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Factors affecting carcinogenic potential of mixtures.

Historically, exposure to complex mixtures such as soot, coal tar, mineral oils, and cigarette smoke has been associated with increased cancer mortality. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has been used to predict the carcinogenic potency of mixtures. Two complete carcinogenicity C3H/HEJ mouse skin bioassays were undertaken to determine the effect of low doses of BaP on the carcinogenic potential of mixtures. A toluene solution containing 0.1% each of five noncarcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), anthracene, chrysene, pyrene, fluoroanthene, and phenanthrene, produced tumors in 23% of the mice with a latent period of 73 weeks. With the addition of a 0.001% BaP to the above solution, 47% of the mice produced tumors with a latent period of 66 weeks. In the second study, coal tar in toluene, which was determined to contain 0.0006% BaP, produced tumors in 51% of mice with a latent period of 73 weeks. In both studies the BaP solutions by themselves did not produce tumors. In a third study, the 9-, 2-, and 3-methylbenz[a]-anthracene compounds were noncarcinogenic using toluene as the solvent. With the substitution of n-dodecane for toluene all three compounds produced significant numbers of tumors. The results indicate that (1) low dose levels of BaP can have an impact on the carcinogenic potential of mixtures, (2) the presence or absence of BaP is not always sufficient to account for the observed potency and the synergistic effects of other substances which might be present, and (3) that certain noncarcinogenic methylbenz[a]anthracenes can have their carcinogenic potential altered by a change in the solvent used.

Alkanes↗

Substituted 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as constrained proline analogues: implications for collagen stability.

Among the proteinogenic amino acids, only proline is a secondary amine and only proline has a saturated ring. Electronegative substituents on C-4 (that is, C(gamma)) have a substantial effect on the trans/cis ratio of the prolyl peptide bond and the pucker of the pyrrolidine ring. 2-Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane is, in essence, a proline analogue with two C(gamma) atoms, one in each of the two prevalent ring puckers of proline. Here, 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane analogues of 2S-proline, (2S,4S)-4-hydroxyproline, and (2S,4S)-4-fluoroproline residues were synthesized, and their trans/cis ratios were shown to be invariant in a particular solvent. Thus, the substitution of a proline residue on C-4 affects the trans/cis ratio by altering the pucker of its pyrrolidine ring. This finding has implications for the conformation of collagen, which has an abundance of 2S-proline and (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline residues, and can be stabilized by (2S,4R)-4-fluoroproline and (2S,4S)-4-fluoroproline residues.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic↗

The development of substitute inks and controls for reducing workplace concentrations of organic solvent vapors in a vinyl shower curtain printing plant.

During the summer of 1994, football players at a practice field reported noxious odors in the area. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) investigations of industries surrounding the field included a printing facility producing vinyl shower curtains with screen-printed designs. Though not the source of the odor, they were discharging volatile organic compounds directly to the environs in violation of OEPA regulations. To achieve compliance they installed a catalytic oxidizer for treating discharged air. Due to high equipment costs, the capacity of the installed catalytic oxidizer resulted in a substantial reduction in discharged air flow rates and increased solvent vapor concentrations within the workplace. Vapor levels caused worker discomfort, prompting a request for assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. The vapor concentrations were found to exceed NIOSH, OSHA, and ACGIH acceptable exposure levels. The workers were then required to wear organic vapor removing respirators full-time while printing as a temporary protective measure. The company requested NIOSH assistance in finding methods to reduce solvent vapor concentrations. NIOSH studies included the identification of the sources and relative magnitude of solvent emissions from the printing process, the design of controls for the emissions, and the development of substitute inks using non-photochemically reactive solvents. The new ink system and controls allowed OEPA removal of the requirement for the treatment of discharged air and substantial increases in dilution ventilation. Increased ventilation would permit reduction in worker exposures to less than 1/3 mixture TLV levels and removal of requirements for respirator usage. This solution was the result of a comprehensive review of all facets of the problem, including OEPA regulations. It also required cooperative work between the company and federal, state, and local governmental agencies.

Air Movements↗

Synthesis and characterization of ruthenacarborane complexes incorporating chelating N-donor ligands: unexpected luminescence from the complex [3-CO-3,3-kappa2-Me2N(CH2)2NMe2]-closo-3,1,2-RuC2B9H11].

A synthetic methodology using double carbonyl substitution of the starting tricarbonyl complex [3,3,3-(CO)(3)-closo-3,1,2-RuC(2)B(9)H(11)] (1) with 2 mol equiv of the reagent Me(3)NO has been employed to afford ruthenacarborane complexes with chelating N-donor ligands. Three of these complexes, [3-CO-3,3-[kappa(2)-4,4'-R(2)-2,2'-(NC(5)H(3))(2)]-closo-3,1,2-RuC(2)B(9)H(11)] (3a, R = H; 3b, R = (CH(2))(8)Me; 3c, R = Bu(t)), comprise 2,2'-bipyridyl ligands with hydrogen, n-nonyl, or t-butyl groups in the 4,4'-positions of the rings, respectively. Photophysical analysis revealed no substantial luminescent activity, but the complexes are electrochemically active, undergoing sequential (reversible and quasi-reversible) one-electron reductions, the second of which likely precipitating a ligand displacement. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments revealed an irreversible one-electron oxidation (E(pa) approximately 0.9 V) in MeCN, on the other hand, followed by rapid CO substitution by the solvent and reversible secondary reduction (E(1/2) approximately 0.1 V). The primary redox couple became quasi-reversible in CH(2)Cl(2), and spectroelectrochemical analysis of complex 3c provided evidence of a closo --> isocloso structural modification upon oxidation. An analogue of these complexes employing the TMEDA (N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) ligand, [3-CO-3,3-[kappa(2)-Me(2)N(CH(2))(2)NMe(2)]-closo-3,1,2-RuC(2)B(9)H(11)] (4), was synthesized using the same methodology. Cyclic voltammetric measurements displayed a reversible metal-based one-electron oxidation whether in CH(2)Cl(2) or MeCN, with no indication of subsequent CO substitution or a similar closo --> isocloso adjustment. Complex 4 was unexpectedly weakly luminescent (lambda(em) = 360 nm) in THF (tetrahydrofuran) at ambient temperatures, demonstrating a more intense phosphorescent emission in MeTHF (2-methyltetrahydrofuran) glass at 77 K (lambda(em) = 450 nm, tau(450) = 0.77 ms). The X-ray crystallographic structures of complexes 3a and 4 are reported along with spectroscopic IR, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (11)B), UV-vis absorption, EPR, and CV data.

Journal Article↗

Identification of novel binding interactions in the development of potent, selective 2-naphthamidine inhibitors of urokinase. Synthesis, structural analysis, and SAR of N-phenyl amide 6-substitution.

The preparation and assessment of biological activity of 6-substituted 2-naphthamidine inhibitors of the serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA, or urokinase) is described. 2-Naphthamidine was chosen as a starting point based on synthetic considerations and on modeling of substituent vectors. Phenyl amides at the 6-position were found to improve binding; replacement of the amide with other two-atom linkers proved ineffective. The phenyl group itself is situated near the S1' subsite; substitutions off of the phenyl group accessed S1' and other distant binding regions. Three new points of interaction were defined and explored through ring substitution. A solvent-exposed salt bridge with the Asp60A carboxylate was formed using a 4-alkylamino group, improving affinity to K(i) = 40 nM. Inhibitors also accessed two hydrophobic regions. One interaction is characterized by a tight hydrophobic fit made with a small dimple largely defined by His57 and His99; a weaker, less specific interaction involves alkyl groups reaching into the broad prime-side protein binding region near Val41 and the Cys42-Cys58 disulfide, displacing water molecules and leading to small gains in activity. Many inhibitors accessed two of these three regions. Affinities range as low as K(i) = 6 nM, and many compounds had K(i) < 100 nM, while moderate to excellent selectivity was gained versus four of five members of a panel of relevant serine proteases. Also, some selectivity against trypsin was generated via the interaction with Asp60A. X-ray structures of many of these compounds were used to inform our inhibitor design and to increase our understanding of key interactions. In combination with our exploration of 8-substitution patterns, we have identified a number of novel binding interactions for uPA inhibitors.

Amidines↗

Photophysics and photochemical studies of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives.

The absorption and fluorescence properties of nifedipine (NPDHP), felodipine (CPDHP) and a series of structurally related 1,4-dihydropyridines were studied in aqueous solution and organic solvents of different properties. The absorption and fluorescence spectra were found to depend on the chemical nature of the substituents at the position 4 of the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring (DHP) and on solvent properties. In aqueous solution, the fluorescence spectra of 4-phenyl substituted compounds are blue-shifted with respect to the alkyl substituted compounds. The more fluorescent compound is CPDHP. Nifedipine is not fluorescent. All compounds, with the exception of CPDHP, present monoexponential fluorescence decay with very short lifetime (0.2-0.4 ns). CPDHP showed a biexponential emission decay with a long-lived component of 1.7 ns; this behavior is explained in terms of different conformers because of the hindered rotation of the phenyl group by the ortho-substitution. Analysis of the solvent effect on the maximum of the absorption spectrum by using the linear solvent-energy relation solvato-chromic equation indicates the redshifts are influenced by the polarizability, hydrogen bonding ability and the hydrogen bond acceptance of the solvent. Whereas, the fluorescence characteristics (spectra, quantum yields and lifetimes) are sensitive to the polarizabilty and hydrogen bond ability of the solvents. Photo-decomposition of nifedipine is dependent on the solvent properties. Faster decomposition rates were obtained in nonprotic solvents. The 4-carboxylic derivative goes to decarboxylation. Under similar conditions, the other DHP compounds did not show appreciable photodecomposition.

Dihydropyridines↗

Toward electron encapsulation: polynitrile approach.

This study seeks an answer to the following question: Is it possible to design a supramolecular cage that would "solvate" the excess electron in the same fashion in which several solvent molecules do that cooperatively in polar liquids? Two general strategies are outlined for this "electron encapsulation", viz. electron localization using polar groups arranged on the (i) inside of the cage or (ii) outside of the cage. The second approach is more convenient from the synthetic standpoint, but it is limited to polynitriles. We demonstrate, experimentally and theoretically, that this second approach faces a problem: the electron attaches to the nitrile groups, forming molecular anions with bent C-C-N fragments. Because the energy cost of this bending is high, for dinitrile anions in n-hexane, the binding energies for the electron are low and, for mononitriles, these binding energies are lower still, and the entropy of electron attachment is anomalously small. Density functional theory modeling of electron trapping by mononitriles in n-hexane suggests that the solute molecules substitute for the solvent molecules at the electron cavity, "solvating" the electron by their methyl groups. We argue that such species would be more correctly viewed as multimer radical anions in which the electron density is shared (mainly) between C 2p orbitals in the solute/solvent molecules, rather than cavity electrons. The way in which the excess electron density is shared by such molecules is similar to the way in which this sharing occurs in large di- and polynitrile anions, such as 1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11-octacyanocyclododecane(-). Only in this sense is the electron encapsulation possible. The work thus reveals limitations of the concept of "solvated electron" for organic liquids: it is impossible to draw a clear line between such species and a certain class of radical anions.

Journal Article↗

Methods and principles of fixation by freeze-substitution.

Freeze-substitution is based on rapid freezing of tissues followed by solution ("substitution") of ice at temperatures well below O degrees C. A 1 to 3 mm. specimen was thrown into 3:1 propane-isopentane cooled by liquid nitrogen to -175 degrees C. (with precautions). The frozen tissue was placed in substituting fluid at -70 degrees C. for 1 week to dissolve ice slowly without distorting tissue structure. Excess substituting agent was washed out, and the specimen was embedded, sectioned, and stained conventionally. For best morphological and histochemical preservation, substituting fluids should in general contain both chemical fixing agent and solvent for ice, e.g., 1 per cent solutions of osmium tetroxide in acetone, mercuric chloride in ethanol, and picric acid in ethanol. Preservation of structure was poorer after substitution in solvent alone. Evidence was obtained that the chemical agent fixes tissue at low temperatures. The chemical mechanisms of fixation are probably similar to those operating at room temperature: new chemical cross-linkages, which contain the fixing agent, join tissue constituents together. This process is distinguished from denaturation by pure solvents. Freeze-substitution has many advantages, particularly the preservation of structure to the limit of resolution with the light microscope, and the accurate localization of many soluble and labile substances.

Acetone↗

Double Insertion of Coordinated Phosphanylalkyne Ligands into a Pt-C(6)F(5) Bond.

Enhanced reactivity is shown by uncoordinated C identical withC bonds in the proximity of a metal in phosphanylacetylene complexes. cis-[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(thf)(2)] reacts with [M(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(2)C identical withCPh)(2)] (M=Pt, Pd) to form binuclear complexes containing the novel 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,3-butadien-1-yl bridging ligand. Substitution of the solvent ligands with, for example, PPh(2)H (see picture) provides species that could be characterized by X-ray crystallography.

Journal Article↗

Similar hydrophobic replacements of Leu99 and Phe153 within the core of T4 lysozyme have different structural and thermodynamic consequences.

Two bulky amino acids within the core of phage T4 lysozyme have each been replaced in turn with a series of hydrophobic amino acids. In one set of experiments, Leu99 was replaced with Phe, Met, Ile, Val and Ala. In the second series, Phe153 was replaced with Leu, Met, Ile, Val and Ala. The double mutant in which both Leu99 and Phe153 were replaced with alanine was also constructed. The change in stability of the protein associated with each substitution and the crystal structure of each variant have been determined. In the case of replacements at position 99 the protein behaves in a relatively rigid manner, and changes very little in response to substitutions. In contrast, the protein is more flexible and adjusts much more in response to substitutions of Phe153. In both cases there is a roughly linear dependence between the stability of the mutant protein relative to wild-type (delta delta G) and the difference in the hydrophobic strength of the amino acids involved in the substitution based on solvent transfer measurements (delta delta Gtr). The change in delta delta G is, however, much greater than delta delta Gtr. For the Phe153 replacements the discrepancy is about 1.9-fold, while for the Leu99 series it is about 2.6-fold. Mutants such as Leu99-->Ala, for which the protein remains essentially rigid, tend to create larger cavities and so incur a larger energy of destabilization. Mutants such as Phe153-->Ala, for which the protein structure tends to relax, result in smaller cavities and so are less destabilized. Mutants L99I and L99V are less stable than expected from considerations of transfer free energy and cavity formation due to introduced strain caused by the replacement of Leu99 with a residue of different shape. Mutant F153L is more stable than the reference wild-type, even though the transfer free energy of Leu is less than that of Phe. The increase in stability is apparently due to torsional strain in the side-chain of Phe153 that is present in wild-type lysozyme, but is relieved in the mutant structure.

Bacteriophage T4↗

The molten globule state of a chimera of human alpha-lactalbumin and equine lysozyme.

The molten globule state of equine lysozyme is more stable than that of alpha-lactalbumin and is stabilized by non-specific hydrophobic interactions and native-like hydrophobic interactions. We constructed a chimeric protein which is produced by replacing the flexible loop (residues 105-110) in human alpha-lactalbumin with the helix D (residues 109-114) in equine lysozyme to investigate the possible role of the helix D for the high stability and native-like packing interaction in the molten globule state of equine lysozyme. The stability of the molten globule state formed by the chimeric protein to guanidine hydrochloride-induced unfolding is the same as that of equine lysozyme and is substantially greater than that of human alpha-lactalbumin, although only six residues come from equine lysozyme. Our results also suggest that the non-native interaction in the molten globule state of alpha-lactalbumin changes to the native-like packing interaction due to helix substitution. The solvent-accessibility of the Trp residues in the molten globule state of the chimeric protein is similar to that in the molten globule state of equine lysozyme in which packing interaction around the Trp residues in the native state is partially preserved. Therefore, the helix D in equine lysozyme is one of the contributing factors to the high stability and native-like packing interaction in the molten globule state of equine lysozyme. Our results indicate that the native-like packing interaction can stabilize the rudimentary intermediate which is stabilized by the non-specific hydrophobic interactions.

Acrylamide↗

Conditioned effects of apomorphine are manifest in regional EEG of rats both in hippocampus and in striatum.

Previously, in own studies, it was shown that stereotyped behaviour produced by apomorphine can be conditioned if the drug is repeatedly paired with defined environmental stimuli (conditioned stimuli, CS). Eventually, the presentation of CS alone produces stereotyped behaviour as conditioned response (CR). Furthermore, in electrocorticographic recordings it could be demonstrated that the characteristic pattern following acute apomorphine treatment, namely a selective increase in the power of the alpha-1 band, could be conditioned as well. In the present study, regional EEG was recorded in the striatum and in the hippocampus of freely moving rats. For conditioning, apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) was paired with auditory and olfactory stimuli as CS for seven times, and on the eighth day the drug was substituted by the solvent in the presence of the CS. The effects were compared with those obtained in "pseudoconditioned" controls. Acute apomorphine administration led to an increase in power in the alpha-1 band (7.00-9.50 Hz), which effect was obvious in the hippocampus, above the cortex and in the striatum. After performing the conditioning procedure, these effects in regional EEG were found to be conditioned as well: as CR, activation in power in the alpha-1 band in hippocampus and striatum were manifest in the presence of the CS, but in absence of the drug. These effects occurred sporadically, but with a significantly higher frequency than in the pseudoconditioned controls. The results suggest that both the hippocampus and the striatum play important roles in classical conditioning of apomorphine effects which are primarily mediated by the striatum.

Animals↗

Ultrastructure of scales in a teleost (Carassius auratus L.) after use of rapid freeze-fixation and freeze-substitution.

New data on the ultrastructural features of the elasmoid scales of Carassius auratus have been obtained by use of rapid freezing with subsequent freeze-substitution in anhydrous solvents. These are compared with the results obtained using conventional aqueous fixatives. The external layer of the scales is composed of randomly oriented collagen fibres. In the first stages of mineralization, mineral deposits are located in the interfibrillary substance where dense granules appear to be active sites of mineralization. Spheritic mineralization occurs in this layer. The fibrillary plate is composed of two kinds of collagen fibres. Most of them are organized in lamellae forming the "plywood-like structure". They are thicker than the so-called "TC fibres", which are oriented from the basal part towards the superficial layer. These TC fibres are involved in the first stages of mineral deposition in the fibrillary plate where inotropic mineralization occurs. The mineral phase is almost always located in the interfibrillary matrix in both layers of the elasmoid scale. In this respect, teleost scales differ from those described so far in other lower vertebrates.

Animals↗

Thermodynamic dissection of the binding energetics of proline-rich peptides to the Abl-SH3 domain: implications for rational ligand design.

The inhibition of the interactions between SH3 domains and their targets is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, rational design of potent ligands for these domains has been hindered by the lack of understanding of the origins of the binding energy. We present here a complete thermodynamic analysis of the binding energetics of the p41 proline-rich decapeptide (APSYSPPPPP) to the SH3 domain of the c-Abl oncogene. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments have revealed a thermodynamic signature for this interaction (very favourable enthalpic contributions opposed by an unfavourable binding entropy) inconsistent with the highly hydrophobic nature of the p41 ligand and the Abl-SH3 binding site. Our structural and thermodynamic analyses have led us to the conclusion, having once ruled out any possible ionization events or conformational changes coupled to the association, that the establishment of a complex hydrogen-bond network mediated by water molecules buried at the binding interface is responsible for the observed thermodynamic behaviour. The origin of the binding energetics for proline-rich ligands to the Abl-SH3 domain is further investigated by a comparative calorimetric analysis of a set of p41-related ligands. The striking effects upon the enthalpic and entropic contributions provoked by conservative substitutions at solvent-exposed positions in the ligand confirm the complexity of the interaction. The implications of these results for rational ligand design are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Crystal structures of spin labeled T4 lysozyme mutants: implications for the interpretation of EPR spectra in terms of structure.

High resolution (1.43-1.8 A) crystal structures and the corresponding electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were determined for T4 lysozyme derivatives with a disulfide-linked nitroxide side chain [-CH(2)-S-S-CH(2)-(3-[2,2,5,5-tetramethyl pyrroline-1-oxyl]) identical with R1] substituted at solvent-exposed helix surface sites (Lys65, Arg80, Arg119) or a tertiary contact site (Val75). In each case, electron density is clearly resolved for the disulfide group, revealing distinct rotamers of the side chain, defined by the dihedral angles X(1) and X(2). The electron density associated with the nitroxide ring in the different mutants is inversely correlated with its mobility determined from the EPR spectrum. Residue 80R1 assumes a single g(+)()g(+)() conformation (Chi(1) = 286, X(2) = 294). Residue 119R1 has two EPR spectral components, apparently corresponding to two rotamers, one similar to that for 80R1 and the other in a tg(-)() conformation (Chi(1) = 175, X(2) = 54). The latter state is apparently stabilized by interaction of the disulfide with a Gln at i + 4, a situation also observed at 65R1. R1 residues at helix surface site 65 and tertiary contact site 75 make intra- as well as intermolecular contacts in the crystal and serve to identify the kind of molecular interactions possible for the R1 side chain. A single conformation of the entire 75R1 side chain is stabilized by a variety of interactions with the nitroxide ring, including hydrophobic contacts and two unconventional C-H.O hydrogen bonds, one in which the nitroxide acts as a donor (with tyrosine) and the other in which it acts as an acceptor (with phenylalanine). The interactions revealed in these structures provide an important link between the dynamics of the R1 side chain, reflected in the EPR spectrum, and local protein structure. A library of such interactions will provide a basis for the quantitative interpretation of EPR spectra in terms of protein structure and dynamics.

Bacteriophage T4↗

The factor IXa heparin-binding exosite is a cofactor interactive site: mechanism for antithrombin-independent inhibition of intrinsic tenase by heparin.

Therapeutic heparin concentrations selectively inhibit the intrinsic tenase complex in an antithrombin-independent manner. To define the molecular target and mechanism for this inhibition, recombinant human factor IXa with alanine substituted for solvent-exposed basic residues (H92, R170, R233, K241) in the protease domain was characterized with regard to enzymatic activity, heparin affinity, and inhibition by low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). These mutations only had modest effects on chromogenic substrate hydrolysis and the kinetics of factor X activation by factor IXa. Likewise, factor IXa H92A and K241A showed factor IXa-factor VIIIa affinity similar to factor IXa wild type (WT). In contrast, factor IXa R170A demonstrated a 4-fold increase in apparent factor IXa-factor VIIIa affinity and dramatically increased coagulant activity relative to factor IXa WT. Factor IXa R233A demonstrated a 2.5-fold decrease in cofactor affinity and reduced ability to stabilize cofactor half-life relative to wild type, suggesting that interaction with the factor VIIIa A2 domain was disrupted. Markedly (R233A) or moderately (H92A, R170A, K241A) reduced binding to immobilized LMWH was observed for the mutant proteases. Solution competition demonstrated that the EC(50) for LMWH was increased less than 2-fold for factor IXa H92A and K241A but over 3.5-fold for factor IXa R170A, indicating that relative heparin affinity was WT > H92A/K241A > R170A >> R233A. Kinetic analysis of intrinsic tenase inhibition demonstrated that relative affinity for LMWH was WT > K241A > H92A > R170A >> R233A, correlating with heparin affinity. Thus, LMWH inhibits intrinsic tenase by interacting with the heparin-binding exosite in the factor IXa protease domain, which disrupts interaction with the factor VIIIa A2 domain.

Alanine↗

Linker-based bio-compatible microemulsions.

In this work we have studied the formulation of biocompatible microemulsions using lecithin as the main surfactant and bio-compatible linker molecules (hexyl polyglucoside asthe hydrophilic linker and sorbitan monoleate as the lipophilic linker). These bio-compatible systems are discussed as potential substitutes for chlorinated solvents in dry-cleaning applications and as solvent delivery systems for pharmaceutical applications. Formulation parameters and conditions were evaluated using isopropyl myristate (IPM) as the model oil. It was found that the proposed linker-based formulations were able to form alcohol-free microemulsions while achieving higher solubilization capacity than similar systems reported in the literature. In addition, these lecithin/linker formulations were able to form microemulsions with a wide range of oils, from polar chlorinated hydrocarbons to hydrophobic oils such as squalene. These microemulsions were achieved under isotonic conditions (0.9% NaCl) by only varying the relative proportions of the linkers. The "solvency" power of these bio-compatible formulations was tested for the removal of hexadecane (used as model oil) from cotton fabrics and compared to the solvency power of a typical dry cleaning solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE). While PCE and the linker-based lecithin formulation removed the same amount of hexadecane at low loading ratios (less than 1% oil volume fraction), at higher loading ratios the linker-based lecithin formulation retained its oil removal capacity while the efficiency of the PCE system declined rapidly. These initial results thus demonstrate the remarkable oil solubilization capacity of these bio-compatible linker-based lecithin formulations and illustrate their potential as environmentally friendly replacements for organic solvents.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Structural diversity of lithium neopentoxide compounds.

The reaction of LiN(SiMe(3))(2) with 1 equiv of HOCH(2)CMe(3) (HONep) in toluene led to the formation of [Li(mu3-ONep)](8) (1). The complex adopts a novel dual-edge fused hexagon-square prismatic structure with a C(2v) axis of rotation that relates the top and bottom eight-membered rings. Substituting the noncoordinating solvent toluene for a Lewis basic solvent (THF or py) led to the isolation of compounds of the general formula [Li(mu3)-ONep)](4)(solv)(3), where solv = THF (2) or py (3). The cube structures of 2 and 3 have one Li which is not solvated because of steric crowding of the ONep ligands. Multinuclear solid-state ((6)Li, (7)Li, and (13)C) MAS and solution-state ((1)H, (7)Li, and (13)C) NMR studies were undertaken to verify the identity of the bulk powder and to determine the solution behavior of these compounds.

Journal Article↗