Effect of Counterions on the Soft Ionization Mass Spectra of Analytes with Multiple Permanent Charges.

Multiply permanently charged analytes (MPCAs) are of great interest for various applications. MPCA soft ionization mass spectra (MS) strongly depend on the counterions of MPCA. We have studied thoroughly this effect to expand the use of MS in MPCA characterization. To this end, ß-cyclodextrin-based MPCAs with 7 (MIM7NBCD) and 14 (MIM14BCD) quaternary ammonium charges with a series of monovalent counterions were prepared and their MS were measured using two of the most popular soft ionization techniques, electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI). MALDI MS of both analytes were well resolved, with signals assignable to the analytes only with the two least basic tested counterions (ClO4- and TfO-). Similarly, analyte-assignable signals were observed in ESI MS of MIM14BCD only with ClO4- and TfO-. The situation was opposite with ESI MS of MIM7NBCD where assignable signals were observed with Cl- but not with TfO-. Thus, to get high-quality MS, binding between the MPCA permanent charges and the counterions must be of the optimal effective strength, given also by the number of analyte permanent charges as shown by the simple combinatorial model of binding. Of practical interest is the observation that unsuitable counterions can be replaced in situ by an excess of corresponding acid. The findings form a coherent framework for interpreting and improving MPCA mass spectra.

Spatial arrangements of cyclodextrin host-guest complexes in solution studied by 13C NMR and molecular modelling.

13C NMR spectroscopic analyses of Cs symmetric guest molecules in the cyclodextrin host cavity, combined with molecular modelling and solid-state X-ray analysis, provides a detailed description of the spatial arrangement of cyclodextrin host-guest complexes in solution. The chiral cavity of the cyclodextrin molecule creates an anisotropic environment for the guest molecule resulting in a splitting of its prochiral carbon signals in 13C NMR spectra. This signal split can be correlated to the distance of the guest atoms from the wall of the host cavity and to the spatial separation of binding sites preferred by pairs of prochiral carbon atoms. These measurements complement traditional solid-state analyses, which rely on the crystallization of host-guest complexes and their crystallographic analysis.

Preparation of 6-Monohalo-ß-cyclodextrin Derivatives with Selectively Methylated Rims via Diazonium Salts.

A series of 6-monohalo (Cl, Br, and I) ß-cyclodextrin derivatives with various types of methylations were synthesized via a diazotization/nucleophilic displacement reaction from the corresponding methylated cyclodextrin amines. All four starting compounds (6A-amino-6A-deoxy derivatives of native ß-CD, per-6-O-methyl-, per-2,3-O-methyl-, and per-2,3,6-O-methyl-ß-CD) were found to have different reactivities under the same reaction conditions. Unsubstituted and fully per-O-methylated cyclodextrin amines undergo fast transformation, giving lower yields of the monohalogenated product. The selectively methylated cyclodextrin amines react remarkably slower and provide almost complete conversion into the desired monohalogenated compound. A pure product was, in several cases, successfully isolated with simple purification techniques (extraction and precipitation), allowing large-scale preparations. This new method opens the way for preparing poorly investigated monofunctionalized selectively methylated cyclodextrins.

Silver Ion High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Tool for Analyzing Cuticular Hydrocarbons.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons (HCs) are usually analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. However, analyzing long-chain HCs by GC is difficult because of their low volatility and the risk of decomposition at high temperatures. MALDI cannot distinguish between isomeric HCs. An alternative approach based on silver ion high-performance liquid chromatography (Ag-HPLC) is shown here. The separation of HC standards and cuticular HCs was accomplished using two ChromSpher Lipids columns connected in series. A gradient elution of the analytes was optimized using mobile phases prepared from hexane (or isooctane) and acetonitrile, 2-propanol, or toluene. HCs were detected by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS). Good separation of the analytes according to the number of double bonds, cis/trans geometry, and position of double bonds was achieved. The retention times increased with the number of double bonds, and trans isomers eluted ahead of cis isomers. The mobile phase significantly affected the mass spectra of HCs. Depending on the mobile phase composition, deprotonated molecules, molecular ions, protonated molecules, and various solvent-related adducts of HCs were observed. The optimized Ag-HPLC/APCI-MS was applied for characterizing cuticular HCs from a flesh fly, Neobellieria bullata, and cockroach, Periplaneta americana. The method made it possible to detect a significantly higher number of HCs than previously reported for GC or MALDI-MS. Unsaturated HCs were frequently detected as isomers differing by double-bond position(s). Minor HCs with trans double bonds were found beside the prevailing cis isomers. Ag-HPLC/APCI-MS has great potential to become a new tool in chemical ecology for studying cuticular HCs.

Preparation of ß-cyclodextrin-based dimers with selectively methylated rims and their use for solubilization of tetracene.

A series of ß-cyclodextrin dimers selectively permethylated on the primary or secondary rim with two different types of spacers have been synthesized effectively utilizing conventional and newly developed methods. Their structure analyses by 1H NMR and NOESY NMR imply the dependence of molecular symmetry on the type of spacer. The ability of synthesized dimers to increase the solubility of tetracene in DMSO was evaluated and compared to native cyclodextrins and their methylated derivatives. The newly synthesized compounds expressed better effectiveness than other tested supramolecular hosts.

Cyclodextrin-based Schiff base pro-fragrances: Synthesis and release studies.

A simple method for the preparation of ß-cyclodextrin derivatives containing covalently bonded aldehydes via an imine bond was developed and used to prepare a series of derivatives from 6I-amino-6I-deoxy-ß-cyclodextrin and the following volatile aldehydes - cinnamaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, lilial, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, vanillin, hexanal, heptanal, citral, and 5-methylfurfural. Subsequently, the rate of release of the volatile compound from selected pro-fragrances, as a function of the environment (solvent, pH), was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy (for benzaldehyde) and static headspace-gas chromatography (for benzaldehyde, heptanal, and 5-methylfurfural). The aldehyde release rate from the imine was shown to depend substantially on the pH from the solution and the air humidity from the solid state.

Kinetics of Nucleophilic Substitution of Compounds Containing Multiple Leaving Groups Bound to a Neopentyl Skeleton.

Ammonium salt derivatives with a neopentyl moiety are remarkably stable against Hofmann elimination, but the neopentyl moiety slows nucleophilic substitution, complicating their synthesis. To identify the best leaving group for the synthesis of the ammonium salts, we prepared six 1,1,1-tris(X-methyl)ethane derivatives, where X is chloride, bromide, iodide, methanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate), and studied the kinetics of their reactions with sodium, cesium, or tetramethylammonium azide in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at 100 °C by NMR spectroscopy. Iodide and bromide were found to be more reactive than p-toluenesulfonate and methanesulfonate. As expected, the best leaving group for nucleophilic substitution was triflate. Despite the usual high reactivity and instability of primary alkyl triflates, neopentyl triflate can be used as a stable but sufficiently reactive reactant for nucleophilic substitution on neopentyl skeletons.

Mono-6-Substituted Cyclodextrins-Synthesis and Applications.

Cyclodextrins are well known supramolecular hosts used in a wide range of applications. Monosubstitution of native cyclodextrins in the position C-6 of a glucose unit represents the simplest method how to achieve covalent binding of a well-defined host unit into the more complicated systems. These derivatives are relatively easy to prepare; that is why the number of publications describing their preparations exceeds 1400, and the reported synthetic methods are often very similar. Nevertheless, it might be very demanding to decide which of the published methods is the best one for the intended purpose. In the review, we aim to present only the most useful and well-described methods for preparing different types of mono-6-substituted derivatives. We also discuss the common problems encountered during their syntheses and suggest their optimal solutions.

Formaldehyde Reacts with Amino Acids and Peptides with a Potential Role in Acute Methanol Intoxication.

Methanol, an aliphatic alcohol widely used in the industry, causes acute and chronic intoxications associated with severe long-term health damage, including permanent visual impairment, brain damage, mainly necrosis of the basal ganglia and high mortality due to cancer. However, the role of formaldehyde, an intermediate metabolite of methanol oxidation, in methanol toxicity remains unclear. Thus, we studied the reactivity of several amino acids and peptides in the presence of formaldehyde by identifying products by direct infusion electrospray high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization MS. Cysteine, homocysteine and two peptides, CG and CGAG, provided cyclic products with a +12 amu mass shift with respect to the original compounds. The proposed structures of the products were confirmed by high-resolution tandem MS. Moreover, the formation of the products with +12 amu mass shift was also shown for two biologically relevant peptides, fragments of ipilimumab, which is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4. Overall, our experimental results indicate that formaldehyde reacts with some amino acids and peptides, yielding covalently modified structures. Such chemical modifications may induce undesirable changes in the properties and function of vital biomolecules (e.g., hormones, enzymes) and consequently pathogenesis.

New α- and ß-cyclodextrin derivatives with cinchona alkaloids used in asymmetric organocatalytic reactions.

The preparation of new organocatalysts for asymmetric syntheses has become a key stage of enantioselective catalysis. In particular, the development of new cyclodextrin (CD)-based organocatalysts allowed to perform enantioselective reactions in water and to recycle catalysts. However, only a limited number of organocatalytic moieties and functional groups have been attached to CD scaffolds so far. Cinchona alkaloids are commonly used to catalyze a wide range of enantioselective reactions. Thus, in this study, we report the preparation of new α- and ß-CD derivatives monosubstituted with cinchona alkaloids (cinchonine, cinchonidine, quinine and quinidine) on the primary rim through a CuAAC click reaction. Subsequently, permethylated analogs of these cinchona alkaloid-CD derivatives also were synthesized and the catalytic activity of all derivatives was evaluated in several enantioselective reactions, specifically in the asymmetric allylic amination (AAA), which showed a promising enantiomeric excess of up to 75% ee. Furthermore, a new disubstituted α-CD catalyst was prepared as a pure AD regioisomer and also tested in the AAA. Our results indicate that (i) the cinchona alkaloid moiety can be successfully attached to CD scaffolds through a CuAAC reaction, (ii) the permethylated cinchona alkaloid-CD catalysts showed better results than the non-methylated CDs analogues in the AAA reaction, (iii) promising enantiomeric excesses are achieved, and (iv) the disubstituted CD derivatives performed similarly to monosubstituted CDs. Therefore, these new CD derivatives with cinchona alkaloids effectively catalyze asymmetric allylic aminations and have the potential to be successfully applied in other enantioselective reactions.

Enhanced single-isomer separation and pseudoenantiomer resolution of new primary rim heterobifunctionalized α-cyclodextrin derivatives.

The synthesis of batch-to-batch reproducible cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives often requires functionalization at specific positions of the CD skeleton. However, the regioselective preparation of this type of CD derivatives remains a challenge in synthetic chemistry. Thus, the present study aimed to prepare all positional regioisomers on the primary rim of homobifunctionalized diazido-α-CDs by selective substitution on the primary rim. Specifically, three positional regioisomers 6A,6B-, 6A,6C-, and 6A,6D-diazido-α-CDs were prepared via different intermediates (using sulfonylation with capping agents, bromination and tosylation). Furthermore, heterobifunctionalized 6A-azido-6X-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CDs were also synthesized, and all regioisomers were successfully separated by HPLC. Moreover, the heterobifunctionalized α-CD regioisomers were isolated in gram-scale quantities, isomers AB and AC in the form of a pseudoenantiomeric mixture. The pseudoenantiomers AC/CA and AB/BA were resolved on an analytical scale by HPLC-MS at 10 °C. Thus, the presented synthetic and analytical methods for homo- and heterodisubstituted α-CDs are efficient and reproducible for the preparation of various pure regioisomeric CD derivatives. Accordingly, our findings indicate, (i) the versatility of selectively modified azido and mesitylene CD skeletons in preparing new types of α-CD derivatives and (ii) the potential of using resolved α-CD pseudoenantiomers in other research fields such as organocatalysis.

Zebrabase: An Intuitive Tracking Solution for Aquatic Model Organisms.

Small fish species, such as zebrafish and medaka, are increasingly gaining popularity in basic research and disease modeling as a useful alternative to rodent model organisms. However, the tracking options for fish within a facility are rather limited. In this study, we present an aquatic species tracking database, Zebrabase, developed in our zebrafish research and breeding facility that represents a practical and scalable solution and an intuitive platform for scientists, fish managers, and caretakers, in both small and large facilities. Zebrabase is a scalable, cross-platform fish tracking database developed especially for fish research facilities. Nevertheless, this platform can be easily adapted for a wide variety of aquatic model organisms housed in tanks. It provides sophisticated tracking, reporting, and management functions that help keep animal-related records well organized, including a QR code functionality for tank labeling. The implementation of various user roles ensures a functional hierarchy and customized access to specific functions and data. In addition, Zebrabase makes it easy to personalize rooms and racks, and its advanced statistics and reporting options make it an excellent tool for creating periodic reports of animal usage and productivity. Communication between the facility and the researchers can be streamlined by the database functions. Finally, Zebrabase also features an interactive breeding history and a smart interface with advanced visualizations and intuitive color coding that accelerate the processes.

Synthesis and supramolecular properties of regioisomers of mononaphthylallyl derivatives of γ-cyclodextrin.

Monosubstituted derivatives of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) are suitable building blocks for supramolecular polymers, and can also serve as precursors for the synthesis of other regioselectively monosubstituted γ-CD derivatives. We prepared a set of monosubstituted 2I-O-, 3I-O-, and 6I-O-(3-(naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-yl) derivatives of γ-CD using two different methods. A key step of the first synthetic procedure is a cross-metathesis between previously described regioisomers of mono-O-allyl derivatives of γ-CD and 2-vinylnaphthalene which gives yields of about 16-25% (2-5% starting from γ-CD). To increase the overall yields, we have developed another method, based on a direct alkylation of γ-CD with 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)allyl chloride as the alkylating reagent. Highly regioselective reaction conditions, which differ for each regioisomer in a used base, gave the monosubstituted isomers in yields between 12-19%. Supramolecular properties of these derivatives were studied by DLS, ITC, NMR, and Cryo-TEM.

Optimized methods for preparation of 6(I)-(ω-sulfanyl-alkylene-sulfanyl)-ß-cyclodextrin derivatives.

A general high-yielding method for the preparation of monosubstituted ß-cyclodextrin derivatives which have attached a thiol group in position 6 is described. The thiol group is attached through linkers of different lengths and repeating units (ethylene glycol or methylene). The target compounds were characterized by IR, MS and NMR spectra. A simple method for their complete conversion to the corresponding disulfides as well as a method for the reduction of the disulfides back to the thiols is presented. Both, thiols and disulfides are derivatives usable for well-defined covalent attachment of cyclodextrin to gold or polydopamine-coated solid surfaces.

Supramolecular structures based on regioisomers of cinnamyl-α-cyclodextrins - new media for capillary separation techniques.

This work focuses on the preparation and application of supramolecular structures based on mono-cinnamyl-α-cyclodextrins (Cin-α-CD). Pure regioisomers of Cin-α-CD having the cinnamyl moiety at the 2-O- or at the 3-O-position, respectively, were prepared, characterized and applied in capillary electrophoresis as additives to the background electrolyte. These new monomer units with a potential to self-organize into supramolecular structures were synthesized via a straightforward one-step synthetic procedure and purified using preparative reversed-phase chromatography allowing a large scale separation of the regioisomers. The ability of the monomers to self-assemble was proved by various methods including NMR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The light scattering experiments showed that the monomer units have distinguishable ability to form supramolecular structures in different solvents and the size distribution of the aggregates in water can be easily modulated using different external stimuli, such as temperature or competitive guest molecules. The obtained results indicated that the two regioisomers of Cin-α-CD formed different supramolecular assemblies highlighting the fact that the position of the cinnamyl group plays an important role in the intermolecular complex formation.

Influence of substituent position and cavity size of the regioisomers of monocarboxymethyl-α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrins on the apparent stability constants of their complexes with both enantiomers of Tröger's base.

Enantiomers of Tröger's base were separated by capillary electrophoresis using 2(I) -O-, 3(I) -O-, and 6(I) -O-carboxymethyl-α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrin and native α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrin as chiral additives at 0-12 mmol/L for ß-cyclodextrin and its derivatives and 0-50 mmol/L for α- and γ-cyclodextrins and their derivatives in a background electrolyte composed of sodium phosphate buffer at 20 mmol/L concentration and pH 2.5. Apparent stability constants of all cyclodextrin-Tröger's base complexes were calculated based on capillary electrophoresis data. The obtained results showed that the position of the carboxymethyl group as well as the cavity size of the individual cyclodextrin significantly influences the apparent stability constants of cyclodextrin-Tröger's base complexes.

Properties of cationic monosubstituted tetraalkylammonium cyclodextrin derivatives - their stability, complexation ability in solution or when deposited on solid anionic surface.

The thermal stability of the monosubstituted cationic cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives PEMEDA-ß-CD and PEMPDA-ß-CD, which differ in their substituent linker length (ethylene and propylene, respectively), was studied via (1)H NMR experiments. PEMPDA-ß-CD exhibited higher resistance towards the Hofmann degradation and was chosen as a more suitable host molecule for further studies. Inclusion properties of PEMPDA-ß-CD in solution with a series of simple aromatic guests (salicylic acid, p-methoxyphenol and p-nitroaniline) were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and compared to the native ß-CD. Permanently charged cationic CD derivatives were successfully deposited on the anionic solid surface of polymeric Nafion(®) 117 membrane via electrostatic interactions. Deposition kinetics and coverage of the surface were determined by ELSD. Finally, the ability of the CD derivatives bound to the solid surface to encapsulate aromatic compounds from aqueous solution was measured by UV-vis spectroscopy. The obtained results are promising for future industrial applications of the monosubstituted ß-CD derivatives, because the preparation of cationic CD derivatives is applicable in large scale, without the need of chromatographic purification. Their ionic deposition on a solid surface is simple, yet robust and a straightforward process as well.

A complete series of 6-deoxy-monosubstituted tetraalkylammonium derivatives of α-, ß-, and γ-cyclodextrin with 1, 2, and 3 permanent positive charges.

An efficient synthetic route toward the preparation of a complete series of monosubstituted tetraalkylammonium cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives is presented. Monotosylation of native CDs (α-, ß-, γ-) at position 6 gave the starting material. Reaction of monotosylate (mono-Ts-CD) with 45% aqueous trimethylamine gave CDs substituted with one cationic functional group in a single step. Derivatives equipped with a substituent containing two cationic sites separated by an ethylene or a propylene linker were prepared by reacting mono-Ts-CD with neat N,N,N'-trimethylethane-1,2-diamine or N,N,N'-trimethylpropane-1,3-diamine and subsequent methylation by CH3I in good yields. Finally, analogues bearing a moiety with three tetraalkylammonium sites were synthesized by reacting mono-Ts-CD with bis(3-aminopropyl)amine and subsequent methylation. The majority of the presented reactions are very straightforward with a simple work-up, which avoids the need of chromatographic separation. Thus, these reactions are suitable for the multigram-scale production of monosubstituted cationic CDs.

The influence of the substituent position in monocarboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrins on enantioselectivity in capillary electrophoresis.

Three newly synthesized chiral selectors, namely, 2(I)-O-, 3(I)-O-, and 6(I)-O-carboxymethyl-γ-cyclodextrin, native γ-cyclodextrin, and commercially available carboxymethylated γ-cyclodextrin with degree of substitution of 3-6 were used as additives in a background electrolyte composed of phosphate buffer at 20 mmol/L concentration and pH 2.5. This system was used for the analysis of several biologically significant low-molecular-mass chiral compounds by capillary electrophoresis. The results confirmed that the position of carboxymethyl group influences the enantioseparation efficiency of all the studied analytes. The 2(I)-O- and 3(I)-O- regioisomers provide a significantly better resolution than native γ-cyclodextrin, while the 6(I)-O-regioisomer gives only a slightly better enantioseparation than native γ-cyclodextrin. The application of γ-cyclodextrin possessing higher number of carboxymethyl groups led to the best resolution for the majority of the compounds analyzed.