Evidence of the presence of minor tautomeric forms in selected nitroanilines.

RATIONALE: Nitroanilines can exist in several tautomeric forms: nitro-amino, nitro-imino, and aci-imino. The importance of evaluating minor tautomeric species comes from the fact that even less abundant tautomers have been proved to play important roles in reaction mechanisms. METHODS: Electron ionization mass spectra of the pesticide Pendimethalin and four related nitroanilines were recorded at 70 eV to find information about the presence of minor tautomeric forms in the gas phase. The existence of the possible tautomers was evaluated by studying specific fragmentation pathways, which were confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. Further supporting information was obtained by studying the structures of some intermediate compounds by theoretical calculations at the B3LYP 6-311++G(d,p) level. RESULTS: The mass spectrum of Pendimethalin suggests the coexistence of the nitro-amine tautomer (the most stable form) with four possible less stable tautomers in equilibrium. The fragmentation routes were used to explain analogous peaks in two related compounds. However, the spectra of two other related compounds that cannot follow the proposed route of fragmentation for nitro-imine tautomers do not show the analogous peak. Theoretical calculations were used to correlate the precursor cation with the proposed fragmentation pathway. CONCLUSIONS: By the study of mass spectra and proposed fragmentation pathways it can be concluded that, although the nitro-amine is the most abundant species within the system, minor tautomers (nitro-imine and aci-imine) coexist in the gas phase.

Triplet state of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol chemisorbed on silica nanoparticles.

The knowledge of photochemical kinetics in colloidal systems is important in understanding environmental photochemistry on dispersed solid surfaces. As model materials for the chemically sorbed organic compounds present in natural environments, modified silica nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained here by condensation of the silanol groups of fumed silica nanoparticles with 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol. These particles were characterized by different techniques. To evaluate their toxicity, the inhibition of the natural luminescence emission of the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri in suspensions of the particles was measured. Laser flash-photolysis experiments (λ(exc) = 266 nm) performed with NP suspensions in acetonitrile-aqueous phosphate buffer mixtures showed the formation of the lowest triplet excited state of the chemisorbed organic groups (λ(max) = 390 nm). DFT calculations of the absorption spectrum of this radical support the assignment. From the calculated triplet energy, a thermodynamically favorable energy transfer from these triplet states to oxygen to yield singlet molecular oxygen is predicted. A value of 0.09 was measured for the quantum yield of singlet molecular oxygen generation by air-saturated suspensions of the nanoparticles in the mixture of solvents acetonitrile-aqueous phosphate buffer. The quantum yield of singlet molecular oxygen generation by the free 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol in the same solvent is 0.31.

Determination of heats of tautomerization nitrile-ketenimine by mass spectrometry.

Tautomerism of some nitriles has been studied by mass spectrometry. The analysis of the corresponding mass spectra has allowed to assign some fragmentations to specific tautomers and to determine heats of tautomerization through temperature effects and electron energy studies. Experimental determinations are supported by theoretical calculations. The joint analysis of mass spectrometry and DFT-B3LYP data indicate that this tautomeric equilibrium can be studied by the experimental spectrometric strategy employed.

The use of molecular probes for the characterization of dispersions of functionalized silica nanoparticles.

Butoxylated silica nanoparticles (BSN) were prepared by esterification of the silanol groups of fumed silica nanoparticles with butanol and characterized by 13C and 29Si NMR and thermogravimetry. The molecular probes benzophenone (BP) and safranine-T were used to investigate the BSN suspensions in water:acetonitrile. Laser flash-photolysis experiments at lambda(exc)=266 nm performed with BSN suspended in acetonitrile:aqueous phosphate buffer supported previous results of our group obtained by time-resolved phosphorescence experiments and showed that only free and adsorbed excited triplet states of BP and diphenylketyl radicals contribute to the signals. The UV-vis spectroscopic and photophysical properties of safranine-T are strongly solvent-dependent. Thus, the analysis of the emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes yielded information on the localization of this probe molecule in suspensions of BSN and of the bare silica nanoparticles. The values of the equilibrium constant for the adsorption of the ground-state safranine-T on the particles were found to be (9.2+/-0.8)x10(4), (7.2+/-0.8)x10(5), and (3.0+/-0.1)x10(4) for the BSN in 1:1 acetonitrile:water, SiO2 in 1:1 acetonitrile:water, and SiO2 in acetonitrile, respectively.

Adsorption of bentazone and imazapyc from water by using functionalized silica: Experimental and computational analysis.

In this study, silica and functionalized silica materials (3-aminopropyl and 3-mercapto derivatives) were successfully used for the removal of the pesticides bentazone and imazapyc from aqueous solutions. Adsorbent materials were characterized by BET isotherms and FT-IR spectroscopy (confirming the functionalization), and their equilibrium adsorption capacity was evaluated at different ionic strengths. It is observed that the maximum adsorption capacities decrease in the order 3-aminopropyl-derivative > silica >3-mercaptopropyl derivative. An increase in ionic strength produces an enhancement in the removal of pesticides. All isotherms are Ib-type and follow the Langmuir model, suggesting a monolayer physical adsorption process.

Reactive Oxygen Species-mediated Degradation of Antidiabetic Compounds: Cytotoxic Implications of Their Photodegradation Products.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been described in their double physiological function, helping in the maintenance of health as well as contributing to oxidative stress. Diabetes mellitus is a chronical disease nearly related to oxidative stress, whose treatment (in type II variant) consists in the administration of antidiabetic compounds (Andb) such as Gliclazide (Gli) and Glipizide (Glip). In this context, as Andb may be exposed to high ROS concentrations in diabetic patients, we have studied the potential ROS-mediated degradation of Gli and Glip through photosensitized processes, in the presence of Riboflavin (Rf) vitamin. We found that singlet oxygen (O2 (1 ∆g )) participated in the Rf-sensitized photodegradation of both Andb, and also superoxide radical anion in the case of Gli. Two principal products derived from O2 (1 ∆g )-mediated degradation of Gli were identified and their chemical structures characterized, through HPLC mass spectrometry. O2 (1 ∆g )-mediated degradation products and their toxicity was assayed on Vero cell line. These studies demonstrated that neither Gli nor its photoproducts caused cytotoxic effect under the experimental conditions assayed. Our results show strong evidences of ROS-mediated Andb degradation, which may involve the reduction or loss of their therapeutic action, as well as potential cytotoxicity derived from their oxidation products.

Adsorption and removal of phenoxy acetic herbicides from water by using commercial activated carbons: experimental and computational studies.

In this study, commercial activated carbons (GAB and CBP) were successfully used for the removal of two phenoxy acetic class-herbicides, 4-chloro-2-methyl phenoxy acetic acid and 2.4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (MCPA and 2.4-D) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent materials were characterized, and their equilibrium adsorption capacity was evaluated. The results suggest that the microporous properties of GAB activated carbon enhanced the adsorption capacity, in comparison to CBP carbon. Thus, the increasing in the ionic strength favored the adsorption removal of both pesticides, indicating that electrostatic interactions between the pollutant and the adsorbate surface are governing the adsorption mechanism, but increasing pH values decreased adsorption capacity. Experimental data for equilibrium was analyzed by two models: Langmuir and Freundlich. Finally, computational simulation studies were used to explore both the geometry and energy of the pesticides adsorption.

Mass spectrometry of beta-ketoesters. Some evidence of their tautomerism.

Mass spectrometric evidence of tautomerism is reported for beta-ketoesters. The analysis of the corresponding mass spectra has allowed specific assignment of fragment ions to tautomers. The predictive value of this methodology is supported by the influence of substitution pattern of these compounds on these equilibria. Experimental data are strongly supported by Austin Model 1 semiempirical calculations indicating that mass spectrometry could be resourced as a tool for the investigation of tautomerism of neutral species in the gas phase.

Tautomerizable ß-ketonitrile copolymers for bone tissue engineering: Studies of biocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

ß-Ketonitrile tautomeric copolymers have demonstrated tunable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity properties according to surrounding environment, and mechanical properties similar to those of human bone tissue. Both characteristic properties make them promising candidates as biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. Based on this knowledge we have designed two scaffolds based on ß-ketonitrile tautomeric copolymers which differ in chemical composition and surface morphology. Two of them were nanostructured, using an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template, and the other two obtained by solvent casting methodology. They were used to evaluate the effect of the composition and their structural modifications on the biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and degradation properties. Our results showed that the nanostructured scaffolds exhibited higher degradation rate by macrophages than casted scaffolds (6 and 2.5% of degradation for nanostructured and casted scaffolds, respectively), a degradation rate compatible with bone regeneration times. We also demonstrated that the ß-ketonitrile tautomeric based scaffolds supported osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation without cytotoxic effects, suggesting that these biomaterials could be useful in the bone tissue engineering field.

Determination of thermodynamic parameters of tautomerization in gas phase by mass spectrometry and DFT calculations: Keto-enol versus nitrile-ketenimine equilibria.

The study of tautomerics equilibria is really important because the reactivity of each compound with tautomeric capacity can be determined from the proportion of each tautomer. In the present work the tautomeric equilibria in some γ,δ-unsaturated ß-hydroxynitriles and γ,δ-unsaturated ß-ketonitriles were studied. The first family of compounds presents two possible theoretical tautomers, nitrile and ketenimine, while the second one presents four possible theoretical tautomers, keto-nitrile, enol (E and Z)-nitrile and keto-ketenimine. The equilibrium in gas phase was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tautomerization enthalpies were calculated by this methodology, and results were compared with those obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, observing a good agreement between them. Nitrile tautomers were favored within the first family of compounds, while keto-nitrile tautomers were favored in the second family.

The evidence for the occurrence of tautomeric structures for selected aldehydes and thioaldehydes.

Mass spectra of selected aldehydes and thioaldehydes have been analyzed and specific fragmentation assignments have been done to keto and enol tautomers, although many peaks can be assigned to both forms (i.e. mass spectra are superimposed on one another). The enolization rate for aldehydes is generally favored by the increase in the steric effect caused by α substitution to the carbonyl group. The analysis of the corresponding mass spectra has allowed to establishing an acceptable correlation between selected ion abundances ratios and approximate enolization equilibrium constants (carried out by means of DFT calculations). The influence of temperature on the enol/keto selected fragments abundance ratios (for different aldehydes and thioaldehydes and for different pair of ions of the same compound whenever possible) is studied in order to estimate the enthalpy difference for the tautomeric equilibria. The results indicate that the thioketo-thioenol equilibrium can be studied by mass spectrometry and the ionization in the ion source have negligible effect on the position of that equilibrium.

Spectrometric studies and theoretical calculations of some beta-ketonitriles.

The tautomerism of some beta-ketonitriles is investigated by the analysis of their mass spectra and theoretical calculations performed at the MP2/6-31G(d,p) level. The mass spectra of some beta-ketonitriles can provide valuable information regarding the keto-enol and nitrile-ketenimine equilibria taking place in the gas phase. The predictive value of this methodology is supported by the influence of the nature and size of substituents on tautomeric equilibria and the rather good correlation existing between the abundance ratios of selected fragments. Results show that the tautomeric equilibria of these bifunctional compounds can be evaluated by mass spectrometry.

3-Hydroxy-4-methyl-4-pentenonitrile and 4-methyl-3-oxo-4-pentenonitrile: Study of the tautomerics equilibria in gas phase and in solution.

In the present work the tautomerics equilibria in 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-4-pentenonitrile and 4-methyl-3-oxo-4-pentenonitrile have been studied. The first compound presents two possible theoretical tautomers, nitrile and ketenimine. The second compound presents four possible theoretical tautomers ketonitrile, nitrile-enol (E and Z) and keto-ketenimine. The study of the equilibrium in gas phase was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and in solution by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry ((1)H NMR). In gas phase, the ketonitrile tautomer was favoured, a result which was supported by theoretical calculations by the use of AM1 semi-empiric calculation. The experimental tautomerization heat values were in good agreement with the theoretical ones. The (1)H NMR spectra gave the additional evidence for the coexistence of the tautomers ketonitrile and enolnitrile for 4-methyl-3-oxo-4-pentenonitrile. The nitrile-ketenimine equilibrium for both compounds could not be observed by (1)H NMR spectra because of the low sensibility of this method. The ketonitrile-enolnitrile tautomerization heat of 4-methyl-3-oxo-4-pentenonitrile has been calculated and compared with the corresponding one in gas phase to evaluate the solvent effect.

Generation of chemisorbed benzyl radicals on silica nanoparticles.

Functionalized silica nanoparticles (NP) were obtained by esterification of the silanol groups of fumed silica nanoparticles with benzyl alcohol. These particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (13)C and (29)Si NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, total organic carbon, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, UV-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. NP suspensions in water/acetonitrile mixtures were used as quenchers of benzophenone (BP) phosphorescence in time-resolved experiments at the excitation wavelength of 266 nm. The phosphorescence signals obtained in the presence of the nanoparticles were fitted to biexponential decays. Both decays were accelerated in the presence of increasing amounts of NP. A model, including the reversible adsorption of BP on the NP, which was supported by computer simulations accounts for the observed results. Laser flash-photolysis experiments with excitation at 266 nm of NP suspensions in water/acetonitrile in the presence of BP generated benzyl radicals that were attached to the silica surface. These radicals were detected at their absorption maxima (320 nm) by transient optical techniques.

Singlet molecular oxygen generation and quenching by the antiglaucoma ophthalmic drugs, Timolol and Pindolol.

The dye sensitized photooxidation in water (pH 6), of the pharmaceutical topical antiglaucoma drugs, Timolol and Pindolol, which act as beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, were studied by means of static and time-resolved spectroscopic methods and polarographic determinations. O2(1delta(g))-mediated photooxidation of Timolol and Pindolol takes place with quantum efficiencies of 0.035 and 0.16, respectively, which raises concern about the possible daylight-mediated photodamaging of the drugs, in the presence of sensitizing agents. Pindolol behaves kinetically as a typical indole derivative, for which the intermediacy of a polar complex is proposed. Solvent effects on the kinetics of photooxidation suggests that the same mechanism could operate for the case of Timolol. Upon direct ultraviolet-light irradiation Timolol and Pindolol generate O2(1delta(g)), with quantum yields of 0.027 and 0.11 respectively. The former comprises three desirable properties for an external-use ocular drug: a reduced efficiency of O2(1delta(g)) photooxidation, a relatively high power as O2(1delta(g)) physical deactivator and a relatively low propensity to O2(1delta(g)) generation upon direct light irradiation.

Kinetic study of the oxidation of phenolic derivatives of alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene by singlet molecular oxygen [O2(1delta(g)) and hydrogen phosphate radicals.

The oxidation kinetics and mechanism of the phenolic derivatives of alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene, 2-trifluoromethylphenol, 3-trifluoromethylphenol (3-TFMP), 4-trifluoromethylphenol and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol, mediated by singlet molecular oxygen, O2(1delta(g)), and hydrogen phosphate radicals were studied, employing time-resolved O2(1delta(g)) phosphorescence detection, polarographic determination of dissolved oxygen and flash photolysis. All the substrates are highly photo-oxidizable through a O2(1delta(g))-mediated mechanism. The phenols show overall quenching constants for O2(1delta(g)) of the order of 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) in D2O, while the values for the phenoxide ions in water range from 1.2 x 10(8) to 3.6 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1). The effects of the pH and polarity of the medium on the kinetics of the photo-oxidative process suggest a charge-transfer mechanism. 2-Trifluoromethyl-1,4-benzoquinone is suspected to be the main photo-oxidation product for the substrate 3-TFMP. The absolute rate constants for the reactions of HPO4*- with the substrates range from 4 x 10(8) to 1 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The 3-trifluoromethylphenoxyl radical was observed as the organic intermediate formed after reaction of 3-TFMP with HPO4*-, yielding 2,2'-bis(fluorohydroxymethyl)biphenyl-4,4'-diol as the end product. The observed results indicate that singlet molecular oxygen and hydrogen phosphate radicals not only react at different rates with the phenols of alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene, but the reactions also proceed through different reaction channels.

Estudio de la incidencia de gingivitis en gestantes del primer y tercer trimestre por medio del índice de sangrado gingival / Study of the incidence of gingivitis in first and third trimester pregnancies by using the gingival bleeding index

La inflamación gingival que se observa frecuentemente en el embarazo obedece al incremento de hormonas sexuales femeninas en la circulación. La gingivitis aumenta en gravedad a partir del segundo mes de gestación, alcanzando su máxima en el octavo. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar el nivel de sangrado gingival entre el primer y octavo mes de gestación, establecer el período de mayor incidencia y gravedad del sangrado gingival y correlacionarlo con el incremento de hormonas sexuales en la circulación. Se realizó un estudio transverso en una muestra de 60 mujeres que se encontraban cursando el primer trimestre del embarazo y un grupo testigo de 120 mujeres no embarazadas de iguales características etarias. Se les hizo terapia de profilaxis, cuando las embarazadas finalizaban el primer trimestre de gestación se realizó control de placa, índice de sangrado gingival y determinación hormonal en toda la muestra. Al iniciarse el tercer trimestre de gestación se repitió la terapia de profilaxis y, al finalizar aquél, controles de placa, sangrado gingival y determinación hormonal. La coexistencia de una inhibición de la función de las células inflamatorias y el aumento de los niveles de progesterona disminuyen la respuesta inflamatoria contra la placa bacteriana exacerbando el cuadro gingival.

Estudio de la incidencia de gingivitis en gestantes del primer y tercer trimestre por medio del índice de sangrado gingival / Study of the incidence of gingivitis in first and third trimester pregnancies by using the gingival bleeding index

La inflamación gingival que se observa frecuentemente en el embarazo obedece al incremento de hormonas sexuales femeninas en la circulación. La gingivitis aumenta en gravedad a partir del segundo mes de gestación, alcanzando su máxima en el octavo. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar el nivel de sangrado gingival entre el primer y octavo mes de gestación, establecer el período de mayor incidencia y gravedad del sangrado gingival y correlacionarlo con el incremento de hormonas sexuales en la circulación. Se realizó un estudio transverso en una muestra de 60 mujeres que se encontraban cursando el primer trimestre del embarazo y un grupo testigo de 120 mujeres no embarazadas de iguales características etarias. Se les hizo terapia de profilaxis, cuando las embarazadas finalizaban el primer trimestre de gestación se realizó control de placa, índice de sangrado gingival y determinación hormonal en toda la muestra. Al iniciarse el tercer trimestre de gestación se repitió la terapia de profilaxis y, al finalizar aquél, controles de placa, sangrado gingival y determinación hormonal. La coexistencia de una inhibición de la función de las células inflamatorias y el aumento de los niveles de progesterona disminuyen la respuesta inflamatoria contra la placa bacteriana exacerbando el cuadro gingival. (AU)