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Background: The availability of soil phosphorus (P) often limits the productivities of wet tropical lowland forests. Little is known, however, about the metabolomic profile of different chemical P compounds with potentially different uses and about the cycling of P and their variability across space under different tree species in highly diverse tropical rainforests. Results: We hypothesised that the different strategies of the competing tree species to retranslocate, mineralise, mobilise, and take up P from the soil would promote distinct soil 31P profiles. We tested this hypothesis by performing a metabolomic analysis of the soils in two rainforests in French Guiana using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We analysed 31P NMR chemical shifts in soil solutions of model P compounds, including inorganic phosphates, orthophosphate mono- and diesters, phosphonates, and organic polyphosphates. The identity of the tree species (growing above the soil samples) explained > 53% of the total variance of the 31P NMR metabolomic profiles of the soils, suggesting species-specific ecological niches and/or species-specific interactions with the soil microbiome and soil trophic web structure and functionality determining the use and production of P compounds. Differences at regional and topographic levels also explained some part of the the total variance of the 31P NMR profiles, although less than the influence of the tree species. Multivariate analyses of soil 31P NMR metabolomics data indicated higher soil concentrations of P biomolecules involved in the active use of P (nucleic acids and molecules involved with energy and anabolism) in soils with lower concentrations of total soil P and higher concentrations of P-storing biomolecules in soils with higher concentrations of total P. Conclusions: The results strongly suggest "niches" of soil P profiles associated with physical gradients, mostly topographic position, and with the specific distribution of species along this gradient, which is associated with species-specific strategies of soil P mineralisation, mobilisation, use, and uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface chemistry of Metal–Organic Polyhedra (MOPs) is crucial to their physicochemical properties because it governs how they interact with external substances such as solvents, synthetic organic molecules, metal ions, and even biomolecules. Consequently, the advancement of synthetic methods that facilitate the incorporation of diverse functional groups onto MOP surfaces will significantly broaden the range of properties and potential applications for MOPs. This study describes the use of copper(I)‐catalysed, azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions to post‐synthetically modify the surface of alkyne‐functionalised cuboctahedral MOPs. To this end, a novel Rh(II)‐based MOP with 24 available surface alkyne groups was synthesised. Each of the 24 alkyne groups on the surface of the "clickable" Rh‐MOP can react with azide‐containing molecules at room temperature, without compromising the integrity of the MOP. The wide substrate catalogue and orthogonal nature of CuAAC click chemistry was exploited to densely functionalise MOPs with diverse functional groups, including polymers, carboxylic and phosphonic acids, and even biotin moieties, which retained their recognition capabilities once anchored onto the surface of the MOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of two unsymmetric malonate esters to the Buckminster fullerene C60 can lead to 22 spectroscopically distinguishable isomeric products and therefore represents a formidable synthesis challenge. In this work, we achieve 87 % selectivity for the formation of a single (in,out‐trans‐3) isomer by combining three approaches: (i) we use a starting material, in which the two malonates are covalently connected (tether approach); (ii) we form the strong supramolecular complex of C60 with the shape‐persistent [10]CPP macrocycle (template approach) and (iii) we embed this complex further within a self‐assembled nanocapsule (shadow mask approach). Variation of the spacer chain shed light on the limitations of the approach and the ring dynamics in the unusual [2]catenanes were studied in silico with atomistic resolution. This work significantly widens the scope of mechanically interlocked architectures comprising cycloparaphenylenes (CPP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Water pollution threatens human and environmental health worldwide. Thus, there is a pressing need for new approaches to water purification. Herein, we report a novel supramolecular strategy based on the use of a metal‐organic polyhedron (MOP) as a capture agent to remove nitrogenous organic micropollutants from water, even at very low concentrations (ppm), based exclusively on coordination chemistry at the external surface of the MOP. Specifically, we exploit the exohedral coordination positions of RhII‐MOP to coordinatively sequester pollutants bearing N‐donor atoms in aqueous solution, and then harness their exposed surface carboxyl groups to control their aqueous solubility through acid/base reactions. We validated this approach for removal of benzotriazole, benzothiazole, isoquinoline, and 1‐napthylamine from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chirality plays a fundamental role in nature, but its detection and quantification still face many limitations. To date, the enantiospecific analysis of mixtures necessarily requires prior separation of the individual components. The simultaneous enantiospecific detection of multiple chiral molecules in a mixture represents a major challenge, which would lead to a significantly better understanding of the underlying biological processes; for example, via enantiospecifically analysing metabolites in their native environment. Here, we report on the first in situ enantiospecific detection of a thirty‐nine‐component mixture. As a proof of concept, eighteen essential amino acids at physiological concentrations were simultaneously enantiospecifically detected using NMR spectroscopy and a chiral solvating agent. This work represents a first step towards the simultaneous multicomponent enantiospecific analysis of complex mixtures, a capability that will have substantial impact on metabolism studies, metabolic phenotyping, chemical reaction monitoring, and many other fields where complex mixtures containing chiral molecules require efficient characterisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteronuclear long‐range scalar coupling constants (nJCH) are a valuable tool for solving problems in organic chemistry and are especially suited for stereochemical and configurational analyses of small molecules and natural products. This tutorial will focus on the step‐by‐step implementation of several 2D 1H frequency selective HSQMBC experiments for the easy and accurate measurement of either the magnitude or both the magnitude and the sign of long‐range nJCH couplings. The performance of these experiments will be showcased with several scenarios in a range of different experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new persistent organic free radical has been synthetized with Br atoms occupying the ortho‐ and para‐positions of a trityl core. After the isolation of its two propeller‐like atropisomers, Plus (P) and minus (M), their absolute configurations were assigned by a combination of theoretical and experimental data. Remarkably, no hints of racemization were observed up to 60 °C for more than two hours, due to the higher steric hindrance imposed by the bulky Br atoms. Therefore, when compared to its chlorinated homologue (t1/2=18 s at 60 °C), an outstanding stability against racemization was achieved. A circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) response of both enantiomers was detected. This free radical shows a satisfactory luminescent dissymmetry factor (|glum(592 nm)|≈0.7×10−3) despite its pure organic nature and low luminescence quantum yield (LQY). Improved organic magnetic CPL emitters derived from the reported structure can be envisaged thanks to the wide possibilities that Br atoms at para‐positions offer for further functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining an electrophilic iron complex [Fe(Fpda)(THF)]2 (3) [Fpda=N,N′‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)‐o‐phenylenediamide] with the pre‐activation of α‐alkyl‐substituted α‐diazoesters reagents by LiAl(ORF)4 [ORF=(OC(CF3)3] provides unprecedented access to selective iron‐catalyzed intramolecular functionalization of strong alkyl C(sp3)−H bonds. Reactions occur at 25 °C via α‐alkyl‐metallocarbene intermediates, and with activity/selectivity levels similar to those of rhodium carboxylate catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal a crucial role of the lithium cation in the rate‐determining formation of the electrophilic iron‐carbene intermediate, which then proceeds by concerted insertion into the C−H bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining an electrophilic iron complex [Fe(Fpda)(THF)]2 (3) [Fpda=N,N′‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)‐o‐phenylenediamide] with the pre‐activation of α‐alkyl‐substituted α‐diazoesters reagents by LiAl(ORF)4 [ORF=(OC(CF3)3] provides unprecedented access to selective iron‐catalyzed intramolecular functionalization of strong alkyl C(sp3)−H bonds. Reactions occur at 25 °C via α‐alkyl‐metallocarbene intermediates, and with activity/selectivity levels similar to those of rhodium carboxylate catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal a crucial role of the lithium cation in the rate‐determining formation of the electrophilic iron‐carbene intermediate, which then proceeds by concerted insertion into the C−H bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen heterocycles are structural motifs found in many bioactive natural products and of utmost importance in pharmaceutical drug development. In this work, a stereoselective synthesis of functionalized N‐heterocycles was accomplished in two steps, comprising the biocatalytic aldol addition of ethanal and simple aliphatic ketones such as propanone, butanone, 3‐pentanone, cyclobutanone, and cyclopentanone to N‐Cbz‐protected aminoaldehydes using engineered variants of d‐fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase from Escherichia coli (FSA) or 2‐deoxy‐d‐ribose‐5‐phosphate aldolase from Thermotoga maritima (DERATma) as catalysts. FSA catalyzed most of the additions of ketones while DERATma was restricted to ethanal and propanone. Subsequent treatment with hydrogen in the presence of palladium over charcoal, yielded low‐level oxygenated N‐heterocyclic derivatives of piperidine, pyrrolidine and N‐bicyclic structures bearing fused cyclobutane and cyclopentane rings, with stereoselectivities of 96–98 ee and 97:3 dr in isolated yields ranging from 35 to 79%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly used DFT methods for the calculation of 1JCH coupling constants have typically required the application of ad hoc correction factors, modification of functionals, or empirical scaling to improve the fit between predicted and experimental values. Here we demonstrate that highly accurate 1JCH coupling predictions can be obtained without such adjustments by careful selection of DFT methods for geometry optimization and J-coupling calculations (e.g. B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)(mixed)//mPW1PW/cc-pVTZ). The proposed method was cross-validated against a diverse set of 122 1JCH couplings and was successfully applied to the conformational and stereochemical analysis of strychnine and a previously unreported trachylobane diterpene natural product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical aspects of some NMR experiments designed for the simultaneous acquisition of 2D COSY and 2D TOCSY spectra are presented and discussed. Several techniques involving afterglow‐based, coherence transfer pathway (CTP)‐based, and NMR by Ordered Acquisition using 1H‐detection (NOAH)‐based strategies for the collection of different free‐induction signal decays (FIDs) within the same scan are evaluated and compared. These methods offer a faster recording of these spectra in small‐molecule NMR when sensitivity is not a limiting factor, with a reduction in spectrometer time about 45–60% when compared with the conventional sequential acquisition of the parent experiments. It is also shown how the optimized design of an extended three‐FID approach yields one COSY and two TOCSY spectra simultaneously by combining CTP and NOAH principles in the same experiment, affording substantial sensitivity enhancements per time unit. The practical aspects of some pulse sequences designed for the simultaneous acquisition of 2D COSY and 2D TOCSY spectra are presented and discussed. Several techniques have been developed for the collection of two and three different FIDs within the same scan (MFA). These time‐efficient methods offer a faster recording of these spectra when sensitivity is not a limiting factor, with a reduction in spectrometer time about 45–60% when compared with the conventional sequential acquisition of the parent experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new tools to improve the quality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra is a challenging task. The concept of "perfect NMR" includes the design of robust pulse sequences that allow an investigator to obtain undistorted pure in‐phase signals, with pure absorption lineshapes that are free of phase anomalies derived from undesired J modulations. Here, alternative NMR building blocks to the spin‐echo that are based on a general double SE module, known as a perfect‐echo, are reviewed. Several implementations to minimize/remove unwanted dispersive contributions in homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR experiments are described and illustrated with some examples of broad interest for small molecules. The concept of "perfect NMR" includes the design of robust pulse sequences that allow obtaining undistorted pure in‐phase signals, with pure absorption lineshapes and free of phase anomalies derived from undesired J modulations. Here, alternative NMR building blocks to spin‐echo which are based on a general double SE module, known as perfect‐echo, are reviewed. Several implementations to minimize/remove unwanted dispersive contributions in homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR experiments are described and illustrated with some examples of broad interest for small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple-FID acquisition (MFA) within the same scan is applied to acquire simultaneously multiple 2D spectra from a single NMR experiment. A discussion on the incorporation of the MFA strategy in several homonuclear and heteronuclear 2D pulse sequences is presented. As a proof of concept, a set of novel COSY, TOCSY and HMBC experiments are reported as a time-efficient solution in small-molecule NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,n‐ADEQUATE is a powerful NMR technique for elucidating the structure of proton‐deficient small molecules that can help establish the carbon skeleton of a given molecule by providing long‐range three‐bond 13C─13C correlations. Care must be taken when using the experiment to identify the simultaneous presence of one‐bond 13C─13C correlations that are not filtered out, unlike the HMBC experiment that has a low‐pass J‐filter to filter 1JCH responses out. Dual‐optimized, inverted 1JCC 1,n‐ADEQUATE is an improved variant of the experiment that affords broadband inversion of direct responses, obviating the need to take additional steps to identify these correlations. Even though ADEQUATE experiments can now be acquired in a reasonable amount of experimental time if a cryogenic probe is available, low sensitivity is still the main impediment limiting the application of this elegant experiment. Here, we wish to report a further refinement that incorporates real‐time bilinear rotation decoupling‐based homodecoupling methodology into the dual‐optimized, inverted 1JCC 1,n‐ADEQUATE pulse sequence. Improved sensitivity and resolution are achieved by collapsing homonuclear proton–proton couplings from the observed multiplets for most spin systems. The application of the method is illustrated with several model compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1H‐1H total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) experiment incorporating 13C multiplicity information is proposed. In addition, broadband 1H homodecoupling in the indirect dimension can be implemented using a perfect BIRD module that affords exclusive 1H chemical shift evolution with full decoupling of all heteronuclear and homonuclear (including 2JHH) coupling constants. As a complement to the normal TOCSY and the recent PSYCHE‐TOCSY experiments, this novel multiplicity‐edited TOCSY experiment distinguishes between CH/CH3 (phased up) and CH2 (phased down) cross‐peaks, which facilitates resonance analysis and assignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work describes the employment of discrete “AgCF3” complexes as efficient transmetalating agents to PdII to surmount overlooked challenges related to the transmetalation step in Pd‐catalyzed trifluoromethylation processes. We report the participation of a unique silver ate (Cs)[Ag(CF3)2] complex, under stoichiometric and catalytic conditions, in the unprecedented one‐pot formation of PhCF3 using PhI as starting material. Moreover, we show that the transmetalation step, which is often ignored in these transformations, can also determine the success or failure of the coupling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional J‐resolved (Jres) NMR experiments offer a simple, user‐friendly spectral representation where the information of coupling constants and chemical shifts are separated into two orthogonal frequency axis. Since its initial proposal 40 years ago, Jres has been the focus of considerable interest both in improving the basic pulse sequence and in its successful application to a wide range of studies. Here, the latest developments in the design of novel Jres pulse schemes are reviewed, mainly focusing on obtaining pure absorption lineshapes, minimizing strong coupling artifacts, and also optimizing sensitivity and experimental measurements. A discussion of several Jres versions for the accurate measurement of a different number of homonuclear (JHH) and heteronuclear (JCH) coupling constants is presented, accompanied by some illustrative examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pyruvate‐dependent aldolases exhibit a stringent selectivity for pyruvate, limiting application of their synthetic potential, which is a drawback shared with other existing aldolases. Structure‐guided rational protein engineering rendered a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐ l‐rhamnonate aldolase variant, fused with a maltose‐binding protein (MBP‐YfaU W23V/L216A), capable of efficiently converting larger pyruvate analogues, for example, those with linear and branched aliphatic chains, in aldol addition reactions. Combination of these nucleophiles with N‐Cbz‐alaninal (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl) and N‐Cbz‐prolinal electrophiles gave access to chiral building blocks, for example, derivatives of (2S,3S,4R)‐4‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpentanoic acid (68 %, d.r. 90:10) and the enantiomer of dolaproine (33 %, d.r. 94:6) as well as a collection of unprecedented α‐amino acid derivatives of the proline and pyrrolizidine type. Conversions varied between 6–93 % and diastereomeric ratios from 50:50 to 95:5 depending on the nucleophilic and electrophilic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pyruvate‐dependent aldolases exhibit a stringent selectivity for pyruvate, limiting application of their synthetic potential, which is a drawback shared with other existing aldolases. Structure‐guided rational protein engineering rendered a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐ l‐rhamnonate aldolase variant, fused with a maltose‐binding protein (MBP‐YfaU W23V/L216A), capable of efficiently converting larger pyruvate analogues, for example, those with linear and branched aliphatic chains, in aldol addition reactions. Combination of these nucleophiles with N‐Cbz‐alaninal (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl) and N‐Cbz‐prolinal electrophiles gave access to chiral building blocks, for example, derivatives of (2S,3S,4R)‐4‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpentanoic acid (68 %, d.r. 90:10) and the enantiomer of dolaproine (33 %, d.r. 94:6) as well as a collection of unprecedented α‐amino acid derivatives of the proline and pyrrolizidine type. Conversions varied between 6–93 % and diastereomeric ratios from 50:50 to 95:5 depending on the nucleophilic and electrophilic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemistry - A European Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, we describe the synthesis of a new N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, derived from a hybrid pyrazole-imidazolium scaffold, namely 1-[2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-3-((S)-1-phenylethyl)-3H-imidazol-2-ylidene (L). This ligand has been used as a stabilizer for the organometallic synthesis of palladium(0) nanoparticles (Pd NPs). L presents a better stabilizing effect than its pre-carbenic HLCl counterpart, allowing the formation of isolated Pd NPs while HLCl yields aggregated ones. Additionally, molecular Pd(ii) coordination compounds of L and HLCl were synthesized and characterized to better understand the coordination modes of these ligands. Both molecular and colloidal Pd systems have been further tested in catalytic C–C coupling processes. Three different types of reactions have been observed depending on the catalytic system: (i) the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction takes place with Pd molecular complexes; (ii) a secondary reaction, the dehalogenation of the substrate, is always detected and (iii) the C–C homocoupling between two molecules of bromoarenes is observed with colloidal catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Hydroxy-2-keto acid derivatives are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of amino acids, hydroxy carboxylic acids and chiral aldehydes. Pyruvate aldolases are privileged catalysts for a straightforward access to this class of keto acid compounds. In this work, a Class II pyruvate aldolase from Escherichia coli K-12, 2-keto-3-deoxy- l-rhamnonate aldolase (YfaU), was evaluated for the synthesis of amino acid derivatives of proline, pipecolic acid, and pyrrolizidine-3-carboxylic acid. The aldol addition of pyruvate to N-protected amino aldehydes was the key enzymatic aldol addition step followed by catalytic intramolecular reductive amination. The corresponding N-Cbz-amino-4-hydroxy-2-keto acid (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl) precursors were obtained in 51-95% isolated yields and enantioselectivity ratios from 26:74 to 95:5, with chiral α-substituted N-Cbz-amino aldehydes. ( S)- N-Cbz-amino aldehydes gave aldol adducts with preferentially ( R)-configuration at the newly formed stereocenter, whereas the contrary is true for ( R)- N-Cbz-amino aldehydes. Addition reactions to achiral amino aldehydes rendered racemic aldol adducts. Molecular models of the pre-reaction ternary complexes YfaU-pyruvate enolate-acceptor aldehyde were constructed to explain the observed stereochemical outcome of the reactions. Catalytic reductive amination of the aldol adducts yielded 4-hydroxy-2-pipecolic acid, and unprecedented C-5 substituted 4-hydroxyproline and pyrrolizidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective refocusing (GSERF or the recent PSYCHEDELIC) experiments were originally designed to determine all proton-proton coupling constants ( JHH) for a selected proton resonance. They work for isolated signals on which selective excitation can be successfully applied but, as it happens in other selective experiments, fail for overlapped signals. To circumvent this limitation, a doubly-selective TOCSY-GSERF scheme is presented for the measurement of JHH in protons resonating in crowded regions. This new experiment takes advantage of the editing features of an initial TOCSY transfer to uncover hidden resonances that become accessible to perform the subsequent frequency-selective refocusing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast residual dipolar coupling constant-assisted strategy involving the simultaneous determination of scalar and total coupling constants from a single 1 JCH/2 JHH-resolved NMR spectrum is reported. It is shown that the concerted use of the directly measured 1 DCH (for all CHn multiplicities) and 2 DHH residual dipolar couplings allows an on-the-fly assignment of diastereotopic CH2 protons, as well as of an efficient discrimination between diastereoisomeric structures of strychnine which contains six stereocenters. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropical rainforests are frequently limited by soil nutrient availability. However, the response of the metabolic phenotypic plasticity of trees to an increase of soil nutrient availabilities is poorly understood. We expected that increases in the ability of a nutrient that limits some plant processes should be detected by corresponding changes in plant metabolome profile related to such processes. Methodology/Principal findings: We studied the foliar metabolome of saplings of three abundant tree species in a 15 year field NPK fertilization experiment in a Panamanian rainforest. The largest differences were among species and explained 75% of overall metabolome variation. The saplings of the large canopy species, Tetragastris panamensis, had the lowest concentrations of all identified amino acids and the highest concentrations of most identified secondary compounds. The saplings of the “mid canopy” species, Alseis blackiana, had the highest concentrations of amino acids coming from the biosynthesis pathways of glycerate-3P, oxaloacetate and α-ketoglutarate, and the saplings of the low canopy species, Heisteria concinna, had the highest concentrations of amino acids coming from the pyruvate synthesis pathways. Conclusions/Significance: The changes in metabolome provided strong evidence that different nutrients limit different species in different ways. With increasing P availability, the two canopy species shifted their metabolome towards larger investment in protection mechanisms, whereas with increasing N availability, the sub-canopy species increased its primary metabolism. The results highlighted the proportional distinct use of different nutrients by different species and the resulting different metabolome profiles in this high diversity community are consistent with the ecological niche theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramolecular benzoin reactions catalyzed by benzaldehyde lyase from Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I (BAL) are reported. The structure of the substrates envisaged for this reaction consists of two benzaldehyde derivatives linked by an alkyl chain. The structural requirements needed to achieve the intramolecular carbon-carbon bond reaction catalyzed by BAL were established. Thus, a linker consisting of a linear alkyl chain of three carbon atoms connected through ether-type bonds to the 2 and 2′ positions of two benzaldehyde moieties, which could be substituted with either Cl, Br, or OCH3 at either the 3 and 3′ or 5 and 5′ positions, were suitable substrates for BAL. Reactions with 61-84 % yields of the intramolecular product and ee values between 64 and 98 %, were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramolecular benzoin reactions catalyzed by benzaldehyde lyase from Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I (BAL) are reported. The structure of the substrates envisaged for this reaction consists of two benzaldehyde derivatives linked by an alkyl chain. The structural requirements needed to achieve the intramolecular carbon-carbon bond reaction catalyzed by BAL were established. Thus, a linker consisting of a linear alkyl chain of three carbon atoms connected through ether-type bonds to the 2 and 2′ positions of two benzaldehyde moieties, which could be substituted with either Cl, Br, or OCH3 at either the 3 and 3′ or 5 and 5′ positions, were suitable substrates for BAL. Reactions with 61-84 % yields of the intramolecular product and ee values between 64 and 98 %, were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

d-Fructose-6-phosphate aldolase (FSA) was probed for extended nucleophile promiscuity by using a series of fluorogenic substrates to reveal retro-aldol activity. Four nucleophiles ethanal, propanone, butanone, and cyclopentanone were subsequently confirmed to be non-natural substrates in the synthesis direction using the wild-type enzyme and its D6H variant. This exceptional widening of the nucleophile substrate scope offers a rapid entry, in good yields and high stereoselectivity, to less oxygenated alkyl ketones and aldehydes, which was hitherto impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new CNNC carbene-phthalazine tetradentate ligand has been synthesised, which in the reaction with [Ru(T)Cl3] (T = trpy, tpm, bpea; trpy = 2,2′;6′,2′′-terpyridine; tpm = tris(pyrazol-1-yl)methane; bpea = N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethanamine) in MeOH or iPrOH undergoes a C–N bond scission due to the nucleophilic attack of a solvent molecule, with the subsequent formation of the mononuclear complexes cis-[Ru(PhthaPz-OR)(trpy)X]n+, [Ru(PhthaPz-OMe)(tpm)X]n+ and trans,fac-[Ru(PhthaPz-OMe)(bpea)X]n+ (X = Cl, n = 1; X = H2O, n = 2; PhthaPz-OR = 1-(4-alkoxyphthalazin-1-yl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium), named 1a+/2a2+ (R = Me), 1b+/2b2+ (R = iPr), 3+/42+ and 5+/62+, respectively. Interestingly, regulation of the stability regions of different Ru oxidation states is obtained by different ligand combinations, going from 62+, where Ru(iii) is clearly stable and mono-electronic transfers are favoured, to 2a2+/2b2+, where Ru(iii) is almost unstable with regard to its disproportionation. The catalytic performance of the Ru–OH2 complexes in chemical water oxidation at pH 1.0 points to poor stability (ligand oxidation), with subsequent evolution of CO2 together with O2, especially for 42+ and 62+. In electrochemically driven water oxidation, the highest TOF values are obtained for 2a2+ at pH 1.0. In alkene epoxidation, complexes favouring bi-electronic transfer processes show better performances and selectivities than those favouring mono-electronic transfers, while alkenes containing electron-donor groups show better performances than those bearing electron-withdrawing groups. Finally, when cis-β-methylstyrene is employed as the substrate, no cis/trans isomerization takes place, thus indicating the existence of a stereospecific process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homonuclear 13C-13C couplings at natural abundance can be measured using the J-modulated Adequate DoublE QUAntumTransfer Experiment (ADEQUATE) experiment. To somewhat ameliorate F1 digitization requirements, a scaling factor was incorporated into the original pulse sequence. Non-uniform sampling provides an obvious avenue to further facilitate the acquisition of 1 JCC and n JCC homonuclear coupling constant data. We introduce homonuclear decoupling (HD) analogous to that described for the 1,1-HD-ADEQUATE and 1,n-HD-ADEQUATE experiments and evaluate the combination of non-uniform sampling and HD on the acquisition of both 1 JCC and n JCC homonuclear 13C-13C coupling constants using ibuprofen as a model compound. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allene-yne-allene and allene-ene-allene N-tosyl-linked substrates with two chiral centres in the α-position of the allene moiety were satisfactorily prepared starting both from racemic and chiral propargylic alcohols. The Wilkinson's complex-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of these substrates was evaluated. In the case of enantiomerically pure bisallenes, high stereoselectivity was observed, giving a diastereomerically pure cycloadduct. The chirality of starting bisallene substrates can be completely transferred to the cycloadducts, representing an atom-economical and enantiospecific process for the construction of fused polycycles. However, when reacting an oxygen-linked allene-ene-allene substrate, the stereoselectivity decreased and two diastereoisomers were formed. A detailed characterization study of the resulting cycloadducts allowed us to identify the enantioisomer generated in the cycloaddition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of 5,5-disubstituted cyclohexa-1,3-dienes has been achieved by [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions between diynes and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (M-B-H) adducts as unsaturated substrates. Products containing two adjacent chiral centres (quaternary and tertiary, respectively) were obtained with complete diastereoselectivity and high enantioselectivity (84-97%) through a kinetic resolution of the M-B-H adduct. Furthermore, these highly substituted cyclohexadienes reacted with dienophiles to afford the corresponding Diels-Alder cycloadducts in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The phyllospheric microbiota is assumed to play a key role in the metabolism of host plants. Its role in determining the epiphytic and internal plant metabolome, however, remains to be investigated. We analyzed the Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) profiles of the epiphytic and internal metabolomes of the leaves and flowers of Sambucus nigra with and without external antibiotic treatment application. Results: The epiphytic metabolism showed a degree of complexity similar to that of the plant organs. The suppression of microbial communities by topical applications of antibiotics had a greater impact on the epiphytic metabolome than on the internal metabolomes of the plant organs, although even the latter changed significantly both in leaves and flowers. The application of antibiotics decreased the concentration of lactate in both epiphytic and organ metabolomes, and the concentrations of citraconic acid, acetyl-CoA, isoleucine, and several secondary compounds such as terpenes and phenols in the epiphytic extracts. The metabolite pyrogallol appeared in the floral epiphytic community only after the treatment. The concentrations of the amino acid precursors of the ketoglutarate-synthesis pathway tended to decrease in the leaves and to increase in the foliar epiphytic extracts. Conclusions: These results suggest that anaerobic and/or facultative anaerobic bacteria were present in high numbers in the phyllosphere and in the apoplasts of S. nigra. The results also show that microbial communities play a significant role in the metabolomes of plant organs and could have more complex and frequent mutualistic, saprophytic, and/or parasitic relationships with internal plant metabolism than currently assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The preparation of multifunctional chiral molecules can be greatly simplified by adopting a route via the sequential catalytic assembly of achiral building blocks. The catalytic aldol assembly of prebiotic compounds into stereodefined pentoses and hexoses is an as yet unmet challenge. Such a process would be of remarkable synthetic utility and highly significant with regard to the origin of life. Pursuing an expedient enzymatic approach, here we use engineered D-fructose-6-phosphate aldolase from Escherichia coli to prepare a series of three- to six-carbon aldoses by sequential one-pot additions of glycolaldehyde. Notably, the pertinent selection of the aldolase variant provides control of the sugar size. The stereochemical outcome of the addition was also altered to allow the synthesis of L-glucose and related derivatives. Such engineered biocatalysts may offer new routes for the straightforward synthesis of natural molecules and their analogues that circumvent the intricate enzymatic pathways forged by evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptospirolepine is the most structurally complex alkaloid discovered and characterized thus far from any Cryptolepis specie. Characterization of several degradants of the original, sealed NMR sample a decade after the initial report called the validity of the originally proposed structure in question. We now report the development of improved, homodecoupled variants of the 1,1- and 1,n-ADEQUATE (HD-ADEQUATE) NMR experiments; utilization of these techniques was critical to successfully resolving long-standing structural questions associated with crytospirolepine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptospirolepine is the most structurally complex alkaloid discovered and characterized thus far from any Cryptolepis specie. Characterization of several degradants of the original, sealed NMR sample a decade after the initial report called the validity of the originally proposed structure in question. We now report the development of improved, homodecoupled variants of the 1,1- and 1,n-ADEQUATE (HD-ADEQUATE) NMR experiments; utilization of these techniques was critical to successfully resolving long-standing structural questions associated with crytospirolepine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants in natural environments are increasingly being subjected to a combination of abiotic stresses, such as drought and warming, in many regions. The effects of each stress and the combination of stresses on the functioning of shoots and roots have been studied extensively, but little is known about the simultaneous metabolome responses of the different organs of the plant to different stresses acting at once., We studied the shift in metabolism and elemental composition of shoots and roots of two perennial grasses, Holcus lanatus and Alopecurus pratensis, in response to simultaneous drought and warming., These species responded differently to individual and simultaneous stresses. These responses were even opposite in roots and shoots. In plants exposed to simultaneous drought and warming, terpenes, catechin and indole acetic acid accumulated in shoots, whereas amino acids, quinic acid, nitrogenous bases, the osmoprotectants choline and glycine betaine, and elements involved in growth (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) accumulated in roots. Under drought, warming further increased the allocation of primary metabolic activity to roots and changed the composition of secondary metabolites in shoots., These results highlight the plasticity of plant metabolomes and stoichiometry, and the different complementary responses of shoots and roots to complex environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a great interest in the development of new broadband 1H homonuclear decoupled techniques providing simplified JHH multiplet patterns has emerged again in the field of small molecule NMR. The resulting highly resolved 1H NMR spectra display resonances as collapsed singlets, therefore minimizing signal overlap and expediting spectral analysis. This review aims at presenting the most recent advances in pure shift NMR spectroscopy, with a particular emphasis to the Zangger-Sterk experiment. A detailed discussion about the most relevant practical aspects in terms of pulse sequence design, selectivity, sensitivity, spectral resolution and performance is provided. Finally, the implementation of the different reported strategies into traditional 1D and 2D NMR experiments is described while several practical applications are also reviewed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a highly abundant passive nucleus (Z = 19 F or 31P) allows the simultaneous determination of the magnitude and the sign of up to three different heteronuclear coupling constants from each individual cross-peak observed in a 2D 1H-X selHSQMBC spectrum. Whereas J(HZ) and J(XZ) coupling constants are measured from E.COSY multiplet patterns, J(XH) is independently extracted from the complementary IPAP pattern generated along the detected F2 dimension. The incorporation of an extended TOCSY transfer allows the extraction of a complete set of all these heteronuclear coupling constants and their signs for an entire 1H subspin system. 1H-X/1H-Y time-shared versions are also proposed for the simultaneous measurement of five different couplings ( J(XH), J(YH), J(XZ), J(YZ), and J(ZH)) for multiple signals in a single NMR experiment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structure-guided redesign of D-fructose-6-phosphate aldolase from Escherichia coli (FSA) was devised for improving the acceptor tolerance towards α-substituted and conformationally constrained aldehydes. FSA A129S/ R134X/A165G/S166G and L107Y/A129G/ R134X/A165G/S166G variants, where X was R, V, P, or S, were the most suited biocatalysts for dihydroxyacetone, hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde additions to 20 α-substituted N-Cbz-aminoaldehydes (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl) including pyrrolidine and piperidine derivatives. Full kinetic stereocontrol for si- si face addition of the aldolase-bound nucleophile to the N-Cbz-aminoaldehyde carbonyl was observed, furnishing the corresponding D- threo configured aldol adduct in >95:5 dr as assessed by NMR. After reductive amination, 47 different iminocyclitols were identified and characterized. In some examples partial racemization of the corresponding aldehyde was observed, which appears to be produced mostly during the aldol addition reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]