Revelation of bimolecular tautomerization induced by the concerted and radical interactions in lignin pyrolysis

Bimolecular interactions play crucial roles in lignin pyrolysis.The tautomerization of key intermediates has a significant impact on the formation of stable products,whereas bimolecular tautomerization has been rarely clarified.In the present work,the bimolecular tautomerization mechanism induced by both concerted and radical interactions was proposed and carefully confirmed.A characteristicβ-O-4 lignin dimer,2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol(α-OH-PPE),was used as the model compound to reveal two representative keto-phenol and enol-keto tautomerism mechanisms,based on theoretical calculations combined with pyrolysis experiments.The results indicate that the unimolecular tautomerism as the rate-determining step limits product generation,due to fairly high energy barriers.While the free hydroxy compounds and radicals derived from initial pyrolysis can further initiate bimolecular tautomerism reactions through the one-step concerted hydroxyl-assisted hydrogen transfer(hydroxylAHT)and two-step radical hydrogen abstraction interactions,respectively.By alleviating and even avoiding the large ring tension of tautomerism,the unstable tautomers(2,4-cyclohexadienone and1-hydroxy styrene)can be rapidly tautomerized into stable phenol and acetophenone with the help of intermolecular interaction.Benefitting from the significant advantage of retro-ene fragmentation in breaking theβ-O-4 bond to form tautomers,a large amount of stable phenolic and ketone products can be generated following bimolecular tautomerization in the pyrolysis ofβ-O-4 linked lignin.

Theoretical Study on the Tautomerization Reaction of Formamide to Formamidic Acid Encapsulated in a Nano-sized Molecular Container

The hybrid calculations with ONIOM（B3LYP/6-31G＊：AM1） method were carried out on the tautomerization reaction of formamide to formamidic acid in the microcontainer-encapsulated state. The free-state tautomerization process was also investigated with B3LYP/6-31G＊＊//B3LYP/6-31G＊ method for the purpose of comparison. Bare tautomerization, H20-assisted（single-H20 or multiple-HaO） and self-assisted mechanisms were all taken into consideration for the encapsulated state. The results show that only bare tautomerization and single-H2O catalysis mechanisms are possible to the encapsulated formamide tautomerization owing to the container＇s size confinement effect. Geometrical changes in the complexed container and guest molecules are discussed to deeply understand the complex＇s structural properties. The bare tautomerization barrier in the encapsulated state increases by 23.826 kJ/mol, accounting for 12% of the corresponding total energy barrier in the free state, and the increased values for the single-H2O catalysis process are 12.958 kJ/mol, accounting for 16% of the corresponding total energy barrier, respectively. This finding suggests that the encapsulation can make the tautomerization process slightly difficult.

Mapping out the reaction network of humin formation at the initial stage of fructose dehydration in water

The formation of humins hampers the large-scale production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF)in biorefinery.Here,a detailed reaction network of humin formation at the initial stage of fructose-to-HMF dehydration in water is delineated by combined experimental,spectroscopic,and theoretical studies.Three bimolecular reaction pathways to build up soluble humins are demonstrated.That is,the intermolecular etherification of β-furanose at room temperature initiates the C12 path,whereas the C-C cleavage of a-furanose at 130-150℃ leads to C11 path,and that of open-chain fructose at 180℃ to C11' path.The successive intramolecular dehydrations and condensations of the as-formed bimolecular intermediates lead to three types of soluble humins.We show that the C12 path could be restrained by using HCl or AlCl_(3) catalyst,and both the C12 and C110 paths could be effectively inhibited by adding THF as a co-solvent or accelerating heating rate via microwave heating.

A BODIPY analogue from the tautomerization of sodium 3-oxide BODIPY

The introduction of hydroxy group to the 3- or 5-position of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3aAa-diazaindacene （BODIPY） results in unexpected tautomerization to BDPONa with interesting structural and photophysical properties. The core of BDPONa is an anion with sodium cation as counter-ion. BDPONa displays strong fluorescence in organic solvents.

Tautomerizations and intramolecular hydrogen bondings of the chiral α-nitroester, α-nitrosoester and α-ketoester

Interesting and diverse tautomerizations and intramolecular hydrogen bondings of the chiral α-nitroester, α-nitrosoester and α-ketoester are described and rationally interpreted.

Kinetics of tautomerization of 1,3,4,7-tetramethylisoindole

The kinetics of transformation of 1,3,4,7-tetramethylisoindole(1)to 1,3,4,7-tetramethyl- 1H-isoindole(2)in water or in deuterium oxide at various pH or pD at 25℃ were measured spectrophotometricalty.The results indicated that the transformation of 1 to 2 could be promoted by acid and base.From the solvent isotope effects and the fact that the 1-position of isoindole nucleus is electron-rich,the mechanism of this transformation is suggested.

Outstanding Humidity Chemiresistors Based on Imine-Linked Covalent Organic Framework Films for Human Respiration Monitoring

Human metabolite moisture detection is important in health monitoring and non-invasive diagnosis.However,ultra-sensitive quantitative extraction of respiration information in real-time remains a great challenge.Herein,chemiresistors based on imine-linked covalent organic framework(COF)films with dual-active sites are fabricated to address this issue,which demonstrates an amplified humidity-sensing signal performance.By regulation of monomers and functional groups,these COF films can be pre-engineered to achieve high response,wide detection range,fast response,and recovery time.Under the condition of relative humidity ranging from 13 to 98%,the COFTAPB-DHTA film-based humidity sensor exhibits outstanding humidity sensing perfor-mance with an expanded response value of 390 times.Furthermore,the response values of the COF film-based sensor are highly linear to the relative humidity in the range below 60%,reflecting a quantitative sensing mechanism at the molecular level.Based on the dual-site adsorption of the(-C=N-)and(C-N)stretching vibrations,the revers-ible tautomerism induced by hydrogen bonding with water molecules is demonstrated to be the main intrinsic mechanism for this effective humidity detection.In addition,the synthesized COF films can be further exploited to effectively detect human nasal and oral breathing as well as fabric permeability,which will inspire novel designs for effective humidity-detection devices.

Transformations and Tautomeric Equilibrium among Different Intermediates in Proline-Catalyzed Reactions of Aldehydes or Ketones

The enamines, iminium ions, and oxazolidinones are thought to be the key intermediates in the proline-catalyzed reactions of aldehydes or ketones, but there is an extensive contro- versy about their roles. Here, the corresponding transition states connecting any two of the three kinds of species are located at the wB97XD/6-311＋＋G＊＊ level of theory. The calcula- tions demonstrate that the oxazolidinones are the predominant species in both the gas phase and solvents; there exists tautomeric equilibrium among these species and the equilibriums are controlled by the employed solvents and temperature in the reaction. These results demonstrate that the concentration and role of the mentioned species are controlled by the employed solvent and temperature. A new reaction pathway is presented herein for the trans- formation between iminium ions and oxazolidinones through iminium ion-water complex and oxazolidinone-water complex. The calculations demonstrate that the rate-limiting step in proline-catalyzed Mannich reaction between acetaldehyde/keteones and N-Boc imines is the formation of the C-C bond rather than the intermediates tautomerization. These calculations rationalize the available experimental observations and can be valuable in optimizing the experimental conditions of asymmetric organic-catalyzed reactions of aldehydes or ketones.

Theoretical Studies on the Binding of Cd^(2+) to Uracil and Its Thio-derivatives

The interaction of Cd2＋ with uracil,2-thiouracil,4-thiouracil and 2,4-dithiouracil have been investigated by the density functional theory（DFT） calculations.For uracil and 2,4-dithiouracil,where the two basic sites are the same,Cd2＋ attachment to the heteroatom at position 4 is preferred.However,for the systems where both types of basic centers,a carbonyl and a thiocarbonyl groups,are present,Cd2＋ association with sulfur is favorable.The enhanced stability of these enolic and thiol forms comes from Cd2＋ interaction with two basic sites simultaneously,which thereby triggers a significant aromatization of the ring.More significantly,the Cd2＋ binding energy with uracil and its thio-derivatives is larger than the tautomerization barriers connecting the diketo-like forms with the corresponding enolic-like tautomers.Consequently,when associated with Cd2＋,all tautomers are energetically accessible and should be observed in the gas phase.

The Role of Solvent in Tautomer Solvate Crystallization: A Case of 6-Amino-1,3-Dimethyl-5-Nitrosouracil

Tautomers are structural isomers that readily interconvert and may exhibit diff erent properties.The eff ect of solvent on tautomeric equilibria in solution has been a subject of some research.Tautomer solvate is less common,and the role of solvent in the crystallization of tautomer solvate remains an interesting topic.In this work,we used 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrosouracil(NAU)as the tautomeric model material,which can present in nitrone–enamine form(Tautomer A)or oxime–imine form(Tautomer B).A solvate with NAU/DMSO ratio of 1:1 was discovered and characterized using single/powder X-ray diff raction and thermogravimetry.The crystal structure of NAU·DMSO was determined for the fi rst time,where only Tautomer A was formed in the tautomeric crystal.Quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulation were conducted to determine the tautomeric form in DMSO solution.Electrostatic potential analysis,radial distribution function analysis,and binding energy suggested possible DMSO–NAU interaction modes and stable tautomer complexes in solution.Tautomer A-containing complexes were found to dominate in solution,as verifi ed by comparing predicted and experimental 1 H NMR spectra.Findings reveal that the hydrogen bonding between DMSO and NAU is similar in solution and in NAU–DMSO solvate crystal,which helps preserve the form of Tautomer A during solvate crystallization.

DFT Calculations on the Effect of Solvation on the Tautomeric Reactions for Wobble Gua-Thy and Canonical Gua-Cyt Base-Pairs

To elucidate the reaction mechanism from wobble Guanine-Thymine (wG-T) to tautomeric G-T base-pairs, we investigate its transition state (TS) by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, in vacuum and in water approximated by continuum solvation model. From the comparison of these results, we attempt to elucidate the effect of solvation on the tautomeric reaction for wG-T. In addition, the same DFT calculations are performed for the canonical G-C base-pair, in order to reveal the difference in the activation energy for the reactions involving wG-T and G-C. The obtained TS structures between wG-T and G*-T/G-T* (asterisk is an enol-form of base) are almost the same in vacuum and in water. However, the activation energy is 16.6 and 19.1 kcal/mol in vacuum and in water, respectively, indicating that the effect of solvation enlarges the energy barrier for the reactions from wG-T to G-T*/G*-T. The activation energy for the tautomeric reaction from G-C to G*-C* is also evaluated to be 15.8 and 12.9 kcal/mol in vacuum and in water, respectively. Therefore, it is expected that the tautomeric reaction from wG-T to G*-T/G-T* can occur in vacuum with a similar probability as that from G-C to G*-C*. We furthermore investigate the TS structure for wG-BrU to reveal the effect of the BrU introduction into wG-T. The activation energy is 14.5 and 16.7 kcal/mol in vacuum and in water, respectively. Accordingly, the BrU introduction is found to increase the probability of the tautomeric reaction producing the enol-form G* and T* bases. Because G* prefers to bind to T rather than to C, and T* to G not A, our calculated results reveal that the spontaneous mutation from C to T or from A to G bases is accelerated by the introduction of wG-BrU base-pair.

What Is Its Real Existing Form?——Theoretical and Experimental Studies on 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole

The geometry of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole （MBT） and its tautomeric form of benzothiazole-2-thione are optimized at B3LYP/6-311 G＊＊ and HF/6-311 G＊＊ levels, respectively. The crystal structure of benzothiazole-2-thione and its FFIR spectra are also obtained. From the calculated and experimental data, it can be concluded that in gas-phase and solid-state, the real existing form of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole is the thione-form of MBT.

Computational Studies on the Ground State Tautomer,Hydrogen Conformations and Vibrational Spectroscopic Analysis of Antitumor Agents:3-Deazauracil and 6-Azauracil

The ground state hydrogen conformations and vibrational analysis of 3-deazauracil(3DAU)and 6-azauracil(6AU)tautomers(4-enol and 2,4-diol forms)have been calculated using ab initio Hartree-Fock(HF)and density functional theory(B3LYP)methods with 6-311++G(d,p)basis set level.The calculations have shown that the most probably preferential tautomer of 3DAU and 6AU are the 4-enol form,which gives best fit to the corresponding experimental data.The ground state conformer of the 2,4-diol form has two O—H bonds which are oriented externally and internally(to the N—H bond).The vibrational analyses of the ground state conformer of each tautomeric form of 3DAU and 6AU were done and their optimized geometry parameters(bond lengths and bond angles)were given.Furthermore,from the correlations values it was concluded that the B3LYP method is superior to the HF method for both the vibrational frequencies and the geometric parameters.

Study on the Tautomerism of an Indoline Spiropyran in Compressed CO_2 and Ethanol Mixture

Thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the tautomerism of an indoline spiropyran in compressed CO2-ethanol mixture were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy at 298.15 K, 303. 15 K, and 308.15 K. It was found that the composition of the mixture affects the equilibrium constant and the rate constant significantly.

Interaction of TATB with Cu and Cu^(+1). A DFT study

Symmetric triaminotrinitrobenzene known as TATB decomposes in contact with some heavy metals,such as copper. Presently, TATB and some of its important tautomers are subjected to B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of treatment. Some molecular orbital energies have been obtained and compared. Then. interaction of these species with Cu and Cu^+ are investigated. Although TATB has been found to be affected little by either Cu or Cu^+, undergoing only some bond length changes and/or distortions, the resonance-assisted tautomers having one to three aci groups decompose by the influence of Cu atom. In each case, only one N-OH bond rupture occurs.

Irbesartan desmotropes:Solid-state characterization,thermodynamic study and dissolution properties

Irbesartan (IBS) is a tetrazole derivative and antihypertensive drug that has two interconvertible structures, 1H- and 2H-tautomers. The difference between them lies in the protonation of the tetrazole ring. In the solid-state, both tautomers can be isolated as crystal forms A (1H-tautomer) and B (2H-tautomer). Studies have reported that IBS is a polymorphic system and its forms A and B are related monotropically. These reports indicate form B as the most stable and less soluble form. Therefore, the goal of this contribution is to demonstrate through a complete solid-state characterization, thermodynamic study and dissolution properties that the IBS forms are desmotropes that are not related monotropically. However, the intention is also to call attention to the importance of conducting strict chemical and in solid-state quality controls on the IBS raw materials. Hence, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) at ambient and non-ambient conditions, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot stage microscopy (HSM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were applied. Furthermore, intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) and structural stability studies at 98% relative humidity (RH), 25℃ and 40 ℃ were conducted as well. The results show that in fact, form A is approximately four-fold more soluble than form B. In addition, both IBS forms are stable at ambient conditions. Nevertheless, structural and/or chemical instability was observed in form B at 40℃ and 98% RH. IBS has been confirmed as a desmotropic system rather than a polymorphic one. Consequently, forms A and B are not related monotropically.

Trans-dinitroglycoluril isomers-A DFT treatment

Isomers of trans-1,4-Dinitroglycoluril(trans-DINGU) and their 1,3-tautomers are considered within the constraints of B3LYP/6-31ttG(d,p) and B3LYP/CC-PVTZ levels of DFT calculations. Additionally, the interactions of these isomers and proton in vacuum are investigated. The data have revealed that two of the three isomers undergo C — H bond cleavage as the result of interaction with proton in vacuum. The total energies, some structural properties, the calculated IR and UV spectra are discussed.

Ab Initio Study on the Tautomerism of Thioformamide Between Its Thione and Thiol Forms

Introduction Thioformamide plays an important role in the organic and biochemical processes. Up to now, there are some reports on the static state study of its thione and thiol form tautumors, but few papes on the mechanism of tautomerism between these two tautomors. Since this tautomerism equilibrium may model the proton shift isomerization of thionucleic acid bases approximately, the theoretical study on the mechanism and dynamics of such a process has important significance.

Solid and liquid state characterization of tetrahydrocurcumin using XRPD, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR and its biological activities

Tetrahydrocurcumin(THC)is one of the major metabolites of curcumin(CUR),an ancient bioactive natural polyphenolic compound.This research article describes both the solid and liquid state characterization of THC using advanced spectroscopic and thermo-analytical techniques.Anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant,and neuroprotective activities of THC were investigated using in vitro cell lines.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that our sample comprised 95.15%THC,0.51%tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin(THDC),3.40%hexahydrocurcumin,and 0.94%octahydrocurcumin.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of 96.68%THC and 3.32%THDC.THC in solution existed as keto-enol tautomers in three different forms at different retention time,but the enol form was found to be dominant,which was also supported by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.THC was thermally stable up to 335.55
C.THC exhibited more suppression of cytokines(TNF-a,IL-1b,and MIP-1a)than CUR in a concentration-dependent manner in mouse splenocytes,while NK-cell and phagocytosis activity was increased in macrophages.THC showed a significant reduction of free radicals(LPO)along with improved antioxidant enzymes(SOD and catalase)and increased free radical scavenging activity against ABTSt radicals in HepG2 cells.THC displayed higher protection capability than CUR from oxidative stress and neuronal damage by improving cell viability against H2O2 induced HepG2 cells and MPPt induced SH-SY5Y cells,respectively,in a concentration-dependent manner.Thus,a variation of the biological activities of THC might rely on its keto-enol form and the presence of other THC analogs as impurities.The present study could be advantageous for further research on THC for better understanding its physicochemical properties and biological variation.

Ab initio Study on Ionization Energies of 1-Methyl-hypoxanthine

Six low-lying tautomers of 1-methyl-hypoxanthine have been studied at the B3LYP/aug-cc- pVDZ level. Two tautomers NTH and N9H with the comparable energies are far more stable than the others. The vertical ionization energies of the tautomers calculated with ab initio electron propagator theory in the P3/aug-cc-pVDZ approximation are in agreement with the experimental data from photoelectron spectroscopy. According to the calculated relative energies and the comparison between the simulated and the experimental photoelectron spectra, it demonstrates that there are at least two tautomers of 1-methyl-hypoxanthine in the gas-phase experiments.