Mesomorphic behaviour of N-benzoyl-N′-aryl thioureas liquid crystalline compounds

Exploration of newly synthesized amantadine-thiourea conjugates for their DNA binding, anti-elastase, and anti-glioma potentials

Three newly synthesized amantadine thiourea conjugates namely MS-1 N-(((3 s,5 s,7 s)-adamantan-1-yl)carbamothioyl)benzamide, MS-2 N-(((3 s,5 s,7 s)-adamantan-1-yl)carbamothioyl)-4-methylbenzamide and MS-3 N-((3 s,5 s,7 s)-adamantan-1-ylcarbamothioyl)-4-chlorobenzamide were investigated for their structures, bindings (DNA/ elastase), and for their impact on healthy and cancerous cells. Theoretical (DFT/docking) and experimental {UV-visible (UV-), fluorescence (Flu-), and cyclic voltammetry (CV)} studies indicated binding interactions of each conjugate with DNA and elastase enzyme. Theoretically and experimentally calculated binding parameters for conjugate - DNA interaction revealed MS-3 - DNA to have most significant binding with comparatively greater values of binding parameters {(Kb/M-1: docking, 3.8 × 105; UV-, 5.95 × 103; Flu-,1.55 × 105; CV, 1.52 × 104), (∆G/ kJmol-1: docking, -32.09; UV-, -22.40; Flu-,-30.81; CV, -24.82)}. The docked structures, greater bindings site size values (n), and the trend in DNA viscosity changes in the presence of each conjugate concentration confirmed a mixed binding mode of interaction among them. Conjugate - elastase binding by docking agreed with the experimental anti-elastase findings. Cytotoxicity studies of each tested conjugate demonstrated greater cytotoxicity for cancerous (MG-U87) cells in comparison to control, while for the normal (HEK-293) cells the cytotoxicity was found comparatively low. Overall exploration suggested that MS-3 is the most effective candidate for DNA binding, anti-elastase, and for anti-glioma activities.

Columnar Liquid Crystals of Copper(I) Complexes with Ionic Conductivity and Solid State Emission

Two neutral copper(I) halide complexes ([Cu(BTU)₂X], X = Cl, Br) were prepared by the reduction of the corresponding copper(II) halides (chloride or bromide) with a benzoylthiourea (BTU, N-(3,4-diheptyloxybenzoyl)-N'-(4-heptadecafluorooctylphenyl)thiourea) ligand in ethanol. The two copper(I) complexes show a very interesting combination of 2D supramolecular structures, liquid crystalline, emission, and 1D ionic conduction properties. Their chemical structure was ascribed based on ESI-MS, elemental analysis, IR, and NMR spectroscopies (¹H and ¹³C), while the mesomorphic behavior was analyzed through a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). These new copper(I) complexes have mesomorphic properties and exhibit a hexagonal columnar mesophase over a large temperature range, more than 100 K, as evidenced by DSC studies and POM observations. The thermogravimetric analysis (TG) indicated a very good thermal stability of these samples up to the isotropization temperatures and over the whole temperature range of the liquid crystalline phase existence. Both complexes displayed a solid-state emission with quantum yields up to 8% at ambient temperature. The electrical properties of the new metallomesogens were investigated by variable temperature dielectric spectroscopy over the entire temperature range of the liquid crystalline phase. It was found that the liquid crystal phases favoured anhydrous proton conduction provided by the hydrogen-bonding networks formed by the NH…X moieties (X = halide or oxygen) of the benzoylthiourea ligand in the copper(I) complexes. A proton conductivity of 2.97 × 10^-7 S·cm^-1 was achieved at 430 K for the chloro-complex and 1.37 × 10^-6 S·cm^-1 at 440K for the related bromo-complex.

Spectroscopic, Anti-Cancer Activity, and DFT Computational Studies of Pt(II) Complexes with 1-Benzyl-3-phenylthiourea and Phosphine/Diamine Ligands

The reaction between [PtCl2(L-L)] (L-L = dppe, dppp, dppb, dppf, Phen and Bipy) or [PtCl2(PPh3)2] with 1-benzyl-3-phenylthiourea (H2BPT) in a basic medium (CHCl3/EtOH) created new coordinated square planner Pt(II) complexes with [Pt(BPT)(L-L)] (1–4,6,7) and [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5) types. These complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques (i.e., IR, UV. Vis., 1H, and 31P NMR). The results indicated that the thiourea derivative ligand act as a dianion ligand bonded through both S and N atoms in a chelating mode or as a mono-anion ligand coordinated through a sulfur atom with Pt(II) ion. Cytotoxicity activity was performed by the MTT assay to determine anti-cancer activities against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study indicated that IC50 values for MCF-7 cells were 10.96–78.90 µM. Additionally, the complexes [Pt(BPT)(dppe)] (1), [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5), and [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7) were investigated theoretically, where their quantum parameters were evaluated using the Gaussian 09 program using the theory of B3LYP/Def2TZVP//B3LYP/Lanl2dz. The calculation results confirmed the optimized structures of the complexes square planar geometry. However, the calculated bond lengths and angles showed a slightly distorted square planar geometry due to the trans influence of the sulfur atom. Additionally, complexes of [Pt(BPT)(dppe)] (1) and [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5) showed higher stability compared to [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7), which can be attributed to the higher back-donation of (1) and (5) complexes. Furthermore, among the three complexes, the [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7) complex possessed the lowest HOMO–LUMO gap, which may be a good candidate as the photo-catalyst material.

Synthesis and characterization of novel acylthiourea compounds used in ions recognition and sensing in organic media

A series of novel N-acyl-N'-aryl thiourea derivatives were designed and prepared with the aim to develop dual responsive receptors for anions and cations. The structure of the new products was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy (¹³C and ¹H), elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Their thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and it was found that these acyl thiourea derivatives are stable up to 160 °C. The ion recognition and sensing properties of the acyl thiourea compounds were investigated by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy in organic media upon the addition of various salts. The UV-VIS studies revealed that these acyl thiourea derivatives are able to sense biological important ions such as fluoride and copper (II) ions.

Effect of Reaction Media on Photosensitized [2+2]-Cycloaddition of Cinnamates

The outcome of photosensitized [2+2]-cycloaddition reactions of various cinnamates has been compared in different reaction media, including homogeneous organic solutions under inert conditions, degassed water, and aerated physical gels. The reactions were performed under LED blue light (λmax=455 nm) irradiation and [Ir{dF(CF3)ppy}2(dtb-bpy)]PF6 (1.0 mol%) as photocatalyst. The processes were optimized taking into consideration solvent, gelator, and substrate. Comparative kinetics analyses, as well as the effect of the reaction media on the diastereoselectivity of the process, were evaluated during this investigation. In a number of cases, carrying out the reaction in a less polar solvent, like toluene or highly polar solvent, like water had a tremendous impact on the diastereoselectivity of the process, pointing towards an effect on the stabilization of the putative diradical intermediate in this medium. Moreover, while for reactions run in homogeneous solution oxygen needs to be excluded, no erosion in yield is observed when the photoadditions were run in aerated gel media.

The use of isoxazoline and isoxazole scaffolding in the design of novel thiourea and amide liquid-crystalline compounds

A series of novel thiourea and amide liquid crystals containing 5-membered isoxazoline and isoxazole rings were synthetized and the liquid crystal properties studied. Thioureas were obtained using a condensation reaction of benzoyl chlorides, arylamines and ammonium thiocyanate. The amides, on the other hand, were the byproduct of a quantitative reaction which used potassium cyanate as the starting material. Thiourea and amide derivatives were predominantly SmA mesophase inductors. A nematic mesophase was observed only for thioureas and amides containing an isoxazole ring. Additionaly, the liquid crystal behavior was also dependent on the relative position of nitrogen and oxygen atoms on the 5-membered heterocycle.

Evaluation of Novel N-(Dibenzylcarbamothioyl)benzamide Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents by Using DFT and Drug-Likeness Assessment

Isomers of monothioureas, 2a–2d, derived from the reaction of disubstituted benzoyl isothiocyanate and dibenzylamine were synthesised and characterised by using elementary analysis CHNS and IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity by using selected Gram-positive bacteria, and moderate inhibition activity was displayed for compound 2b with the value of inhibition zone 11 ± 0.8 mm at a concentration of 50 mg/ml. The outcomes of Lipinski’s rule of five assessment appeared to be in agreement with all compounds as they adhered to most of the rules, in which they can be preliminarily classified as active drug-like. The frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) for halogen-substituted 3,4-dichloro (2a) and 3,4-difluoro (2b) were also determined by applying the computational method of density functional theory (DFT) to determine their relationship as a molecular descriptor in antibacterial activities. The value of LUMO energy for compound 2b (1.8229 eV) is lower than that of compound 2a (1.8492 eV) which indicates higher antibacterial activities.

Discotic Liquid Crystals Based on Cu(I) Complexes with Benzoylthiourea Derivatives Containing a Perfluoroalkyl Chain

Mesomorphic three-coordinate copper(I) complexes ([Cu(BTU)2X], where X = Cl or Br) based on a new N-benzoylthiourea (BTU) ligand with two decyloxy and one perfluorooctyl groups at its periphery were designed and prepared. The BTU ligand coordinates via the S atom in a neutral monodentate fashion as confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy data. The liquid crystalline behavior of these copper(I) complexes was investigated by a combination of polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), while their thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These new copper(I) complexes have mesomorphic properties and exhibit a hexagonal columnar mesophase over a large temperature range, more than 100°C.

Synthesis and Bacteriostatic Activities of Bis(thiourea) Derivatives with Variable Chain Length

A series of 1,4-bis(decoxyphenyl)carbamothioyl-terephthalamide derivatives was successfully synthesised by reaction of benzene-1,4-dicarbonyl isothiocyanate intermediates with long alkyl chain. The alkylation was performed via Williamson etherification of 4-acetamidophenol with bromoalkanes. The synthesised bis(thiourea) derivatives differed in the chain length, CnH2n+1, wheren=10, 12, and 14. The structures of all compounds were characterised by elemental CHN analysis, IR,1H, and13C NMR spectroscopies. Bacteriostatic activities of bis(thiourea derivatives which consisted of two folds of N-H, C=O, and C=S and long alkyl chain substituents were carried out against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, ATCC 25922) via turbidimetric kinetic method. Bis(thiourea) derivatives withn=10andn=12displayed excellent activity againstE. coliwith MIC of 135 µg/mL and 145 µg/mL, respectively, while bis(thiourea) derivatives withn=14acted as cutoff point with no antibacterial properties. Similar trend was observed in binding affinity to the active site of enoyl ACP reductase (FabI), which demonstrated binding free energy of-5.3 Kcal/mol and-4.9and-4.8 Kcal/mol, respectively.

Determination of the Ionization Constants of Some Benzoyl Thiourea Derivatives in Dioxane-Water Mixture

The stoichiometric ionization constants ofN,N-dialkyl-N′-(4-substituted benzoyl) thiourea (Substitutes: H, Cl, and Br; alkyl groups: ethyl,n-propyl,n-butyl, and phenyl) derivatives have been determined potentiometrically in dioxane-water (v:v, 50:50) mixture at ionic strength of 0.1 M and25.0±0.1°C. The ionization constants were calculated with the BEST computer program and the formation curves using the data obtained from the potentiometric titrations. The effects of substituents and alkyl groups on the ionization constants of the benzoyl thiourea derivatives have been investigated. A comparison of the basicities of ethyl,n-propyl, andn-butyl thiourea derivatives(−C2H5<−C3H7<−C4H9)shows that then-butyl group is a more powerful electron-releasing group than the other groups in 50% dioxane-50% water mixture (v:v). So, the acidity of benzoyl thiourea derivative compounds decreases, while the length of alkyl chain increases. The orders ofpKavalues for all thiourea derivatives are as expected in the light of steric, resonance and inductive effects of substituents. Furthermore, when the basicities of halogen derivatives of the same substitution pattern are compared, orders obtained (4-Br<4-Cl<4-H) can be explained by considering the total electronic substituent effect (electron-withdrawing and electron-donating effects) except the 4-Br_Ph derivative.