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Because of its presence in many molecules of biological relevance, the conformational analysis of five-membered rings using 3JHH scalar coupling data from NMR is a topic of considerable interest. Typically, conformational analysis involves the use of a well-established mathematical procedure, originally developed by de Leeuw et al., that fits two rigid conformations to the available experimental data. This so-called pseudorotation analysis approach is not without problems, however, as chemically unrealistic conformations are sometimes generated from the data. Here, we present our investigations in the use of time-averaged restrained molecular dynamics simulations as a generic tool to determine the conformations that agree with experimental 3JHH scalar coupling data. For this purpose, a set of six ribose-based molecules has been used as model compounds. The influence of several modeling parameters is assessed and optimized values are proposed. The results obtained with the tar-MD approach are compared to those obtained from the two conformer fitting procedure. Interpretation of the latter is facilitated by the introduction of a fitting error analysis that allows mapping the solution space of the fitting procedure. The relative merits of both methods and the advantages that result from the use of a force field and a time-averaged restraint potential for the experimental data are discussed. When combined, both techniques allow an enhanced understanding of the molecules' conformational behavior and prevent possible overinterpretation. In view of the very reasonable computational burden of a tar-MD simulation for the systems investigated here, the approach should be generally applicable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a study on the generation of an "anionic" potentiometric response of a liquid polymeric membrane based on calix[4]pyrrole towards neutral chloro- and fluorophenol isomers. The results show that a calix[4]pyrrole membrane is able to recognize chloro and fluoro derivatives of phenols, and discriminate between ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers of chlorophenol. The mechanism of molecular recognition relies on the formation of a supramolecular complex between a phenolic guest and the calix[4]pyrrole host occurring at the organic/aqueous interface, which leads to a change of charge separation. The sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor studied depend on the acidity and lipophilicity of the phenolic analytes. The selected matrix effect on the potentiometric measurements has been checked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are considered a suitable alternative feed for livestock production and their use is nowadays regulated in the European Union by the European Commission Regulation No. 893/2017. Insects have the ability to grow on a different spectrum of substrates, which could be naturally contaminated by mycotoxins. In the present work, the mycotoxin uptake and/or excretion in two different insect species, Alphitobius diaperinus (Lesser Mealworm, LM) and Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF), grown on naturally contaminated substrates, was evaluated. Among all the substrates of growth tested, the Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin 1 and 2 (FB1 and FB2) and zearalenone (ZEN) were found in those based on wheat and/or corn. No mycotoxins were detected in BSF larvae, while quantifiable amount of DON and FB1 were found in LM larvae, although in lower concentration than those detected in the growing substrates and in the residual fractions. Mass balance calculations indicated that BSF and LM metabolized mycotoxins in forms not yet known, accumulating them in their body or excreting in the faeces. Further studies are required in this direction due to the future employment of insects as feedstuff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of 2-benzyl-5-halopyridazin-3(2H)-ones (3) with Grignard reagents followed by quenching with electrophiles unexpectedly yielded 4,5-disubstituted pyridazin-3(2H)-ones instead of 5-substituted pyridazin-3(2H)-ones. These reactions represent the first examples of cine substitution in which the anionic σ(H)-adduct is quenched by electrophiles (other than a proton) before elimination takes place. Insight into the reaction mechanism led to the direct transformation of 2-benzylpyridazin-3(2H)-one (7) and 2-benzyl-6-chloropyridazin-3(2H)-one (9) into the corresponding C-4 alkyl and aryl derivatives (when Br(2) was used as the electrophile).

Because of its presence in many molecules of biological relevance, the conformational analysis of five-membered rings using (3)J(HH) scalar coupling data from NMR is a topic of considerable interest. Typically, conformational analysis involves the use of a well-established mathematical procedure, originally developed by de Leeuw et al., that fits two rigid conformations to the available experimental data. This so-called pseudorotation analysis approach is not without problems, however, as chemically unrealistic conformations are sometimes generated from the data. Here, we present our investigations in the use of time-averaged restrained molecular dynamics simulations as a generic tool to determine the conformations that agree with experimental (3)J(HH) scalar coupling data. For this purpose, a set of six ribose-based molecules has been used as model compounds. The influence of several modeling parameters is assessed and optimized values are proposed. The results obtained with the tar-MD approach are compared to those obtained from the two conformer fitting procedure. Interpretation of the latter is facilitated by the introduction of a fitting error analysis that allows mapping the solution space of the fitting procedure. The relative merits of both methods and the advantages that result from the use of a force field and a time-averaged restraint potential for the experimental data are discussed. When combined, both techniques allow an enhanced understanding of the molecules' conformational behavior and prevent possible overinterpretation. In view of the very reasonable computational burden of a tar-MD simulation for the systems investigated here, the approach should be generally applicable., (Copyright 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The first example of substitution reaction in the free alpha-position of N-confused calix[4]pyrroles is reported: azo-coupling with various arenediazonium salts. The obtained azocompounds were used for studies of their anion-binding properties by UV-Vis spectroscopy.