Benzophenone glycosides from Hypericum humifusum ssp. austral

Six new benzophenone glycosides, 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 4-O-(6″-benzoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 2-O-(2″-benzoyl)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (3), 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 2-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (4), 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 2-O-(4″-acetyl)-β-d-xylopyranoside (5), and 2,3',4,5',6-pentahydroxybenzophenone 3-C-(4″-benzoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), and five known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum humifusum ssp. austral. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated by mass spectrometry and extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.

Oxidation of benzophenone-3 during water treatment with ferrate(VI)

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), a sunscreen agent widely used in many cosmetic products, has been found to have a wide presence in aquatic environments, which could affect the water quality and human health. We investigated oxidation of BP-3 by aqueous ferrate(VI) (Fe(VI)) to determine reaction kinetics, identify the reaction products, and evaluate the removal efficiency of BP-3 during water treatment with Fe(VI). The obtained apparent second-order rate constant (kapp) for Fe(VI) oxidation of BP-3was 81.8 M(-1) s(-1) at pH 8.0 and 24 ± 1 °C with the half-life (t1/2) of 167.8 s for BP-3 at an Fe(VI) concentration of 10 mg L(-1). The kapp of the reaction decreased with increasing pH values. Species-specific rate constants (k) for the reaction of HFeO4(-) with each of BP-3's acid-base species were used to model these pH-dependent variations of kapp. The value of k determined for neutral BP-3 was 3.4(±0.5) × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1), while that measured for dissociated BP-3 was 8.5(±0.7) × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1). The reaction between HFeO4(-) and the dissociated BP-3 controls the overall reaction. 4-Methoxybenzophenone and 4-methoxybenzoyl cation were formed during Fe(VI) degradation of BP-3. The removal efficiency of BP-3 by Fe(VI) treatment was dependent on coexisting constituents present in source water. Humic acids, Mn(2+) and NaCl significantly decreased the removal efficiency of BP-3, while Br(-) and Cu(2+) enhanced the removal. Besides, NH4(+), NO3(-), Fe(3+) and Fe(2+) had no effects on BP-3 removal within the tested concentrations. The results showed that Fe(VI) treatment technology appears to be a promising tool for the removal of hydroxylated benzophenone derivatives in water.

Estrogenic potency of benzophenone UV filters in breast cancer cells: proliferative and transcriptional activity substantiated by docking analysis

The results from recent studies show that some benzophenones (BPs) and their hydroxylated metabolites can function as weak estrogens (E2) in the environment. However, little is known about the structure-activity relationship of these molecules. We have examined the effects of exposure to ten different BPs on the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells and on the transcriptional activity of E2-target genes. We analyzed two genes that are tightly linked with estrogen-mediated proliferation, the CXCL12 and amphiregulin genes and two classical estrogen-responsive genes, the pS2 and progesterone receptor. Significant differences in the BPs efficiency to induce cell proliferation and endogenous E2-target gene expressions were observed. Using ERE-, Sp1-, AP1- and C3-reporter genes that contain different ER-binding sites in their promoter, we also showed significant differences in the BPs efficiency in activation of the ER transactivation. Together, our analyzes showed that the most active molecule is 4-hydroxy-BP. Docking analysis of the interaction of BPs in the ligand-binding pocket of ERα suggests that the minimum structural requirement for the estrogenic activity of BPs is a hydroxyl (OH) group in the phenyl A-ring that allows interaction with Glu-353, Arg-394 or Phe-404, which enhances the stability between BPs and ERα. Our modeling also indicates a loss of interaction between the OH groups of the phenyl B-ring and His-524. In addition, the presence of some OH groups in the phenyl B-ring can create repulsion forces, which may constrain helix 12 in an unfavorable position, explaining the differential estrogenic effects of BPs. These results, together with our analysis of BPs for their potency in activation of cell proliferation and ER-mediated transcription, report an improved understanding of the mechanism and structure–activity relationship of BPs.

Three-photon absorption and vibrational spectroscopic study of 2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone

In this paper, the vibrational spectral analysis and three-photon absorption properties of an organic material of 2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone have been reported. The geometry and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers are calculated with the help of B3LYP density functional theory method. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the aid of normal coordinate analysis following the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology (SQM). SQM force fields have also been used to calculate potential energy distribution (PED) in order to make conspicuous vibrational assignments. The nonlinear absorption properties have been investigated in ethanol solution at 532nm using the Z-scan technique employing laser pulses of 5ns duration. Open aperture Z-scan data reveal the presence of effective three-photon absorption for ns pulses at 532nm resulting in a strong optical limiting behavior, indicating possible photonic applications.

Isolation, structural elucidation, MS profiling, and evaluation of triglyceride accumulation inhibitory effects of benzophenone C-glucosides from leaves of Mangifera indica L

Seventy percent ethanol-water extract from the leaves of Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) was found to show an inhibitory effect on triglyceride (TG) accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. From the active fraction, six new benzophenone C-glucosides, foliamangiferosides A(3) (1), A(4) (2), C(4) (3), C(5) (4), C(6) (5), and C(7) (6) together with 11 known benzophenone C-glucosides (7-17) were obtained. In this paper, isolation, structure elucidation (1-6), and MS fragment cleavage pathways of all 17 isolates were studied. 1-6 showed inhibitory effects on TG and free fatty acid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells at 10 μM.

Reaction of benzophenone UV filters in the presence of aqueous chlorine: kinetics and chloroform formation

The transformation of two benzophenone UV filters (Oxybenzone and Dioxybenzone) was examined over the pH range 6-11 in the presence of excess aqueous chlorine. Under these conditions, both UV filters were rapidly transformed by aqueous chlorine just above circumneutral pH while transformation rates were significantly lower near the extremes of the pH range investigated. Observed first-order rate coefficients (k(obs)) were obtained at each pH for aqueous chlorine concentrations ranging from 10 to 75 μM. The k(obs) were used to determine the apparent second-order rate coefficient (k(app)) at each pH investigated as well as determine the reaction order of aqueous chlorine with each UV filter. The reaction of aqueous chlorine with either UV filter was found to be an overall second-order reaction, first-order with respect to each reactant. Assuming elemental stoichiometry described the reaction between aqueous chlorine and each UV filter, models were developed to determine intrinsic rate coefficients (k(int)) from the k(app) as a function of pH for both UV filters. The rate coefficients for the reaction of HOCl with 3-methoxyphenol moieties of oxybenzone (OXY) and dioxybenzone (DiOXY) were k(1,OxY) = 306 ± 81 M⁻¹s⁻¹ and k(1,DiOxY) = 154 ± 76 M⁻¹s⁻¹, respectively. The k(int) for the reaction of aqueous chlorine with the 3-methoxyphenolate forms were orders of magnitude greater than the un-ionized species, k(2,OxY) = 1.03(±0.52) × 10⁶ M⁻¹s⁻¹ and k(2_1,DiOxY) = 4.14(±0.68) × 10⁵ M⁻¹s⁻¹. Also, k(int) for the reaction of aqueous chlorine with the DiOXY ortho-substituted phenolate moiety was k(2_2,DiOxY) = 2.17(±0.30) × 10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹. Finally, chloroform formation potential for OXY and DiOXY was assessed over the pH range 6-10. While chloroform formation decreased as pH increased for OXY, chloroform formation increased as pH increased from 6 to 10 for DiOXY. Ultimate molar yields of chloroform per mole of UV filter were pH dependent; however, chloroform to UV filter molar yields at pH 8 were 0.221 CHCl₃/OXY and 0.212 CHCl₃/DiOXY.

4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylphenyl-benzophenone: conformational stability, FT-IR and Raman investigation

In this paper we have studied the 4-hydroxyl-2,5 dimethylphenyl-benzophenone. Also, it was analyzed the vibrational assignment (FT-IR and Raman) in conjunction with computational results. The conformational analysis showed three barrier heights where two are due to the dihedral rotation and the other one is attributed to hydroxyl rotation. While the high dihedral rotational barrier (TS1) is 6.06-7.22 kcal mol(-1), the lower one (TS2) is almost three times smaller. The variations with the change of basis set is 5-8% to TS1, and 3-15% in the values predicted to TS2. In the case of OH rotational barrier, the values range from 3.70 to 4.86 kcal mol(-1), and it is also observed that this transition state is less sensitive to the change of basis set and to the method. Two isomers was detected due to the changes in the OH rotation with the gap energy lower than 0.7 kcal mol(-1), and at this point is seen that semi-empirical methods fail into describe the most stable conformation which may be due to the small energy gap. The enthalpy formation at 0 K and 298 K was 111.71 and 102.20 kcal mol(-1), respectively.

The synthesis and evaluation of novel hydroxyl substituted chalcone analogs with in vitro anti-free radicals pharmacological activity and in vivo anti-oxidation activity in a free radical-injury Alzheimer's model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis involves an imbalance between free radical formation and destruction. In order to obtain a novel preclinical anti-AD drug candidate, we synthesized a series of novel hydroxyl chalcone analogs which possessed anti-free radical activity, and screened their effects on scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH free radicals in vitro. Compound C7, 4,2'-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxychalcone was found to have potent activity in these anti-free radical activity tests. Further research revealed that C7 could elevate glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels and lower malonaldehyde (MDA) level in vivo in the Alzheimer's model. The indication of C7's effect on AD needs further study.

Ozonation and peroxone oxidation of benzophenone-3 in water: effect of operational parameters and identification of intermediate products

The goal of this study was to bring forward new data and insights with respect to the effect of operational variables and reaction pathways during ozonation and peroxone oxidation of the UV filter compound benzophenone-3 (BP3) in water. A systematic parameter study, investigating the effect of the ozone inlet concentration, temperature, pH, H(2)O(2) and t-butanol addition in a lab-scale bubble reactor, showed the promising potential of ozonation towards BP3 degradation. pH showed to be a major process parameter, with half-life times (5.1-15.0 min) being more than two times shorter at pH10 compared to neutral and acid conditions. This indicates the important role of hydroxyl radicals as supported by the addition of H(2)O(2) and t-butanol as HO promoter and scavenger, respectively. Ozonation intermediate products were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqTOF-MS/MS). Demethylation and non-selective HO attack proved to be the major reaction mechanisms. Where available, identified intermediates were confirmed using analytical standards, and concentration profiles along the ozonation process were determined through selective targeted MS/MS analysis. Benzophenone-1 (BP1), also being a UV-filter compound, and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (DHMB) revealed to be the major BP3 degradation products, showing a maximum concentration at about the half-life time of BP3.

Developing a photoreactive antagonist

Light is an exquisite reagent for controlling the activity of biological systems, often offering improved temporal and spatial resolution over strictly genetic, biochemical, or pharmacological manipulations. This chapter describes a general approach for developing small molecules that, upon irradiation with light, may be used to rapidly inactivate targeted proteins expressed on the surfaces of cells. Highlighted is ANQX, a photoreactive AMPA receptor antagonist developed to irreversibly inactivate a subtype of glutamate-gated ion channels natively expressed on neurons.

Emerging organic contaminant removal depending on primary treatment and operational strategy in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands: influence of redox

This study aimed at assessing the influence of primary treatment (hydrolytic upflow sludge blanket (HUSB) reactor vs. conventional settling) and operational strategy (alternation of saturated/unsaturated phases vs. permanently saturated) on the removal of various emerging organic contaminants (i.e. ibuprofen, diclofenac, acetaminophen, tonalide, oxybenzone, bisphenol A) in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands. For that purpose, a continuous injection experiment was carried out in an experimental treatment plant for 26 days. The plant had 3 treatment lines: a control line (settler-wetland permanently saturated), a batch line (settler-wetland operated with saturate/unsaturated phases) and an anaerobic line (HUSB reactor-wetland permanently saturated). In each line, wetlands had a surface area of 2.95 m(2), a water depth of 25 cm and a granular medium D(60) = 7.3 mm, and were planted with common reed. During the study period the wetlands were operated at a hydraulic and organic load of 25 mm/d and about 4.7 g BOD/m(2)d, respectively. The injection experiment delivered very robust results that show how the occurrence of higher redox potentials within the wetland bed promotes the elimination of conventional quality parameters as well as emerging microcontaminants. Overall, removal efficiencies were always greater for the batch line than for the control and anaerobic lines, and to this respect statistically significantly differences were found for ibuprofen, diclofenac, oxybenzone and bisphenol A. As an example, ibuprofen, whose major removal mechanism has been reported to be biodegradation under aerobic conditions, showed a higher removal in the batch line (85%) than in the control (63%) and anaerobic (52%) lines. Bisphenol A showed also a great dependence on the redox status of the wetlands, finding an 89% removal rate for the batch line, as opposed to the control and anaerobic lines (79 and 65%, respectively). Furthermore, diclofenac showed a greater removal under a higher redox status (70, 48 and 32% in the batch, control and anaerobic lines). Average removal efficiencies of acetaminophen, oxybenzone and tonalide were almost >90% for the 3 treatment lines. The results of this study indicate that the efficiency of horizontal flow constructed wetland systems can be improved by using a batch operation strategy. Furthermore, we tentatively identified 4-hydroxy-diclofenac and carboxy-bisphenol A as intermediate degradation products. The higher abundance of the latter under the batch operation strategy reinforced biodegradation as a relevant bisphenol A removal pathway under higher redox conditions.

Stability and toxicity of selected chlorinated benzophenone-type UV filters in waters

In our study, the transformation of two most widely used UV filters, benzophenone-3 (BP3) and benzophenone-4 (BP4), in chlorinated water with disinfection reagents sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) was studied. Based on the HPLC/MS and UV-Vis analysis the formation of two different chlorinated products (5-chloro-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone) was established. Identity of chlorinated products was confirmed by means of comparison of retention times with independently synthesized standards. Photostability study showed that dichloro-derivative in water is less stable then parent compounds, which is not the case for monochloro-derivatives. Toxicity of chlorinated compounds tested by Vibrio fischeri was found to be in the same range as that of the starting compounds. Preliminary testing of real water samples from swimming pools and sea swimming areas confirmed the presence of BP3 and its 3,5-dichloro derivative.

Ultrasound promoted Barbier reactions and Csp3-Csp2 Stille coupling for the synthesis of diarylmethanes and substituted benzophenones

Here we present the preparation of a variety of diarylmethanes obtained via ultrasound Stille coupling under palladium catalysis between some substituted aryl compounds and benzyltributyltin compounds generated through sonicated Barbier reaction in a very short time reaction and excellent yield. The study reported below compares different methods to optimize the synthesis of usually unstable benzyltin derivatives and is another contribution to the investigation of Csp(3)-Csp(2) coupling process involving benzyl-aryl reagents. Substituted carboxylated benzophenones were easily prepared in a very good yield by oxidation of some diarylmethanes.

Characteristic profiles of benzonphenone-3 and its derivatives in urine of children and adults from the United States and China

Widespread exposure of humans to benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is a concern due to this compound's potential to disrupt endocrine function. BP-3 can be metabolized by phase I and phase II reactions of the human cytochrome P450 system. Urinary measurements of BP-3 have been used as a biomarker of exposure. Nevertheless, metabolic transformation pathway and the transformation products of BP-3 in humans are still less known. In this study, 166 urine samples collected from children and adults in the U.S. and China were analyzed for free and total forms (free plus conjugated) of BP-3 as well as four of its metabolic derivatives, 4-OH-BP, 2,4-diOH-BP, 2,2',4,4'-tetraOH-BP, and 2,2'-diOH-4-MeO-BP, using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). BP-3 was found in almost all urine samples from the U.S. and China. Concentrations of BP-3 in urine from children (GM: 9.97 ng/mL) and adults (15.7 ng/mL) in the U.S. were significantly higher than those in children (0.622 ng/mL) and adults (0.977) from China. A significant positive relationship was found between the concentrations of urinary BP-3 and its derivatives. The profiles of BP derivatives in urine suggested that demethylation was a major route of BP-3 metabolism. The percentage of the free form of BP-3 in urine was used in the determination of efficacy of phase II metabolism among the different population groups studied. A significantly lower percentage of the free form of BP-3 was found in urine from the U.S. population than in the Chinese population.

Metal-ion directed synthesis of N2O2 type chelate complexes of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II): spectral, thermal and single crystal studies

A set of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff base have been synthesized by one pot condensation reaction of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone with 1,3-diaminopropane in 1:2:1 molar ratio. They have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurement, thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, EPR spectra, ESI-MS and electronic spectral studies. In order to establish the geometry, a single crystal X-ray structure for [Ni(L)] complex was determined. It crystallizes in monoclinic system having unit cell parameters a=14.015(5)Å, b=13.391(5)Å, c=14.931(5)Å and α=90.000(5)(o), β=112.237(5)(o), γ=90.000(5)(o) with P 2(1)/c space group. No π-π stacking interaction was obtained in molecular packing diagram. A square-planar geometry has been confirmed for Ni(II) complex. Furthermore, on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV-visible and EPR data a square-planar geometry for Cu(II) and a distorted octahedral geometry for the Zn(II) complex has been established. In case of Zn(II) complex NO(3)(-) group was found to be coordinated in monodentate fashion. The low molar conductivity values of the complexes measured in chloroform and DMSO suggest their non-ionic nature.

Functional differentiation of structurally similar membrane subunits of the ABC transporter LolCDE complex

A photo-sensitive amino acid analogue was introduced into an outer membrane lipoprotein, Pal, and then subjected to photo-crosslinking with the lipoprotein-specific ABC transporter LolCDE. Pal crosslinked to LolE but not LolC in vivo despite that both are structurally similar membrane subunits. LolCDE liganded with Pal containing the photo-sensitive amino acid analogue was isolated and subjected to in vitro photo-crosslinking. LolE was found to be the binding site for Pal. ATP binding to LolD decreased the LolE-Pal crosslinking by decreasing their hydrophobic interaction. ATP hydrolysis in the presence of LolA completely abolished the LolE-Pal crosslinking and, concomitantly, generated a new LolA-Pal crosslinked product.

Rearranged benzophenones and prenylated xanthones from Garcinia propinqua twigs

The first phytochemical investigation of Garcinia propinqua has led to the isolation and identification of three new compounds, including two rearranged benzophenones, doitunggarcinones A (1) and B (2), and a xanthone, doitunggarcinone C (3), together with seven known compounds (4-10). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, NMR, and MS. The antibacterial activity of the 10 isolates was evaluated against Escherichia coli TISTR 780, Salmonella typhimurium TISTR 292, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 1466, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) SK1.

Characterisation and quantification of flavonoids in Iris germanica L. and Iris pallida Lam. resinoids from Morocco

INTRODUCTION

Iris resinoid obtained from Iris germanica or Iris pallida rhizomes is widely used in the perfume industry but its chemical composition has not yet been reported. Nevertheless, very active compounds have been identified in iris rhizomes including iridals and isoflavones.

OBJECTIVE

In this first study concerning iris resinoid composition, flavonoids were qualitatively and quantitatively investigated in I. germanica and I. pallida resinoids.

METHODOLOGY

Resinoids were first fractionated by reverse-phase flash chromatography in order to obtain fractions containing all isoflavones. These fractions were analysed by HPLC-DAD (diode array detector) and the fractions containing isoflavones were analysed by HPLC-QTOF (quadrupole time of flight)-MS. Then, the main isoflavones were isolated and identified by NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Finally, total and individual isoflavones were quantified by HPLC-DAD at 265 nm using an external calibration method with irigenin as the external standard.

RESULTS

Eight isoflavones were identified in both resinoids (irigenin, iristectorigenin A, nigricin, nigricanin, irisflorentin, iriskumaonin methyl ether, irilone, iriflogenin), one isoflavone only was identified in I. germanica resinoid (irisolidone), whereas one isoflavone (8-hydroxyirigenin), one isoflavanone (2,3-dihydroirigenin) and one benzophenone (2,6,4'-trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone) only were identified in I. pallida resinoid. Isoflavones were quantified in I. germanica and I. pallida resinoids at 180 ± 1.6 mg/g and 120 ± 3.3 mg/g respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that I. germanica and I. pallida resinoids are rich in flavonoids and that these two Iris species can be distinguished by simply analysing the polyphenol fraction.

Activity-based labeling of matrix metalloproteinases in living vertebrate embryos

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a physiologically and developmentally essential process mediated by a family of zinc-dependent extracellular proteases called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition to complex transcriptional control, MMPs are subject to extensive post-translational regulation. Because of this, classical biochemical, molecular and histological techniques that detect the expression of specific gene products provide useful but limited data regarding the biologically relevant activity of MMPs. Using benzophenone-bearing hydroxamate-based probes that interact with the catalytic zinc ion in MMPs, active proteases can be covalently ‘tagged’ by UV cross-linking. This approach has been successfully used to tag MMP-2 in vitro in tissue culture supernatants, and we show here that this probe tags proteins with mobilities consistent with known MMPs and detectable gelatinolytic activity in homogenates of zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, because of the transparency of the zebrafish embryo, UV-photocroslinking can be accomplished in vivo, and rhodamated benzophenone probe is detected in striking spatial patterns consistent with known distributions of active matrix remodeling in embryos. Finally, in metamorphosing Xenopus tadpoles, this probe can be used to biotinylate active MMP-2 by injecting it and cross-linking it in vivo, allowing the protein to be subsequently extracted and biochemically identified.

Benzophenones and xanthones from Garcinia cantleyana var. cantleyana and their inhibitory activities on human low-density lipoprotein oxidation and platelet aggregation

Three benzophenones, 2,6,3',5'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (1), 3,4,5,3',5'-pentahydroxybenzophenone (3) and 3,5,3',5'-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (4), as well as a xanthone, 1,3,6-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-(3'-methyl-2'-oxo-but-3'-enyl)xanthone (9), were isolated from the twigs of Garcinia cantleyana var. cantleyana. Eight known compounds, 3,4,5,3'-tetrahydroxy benzophenone (2), 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone (5), 1,3,8-trihydroxyxanthone (6), 2,4,7-trihydroxyxanthone (7), 1,3,5,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone (8), quercetin, glutin-5-en-3β-ol and friedelin were also isolated. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The compounds were investigated for their ability to inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and platelet aggregation in human whole blood in vitro. Most of the compounds showed strong antioxidant activity with compound 8 showing the highest inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 0.5 μM, comparable to that of probucol. Among the compounds tested, only compound 4 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. Compounds 3, 5 and 8 showed selective inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation induced by ADP.

UV-cross-linkable multilayer microcapsules made of weak polyelectrolytes

Microcapsules composed of weak polyelectrolytes modified with UV-responsive benzophenone (BP) groups were fabricated by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. Being exposed to UV lights, capsules shrunk in the time course of minutes at irradiation intensity of 5 mW/cm(2). The shrinkage adjusted the capsule permeability, providing a novel way to encapsulate fluorescence-labeled dextran molecules without heating. Cross-linking within the capsule shells based on hydrogen abstraction via excited benzophenone units by UV showed a reliable and swift approach to tighten and stabilize the capsule shell without losing the pH-responsive properties of the weak polyelectrolyte multilayers.

Evaluation of fungal- and photo-degradation as potential treatments for the removal of sunscreens BP3 and BP1

Photodecomposition might be regarded as one of the most important abiotic factors affecting the fate of UV absorbing compounds in the environment and photocatalysis has been suggested as an effective method to degrade organic pollutants. However, UV filters transformation appears to be a complex process, barely addressed to date. The white rot fungus Trametes versicolor is considered as a promising alternative to conventional aerobic bacterial degradation, as it is able to metabolise a wide range of xenobiotics. This study focused on both degradation processes of two widely used UV filters, benzophenone-3 (BP3) and benzophenone-1 (BP1). Fungal treatment resulted in the degradation of more than 99% for both sunscreens in less than 24 h, whereas photodegradation was very inefficient, especially for BP3, which remained unaltered upon 24 h of simulated sunlight irradiation. Analysis of metabolic compounds generated showed BP1 as a minor by-product of BP3 degradation by T. versicolor while the main intermediate metabolites were glycoconjugate derivatives. BP1 and BP3 showed a weak, but significant estrogenic activity (EC50 values of 0.058 mg/L and 12.5 mg/L, respectively) when tested by recombinant yeast assay (RYA), being BP1 200-folds more estrogenic than BP3. Estrogenic activity was eliminated during T. versicolor degradation of both compounds, showing that none of the resulting metabolites possessed significant estrogenic activity at the concentrations produced. These results demonstrate the suitability of this method to degrade both sunscreen agents and to eliminate estrogenic activity.

The spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, UV) and first order hyperpolarizability, HOMO and LUMO analysis of 3-aminobenzophenone by density functional method

In this work, experimental and theoretical study on the molecular structure and the vibrational spectra of 3-aminobenzophenone (3-ABP) is presented. The vibrational frequencies of the title compound were obtained theoretically by DFT/B3LYP calculations employing the standard 6-311++G(d,p) basis set for optimized geometry and were compared with Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) in the region of 400-4000 cm(-1) and with Fourier Transform Raman spectrum in the region of 50-4000 cm(-1). Complete vibrational assignments, analysis and correlation of the fundamental modes for the title compound were carried out. The vibrational harmonic frequencies were scaled using scale factor, yielding a good agreement between the experimentally recorded and the theoretically calculated values.

Growth, crystalline perfection and characterization of benzophenone oxime crystal

Single crystals of benzophenone oxime (BPO) have been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique from ethanol at room temperature. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system and cell parameters are, a=9.459 Å, b=8.383 Å, c=26.690 Å, v=2115 Å(3) and β=92.807°. The structure and the crystallinity of the materials were further confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The various functional groups present in the molecule are confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The TG/DSC studies reveal the purity of the material and the crystals are transparent in the entire visible region having a lower optical cut-off at ~300 nm. The crystalline perfection was evaluated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The crystal is further characterized by Kurtz powder technique, dielectric studies and microhardness analysis.