Conjugated Diene System Research Articles

S-cis-Δ3(E),5(16)-conjugated diene briaranes from the octocoral Junceella fragilis

During the chemical screening of the sea whip octocoral Junceella fragilis, five chlorine-containing briarane-type diterpenoids featuring with an s-cis-Δ3(E),5(16)-diene conjugated diene system, were discovered. Of these compounds, two are entirely novel entities: (−)-frajunolide H (1) and fragilide Y (2). Additionally, three known analogs were identified: fragilide P (3), junceellolide B (4), and junceellolide C (5). To determine the absolute structures of 1 and 3, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was utilized. On the other hand, 2D NMR experiments in combination with data from the literature enabled accurate verification of the structure of 2. Moreover, an evaluation of the conformations of previously-discovered briaranes such as frajunolide H and junceellolide B and C was carried out. Among these newly-discovered compounds, fragilide Y possessed anti-inflammatory activity that reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to 88.70% at a concentration of 10 μM. Altogether, this study yielded valuable information about the unique chemistry and promising pharmacological properties of chlorine-containing briarane diterpenoids from sea whip octocoral.

Evolution of the codling moth pheromone via an ancient gene duplication

BackgroundDefining the origin of genetic novelty is central to our understanding of the evolution of novel traits. Diversification among fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes has played a fundamental role in the introduction of structural variation in fatty acyl derivatives. Because of its central role in generating diversity in insect semiochemicals, the FAD gene family has become a model to study how gene family expansions can contribute to the evolution of lineage-specific innovations. Here we used the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) as a study system to decipher the proximate mechanism underlying the production of the ∆8∆10 signature structure of olethreutine moths. Biosynthesis of the codling moth sex pheromone, (E8,E10)-dodecadienol (codlemone), involves two consecutive desaturation steps, the first of which is unusual in that it generates an E9 unsaturation. The second step is also atypical: it generates a conjugated diene system from the E9 monoene C12 intermediate via 1,4-desaturation.ResultsHere we describe the characterization of the FAD gene acting in codlemone biosynthesis. We identify 27 FAD genes corresponding to the various functional classes identified in insects and Lepidoptera. These genes are distributed across the C. pomonella genome in tandem arrays or isolated genes, indicating that the FAD repertoire consists of both ancient and recent duplications and expansions. Using transcriptomics, we show large divergence in expression domains: some genes appear ubiquitously expressed across tissue and developmental stages; others appear more restricted in their expression pattern. Functional assays using heterologous expression systems reveal that one gene, Cpo_CPRQ, which is prominently and exclusively expressed in the female pheromone gland, encodes an FAD that possesses both E9 and ∆8∆10 desaturation activities. Phylogenetically, Cpo_CPRQ clusters within the Lepidoptera-specific ∆10/∆11 clade of FADs, a classic reservoir of unusual desaturase activities in moths.ConclusionsOur integrative approach shows that the evolution of the signature pheromone structure of olethreutine moths relied on a gene belonging to an ancient gene expansion. Members of other expanded FAD subfamilies do not appear to play a role in chemical communication. This advises for caution when postulating the consequences of lineage-specific expansions based on genomics alone.

Fundamental Studies of the Singlet Oxygen Reactions with the Potent Marine Toxin Domoic Acid.

Domoic acid (DA), a potent marine toxin, is readily oxidized upon reaction with singlet oxygen (1O2). Detailed product studies revealed that the major singlet oxygenation reaction pathways were the [2 + 2] cycloaddition (60.2%) and ene reactions (39.8%) occurring at the Z double bond. Diene isomerization and [4 + 2] cycloaddition, common for conjugated diene systems, were not observed during the singlet oxygenation of DA. The bimolecular rate constant for the DA reaction with 1O2 determined by competition kinetics was 5.1 × 105 M-1 s-1. Based on the rate constant and steady-state concentrations of 1O2 in surface waters, the environmental half-life of DA due to singlet oxygen-induced transformations is between 5 and 63 days. The 1O2 reaction product mixture of DA did not exhibit significant biological activity based on ELISA studies, indicating that singlet oxygenation could be an important natural detoxification process. The characteristic oxidation products can provide valuable markers for the risk assessment of DA-contaminated natural waters.

Intramolecular alkene–alkyne metathesis and 1,4-cis-hydrogenation as a stereocontrolled route to compounds with exocyclic double bonds

Intramolecular alkene-alkyne metathesis of diethyl (but-3-en-1-yl)(propargyl)malonate affords diethyl 3-vinylcyclohex-3-ene-1,1-dicarboxylate whose conjugated diene system was 1,4-cis-hydrogenated in the presence of η6-(naphthalene)chromium tricarbonyl. The exocyclic double bond of thus formed diethyl 3-ethylidenecyclohexane-1,1-dicarboxylate is strictly (E)-configured.

Assessment of Catalysis by Arene‐Ruthenium Complexes Containing Phosphane or NHC Groups bearing Pendant Conjugated Diene Systems

AbstractTwo p‐cymene‐ruthenium complexes 1 and 2 were isolated in high yields by treating the [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 dimer with new hybrid phosphane‐ or NHC‐linked diene ligands. Both complexes were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structure of the ruthenium–p‐cymene complex 1, containing the phosphane–diene ligand system, was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic activities of both compounds were probed in atom‐transfer radical addition (ATRA) and polymerization (ATRP), in the cyclopropanation of olefins, in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene, and in the synthesis of enol esters from hex‐1‐yne and 4‐acetoxybenzoic acid.

Theoretical model for the polarization molecular and Hückel treatment of PhosphoCyclopentadiene in an external electric field: Hirschfeld study

In this study we relate the Huckel method and molecular polarization of PhosphoCyclopentadiene (P-cyclopentadiene) with respect to the Cyclopentadienyl, and its consequent separation of charges of particular set of conjugated diene systems. The Huckel method and Molecular Polarization of P-cyclopentadiene is expressed as a function of the induced polarizability of Cyclopentadienylin an external electric field, presenting a technique to express the molecular polarizabilities and Huckel method of diene systems as a function of another in an external electric field, using local quantum similarity index (LQSI) based on the Hirschfeld partitioning in the framework of conceptual density functional theory, this index was introduced in the molecular polarization of cyclopentadienyl in an external electric field and in the secular determinant of the Huckel method applied to the Cyclopentadienylin order to express the molecular polarization and Huckel method as a function of P-cyclopentadiene using six local similarity index: Overlap, Overlap-Interaction, Coulomb, Coulomb-Interaction, Overlap-Euclidian distance and Coulomb-Euclidian distance.The topo-geometrical superposition approach (TGSA) was used as method of alignment, which allows us to obtain high results in the proposed LQSIs, this method to be a straightforward procedure to cope with the problem of relative orientation of the molecules when evaluating, developing a new technique that will allow us to study structural systems that differ in one atom in its structure, and proposing methodologies for future studies on a much broader range of systems in which the Huckel method and molecular polarization of two species that differ only in one atom in its structure can be approximated in this way.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (-)-Galanthamine via Intramolecular Heck Reaction of Conjugated Diene

Asymmetric total synthesis of (–)-galanthamine was accomplished starting from an epoxide. Intramolecular Heck reaction of a conjugated diene system was employed to construct the key quaternary carbon center. The cyclohexene-1,3-diol unit of (–)-galanthamine is derived from an optically active epoxy alkenol.

Jacaric Acid is Rapidly Metabolized to Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Rats

We have shown previously that jacaric acid (JA; 8c,10t,12c-18:3), which has a conjugated triene system, has a strong anti-tumor effect. However, the characteristics of absorption and metabolism of JA have yet to be determined in vivo, and the details of absorption and metabolism of JA in the small intestine are particularly unclear. This information is required for effective use of JA in humans. Therefore, in this study we examined absorption and metabolism of JA using cannulation of the thoracic duct in rats. Emulsions of two test oils, jacaranda seed oil and tung oil, which contain JA and α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA; 9c,11t,13t-18:3), respectively, were administered to rats and lymph from the thoracic duct was collected over 24 h. We examined the rate of absorption of JA and possible conversion to a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)containing a conjugated diene system. The positional isomerism of the CLA produced by JA metabolism was determined using gas chromatography-electron impact/mass spectrometry. The rate of absorption and percentage conversion of JA were compared with those of α-ESA. We found that JA is rapidly absorbed and converted to a CLA in rats and that the percentage conversion of JA was lower than that of α-ESA. This is the first report on the absorption and metabolism of JA and this information may be important for application of JA as a functional food.

Switchable polarity solvent (SPS) systems: probing solvatoswitching with a spiropyran (SP)–merocyanine (MC) photoswitch

The switchable polarity solvent (SPS) of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and an alcohol (e.g. 1-propanol) reversibly switches to a higher polarity ionic liquid, [DBUH(+)][RCO3(-)], when treated with CO2. A long-lived species with unique properties was detected in an investigation into the use of SPS to control the lifetime of the merocyanine (MC) form in a spiropyran (SP)-MC molecular photoswitch. Irradiation of SP in 1-propanol (PrOH) in the presence of DBU generates a new species (λmax = 420 nm). This species converts to MC upon bubbling with CO2, which produces [DBUH(+)][PrOCOO(-)]. It is proposed that a mixture of 1,2 and 1,4 alkoxide addition products form as a result of nucleophilic attack on the conjugated diene system of MC, where alkoxide formation arises from equilibration of highly basic DBU and the alcohol. These adducts revert to MC upon application of CO2 or addition of acid. Determination of the overall equilibrium constant for alkoxide adduct formation involving DBU was afforded through Benesi-Hildebrand analysis.

Sterols from the Madagascar Sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp.

The sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp. (order Dictyoceratida, Family Thorectidae) from the west coast of Madagascar (Indian Ocean) is a particularly rich source of bioactive nitrogenous macrolides. The previous studies on this organism led to the suggestion that the latter should originate from associated microsymbionts. In order to evaluate the influence of microsymbionts on lipid content, 10 samples of Fascaplysinopsis sp. were investigated for their sterol composition. Contrary to the secondary metabolites, the sterol patterns established were qualitatively and quantitatively stable: 14 sterols with different unsaturated nuclei, Δ5, Δ7 and Δ5,7, were identified; the last ones being the main sterols of the investigated sponges. The chemotaxonomic significance of these results for the order Dictyoceratida is also discussed in the context of the literature. The conjugated diene system in Δ5,7 sterols is known to be unstable and easily photo-oxidized during storage and/or experiments to produce 5α,8α-epidioxy sterols. However, in this study, no 5α,8α-epidioxysterols (or only trace amounts) were observed. Thus, it was supposed that photo-oxidation was avoided thanks to the natural antioxidants detected in Fascaplysinopsis sp. by both the DPPH and β-caroten bleaching assays.

Metabolic diversity in biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by lactic acid bacteria involving conjugated fatty acid production

Lactobacillus plantarum AKU 1009a effectively transforms linoleic acid to conjugated linoleic acids of cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (18:2) and trans-9,trans-11-18:2. The transformation of various polyunsaturated fatty acids by washed cells of L. plantarum AKU 1009a was investigated. Besides linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid [cis-9,cis-12,cis-15-octadecatrienoic acid (18:3)], gamma-linolenic acid (cis-6,cis-9,cis-12-18:3), columbinic acid (trans-5,cis-9,cis-12-18:3), and stearidonic acid [cis-6,cis-9,cis-12,cis-15-octadecatetraenoic acid (18:4)] were found to be transformed. The fatty acids transformed by the strain had the common structure of a C18 fatty acid with the cis-9,cis-12 diene system. Three major fatty acids were produced from alpha-linolenic acid, which were identified as cis-9,trans-11,cis-15-18:3, trans-9,trans-11,cis-15-18:3, and trans-10,cis-15-18:2. Four major fatty acids were produced from gamma-linolenic acid, which were identified as cis-6,cis-9,trans-11-18:3, cis-6,trans-9,trans-11-18:3, cis-6,trans-10-18:2, and trans-10-octadecenoic acid. The strain transformed the cis-9,cis-12 diene system of C18 fatty acids into conjugated diene systems of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-9,trans-11. These conjugated dienes were further saturated into the trans-10 monoene system by the strain. The results provide valuable information for understanding the pathway of biohydrogenation by anaerobic bacteria and for establishing microbial processes for the practical production of conjugated fatty acids, especially those produced from alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.

Stereoselective Synthesis of a 4a,9-Disubstituted Octahydroacridine from Isatin

An efficient method for stereoselective synthesis of a 4a,9-disubstituted octahydroacridine derivative from isatin (2,3-indolinedione) was developed; the method is based on an intramolecular reaction of an N-acyliminium ion with a conjugated diene system.

A Multifunctional Lipoxygenase with Fatty Acid Hydroperoxide Cleaving Activity from the Moss Physcomitrella patens

A complex mixture of fatty acid-derived aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols is released upon wounding of the moss Physcomitrella patens. To investigate the formation of these oxylipins at the molecular level we isolated a lipoxygenase from P. patens, which was identified in an EST library by sequence homology to lipoxygenases from plants. Sequence analysis of the cDNA showed that it exhibits a domain structure similar to that of type2 lipoxygenases from plants, harboring an N-terminal import signal for chloroplasts. The recombinant protein was identified as arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase and linoleate 13-lipoxygenase with a preference for arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. In contrast to any other lipoxygenase cloned so far, this enzyme exhibited in addition an unusual high hydroperoxidase and also a fatty acid chain-cleaving lyase activity. Because of these unique features the pronounced formation of (2Z)-octen-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, the dienal (5Z,8Z,10E)-12-oxo-dodecatrienoic acid and 12-keto eicosatetraenoic acid was observed when arachidonic acid was administered as substrate. 12-Hydroperoxy eicosatetraenoic acid was found to be only a minor product. Moreover, the P. patens LOX has a relaxed substrate tolerance accepting C(18)-C(22) fatty acids giving rise to even more LOX-derived products. In contrast to other lipoxygenases a highly diverse product spectrum is formed by a single enzyme accounting for most of the observed oxylipins produced by the moss. This single enzyme might, in a fast and effective way, be involved in the formation of signal and/or defense molecules thus contributing to the broad resistance of mosses against pathogens.

Synthesis of a Key Intermediate of Novel Galbonolide Analogues via Efficient Construction of a Conjugated Diene System.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Involvement of a bifunctional fatty-acyl desaturase in the biosynthesis of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, sex pheromone.

The straight-chain C(10) to C(18) unsaturated aliphatic compounds containing an oxygenated functional group (aldehyde, alcohol, or acetate ester) derived from saturated C(16) or C(18) fatty acids are a major class of sex pheromone components produced by female moths. In the biosynthesis of these pheromone components, various combinations of limited chain-shortening and regio- and stereospecific desaturation reactions significantly contribute to the production of a vast number of the species-specific pheromone components in Lepidoptera. Biosynthesis of the silkmoth sex pheromone bombykol, (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadien-1-ol, involves two consecutive desaturation steps, the second of which is unique in that it generates a conjugated diene system from the Delta11-monoene C(16) intermediate. In experiments designed to characterize the acyl-CoA desaturases responsible for bombykol biosynthesis, we have cloned three cDNAs encoding desaturase family members from the pheromone gland of the inbred strain of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori. Transcript analyses by RT-PCR and subsequent functional assays using a Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system revealed that desat1 is the only desaturase gene prominently expressed during pheromonogenesis and that its gene product, B. mori Desat1, possesses both Z11 desaturation and Delta10,12-desaturation activities. Consequently, we have concluded that B. mori Desat1 is not only a bifunctional desaturase involved in bombykol biosynthesis but that it is also the enzyme responsible for both desaturation steps.

Synthesis of a key intermediate of novel galbonolide analogues via efficient construction of a conjugated diene system.

The development of an efficient synthetic method enabled multi-gram synthesis of a key intermediate, which is useful for the modification at the C6-functional group of galbonolide analogues. The structure of a key intermediate including a conjugated diene was afforded by Horner-Emmons reaction, alkylation of Weinreb amide with alkyl lithium and a subsequent Wittig reaction.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hexadecadienyl Compounds with a Conjugated Diene System, Sex Pheromone of the Persimmon Fruit Moth and Related Compounds

Hexadecadien-1-ol and the derivatives (acetate and aldehyde) with a conjugated diene system have recently been identified from a pheromone gland extract of the persimmon fruit moth (Stathmopoda masinissa), a pest insect of persimmon fruits distributed in East Asia. The alcohol and acetate showed their base peaks at m/z 79 in a GC-MS analysis by electron impact ionization, but the aldehyde produced a unique base peak at m/z 84, suggesting a 4,6-diene structure. To confirm this inference, four geometrical isomers of each 4,6-hexadecadienyl compound were synthesized by two different routes in which one of two double bonds was furnished in a highly stereoselective manner. Separation of the two isomers synthesized together by each route was facilely accomplished by preparative HPLC. Their mass spectra coincided well with those of natural components, indicating that they were available for use as authentic standards for determining the configuration of the natural pheromone. Furthermore, other hexadecadienyl compounds, including the conjugated diene system between the 3- and 10-positions, were synthesized to accumulate the spectral data of pheromone candidates. 5,7-Hexadecadienal interestingly showed the base peak at m/z 80; meanwhile, the base peaks of its alcohol and acetate were detected at m/z 79 like the corresponding 4,6-dienes. The base peaks of all 6,8-, 7,9-, and 8,10-dienes universally appeared at m/z 67 like 9,11-, 10,12-, and 13,15-dienes, the spectra of which have already been published. Although 3,5-hexadecadienal was not prepared, base peaks at m/z 67 and 79 were recorded for the alcohol and acetate, respectively.

Effects of machinability enhancers on machinability of PM materials

MOLT-4 lymphocytes metabolize 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid, via the β-oxidation pathway with retention of the ω6 hydroxyl group and the conjugated diene system. The products which accumulate include 11-hydroxy-7,9-hexadecadienoic acid and 9-hydroxy-5,7-tetradecadienoic acid. In addition, it was possible to isolate two β-hydroxy acids which were shown to be 3,13-dihydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid and 3,11-dihydroxy-7,9-hexadecadienoic acid. The odd chain aldehyde, 12-hydroxy-8,10-heptadecadien-1-al, also was detected. However, neither the pathway nor the immediate precursor for the synthesis of this compound was established.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase isozymes.

A lipoxygenase is an enzyme which incorporates one molecule of oxygen into arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids producing hydroperoxy acids with a conjugated diene system. Enzymes oxygenating at the positions 5, 8, 12 and 15 of arachidonic acid and producing the corresponding hydroperoxy eicosatetraenoic acid (HpETE) have been isolated from mammalian tissues (Figure 1). All enzymes except for the 8-lipoxygenase have been highly purified, and their cDNAs and genomic DNAs have been already cloned (1,2).KeywordsArachidonic AcidHuman PlateletRapid InactivationHydroperoxy Eicosatetraenoic AcidMurine Small IntestineThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

ChemInform Abstract: Highly Regio‐ and Enantioselective Catalytic Hydrogenation of Enamides in Conjugated Diene Systems: Synthesis and Application of γ,δ‐Unsaturated Amino Acids.

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.