Potassium tert-Butoxide-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzofuroazepines via Cyclization of (2-Alkynylbenzyl)oxy Nitriles

Development of a nanotechnological-based hydrogel containing a novel benzofuroazepine compound in association with vitamin E: An in vitro biological safety and photoprotective hydrogel

This study aimed to evaluate the potential DNA photoprotection of nano-based hydrogels containing a novel benzofuroazepine molecule. Photoprotective property of three benzofuroazepine derivative compounds was assessed by determining a UV light absorptive profile. Nanocapsule suspensions (Eudragit® RS 100 as polymeric wall and medium-chain triglyceride or vitamin E as oil core) containing the benzofuroazepine compound that had the best UV spectral absorption were developed and physicochemically characterized. Photostability assay, bioadhesive property as well as preliminary toxicity parameters (HET-CAM and Artemia salina lethality assays) for free or nanoencapsulated forms were assessed. Among the molecules, the UV absorbance spectrum of free MBBA showed a broad and high intensity absorbance at UVB and UVA ranges. MBBA-nanocapsule suspensions had nanometric and homogeneous size distribution, bioadhesiveness property, and increased the UV light scattering in comparison to the free compound. Besides, all formulations triggered no irritative responses and the nanoencapsulation mitigated the toxic effect to Artemia salina observed to free MBBA. Following, hydrogels were prepared by thickening nanocapsule suspensions with gellan gum and their DNA photoprotection properties were determined by the exposure of DNA samples to the UVB and UVA radiation. Hydrogels showed acid pH values, compound content close to the theoretical value (3 mg/g), particle size in nanometric range, and spreadability profile suitable for cutaneous application. All MBBA hydrogels were effective against photoproducts formation induced by UVB and UVA radiation. In conclusion, these data show the identification of a compound with promising UV absorptive potential and the preparation of a final nano-based hydrogel for cutaneous application.

Transesterification of (hetero)aryl esters with phenols by an Earth-abundant metal catalyst

Readily available and inexpensive Earth-abundant alkali metal species are used as efficient catalysts for the transesterification of aryl or heteroaryl esters with phenols which is a challenging and underdeveloped transformation. The simple conditions and the use of heterogeneous alkali metal catalyst make this protocol very environmentally friendly and practical. This reaction fills in the missing part in transesterification reaction of phenols and provides an efficient approach to aryl esters, which are widely used in the synthetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Readily available and inexpensive Earth-abundant alkali metal species are used as efficient catalysts for the transesterification of aryl or heteroaryl esters with phenols which is a challenging and underdeveloped transformation.