Potent synergy and sustained bactericidal activity of polymyxins combined with Gram-positive only class of antibiotics versus four Gram-negative bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are becoming increasingly resistant to a wide variety of antibiotics. There are currently limited treatments for GNB, and the combination of antibiotics with complementary mechanisms has been reported to be a feasible strategy for treating GNB infection. The inability to cross the GNB outer membrane (OM) is an important reason that a broad spectrum of Gram-positive only class of antibiotics (GPOAs) is lacking. Polymyxins may help GPOAs to permeate by disrupting OM of GNB. OBJECTIVE: To identify what kind of GPOAs can be aided to broaden their anti-GNB spectrum by polymyxins, we systematically investigated the synergy of eight GPOAs in combination with colistin (COL) and polymyxin B (PMB) against GNB in vitro. METHODS: The synergistic effect of COL or PMB and GPOAs combinations against GNB reference strains and clinical isolates were determined by checkerboard tests. The killing kinetics of the combinations were assessed using time-kill assays. RESULTS: In the checkerboard tests, polymyxins-GPOAs combinations exert synergistic effects characterized by species and strain specificity. The synergistic interactions on P. aeruginosa strains are significantly lower than those on strains of A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Among all the combinations, COL has shown the best synergistic effect in combination with dalbavancin (DAL) or oritavancin (ORI) versus almost all of the strains tested, with FICIs from 0.16 to 0.50 and 0.13 to < 0.28, respectively. In addition, the time-kill assays demonstrated that COL/DAL and COL/ORI had sustained bactericidal activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that polymyxins could help GPOAs to permeate the OM of specific GNB, thus showed synergistic effects and bactericidal effects in the in vitro assays. In vivo combination studies should be further conducted to validate the results of this study.

A guide to organic electroreduction using sacrificial anodes.

Organic electrosynthesis is a green strategy for the synthesis of valuable molecules. Electrochemical reactions using sacrificial metal anodes enable new reactivity to be uncovered that could not be achieved with traditional non-electrochemical methods. Compared with reactions using metal powder as the reducing reagent, the mild electroreduction protocols usually exhibit diverse reactivity and excellent selectivity. The inexpensive metal anodes possess low oxidation potential, which could prevent undesired overoxidation of substrates, active intermediates and products. The in situ generated metal ions from sacrificial anodes could not only serve as Lewis acids to activate the reactants but also as a promoter or mediator. This tutorial review highlights the recent achievements in this rapidly growing area within the past five years. The sacrificial anode-enabled electroreductions are discussed according to the reaction type.

Electrochemical chemoselective hydrogenation of 1,4-enediones with HFIP as the hydrogen donor: scalable access to 1,4-diketones.

A straightforward electrochemical protocol for efficient hydrogenation of unsaturated CC bonds has been reported in an undivided cell. A series of versatile 1,4-diketones are smoothly generated under metal-free and external-reductant-free electrolytic conditions. Moreover, the tolerance of various functional groups and decagram-scale experiments have shown the practicability and potential applications of this methodology. Moreover, a range of heterocyclic compounds were easily prepared through follow-up procedures of 1,4-diketones.

Nickel-promoted oxidative domino Csp3-H/N-H bond double-isocyanide insertion reaction to construct pyrrolin-2-ones.

The first nickel-catalyzed oxidative domino Csp3-H/N-H double isocyanide insertion reaction of acetamides with isocyanides has been developed for the synthesis of pyrrolin-2-one derivatives. A wide range of acetamides bearing various functional groups are compatible with this reaction system by utilizing Ni(acac)2 as a catalyst. In this transformation, isocyanide could serve as a C1 connector and insert into the inactive Csp3-H bond, representing an effective way to construct heterocycles.

Reducing Defects Density and Enhancing Hole Extraction for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by π-Pb2+ Interactions.

Molecular doping is an of significance approach to reduce defects density of perovskite and to improve interfacial charge extraction in perovskite solar cells. Here, we show a new strategy for chemical doping of perovskite via an organic small molecule, which features a fused tricyclic core, showing strong intermolecular π-Pb2+ interactions with under-coordinated Pb2+ in perovskite. This π-Pb2+ interactions could reduce defects density of the perovskite and suppress the nonradiative recombination, which was also confirmed by the density functional theory calculations. In addition, this doping via π-Pb2+ interactions could deepen the surface potential and downshift the work function of the doped perovskite film, facilitating the hole extraction to hole transport layer. As a result, the doped device showed high efficiency of 21.41 % with ignorable hysteresis. This strategy of fused tricyclic core-based doping provides a new perspective for the design of new organic materials to improve the device performance.

Fast construction of isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones by direct intramolecular C-H/N-H functionalization under metal-free conditions.

The general protocol for the synthesis of isoxazolidine-fused isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones was established with the help of bench stable hypervalent iodine reagent PIDA. Polycyclic six-, seven- and eight-membered N-heterocycles can be rapidly synthesized from available amides under metal-free conditions within 1 min at room temperature through C-H/N-H functionalization. Moreover, the protocol has the merits of broad substrate scope, atom economy and operational simplicity.

InCl3-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization/1,6-conjugate addition of N-propargylamides with p-QMs to construct oxazole derivatives.

An InCl3-catalyzed atom-economic intramolecular 5-exo-dig cyclization/1,6-conjugate addition/aromatization of N-propargylamides with p-QMs to produce oxazoles tethering diarylmethane has been successfully developed. InCl3 not only served as Lewis acid to catalyze the cyclization of propargylic amides but also activated the carbonyl of p-QMs to achieve the 1,6-addition process in a one-pot manner. The reaction has attractive features, including mild reaction conditions, broad scope of substrates, good yields, and scalability.

The ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed C-H olefination of indoles with alkynes: the facile construction of tetrasubstituted alkenes under aqueous conditions.

An environmentally-friendly and facile protocol for the construction of tetrasubstituted alkenes has been established with Ru(ii)-catalyzed C-H bond functionalizations under mild conditions. The method features the usage of readily available substrates, without external oxidants and additives, 100% atom economy, and excellent regioselectivity, thus enhancing the practicability of this protocol. Moreover, this transformation proceeded smoothly under aqueous conditions and could be extended to the gram scale. N-Methoxyamide, as a directing group (DG), played a vital role in the transformation.

One Base for Two Shots: Metal-Free Substituent-Controlled Synthesis of Two Kinds of Oxadiazine Derivatives from Alkynylbenziodoxolones and Amidoximes.

Different 1,2-migrations and cyclizations of a variety of alkynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs) and amidoximes under one-base conditions are described. This process provides an efficient protocol for the divergent synthesis of two oxadiazine derivatives via switchable selectivity of EBXs controlled by simply varying the substituents of the amidoximes, which feature transition metal-free conditions, simple execution, and high chemoselectivity.

N-Phenoxyamides as Multitasking Reagents: Base-Controlled Selective Construction of Benzofurans or Dihydrobenzofuro[2,3- d]oxazoles.

An efficient method to selectively construct benzofuran and dihydrobenzofuro[2,3- d]oxazole derivatives has been successfully established by means of base-controlled cyclization of N-phenoxyamides with 1-[(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl]-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1 H)-one (TIPS-EBX). N-phenoxyamides as multitasking reagents have triggered two different cascade reaction sequences. This is the first example of using TIPS-EBX for the transformation of C(sp) to either C(sp2) or C(sp3) under metal-free conditions.

Intramolecular dehydrogenative C-S bond coupling of thioamides to form 1,3-benzothiazines under metal-free conditions.

A novel HTIB-promoted direct intramolecular dehydrogenative C-S bond coupling reaction of thioamides has been developed to provide 1,3-benzothiazine derivatives in good yields. The reaction proceeds smoothly to reach completion at room temperature within 1 min under metal-free conditions. This protocol provides a mild and efficient strategy for the synthesis of six-membered N,S-containing heterocycles. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a spirocyclic intermediate might be involved.

Chemo-, Regio-, and Stereoselective Construction of Core Skeleton of Furo[2,3-b]pyrrole via Multicomponent Bicyclization Reaction.

An efficient and straightforward N-ethyldiisopropylamine (DIPEA)-catalyzed multicomponent bicyclization reaction was developed to synthesize furo[2,3-b]pyrrole derivatives from ß-ketothioamides, glyoxals, and ethyl cyanacetate in EtOH at rt for 1.5 h. This was achieved via a sequential Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, and double cyclization, resulting in continuous formation of four chemical bonds (two C-C, two C-O, and one C-N bonds), two five-membered cycles, and three stereogenic centers in a one-pot operation.

Synthesis of 6-Phosphorylated Phenanthridines by Mn(II)-Promoted Tandem Reactions of 2-Biaryl Isothiocyanates with Phosphine Oxides.

A novel Mn(II)-promoted tandem phosphorylation/cyclization reaction of 2-biaryl isothiocyanates with phosphine oxides is described. This is the first general method to synthesize 6-phosporylated phenanthridines from 2-biaryl isothiocyanates. The approach is featured by oxidant-free, low loading of P-reagent, easy operation, and high functional group tolerance.

Synthesis of 1-Thio-Substituted Isoquinoline Derivatives by Tandem Cyclization of Isothiocyanates.

A copper-catalyzed tandem arylation-cyclization process to access 1-(arylthio)isoquinolines from isothiocyanates and diaryliodonium salts is described. It is the first general method to construct the potentially useful 1-(arylthio)isoquinoline derivatives. Moreover, 1-(methylthio)isoquinoline derivatives were also achieved successfully with MeOTf instead of diaryliodonium salts under metal-free conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal that these two processes proceed in different routes. This method has been successfully applied to the synthesis of quinazolinone alkaloid rutaecarpine.

Synthesis of disulfides tethered pyrroles from ß-ketothioamides via a bicyclization/ring-opening/oxidative coupling reaction.

A DABCO-promoted three-component reaction of ß-ketothioamides (KTAs), arylglyoxals and 2-cyanoacetates to construct disulfides tethered pyrroles by using air as an oxidant has been disclosed. Importantly, this protocol involves a tandem sequence that includes Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, N-cyclization, O-cyclization, ring-opening and oxidative coupling.

Direct Construction of 2-Aryliminochromenes from Arynes, N,S-Keteneacetals, and DMF.

A concise and direct synthetic strategy for the construction of 2-aryliminochromene skeleton by cascade three-component coupling reaction of arynes, N,S-keteneacetals, and DMF in good yields has been disclosed. The process demonstrates the first example of aryne chemistry combined with N,S-keteneacetals. Using this strategy, an expeditious synthesis of biologically important arylimino-2H-chromene-3- carboxamides was achieved.

[Identification of Oldenlandia diffusa by UPLC Fingerprint Coupled with Chemometrics Methods].

Objective: To establish UPLC fingerprints for Oldenlandia diffusa and Oldenlandia corymbosa,coupled with chemometrics methods, so as to identify Oldenlandia diffusa. Methods: The fingerprints of Oldenlandia diffusa and Oldenlandia corymbosa were established, main peaks were designed and identified. The differences of chemical compositions coupled with chemometrics methods were used to identify Oldenlandia diffusa. Results: The fingerprints of Oldenlandia diffusa and Oldenlandia corymbosa were established and the similarities were evaluated. 10 of 22 common peaks in Oldenlandia diffusa,5 of 16 common peaks and 4 private peaks in Oldenlandia corymbosa were signed and identified. Oldenlandia diffusa and Oldenlandia corymbosa could be classified into two clusters by principal components analysis( PCA). OPLS-DA indicated that five chromatographic peaks such as asperulosidic acid methyl ester were the main reason for grouping. The three special peaks:( E)-6-O-feruloyl scandoside methy1 ester,( Z)-6-O-p-coumaroyl scandoside methyl ester and quercetin 3-O-sambubioside in Oldenlandia diffusa and Oldenlandia corymbosa could be used to identify Oldenlandia diffusa. Conclusion: The establishment of UPLC fingerprint coupled with chemometrics methods can be used to identify Oldenlandia diffusa, so as to provide a more comprehensive reference for the quality control of herbs.

Yb(OTf)3-Mediated Access to Furans from ß-Ketothioamides via Eschenmoser Sulfide Contraction Reaction.

A mild and straightforward synthetic protocol for construction of a furan skeleton promoted by Yb(OTf)3 from ß-ketothioamides and arylglyoxals has been developed at room temperature. Importantly, this protocol involves a tandem sequence that includes aldol condensation, N-cyclization, ring opening, O-cyclization, S-cyclization, and Eschenmoser sulfide contraction.

Dual Roles of ß-Oxodithioesters in the Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzo[e]pyrazolo[1,5-c][1,3]thiazine Derivatives.

A facile and efficient method for the chemoselective synthesis of benzo[e]pyrazolo[1,5-c][1,3]thiazine derivatives has been developed by tandem Ullmann coupling reactions of ß-oxodithioesters (ODEs) with 3-(2-bromoaryl)-1H-pyrazoles in C-S bond formation manner, in which ODEs play dual roles as both a substrate and a ligand. A series of benzo[e]pyrazolo[1,5-c][1,3]thiazine derivatives were provided in good to excellent yields with CuI as the copper source in the presence of NaOH in CH3CN at 80 °C under a N2 atmosphere.

Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Reactions for Synthesis of Pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines with Heterocyclic Ketene Aminals as Ligands.

A CuI-catalyzed tandem reaction of 5-(2-bromoaryl)-N-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-amines with active acetonitrile derivatives to prepare pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines in good to excellent yields has been successfully developed under mild conditions with heterocyclic ketene aminals (HKAs) as new ligands. This is the first time HKAs have been used as ligands for copper-catalyzed coupling reactions.