The impact of aromatase mechanism on other P450s

Experimental findings from a number of laboratories have converged to show that the conversion of androgens into oestrogen, catalysed by aromatase, involves three distinct reactions which occur at a single active site. That each one of these reactions belongs to a different generic type was revealed by chemical consideration, together with our ¹⁸O-experiments. In particular, these findings high-lighted the fact that the third reaction in the sequence occurs by a novel process for which a number of plausible mechanisms have been considered. The scrutiny of these mechanisms has involved either studies on aromatase itself, or on related enzymes which catalyse the aromatase type of cleavage reaction as generalized in equation 1:

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The acyl-carbon cleavage reaction of equation 1 is catalysed by sterol 14-demethylases, accounts for several side-chain fission products formed by CYP17 (17-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase), and constitutes a weak property of certain drug metabolizing P450s, when given aliphatic aldehydes as substrates. From cumulative studies on these enzymes, consensus is beginning to emerge that the acyl-carbon fission may be promoted by the Fe^III---OOH intermediate, formed during the catalytic cycles of P450s. The precedent for the direct involvement of the Fe^III---OOH species in the reaction of equation 1 is influencing our thinking regarding the mechanism of the conventional hydroxylation reaction. The status of knowledge surrounding the current debate on these issues will be reviewed.     

Modulation of serum testosterone and autonomic function through stimulation of the male human vomeronasal organ (VNO) with pregna-4,20-diene-3,6-dione

In mammals, external chemosensory signals from conspecifics of the opposite sex acting on vomeronasal organ receptors can modulate the release of gonadotropins. There is developmental, anatomical and functional evidence showing that the human vomeronasal organ (VNO) has the characteristics of a chemosensory organ. We have been using naturally occurring human pheromones to serve as models for designing novel synthetic compounds that we call vomeropherins². In previous publications we reported that vomeropherin pregna-4,20-diene-3,6-dione (PDD) delivered to the VNO of normal female and male human volunteers significantly affected male subjects only, decreasing respiration and cardiac frequency, augmenting alpha brain waves, and significantly decreasing serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Results of the present work confirm that PDD produces a local dose-dependent effect in the male human VNO. This is followed by a mild parasympathomimetic effect characterized by 10% increase of vagal tone, together with decreased frequency of electrodermal activity events. Furthermore, PDD locally delivered to the male human VNO significantly decreases serum LH and testosterone (p<0.01). The present results contribute additional evidence supporting the functionality of the human VNO and its repercussions in autonomic and psychophysiological functions, as well as in neuroendocrine secretions.     

The role of chloride ions in the regulation of steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells and adrenal cells

The role of chloride ions in the regulation of steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells and adrenal cells has been investigated. It was found that the chloride channel blocker 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulphonic acid (DIDS) inhibited LH but not dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP)-stimulated steroidogenesis in the Leydig cells. This was found to be via an inhibition of cAMP production, because both LH- and forskolin-stimulated cAMP productions were inhibited by DIDS. The exclusion of chloride ions enhanced steroidogenesis during incubation of Leydig cells and adrenal cells with dbcAMP. The adrenal cells were found to be more sensitive to dbcAMP than Leydig cells and the enhancing effects of chloride removal were higher. In the presence of chloride ions, near maximum steroidogenesis was achieved with approximately 60 μM and 1 mM dbcAMP in the adrenal and Leydig cells, respectively. In the absence of chloride ions the concentrations required decreased approximately 50-fold and 10-fold, respectively. It is concluded that although LH may regulate DIDS sensitive chloride channels, the enhanced stimulation of cAMP-mediated steroidogenesis by chloride exclusion is not mediated via these channels. We propose a model based on the present and previous studies [1] with Leydig tumour (MA10) cells i.e. that intracellular chloride ion depletion enhances the action of cAMP on protein synthesis which results in increased synthesis of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulator (StAR) protein and consequently increased steroidogenesis.     

The synthesis and characterization of a cationic technetium(V) phenylimido complex. The X-ray crystal structure of [TcCl2(NPh)(PMe2Ph)3](BPh4)

The reaction of the neutral Tc(V) phenylimido complex [TcCl₃(NPh)(PPh₃)₂] with excess PMe₂Ph in refluxing MeOH gives the cationic, tris-dimethylphenylphosphine complex [TcCl₂(NPh)(PMe₂Ph)₃]⁺, which is isolated as the tetraphenylborate salt. The IR spectrum of the crystalline product shows a medium intensity band at 1102 cm⁻¹ which is assigned to ν(TcN) from the phenylimido core. The ¹H NMR spectrum of the diamagnetic complex shows a series of multiplets in the aryl region and three distinct signals near 2 ppm from the phosphine methyl groups. The X-ray crystal structure, which is the first for a cationic technetium organoimido complex, shows a meridional arrangement of phosphine ligands with a chloride ligand coordinated trans to the phenylimido unit. The TcN bond length of 1.711(2) Å is consistent with the dianionic nature of the organonitrogen core. The Tc---N---C bond angle of 178.8(2)° reflects the sp hybridization of the phenylimido nitrogen atom. The coordination geometry is best described as a distorted octahedron. Crystal data for C₅₄H₅₈BCl₂NP₃Tc: triclinic space group

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. Structure solution based on 9986 observed reflections converged at R = 3.65%, R_w = 5.43%, GOF = 1.82.     

N-Carboxyacyl analogues of CCK with a substituted Gly: Interaction with pancreatic and gallbladder CCK receptors

It has been reported that certain N-carboxyacyl analogues of CCK-8 and of CCK-7 with a substituted Gly in position 3 or 4 of the peptide possess higher potencies at stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion than at stimulating gallbladder contraction, suggesting that these analogues are able to differentiate subtypes of CCK_A receptors. However, no studies examined directly the interaction of these peptides with the CCK receptors in both tissues. In the present study, CCK-8 and various N-carboxyacyl analogues of CCK-7 and of CCK-8 were prepared by solid phase synthesis using Fmoc chemistry and were purified by HPLC; molecular weight and sufficient sulfation were determined by mass spectrometry. [¹²⁵I]Bolton-Hunter(BH)-CCK-8 binding to sections of the guinea pig pancreas and gallbladder was determined under identical conditions; amylase release from pancreatic acini and contraction of gallbladder muscle strips were measured in vitro. Each peptide stimulated amylase release (EC₅₀):

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). The same relative potencies were found for stimulation of gallbladder contraction, and for the inhibition of [¹²⁵I]BH-CCK-8 binding to pancreas and gallbladder sections. These data demonstrate that the CCK_A receptors in the pancreas and on gallbladder smooth muscle possess similar affinities for the various N-carboxyacyl analogues of CCK-7 and CCK-8 with a substituted Gly and provide further evidence that the CCK_A receptors in gallbladder and pancreas cannot be distinguished pharmacologically.     

THE SPONTANEOUS RELEASE OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE IN RAT SUBSTANTIA NIGRA IS ALTERED BY LOCAL CHANGES IN EXTRACELLULAR LEVELS OF DOPAMINE

Acetylcholinesterase release in the guinea-pig substantia nigra has been previously investigated ‘on-line’, using a sensitive chemiluminescent system. Since histological observations suggest that there is a difference in acetylcholinesterase distribution in the rat substantia nigra compared to that of the guinea-pig, the first aim of the present study was to use this chemiluminescent method to characterise acetylcholinesterase release in this brain region of the freely moving rat, and the second was explore the relationship between acetylcholinesterase release and dopamine systems in this region. Accordingly, acetylcholinesterase release in the rat substantia nigra was studied under basal conditions of spontaneous release and following the local administration of (a) elevated potassium ions (30, 45, 60 mM), (b) a stimulator of dopamine/acetylcholinesterase release—D-amphetamine (10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁵ M), (c) an inhibitor of dopamine uptake—GBR12909 (10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁵ M). Spontaneous release of acetylcholinesterase in this brain region of the rat appears to be comparable with that observed in the guinea-pig, despite the smaller number of acetylcholinesterase-containing neurones. Furthermore, not only elevated potassium ions, but

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-amphetamine as well as GBR12909, all produced significant increases in the percentage spontaneous release of acetylcholinesterase. Thus, the release of acetylcholinesterase in this region may be triggered by levels of dopamine outside of the neurone. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd     

Insertion of isocyanides into Re---C bonds

Isocyanide-substituted Re alkyl complexes cis-p-XC₆H₄CH₂Re(CO)₄(CN-p-tolyl) (X = Cl, OMe) were prepared from the PdO-catalyzed reaction of p-XC₆H₄CH₂Re(CO)₅ (X = Cl, OMe) with p-tolyl isocyanide. On heating in toluene these complexes undergo isocyanide insertion into the Re---C bond to afford iminoacyl complexes which further react to orthometallate the p-tolyl ring. An X-ray crystal structure determination on (CO)₄

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(3a) revealed that C₁₉H₁₃ClO₄NRe crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with 4 formulas per unit cell. Unit cell parameters are a = 9.799 (1), B = 15.252 (2), C = 13.569 (2) Å and β = 110.788 (8)°. The structure shows Re---C bond distances indicative of substantial carbenoid character.     

Correlation of structure and emission in solid state copper(I) complexes; [Cu4I4(CH3CN)2(L)2], L = aniline derivative

Four complexes of the type [Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(L)₂], L = aniline derivative: Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(2,6-dimethylaniline)₂ (I), triclinic, , a = 12.449(3), B = 14.108(6), C = 10.606(4) Å, = 73.46(3), β = 95.00(2), γ = 73.42(3)°, V = 1682.3(10) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(o-ethylaniline)₂ (II), triclinic,

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, V = 1734.0(8) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(6-ethyl-o-toluidine)₂ (III), orthorhombic, Pnam, a = 14.976(6), b = 21.187(6), C = 12.545(2) Å, V = 3980.7(2) ų; Cu₄I₄(CH₃CN)₂(p-anisidine)₂ (IV), monoclinic, A2/a, A = 20.032(10), B = 7.863(1), C = 18.715(9) Å, β = 101.56(4)°, V = 2888.0(2) ų; were examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes I and II have no internal symmetry elements, III has an internal mirror and IV has a two-fold axis. Ab initio calculations based on the atomic positional parameters of complexes containing the three types of symmetry elements reveal HOMO orbitals to be dominated by the p orbitals of the iodine atoms whereas the LUMO orbitals contain major contributions from copper based p orbitals.     

Electrophoretic variation among the five polish populations of the bank vole

Electrophoretic variation in proteins encoded by 21 loci was analysed in five populations of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) from southern and eastern Poland. Intrapopulation variation is high

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; the average Nei's distance among populations equals 0.193. Comparatively high F_IS (0.306) values suggest high levels of differentiation. Variation in allele frequencies (F_ST is high (ranging from 0.137 to 0.572) and reflects considerable geographic genetic heterogeneity. Genetic and geographic distances are not consistently associated.     

Kinetics of nucleophilic attack on coordinated organic moieties Part 29. Mechanism of addition of tertiary phosphines and phosphites to the tropylium ring of [M(CO)3(η-C7H7] (M = Cr, Mo, W) cations

Kinetic studies of the addition of a wide range of tertiary phosphines and phosphites to the tropylium ring of the cation [Cr(CO)₃(η⁷-C₇H₇]⁺ (1) reveal the two-term raw, k_obs = k₁[PR₃] + k₋₁. This is consistent with the reversible equilibrium process (i) which is also confirmed from IR and ¹H NMR studies. In the case of the highly basic nucleophiles PBu₃ⁿ and PEt₂Ph, the rate is dominated by the k₁ term and the equilibrium lies far to the right.

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The first-order rate constants k₁, for addition to the tropylium ring decrease markedly down the series PBu₃ⁿ>PEt₂Ph>P(4-MeOC₆H₄)₃>P(4-MeC₆H₄)₃>P(C₆H_{11 3}>PPh₂(4-MeC₆H₄)>PPh₃>P(2-CNC₂H₄)₃>P(OBuⁿ)₃ (overall variation 10⁴). This reactivity order parallels the decreasing electron availability at the phosphorus centres, as confirmed by the linear correlation between log k₁ and the Tolman Σ_χ values for the nucleophiles. Excellent Hammett and Brønsted correlations are also observed for ring addition by a range of P(4-XC₆H₄)₃ nucleophiles. The Brønsted slope, , of 0.7 conirms the major importance of basicity in determining nucleophilicity towards cation 1. Kinetic studies of the related additions of PBu₃ⁿ to the cations [M(CO)₃(η⁷-C₇H₇]⁺ (M = Mo, W) reveal the rate law, Rate = k₁[M][PBu₃ⁿ, and show only a small dependence of k₁ on the nature of metal (Cr>WMo; 2:1.1:1). These data, together with the associated activation parameters, support a mechanism involving direct addition (k₁) of the phosphorus nucleophiles to the tropylium ring, and are inconsistent with initial rate-determining attack at the metal centre.     

Chemistry of tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine with rhodium(I) and iridium(I) olefin complexes

Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes of the type [Rh(cod)(η²-TMPP)]¹⁺ (1) and M(cod)(η²-TMPP-O) (M = Rh (2), Ir (3); cod = cyclooctadiene; TMPP = tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine; TMPP-O = mono-demethylated form of TMPP) have been isolated from reactions of [M(cod)Cl]₂ with M′BF₄ (M′ = Ag⁺, K⁺, Na⁺) followed by addition of the tertiary phosphine ligand. This chemistry is dependent on the identity of the metal, as both the cationic phosphine complex and the neutral phosphino-phenoxide compound are stable for Rh(I), whereas only the latter is stable for Ir(I). The three complexes have been characterized by IR and NMR (¹H and ³¹P) spectroscopies as well as by cyclic voltammetry. The ¹H NMR spectrum of [Rh(cod)(η²-TMPP)]¹⁺ (1) is in accord with the formula and reveals that the TMPP phenyl rings are undergoing rapid exchange between coordinated and non-coordinated modes; the corresponding spectra of 2 and 3 support free rotation about the P---C bonds of the unbound phenyl rings with no fluxionality of the bound demethylated ring. The ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectrum of the neutral species 2 exhibits a significant upfield shift with respect to the analogous cationic compound 1. This shielding is the result of improved electron donation to the metal from a phenoxide group as compared to an ether substituent. In situ addition of CO to the reaction between TMPP and [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ or [Ir(cod)Cl]₂ in the presence of M′BF₄ results in the isolation of the monocarbonyl species [Rh(TMPP)(η²-TMPP)(CO)][BF₄] (5) and the stable dicarbonyl compound [Ir(TMPP)₂(CO)₂][BF₄] (4), respectively. Single crystal X-ray data for

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. The geometry of 4 is square planar, with essentially ideal angles for the mutually trans disposed phosphine and carbonyl ligands, as found in earlier studies for the analogous Rh dicarbonyl compound. The ¹H NMR spectrum of 4 supports the assignment of magnetically equivalent phosphorus nuclei in solution. The results of this study indicate that cyclooctadiene is a particularly strong ligand for monovalent late transition metals ligated by TMPP, to the extent that it is inert with respect to substitution in the absence of π-acceptor ligands such as carbon monoxide.     

Light-induced absorbance changes in Fraction I particles prepared from spinach chloroplasts by French-press treatment

Light-induced changes of absorbance were measured in Fraction 1 particles prepared from spinach chloroplasts according to a method developed by

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⁶ that employs breakage of chloroplasts in the French pressure cell and centrifugation of the resulting fragments on a sucrose density gradient. Absorbance changes were measured in the presence of ascorbate and 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine as an electron donating system. In addition to the oxidation of P₇₀₀ and cytochrome f, that was investigated in our previous study¹¹, three other light-induced absorbance changes were observed; reduction of cytochrome b with a peak at 562 nm, the so-called 515-nm change showing an absorbance increase at 515 nm and a decrease at 480 nm, and a broad band of unknown absorbance increase covering wave-lengths from 490 to 570 nm. Uncouplers such as carbonylcyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone and gramicidin D inhibited the 515-nm change under continuous light and accelerated the dark decay of flash-light-induced change. The other broad absorbance change was insensitive to these inhibitors.     

Genealogy of mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitors. Common evolutionary origin of stefins, cystatins and kininogens

Resonance Raman spectra are reported for native horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) at 290, 77 and 9 K, using 406.7 nm excitation, in resonance with the Soret electronic transition. The spectra reveal temperature-dependent equilibria involving changes in coordination or spin state. At 290 K and pH 6.5, CCP contains a mixture of 5- and 6-coordinate high-spin Fe^III heme while at 9 K the equilibrium is shifted entirely to the 6-coordinate species. The spectra indicate weak binding of H₂O to the heme Pe, consistent with the long distance, 2.4 Å, seen in the crystal structure. At 290 K HRP also contains a mixture of high-spin Fe^III hemes with the 5-coordinate form predominant. At low temperature, a small 6-coordinate high-spin component remains but the 5-coordinate high-spin spectrum is replaced by another which is characteristic either of 6-coordinate low-spin or 5-coordinate intermediate spin heme. The latter species is definitely indicated by previous EPR studies at low temperature. This behavior implies that, in contrast to CCP, the distal coordination site of HRP is only partially occupied by H₂O at any temperature and that lowering the temperature significantly weakens the Fe-proximal imidazole bond. Consistent with this inference, the 77 K spectrum of reduced HRP shows an appreciable fraction of molecules having an Fe-imidazole stretching frequency of 222 cm⁻¹, a value indicating weakened H-bonding of the proximal imidazole.

Resonance Roman spectroscopy Horseradish peroxidase Cytochrome c peroxidase Coordination equilibrium     

Iron(II)/reductant(DH2)-induced activation of dioxygen for the hydroxylation and ketonization of hydrocarbons; Mimics for the cytochrome P-450 hydroxylase/reductase system

Several metal complexes Fe^II(DPAH)₂ (DPAH₂ = 2,6-dicarboxyl pyridine), Fe^II(PA)₂ (PAH = picolinic acid), Fe^II(bpy)₂²⁺, Fe^II(OPPh₃)₄₂₊, (Cl₈TPP)Fe^IIIX (X=Cl, OH, SCH₂Ph) [Cl₈TPP = tetrakis (2,6-dichlorophenyl)porp Fe^IIICl (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin), and Cu^I(tpy)₂⁺ (tpy = 2,2′–6,2″-terpyridine) in combination with one of several reductants [DH₂; PhNHNHPh (mimic of dihydroflavin), PhNHNH₂, ascorbic acid (H₂asc), and PhCH₂SH (model ligand for cysteine residue)] catalytically activate O₂ (1 atm) for the hydroxylation of saturated hydrocarbons (e.g. c-C₆H₁₂ → c-C₆H₁₁OH). This chemistry closely parallels that of cytochrome P-450 proteins, and both appear to involve a Fenton-like reactive intermediate), [L_xFeOOH(DH)]. With cyclohexene as the substrate the dominant product is its ketone (as well as significant amounts of its hydroperoxide), 1,4-Cyclohexadiene (with two double-allylic carbon centers) undergoes dehydrogenation to give benzene, but also yields substantial amounts of phenol via ketonization of an allylic carbon. The 1:1 Fe^II(bpy)₂²⁺/(PhNHNH₂ or H₂asc), Fe^IIPA₂/H₂asc, and (Cl₈TPP)Fe^IIICl/PhNHNH₂ combinations initiate the autoxidation of 1,4-cyclohexadiene with turnover numbers (moles of product per mole of reductant) from 71 to 26, respectively (-tocophenol reduces the turnover numbers by 20–80 %). With respect to aerobic biology, the present results indicate that dysfunctional transition metals (degradation products of metalloproteins) in combination with biological reductants activate O₂ for reaction with organic substrates. The level of activation is similar to that for Fenton reagents and cytochrome P-450 hydroxylases. Hence, dysfunctional transition metals, reductants, and O₂ are a hazardous combination within a biological matrix.     

Olefin versus sulfur coordination of benzo[b]thiophene (BT) in Cp(CO)2Re(η:η-μ2-BT)Cr(CO)3

Reactions of Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-BT), in which the Cr is π-coordinated to the benzene ring of benzo[b]thiophene (BT), with Cp′(CO)₂Re(THF), where Cp′ = η⁵-C₅H₅ or η⁵-C₅Me₅, give the products Cp′(CO)₂Re(η²:η⁶-μ₂-BT)Cr(CO)₃ in which the Cr remains coordinated to the benzene ring and Re is bound to the C(2)=C(3) double bond. An X-ray diffraction study of Cp(CO)₂Re(η²:η⁶-μ₂-BT)Cr(CO)₃ (3) provides details of the geometry. This structure contrasts with that of the Cp′(CO)₂Re(BT) complexes that exist as mixtures of isomers in which the BT is coordinated to the Re through either the double bond (2,3-η²) or the sulfur (η¹(S)). Thus, the electron-withdrawing Cr(CO)₃ group in 3 stabilizes the 2,3-η² mode of BT coordination to the Cp′(CO)₂Re fragment. Implications of these results for catalytic hydrodesulfurization of BT are discussed. Crystal data for 3: triclinic, space group

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.     

Structural studies on [Mo3S4] and [Mo3S4Cu] complexes with tripodal ligands providing various NxOy (x + Y = 3) donor sets

The interaction of 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol (taci) and its N-methylated derivative 1,3,5-trideoxy-1,3,5-tris(dimethylamino)-cis-inositol (tdci) with the incomplete [Mo₃S₄]⁴⁺ cube and the heterometallic [Mo₃S₄Cu]⁴⁺ cube have been investigated by X-ray analysis. The crystal structures of [Mo₃S₄(taci+ rmC₃H₆O-H₂O)₃-4H]·2OH₂O (1a, rhombohedral, space group R32, A = 15.964(3), C = 40.59(1) Å, Z = 6), [Mo₃S₄(tdci)₃]Br₄·9.5EtOH·5H₂O (2a, triclinic, space group

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and [CuBrMo₃S₄(tdci)₃]Br₃·11 H₂O·EtOH (3a, monoclinic, space group P2,/n, A = 14.887(3), B = 22.570(4), C = 21.974(5) Å, β = 98.54(2)°, Z = 4) revealed andN-N-O and an N-O-O coordination mode for taci and tdci, respectively. In 1a, taci is coordinated as an anion with deprotonated oxygen and nitrogen donors. In addition, the non-coordinating amino group reacted with one equivalent; of acetone, forming a Schiff base condensation product. For 2a, short Mo---O bonds and high pK_a values (compared to the aqua ion [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₉]⁴⁺) indicate the formation of a zwitterionic form of the tdci ligand with coordinated alkoxo groups and peripheral dimethylammonium groups. No significant differences were found for the structural properties of the Mo-tdci fragment in 2a and 3a. The coordination modes of taci and tdci, as observed in the solid state, are in agreement with the previously reported solution structures, established by NMR spectroscopy. They are attributed to the specific steric requirements of the two ligands and to a pronounced preference of the [Mo₃(μS)₃(μ₃S)]⁴⁺ core to coordinate a nitrogen donor trans to μ₃S.     

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of oleanolic acid derivatives

Thirteen oleanolic acid derivatives were prepared and evaluated for anti-HIV activity in H9 lymphocytes. Saturating the C₁₂–C₁₃ double bond and converting the C₁₇-carboxyl group to an aminomethyl group led to compounds 13– 15 and 19– 20, respectively, which showed improved anti-HIV activity. Compound 15 was the most potent derivative with EC₅₀=0.0039 μg/mL and TI=3570.     

A hydrodynamic study of the depolymerisation of a high methoxy pectin at elevated temperatures

The hydrodynamic properties (intrinsic viscosity, [η]; infinite dilution sedimentation coefficient, s_20,w⁰; weight average molecular weight, M_w and translational frictional ratio, f/f₀) of a high methoxy pectin have been evaluated at various temperatures (20–60°C). A reduction in the value of all four hydrodynamic parameters is indicative of depolymerisation and is in agreement with an earlier study using viscometry [Axelos, M.A.V., & Branger, M., (1993). Food Hydrocolloids, 7, 91–102]. The apparent linearity of the Mark – Houwink plot of log[η] vs log M_w suggests that the conformation of the pectin molecule does not change significantly over the temperature range studied. The evaluation of the Mark–Houwink viscosity exponent (a=0.84) indicates a moderately extended structure. This then allows the calculation of the number of Kuhn statistical lengths per chain from the adapted ‘blob’ theory of Dondos [Dondos A. (2001). Polymer, 42, 897–901]. The weight average number of Kuhn statistical lengths per chain is reduced from (170±10) to (125±10) when the temperature is increased from 20–60°C. This may be of significance as many high methoxy pectins are exposed to high temperatures during processing in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Synthesis and structure determination of some platinum (II) complexes with hydrophilic carboxylated tertiary phosphine ligands

[Pt(COD)Cl₂] (1) reacts with PPh₂(C₆H₄COOH) (2a,b,c), PPh₂(C₆H₄COONa) (2d), PPh(C₆H₄COOH)₂ (4b,c) and P(C₆H₄COOH)₃ (6b,c) with formation of the corresponding complexes [Pt(L)₂Cl₂] (3a,b,c,d, 5b,c, 7b,c). Halide abstraction from 3a by Ag⁺ promotes coordination of the ortho-carboxylate function to platinum, yielding [ -2)}{PPh₂(C₆H₄COOH-2)}Cl] (bd8) and [ovbar|{PPh₂(C₆H₄COO-2)}₂] (bd9). Reaction of 1 with CO and 2a or 2b gives [Pt(CO)(L)Cl₂] (10a,b), wherea 1 and 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino) maleic anhydride yields

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(bd12) and [Pt{Ph₂PC(COOH)=C(COOMe)-PPh₂}Cl₂] (13). The ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra are reported and discussed. The X-ray structural analysis of 3b showed the compound to be monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z=4, with a=1038.5(3), B=1792.6(4), C=2311.5(4) pm, β=91.6(2)° and D_calc=1.353 g cm⁻³. The structure was solved from 4832 observed reflections with F₀ > 4 σ(F₀) and refined to a final R value of 0.0743. The Pt atom is surrounded by two Cl and two P atoms in a square planar arrangement.     

Regio- and enantioselective reduction of methyleneketoesters mediated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methyleneketoesters were readily prepared in high yields by performing a direct -methylenation of the corresponding ketoesters using a previously described protocol. Reactions of ethyl 2-methylene-3-oxo-3-arylpropanoates 2a–c catalyzed by S. cerevisiae were performed with good conversions to give reductions of the CC, CO or both, depending on the reaction conditions and on the substitution of the aryl moiety. Reaction of 3-methylene-2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate 2d was carried out with free yeast cells and with yeast cells immobilized with calcium alginate, in which the major products resulted from CC and CO bond reduction.

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