Susanna Insogna

Bio: Susanna Insogna is an academic researcher from Sapienza University of Rome. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cold trap & Snow. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 16 publications receiving 204 citations.

Sensitive profiling of biogenic amines in human urine by capillary electrophoresis with field amplified sample injection

Abstract: In order to monitor biogenic amines in human urine, a method based on field-amplified sample injection combined with capillary electrophoresis and direct UV absorption detection was developed. Dopamine, tyramine, tryptamine, serotonin and epinephrine were effectively separated and identified in human urine samples, and detection limits were 0.072, 0.010, 0.027, 0.010 and 0.120 µmol/L, respectively. Detection limits comparable to laser-induced fluorescence detection or solid phase extraction combined with capillary electrophoresis were achieved. Parameters affecting electrophoretic system detection sensitivity were investigated. Optimal separation conditions were obtained using as background electrolyte a pH 6.5 mixture of 2-(morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid 20 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L phosphate buffer, containing 0.05% hydroxypropylcellulose and 10% v/v methanol. Injections of the sample solution were performed by applying a voltage of 12 kV for 50 s. Recovery and accuracy ranged between 89.4 and 94.9%, and 89 and 112%, respectively. The method was successfully applied on actual urine samples (from a healthy volunteer): target bioamine content was consistent with endogenous levels reported in the literature. The proposed method is simple, fast and inexpensive and can be conveniently employed in work-related stress studies. The affordability and noninvasive sampling of the method allow epidemiological studies on large number of exposed persons to be performed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Organocatalytic regioselective Michael additions of cyclic enones via asymmetric phase transfer catalysis.

Abstract: Cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone can be enantioselectively functionalized in the 3-position with up to 92% ee and 87% ee, respectively, by the base-promoted dimerization of the corresponding enones using 3,4,5-tribenzyloxybenzyl cinchoninium bromide, as a new effective catalyst.

Organocatalytic asymmetric conjugate additions

Abstract: The asymmetric organocatalytic conjugate addition of nucleophiles to Michael acceptors is reviewed. Herein an overview of the most important developments and concepts of this flourishing area of catalysis organized by the type of nucleophile involved in the process is reported.

Recent Developments in Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Reactions

Abstract: Phase-transfer catalysis has been recognized as a powerful method for establishing practical protocols for organic synthesis, because it offers several advantages, such as operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, suitability for large-scale synthesis, and the environmentally benign nature of the reaction system. Since the pioneering studies on highly enantioselective alkylations promoted by chiral phase-transfer catalysts, this research field has served as an attractive area for the pursuit of "green" sustainable chemistry. A wide variety of asymmetric transformations catalyzed by chiral onium salts and crown ethers have been developed for the synthesis of valuable organic compounds in the past several decades, especially in recent years.