrogenmonophosphate monohydrate, C5H6N5O+·H2O4P−·H2O, are described and compared. The crystal structures have been determined from accurate single-crystal X-ray data sets collected at 100 (2) K. The two phosphite salts are monoclinic, space group P21/c, with different packing and the monophosphate salt is also monoclinic, space group P21/n. An investigation of the hydrogen-bond network in these guaninium salts reveals the existence of two ketoamine tautomers, the N9H form and an N7H form.

AgOTf-Catalyzed Three-Component Reactions of 2-Alkynylbenzaldehydes, Amines, and Diethylphosphite. An Efficient Route to 2,3-Disubstituted-1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-1-ylphosphonates

AgOTf was discovered as a highly efficient catalyst in reactions of 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes, amines, and diethylphosphite, which provided a facile and efficient pathway for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted-1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-1-ylphosphonates.

Synthesis of solution-phase phosphoramidite and phosphite ligand libraries and their in situ screening in the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboronic acids

Herein, we report the automated parallel synthesis of solution-phase libraries of phosphoramidite ligands for the development of enantioselective catalysts. The ligand libraries are screened in situ in the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to aldehydes and imines. It is shown that the described methodology results in the straightforward discovery of leads for highly efficient enantioselective catalysts.

Ambient temperature synthesis of high enantiopurity N-protected peptidyl ketones by peptidyl thiol ester-boronic acid cross-coupling

alpha-Amino acid thiol esters derived from N-protected mono-, di-, and tripeptides couple with aryl, pi-electron-rich heteroaryl, or alkenyl boronic acids in the presence of stoichiometric Cu(I) thiophene-2-carboxylate and catalytic Pd(2)(dba)(3)/triethylphosphite to generate the corresponding N-protected peptidyl ketones in good-to-excellent yields and in high enantiopurity. Triethylphosphite plays a key role as a supporting ligand by mitigating an undesired palladium-catalyzed decarbonylation-beta-elimination of the alpha-amino thiol esters. The peptidyl ketone synthesis proceeds at room temperature under nonbasic conditions and demonstrates a high tolerance to functionality.

Feasibility study for the development of certified reference materials for specific migration testing. Part 2: Estimation of diffusion parameters and comparison of experimental and predicted data

This paper describes the second part of a project whose main objective was to develop the know-how to produce certified reference materials (CRMs) for specific migration testing. Certification parameters discussed are the diffusion coefficient, D(P), the respective polymer-specific coefficient, A(P), of the migrant polymer combinations and the partitioning coefficient, K(P,F), describing the partitioning of the migrant between the polymer and a food simulant. The parameters were determined for 16 preliminary candidate CRMs. Each parameter was determined by one laboratory. The six materials most suitable as reference materials were selected and the parameters then determined by four laboratories. The coefficients resulting from this small-scale interlaboratory comparison study can be regarded as the most reliable values available to date. These coefficients were applied for a comparison of experimental and predicted migration data. The experimental migration data arose from the same project and were determined by one laboratory for the first 16 materials and subsequently by four laboratories for the six materials selected in the second phase. Overall, experimental and predicted migration data fit together quite well. Roughly half of the predicted data were within +/-10%; almost all predicted data were within +/-40% compared with the experimental data.

Mechanism of the sulfurisation of phosphines and phosphites using 3-amino-1,2,4-dithiazole-5-thione (xanthane hydride)

Contrary to a previous report, the sulfurisation of phosphorus(III) derivatives by 3-amino-1,2,4-dithiazole-5-thione (xanthane hydride) does not yield carbon disulfide and cyanamide as the additional reaction products. The reaction of xanthane hydride with triphenyl phosphine or trimethyl phosphite yields triphenyl phosphine sulfide or trimethyl thiophosphate, respectively, and thiocarbamoyl isothiocyanate which has been trapped with nucleophiles. The reaction pathway involves initial nucleophilic attack of the phosphorus at sulfur next to the thiocarbonyl group of xanthane hydride followed by decomposition of the phosphonium intermediate formed to products. The Hammett rho-values for the sulfurisation of substituted triphenyl phosphines and triphenyl phosphites in acetonitrile are approximately -1.0. The entropies of activation are very negative (-114+/-15 J mol-1 K-1) with little dependence on solvent which is consistent with a bimolecular association step leading to the transition state. The negative values of DeltaS(not equal) and rho values indicate that the rate limiting step of the sulfurisation reaction is formation of the phosphonium ion intermediate which has an early transition state with little covalent bond formation. The site of nucleophilic attack has been also confirmed using computational calculations.