Triterpenoidal saponins of Pulsatilla koreana roots

Sixteen (1-16) triterpenoidal saponins were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana, of which four were determined as the previously unknown 23-hydroxy-3β-[(O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 23-hydroxy-3β-[(O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3β-[(O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), and 3β-[(O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), respectively, based on spectroscopic analysis. The inhibition of the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production of sixteen isolated compounds was evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations ranging from 1 μM to 100 μM.     

Exploration of antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of newly synthesized 2,3-disubstituted quinazoline-4(3H)-ones

A series of 2-(chloromethyl)-3-(4-methyl-6-oxo-5-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]-2-thioxo-5,6-dihydropyrimidine-1(2H)-yl)quinazoline-4(3H)-ones 9a-j was synthesized by treating 2-(chloroacetyl)amino benzoic acid with 3-amino-6-methyl-5-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]-2-thioxo-2,5-dihydropyrimidine-4(3H)-one 8a-j and was screened for in vitro antibacterial activities against a representative panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds were synthesized in excellent yields and the structures were corroborated on the basis of IR, ¹H NMR, Mass and elemental analysis data. All the synthesized compounds elicited the potent inhibitory action against all the tested bacterial stains. Furthermore, in order to explore the antioxidant potential of newly synthesized compounds, the free radical scavenging activity measurement were performed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay method. It is revealed from the antioxidant screening results that the compounds 9c and f manifested profound antioxidant potential.     

A series of mononuclear Co(III) complexes using tridentate N,O-donor ligands: chemical properties and cytotoxicity activity

Continuing our interest in tridentate ligands to develop new prototypes of cobalt-based metallodrugs for combating cancer, modifications in the backbone of HL1, [(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-(pyridil-2-yl)ethyl]amine) were proposed in order to modulate the redox potential of new Co(III) complexes. Three ligands with electron withdrawing groups were synthesized: HL2: [(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)(2-(pyridil-2-yl)ethyl]amine); HL3: [(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-(pyridil-2-yl)ethyl]imine) and HL4: [(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)(2-(pyridil-2-yl)ethyl]imine). They were used to obtain the respective mononuclear complexes 2, 3 and 4, which are discussed compared to the previous reported complex 1 (obtained from HL1). The new complexes were characterized and studied by several techniques including X-ray crystallography, elemental and conductimetric analysis, IR, UV-vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, and electrochemistry. The substitutions of the group in the para position of the phenol (HL1 and HL2) and the imine instead of the amine (HL3 and HL4), promote anodic shifts in the complexes reduction potentials. The influence of these substitutions in the biological activities of the Co(III) complexes against the murine melanoma cell line (B16F10) was also evaluated. Little effect was observed on cellular viability decrease for all free ligands, however the coordination to Co(III) enhances their activities in the following range: 1 > 4 ≈ 2 > 3. The data suggest that no straight correlation can be addressed between the reduction potential of the Co(III) center and the cell viability.     

Synthesis of spiroannulated oligopyrrole macrocycles derived from lithocholic acid

Two new steroidal spiroannulated calix[4]pyrroles 5 and 10, derived from bile acids (lithocholate), were prepared by the acid catalyzed condensation of methyl-3,3-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)-5β-cholan-24-oate 3 with carbonyl compounds and with 2,2′-propane-2,2-diylbis(1H-pyrrole), respectively. The new compounds were fully characterized by physicochemical methods.     

Studies of rheniumtricarbonyl complexes of tripodal pyridyl-based ligands

The reaction of N-benzoyl and N-acetyl tris(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 1b and 1c (LH = tpmbaH and tpmaaH) with [Re(CO)₅Br] has been investigated and shown to proceed via the initial formation of a cationic rheniumtricarbonyl complex [(LH)Re(CO)₃]Br in which coordination of the ligand occurs via the three pyridine rings. For tpmbaH 1b, but not tpmaaH 1c, this initial complex 2b readily undergoes the loss of HBr to give a neutral octahedral complex 4b [(L)Re(CO)₃] where coordination occurs via two of the pyridine rings and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. The ¹H NMR spectrum of the latter complex 4b is very unusual in that at room temperature the signals for the 3-H protons on the coordinated pyridine rings are not visible due to extreme broadening of these resonances. Comparison with the analogous complex 7 from N-benzoyl bis(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 6b (bpmbaH) confirms that this is due to rotation of the uncoordinated pyridine ring. The structure of the cationic complex 3d [(LH)Re(CO)₃]Br formed from N-benzyl tris(pyridin-2-yl)methylamine 1d (bz-tpmaH) is also discussed. The crystal structures of complexes [(tpmba)Re(CO)₃] 4b, [(bz-tpmaH)Re(CO)₃]Br 3d and [(bpmba)Re(CO)₃] 7 have been determined. In all complexes the coordination geometry around Re is distorted octahedral with a fac-{Re(CO)₃}⁺ core.     

Biomimetic conversion of (-)-fusoxypyridone and (-)-oxysporidinone to (-)-sambutoxin: further evidence for the structure of the tricyclic pyridone alkaloid, (-)-fusoxypyridone

Biomimetic-type reactions of the tricyclic pyridone alkaloid, (−)-fusoxypyridone [(−)-4,6′-anhydrooxysporidinone] (1), recently encountered in an endophytic strain of Fusarium oxysporum, and (−)-oxysporidinone (2) afforded (−)-sambutoxin (3) and an analogue of 1, identified as (−)-1′(6′)-dehydro-4,6′-anhydrooxysporidinone (4), thus confirming the structure previously proposed for 1 and suggesting that 1-3 bear the same relative stereochemistry. Oxidation of 4 with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) yielded a hitherto unknown sambutoxin analogue, (−)-4,2′-anhydrosambutoxin (5).     

Template synthesis of N2S and N3S chelates via alkylation of bis(2-aminoethanethiolato)Ni: sulfur- and nitrogen-centered alkylations

Alkylation of bis(2-aminoethanethiolato)nickel(II) (1) with alkylating agents containing pendant donor groups has been investigated. Reaction with 2-bromoethylamine is strictly sulfur-centered yielding (2-[(2-aminoethyl)thio]ethaneamine)nickel(II)bromide, [(DAES)₂Ni]Br₂ (2), which was isolated as a lilac solid. Addition of chloroacetamide yields the sulfur- and nitrogen-alkylated product (2-[(2-aminoethyl)thio]acetamide)nickel(II)chloride, (AETA)NiCl₂ (3a), as a green solid. Recrystallization from water/acetone yields 3a as single crystals along with single crystals of [(AETA)NiCl(OH₂)]Cl (3b). The strictly S-alkylated product (2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)thio]acetamide)nickel(II)iodide, [(AOTA)₂Ni]I₂ (4), is obtained upon reaction of 1 with iodoacetamide. A pathway is proposed consistent with the observed leaving group effect on the site of alkylation. The X-ray structures of 3a, 3b, and 4 are reported and the hydrogen-bonding network is described.     

Facile route for the synthesis of the iminosugar nucleoside (3R,4R)-1-(pyren-1-yl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidin-3-ol

N-(Pyren-1-yl)-(3R,4S)-4-[(1S,2R)-1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl]pyrrolidin-3-ol (4) was obtained in 36% yield from 3-deoxy-3-C-formyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose (3) by combined hydrolysis and aminoalkylation reactions with 1-aminopyrene in a one-pot reaction. Cleavage reactions of the exocyclic triol chain in 4 with NaIO₄ and NaBH₄ resulted in iminosugars 7 and 8, which are analogues of the furanose forms of 2-deoxy-d-allose and of 2-deoxy-d-ribose, the latter analogue N-(pyren-1-yl)-(3R,4R)-4-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidin-3-ol (8) being formed in 83% yield.     

Potent mGluR5 antagonists: pyridyl and thiazolyl-ethynyl-3,5-disubstituted-phenyl series

We report the synthesis of four series of 3,5-disubstituted-phenyl ligands targeting the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5: (2-methylthiazol-4-yl)ethynyl (1a-j,), (6-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethynyl (2a-j), (5-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethynyl (3a-j,), and (pyridin-2-yl)ethynyl (4a-j,). The compounds were evaluated for antagonism of glutamate-mediated mobilization of internal calcium in an mGluR5 in vitro assay. All compounds were found to be full antagonists and exhibited low nanomolar to subnanomolar activity.     

2-N-(Quinoline-8-yl)iminomethylphenolate - A (ONN)-tridentate ligand system in silicon complex chemistry

Condensation of salicylic aldehyde with 8-aminoquinoline afforded (ONN)-tridentate ligand 2-N-(quinoline-8-yl)iminomethylphenol (1), which was obtained as a crystalline solid for the first time and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Reaction between 1 and phenyltrichlorosilane in the presence of triethylamine results in the formation of the 1:1 chelate complex dichloro-[2-N-(quinoline-8-yl)imino-methylphenolato]-phenylsilane (2a) bearing a hexacoordinate silicon atom. The crystal structure of 2a^∗CHCl₃ reveals a rare coordination pattern: Although carrying two chlorine atoms, the hexacoordinate Si atom coordinates the tridentate ligand’s imine N atom in the trans position to the phenyl group. Silylation of 1 with hexamethyldisilazane and synthesis of dichloro-[2-N-(quinoline-8-yl)iminomethylphenolato]-methylsilane (2b) yielded few crystals of [2-N-(quinoline-8-yl)iminomethylphenolato]-salicylaldiminato-methylsiliconium chloride (2b′) as byproduct. 2b′ is the first structurally characterized main group element complex of salicylaldimine. This bidentate ligand exhibits an unusually strong N → Si coordination.     

S versus O alkylation and coordination in zinc complexes containing the bulky heteroscorpionate alkoxy ligand bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-2-yl) diphenylmethanol

A series of zinc complexes containing the tripodal heteroscorpionate ligand bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-2-yl)diphenylmethanol (L2H) have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The L2H/Zn complexes were designed to model the N₂OX coordination (with the zinc-bound O being a reactive nucleophile) that is characteristic of many protease and amidase zinc enzymes. The pseudotetrahedral mononuclear complexes characterized include [(L2)ZnI] (1), [(L2)Zn(CH₃)] (2), and [(L2)Zn(SPh)] (3). Alkylation of (1) with methyl iodide has revealed a modest nucleophilicity of the chelated zinc-bound alkoxide, and produces the penta-coordinate [(L2OCH₃)ZnI₂] (4) which contains a weakly bound ether in the fifth coordination site. However, when the coordination sphere also includes a thiolate sulfur as in (3), reaction with methyl iodide produces exclusive alkylation at the sulfur to produce thioanisole and (1). The coordination of the ether in the neutral (4) can be strengthened by reaction with various silver salts, Ag⁺X⁻, to produce other penta-coordinate complexes [(L2OCH₃)ZnI(Tf)] (5) and [(L2OCH₃)ZnI(H₂O)]BF₄ (6) which show enhanced coordination of the ether.     

Coordination compounds of Cd(II) with several bidentate-NN′ and tridentate-NN′N nitrogen donor ligands. Cd NMR studies of monomeric compounds containing nitrogen donor atoms

Reaction of CdCl₂ with N-alkylaminopyrazole ligands 1-[(2-ethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deae), 1-[(2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl)]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deat), bis-[(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methyl]ethylamine (bdmae), and bis-[(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)ethyl]ethylamine (ddae) in absolute ethanol yields [CdCl₂(NN′)] (NN′ = deae (1), deat (2)), [CdCl₂(bdmae)] (3), and [CdCl(ddae)]₂[CdCl₄] (4). The Cd(II) complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} and ¹¹³Cd NMR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction methods. ¹H and ¹¹³Cd NMR experiments at variable temperature for 3 and 4 show that dynamic processes are taking place in solution. We report the measurements of ¹¹³Cd NMR chemical shift data for complexes 1-4 in solution. X-ray crystal structures for complexes 2 and 3 have been determined. The Cd(II) is coordinated to the deat ligand, in 2, by one nitrogen atom of the pyrazolyl group and one nitrogen atom of the amine. It finishes a tetrahedral geometry with two chlorine atoms. The bdmae ligand is linked to Cd(II), in 3, by two nitrogens atoms of the pyrazolyl groups and one amine nitrogen, along with two chlorine atoms, in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry.     

Mononuclear manganese(III) catechol compounds as substrate adduct complexes for manganese-substituted intradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenases

The complexes [Mn(L₁)(tcc)] (1), [Mn(L₂)(tcc)] · H₂O · 0.5CH₃OH (2), [Mn(L₃)(tcc)] · CH₂Cl₂ (3), [Mn(L₄)(tcc)] · 1.5CH₂Cl₂ (4), [Mn(L₅)(tcc)] (5), and (HN(C₂H₅)₃)[Mn(L₆)(tcc)] · CH₂Cl₂ (6) have been synthesized using the ligands HL₁ (2-[(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl]phenol), HL₂ (2-[[((6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl] phenol), HL₃ (2-[[((6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl]-4-nitrophenol), HL₄ (2-[(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl]-4-bromophenol), HL₅ (2-[(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl]-6-methoxyphenol) and H₂L₆ ([(bis(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl))(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)]amine) and characterized by X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis. Compounds 1 and 6 crystallize in the monoclinic space groups P2₁/n and P2₁/c, respectively, whereas the crystal structures of complexes 2, 3, and 4 were solved in the triclinic space group . Complex 5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. Complexes 1-6 are structural related to the proposed active site of intradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenase exhibiting a distorted octahedral N₃O₃ (1-5) and N₂O₄ (6) donor set, respectively. Complexes 1-6 can be regarded as structural manganese analogous for substituted forms of iron-containing intradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenases, where the substrate tetrachlorocatechol (tcc) is asymmetrically bound to the metal center.     

Whole-cell oxidation of omeprazole sulfide to enantiopure esomeprazole with Lysinibacillus sp. B71

Production of enantiopure esomeprazole by biocatalysis is of great demand by pharmaceutical industry. A Gram-positive bacterium oxidizing omeprazole sulfide 1a (5-methoxy-2-[((4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)thio]-1H-benzoimidazole) to (S)-sulfoxide esomeprazole 2a (S)-5-methoxy-2-[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl) methylsulfinyl]-3H-benzoimidazole was isolated from soil polluted with elemental sulfur. The strain exhibited the highest identity with the genus Lysinibacillus and catalyzed oxidation of 1a into enantiopure esomeprazole with conversion of 77% in a stirred bioreactor, fed-batch culture. No consecutive oxidation of (S)-sulfoxide to sulfone was observed during whole-cell catalysis. The unique characteristics of the catalyst provide a solid basis for further improvement and development of sustainable green bioprocess.     

Coordination geometry isomerism induced by N-H?Cl, C-H?Cl, C-H?N, C-H?π and π?π supramolecular interactions in mercury(II) complexes with tripyridylimidazole chelating ligands

Reaction of HgCl₂ with trans-(±)2-(2,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine (L1) and cis-(±)-(phenyl(2,4,5-tri(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-1- yl)methanone (L2) gives mononuclear complexes, 1 and 2. In these complexes L1 and L2 behave as tridentate and bidentate chelating ligands, giving distorted trigonal bipyramidal and tetrahedral coordination geometries, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies revealed a series of N-H?Cl, C-H?Cl, C-H?N and C-H?π interactions in 1 giving a 3D network, and N-H?Cl, C-H?Cl, C-H?π and π?π interactions in 2 giving a 2D network in the crystal lattice. Since both ligands should have a similar binding capacity to the mercury ions, the variations observed for coordination number and geometry should be a consequence of supramolecular stabilizing effects.     

Design, synthesis and reactivity with dichloro-bis(triphenylphosphine) platinum(II) of two triazenide compounds

In the presence of sodium nitrite, the reaction of methyl anthranilate and 2-aminopyridine or o-aminobenzoic acid gives two triazenes, 1-[(2-carboxymethyl)benzene]-3-[2-pyridine]triazene (HL) and 1-[(2-carboxymethyl)benzene]-3-[o-aminobenzoic acid]triazene (H₂L′), respectively. In the presence of Et₃N, the reaction of Pt(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ and HL or H₂L′ produces two triazenido platinum(II) complexes, Pt(PPh₃)₂(L)Cl (1) and Pt(PPh₃)₂(L′) (2), respectively, which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, ³¹P NMR spectra, UV-Vis spectra, emission spectra and cyclic voltammetry. When excited at 310 nm, complexes 1 and 2 show luminescence at 432 and 442 nm, respectively, which is consistent with the trend of the lowest-energy absorption wavelengths of 1 (376 nm) and 2 (379 nm). Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit one or two redox waves and follow the order 1 (0.97 V) → 2 (0.89 and 0.07 V), which is also in accordance with the trend of the lowest-energy absorption spectra of 1 (376 nm) and 2 (379 nm).     

Niobium-based ethylene polymerization procatalysts bearing di- and triphenolate ligands

Interaction of [NbCl₅] with the diphenol 2,2′-CH₃CH[4,6-(Bu^t)₂C₆H₂OH]₂ (LH₂) affords, after work-up, the red crystalline complex [NbCl(NCMe)L₂] (1). Under similar conditions, [NbOCl₃] and the sulfur-bridged diphenol 2,2′-S[4,6-(Bu^t)₂C₆H₂OH]₂ (L^SH₂) afford the orange complex [NbCl(L^S)₂] (2). Crystal structure determinations of 1 · 2MeCN and 2 reveal monomeric 6- and 7-coordinate complexes, respectively. The polymerization behaviour of 1 and 2 towards ethylene, in the presence of alkylaluminium co-catalysts has been examined and has been compared with that of the known niobium aryloxides [Nb(Me-L²)Cl₂]₂ (3), {Nb[(Bu^t-L²)H]₂Cl(NCMe)} (4) and [Nb(Bu^t-L²)Cl₂] (5), derived from the linear-linked aryloxide trimers 2,6-bis(4,6-dimethylsalicyl)-4-tert-butylphenol [(Me-L²)H₃] and 2,6-bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylsalicyl)-4-tert-butylphenol [(Bu^t-L²)H₃]. The crystal structure of the acetonitrile solvate of 3 · 4MeCN, is also reported.     

Synthesis of N-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-N′-(4′,6′-diarylpyrimidin-2′-yl)thioureas

Some 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidines 2 have been prepared from substituted benzylideneacetophenones and guanidine hydrochloride in the presence of alkali by conventional heating in alcoholic medium and microwave heating in solvent-free conditions. N-(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-N′-(4′,6′-diarylpyrimidin-2′-yl)thioureas 4 have been synthesized by reaction of per-O-acetylated glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate 1 and substituted 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidines 2. Two different methods have been used, namely, refluxing in anhydrous dioxane and solvent-free microwave-assisted coupling. The second procedure afforded higher yields in much shorter reaction times. The compounds 2 and 4 were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Candida albicans by disc diffusion method.     

Discovery of INCB10820/PF-4178903, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable dual CCR2 and CCR5 antagonist

We report the discovery of a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable dual CCR2 and CCR5 antagonist (3S,4S)-N-[(1R,3S)-3-isopropyl-3-({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]piperazin-1-yl}carbonyl)cyclopentyl]-3-methoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-amine (19). After evaluation in 28-day toxicology studies, compound 19 (INCB10820/PF-4178903) was selected as a clinical candidate.     

Novel benzyl-substituted molybdocene anticancer drugs

From the reaction of 6-(p-methoxyphenyl) fulvene (1a), 6-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) fulvene (1b) and 6-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) fulvene (1c) with LiBEt₃H, lithiated cyclopentadienide intermediates (2a-c) were synthesised. These intermediates were then transmetallated to molybdocene using MoCl₄ (synthesized in situ) to yield the benzyl-substituted molybdocenes bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] molybdenum (IV) dichloride (3a), bis-[(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] molybdenum (IV) dichloride (3b), and bis-[(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] molybdenum (IV) dichloride (3c). The molybdocene 3a was characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All three molybdocenes had their cytotoxicity investigated through MTT based preliminary in vitro testing on the human renal cell line Caki-1 in order to determine their IC50 values and compare them with the corresponding titanocene and vanadocene dichloride derivatives. Molybdocenes 3b-c were found to have the same IC50 values of 290 μM, while 3a yielded a value of 84 μM, respectively