Determination of mycotoxins,alkaloids, phytochemicals,antioxidants and cytotoxicity in Asiatic ginseng (Ashwagandha,Dong quai, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax ginseng</Emphasis>)

Mycotoxins and selected hazardous alkaloids in the medicinal plants (Panax ginseng, Angelica sinensis, and Withania somnifera) and dietary supplements were determined. Purine alkaloids were found in majority of samples; however, isoquinoline alkaloids were less abundant than indole. The predominant alkaloids appear to be caffeine (purine group), harman (indole group) and berberine (isoquinoline). Examined medicinal plants and dietary supplements were contaminated by mycotoxins (especially ochratoxin A 1.72–5.83 µg kg^?1), and many species of mold (e.g. Cladosporium, Eurotium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium). MTT cytotoxicity tests revealed that plant and supplements extracts exhibited medium or high cytotoxicity (only Dong quai—low). Moreover, antioxidant activity, total phenolics content and selected phytochemicals were analyzed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. Quercetin and rutin were predominant flavonols (1.94-9.51 and 2.20–7.28 mg 100 g^?1, respectively). Analysis of phenolic acids revealed—gallic acid, as the most abundant, except Panax ginseng, where ferulic acid was prevailing. The results were analyzed by chemometric methods (cluster analysis, ANOVA).     

Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Associated with Halophytic Weed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psoralea corylifolia</Emphasis> L) on Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat Under Saline Conditions

Halotolerant bacteria associated with Psoralea corylifolia L., a luxuriantly growing annual weed in salinity-affected semi-arid regions of western Maharashtra, India were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting activity in wheat. A total of 79 bacteria associated with different parts viz., root, shoot and nodule endophytes, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and leaf epiphytes, were isolated and grouped based on their habitat. Twelve bacteria isolated for their potential in plant growth promotion were further selected for in vitro studies. Molecular identification showed the presence of the genera Bacillus, Pantoea, Marinobacterium, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Sinorhizobium (LC027447-53; LC027455; LC027457, LC027459, and LC128410). The phylogenetic studies along with carbon source utilization profiles using the Biolog® indicated the presence of novel species and the in planta studies revealed promising results under salinity stress. Whereas the nodule endophytes had minute plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity, the cell free culture filtrates of these strains enhanced seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). The maximum vigor index was monitored in isolate Y7 (Enterobacter sp strain NIASMVII). Indole acetic acid (IAA) production by the isolates ranged between 0.22 and 25.58 μg mL^?1. This signifies the need of exploration of their individual metabolites for developing next-generation bio-inoculants through co-inoculation with other compatible microbes. This study has potential in utilization of the weed-associated microbiome in terms of alleviation of salinity stress in crop plants.     

Molecular and crystal structure of 15-acetylsongorine and songoramine isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aconitum szechenyianum</Emphasis> Gay

Two napelline skeletal diterpenoid alkaloids 15-acetylsongorine, C₂₄H₃₃NO₄ I, and songoramine, C₂₂H₂₉NO₃ II, were first isolated from the roots of Aconitum Szechenyianum Gay. The crystal structures were determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The crystal I is the triclinic system with space group P1 having unit cell parameters of a = 9.360(8) Å, b = 11.593(9) Å, c = 11.830(16) Å, α = 113.223(15)°, β = 105.950(16)°, γ = 101.296(12)°, and Z = 2. Hydrogen bonds O–H···O and O–H···N joint the molecules into dimer. The crystal II belongs to the orthorhombic system with space group P2₁2₁2₁ having unit cell parameters of a = 8.950(2) Å, b = 13.272(3) Å, c = 15.454(4) Å and Z = 4. The O–H···O hydrogen bonding interaction links the molecule into linear chains. The distortion of rings of compound I and II were evaluated by calculation of the Cremer and Pople puckering parameters. The presence of the C–O–C bond in the compound II results in the changes of ring conformations compared with that of the compound I.     

Synthesis,crystal structure of a new tetranuclear Ni<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack>Cu<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript></Stack> complex containing a macrocyclic ligand

The first inorg/organic hybrid complex incorporating the macrocyclic oxamide, of formula [(NiL)₂Cu₂(μ-NSC)₂(NSC)₂] (1), (NiL, H₂L = 2, 3-dioxo-5,6,14,15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclo-pentadeca-7,13-dien), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystals crystallize in the triclinic system, space group P-1, for (1) a = 8.319(3) Å, b = 10.434(4) Å, c = 14.166(5) Å, a = 107.030(5)°, β  =  91.257(5)°, γ = 107.623(5)°. The complex involved both bridging N, S-ligand, and oxamide ligand, C–H?S interactions and NCS → Ni weak coordination interactions making the complex superamolecular.     

Engineering <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pichia pastoris</Emphasis> for Efficient Production of a Novel Bifunctional <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus purpuratus</Emphasis> Invertebrate-Type Lysozyme

Lysozymes are known as ubiquitously distributed immune effectors with hydrolytic activity against peptidoglycan, the major bacterial cell wall polymer, to trigger cell lysis. In the present study, the full-length cDNA sequence of a novel sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus invertebrate-type lysozyme (sp-iLys) was synthesized according to the codon usage bias of Pichia pastoris and was cloned into a constitutive expression plasmid pPIC9K. The resulting plasmid, pPIC9K-sp-iLys, was integrated into the genome of P. pastoris strain GS115. The bioactive recombinant sp-iLys was successfully secreted into the culture broth by positive transformants. The highest lytic activity of 960 U/mL of culture supernatant was reached in fed-batch fermentation. Using chitin affinity chromatography and gel-filtration chromatography, recombinant sp-iLys was produced with a yield of 94.5 mg/L and purity of >?99%. Recombinant sp-iLys reached its peak lytic activity of 8560 U/mg at pH 6.0 and 30 °C and showed antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahemolyticus, and Aeromonas hydrophila) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). In addition, recombinant sp-iLys displayed isopeptidase activity which reached the peak at pH 7.5 and 37 °C with the presence of 0.05 M Na⁺. In conclusion, this report describes the heterologous expression of recombinant sp-iLys in P. pastoris on a preparative-scale, which possesses lytic activity and isopeptidase activity. This suggests that sp-iLys might play an important role in the innate immunity of S. purpuratus.     

Heterologous Expression of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactococcus lactis</Emphasis> for Acetaldehyde Detoxification at Low pH

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.2.1.x) can catalyze detoxification of acetaldehydes. A novel acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (istALDH) from the non-Saccharomyces yeast Issatchenkia terricola strain XJ-2 has been previously characterized. In this work, Lactococcus lactis with the NIsin Controlled Expression (NICE) System was applied to express the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (istALDH) in order to catalyze oxidation of acetaldehyde at low pH. A recombinant L. lactis NZ3900 was obtained and applied for the detoxification of acetaldehyde as whole-cell biocatalysts. The activity of IstALDH in L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) reached 36.4 U mL^?1 when the recombinant cells were induced with 50 ng mL^?1 nisin at 20 °C for 2 h. The IstALDH activity of recombinant L. lactis cells showed higher stability at 37 °C and pH 4.0 compared with the crude enzyme. L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) could convert acetaldehyde at pH 2.0 while the crude enzyme could not. Moreover, the resting cells of L. lactis NZ3900 (pNZ8148-istALDH) showed a 2.5-fold higher activity and better stability in catalyzing oxidation of acetaldehyde at pH 2.0 compared with that of Escherichia coli expressing the IstALDH. Taken together, the L. lactis cells expressing recombinant IstALDH are potential whole-cell biocatalysts that can be applied in the detoxification of aldehydes.     

Sequential Aqueous Ammonia Extraction and LiCl/<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Dimethyl Formamide Pretreatment for Enhancing Enzymatic Saccharification of Winter Bamboo Shoot Shell

Effective utilization of winter bamboo shoot shell (BSS) is of great interest, since BSS provides a renewable and inexpensive bioresource for the production of biofuels. In this study, an effective combination pretreatment by the sequential aqueous ammonia (25 wt%) extraction at 50 °C for 24 h and LiCl/N,N-dimethyl formamide (LiCl/DMF) (6 wt% of LiCl) pretreatment at 50 °C for 8 h was used for pretreating BSS. SEM, FTIR, and XRD results indicated that combination pretreatment could effectively remove lignin and change the crystal structure of cellulose for promoting enzymatic saccharification. Additionally, significant linear correlations were found about solid recovery-delignification (R ² = 0.9235), delignification-reducing sugars (R ² = 0.9552), and delignification-hemicellulose removal (R ² = 0.9779) during the combination pretreatment. The reducing sugars and glucose from the hydrolysis of 100 g/L pretreated BSS could be obtained at 72.3 and 40.5 g/L, respectively. Using the recovered BSS-hydrolysates containing 20–50 g/L glucose as carbon source, the ethanol yields at 48 h could be obtained at 84.5–86.1% of the theoretical yield. In conclusion, the sequential ammonia extraction and LiCl/DMF pretreatment has high potential application in future.     

Nonaqueous CE for Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Matrine and Oxymatrine in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sophora flavescens</Emphasis> and Its Medicinal Preparations

A simple, rapid, and sensitive non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis procedure for the quantitative determination of matrine and oxymatrine is established. Optimum separation conditions were obtained when the sample was injected under pressure for 3 s at 50 mbar and separated with the buffer containing 70 mM ammonium acetate, 7.0% (v/v) acetic acid, and 10% (v/v) acetonitrile in methanol medium at 25 kV applied voltage. The analytes were detected at 205 nm. The two alkaloids can be separated within 12 min and quantified with high sensitivity. The method was validated in terms of reproducibility, linearity, and accuracy when applied to the analysis of matrine and oxymatrine in Sophora flavescens and its medicinal preparations.     

Production of Galanthamine by Leucojum aestivum Shoots Grown in Different Bioreactor Systems

The production of galanthamine by shoots of Leucojum aestivum grown in different bioreactor systems (shaking and nonshaking batch culture, temporary immersion system, bubble bioreactor, continuous and discontinuous gassing bioreactor) under different culture conditions was studied. The influence of the nutrient medium, weight of inoculum, and size of bioreactor on both growth and galanthamine production was studied. The maximal yield of galanthamine (19.416?mg) was achieved by cultivating the L. aestivum shoots (10?g of fresh inoculum) in a temporary immersion system in a 1-L bioreactor vessel which was used as an airlift culture vessel, gassing 12 times per day (5?min).     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal structures,and theoretical studies of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone and (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone

Two thiosemicarbazones, (E)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (24-MBTSC (1)) and (E)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (25-MBTSC (2)), derived from 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, respectively, with thiosemicarbazide have been synthesized and their structures were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Molecular orbital calculations have been carried out for 1 and 2 by using an ab initio method (HF) and also density functional method (B3LYP) at 6-31G basis set. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c, with a = 8.1342(5) Å, b = 18.1406(10) Å, c = 8.2847(6) Å, β = 109.7258(17)°, V = 1150.75(12) Å³, and Z = 4, whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca, with a = 11.0868(6) Å, b = 13.1332(6) Å, c = 15.9006(8) Å, V = 2315.2(2) Å³, and Z = 8. The compounds 1 and 2 displays a trans-configuration about the C=N double bond.     

Synthesis,crystal structure of new linear trinuclear isovalence Co(II)([Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H–L)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(L)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]), and visualizing intermolecular interactions with Hirshfeld surface method

S-allyl-β-N-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hyrazinecarbodithioate) (1, H₂L), the Schiff base of dithiocarbazate with unsaturated allyl substitution, can act as a new tridentate SNO ligand H₂–L and react with cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate to form the novel linear trinuclear isovalence Co(II) complex, [Co₃(H–L)₂(L)₂] 2C₂H₅OH (2). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Compound 2 was also characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbcn, with a = 30.643(1) Å, b = 9.118(4) Å, c = 19.017(7) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, V = 5312.95 Å³, Z = 4, and R ₁ = 0.0790, (wR ₂) = 0.1223. The six-coordinate central Co(II) atom is bonded to two deprotonated metal-containing ligands. The terminal Co(II) atoms are in a square planar SNON four-coordinate environment and connected to the central Co(II) by N-atoms from the ligand backbone. For quantifying the intermolecular interactions in crystal lattice, the new d _norm surface and the breakdown of fingerprint plots have been used for visualizing and exploring the compound 2.     

Effect of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on the Wheat Seedlings Vigor and on the Inactivation of Microorganisms on the Seeds Surface

Effects of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) treatment on the germination, production of biomass, vigor of seedlings, uptake of water of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Eva) were investigated. The CAPP treatment influence on the inactivation of microorganisms occurring on the surface of wheat seeds was investigated also. The so-called Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge generating a cold plasma in ambient air with high power volume density of some 100 W/cm³ was used for the treatment of seeds at exposure times in the range of 10–600 s. The optical emission spectroscopy and the electrical measurements were used for estimation of CAPP parameters. The obtained results indicate that the germination rate, dry weight and vigor of seedlings significantly increased for plasma treatment from 20 to 50 s. The plasma treatment of seeds led to an extensive increase in wettability and faster germination comparing with the untreated seeds. The growth inhibition effect of CAPP on the surface microflora of wheat seeds increased with the increase of the treatment time. The efficiency of the treatment of wheat seeds artificially contaminated with pure cultures of filamentous fungi decreased in the following order: Fusarium nivale > F. culmorum > Trichothecium roseum > Aspergillus flavus > A. clavatus.     

Thermochemical Properties of Dissolution of Nicotinic Acid C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>NO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(s) in Aqueous Solution

Nicotinic acid (also known as niacin) was recrystallized from anhydrous ethanol. X-ray crystallography was applied to characterize its crystal structure. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group P2₍₁₎/c. The crystal cell parameters are a = 0.71401(4) nm, b = 1.16195(7) nm, c = 0.71974(6) nm, α = 90°, β = 113.514(3)°, γ = 90° and Z = 4. Molar enthalpies of dissolution of the compound, at different molalities m/(mol·kg^?1) were measured with an isoperibol solution–reaction calorimeter at T = 298.15 K. The molar enthalpy of solution at infinite dilution was calculated, according to Pitzer’s electrolyte solution model and found to be \( \Delta_{\text{sol}} H_{m}^{\infty } = ( 2 7. 3 \pm 0. 2) \) kJ·mol^?1 and Pitzer’s parameters (\( \beta_{{\text{MX}}}^{{\text{(0)}L}} \), \( \beta_{{\text{MX}}}^{{\text{(1)}L}} \) and \( C_{{\text{MX}}}^{\phi L} \)) were obtained. The values of apparent relative molar enthalpies (\( {}^{\phi }L \)) and relative partial molar enthalpies (\( \overline{{L_{2} }} \) and \( \overline{{L_{1} }} \)) of the solute and the solvent at different molalities were derived from the experimental enthalpy of dissolution values of the compound. Also, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the anion \( {\text{C}}_{ 6} {\text{H}}_{ 4} \text{NO}_{2}^{-} \) in aqueous solution was calculated to be \( {\Delta_{\text{f}}^{} H}_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ({\text{C}}_{ 6} {\text{H}}_{ 4} {\text{NO}}_{2}^{-} \text{,aq}) = - \left( {603.2 \pm 1.2} \right)\;{\text{kJ}}{\cdot}{\text{mol}}^{-1} \).     

Saw-sedge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladium mariscus</Emphasis> as a functional low-cost adsorbent for effective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from aqueous systems

For the first time in the published literature, a study is described concerning the use of the saw-sedge Cladium mariscus (C. mariscus) for adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous systems. Among the experiments carried out, the elemental composition of C. mariscus was determined (C = 48.0 %, H = 7.1 %, N = 0.95 %, S = 0.4 %), FTIR spectroscopic analysis was performed to confirm the chemical structure of the adsorbent, and porous structure parameters were measured: BET surface area (A _BET  = 0.6 m²/g), total pore volume (V _p  = 0.001 cm³/g) and average pore size (S _p  = 6.6 nm). It was shown that the effectiveness of removal of 2,4-D from aqueous systems using C. mariscus depends on parameters of the process: contact time, system pH, mass of sorbent, and temperature. Maximum adsorption was attained for a solution at pH = 3. Further increase in the alkalinity of the tested systems led to a reduction in the effectiveness of the process. The kinetic of adsorption of 2,4-D by C. mariscus was also determined, and thermodynamic aspects were investigated. The experimental data obtained correspond to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model of type 1. Additionally the negative values obtained for ΔHº indicate that the process is exothermic, and the negative values of ΔGº show it to be spontaneous. As the temperature of the system increases the spontaneity of adsorption is reduced, in accordance with the exothermic nature of the process.     

Acetone–Butanol–Ethanol Production from Waste Seaweed Collected from Gwangalli Beach,Busan, Korea,Based on pH-Controlled and Sequential Fermentation Using Two Strains

The optimal conditions for acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) production were evaluated using waste seaweed from Gwangalli Beach, Busan, Korea. The waste seaweed had a fiber and carbohydrate, content of 48.34%; these are the main resources for ABE production. The optimal conditions for obtaining monosaccharides based on hyper thermal (HT) acid hydrolysis of waste seaweed were slurry contents of 8%, sulfuric acid concentration of 138 mM, and treatment time of 10 min. Enzymatic saccharification was performed using 16 unit/mL Viscozyme L, which showed the highest affinity (K_m?=?1.81 g/L). After pretreatment, 34.0 g/L monosaccharides were obtained. ABE fermentation was performed with single and sequential fermentation of Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium tyrobutyricum; this was controlled for pH. A maximum ABE concentration of 12.5 g/L with Y_ABE 0.37 was achieved using sequential fermentation with C. tyrobutyricum and C. acetobutylicum. Efficient ABE production from waste seaweed performed using pH-controlled culture broth and sequential cell culture.     

A comparison of energy changes accompanying growth processes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis>

Calculations are made using the equations Δ_r G = Δ_r H ? TΔ_r S and Δ_r X = Δ_r H ? Δ_r Q where Δ_r X represents the free energy change when the exchange of absorbed thermal energy with the environment is represented by Δ_r Q. The symbol Q has traditionally represented absorbed heat. However, here it is used specifically to represent the enthalpy listed in tabulations of thermodynamic properties as (H _T  ? H ₀) at T = 298.15 K, the reason being that for a given substance TS equals 2.0 Q for solid substances, with the difference being greater for liquids, and especially gases. Since Δ_r H can be measured, and is tangibly the same no matter what thermodynamics are used to describe a reaction equation, a change in the absorbed heat of a biochemical growth process system as represented by either Δ_r Q or TΔ_r S would be expected to result in a different calculated value for the free energy change. Calculations of changes in thermodynamic properties are made which accompany anabolism; the formation of anabolic, organic by-products; catabolism; metabolism; and their respective non-conservative reactions; for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using four growth process systems. The result is that there is only about a 1% difference in the average quantity of free energy conserved during growth using either Eq. 1 or 2. This is because although values of TΔ_r S and Δ_r Q can be markedly different when compared to one another, these differences are small when compared to the value for Δ_r G or Δ_r X.     

Quercetin Glucoside Production by Engineered <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis>

Escherichia coli strains expressing the O-glucosyltransferases UGT73B3 or UGT84B1 were compared for the production of glucosides from quercetin supplied into a defined medium. The formation of quercetin-3-glucoside (Q3G) by UGT73B3 showed a maximum at 33 °C, while the formation of quercetin-7-glucoside by UGT84B1 increased with increasing temperature to 37 °C. The highest concentrations of Q3G were attained by strains having a deletion in the pgi gene-coding phosphoglucose isomerase, which effectively blocked the entry of glucose-6P into the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway. Formation of Q3G was improved in 1-L controlled bioreactors compared to shake flask cultures, a result attributed to the greater oxygen transfer rate in bioreactors. Under batch conditions with 30 g/L glucose as the sole carbon source, E. coli MEC367 (MG1655 pgi) expressing UGT73B3 generated 3.9 g/L Q3G in 56 h.     

On <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis>-Resveratrol in Aqueous Solutions

A thermodynamic study on aqueous solutions of trans-Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) at 25.00 ± 0.02 °C, in 0.5 mol·dm^?3 NaCl, has been conducted. The protolysis equilibria and the complex formation between trans-Resveratrol and a metal(II), namely Mn²⁺ and Cu²⁺, have been investigated. The experimental method consists of potentiometric, spectrophotometric (absorption and emission) acid–base titrations. The pH range investigated is 2.5 ≤ pH ≤ 13 for the binary system, while for the ternary system it is 2.5 ≤ pH ≤ 6. The results of the graphical and numerical methods adopted indicate, for all the systems investigated, the formation of a predominant Me(II)–trans-Resveratrol mononuclear complex. UV–Vis absorption spectra and desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectra show the occurrence of hydrolytic species exhibiting a higher molecular weight than the Resveratrol molecule, becoming more evident as the pH and the time increased. Moreover, high performance liquid chromatography analysis and infrared spectroscopy of aqueous cis/trans-Resveratrol solutions upon excitation at 300 nm have highlighted a highly fluorescent compound, with absorption maximum at 250 nm, and a blue shift in the fluorescence emission that have not previously been reported.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of sterically encumbered phenol-based tetradentate N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> ligands: Structural,spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies

Two cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO₂L] (L: L ¹, 2 and L: L ², 3) in a phenol-based sterically encumbered N₂O₂ ligand environment have been synthesized, and their crystallographic characterizations are reported. The orange crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group P2₁/a with unit cell dimensions as a=16.2407(17) Å, b=7.2857(8) Å, c=18.400(2) Å, β=98.002(9)°, Z=4, and d _cal=1.486 g cm^?3. The light orange crystals of 3, however, are orthorhombic, space group, Pbcn, with unit cell dimensions a=8.3110(12) Å, b=12.637(3) Å, c=34.673(5) Å, Z=4, and d _cal=1.187 g cm^?3. The structures were refined by a full-matrix least-squares procedure on F ² to a final R=0.046 (0.055 for 3) using 4944 (3677) all independent data. In both the cases, the Mo atom exists in a distorted octahedral geometry defined by a N₂O₄ donor set, which features a cis-Mo(–O)₂ and a trans-Mo(OPh)₂ arrangement. Compound 2 undergoes a quasireversible one-electron reduction at ?1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl reference due to Mo^VIO₂/Mo^VO₂ electron transfer and thus providing a rare example of steric solution to the comproportionation–dimerization problem encountered frequently in the development of valid biomimetic models for the active sites of oxomolybdenum enzymes.