Library

Notes: The increasing requirements in wastewater treatment have led to the development of new wastewater treatment processes based on the know-how and experience in reaction and process engineering of the chemical industry. Due to their compactness, closed operation and high flexibility, these new processes show a large potential for process integration and significant cost reduction in particular for highly polluted industrial wastewaters.This paper discusses the HCR (high-performance compact reactor) - process, developed at the Mass Transfer Laboratory of the Technical University of Clausthal within the last decade. This process has been realized in more than 30 technical applications with a volume loading of up to 70 kg COD/m3 d and an energy consumption of about 0.4 kWh per kg CODelim.

Notes: Nitrogen fixing Anabaena azollae strains isolated from four different Azolla cultures were characterized based on their total protein profile and RAPD profile to study the existing variation among them. As expected, the isolates showed almost similar protein banding patterns, but exhibited differences in 40-70 KDa protein subunits. Polymerase chain reaction of the DNA of the isolates, using four different primers, amplified specific sequences of DNA and showed clear polymorphism among the isolates. The RAPD profile generated the fingerprinting pattern characteristic of each strain based on the sequence of the primers used. Common band sharing observed between the strains A. azollae-RS-KK-SK-AM and A. azollae-RS-KK-SK-RP probably represents maternal inheritance of DNA to the progeny. The polymorphic bands were generated specifically for the isolates A. azollae-RS-KK-SK-RP and A. azollae-RS-KK-SK-AM with primers numbered 2 and 4, respectively, which could be developed as possible markers for these isolates.

Notes: Mature seed-derived callus from an elite Chinese japonica rice cv. Eyl 105 was transformed with a plasmid containing the selectable marker hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) and the reporter β-glucuronidase (gusA) genes via particle bombardment. After two rounds of selection on hygromycin (30 mg/l)-containing medium, resistant callus was transferred to hygromycin (30 mg/l)-containing regeneration medium for plant regeneration. Twenty-three independent transgenic rice plants were regenerated from 127 bombarded callus with a transformation frequency of 18.1%. All the transgenic plants contained both gusA and hpt genes, revealed by PCR/Southern blot analysis. GUS assay revealed 18 out of 23 plants (78.3%) proliferated on hygromycin-containing medium had GUS expression at various levels. Genetic analysis confirmed Mendelian segregation of transgenes in progeny. From R2 generations with their R1 parent plants showing 3:1 Mendelian segregation, we identified three independent homozygous transgenic rice lines. The homozygous lines were phenotypically normal and fertile compared to the control plants. We demonstrate that homozygous transgenic rice lines can be obtained via particle bombardment-mediated transformation and through genetic analysis-based selection.

Notes: The GRAM-positive bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis K2-3 and the GRAM-negative Ochrobactrum anthropi K2-14 are capable of synergistically degrading 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB). The two strais execute this task in a symbiotic manner, but the nature of the interaction involved in the degradation is only partially understood as yet. An essential first step in elucidating the interaction is to be able to monitor the two strans separately, at the cellular level, within mixed populations. Therefore a method exploiting fluorescently labelled lectin probes was developed. Since Concanavalin A (Con A) binds specifically to R. erythropolis K2-3, it was selected and linked to the fluoresent dye Bodipy 630/650, which has an excitation maximum in the red part of the visible light spectrum. Forward light scatter (FSC) and DNA fluorescence from both strains were also measured to obtain simultaneous information about their physiological states. The three parameters were conveniently monitored by dual and triple excitation flow cytometry in conjunction with double fluorescent staining techniques. In addition, the strains were identified using an epifluorescence microscope. These techniques were found powerful tools for the population analysis of this mixed bacterial system.

Notes: A quite unconventional, innovative scientific methodology called “macroscopic pattern analysis” is presented in this paper. This approach is more adequate in the case of complex systems than the well-known microscopic, mechanistic approach. Complex systems are not only attracting more engineering interest, but their scientific treatment is increasingly wanted by society due to the manifold problems in Earth's ecosphere. The macroscopic pattern approach will be explained in depth and illustrated in some case studies from the ecosphere (sustainability, hurricanes and avalanches), where nature serves as a teacher for the solution of the sustainability problem. Then, a series of case studies on macropatterns are described showing the problem-solving capacity for anthropo- and technosphere: sustainability in society with an index of sustainability, the eco-social market economy with eco-tech as an instrument, biokinetics, bioreactor mixing and integrated bioprocessing with models, design of cars and houses and even quality of life as an attempt to quantify macropatterns.The innovations are briefly compared in their problem-solving capacity with known approaches such as the microscopic method in science, technology and society (free market economy), including the evaluation of other indices and cleaner production, industrial ecology and zero emission initiative. Finally, a deeper integration of sciences, ethics, arts and nature will be introduced based on the vision with macroscopic pattern analysis, where the different domains of human life are integratable to effect a reconciliation.

Notes: The dynamic behaviour of biofilters intended to remove toluene and xylene from air was studied during transient states. Laboratory scale biofilters were filled with a mixture of peat, bark and wood and inoculated with a mixed microbial population. Toluene and xylene were applied both as single pollutants and as mixtures. Attention was focused on the evaluation of the following transients: the response of biofilters to step changes and peaks in pollutant concentrations, the effect of changes between single and multiple pollutant loadings and the response to shutdown periods.The biofilters demonstrated a good dynamic stability during transient states induced by change in inlet pollutant concentrations. Their time periods did not exceed three hours. No interaction between xylene and toluene degradation was observed during changes in loading with single pollutants or their mixture. The performance interruptions lasting less than 24 hours were found to have no significant influence on the removal efficiency of biofilters. When the biofilters were reacclimated after longer starvation periods, a short temporary decrease in efficiency whose minimum and duration were proportional to the length of a preceding shutdown period was observed. The longest starvation period (7 days) resulted in a reacclimation lasting 7 hours only. Adaptations of a microbial population to new operating conditions as well as sorption/desorption processes were suggested as the main factors influencing the dynamic reponse characteristics.

Notes: In this paper, the in vivo decolourization of the polymeric dye Poly R-478 by semi-solid-state cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 (ATCC 24725) was investigated, employing corncob as a support. In order to stimulate the ligninolytic system of the fungus, the cultures were supplemented with veratryl alcohol (2 mM) or manganese (IV) oxide (1 g/l).Maximum manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) activities of around 2,000 U/l and 400 U/l were attained by the former, whereas the activities reached by the latter were of about 1,500 U/l and 200 U/l, respectively. Furthermore, laccase activity (around 150 U/l) was only detected in manganese (IV) oxide supplemented cultures.The polymeric dye Poly R-478 (0.02 w/v) was added to three-day-old cultures. A percentage of biological decolourization of about 85% was achieved using cultures supplemented with veratryl alcohol, whereas MnO2 cultures showed a rather lower percentage of around 58% after nine days of dye incubation. Moreover, a correlation between MnP activity and Poly R-478 decolourization could be observed, indicating that this enzyme is mainly responsible for dye degradation.In the present work, the in vivo decolourizing capability of the ligninolytic complex secreted by P. chrysosporium was investigated under the above-mentioned cultivation conditions, employing a model compound, such as the polymeric dye Poly R-478.

Notes: Desulfovibrio vulgaris strain PY1 was isolated from a 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3CBA) degrading anaerobic enrichment culture, using anaerobic Percoll density centrifugation. When grown on pyruvate (20 mM), in the absence of sulphate and under strict anaerobic conditions, this organism converted not only the co-substrates benzoate (BA), 3-amino-BA and 3CBA to the corresponding alcohols but also ten other different halogenated benzoic acids, viz., 4-Cl-, 3-Br-, 4-Br-, 3-I-, 3-F-, 4-F-, 2,4-di-Cl-, 2,5-di-Cl-, 3,4-di-Cl- and 3,5-di-Cl-BA. This was verfied with HPLC and GC/MS spectrometric analyses. The yields of the co-substrate converted after 30 days of growth were between 20% and 88%, depending on the compounds which had been added at initial concentrations of 500 μM. Sulphate, sulphite, thiosulphate and disulphite inhibited the formation of 3-Cl-benzyl alcohol (3CBOH), i.e. a 97 to 99% inhibition, and nitrate and sulphur had no effect (a 7-10% inhibition). In cell-free extracts, the reduction of 3CBA to 3CBOH required strict anaerobic conditions, pyruvate or H2 as electron donors and the addition of methylviologen (MV), FAD, FMN or ferredoxin as electron carriers. The specific activity of the reduction of 3CBA to 3CBOH in crude extract was 5.3 nmol/(mg protein min). The reaction was not inhibited by additions of sulphate or sulphite (5 mM), but was completely inhibited at concentrations of 10 mM 3CBA or 50 mM BA. A carboxylic acid reductase (aldehyde dehydrogenase), which acted on non-activated 3CBA and was responsible for the reduction of 3CBA to 3-Cl-benzaldehyde, was found in the solube fraction (94% of the total activity). These results demonstrate that strain PY1 was able to effectively reduce a wide range of halogenated benzoic acids to the corresponding alcohols.

Notes: The recent upsurge in information technology has provided the international community with an easy access to professional journals (e.g. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology at http://www.ejb.org; etc.), discussion groups (e.g. bioenergy@cret.org; digestion@crest.org; etc.) and recently to electronic international conferences (e.g. ICIBS; http://www.cid.harvard.edu/cidbiotech, etc.) as well as a series of biotechnological information material (e.g. http://www.psrast.org, etc.) to stay in contact and receive up-to-date information in biotechnology. There is no doubt that this new technology will be more cost effective in future and reach more people in communities around the globe.This review reports on one such an electronic conference aiming at bridging the communication gap between developed and developing countries. This conference dealt with integrated biosystems and has provided an excellent forum for more than 100 active participants from all regions of the world. As has been demonstrated in this review, the conference was able to show the very different approaches towards the use of biotechnology in developed and developing countries, cold and tropical climate regions owing to their different ecological, economical and societal problems. It also demonstrated very clearly that the field of molecular genetics and/or genetic engineering is not a priority issue in developing countries, but rather the need for clean technologies, multiproduct formation through socio-economic integrated biosystems, e.g. incorporating microbial waste management into agro-industries, in human activities and their roles in creating better health conditions, a better environment and sustain development.It is hoped that this review will lead to a greater use of the electronic facilities available to inform and educate both the northern and the southern communities more readily of their needs and requirements to improve understanding and efforts for a sustainable future.

Notes: The purpose and scope of this article is to introduce capable zeolites into downstream processing of natural compounds, especially flavour compounds like 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furan-3-one (Furaneol®Furaeol is a registered trademark of FIRMENICH, Ch). The synthesis and the recovery of Furaneol from L-rhamnose are presented. Therefore adsorption isotherms of the zeolites ZSM5 and DAY with varying modules have been determined and adsorption experiments using model and reaction mixtures of Furaneol synthesis were performed and will be discussed.

Notes: A fermentation process for manufacturing 1,4-piperazinium-(L,L)-dilactate from renewable raw materials and a method for processing this product into L,L-dilactide are described. Lactic acid fermentation with Lactobacillus paracasei was modified in such a way that pH control occurred by using an aqueous solution of piperazine as a correcting agent instead of sodium hydroxide solution. The production of a stoichiometrically composed piperazinium lactate was possible when the pH was 5.0. From 5.0 kg of glucose and 2.15 kg of piperazine, 6.65 kg of 1,4-piperazinium-(L,L)-dilactate were formed in the fermentation process. Separation from fermentation broth, purification and concentration of the product in aqueous solutions were carried out by means of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and electrodialysis. Total product retention by the membranes used was about 33%. The crystalline salt was obtained by vacuum evaporation. Processing of the 1,4-piperazinium-(L,L)-dilactate into L,L-dilactide was performed in a special glass reactor. A product yield of 70% was achieved. The purified product was characterized by elementary analysis, as well as solubility behaviour, polarity and spectroscopic data. An overall process consisting of the stages fermentation, purification and concentration of piperazinium dilactate as well as cyclization of the latter to dilactide is described.

Notes: Five different chemical reagents and γ-rays were tested for the sanitization of immobilized biocatalysts with high penicillin G acylase (PGA) activity. The most effective chemical reagents were N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (thymol). The optimum concentration of CTAB for the treatment of the immobilized enzyme was 0.25% [w/v] and 1 h, for immobilized cells 0. [w/v] and 3 h. The optimum concentration of thymol for the immobilized enzyme was found to be 0.1% [w/v] and 1 h, for immobilized cells 0.27% [w/v] and 2 h. The optimum dose of γ-rays for the sanitization of the immobilized enzyme was established as 3.2 kGy, for immobilized cells as 4.5 kGy.

Notes: An advanced primary treatment process for a municipal waste water was systematically studied, using a bio-flocculation-adsorption, sedimentation and stabilzation process (BSS). It was shown that the organic removal efficiency was higher than that of the traditional primary treatment processes but lower than that of the traditional secondary treatment processes. Both adsorption and bio-flocculation played an important role in the removal of pollutants. The activated sludge within the bio-flocculation-adsorption tank could be considered a bio-flocculent which improved the quality of the effluent from the primary treatment process. As the effluent of the BSS process did not meet the requirements for a typical secondary effluent, the process may be regarded as an advanced (or enhanced) primary treatment process, suitable for waste water containing a high concentration of suspended solids and colloidal particles.

Notes: The concentration of airborne fungal spores and bacteria as related to room temperature, humidity and occupancy levels within a library building in Singapore was determined. Measurement of indoor air quality with respect to microorganisms is of particular importance in tropical environments due to the extensive use of air-conditioning systems and the potential implications for human health. This study has revealed a number of interesting relationships between the concentrations of fungal spores and bacteria in relation to both environmental and human factors. The levels of fungal spores measured in the indoor environment were approximately fifty times lower than those measured outside, probably because of the lowered humidity caused by air-conditioning in the indoor environment. The variation in fungal spore concentration in the outdoor environment is likely to be due to the diurnal periodicity of spore release and the response to environmental factors such as light temperature and humidity. The indoor concentration of fungal spores in air was not clearly correlated to concentrations measured in air outside of the library building and remained relatively constant, unaffected by the difference in the numbers of occupants in the library. In contrast, the indoor concentrations of bacteria in air were approximately ten times higher than those measured outdoors, indicating a signficant internal source of bacteria. The elevated levels of indoor bacteria were primarily attributed to the number of library occupants. Increased human shedding of skin cells, ejection of microorganisms and particulates from the respiratory tract, and the transport of bacteria on suspended dust particles from floor surfaces probably accounts for the strong positive correlation between occupancy levels and the concentration of bacteria in internal air.

Notes: Preliminary results on the novel use of the bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans (ATCCJ 3598 and ATCC33020) for the micro-machining (or biomachinig) of metals are reported. Biomachning is a controlled microbiological process to selectively form microstrucutures on a metal work-piece by metal removal (or dissolution) using microorganisms. Applying copper and mild steel as work-pieces, it was shown that the mass removed increased proportionately with machining time. In another experiment, the work-pieces were coated with organic photo-resistive materials to mask (i.e. protect) certain regions of the metlas, thereby defining the microstructure to be formed. The unmasked regions were successfully biomachined; the final machined profile was shown to be similar to the coating image on the original metal. Although biomachining proceeded at a slower rate than chemical machining, the undesired leaching of the metal in the region under the masked area (termed undercutting) was not as severely encountered when compared with the latter. This work demonstrates the potential use of microorganisms for the biomachining of metals. As a “green process”, the innovative use of T. ferrooxidans for the micro-machining of metals opens up the possibility of biomachining as an alternative to conventional metal processing.

Notes: During the microbial treatment of a sandy model soil artificially contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a large residual pollution was found. The remainig PAHs were sorbed into the micropores of the soil and were therefore not bioavailable. Using a lab-scale precolator, the microbially pretreated soil was subjected to aftertreatment with surfactants with the aim of further degradation of its pollution. Two commercial nonionic surfatants of the polyethoxylate type, Präwozell F1214/5 N and Sapogenat T-300, were used. The surfactants differ both in their physicochemical properties (CMC value, PAH solubilization capacity, adsorption onto soil) and in their microbial degradability. During aftertreatment under permanently aerobic conditions, only a weak PAH accumulation in the liquid phase was observed, which was due to a low solubilization rate as well as to simultaneous microbial degradation of the dissolved PAHs. Temporary anaerobiosis successfully suppressed the microbial degradation of both the surfactant and the solubilized PAHs, resulting in a more intensive PAH accumulation. But the PAH content of the soil - the essential criterion for evaluating the efficiency of surfactant application - was not decreased to a larger extent with surfactants than without them. To find out why the surfactants failed to act, the surfactant and hydrocarbon distribution among the liquid and solid phases was studied in mixtures of phenantherne-spiked solis and Präwozell-containig liquids; at heavy phenanthrene loading, the aqueous phase was saturated with PAH; at weak loading, it was unsaturated. Model-aided data analysis showed that the soil may contain PAH in two fractions: strongly sorbed into soil pores and, in the case of heavy loading, also weakly attached to the soil surface. The latter is easily extractable, resulting in a PAH-saturated liquid, while strongly adsorbed PAH is only partially dissolved due to competition between the micelles and the soil pores for the PAH. The microbially pretreated soil contains only strongly bound PAHs, which are as difficult to extract by surfactants as they are poorly accessible for microbes.

Notes: Autochthonous bacteriocenoses in semiarid soils in Patagonia were found to be capable of rapidly adapting to high contamination with crude oil. This adaptation at community level is due to the selective enrichment of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria always present in these soils. Immediately after a heavy contamination with crude oil, the authochthonous bacteriocenosis contained about 28% hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria which could be classified into eight ecotypes with characteristic metabolic profiles. Mainly n-alkanes were used as growth substrates of representative strains. After seven months' exposure to crude oil, the bacteriocenosis consisted almost entirely of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. At least fourteen ecotypes were distinguishable, and the majority of representative strains were able to metabolize a broad spectrum of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Corresponding to the significant alteration of the physiological diversity, drastic changes to the taxonomic diversity were also found. Whereas at the beginning of the study the autochthonous bacteriocenoses were dominated by GRAM-positive genera of the Actinomycetales (Dietzia, Gordona, Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Streptomyces) with high ecological potency, after just two months' exposure to crude oil, GRAM- negative bacteria (especially Pseudomonas stutzeri) became predominant within the hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteriocenoses accompanied by some GRAM-positive genera of the Actinomycetales with a significantly lower abundance. These findings underline the importance of Pseudomonas and some genera of Actinomycetales for processes of natural attenuation and the technically supported in situ bioremediation of soil polluted by crude oil in Patagonia.

Notes: Some parameters of the production of an alkaline protease by Rhizopus oryzae in the solid state fermentation of wheat bran were optimized. Using the optimum parameters of an inoculum age of 7 days, an incubation time of 9 days, an amount of CZAPEK-DOX (liquid medium) of 6 ml/g bran and an incubation temperature of 33°C, an activity of 50 U/g bran was achieved. The initial pH of the CZAPEK-DOX medium had little effect. Re-incubation of mouldy bran with only fresh CZAPEK-DOX yielded 3 times total activity compared to single-cycle fermentation. As for the effect of the amount CZAPEK-DOX medium, the water constituent contributed more to activity increase than did the salt component. The ARRHENIUS activation energies were 23 and 7.9 kcal/mole below and above the optimum of 33°C, respectively. In all the studies, along with protease production, variation of protein content and specific activity were also observed. Attempts were made to explain the effects and also gauge their implications for large-scale production.

Notes: Because of the growing utilization of renewable raw materials, the technical use of lignocellulosic fibres from wood and other annual plant materials is becoming increasingly important. The conventional production process of fibreboards is characterized by high-energy consumption and use of ecologically insecure synthetic lesins. Approximately 40 to 45% of the total energy expenditure are used for the thermo-mechanical pulping. Because of high plastication temperatures, an inactive lignin crust on the fibre surface is formed. For that reason, for glueing of the fibres, urea formaldehyde and melamin resins are usually used. The costs for the resin amount to approximately 50% of the entire material costs. In addition, environmental problems are caused. The aim of our investigation is the reduction of energy and resin consumption by enzymatic modification of wood chips and the enzymatic activation of the inherent bonding strength of the material. The first industrial use of fungi for the modification of wood was in the production of “Myco wood”. Pleurothus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor were applied for nonsterile delignification of beech wood. The present investigation of the authors deals with the mycological pre-treatment of wood chips in order to reduce the energy consumption during wood pulping. The screening results favour the brown rotter Gleophyllum trabeum for pinewood (Pinus silvestris) and the white rotter Trametes hirsuta for beech (Fagus silvatica). Both species show resistance against mould fungi. The use of submerged inoculum of these fungi has the advantage over wheat inoculum that the lag phase is less than 12 hours and that the addition of nutrients or fungicides is not necessary. Short-time wood chip incubation results in a 40% decrease of energy consumption during thermo-mechanical pulping and in improved fibreboard properties. Lignin reduction could not be determined by gravimetrical and x-ray microanalysis.Comparative investigations of fibre incubation using laccase, a submerged culture of Trametes versicolor and rape straw fibres show a high increase in bending and tensile strength and an improvement in the hygroscopic properties of glue-free fibre boards for the last two incubation kinds. Similar effects have been obtained incubating pine wood fibres for the production of fibre sheets with enzyme medium of Trichoderma reseei.

Notes: During the 20th century, important relationships developed between the oil industry and both microbiological and biotechnological research. Basic microbiological research has played an important role in both the exploration and production sectors of the oil industry, but as the maturity of the industry has progressed, such contributions have been relegated with respect to their importance. With respect to refining and petrochemicals manufacture, process routes have been extensively researched, but only rarely have the biotechnological solutions developed satisfied the economic criteria that resulted in major investment. In fact, situations exist where investment has occurred, but project life was unrealistically short, suggesting a need for extreme caution when evaluating biotechnological processes for the oil industry. However, as far as engineered processes for both biotreatment and bioremediation are concerned, the fundamental research that has underpinned other areas of hydrocarbon microbiology will finally prove to be of both technical and economic value, in ensuring that the essential needs of treatment, rather than disposal, and restoration, rather than environmental destruction, can be satisfied by the oil and other industries involved in both geochemical manipulation and natural resource exploitation.

Notes: The influence of different growth-limiting factors - namely the sources of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and the dilution (growth) rate - on the ice-nucleation activity of Pseudomonas syringe CCM 4073 was studied. A higher ice-nucleation activity was observed at a lower dilution (growth) rate (D = 0.1 h-1) than at a higher dilution (growth) rate (D = 0.3 h-1). Remarkable differences in ice-nucleation activity were found in its dependence on the growth-limiting factor. The highest ice-nucleation activity was observed under carbon limitation (T90 = -2.7°C), a medium activity under nitrogen limitation (T90 = -5°C) and lowest activity under phosphorus limitation (T90 = -12.3°C). After the addition of excess nitrogen or phosphorus to steady-state cultures, the ice-nucleation activity was restored.

Notes: Studies were carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using coffee industry residues, viz. coffee husk, coffee leaves and spent coffee ground as substrates in solid state fermentation (SSF) to cultivate edible mushrooms Pleurotus. Eight strains of Pleurotus ostreatus and two strains of Pleurotus sajor-caju were screened on a medium prepared from aqueous extract of coffee husk and agar. Based on best mycelial growth (9.68 mm/day) and biomass production (43.4 mg/plate in 9 days at 24°C), the strain P. ostreatus LPB 09 was selected for detailed studies. SSF was carried out using these substrates under different moisture conditions (45-75%) and spawn rates (2.5-25%). In general, although a 25% spawn rate appeared superior, the 10% spawn rate was recommended for all the three substrates in view of the process economics, as there was not any significant difference in the increase with 10 to 15%. The ideal moisture content for mycelial growth was 60-65% for coffee husk and spent coffee ground, and 60-70% for coffee leaves. The biological efficiency (BE), which is defined as the ratio of the weight of fresh fruiting bodies to the weight of dry substrate, multiplied by 100, and which indicates the fructification ability of the fungus for utilizing the substrate, was best with coffee husk. With coffee husk as the substrate, the first fructification occurred after 20 days of inoculation, and the biological efficiency reached about 97% after 60 days. When coffee leaves were used as the substrate, no fructification was observed even upon prolonged cultivation. With spent ground as the substrate, the first fructification occurred 23 days after inoculation and the biological efficiency reached about 90% in 50 days. There was a significant decrease in the caffeine and tannin contents (61 and 79%, respectively) of coffee husk after 60 days. It was remarkable to observe that caffeine was adsorbed onto the fruiting body (0.157%), indicating that it was not completely degraded by the fungal culture. However, no tannins were found in the fruiting body, indicating that the fungal strain was capable of degrading them. The results showed the feasibility of using coffee husk and spent coffee ground as substrates without any pre-treatment for the cultivation of edible fungi in SSF, and provided one of the first steps towards an economical utilization of these otherwise unutilized or poorly utilized residues.

Notes: Serratia marcescens biovar A2/A6 is able to produce a red pigment as a secondary metabolite which has antimicrobial activity. This paper describes its growth and biopigment formation in batch cultures, in media containing different concentrations of lactic acid and beef extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. An unstructured model has also been developed to describe its growth, lactic acid uptake and biopigment formation. The comparison of simulated and experimental data shows that the proposed model predicts reasonably well the system behaviour over a range of conditions.

Notes: The impact of hydrocarbon remediation on several enzyme activities (catalase, dehydrogenase, lipase, protease, urease, alkaline phosphomonoesterase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) and microbial properties (biomass-C, respiration, N-mineralization, qCO2, microbial counts) was evaluated in a laboratory study over a period of 10 weeks. A pristine soil was contaminated with diesel oil (10 mg/g soil) or with a mixture of phenanthrene and naphthalene (total amount 1 mg/g soil) and supplemented with inorganic nutrients to give a C:N ratio of 20:1. The corresponding controls consisted of uncontaminated nutrient-supplemented soil. Oil contamination caused a significant initial increase of all biological parameters measured. In the presence of PAHs, biomass-C, respiration, protease activity and heterotrophic counts were significantly enhanced, while urease activity was depressed. N-mineralization was initially, however, reversibly inhibited in the presence of oil and PAHs.The measured parameters behaved differently over time: Biomass-C, respiration and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity reached a maximum activity after about 2-5 weeks, corresponding to the period during which the majority of hydrocarbons disappeared, and declined thereafter to the background level. Activities of catalase and dehydrogenase also followed this pattern, however, were characterized by fluctuations. Activities of lipase, protease, urease and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis increased and remained almost constant throughout the incubation period.

Notes: The action resonance theory (ART), a hypothesis based on a logical extension of EINSTEIN's theory of Brownian movement, suggests that the genotype × environment interaction can be modelled as forceful encounters of the gene-products of an organism with its environment. This model has implications for molecular and cell biology, morphogenesis, evolutionary development via mutation, the mechanism of natural selection and overall function of ecosystems, extending SCHRÖDINGER's programme for molecular biology. Action, a thermodynamic property with the same physical dimensions as angular momentum and PLANCK's quantum of action, is proposed to be reversibly generated as a result of the molecular exchange of quanta, which become resonant at equilibrium, corresponding to an optimum degree of entropy and action for living systems. Because the theory can potentially predict solutions to unsolved problems such as the folding of proteins it has strong implications for successful genetic modification of organisms and for biotechnology in general; the design of a programme of research to test this theory is proposed. A key element in this research programme, improving productivity and sustainability, would be the need to select genetically modified strains in the ecological environment or niche in which they are required to function.

Notes: Continuous counter-current chromatographic processes have been successfully used in the petrochemical and sugar industry over the last 30 years. Only recently has simulated moving bed (SMB)-technology attracted widespread interest in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly as a very efficient system for chromatographic enantioseparation. The application of this technique to the downstream processing of biotechnological products requires some specific changes to meet the special demands of bioproduct isolation. Production processes are set up on an multi-ton scale, for example, for the purification of fructose with both yield and purity higher than 90%. Examples for other mono- and oligosaccharides are reported. In the purification of fatty acids or fat soluble vitamins, SMB technology under supercritical fluid conditions gives additional benefits and increases the productivity by a factor of four when a pressure gradient is applied. Another field of operation is the isolation of drug compounds from natural sources where different batch- and SMB-chromatographic steps could be successfully combined. First examples are reported for cyclosporine A and paclitaxel isolation. Finally, step-gradient elution modes can be used continuously, as demonstrated for the isolation of monoclonal antibodies.

Notes: Azimines. IITeil I, siehe [1]. . Preparation and Thermal Fragmentation of cis- and trans-2,3-Diphenyl-1-phthalimido-2,3-di[15N]-azimine Teilweise vorgetragen in der Versammlung der Schweizerischen Chemischen Gesellschaft am 8./9. Oktober 1976 in Genf und als Autoreferat veröffentlicht [2].cis- and trans-2,3-Diphenyl-1-phthalimido-2,3-di[15N]-azimine (11 and 12) wer synthesized from cis-di[15N]-azobenzene (10) and phthalimido-nitrene (2), the latter generated by lead tetraacetate oxidation of N-aminophthalimide (1). Useful information was obtained from the comparison of several data of 11 and 12 with those of the unmarked diphenyl-azimines 5 and 6 (R = C6H5).The 15N- and 13C-NMR. spectra of 11 and 12 were interpreted to furnish additional evidence for the azimine structure and for the indicated configurations. The IR. spectra permitted identification of two bands in the 1200 to 1450 cm-1 region, probably characteristic for the functionality of diaryl-phthalimido-azimines. Comparison of the mass spectrum of 11/12 with that of the unmarked analogues 5/6 (R = C6H5) permitted the interpretation of the fragmentation path of 1-phthalimidoazimines. The major path may be the purely thermal decomposition to 13 and 7 (R = C6H5), respectively. Two other competing fragmentation paths are discussed.Prolonged thermolysis of 11 at 61° in solution gave 83% of N,N′-diphenyl-N N′-phthaloyl-di[15N]-hydrazine (13) of 98% isotope purity, which means that the imide nitrogen atom and N(1) of the azimine function are removed in this reaction. A mechanism passing through an intermediate cyclic tetrazene 16 is considered.Benzocyclobutenedione (14) added to trans-azobenzene (4, R = C6H5) under the influence of a high pressure lamp in a quarz apparatus to give N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-phthaloyl-hydrazine (7, R = C6H5). This reaction was found not to take place in the dark, even after prolonged heating in trichloromethane.

Notes: Azimines. I. Synthesis and Stereoisomerism of 2, 3-Diaryl- and 2, 3-Dialkyl-1-phthalimido-aziminesTeilweise vorgetragen in der Versammlung der Schweizerischen Chemischen Gesellschaft in Lausanne am 7./8. Mai 1971 und als Autoreferat veröffentlicht [1].Special examples of a new class of compounds, the open-chain azimines (1), have been prepared and their properties examined.Addition of phthalimido-nitrene (4), generated by lead tetraacetate oxidation of N-aminophthalimide (3), to cis- and trans-azobenzene (6 and 5), -azo-p-toluene (8 and 7), and to trans-azomethane (9), -azoethane (10) and -azo-α-phenylethane (11) afforded the separable cis- and trans-isomers of 2, 3-diphenyl- (12 and 13), 2, 3-di-p-toyl- (14 and 15), 2, 3-dimethyl- (16 and 17), 2, 3-diethyl- (18 and 19) and 2, 3-di-(α-phenylethyl)-1-phthalimido-azimines (20 and 21) in different ratios (see Scheme 1).The constitution of the nitrene azo compound adducts as azimines was derived from their properties, especially from the conjugation effect (visible in the UV. spectra) of the aryl-substituted compounds and from the non-equivalence (shown by the 1H-NMR. spectra) of the substituents on the two nitrogen atoms derived from the azo compounds. This evidence excluded the triaziridine 22 and an alternative azimine constitution 23 for the adducts.Of the two stereoisomers obtained for each of the azimines, the aryl-substituted examples 12/13 and 14/15 were readily interconverted by warming in solution, the cis-isomers 12 and 14 exceeding the trans-isomers 13 and 15 in the equilibrium. The dialkyl-azimines appear to be configurationally more stable, since interconversion of the dimethyl-azimines 16 and 17 was not possible under the same conditions, and also not before another thermal reaction took place (see below).The identification of the N(2)-N(3) bond as the stereogenic center, i.e. that the stereoisomerism of the azimines is due to the difference in relative position at N(2) and N(3) of the substituents derived from the azo compounds, as well as a configurational assignment was possible in the aryl-substituted examples on the basis of the UV. spectroscopic comparison of the isomeric azimines with the corresponding stereoisomeric azoxy compounds: The cis-azimines 12 and 14 showed absorptions similar to those of cis-azoxybenzene and cis-azoxy-p-toluene, and the trans-azimines 13 and 15 showed absorptions similar to those of the respective trans-azoxy compounds. With respect to the configuration of the alkyl-substituted azimines, it was observed that the isomers 17 and 19, which from their formation and chromatographic behaviour are likely to be the trans-isomers, show a visible coupling (∽ 1 Hz) between the two H (α)'s in the 1H-NMR. spectrum, whereas the dimethyl isomer 16 (cis) does not exhibit such a coupling.Thermal treatment of four azimines, namely 12, 14, 16 and 17, in solution for a longer time afforded the corresponding N, N′-disubstituted N, N′-phthaloyl-hydrazines 27, 28 and 29. The order of velocity of this fragmentation with nitrogen extrusion was 12/13 ≍ 14/15 〉 16(cis) 〉 17(trans).

Notes: The 6-chloro-2-cyclohexenones 3, 6 and 11, and the 5-chloro-2-cyclopentenone 15 were newly synthesized. The results obtained with compounds 3 and 15 in photocycloadditions to olefins show that the oxetane vs. cyclobutane product ratio is reduced by the substitution of florine by chlorine in the α′ -position of the enone. No oxetanes are formed in the intramolecular photocycloaddition of 6. Compound 11 does not photoadd to olefins. The newly synthesized 2-chloro-3-cyclohexenones 8 and 9 are also photostable towards light of λ=366 nm, but π-π*-excitation (λ=254 nm) in pentane leads to the formation of 4,4-dimethylcyclohexanone (29).

Notes: Polynuclear Cobalt Complexes. II. Preparation and Structure of [(tren) (NH3)Co(O2)Co(NH3) (tren)](SCN)4 · 2H2OThe title compound is obtained on oxygenation of [Co(tren)(H2O)2]2+ in 6M aqueous ammonia or by ligand exchange starting from [(NH3)5Co(O2)Co(NH3)5]-(NO3)4. An X-ray structure determination was made. The substance forms monoclinic crystals, space group P21/c, lattice constants a=10,135, b=8,473, c=19,484 Å, β=108,58°, with two formula units in the cell. The final R is 0,066. The binuclear cation has a center of symmetry, so the Co—O—O—Co unit is planar; the Co—O—O angle is 111,5°. The tertiary nitrogen atoms of both chelate groups are cis to the O2 bridge, as found in doubly bridged [(tren)Co(O2,OH)Co(tren)](ClO4)3 · 3H2O.On acidification in solution, the singly bridged cation [(tren) (NH3)CoO2Co(NH3)(tren)]4+ (a) loses the bound O2 completely. But unlike the doubly bridged cation b, the rate of dissociation of a is independent of pH (Fig. 5). At higher pH (8-10) bridging a→b (Fig. 2) occurs. Both reactions must have the same rate determining step, the first order rate constants being of the order of 2 · 10-3 s-1 (25°, 0,35M KCl).

Notes: Following the intraperitoneal administration of high doses of 14C- and 3H- labelled retinoic acid (1) to rats, three major metabolites and the intact compound were isolated from the feces in microgram amounts by use of column, thin-layer and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry and Fourier Transform 1H-NMR. spectroscopy as 2 (all-trans-4-oxoretinoic acid), 3 (7-trans-9-cis-11-trans-13-trans-5′-hydroxy-retinoic acid).Hydroxylation of the 5-methyl group of the cyclohexene ring, oxidation of the cyclohexene ring in position 4 and cis-trans isomerisation of the nonatetraenoic acid side chain were the reactions, which produced these products from retinoic acid. The metabolites 2 and 4 each accounted for about 4% of the radioactivity administered. The metabolite 3 and the parent compound accounted for about 16% and 17% of the dose, respectively.

Notes: Novel types of acetylenic sugarsThe coupling, following Cadiot's procedure, of a 6-bromo-5,6-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidène-3-O-methyl-α-D-xylo-hex-5-yno-1, 4-furanose (1) with phenylacetylene, 2-propyn-1-ol or terminal acetylenic sugars gave with excellent yields the expected diynes (an enediyne when the terminal acetylene was the 3,5, 6-trideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glycero-hex-3-en-5-yno-1,4-furanose 7). The chloro analogue 8 of 1 on treatment with lithium thiophenate gave the corresponding phenylthio-acetylenic sugar 9. An acetylene was also formed by reacting the gem-difluoro-olefinic sugar 10 with butyllithium whereas the same olefinic sugar and its 3-O-benzyl analogue 11 gave only a gem-fluoro-arylthio-olefinic sugar (13-15) as a mixture of the Z and E isomers (Z/E 〉 4) when treated with the conjugate base of an arylmercaptan.

Notes: Some more examples of stable free radicals of carbohydrate heterocyclic derivatives2-Glycosyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline- 3-oxide-1-oxyls and 2-glycosyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline 1-oxyls have been prepared in nine carbohydrate series, which proves the generality of the method. The hyperfine coupling constant between the free electron and the α-proton of the glycosyl group is never very large (0-2.3 G) but a correlation between its value and the structure of the aglycone has been noted. Free radicals of that type, stable in aqueous solutions, are potentially interesting for biological studies.

Notes: Interpretation of the chemical and spectral (IR., UV., 1H- and 13C-NMR.) properties of the antitumor antibiotic hedamycin (C41H50N2O11) suggests that the molecule contains a methyl substituted 1-hydroxyanthraquinone nucleus, an α, β-unsaturated ketone, two sugar-like tetrahydropyran rings (4 and 8) and an aliphatic chain 2, presumably with an epoxy group (see the Scheme).

Notes: Halogenated pyridines and 1,8-naphthyridines. VI.The principle of the synthesis of 3-halomethyl-2,6-dichloro-pyridines has been extended to compounds with side chains of more than one carbon atom in the 3-position. Feasible synthetic routes are outlined starting from cheap, commercially available α-methylideneglutaronitrile and trichloroalkyl functional compounds which yield the intermediate 1,3,5-trisubstituted alkanes. These are cyclized by aqueous mineral acid or by hydrogen bromide in an organic solvent to 2-substituted glutarimids or hexahydronaphthyridinones, depending on the mode of cyclization. The final aromatization provides a simple route to pyridines or 1, 8-naphthyridines.

Notes: Proton catalysed [1,2]-H-shift in the rearrangement of 6,7-diphenyl-5,6-dihydropterine (I) to 6,7-diphenyl-7,8-dihydropterine (III)The arrangement from I to the thermodynamically more stable III undergoes through a acid catalysed [1,2]-H-shift (intramolecular 6,7-hydride rearrangement) (see Scheme 1).

Notes: Reaktionen von 1,3,5,7-Tetramethyl-anti-tricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]octan-2,6-diolen und deren 4,4,8,8-Tetrachlor- und 4,8-Dichlorderivaten mit DiphosphortetrajodidEs wurden die P2I4-Reaktionen mit 1,3,5,7-Tetramethyl-anti-tricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]-octan-2,6-diolen (3/6), mit dem 4,8-Dichlorderivat 4 und mit den 4,4,8,8-Tetrachlorderivaten 5/7 untersucht. Dabei entstanden die Styrolderivate 9 und 12, die anti-Bishomobenzolderivate 8 und 11, ein Homotropylidenderivat 10, ein Cyclo-octatetraenderivat 13 und ein 9-Oxabicyclo[4.2.1]nona-2,4,7-trienderivat 15. Die Ausbeuten lagen zwischen 1 und 10%. Die Bildung aller dieser Produkte liess sich unter der Annahme der primären Umwandlung einer oder beider Hydroxylgruppen in Abgangsgruppen X oder X und Y (wahrscheinlich X=Y=I) mechanistisch deuten. Die Reaktion der Deschlorderivate 3/6 lieferte nach Substitution beider Hydroxyl-gruppen durch X und Y: (a) unter Abspaltung von HX und HY das Styrolderivat 9 (Schema 2) und (b) unter Abspaltung von XY das Homotropylidenderivat 10 (Schema 3a) und das Bishomobenzolderivat 8 (Schema 3b). Die Reaktion des 4,8-Dichlor-derivates 4 lieferte nach Substitution beider Hydroxylgruppen durch X und Y: (a) unter Abspaltung von HX und HY das Styrolderivat 12 (Schema 2), und (b) unter Abspaltung von XY das Bishomobenzolderivat 11 (Schema 3b). Die Reaktion mit den 4,4,8,8-Tetrachlorderivaten 5/7 lieferte: (a) nach Substitution beider Hydroxyl-gruppen durch X und Y unter Abspaltung von XCl und YCl das Cyclooctatetraen-derivat 13 (Schema 4), und (b) nach Substitution nur einer Hydroxylgruppe durch X unter Abspaltung von XCl und HCl das bicyclische Derivat 15 (Schema 5). Alle diese Reaktionen sind zusätzlich zu den angegebenen Fragmentierungen und Eliminierungen noch teilweise von Umlagerungen des Kohlenstoffgerüstes begleitet.Die thermische Umlagerung von 1,5-Dichlor-2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-cycloocta-1,3,5,7-tetraen (13) in das Styrolderivat 12 wurde in Abhängigkeit der Lösungs-mittelpolarität untersucht und mit der analogen thermischen Umlagerung von Brom-cyclooctatetraen und Chlor-cyclooctatetraen verglichen.

Notes: Leaf-gland Pigments: Coleons S and T from Plectranthus caninus ROTH (Labiatae), New Hydroquinones of the Abietane Series with a Diosphenol/trans-A/B-6,7-Diketone Structure.Coleons S and T were isolated from the more polar fractions from extracts of the above mentioned plant. Coleon S, C20H26O6, has been shown to have structure 1a, and coleon T, C20H26O6, structure 2.

Notes: On a Synthesis of the angular Di(cyclobuteno)benzolIn the course of our studies aimed at better understanding the Mills-Nixon effect, we have also prepared the angular di(cyclobuteno)benzene (1), the synthesis of which has been recently described by another group [3]. Our completely different and essentially simpler synthetic approach will be pointed out. A special pyrolysis apparatus is designed.

Notes: Photochemical reactions of norbornadiene with substituted acetylenes in the presence of Fe(CO)5 gave various products of different types, depending on the nature of the acetylene. The results are summarized in Table 1. The cyclopentanone 1 was always formed in these reactions. In the reaction of disubstituted acetylenes such as dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and ethyl phenylpropiolate, the cyclopentenones 2 and 5 were formed, respectively. By contrast, propiolic esters produced the cyclohexenones 3 and 4, in which the ester group was attached on the β carbon with respect to the keto group. Plausible mechanisms for the formation of these products are shown in Schemes 7 and 8. The reaction of diphenylacetylene gave the cyclohexendione 7 as well as the cyclopentenone 6. Two enedione products 8 and 9 were obtained from the reaction of phenylacetylene. Compound 9 was converted to the aromatic diacetate 13 by heating with acetic anhydride in pyridine. On irradiation in the presence of Fe(CO)5 norbornene reacted similarly with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and phenylacetylene to give the cyclopentenone 14 and the cyclohexenone 15, respectively. Compound 15, upon heating, isomerized to hydroquinone 16, which on acetylation gave the diacetate 17.

Notes: It is shown that the ab initio STO-3G treatment applied to simple saturated linear, branched and cyclic hydrocarbons, assuming standard geometries, yields orbital energies ∊jSTO-3G for their canonical orbital ϕj which correlate perfectly with the observed C2s ionization energies Ijm, if Koopmans' approximation is accepted.Applying the Foster-Boys localization procedure to these canonical orbitals ϕj leads to localized orbitals λμ and their corresponding Hartree-Fock matrix Fλ = (Fλ,μv). An examination of the matrix elements Fλ,μv, i.e. of the self-energies Aμ = Fλ,μμ of the localized CC- and CH-orbitals λμ and of the cross terms Fλ, μv (μ ≠ v) between them, leads to the conclusion that a satisfactory approximation should be obtained by setting Aμ = A for all μ, Fλ,μv = B if λμ and λv are vicinal and neglecting all other cross terms. The resulting model is nothing but the well-known equivalent bond orbital model of Lennard-Jones & Hall, which however can now be calibrated using the known C2s-ionization energies of hydrocarbons. Due to the discrete structure and the wider range (∽ 8 eV) of the C2s band systems in the photoelectron spectra of these molecules this leads to a more satisfactory parametrization than using the narrower and badly resolved C2p band system.Comparison of calculated band positions using the calibrated model with observed C2s-band ionization energies for a series of hydrocarbons reveals that the simple equivalent bond orbital model is better than one might have expected.

Notes: The Metabolism of the Retinoid Ro 10-9359. Isolation and Identification of the Major Metabolites in Human Plasma, Urine and Feces Synthesis of Three Urinary MetabolitesAfter oral administration of therapeutic doses of the 3H-labelled aromatic retinoic acid analog (retinoid) Ro 10-9359 (ethyl all-trans-9-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoate) to humans 75 and 15% of the 3H-dose were excreted within the first five days in the feces and the urine, respectively. Using chromatographic procedures including high pressure liquid chromatography 18 metabolites could be isolated from human urine. Their structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry and FT-1H-NMR. spectroscopy. In these urinary metabolites the tetraene side chain of the parent compound Ro 10-9359 is shortened. The radioactivity of the identified urinary metabolites accounted for about 11% of the dose. Three urinary metabolites were synthesized. The main part of the radioactivity excreted within the first five days in the feces consisted of unchanged drug (60% of the dose). A smaller (amount 15% of the dose) could not be identified. The unchanged drug and a major metabolite, the corresponding acid, were found in human plasma.In an experiment with bile-duct cannulated rats the radioactively labelled retinoid Ro 10-9359 was injected intravenously. About 70% of the 3H-dose was excreted in the bile, within the first 48 hours. The whole radioactivity of the rat bile consisted of polar metabolites. No unchanged drug could be found. After enzymatic hydrolysis of the bile conjugates three metabolites were isolated. The main metabolite (49% of the i.v. dose) was a conjugate of the corresponding acid of the parent drug, already found as free compound in human plasma. The other bile metabolites (9 and 7% of the i.v. dose) had an intact side chain, too.An enterohepatic recycling of the bile metabolites was observed in the rat.

Notes: Stability in aqueous solution of some complexes of heavy metals with diaza-polyoxamacrocyclic ligandsStability of metal complexes (Mn+ = Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Ag+ and Cd2+) with five diaza-polyoxamacrocycles (L = [2.1.1], [2.2.1], [2.2.2], [2.1] and [2.2] ) have been determined at 25°, in 0.1 M Et4N+ClO4- aqueous solutions, by means of potentiometric titrations. All cations form MLn+ complexes; Cu2+ also forms the MHL(n+1)+ protonated species with both [2.2.1] and [2.1.1] ligands. The stability of these complexes has been discussed in terms of structure and by considering the ionic radii of the cations together with the radii of the macrocyclic cavities. Different behaviour is observed between some of these complexes and the well known alkali and alkaline-earth cryptates, partly due to the more covalent nature of bonds formed by the investigated cations and the donor sites of the ligands. The effect of the substitution of two oxygen by two sulfur atoms in the pentadentate ligand [2.1] on the stability of the complexes is reported.

Notes: An arrangement for light induced vectorial charge separation is discussed in which the electron of the excited dye is transferred to an acceptor and the dye is recovered by electron tunneling through a high and narrow potential barrier. The possible relevance of the model in connection with photosynthesis is considered. Monolayers of Ru(II)-bipyridine complexes with long chain hydrocarbon substituents were investigated which may be useful as component in such arrangements.The surface pressure area isotherms of the monolayers were measured for various ionic compositions of the subphase, and the results demonstrate a strong effect of these ions on the structure of the layers. The layers were deposited on different substrates. The luminescence and its change by contacting the sample with water and by subsequent drying were found to be strongly dependent on the architecture of the layer assembly. Attempts of a photochemical cleavage of water with these assemblies failed.The pH-dependence of the absorption and the luminescence of a Ru(II) bipyridine-dicarboxylic acid complex in solution is interpreted by assuming that the electron in the excited state is localized in one pyridine part of the substituted ligand, the conjugation with the second half of the bipyridine carboxylic acid being negligible. Monolayer assemblies for measuring the energy transfer from the ruthenium complex to an adequate energy acceptor and from an adequate energy donor to the ruthenium complex were investigated. The results demonstrate that the deactivation of the excited ruthenium complex occurs mainly by passing the luminescent state.Assemblies were investigated for measuring the electron transfer from the excited ruthenium complex to an appropriate electron acceptor positioned in the carboxylate portion at the same interface as the electron donor. With bipyridinium ions as acceptor the ruthenium complex luminescence is quenched at average distances between acceptor molecules of about 10 Å, while this distance is 30, 60 und 75 Å for different cyanine dyes used instead of the ruthenium complex. A correlation between this distance and the ionization energy in the excited state of the donor is observed.

Notes: Synthesis of nickel complexes with a porphine-type ligand systemIn the presence of nickel(II) salts the bicyclic vinylogous amidine 1 is dimerized to the diamagnetic (1-amino-10,20-diaza-octahydroporphinato)nickel(II) complex 3. The condensation proceeds through a paramagnetic octahedral nickel(II) complex 2. Starting from 3, the (hexadecamethyl-10,20-diaza-hexahydroporphin)nickel bis (tetrafluoroborate) 7 (a (hexaaza [16]annulene)nickel(II) complex) was prepared in two steps. This highly electrophilic compound adds methoxide ions in consecutive and reversible steps to form first the (1-methoxy-10,20-diaza-octahydroporphinato)nickel tetrafluoroborate 8 and then the [cis-1, 11-dimethoxy-decahydroporphinato (2-)]nickel 6. 6, 7 and 8 were fully characterized and interconverted by addition and elimination reactions.

Notes: Singlet oxygen, generated chemically or photogenetically, reacts with biadamantylidene to give the corresponding dioxetane and epoxide only. When methylene blue (MB) or meso-tetraphenylporphin (m-TPP) is used as sensitizer the normal reaction course occurs giving dioxetane as the preponderant product in 2-propanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, pinacolone, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and benzene, although in the last two solvents some 10-25% of epoxide is formed. When erythrosin and rose bengal (RB) are used, epoxide becomes the main product (70-95%). Epoxide does not derive from chemical reaction with the solvent. Pinacolone, for example, is not oxidized to t-butyl acetate.The rose bengal reaction involves both singlet oxygen and radicals, since diazabicyclooctane (DABCO) and di-t-butyl-p-cresol interfere with the oxidation. A mechanistic scheme is proposed in which sensitizer and oxygen combine to produce sensitizer radical cation and superoxide radical anion. Subsequently, hydroperoxy radical, deriving from superoxide, reacts with substrate to give epoxide and hydroxy radicals. The latter adds to substrate to give a new radical which captures triplet oxygen. Epoxide is formed by loss of hydroperoxy radical and the chain starts anew. The dioxetane is formed separately either by [2+2]-cycloaddition or stepwise addition.

Notes: Photochemical and non-photochemical A/D-secocorrin→corrin-cyclizations of 19-carboxy- and 19-formyl-1-methylidene-1,19-secocorrinates. Decarboxylation (and deformylation) of nickel(II)-19-carboxy-(resp. 19-formyl)-corrinatesNickel (II) 1-methylidene-2,2,7,7,12,12-hexamethyl-15-cyano-19-carboxy-1,19-secocorrinate can be induced to cyclize with concomitant decarboxylation to the corresponding corrinate (Scheme 9). Experiments with deuterated derivatives (Scheme 10) indicate that in this decarboxylative A/D-secocorrin→corrin-cyclization the ring closure step precedes decarboxylation. In accord therewith is the finding that the corresponding intermediate nickel(II) 19-carboxy-corrinate (synthesized via photochemical cyclization of the corresponding cadmium complex, Schemes 6 and 9) decarboxylates under very mild conditions.Nickel(II) 1-methylidene-2,2,7,7,12,12-hexamethyl-15-cyano-19-formyl-1,19-secocorrinate cyclizes smoothly to the corresponding 19-formyl-corrinate in the presence of acetic acid/triethylamine. The formyl group of the cyclization product can be eliminated hydrolytically in essentially quantitative yield by treatment with 2N KOH in ethanolic solution (Scheme 11). The non-photochemical (A→D)-cyclization of 19-formyl-1,19-secocorrinoids represents formation of the corrin chromophore at the oxidation level of porphyrinogens and exemplifies how a C1-fragment that eventually leaves the ligand can fulfill a specific function in the (A→D)-ring closure to a corrin.

Notes: Leaf-gland Pigments: 3β-Acetoxyfuerstione, Nilgherron A and Nilgherron B, New Quinomethanes from Plectranthus nilgherricus BENTH. (Labiatae); Absolute Configuration of FuerstioneWe have isolated from leaf-glands of the above mentioned plant the following deeply coloured quino-methane derivatives: (1) traces of the already known fuerstione (1a); 11,15-dihydroxy-5,7,9 (11), 13-abietatetraen-12-one; (2) the new 3β-acetoxy-fuerstione (1b); (3) nilgherron A (5a, I or II), a new dimeric diterpenoid quinomethane, C40H52O7, formed in the plant obviously by cycloaddition of the o-quinone 8 (9aS, 11R)-11 -hydroxy-2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl-9,9-dimethyl-3,4,7,8,9,9a,10,11- octahydro-5H-dibenzo [a, d]cycloheptene-3,4-dione) with fuerstione; (4) nilgherron B (5b, I or II), C42H54O9, likewise a new compound, formed by the same type of cycloaddition (heterodiene synthesis) of 8 with 3β-acetoxyfuerstione. On the basis of 1H-NMR. shift arguments structure I is slightly preferred to II for 5a and 5b. Model experiments have shown the easy formation of the dihydrodioxin ring by reaction of an o-benzoquinone with p-quinomethanes. The absolute configuration of fuerstione and 3β-acetoxyfuerstione has been determined by chiroptical methods.

Notes: The bidentate phosphine 2,11-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzo [c]phenanthrene (1) has been used to prepare the mononuclear, square planar complexes trans-[MX(CO)(1)] and trans-[M(CO)(CH3CN)(1)][BF4] (M = Rh, Ir; X = Cl, Br, I, NCS). It is found that the tendency of these complexes to form adducts with CO, O2 and SO2 is significantly lower than that of the corresponding Ph3P complexes. The oxidative-addition reactions of complexes trans-[IrX (CO) (1)] with hydrogen halides give the six-coordinate species [IrHX2(CO) (1)]. The complexes [IrH2I (CO) (1)] and [IrH2L (CO) (1)] [BF4] (L = CO and CH3CN) have been obtained from hydrogen and the corresponding substrates. The model compounds trans-[MCl (CO) (Ph2PCH2Ph)2] (M = Rh, Ir), trans-[Ir (CO) (CH3CN) (Ph2PCH2Ph)2] [BF4], [IrHCl2(CO)(Ph2PCH2Ph)2] and [IrH2(CO)2(Ph2PCH2Ph)2] [BF4] have been prepared and their special parameters are compared with those of the corresponding complexes of ligand 1. The influence of the static requirements of this ligand on the chemistry of its rhodium and iridium complexes is discussed.

Notes: The preparation of the ditertiary phosphines 2,11-bis (di-m-tolylphosphinomethyl)benzo [c]phenanthrene (1b), 2,11-bis (di-p-anisylphosphinomethyl)benzo-[c]phenanthrene (1c), 2,11-bis (di-m-trifluoromethylphenylphosphinomethyl) benzo-[c]phenanthrene (1d), 2,11-bis (dicyclohexylphosphinomethyl)benzo [c]phenanthrene (1e) and 2,11-bis [di-(t-butyl)phosphinomethyl]benzo [c]phenanthrene (1f), by a combination of synthetic routes is described.

Notes: Isolation of (-)-dunnione from the leaves of Calceolaria integrifolia, MURR. (fam. Scrophulariaceae)From the leaves of Calceolaria integrifolia, a plant often used in horticulture. partially racemic (-)-dunnione (1) has been isolated. This seems to be the first record of its occurrence outside the family Gesneriaceae, where it previously has been found in two species as the (+)-enantiomer.

Notes: A chiral economic synthesis of (R)- and (S)-muscone using the cyclofragmentation of epoxysulfonesStarting with isobutyric acid (2) and using a microbiological oxidation with pseudomonas putida (S)-β-hydroxy-iso-butyric acid (3) has been prepared. From this /pseudosymmetrical: (see text) intermediate the two enantiomeric bromo derivatives 8 (R) and 20 (S) have been synthesized (cf. scheme 4) by altering the sequence of the reactions (cf. scheme 3). A Grignard reaction starting from the two bromo compounds 8 and 20 and from cyclododecanone 1 produced after hydrogenolysis the two enantiomeric dialcohols 9 and 21 (1 + 8 → 9, 1 + 20 → 21, cf. scheme 5). The subsequent transformations led to the two enantiomeric olefin derivatives 12 and 24. Oxidation of 12 with peracid produced a mixture of the two epoxy-sulfones 13 and 14 (cf. scheme 6). The olefin-derivative 24 was oxidized to the corresponding mixture of 25 and 26. A one pot cyclofragmentation (cf. [4] and scheme 6) produced a mixture of (E)- and (Z)-3-methylcyclopentadec-4-en-1-one (13 + 14 → 15 + 16, 25 + 26 → 27 + 28). The final hydrogenation led to natural (R)- and unnatural (S-muscone (3-methylcyclopentadecanone). The achiral starting material has been transformed to the desired optically active target products without loss of material with undesired absolute configuration. The authors used the notion of chiral economic synthesis to characterize synthetic sequences with the above mentioned features.

Notes: The structures of cyclic polyketones, their hydrates and reduction products were studied in different solvents by 13C-NMR. spectroscopy. In dimethylsulfoxide solution rhodizonic acid (1), croconic acid (2) and squaric acid (3) exhibit signal averaging. In anhydrous tetrahydrofuran 1 and 2 could be observed as non-dynamic species. The spontaneous reactions of dodecahydroxycyclohexane (5) and decahydroxycyclopentane (‘leuconic acid’) (6) and the sequence of formation of ring-contracted products were investigated. Key intermediates could be clearly identified which support the mechanism proposed earlier involving a benzylic acid type rearrangement followed by decarboxylation and subsequent redox reactions.

Notes: In order to test the effects of the replacement of phenylalanine by carboranylalanine (Car) in biological ligand-acceptor interactions, Z · Ala-Ala-Car · OH (1) and Ac · Car · OEt (2) were synthesized and their reactions with chymotrypsin studied. The two compounds proved to be good inhibitors with K(i) values of 3 · 10-4M (1) and 8.6 · 104M (2); the K(i) of Z · Ala-Ala-Phe · OH (1a) is 1 · 10-3M. The inhibition constants were determined by a new photolytic technique, inhibition of photoaffinity labelling by Z · Ala-Ala-Phe(pN3) · OH. Ac · Car · OEt is not hydrolysed by chymotrypsin. The findings indicate that the carboranyl group can interact with the ‘phenyl recognition site’ of the enzyme to produce the binding that is characteristic of aromatic amino acid residues. However, some kind of distortion in the region of the ‘mechanistic site’ must be postulated in order to account for the failure of hydrolysis. Some possible effects of the replacement of aromatic amino acids by Car in peptide hormones on hormone-receptor interactions are discussed.

Notes: 1,3-Cyclobutanedione derivatives from keteneThe dimerisation of ketene leads mainly to the methylidene-β-lactone ‘Diketene’ 2c. It is shown, that also a small amount of the symmetrical dimer, 1,3-cyclobutadione 1c is produced, which under the reaction conditions is acetylated to 3-acetoxycyclo-butenone (5).

Notes: Synthese von 4-(4′-Methyl-2′-oxo-cyclohex-3′-en-1′-yl)-pentanal und dessen Umwandlung in Spiro[4.5]decan- und 1,6,7,7a-Tetrahydro-2H-inden-DerivateEs wird die Synthese von 4-(4′-Methyl-2′-oxo-cyclohex-3′-en-1′-yl)-pentanal als ein (1:1)-Gemisch von zwei Diastereoisomeren 10A und 10B auf folgendem Weg beschrieben: Die Umsetzung des Grignard-Reagens von 1,1-Äthylendioxy-3-brom-propan (2) mit 2-Methoxy-4-methyl-acetophenon (1) ergab 1,1-Äthylendioxy-4-hydroxy-4-(2′-methoxy-4′-methyl-phenyl)-pentan (3), welches sich mit methanolischer Salzsäure in 2-Methoxy-5-(2′-methoxy-4′-methyl-phenyl)-5-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (7A,B) umwandeln liess. Durch Birch-Reduktion von 7A,B wurde 4-(2′-Methoxy-4′-methyl-cyclohexa-1′,4′-dien-1′-yl)-pentan-1-ol (8), und danach durch milde Hydrolyse 4-(4′-Methyl-2′-oxo-cyclohex-3′-en-1′-yl)-pentan-1-ol (9A,B)2 erhalten. Oxydation von 9A,B lieferte schliesslich den erwähnten Keto-aldehyd 10A,B. Einige Produkte von Nebenreaktionen, nämlich 4, 5, 11, 12 und 13A,B, sind auch beschrieben.Der Keto-aldehyd 10A,B liess sich in ein Gemisch, bestehend aus drei Diastereo-isomeren A, B und C von 1-Hydroxy-4,8-dimethyl-spiro[4.5] dec-7-en-6-on (15) und aus zwei Diastereoisomeren A und B von 1,5-Dimethyl-1,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-2H-inden-3-carbaldehyd (14), umwandeln. Für diese aldolartigen Cyclisierungen wurden vier verschiedene Methoden verwendet: (a) Stehenlassen in Tetrachlorkohlenstoff-lösung, (b) Behandlung mit etwas Trifluoressigsäure in Chloroformlösung, (c) und (d) Schütteln einer Ätherlösung mit wässeriger Salzsäure oder Natronlauge. Oxydation von 15A und 15C lieferte eines der Diasteroisomeren von 4,8-Dimethyl-spiro[4.5]-dec-7-en-1,6-dion (16A), und Oxydation von 15B führte zum anderen (16B).

Notes: Synthesis of fulvenes via 1-chloroaklyl-acetatesThe synthesis of fulvenes (5) via l-chloroalkyl acetates (3) is extended to 6-alkyl-fulvenes with branched side-chains, to 6-phenylfulvene (5f) and 6-(2-furyl)fulvene (5g), as well as to 6-vinylfulvenes (5h and 5i) containing chlorine and acetoxy-substituents in ω-position. The reaction is carried out at low temperature under water-free conditions. The purification of the reaction products is simple. - An improved procedure for the preparation of pure fulvene (5a, R=R′=H) is reported.

Notes: Activated quinones: substitution reactions by methoxy-carbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone of azulenes, benzofuran and indoles; regiospecific syntheses of polymethoxy-fluorenones; a new synthesis of the 2,6-dihydro-naphtho[1,2,3-cd]indol-6-one system.We present new electrophilic substitution reactions of azulenes and 5-membered heterocyclics by methoxy-carbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Hydroquinones 3a and 5 are prepared from azulene, and 3b from guaiazulene (see Scheme 1). Benzofuran undergoes α- and β-substitution (hydroquinones 9 10) (see Scheme 2). Only β-substitution is observed with indole (hydroquinone 20) (see Scheme 4). After methylation, saponification and intramolecular acylation of the substituted indoles 22c, 22d, derivatives of 2,6-dihydro-naphtho[1,2,3-cd]indol-6-one have been obtained. Spectral data prove the presence of the methylidenequinone tautomer. By protonation or alkylation at the carbonyl group of 23, the violet, highly delocalized 16π-electron systems 25 are generated. Analogously, polymethoxy-fluorenones have been prepared from methoxylated diphenylquinones 15 (see Scheme 3). They also are transformed by protonation and alkylation to the highly coloured and delocalized 12 π-electron systems 18. By contrast, anthracene is not substituted by methoxycarbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone, but undergoes cycloaddition to the triptycene derivative 1 (see Scheme 1). A summary is presented of previously described reactions of activated quinones.

Notes: An ab initio study of α-seleno carbanions show that they are subject to appreciable polarization and stereoelectronic effects. Like in α-thia carbanions, the equatorial e forms are more stable than the axial a forms, one of the stabilizing contributions being the conformation dependent (C-lone pair, σ* Se—Z) interaction. The carbanion stabilizing effect of the α-Se atom is about 3 kcal/mol larger than that of the sulfur analog. As in the case of the sulfur no specific effect of the d orbitals is found.

Notes: The radical anions of 6a-thiathiophthenes ([1,2]dithiolo[1,5-b] [1,2]dithioles), I(R), convert into those of 4H-thiapyran-4-thiones, III(R), via cis-trans isomerization. The reaction is slowed down when the size of the substituent R in the 2,5-positions of 6a-thiathiophthene increases, and it is prevented by the introduction of a 3,4-polymethylene bridge. The primary and the secondary radical anions, I(R)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document} and III(R)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}, respectively, exhibit very similar hyperfine splitting patterns. E.g., in the case of the unsubstituted 6a-thiathiophthene, I(H), and 4H-thiapyran-4-thione, III(H), the proton coupling constants are aH2,5=6.72 and aH3,4=1.73 Gauss for I(H)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}, and aH2,6=6.35 and aH3,5=2.07 Gauss for III(H)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}. In contrast to I(H)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}, cis-trans isomerization could not thus far be proved to occur with its 1,6-dioxa-analogue, IV(H)\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}, since no ESR. spectrum of the radical anion of 4H-pyran-4-thione, V(H), was detected upon reduction of IV(H).

Notes: Leaf-gland Pigments: Coleon L, a New Diosphenolic Compound from Coleus somaliensis, S. MOORE; Revision of the Structures of Coleon H, I, I′ and KFrom leaf-glands of C. somaliensis a new, highly oxidized diosphenolic hydroquinone belonging to the abietane series was isolated in minute quantities. The new compound, coleon L (4c; C24H30O10), is very labile and transformed into its tautomer coleon K (5d) on standing in solution. 1H-NMR. spectra of coleon L showed clearly that the points of attachment of the two acetoxy groups are at C(3) and C(16) contrary to the positions expected from our previously published structure 3 for coleon K. Application of a recently elaborated conversion of trans-A/B-6,7-diketones of type 5 into the cis-isomers 6 allowed to assign unambiguously the β-configuration to the hydroxyl group at C(3) using pyridin induced solvent shifts. This confirmed structure 4c and 5d for coleon L and K, respectively. Based on similar reasons, the configuration at C(3) of coleon H, I and I′ had to be revised, the structures of these coleons being 4b, 5b and 5c, respectively.

Notes: The ESR. spectrum of the relatively unstable radical anion of diphenylcyclo-propenone (II) has been observed upon electrolytic reduction of II in N,N-di-methylformamide and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. Simple MO models account well for the π-spin distribution and for the restricted rotation of the phenyl substituents in II\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}. A rather facile loss of a CO molecule by II\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document} results in formation of the radical anion of tolane (diphenylacetylene; III). No ESR. spectra could be obtained for the radical anions of dialkylcyclopropenones which are even shorter-lived than II\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}, although decay by decarbonylation seems to be less favoured with them than with II\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ^{\ominus \atop \dot{}} $\end{document}. In presence of air, electrolytic reduction of either II or its dimethyl and di-t-butyl analogues yields the correspondingly disubstituted semidione anions.

Notes: Reactions with derivatives of γ-chloroacetoacetic acidEthyl γ-chloroacetoacetate reacts with ammonia to give ethyl β-amino-γ-chloro-crotonate; with aniline, however, β-anilino-crotonic acid γ-lactone is formed. The reaction of ethyl α-cyano-γ-chloro-acetoacetate with arylamines yields 1-aryl-2-amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-pyrrolin-4-ones.

Notes: The Structure of Cyclosporin CThe structure of cyclosporin C (2), a minor antifungal metabolite from Trichoderma polysporum (Link ex Pers.) RIFAI has been elucidated. Hydrolytic cleavage and spectroscopic evidence show that cyclosporin C is a neutral oligopeptide of 11 amino acids linked together in a 33-membered ring. Cyclosporin C (2) differs from the main metabolite cyclosporin A (1) [2] [4] only by containing L-threonine in the place of L-α-aminobutyric acid as has been shown by the conversion of 2 into 1. 13C-NMR. spectra and study of molecular models suggest that cyclosporin C (2) has the same molecular conformation as 1, which is best described as a twisted β-pleated sheet held together in a conformationally stable form by intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

Notes: Incorporation experiments with (3H and 14C) doubly labelled farnesols into cantharidinAfter injection of 11′, 12-[3H]-7-[14C]-farnesol or 11′, 12-[3H]-5,6-[14C]-farnesol, the 3H-label is located specifically in the C(9)-methyl-group of cantharidin, whereas the 14C-labelling pattern follows an incorporation via acetic acid (Scheme 4). C-Atoms 5, 6 and 7 from the middle part of the farnesol molecule are utilized for cantharidin biosynthesis to an extent that is about 2.1-11% of the incorporation rate of the methyl groups C(11′) and C(12), depending on the position of the 14C-label in farnesol. These results confirm our earlier hypothesis [1] that the C10-molecule cantharidin is biosynthesized from the C15-precursor farnesol which is cleaved between C(1)-C(2), C(4)-C(5), and C(7)-C(8). The synthesis of 7-[14C]-farnesol and of 5,6-[14C]-farnesol is described.

Notes: Synthesis and NMR. Spectra of Novel Lanthanide-Cobalt Sandwich CompoundsThe reaction of [(C5H5)Co{P(O)(OR)2}2{P(OH)(OR)2}] (3, R = CH3, C2H5) with lanthanide(III) compounds yields the cationic trinuclear complexes [{(C5H5)Co[P(O)(OR)2]3}2Ln]⊕X⊖ (2, R = CH3, C2H5; Ln = La, Eu, Pr; X = BF4, BPh4). According to thermogravimetric and NMR. studies these compounds do not contain additional coordinated water molecules. It is therefore supposed that the central lanthanide ion has a regular sixfold coordination of phosphoryl ligands. The 31P- and 1H-NMR. spectra of 2 (R = CH3; Ln = La, Eu, Pr) and 3 are discussed. It can be shown that the Fermi contact shift as well as the coordination shift make significant contributions to the observed lanthanide induced shift of the cyclopentadienyl signal.The dominating influence of the Fermi contact interaction on the 31P chemical shift is in accord with theoretical considerations and comparable experimental values. The temperature dependence of the proton chemical shifts of 2 (R = CH3; Ln = Eu) is also discussed.

Notes: Stereoselectivity and Reactivity in the 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Chiral N-(Alkoxyalkyl)nitronesThe stereoselectivity in the reaction of hydroxy-oxime 1 with acetaldehyde and methyl methacrylate yielding the diastereomeric isoxazolidine-ribosides 9-12 was determined to be 93%. The predominant adducts 9 and 10 were cleaved to the diastereomeric isoxazolidines 19 and 20, respectively, which upon oxidation gave the same optically active 2-isoxazoline 21, thus demonstrating the participation in the cycloaddition of both (E/Z)-isomeric nitrones 13 and 14. Based upon comparison of the optical rotations, the isoxazolidines 7, 8, 19 and 20 and the 2-isoxazolines 21 and 22 possess the same chirality, found to be R by correlating 7 with (+)-(S)-citramalic acid. - Since the hydroxy-oximes 1 and 36 showed the same stereo-selectivity in the reaction with formaldehyde and methyl methacrylate, the trityl group of 1 does not influence the stereoselectivity in the cycloaddition. The hydroxyoxime 38 led in the same type of reaction to the isoxazolidines 7, 8, 19 and 20 possessing (S)-chirality, the stereoselectivity (79-95%) being similar to the one observed with 1 (67-95%). The explanation of this stereoselectivity is based upon a stereoelectronic effect in the transition state of the cycloadditions (kinetic anomeric effect). As predicted, the N-(alkoxyalkyl)nitrones showed enhanced reactivity in the cycloaddition with unactivated olefins (leading to 47, 48, 50 and 51). The importance of exo vs. endo approach of the dipolarophile was evidenced by reacting 1 with formaldehyde and methyl acrylate giving predominantly 57 with (5S)-configuration. - Use of the hydroxy-oxime 65 allows synthesis of optically active isoxazolidines with regeneration of the starting hydroxy-oxime.

Notes: The Constitution of LoroglossineLoroglossine, a characteristic constituent of orchids, is shown to be bis[4-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-benzyl]-(2R, 3S)-2-isobutyl-tartrate (1). Base catalysed hydrolysis and esterification with diazomethane gave 1 mol-equiv. of dimethyl (+)-2-isobutyl-erythro-tartrate ((+)-3) and 2 mol-equiv. of a glucoside which after acetylation formed 4 identical with a synthetic sample. The structure of (+)-3 follows from the synthesis of (±)-3 by osmium tetroxide oxidation of isobutyl-maleic acid anhydride and subsequent esterification. The absolute configuration of (+)-3 was based on Horeau experiments and NMR. data of the diastereomeric mixture of its esters 15 and 16 and pure 15 with (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-α-phenyl-butyric acid, respectively.

Notes: Heterocyclic dienamines III. A re-examination of the reaction of Fischer's base on tetracyanoethyleneDepending on the order of addition, Fischer's base 5 (1,3,3-trimethyl-2-methylidene-indoline) reacts 1:1 with tetracyanoethylene to give either the tricyanovinylation product 6 or the spiro compound 7. A skeletal rearrangement of a zwitterionic intermediate can explain the formation of the spiro compound. The latter undergoes a thermal isomerization yielding by ring expansion the tetrahydroquinoléine 8. On reaction with LiAlH4 or CH3ONa 7 and 8 lead both to triazatetracycles. All structures are assigned on the basis of spectral data.

Notes: 2-Aza-7-oxa-twistanes (or 2-oxa-7-aza-twistanes, respectively)Die nicht mit den IUPAC-Regeln übereinstimmende Numerierung (b): 2-Aza-7-oxa-twistane, Substituent an C(10) (vgl. Korrekte Nomenklatur (a): 2-Oxa-7-aza-twistane, Substituent an C(5)), wurde zwecks besserer Übersicht und Vergleichsmöglichkeit mit anderen 2,7-Dihetero-twistanen und -isotwistanen, Für eine umfassende Übersicht vgl. [2], speziell auch mit den korrekt numerierten C(10)-substituierten 2-Aza-7-oxa-isotwistanen c deshalb gewählt, weil dadurch in diesen beiden Verbindungstypen b und c, welche chemisch ineinander überführbar sind (vgl. vorliegende Arbeit), sich entsprechende Atome gleich numeriert werden Können. Dadurch erhält je das den Substituenten tragende C-Atom die Nummer 10 und je das zwischen C(10) und N(2) liegende Brückenkopfatom die Nummer 1. Beim Twistan d wurde die Doppelbindung entsprechend ihrer Herkunft aus einem C(10)-substituierten Twistan b als in Stellung 9 bezeichnet. Vollständigkeitshalber sind die der korrekten Nomenklatur (vgl. a) entsprechenden Namen der Verbindungen 10-13 und 22, 23 und 25 nachfolgend aufgeführt; 10: 5N (7)-Brom-2-oxa-7-aza-twistan; 11: N(7)-Methyl-5N (7)-2-oxa-7-aza-twistan; 12: 2-Oxa-7-aza-twist-4-en; 13: N(7)-Methyl-2-oxa-7-aza-twist-4-en; 22: N(7)-Methyl-5O (2)-acetoxy-2-oxa-7-aza-twistan; 23: N(7)-Methyl-2-oxa-7-aza-twistan-5O (2)-ol; 25: N(7)-Methyl-2-oxa-7-aza-twistan. and 2-aza-7-oxa-isotwistanes

Notes: Of the isoelectronic 6-electron systems 1a, 1b, 1c (Table 1) the deprotonated amides 2 might be useful derivatives for amine acidification (eq. (1)) if the carbonyl group is sterically protected as shown in 3. The tetrasubstituted succinimides 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 (diacylamines) undergo the reactions (b), (c) and (d) of Scheme 1 with various bases. Besides deprotonation, the ‘self addition’ to give dimers 4b, 5b, 8b and 9b is the most prominent transformation (Table 2). Only in 9 is the steric hindrance to carbonyl addition large enough to get the lithiomethyl-succinimides 9c in 80% yield (sec.BuLi/THF/HMPT/-100°) as evidenced by derivatization with alkyl halides, aldehyde, ketones, methyl benzoate, and chloro trimethylsilane (→9d - 9j, Table 3). The possible structures and bonding descriptions for 9c which ‘decomposes’ above -40° are discussed; the acidity of the precursor 9 is shown by equilibration studies to be comparable with that of diphenylmethane.

Notes: The electrochemical reduction of the cyclohex-2-enones 1a-1e (mercury cathode, CH3CN, Bu4NBF4) was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, d.c. polarography, coulometry and chemical product analysis. Compounds 1a-1c give a mixture of the hydrodimers 4 and 5 via formation of the radical anion 2 by an irreversible one electron transfer, followed by protonation and dimerization of the allylic radical 3. The 6-halocyclohex-2-enones 1d and 1e exhibit two distinct reduction waves. The first corresponds to an irreversible two electron transfer with formation of the halide anion and the enolate anion 6 which gives 1b by protonation. The second wave corresponds to a quasi-reversible one electron transfer to 6 to afford the radical dianion 7 (Scheme 2).

Notes: On the Base-Catalysed H/D-Exchange of the Acetylenic Hydrogen Atom in Aromatic Alkynyl CompoundsH/D-exchange rates for a number of compounds of the general type 1 (X = p-CH3O, m-CH3O, p-CF3, m-CF3, p-CH3, p-Cl, H; Z — O, NH, CH2) were determined in N-methyl-pyrrolidine (NMP)/D2O mixtures at 25° (see Table 1).It is shown that the log k values of the H/D-exchange correlate nicely (r = 0.995) with the chemical shift of the acetylenic proton in 1. Thus, the H/D-exchange rate is given by log k (min-1) = 2.91 · δ (ppm) - 7.79 for the NMP/D2O mixture at 25°.

Notes: CNDO/2, MINDO/3 and ab initio molecular orbital calculations are used in a study of conformational isomerism, protonation site and mechanism of protonation of the title compounds.

Notes: Verbenone 1 or 2 is converted in three steps to ipsdienol 9 or 10 respectively. The diastereoisomeric 2(10)-pinen-4-ols 6 and 7 (or 5 and 8), wich have identical chirality at the carbon atoms bearing OH groups, afford ipsdienol 10 (or 9 respectively) with the same optical purity as the starting material.

Notes: 15N-Chemical shifts of 32 enamines, 11 enaminoketones and 28 closely related amines have been determined with the isotope in natural abundance. In order to eliminate substituent effects, differential chemical shifts Δδ(N) are defined as δN(amine)-δN(enamine). This parameter is shown to correlate well with the free enthalpy of activation ΔG# for restricted rotation about the N—C(α) bond in enamines with extended conjugation. Δδ(N) values of substituted anilinostyrenes correlate also with 13C-chemical shifts of the β-carbon in the enamine system and with Hammett σ-constants of the aniline substituents. The experimental results suggest that differential 15N shifts are a useful probe to study n, π-interaction in enamines.

Notes: New β-lactam antibiotics. Functionalisation of 3-hydroxy-3-cephem-4-carboxylic esters through the Wittig reactionThe 3-hydroxy-ceph-3-em-esters 1a, b reacted smoothly with stabilized phosphor-ylids to give a series of derivatives which were converted into the microbiologically active acids 14a, c, 15c and 20 by known procedures. The synthesis of the amides 23, 24, 26 and of the ester 28 from the 3-carboxymethyl-derivative 19 is also reported.

Notes: A new metabolite, verrucarin K (C27H34O8) has been isolated from a strain of Myrothecium verrucaria (ALBERTINI et SCHWEINITZ) DITMAR ex FRIES. On the basis of spectral and chemical evidence structure 1 was assigned to the new compound. Base-catalysed hydrolysis yielded verrucarinolactone (5), E,Z-muconic acid (6) and trichotheca-9, 12-diene-4,15-diol (3). The implications of 1 in the trichothecane biosynthesis are discussed.