Air-Stable Cobalt(III) and Chromium(III) Complexes as Single-Component Catalysts for the Activation of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides

Cobalt(III) and chromium(III) salophen chloride complexes were synthesized and tested for the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide (CO2) with epoxides to obtain cyclic carbonates. The cat1, cat2, cat4, and cat5 complexes presented high catalytic activity without cocatalysts and are solvent-free at 100 °C, 8 bar, and 9 h. At these conditions, the terminal epoxides (1a-1k) were successfully converted into the corresponding cyclic carbonates with a maximum conversion of ∼99%. Moreover, cat5 was highlighted due to its capability of opening internal epoxides such as limonene oxide (1l) with a 36% conversion to limonene carbonate (2l), and from cyclohexene oxide (1m), cyclic trans-cyclohexene carbonate (2m) and poly(cyclohexene carbonate) were obtained with 15% and 85% selectivity, respectively. A study of the coupling reaction mechanism was proposed with the aid of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis, confirming the single-component behavior of the complexes through their ionization due to epoxide coordination. In addition, crystallographic analysis of cat1 single crystals grown in a saturated solution of pyridine helped to demonstrate that the substitution of chloride ion by pyridine ligands to form an octahedral coordination occurs (Py-cat1), supporting the proposed mechanism. Also, a recyclability study was performed for cat5, and a total turnover number of 952 was obtained with only minor losses in catalytic activity after five cycles.

Rational Design of Benzobisheterocycle Metallo-β-Lactamase Inhibitors: A Tricyclic Scaffold Enhances Potency against Target Enzymes

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) inactivate β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, are disseminating among Gram-negative bacteria, and lack clinically useful inhibitors. The evolving bisthiazolidine (BTZ) scaffold inhibits all three MBL subclasses (B1-B3). We report design, synthesis, and evaluation of BTZ analogues. Structure-activity relationships identified the BTZ thiol as essential, while carboxylate is replaceable, with its removal enhancing potency by facilitating hydrophobic interactions within the MBL active site. While the introduction of a flexible aromatic ring is neutral or detrimental for inhibition, a rigid (fused) ring generated nM benzobisheterocycle (BBH) inhibitors that potentiated carbapenems against MBL-producing strains. Crystallography of BBH:MBL complexes identified hydrophobic interactions as the basis of potency toward B1 MBLs. These data underscore BTZs as versatile, potent broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors (with activity extending to enzymes refractory to other inhibitors) and provide a rational approach to further improve the tricyclic BBH scaffold.

Sulfur-Doped g-C3N4 Heterojunctions for Efficient Visible Light Degradation of Methylene Blue

The discharge of synthetic dyes from different industrial sources has become a global issue of concern. Enormous amounts are released into wastewater each year, causing concerns due to the high toxic consequences. Photocatalytic semiconductors appear as a green and sustainable form of remediation. Among them, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been widely studied due to its low cost and ease of fabrication. In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic study over methylene blue of undoped, B/S-doped, and exfoliated heterojunctions of g-C3N4 are presented. The evaluation of the photocatalytic performance showed that exfoliated undoped/S-doped heterojunctions with 25, 50, and 75 mass % of S-doped (g-C3N4) present enhanced activity with an apparent reaction rate constant (kapp) of 1.92 × 10-2 min-1 for the 75% sample. These results are supported by photoluminescence (PL) experiments showing that this heterojunction presents the less probable electron-hole recombination. UV-vis diffuse reflectance and valence band-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (VB-XPS) allowed the calculation of the band-gap and the valence band positions, suggesting a band structure diagram describing a type I heterojunction. The photocatalytic activities calculated demonstrate that this property is related to the surface area and porosity of the samples, the semiconductor nature of the g-C3N4 structure, and, in this case, the heterojunction that modifies the band structure. These results are of great importance considering that scarce reports are found concerning exfoliated B/S-doped heterojunctions.

Crystallographic, spectroscopic and thermal studies of 1-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole

The new title pyrrole-pyrazole derivative, C16H16BrN3, was synthesized through a citric acid-catalyzed Paal-Knorr reaction between acetonylacetone and 1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine under mild reaction conditions. This synthetic protocol is noteworthy for its utilization of stoichiometric amounts of the reactants, an ecofriendly solvent and a cost-effective, non-toxic and biodegradable organocatalyst. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular structure was gained through spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The crystal structure is characterized by weak interactions, where only C-H...π connections contribute to the hydrogen-bond contacts. The supramolecular assembly is controlled by dispersion forces. However, the energy frameworks demonstrate that these forces act in three dimensions, providing enough stability, as observed in TGA-DSC (thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry) studies.

Synthesis of structural analogues of Reversan by ester aminolysis: an access to pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines from chalcones

Reversan, a multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) inhibitor described more than a decade ago, is a commercial drug (CAS: 313397-13-6) that has a high price and is six to eight times more potent than known drug transporter inhibitors. However, to date, a complete route for synthesizing pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-based Reversan is yet to be published. Herein, the silica gel-mediated synthesis of Reversan and a novel family of its structural analogues (amides) via the microwave-assisted amidation reaction of 3-carboethoxy-5,7-diphenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (ester) with primary amines is reported. Moreover, a set of this ester-type precursor was obtained using the NaF/alumina-mediated reaction of 5-amino-3-carboethoxy-1H-pyrazole with chalcones, implying a final removal of H₂ using Na₂S₂O₈. Both esters and amides were obtained in high yields using heterogeneous catalyst and solvent-free, highly efficient, and scalable synthetic protocols.

I2/DMSO-Promoted Synthesis of Chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines through an Imine Formation/Aza-Diels–Alder/Aromatization Tandem Reaction under Metal-Catalyst- and Photosensitizer-Free Conditions

A tandem approach was developed for the efficient synthesis of substituted chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines from arylamines and O-cinnamyl salicylaldehydes under metal-catalyst- and photosensitizer-free reaction conditions. Our protocol is based on an inexpensive I2/DMSO system in which molecular iodine first acts as a Lewis acid to promote the formation of the corresponding imine bearing the alkene moiety; then, this species fulfills a second role by catalyzing an intramolecular aza-Diels–Alder cycloaddition to generate the respective tetrahydrochromenoquinoline as an intermediate. Finally, the dual behavior of DMSO as an oxidant and as a solvent proved crucial at this stage, allowing the regeneration of I2 and promoting the aromatization of the tetrahydrochromenoquinoline intermediates to yield the desired 7-aryl-6H-chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines. This protocol is mild and easy to perform, features high step-economy (tandem process) and provides a new access to biologically important nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic molecules.

Influence of the Lewis basicity hardness of crystallization solvents on the coordination sphere of the complex [Co(3,5-dinitrobenzoate-O,O′)2]: crystallographic and theoretical analysis

Crystal growth of [Co(DNB)2] in different solvents is a thermodynamic process favored by ΔErecrys (kcal mol−1) where mono/trinuclear molecules are obtained. Closeness of HOMO orbitals of solvents to the SOMOs orbitals of Co(ii) ions guide the process.

Structural Insights and Docking Analysis of Adamantane-Linked 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives as Potential 11β-HSD1 Inhibitors

The solid-state structural analysis and docking studies of three adamantane-linked 1,2,4-triazole derivatives are presented. Crystal structure analyses revealed that compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group, while compounds 1 and 3 crystallize in the same monoclinic P21/c space group. Since the only difference between them is the para substitution on the aryl group, the electronic nature of these NO2 and halogen groups seems to have no influence over the formation of the solid. However, a probable correlation with the size of the groups is not discarded due to the similar intermolecular disposition between the NO2/Cl substituted molecules. Despite the similarities, CE-B3LYP energy model calculations show that pairwise interaction energies vary between them, and therefore the total packing energy is affected. HOMO-LUMO calculated energies show that the NO2 group influences the reactivity properties characterizing the molecule as soft and with the best disposition to accept electrons. Further, in silico studies predicted that the compounds might be able to inhibit the 11β-HSD1 enzyme, which is implicated in obesity and diabetes. Self- and cross-docking experiments revealed that a number of non-native 11β-HSD1 inhibitors were able to accurately dock within the 11β-HSD1 X-ray structure 4C7J. The molecular docking of the adamantane-linked 1,2,4-triazoles have similar predicted binding affinity scores compared to the 4C7J native ligand 4YQ. However, they were unable to form interactions with key active site residues. Based on these docking results, a series of potentially improved compounds were designed using computer aided drug design tools. The docking results of the new compounds showed similar predicted 11β-HSD1 binding affinity scores as well as interactions to a known potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitor.

Synthesis and X-ray crystallographic analysis of free base and hexafluorophosphate salts of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines from the Bischler–Napieralski reaction

Free base and hexafluorophosphate salts of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines from the Bischler–Napieralski reaction: potential supramolecular modulation. Centrosymmetric/enantiomorphic crystals.

Novel complexes with ONNO tetradentate coumarin schiff-base donor ligands: x-ray structures, DFT calculations, molecular dynamics and potential anticarcinogenic activity

The synthesis of eight novel Zn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pt(II) complexes (2-9) derived from the ONNO tetradentate coumarin Schiff-Base donor ligands, L₁ and the novel L₂, was performed. All compounds were characterized by analytical, spectrometry and spectroscopy techniques. Complexes 2-4 were also characterized by DFT calculations and the structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A cytotoxicity study was carried out through an MTT assay in the carcinogenic cell line HeLa and the noncarcinogenic cell lines HFF-1 and HaCaT. The results indicated that among all the evaluated compounds, 2 and 6 presented the best anticarcinogenic potential against HeLa cells with an IC₅₀ of 3.5 and 4.1 µM, respectively. In addition, classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the synthesized coordination compounds bound to G4 DNA architectures in the scope of shedding light on their inhibition mode and the most conserved interactions that may lead to the biological activity of the compounds.

Intermolecular interaction energies and magnetic properties of spin-isolated multinuclear CuII complexes

Dinuclear Cu^II complexes with 3,5-dinitrobenzoates and 2,2'-bipyridine (2) or 1,10-phenanthroline (3) were synthesized and characterized. A complete energy framework analysis using the HF/3-21G energy model was performed which found that dispersion forces and C-H...O interactions are responsible for the crystal structure features. The magnetic properties of the complexes show a weak magnetic exchange between spins, resulting in low exchange constants of -2.72 (1) cm^-1 and -1.10 (1) cm^-1 for complexes (2) and (3), respectively. This results from the low overlap between magnetic orbitals induced by 3,5-dinitrobenzoate bridges and the arrangement of the magnetic orbitals. Consequently, the dinuclear complexes (2) and (3) behave as spin-isolated multinuclear Cu^II species in contrast to the trinuclear complex with similar ligands.

Intermolecular interaction energies and molecular conformations in N-substituted 4-aryl-2-methylimidazoles with promising in vitro antifungal activity

A convenient one-pot synthesis of 4-aryl-2-methyl-N-phenacylimidazoles (4) through a microwave-assisted pseudo-tricomponent reaction of α-bromoacetophenones (1) with acetamidine hydrochloride (2) is reported. Ketones (4) were successfully used as substrates for the preparation of the respective N-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazoles (5) with yields up to 87%. The synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses, and several structures were confirmed and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The analysis of the whole-of-molecule interactions shows that, despite the difference in the atom–atom contacts forming the crystals, dispersion energies make the largest contribution to the formation of the solids, giving an isotropic tendency in the topology of the energy framework diagrams for pairs of molecules. In addition, the in vitro antifungal activity of both families of compounds [ketones (4) and alcohols (5)] against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans was evaluated, where the 2,4-dichlorophenyl-substituted alcohol (5f), an isomer of the drug miconazole, showed the highest activity (IC50 = 7.8 µg ml−1 against C. neoformans).

Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,3-c]isoquinolines via the Cycloaddition of Benzyne with Arylideneaminopyrroles: Photophysical and Crystallographic Study

An efficient and quick access toward a series of (E)-2-arylideneaminopyrroles 6 and to their benzyne-promoted aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition products is provided. These products are three pyrrolo[2,3-c]isoquinolines 8a-c substituted in position 5 with different electron-acceptor (A) or electron-donor (D) aryl groups. Intermediates and products were obtained in good yields (up to 78 and 84%, respectively), and their structures were determined on the basis of NMR measurements and HRMS analysis. Photophysical properties of 8a-c were investigated, finding good Stokes shift in different solvents, but only the product 8c showed appreciable fluorescence intensity since its 5-aryl group (2,4-Cl2Ph) could favor the twisted intramolecular charge transfer effect. In addition, a riveting relationship between solvent viscosity and fluorescence intensity was found. Structures of 6 and 8 were studied and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, observing that their electronic distributions effect the supramolecular assembly but with only long-distance hydrophobic interactions. A CE-B3LYP model was used to study the energetic topology and understand the crystal architecture of compounds as well as find a connection with both the synthetic and photophysical results.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of lapachol acetate 80 years after its first synthesis

Lapachol acetate [systematic name: 3-(3-methyl-but-2-en-yl)-1,4-dioxonaph-thalen-2-yl acetate], C17H16O4, was prepared using a modified high-yield procedure and its crystal structure is reported for the first time 80 years after its first synthesis. The full spectroscopic characterization of the mol-ecule is reported. The mol-ecular conformation shows little difference with other lapachol derivatives and lapachol itself. The packing is directed by inter-molecular π-π and C-H⋯O inter-actions, as described by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The former inter-actions make the largest contributions to the total packing energy in a ratio of 2:1 with respect to the latter.

Inhibition of C. albicans Dimorphic Switch by Cobalt(II) Complexes with Ligands Derived from Pyrazoles and Dinitrobenzoate: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity

Seven cobalt(II) complexes of pyrazole derivatives and dinitrobenzoate ligands were synthesized and characterized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure was determined for one of the ligands and one of the complexes. The analysis and spectral data showed that all the cobalt complexes had octahedral geometries, which was supported by DFT calculations. The complexes and their free ligands were evaluated against fungal strains of Candida albicans and emerging non-albicans species and epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. We obtained antifungal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 31.3 to 250 µg mL-1. The complexes were more active against C. krusei, showing MIC values between 31.25 and 62.5 µg mL-1. In addition, some ligands (L1-L6) and complexes (5 and Co(OAc)2 · 4H2O) significantly reduced the yeast to hypha transition of C. albicans at 500 µg mL-1 (inhibition ranging from 30 to 54%). Finally, the complexes and ligands did not present trypanocidal activity and were not toxic to Vero cells. Our results suggest that complexes of cobalt(II) with ligands derived from pyrazoles and dinitrobenzoate may be an attractive alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by fungi, especially because they target one of the most important virulence factors of C. albicans.

Catalyst- and solvent-free synthesis of 2-fluoro-N-(3-methylsulfanyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)benzamide through a microwave-assisted Fries rearrangement: X-ray structural and theoretical studies

An efficient approach for the regioselective synthesis of (5-amino-3-methylsulfanyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)(2-fluorophenyl)methanone, C10H9FN4OS, (3), from the N-acylation of 3-amino-5-methylsulfanyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole, (1), with 2-fluorobenzoyl chloride has been developed. Heterocyclic amide (3) was used successfully as a strategic intermediate for the preparation of 2-fluoro-N-(3-methylsulfanyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)benzamide, C10H9FN4OS, (4), through a microwave-assisted Fries rearrangement under catalyst- and solvent-free conditions. Theoretical studies of the prototropy process of (1) and the Fries rearrangement of (3) to provide (4), involving the formation of an intimate ion pair as the key step, were carried out by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The crystallographic analysis of the intermolecular interactions and the energy frameworks based on the effects of the different molecular conformations of (3) and (4) are described.

Observation of an infrequent enantiomer/conformer substitutional disorder in ethyl 13-ethyl-4-oxo-8,13-dihydro-4H-benzo[5,6]azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylate heptane hemisolvate

Considering the importance of quinolones due to their broad spectrum of biological activities, the crystal structure of the title compound, C₂₂H₂₁NO₃·0.5C₇H₁₆, has been determined. Two enantiomers of the benzazepinoquinoline molecule and one molecule of heptane form the asymmetric unit of this centrosymmetric triclinic (P-1) crystal. All the molecules in the crystal present disorder. Substitutional disorder is observed for the benzazepine molecules, where a minority conformer of the R enantiomer replaces the main conformer of the S enantiomer and vice versa. Positional disorder is found for the heptane solvent molecule, which occupies a void left by the independent enantiomers of both conformers.

Studies via X-ray analysis on intermolecular interactions and energy frameworks based on the effects of substituents of three 4-aryl-2-methyl-1H-imidazoles of different electronic nature and their in vitro antifungal evaluation

The crystal structures of 2-methyl-4-phenyl-1H-imidazole, C₁₀H₁₀N₂, (3a), 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole hemihydrate, C₁₀H₉ClN₂·0.5H₂O, (3b), and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, C₁₁H₁₂N₂O, (3c), have been analyzed. It was found that the electron-donating/withdrawing tendency of the substituent groups in the aryl ring influence the acid-base properties of the 2-methylimidazole nucleus, changing the strength of the intermolecular N-H...N interactions. This behaviour not only influences the crystal structure but also seems to have an important effect on the antifungal activity. Considering the substituent groups, that is, H in (3a), Cl in (3b) and OMe in (3c), the formation of strong N-H...N connections has the probability (3a) > (3b) > (3c), while compound (3c) proves to be more active than (3a) and (3b) at all concentrations against C. neoformans.

General Method for the Synthesis of (-)-Conduritol C and Analogs from Chiral Cyclohexadienediol Scaffolds

An efficient and facile general method for the synthesis of conduritol C analogs, taking advantage of an enantioselective biocatalysis process of monosubstituted benzenes, is described. The absolute stereochemical patterns of the target molecules (−)-conduritol C, (−)-bromo-conduritol C, and (−)-methyl-conduritol C were achieved by means of chemoenzymatic methods. The stereochemistry present at the homochiral cyclohexadiene-cis-1,2-diols derived from the arene biotransformation and the enantioselective ring opening of a non-isolated vinylepoxide derivative permitted the absolute configuration of the carbon bearing the hydroxyl groups at the target molecules to be established. All three conduritols and two intermediates were crystallized, and their structures were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The three conduritols and intermediates were isostructural. The versatility of our methodology is noteworthy to expand the preparation of conduritol C analogs starting from toluene dioxygenase (TDO) monosubstituted arene substrates.

Study of the Effect of Metal Complexes on Morphology and Viability of Embryonated Toxocara canis Eggs

An organic salt and four metal complexes derived from azole were evaluated against embryonated Toxocara canis eggs (TCE). The new organic salt, (LH)⁺(FeCl₄)^-, where L = 3,5-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-ylmethyl)toluene (5), a potential environmental disinfectant, was isolated as an air-stable yellow solid and characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductivity, mass spectrometry, and infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. In addition, the structure of 5 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 showed high anti-TCE activity. Interestingly, these compounds showed little effect on hepatocytes, indicating that they are not cytotoxic. These results will assist in the design of anti-TCE compounds.

A series of (E)-5-(arylideneamino)-1-tert-butyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitriles and their reduction products to secondary amines: syntheses and X-ray structural studies

An efficent access to a series of N-(pyrrol-2-yl)amines, namely (E)-1-tert-butyl-5-[(4-chlorobenzylidene)amino]-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C16H16ClN3, (7a), (E)-1-tert-butyl-5-[(2,4-dichlorobenzylidene)amino]-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C16H15Cl2N3, (7b), (E)-1-tert-butyl-5-[(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)amino]-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C15H16N4, (7c), 1-tert-butyl-5-[(4-chlorobenzyl)amino]-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C16H18ClN3, (8a), and 1-tert-butyl-5-[(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)amino]-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile, C16H17Cl2N3, (8b), by a two-step synthesis sequence (solvent-free condensation and reduction) starting from 5-amino-1-tert-butyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile is described. The syntheses proceed via isolated N-(pyrrol-2-yl)imines, which are also key synthetic intermediates of other valuable compounds. The crystal structures of the reduced compounds showed a reduction in the symmetry compared with the corresponding precursors, viz. Pbcm to P\overline{1} from compound (7a) to (8a) and P21/c to P\overline{1} from compound (7b) to (8b), probably due to a severe change in the molecular conformations, resulting in the loss of planarity observed in the nonreduced compounds. In all of the crystals, the supramolecular assembly is controlled mainly by strong (N,C)—H...N hydrogen bonds. However, in the case of (7a)–(7c), C—H...Cl interactions are strong enough to help in the three-dimensional architecture, as observed in Hirshfeld surface maps.

Coordination Polymers Containing 1,3-Phenylenebis-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methanone) Ligand: Synthesis and ε-Caprolactone Polymerization Behavior

The reaction of isophthaloyl dichloride with 1H-1,2,4-triazole afforded the new ligand 1,3-phenylenebis(1,2,4-triazole-1-yl)methanone (1). A series of Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes were synthesized using 1 and then characterized by melting point analysis, elemental analysis, theoretical calculations, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Experimental and computational studies predict the formation of coordination polymers (CPs). The cobalt and copper CPs and zinc(II) complex were found to be good initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) under solvent-free conditions. ¹H-NMR analysis showed that the obtained polymers of CL were mainly linear and had terminal hydroxymethylene groups. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the obtained polycaprolactones had high crystallinity, and TGA showed that they had decomposition temperatures above 400 °C. These results provide insight and guidance for the design of metal complexes with potential applications in the polymerization of CL.

Crystal structure of ethyl (E)-2-cyano-3-(thio-phen-2-yl)acrylate: two conformers forming a discrete disorder

In the title compound, C10H9NO2S, all the non-H atoms, except for the ethyl fragment, lie nearly in the same plane. Despite the mol-ecular planarity, the ethyl fragment presents more than one conformation, giving rise to a discrete disorder, which was modelled with two different crystallographic sites for the eth-oxy O and eth-oxy α-C atoms, with occupancy values of 0.5. In the crystal, the three-dimensional array is mainly directed by C-H⋯(O,N) inter-actions, giving rise to inversion dimers with R22(10) and R22(14) motifs and infinite chains running along the [100] direction.

Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (4S,5R,6S)-4,5,6-trihy-droxy-3-methyl-cyclo-hex-2-enone (gabosine H)

The mol-ecule of the title keto carbasugar, C₇H₁₀O₄, is formed by a cyclo-hexene skeleton with an envelope conformation, substituted by carbonyl, methyl and hydroxyl groups. The crystal structure is controlled mainly by a combination of strong O-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming nearly perpendicular chains running parallel to the [110] and [-110] directions. This perpendicularity is caused by a tetra-gonal pseudosymmetry influenced by the similarity between the a and b axes, the value of 90.9770 (10)° of the β angle and the action of a 2₁ screw axis, which transform each chain into its corresponding nearly orthogonal one.

Three tetracyclic dibenzoazepine derivatives exhibiting different molecular conformations, different patterns of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and different modes of supramolecular aggregation

The biological potential of compounds of the tricyclic dibenzo[b,e]azepine system has resulted in considerable synthetic efforts to develop efficient methods for the synthesis of new derivatives of this kind. (9RS,15RS)-9-Ethyl-11-methyl-9,13b-dihydrodibenzo[c,f]thiazolo[3,2-a]azepin-3(2H)-one, C₁₉H₁₉NOS, (I), crystallizes as a kryptoracemate with Z' = 2 in the space group P2₁, with one molecule each of the (9R,15R) and (9S,15S) configurations in the asymmetric unit, while (9RS,15RS)-9-ethyl-7,12-dimethyl-9,13b-dihydrodibenzo[c,f]thiazolo[3,2-a]azepin-3(2H)-one, C₂₀H₂₁NOS, (II), crystallizes with Z' = 1 in the space group C2/c. Ethyl (13RS)-2-chloro-13-ethyl-4-oxo-8,13-dihydro-4H-benzo[5,6]azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-5-carboxylate, C₂₂H₂₀ClNO₃, (III), exhibits enantiomeric disorder in the space group P-1 such that the reference site is occupied by the 13R and 13S enantiomers, with occupancies of 0.900 (6) and 0.100 (6). In each of the two independent molecules in (I), the five-membered ring adopts an envelope conformation, but the corresponding ring in (II) adopts a half-chair conformation, while the six-membered ring in the major form of (III) adopts a twist-boat conformation. The conformation of the seven-membered ring in each of (I), (II) and the major form of (III) approximates to the twist-boat form. The molecules of compound (I) are linked by two C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form two independent antiparallel C(5) chains, with each type containing only one enantiomer. These chains are linked into sheets by two C-H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds, in which the two donors are both provided by the (9R,15R) enantiomer and the two acceptor arene rings form part of a molecule of (9S,15S) configuration, precluding any additional crystallographic symmetry. The molecules of compound (II) are linked by inversion-related C-H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form isolated cyclic centrosymmetric dimers. The molecules of compound (III) are linked into cyclic centrosymmetric dimers by C-H...O hydrogen bonds and these dimers are linked into chains by a π-π stacking interaction. Comparisons are made with some related structures.

Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (3aR,3'aR,7aS,7'aS)-2,2,2',2'-tetra-methyl-3a,6,7,7a,3'a,6',7',7'a-octa-hydro-4,4'-bi[1,3-benzodioxol-yl], obtained from a Pd-catalyzed homocoupling reaction

The absolute configuration, i.e. (3aR,3'aR,7aS,7'aS), of the title compound, C18H26O4, synthesized via a palladium-catalyzed homocoupling reaction, was determined on the basis of the synthetic pathway and was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The homocoupled mol-ecule is formed by two chemically identical moieties built up from two five- and six-membered fused rings. The supra-molecular assembly is controlled mainly by C-H⋯O inter-actions that lead to the formation of hydrogen-bonded chains of mol-ecules along the [001] direction, while weak dipolar inter-actions and van der Waals forces hold the chains together in the crystal structure.

Crystal structure of 5-butyl-amino-3-methyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde obtained from a microwave-assisted reaction using caesium carbonate as catalyst

The new compound 5-butyl­amino-3-methyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde has been synthesized using a microwave-assisted reaction.

The title compound, C₁₄H₁₈N₄O, synthesized from an unconventional microwave-assisted method using caesium carbonate as catalyst, has an approximately planar conformation with the pyridyl and pyrazole rings inclined by a dihedral angle of 7.94 (3)°, allowing the formation of an intra­molecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bond. The supra­molecular assembly has a three-dimensional arrangement controlled mainly by weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π inter­actions.

Crystal structure of 1,3-bis-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl-meth-yl)benzene

The mol-ecular structure of the title compound, C20H16N6, contains two benzotriazole units bonded to a benzene nucleus in a meta configuration, forming dihedral angles of 88.74 (11) and 85.83 (10)° with the central aromatic ring and 57.08 (9)° with each other. The three-dimensional structure is controlled mainly by weak C-H⋯N and C-H⋯π inter-actions. The mol-ecules are connected in inversion-related pairs, forming the slabs of infinite chains that run along the [-110] and [110] directions.

Crystal structures of five new substituted tetrahydro-1-benzazepines with potential antiparasitic activity

Tetrahydro-1-benzazepines have been described as potential antiparasitic drugs for the treatment of chagas disease and leishmaniasis, two of the most important so-called `forgotten tropical diseases' affecting South and Central America, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania chagasi parasites, respectively. Continuing our extensive work describing the structural characteristics of some related compounds with interesting biological properties, the crystallographic features of three epoxy-1-benzazepines, namely (2SR,4RS)-6,8-dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-epoxy-1-benzazepine, (1), (2SR,4RS)-6,9-dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-epoxy-1-benzazepine, (2), and (2SR,4RS)-8,9-dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-epoxy-1-benzazepine, (3), all C22H21NO, and two 1-benzazepin-4-ols, namely 7-fluoro-cis-2-[(E)-styryl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol, C18H18FNO, (4), and 7-fluoro-cis-2-[(E)-pent-1-enyl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol, C15H20FNO, (5), are described. Some peculiarities in the crystallization behaviour were found, involving significant variations in the crystalline structures as a result of modest changes in the peripheral substituents in (1)-(3) and the occurrence of discrete disorder due to the molecular overlay of enantiomers with more than one conformation in (5). In particular, an interesting phase change on cooling was observed for compound (5), accompanied by an approximate fourfold increase of the unit-cell volume and a change of the Z' value from 1 to 4. This transition is a consequence of the partial ordering of the pentenyl chains in half of the molecules breaking half of the -3 symmetry axes observed in the room-temperature structure of (5). The structural assembly in all the title compounds is characterized by not only (N,O)-H...(O,N) hydrogen bonds, but also by unconventional C-H...O contacts, resulting in a wide diversity of packing.

Coumarin-BODIPY hybrids by heteroatom linkage: versatile, tunable and photostable dye lasers for UV irradiation

Linking amino and hydroxycoumarins to BODIPYs through the amino or hydroxyl group lets the easy construction of unprecedented photostable coumarin-BODIPY hybrids with broadened and enhanced absorption in the UV spectral region, and outstanding wavelength-tunable laser action within the green-to-red spectral region (∼520-680 nm). These laser dyes allow the generation of a valuable tunable UV (∼260-350 nm) laser source by frequency doubling, which is essential to study accurately the photochemistry of biological molecules under solar irradiation. The tunability is achieved by selecting the substitution pattern of the hybrid. Key factors are the linking heteroatom (nitrogen vs. oxygen), the number of coumarin units joined to the BODIPY framework and the involved linking positions.

Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (3aS,4S,5R,7aR)-2,2,7-trimethyl-3a,4,5,7a-tetra-hydro-1,3-benzodioxole-4,5-diol

The crystal structure of enanti­opure (3aS,4S,5R,7aR)-2,2,7-trimethyl-3a,4,5,7a- tetra­hydro-1,3-benzodioxole-4,5-diol shows that the absolute configuration determined from the synthesis pathway agrees with that determined by X-ray analysis.

The absolute configuration of the title compound, C₁₀H₁₆O₄, determined as 3aS,4S,5R,7aR on the basis of the synthetic pathway, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The mol­ecule contains a five- and a six-membered ring that adopt twisted and envelope conformations, respectively. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the rings is 76.80 (11)° as a result of their cis-fusion. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by two pairs of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [010]. These chains are further connected by weaker C—H⋯O inter­actions along [100], creating (001) sheets that inter­act only by weak van der Waals forces.

Influence of the synthesis route on the formation of 12R/10H-polytypes and their magnetic properties within the Ba(Ce,Mn)O3 family

A selective synthesis of 12R/10H polytypes within the Ba–Ce–Mn–O family can be induced by a Mn precursor.

Protective acquired immunity to Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa) is related to specific antibodies in Psetta maxima (L.) (Teleostei)

The acquired protection of three groups of turbot that had survived enteromyxosis outbreaks was tested by challenging with E. scophthalmi in three different experiments. The relation of such a response with the kinetics and duration of antibody production (determined by an ELISA) was studied. The progression of the infection was evaluated by PCR. In experiments 1 and 2, in which turbot had cohabited with highly infected fish during outbreaks, parasite prevalence and mortality were very low or null, and there was a progressive and statistically significant increase in the mean antibody production up to 350 and 152 days post-exposure respectively. By contrast, in experiment 3, fish (coming from non-infected tanks during the initial outbreak), both infection prevalence and cumulative mortality reached 92.8%, and specific antibodies were detected only in two fish. The observed differences in mortality after challenge appear to be related to the production of specific antibodies and it is probably accompanied by a repertoire of mechanisms of innate immunity. The exploitation of the immune system through breeding selection programmes as a possible strategy to control the disease is discussed.

Adhesion molecules as a prognostic marker of liver cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

Endothelial activation plays an active role in modifications of the circulatory status of cirrhotic patients. Soluble endothelial adhesion molecules, induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, could be considered markers of endothelial activation. Their role in the natural history of cirrhosis and portal hypertension has not been reported. Our objective was to analyze the prognostic value of soluble adhesion molecules in cirrhotic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum concentrations of soluble CD14, soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor alpha and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) as well as mean blood pressure, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, vasopressin and norepinephrine concentrations were determined in 64 cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh class: A 48.4%, B 34.4%, C 17.2%), without any evidence of infection, and in 25 healthy controls. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 36.4 (range 6-60) months.

RESULTS

Increased concentrations of soluble CD14, tumor necrosis factor receptors and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were detected in cirrhotic patients when compared with healthy controls. Tumor necrosis factor receptors and adhesion molecule concentrations were both significantly higher in advanced phases of cirrhosis (Child Pugh class C and B versus A). Fifteen patients died as a related consequence of liver cirrhosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Child-Pugh score and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor I and ICAM-1 were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the classic factor implicated in mortality (Child-Pugh class), alterations in inflammation-related components and soluble adhesion molecules, as representatives of hemodynamic alterations, are of prognostic significance in cirrhotic patients.