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The organocatalytic transformation of resorcinols is extremely rare. In this article, we report a highly enantioselective, organocatalytic intramolecular cyclization of these systems by a Friedel–Crafts-type 1,4-addition using a Jørgensen-Hayashi-like organocatalyst with a large silyl protecting group, and show that heat improves reaction yield with virtually no detriment to enantioselectivity. A variety of bicyclic resorcinols were obtained with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 94%). To show the utility of these constructs, and as part of a wider project involving the synthesis of cannabinoid-like compounds, the resorcinol formed was used to generate both ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ cannabidiol (CBD) derivatives which were shown to have anticonvulsant activity.

In this study, we have developed a highly enantioselective organocatalytic route to the (1S,2R)-2-(aminomethyl)cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid monomer precursor, which has a cis-configuration between the C- and N-termini around the cyclopentane core.\ud \ud Kinetic measurements show that the product distribution changes over time due to epimerization of the C1 center. Computations suggest the cis-selectivity is a result of selective C-C bond formation, whilst subsequent steps appear to infuence the selectivity at higher temperature. The resulting gamma-amino acid residue was incorporated into a novel gamma/alpha-peptide which forms a well-ordered 10/12-helix with alternate H-bond directionality in spite of the smallest value of the zeta-angle yet observed for a helix of this type. This highly dened structure is a result of the narrow range of potential zeta-angles in our monomer. In contrast, the larger range of potential zeta-values observed for the corresponding trans-system can be fulfilled by several competing helical structures.

A new crystalline form of αβ-D-lactose (C H O ) has been prepared by the rapid drying of an approximately 40% / syrup of D-lactose. Initially identified from its novel powder X-ray diffraction pattern, the monoclinic crystal structure was solved from a microcrystal recovered from the generally polycrystalline mixed-phase residue obtained at the end of the drying step. This is the second crystalline form of αβ-D-lactose to be identified and it has a high degree of structural three-dimensional similarity to the previously identified triclinic form.

A new crystalline form of αβ-D-lactose (C12H22O11, Z' = 2) has been prepared by rapid drying of an approximately 40 % w/v syrup of D-lactose. Initially identified from its novel powder X-ray diffraction pattern, the monoclinic crystal structure was solved from a microcrystal recovered from the generally polycrystalline, mixed-phase residue obtained at the end of the drying step. This is the second crystalline form of αβ-D-lactose to be identified and it has a high degree of structural 3D similarity to the previously identified triclinic form.

By the combined use of powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR, and molecular modelling, the crystal structures of two systems containing the unusually large tenapanor drug molecule have been determined: the free form, ANHY and a dihydrochloride salt form, 2HCl. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) assisted solid-state NMR (SSNMR) crystallography investigations were found essential for the final assignment, and were used to validate the crystal structure of ANHY. From the structural informatics analysis of ANHY and 2HCl, conformational ring differences in one part of the molecule were observed which influences the relative orientation of a methyl group on a ring nitrogen and thereby impacts the crystallizability of the dihydrochloride salt. From quantum chemistry calculations, the dynamics between different ring conformations in tenapanor is predicted to be fast. Addition of HCl to tenapanor results in general in a mixture of protonated ring conformers and hence a statistical mix of diastereoisomers which builds up the amorphous form, a-2HCl. This was qualitatively verified by 13C CP/MAS NMR investigations of the amorphous form. Thus, to form any significant amount of the crystalline material 2HCl, which originates from the minor (i.e., energetically less stable) ring conformations, one needs to involve nitrogen deprotonation to allow exchange between minor and major conformations of ANHY in solution. Thus, by controlling the solution pH value to well below the pKa of ANHY, the equilibrium between ANHY and 2HCl can be controlled and by this mechanism the crystallization of 2HCl can be avoided and the amorphous form of the dichloride salt can therefore be stabilized.

The popularity of smoked foodstuffs such as sauces, marinades and rubs is on the rise. However, during the traditional smoking process, in addition to the desirable smoky aroma compounds, harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are also generated. In this work, a selective filter has been developed which reduces PAH concentrations in a smoke by up to 90%, whilst maintaining a desirable smoky flavor. Preliminary studies using a cocktail of 12 PAHs stirred with a zeolite showed the potential for this zeolite to selectively remove PAHs from a simple solution. However pre-treatment of the smoke prior to application removed the PAHs more efficiently and is more widely applicable to a range of food ingredients. Whilst volatile analysis showed that there was a concomitant reduction in the concentration of the smoky compounds such as 2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol), 2-methylphenol (m-cresol) and the isoeugenols, qualitative descriptive analysis by a sensory panel showed that the difference in perception of flavour was minimal.

The constant increase in cardiovascular disease rate coupled with significant drawbacks of existing therapies emphasise the necessity to improve therapeutic strategies. Natural flavonoids exert innumerable pharmacological effects in humans. Here, we demonstrate the effects of chrysin, a natural flavonoid found largely in honey and passionflower on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis. Chrysin displayed significant inhibitory effects on isolated platelets, however, its activity was substantially reduced under physiological conditions. In order to increase the efficacy of chrysin, a sulfur derivative (thio-chrysin), and ruthenium-complexes (Ru-chrysin and Ru-thio-chrysin) were synthesised and their effects on the modulation of platelet function were evaluated. Indeed, Ru-thio-chrysin displayed a 4-fold greater inhibition of platelet function and thrombus formation in vitro than chrysin under physiologically relevant conditions such as in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. Notably, Ru-thio-chrysin exhibited similar efficacy to chrysin in the modulation of haemostasis in mice. Increased bioavailability and cell permeability of Ru-thio-chrysin compared to chrysin were found to be the basis for its enhanced activity. Together, these results demonstrate that Ru-thio-coupled natural compounds such as chrysin may serve as promising templates for the development of novel anti-thrombotic agents.