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The G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR3 plays a role in numerous inflammatory events. The endogenous ligands for the chemokine receptors are peptides, but in this study we disclose small-molecule ligands that are able to activate CXCR3. A class of biaryl-type compounds that is assembled by convenient synthetic routes is described as a new class of CXCR3 agonists. Intriguingly, structure-activity relationship and structure-function relationship studies reveal that subtle chemical modifications on the outer aryl ring (e.g., either the size or position of a halogen atom) result in a full spectrum of agonist efficacies on CXCR3. Quantum mechanics calculations and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR studies suggest that the biaryl dihedral angle and the electronic nature of ortho-substituents play an important role in determining agonist efficacies. Compounds 38 (VUF11222) and 39 (VUF11418) are the first reported nonpeptidomimetic agonists on CXCR3, rendering them highly useful chemical tools for detailed assessment of CXCR3 activation as well as for studying downstream CXCR3 signaling.

Non-fused 3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3-thiazine-2-thiones constitute a so far rather unexplored class of compounds, with the latest report dating back more than two decades. Thiazine-2-thiones contain an endocyclic dithiocarbamate group, which is often found in pesticides, in substrates for radical chemistry and in synthetic intermediates towards thioureas and amidines. We now report the multicomponent reaction (MCR) of in situ-generated 1-azadienes with carbon disulfide. With this reaction, a one-step protocol towards the potentially interesting 3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3-thiazine-2-thiones was established and a small library was synthesized.

An efficient combination of MAO-N-catalyzed desymmetrization of cyclic meso-amines with Ugi-Smiles multicomponent chemistry produced optically pure N-aryl proline amides. This method represents the first report of a fully asymmetric Ugi-Smiles process.

Using structure-based optimization procedures on in silico hits, dibenzosuberyl- and benzoate substituted tropines were designed as ligands for acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP). This protein is a homolog to the ligand binding domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Distinct SAR is observed between two AChBP species variants and between the α7 and α4β2 nAChR subtype. The AChBP species differences are indicative of a difference in accessibility of a ligand-inducible subpocket. Hereby, we have identified a region that can be scrutinized to achieve selectivity for nicotinic receptor subtypes., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Geminal frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are expected to exhibit increased reactivity when the donor and acceptor sites are perfectly aligned. This is shown for reactions of the nonfluorinated FLP tBu(2)PCH(2)BPh(2) with H(2), CO(2), and isocyanates and supported computationally., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

Compared with the widespread use of carbonylative Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, similar reactions involving isocyanide insertion are almost virgin territory. We investigated the intramolecular imidoylative cross-coupling of N-(2-bromoaryl)amidines, leading to 4-aminoquinazolines. After thorough optimization of the reaction with respect to palladium source and loading, ligand, base, temperature, and solvent, a small library of 4-aminoquinazolines was prepared to determine the scope of this method. Various substituents are tolerated on the amidine and the isocyanide, providing efficient access to a broad range of diversely substituted 4-aminoquinazolines of significant pharmaceutical interest., (Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of a wide range of substituted o-(pseudo)halobenzoates and hydrazines with isocyanide insertion followed by lactamization efficiently affords 4-aminophthalazin-1(2H)-ones that are difficult to obtain regioselectively by classical methods.

In the present study, a site-saturation mutagenesis library of drug-metabolizing CYP102A1 M11H with all 20 amino acids at position 87 was applied as a biocatalyst for the production of stable and reactive metabolites of clozapine. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug in which formation of reactive metabolites is considered to be responsible for several adverse drug reactions. Reactive intermediates of clozapine can be inactivated by GSH to multiple GSH conjugates by nonenzymatic and glutathione transferase (GST)-mediated conjugation reactions. The structures of several GST-dependent metabolites have not yet been elucidated unequivocally. The present study shows that the nature of the amino acid at position 87 of CYP102A1 M11H strongly determines the activity and regioselectivity of clozapine metabolism. Some mutants showed preference for N-demethylation and N-oxidation, whereas others showed high selectivity for bioactivation to reactive intermediates. The mutant containing Phe87 showed high activity and high selectivity for the bioactivation pathway and was used for the large-scale production of GST-dependent GSH conjugates by incubation in the presence of recombinant human GST P1-1. Five human-relevant GSH adducts were produced at high levels, enabling structural characterization by (1)H NMR. This work shows that drug-metabolizing CYP102A1 mutants, in combination with GSTs, are very useful tools for the generation of GSH conjugates of reactive metabolites of drugs to enable their isolation and structural elucidation.

Galantamine hydrobromide was subjected to different stress conditions (acidic, alkaline, thermal, photolytic and oxidative). Degradation was found to occur under acidic, photolytic and oxidative conditions, while the drug was stable under alkaline and elevated temperature conditions. A stability-indicating reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of the drug in the presence of its degradation products. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, selectivity and intermediate precision. Additionally, the degradation kinetics of the drug was assessed in relevant cases. The kinetics followed a first order behavior in the case of acidic and photolytic degradation, while a two-phase kinetics behavior was found for the oxidative degradation. The degradation products were characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Dehydration, epimerization and N-oxidation were the main processes observed during the degradation of galantamine. Moreover, if sufficient material could be isolated the inhibitory activity against the target enzyme acetylcholinesterase was also assessed., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Heterogeneity of regional coronary blood flow is caused in part by heterogeneity in O(2) demand in the normal heart. We investigated whether myocardial O(2) supply/demand mismatching is associated with the myocardial depression of sepsis. Regional blood flow (microspheres) and O(2) uptake ([(13)C]acetate infusion and analysis of resultant NMR spectra) were measured in about nine contiguous tissue samples from the left ventricle (LV) in each heart. Endotoxemic pigs (n = 9) showed hypotension at unchanged cardiac output with a fall in LV stroke work and first derivative of LV pressure relative to controls (n = 4). Global coronary blood flow and O(2) delivery were maintained. Lactate accumulated in arterial blood, but net lactate extraction across the coronary bed was unchanged during endotoxemia. When LV O(2) uptake based on blood gas versus NMR data were compared, the correlation was 0.73 (P = 0.007). While stable over time in controls, regional blood flows were strongly redistributed during endotoxin shock, with overall flow heterogeneity unchanged. A stronger redistribution of blood flow with endotoxin was associated with a larger fall in LV function parameters. Moreover, the correlation of regional O(2) delivery to uptake fell from r = 0.73 (P < 0.001) in control to r = 0.18 (P = 0.25, P = 0.009 vs. control) in endotoxemic hearts. The results suggest a redistribution of LV regional coronary blood flow during endotoxin shock in pigs, with regional O(2) delivery mismatched to O(2) demand. Mismatching may underlie, at least in part, the myocardial depression of sepsis.

A very short and efficient synthesis of the important drug candidate telaprevir, featuring a biocatalytic desymmetrization and two multicomponent reactions as the key steps, is presented. The classical issue of lack of stereoselectivity in Ugi- and Passerini-type reactions is circumvented. The atom economic and convergent nature of the synthetic strategy require only very limited use of protective groups.

We have combined the biocatalytic desymmetrization of 3,4-cis-substituted meso-pyrrolidines with an Ugi-type multicomponent reaction followed in situ by a Pictet-Spengler-type cyclization reaction sequence for the rapid asymmetric synthesis of alkaloid-like polycyclic compounds.

A new photoisomer of the promising "anti-Alzheimer" drug candidate (+/-) huperzine A is described. The new substance was formed via a photoisomerization reaction and was found to be 1-amino-13-ethylidene-11-methyl-6-aza-tetracyclo-[7.3.1.0(2.7).0(4.7)]-trideca-2,10-diene-5-one using NMR analysis. The kinetics of its formation was studied and proven to be of first-order. The described photoisomer showed a significant loss in activity, being more than 100 times less active than (-) huperzine A itself. The new substance was named photohuperzine A, referring to its photopyridone substructure., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hit optimization of the class of quinazoline containing histamine H(4) receptor (H(4)R) ligands resulted in a sulfonamide substituted analogue with high affinity for the H(4)R. This moiety leads to improved physicochemical properties and is believed to probe a distinct H(4)R binding pocket that was previously identified using pharmacophore modeling. By introducing a variety of sulfonamide substituents, the H(4)R affinity was optimized. The interaction of the new ligands, in combination with a set of previously published quinazoline compounds, was described by a QSAR equation. Pharmacological studies revealed that the sulfonamide analogues have excellent H(4)R affinity and behave as inverse agonists at the human H(4)R. In vivo evaluation of the potent 2-(6-chloro-2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)quinazoline-4-amino)-N-phenylethanesulfonamide (54) (pK(i) = 8.31 +/- 0.10) revealed it to have anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model of acute inflammation.

A broad range of isonitrile-functionalized 3,4-dihydropyridin-2-ones could be prepared using a four-component reaction between phosphonates, nitriles, aldehydes, and isocyanoacetates. The reaction involves initial formation of a 1-azadiene intermediate which is trapped in situ by an isocyanoacetate to give the desired heterocyclic scaffold through cyclocondensation. The full scope and limitations of this four-component reaction are described. Variation of the nitrile and aldehyde inputs proved to be extensively possible, but variation of the phosphonate input remains limited. Regarding the isocyanoacetate, alpha-aryl isocyanoacetates give moderate to high yields and result in a complete diastereoselectivity for the 3,4-cis isomer. Alpha-alkyl isocyanoacetates gave the corresponding dihydropyridin-2-ones in moderate yields, most of them as mixtures of diastereomers. Elevated temperatures during cyclocondensation generally increased the yield and resulted in a change of the diastereomeric ratio in favor of the cis-diastereomer. In addition to isocyanoacetates, a limited number of other alpha-acidic esters resulted in the formation of dihydropyridin-2-ones, albeit in much lower yield. Computational studies show that the observed difference in yield cannot be simply correlated to specific physical properties (including acidity) of the different alpha-acidic esters.

18-Electron nucleophilic, Schrock-type phosphinidene complexes 3 [Cp*(Xy-N[triple bond]C)Ir=PAr] (Ar = Mes*, Dmp, Mes) are capable of unprecedented [1 + 2]-cycloadditions with 1 equiv of isocyanide RNC (R = Xy, Ph) to give novel iridaphosphirane complexes [Cp*(Xy-N[triple bond]C) IrPAr C=NR]. Their structures were ascertained by X-ray diffraction. Density functional theory investigations on model structures revealed that the iridaphosphirane complexes are formed from the addition of the isocyanide to 16-electron species [Cp*Ir=PAr] forming first complex 3 that subsequently reacts with another isocyanide to give the products following a different pathway than its nitrogen analogue [Cp*Ir[triple bond]Nt-Bu] 1.

The intramolecular substituent interchange in recently reported pentaorganosilicates is investigated by B3LYP calculations, which show excellent agreement with the experimental thermochemical data. Two types of ligand permutation are discerned (A and B), which both lead to racemization of the helical, spirocyclic anions. IRC calculations show that stereomutation A bifurcates into two enantiomeric reaction paths, which are inhibited by ortho substitution of the bidentate ligands. The other pathway (B) proceeds through a trigonal bipyramidal transition state with one bisequatorial bidentate ligand and is disfavored by increasing the pi-electron density of the ligand. A more electronegative fifth, monodentate substituent increases the barrier of pathway A and lowers that of pathway B, as in bis(biphenyl-2,2'-diyl)fluorosilicate, which is the first tetraorganofluorosilicate to be isolated and fully characterized. These concepts enabled us to design and synthesize methyl- and ethylbis([2]naphthylpyrrol-2,1'-diyl)silicate as Si-chiral pentaorganosilicates that are configurationally rigid at room temperature.

A novel modular synthetic approach toward constrained peptidomimetics is reported. The approach involves a highly efficient three-step sequence including two multicomponent reactions, thus allowing unprecedented diversification of both the peptide moieties and the turn-inducing scaffold. The turn-inducing properties of the dihydropyridone scaffold were evaluated by molecular modeling, X-ray crystallography, and NMR studies of a resulting peptidomimetic. Although modeling studies point toward a type IV beta-turn-like structure, the X-ray crystal structure and NMR studies indicate an open turn structure.

Isocyano dihydropyridones accessible via a recently reported multicomponent reaction react with aldehydes and amines to afford dihydrooxazolopyridines in high yield. The scope and limitations of this novel multicomponent reaction were investigated. The efficient combination of two highly variable multicomponent reactions allows the construction of a very broad range of dihydrooxazolopyridines, an unexplored class of bicyclic compounds. The implications of the observed reactivity profile for the mechanism of this multicomponent reaction are discussed.

Triazinane diones, readily generated by a recently reported multicomponent reaction, can be easily alkylated with various alkyl halides, allowing a wide variety of complexity-generating secondary reactions. Because of the high variability of the initial multicomponent reactions and the multiple possibilities for participation of substituents in the secondary reactions, a highly diverse set of complex products was obtained in short and efficient reaction sequences.

An efficient, one-pot synthetic protocol toward triazinane diones, a rather unexplored class of heterocyclic scaffolds combining phosphonates, nitriles, aldehydes, and isocyanates is described. The optimization of the reaction, synthesis of a small library of different triazinane diones, as well as alternative routes toward the triazinane dione scaffold are discussed.

Alkylation and oxidation of 2H-2-imidazolines, followed by regioselective deprotection, thionation and microwave-assisted Liebeskind-Srogl reaction, efficiently led to 2-aryl-2-imidazolines as new analogues of p53-hdm2 interaction inhibitors (Nutlins).

Selective formation of 2H-2-imidazolines and 2-substituted oxazoles by using a multicomponent reaction of amines, either aldehydes or ketones, and alpha-acidic isocyano amides or esters is described. By selecting the appropriate solvent, Ag(I) or Cu(I) catalyst, or by employing a weak Brønsted acid, the product formation can be fully controlled and directed quantitatively to the desired heterocyclic scaffold. The described experimental procedures not only significantly increase the scope of compatible inputs for this complexity-generating three-component reaction, but also allow for considerable chemical diversity: At least four diversity points in two distinct scaffolds can be exploited in this way.

A multicomponent reaction between alpha-acidic isonitriles, primary amines, and carbonyl compounds was studied using 14 different solvents. Depending on the isocyanide that was used, optimal yields for the three-component synthesis of 2H-2-imidazolines were observed in different solvents. The solvents could be used as purchased, and in situ preformation of the imine was not required. By selecting the appropriate solvent, it was possible to considerably expand the range of compatible isocyanides toward less alpha-acidic isocyanides. Further process simplification was achieved by performing the reaction at higher concentrations and avoiding purification by column chromatography, resulting in a fast, easy to perform, and resource-efficient protocol for this three-component reaction.

Myocardial blood flow and oxygen consumption are heterogeneously distributed. Perfusion and myocardial oxygen consumption are closely correlated in the normal heart. It is unknown how this metabolism-perfusion relation is influenced by sympathetic denervation. We investigated this question in seven chloralose-anaesthetized dogs, 3-4 weeks after regional sympathetic denervation of the left circumflex coronary artery area of supply of the left ventricle. Measurements were made of local myocardial blood flow (MBF, in ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1)), measured with microspheres, and myocardial oxygen consumption ( , in mumol min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1)) in the same location, calculated from the (13)C spectrum of tissue extracts after intracoronary infusion of 3-(13)C-lactate. Since both innervated and denervated regions are subject to the same arterial pressure, lower blood flow indicates higher resistance. Mean MBF was 5.56 ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1) (heterogeneity of 3.47 ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1)) innervated, 7.48 ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1) (heterogeneity of 3.62 ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1)) denervated (n.s.). Significant linear relations were found between MBF and M Vo2 of individual samples within the innervated and denervated regions. The slopes of these relations were not significantly different, but the adjusted mean was significantly higher in the denervated regions (+1.92 ml min(-1) (g dry wt)(-1), an increase of 38% of the mean MBF at the pooled mean M Vo2, P = 0.028, ANCOVA). The ratio MBF/M Vo2(in ml micromol(-1)) was significantly higher, being 0.296 +/- 0.167 ml micromol(-1) in the denervated region compared with the innervated region, 0.216 +/- 0.126 ml micromol(-1), P = 0.0182, Mann-Whitney U test. These results indicate that sympathetic tone under chloralose anaesthesia imposes a moderate vasoconstrictive effect in the myocardium that is not detected by comparison of the mean blood flow or resistance.

[Structure: see text] In a search for new multicomponent strategies leading to valuable small heterocycles, a new highly diastereoselective four-component reaction (4CR) was found in which a phosphonate, nitriles, aldehydes, and isocyanoacetates combine to afford functionalized 3-isocyano-3,4-dihydro-2-pyridones. In this strategy, initially a 1-azadiene is generated, which is trapped in the same pot by an isocyanoacetate as the fourth component. Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) that lead to heterocycles containing isocyano substituents are unprecedented and offer many possibilities for further differentiation.

anti-W(CO)(5)-complexed 9-methyl-9-phosphabicyclo[6.1.0]nonatriene represents a covalently interlocked molecular bevel gear. Correlated movement of the phosphorus atom and the eight-membered ring by way of a "walk" rearrangement makes gear slippage impossible. The gearing motion is transferred to the four-toothed W(CO)(5) propeller connected to the rotating phosphorus atom, enabling a gearing ratio of 2:1 according to B3LYP and Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics calculations. Methyl substitution of the eight-membered ring tempers the gearing process, with the PMeW(CO)(5) entity passing the substituted carbon atom only at temperatures above 50 degrees C.

A broad range of differently substituted dihydropyrimidines and thiazines can be efficiently prepared by using a four-component reaction between phosphonates, nitriles, aldehydes, and iso(thio)cyanates. The scope and limitations of this multicomponent reaction are fully described. Variation of all four components has been investigated. The nitrile and aldehyde inputs can be varied extensively, but variation of the phosphonate input remains limited. An interesting rearrangement leading to phosphoramidates has been observed. Furthermore, the multicomponent reaction seems to be restricted to the use of isocyanates with strongly electron-withdrawing substituents, but an interesting additional exchange reaction under microwave conditions leads to dihydropyrimidines with less electron-withdrawing substituents at N3. In addition, a diastereoselective formation of dihydropyrimidines has been observed when using a chiral aldehyde as the input. Finally, by changing the isocyanate component to an isothiocyanate, thiazines are efficiently formed instead of the corresponding thio-dihydropyrimidines.

Here we present a high-resolution screening (HRS) methodology for postcolumn on-line profiling of metabolites with affinity for the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Tamoxifen, which is metabolized into multiple metabolites, was used as the model compound. Most of the 14 metabolites detected exhibited affinity for the ERalpha. The HRS methodology shows great potential for metabolite bio-affinity profiling and application in drug discovery and development.

Intramolecular phosphinidene addition to the C==C bond of Mo-complexed, seven-membered phosphorus heterocycles affords three novel [(diphos)Mo(CO)(4)] complexes (18-20). The three bidentate phosphorus baskets differ in the composition of the seven-membered ring: one of the phosphorus atoms is flanked by CH(2), NCH(3), or O. The unsaturated tetrahydrophosphepine precursors are synthesized by either ring-closing metathesis (C and N derivatives) or by a cyclization sequence (O derivative). The crystal structures of the nitrogen- (19) and oxygen-containing (20) baskets have relatively small P-Mo-P angles of 76.240(13) degrees and 77.626(12) degrees , respectively, and complex 20 has slightly shortened Mo--P bond lengths.

Optimization of Radziszewski's four-component reaction employing a microwave-assisted protocol, led to a small library of 48 imidazoles with a success rate of 65% (conversion > 45%). All three diversity points of the four-component reaction were varied. Aromatic and aliphatic inputs were successfully implemented and mono-, di-, tri- and tetrasubstituted imidazoles with various substitution patterns were synthesized. Furthermore, unsymmetrical diketones could successfully be used which improved the intrinsic diversity of the method significantly. If the unsymmetrical diketone 1,2-phenylpropanedione (R1 and R2) was used two regioisomers were formed. Depending on the type of amine (R4) and aldehyde (R3) applied, regioselectivity was modest to good. Based on these results, a reaction mechanism is proposed.

The synthesis of a variety of benzophosphepine complexes [R = Ph, t-Bu, Me; ML(n )()= W(CO)(5), Mo(CO)(5), Cr(CO)(5), Mn(CO)(2)Cp] by two successive hydrophosphinations of 1,2-diethynylbenzene is discussed in detail. The first hydrophosphination step proceeds at ambient temperature without additional promoters, and subsequent addition of base allows full conversion to benzophosphepines. Novel benzeno-1,4-diphosphinanes were isolated as side products. The benzophosphepine complexes themselves serve as convenient phosphinidene precursors at elevated, substituent-dependent temperatures (>55 degrees C). Kinetic and computational analyses support the proposal that the phosphepine-phosphanorcaradiene isomerization is the rate-determining step. In the absence of substrate, addition of the transient phosphinidene to another benzophosphepine molecule is observed, and addition to 1,2-diethynylbenzene furnishes a delicate bidentate diphosphirene complex.

Novel, highly stable, linear and branched mono- and diphospha[n]triangulanes were synthesized in high yields by the CuCl-catalyzed phosphinidene addition to spirocyclopropanated methylenecyclopropanes and bicyclopropylidenes. The effect of spirofusion on the electronic properties of these esthetically attractive phosphacycles is apparent from X-ray single crystal structure analyses, which reveals a tightening of the phosphirane ring on additional spirocyclopropanation, and from the NMR features that show deshielded chemical shifts for the ring-phosphorus and -carbon atoms. Steric factors play a role in the addition reaction when the substrate alkene carries a second sphere of spirocyclopropane rings and causes the formation of 2-phosphabicyclo[3.2.0]heptenes in small amounts. These by-products most probably result from addition of the [PhP(Cl)W(CO)(5)]-Cu-L (L=alkene or solvent) reagent to the spirocyclopropanated bicyclopropylidene to give an intermediate sigma-complex, which subsequently, facilitated by steric factors, undergoes a cyclopropylcarbinyl to cyclobutyl ring expansion followed by a [1,3]-sigmatropic shift.

Exposure of humans and wildlife to xenobiotics, such as halogenated biphenyls, that interfere with the endogenous estrogen balance may lead to endocrine disruption. Such compounds may either mimic or block estradiol's action by agonistic or antagonistic action, respectively. They may also affect endogenous estradiol concentrations by induction or inhibition of enzymes that metabolize estradiol. In the present study, we demonstrate that estrogenic metabolites of two brominated biphenyls, 2,2'-dibromobiphenyl (2,2'-DBB) and 4,4'-dibromobiphenyl (4,4'-DBB), are formed by rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity. Bioactivation of 2,2'-DBB and 4,4'-DBB yielded various mono- and dihydroxylated bromobiphenyl metabolites, which were collected by preparative HPLC and analyzed by LC/MS. Several of the metabolites bound to the estrogen receptor (ER) activated the ER and inhibited human estrogen sulfotransferase (hEST). Seven monohydroxylated metabolites were positively identified using synthetic monohydroxylated reference compounds. These synthetic monohydroxylated bromobiphenyls also bound to and activated the ER and inhibited hEST. The highest ER affinity was observed for 4-OH-2,2'-DBB, with an EC50 of 6.6 nM. The highest ER activation was observed for 4-OH-3,4'-DBB (EC50 of 74 nM) while 4-OH-4'-MBB and 4-OH-2,2'-DBB induced a supramaximal (as compared to estradiol) ER activation. The strongest hEST inhibition was found with 4-OH-3,4'-DBB (EC50 = 40 nM). In conclusion, we show that two dibrominated biphenyls are bioactivated by CYP activity into very potent estrogenic metabolites and inhibitors of hEST. These findings are of vital importance for accurate risk assessment of exposure to environmental contaminants, such as halogenated biphenyls. Neglecting bioactivation through biotransformation will lead to underestimation of health risks of this class of xenobiotics.

A series of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-alkylamphetamines (MDAAs) were automatically docked and subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in a cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) protein model. The predicted substrate binding orientations, sites of oxidation, and relative reactivities were compared to the experimental data of wild-type and Phe120Ala mutant CYP2D6. Automated docking results were not sufficient to accurately rationalize experimental binding orientations of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) in the two enzymes as measured with spin lattice relaxation NMR. Nevertheless, the docking results could be used as starting structures for MD simulations. Predicted binding orientations of MDMA and sites of oxidation of the MDAAs derived from MD simulations matched well with the experimental data. It appeared the experimental results were best described in MD simulations considering the nitrogen atoms of the MDAAs in neutral form. Differences in regioselectivity and stereoselectivity in the oxidative metabolism of the MDAAs by the Phe120Ala mutant CYP2D6 were correctly predicted, and the effects of the Phe120Ala mutation could be rationalized as well.

Reaction of the transient phosphinidene complexes R-P=W(CO)5 with N-substituted-diphenylketenimines leads unexpectedly to the novel 2-aminophosphindoles, as confirmed by an X-ray crystal structure determined for one of the derivatives. Experimental evidence for a methylene-azaphosphirane intermediate was found by using the iron-complexed phosphinidene iPr2N-P=Fe(CO)4, which affords the 2-aminophosphindole together with the novel methylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[1,3]azaphosphole. Analysis of the reaction pathways with DFT indicates that the initially formed methylene-azaphosphirane yields both phosphorus heterocycles by way of a [1,5]- or [1,3]-sigmatropic shift, respectively, followed by a H-shift. Strain underlies both rearrangements, which causes these remarkably selective conversions that can be tuned by changing the substituents.

The synthesis of highly strained bicyclic phosphirane and phosphirene iron-tetracarbonyl complexes, that is, complexes with 2-aza-1-phosphabicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes and -alkenes (n = 3-5), is explored by using intramolecular cycloaddition of an in situ generated electrophilic phosphinidene complex, [R(iPr)NP=Fe(CO)(4)], to its C=C- and C[triple chemical bond]C-containing R substituent. Saturated bicyclic complexes 7 a-c with n = 4-2 are remarkably stable, as illustrated by the X-ray crystal structure for 7 b (n=3), yet all readily undergo retroaddition to react with phenylacetylene. Shuttling of the phosphinidene iron complex between two equivalent C=C groups is demonstrated for a 1-butene-substituted 2-aza-1-phosphabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane by selective (1)H NMR magnetization transfer from the phosphirane protons to the olefinic protons. Even the more strained unsaturated bicycles 17 a,b (n = 4,3) are surprisingly stable as illustrated by the X-ray crystal structure for 17 a (n = 4), but the smaller phosphabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-5-ene (17 c, n = 2) dimerizes to tricyclic 19 with a unique ten-membered heterocyclic ring; an X-ray crystal structure is reported. Like their saturated analogues also the bicyclic phosphirenes readily undergo retroaddition as shown by the reaction of their phosphinidene iron moiety with phenylacetylene.

[reaction: see text] A multicomponent reaction (MCR) between amines, aldehydes, and isocyanides bearing an acidic alpha-proton gives easy access to a diverse range of highly substituted 2-imidazolines. The limitations of the methodology seem to be determined by the reactivity of the isocyanide and by the steric bulk on the in situ generated imine rather than by the presence of additional functional groups on the imine. Less reactive isocyanides, for example p-nitrobenzyl isocyanide 25a, react successfully with amines and aldehydes, using a catalytic amount of silver(I) acetate. Some of the resulting p-nitrophenyl-substituted 2-imidazolines undergo air oxidation to the corresponding imidazoles. Differences in reactivity of the employed isocyanides are explained with use of DFT calculations. Difficult reactions with ketones instead of aldehydes as the oxo-compound in this MCR are promoted by silver(I) acetate as well.

Reaction of electrophilic phosphinidene complex [MePW(CO)5] with 1,6-methano-[10]annulene results in the sole formation of the isomeric C-C insertion products 6 c (main) and 6 d (minor). The single-crystal X-ray structure of the complexed 1,7-methano-3-phospha[11]annulene (6 c) shows a syn-W(CO)5 group at the exo bent phosphorus. The structure displays C-C bond alternation without bonding between the bridgehead carbon atoms. Density functional theory calculations indicate 6 c to result from a concerted disrotatory ring opening of an undetected tricyclic exo-syn phosphirane intermediate. The endo-anti phosphirane cannot undergo ring expansion, due to the high barrier that is associated with an intramolecular antara-antara retro Diels-Alder reaction. The stabilizing effect of transition-metal coordination is discussed.

Myocardial blood flow is unevenly distributed, but the cause of this heterogeneity is unknown. Heterogeneous blood flow may reflect heterogeneity of oxygen demand. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between oxygen consumption and blood flow in small tissue regions in porcine left ventricle. In seven male, anesthetized, open-chest pigs, local oxygen consumption was quantitated by computational model analysis of the incorporation of 13C in glutamate via the tricarboxylic acid cycle during timed infusion of [13C]acetate into the left anterior descending coronary artery. Blood flow was measured with radioactive microspheres before and during acetate infusion. High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance 13C spectra were obtained from extracts of tissue samples (159 mg mean dry wt) taken at the end of the acetate infusion. Mean regional myocardial blood flow was stable [5.0 +/- 1.6 (SD) and 5.0 +/- 1.4 ml.min(-1).g dry wt(-1) before and after 30 min of acetate infusion, respectively]. Mean left ventricular oxygen consumption measured with the NMR method was 18.6 +/- 7.7 micromol.min(-1).g dry wt(-1) and correlated well (r = 0.85, P = 0.02, n = 7) with oxygen consumption calculated from blood flow, hemoglobin, and blood gas measurements (mean 22.8 +/- 4.7 micromol.min(-1).g dry wt(-1)). Local blood flow and oxygen consumption were significantly correlated (r = 0.63 for pooled normalized data, P < 0.0001, n = 60). We calculate that, in the heart at normal workload, the variance of left ventricular oxygen delivery at submilliliter resolution is explained for 43% by heterogeneity in oxygen demand.