Unveiling the Structural Characteristics and Bioactivities of the Polysaccharides Extracted from Endophytic Penicillium sp.

Polysaccharides are abundantly present in fungi and are gaining recognition for their exceptional bioactivities. Hence, the present study aimed to extract intracellular polysaccharides (IPS-1 and IPS-2) from the endophytic Penicillium radiatolobatum and compare their physicochemical and bioactive attributes. The monosaccharide composition analysis revealed the existence of galactose, glucose, and mannose in both the IPS, while a trace amount of xylose was found in IPS-1. Further, FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis suggested that the IPS-2 was mainly composed of the ß-(1→4)-D-Galactose and ß-(1→4)-D-Glucose as the main chain, with the ß-(1→6)-D-mannose as branched chains. Compared to IPS-1, the IPS-2 showed higher antioxidant activities with an IC50 value of 108 ± 2.5 µg/mL, 272 ± 4.0 µg/mL, and 760 ± 5.0 µg/mL for ABTS+ scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, and ferric reducing power, respectively. In addition, the IPS-2 inhibited the viability of prostate cancer (PC-3) cells (IC50; 435 ± 3.0 µg/mL) via apoptosis associated with mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and altered morphological features, which was revealed by cellular staining and flow cytometric analysis. Moreover, no apparent cytotoxic effects were seen in IPS-2-treated (1000 µg/mL) non-cancerous cells (HEK-293 and NIH3T3). Overall, the findings of this study suggest that P. radiatolobatum could be a potent source of polysaccharides with promising antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Advances in mercury(II)-salt-mediated cyclization reactions of unsaturated bonds.

The synthesis of complex cyclic compounds is extremely challenging for organic chemists. Many transition-metal-salt-mediated cyclizations are reported in literature. Hg(II) salts have been successfully employed in cyclizations to form complex heterocyclic and carbocyclic structures that are impossible to synthesize with other transition metal salts. In this review, we have summarized cyclization reactions that are performed with Hg(II) salts. These salts are also successfully applied in stoichiometric or catalytic amounts to form complex cyclic structures and natural products.

Diastereoselective and Reversed Regioselective Annulations of N-Alkyl Anilines to Julolidines and Lilolidines.

A three-component annulation reaction of N-alkyl anilines, cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and aryl aldehydes to julolidines and lilolidines is reported. The 6π-electrocyclization enabled the annulation to proceed with reversed regioselectivity as compared with the annulation that occurs in the Povarov reaction. Both cyclic and acyclic N-alkyl anilines participated in the reaction to provide a wide range of julolidines and lilolidines as the single regio- and diastereoisomers in good to excellent yields.

Metal Free C-H Functionalization Enabled Diastereoselective Multicomponent Reaction of N-Heterocycles to Fused Heteropolycycles.

A novel C-H functionalization enabled multicomponent reaction involving N-heterocycles, dinucleophile, and dipolarophile has been developed. Direct α- and more challenging ß-C(sp3)-H functionalization of aliphatic N-heterocycles was achieved without the use of metallic reagents and oxidants under either conventional or microwave aided heating conditions. In a single operation, up to five carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds are formed in a highly diastereoselective manner, providing the expeditious access to the complex heteropolycycles.

Direct ß-C(sp(3))-H Functionalization of Aliphatic Amines to α,ß-Unsaturated Imines, Aldehydes, and Chromenes.

A metal-free method for direct ß-C(sp(3))-H functionalization of aliphatic amine was developed. The method is based on a reaction that yields enamine directly from the corresponding aliphatic amine, which otherwise requires the aid of metallic reagent and/or external oxidant. The reaction is operationally simple, general, and highly efficient in functionalizing both cyclic and acyclic amines. Structurally diverse unsaturated imines were obtained from N-heterocycles, while acyclic amines provided 2-alkyl cinnamaldehyde and benzopyran derivatives with excellent E/Z-selectivity.