Synthesis, crystal structure and third-order non-linear optical property of heterobimetallic cluster compound [MoOICu3S3(2,2′-bipy)2]

Nest-shaped cluster [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] (1) was synthesized by the treatment of (NH₄)₂MoS₄, CuI, (n-Bu)₄NI, and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) through a solid-state reaction. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a=9.591(2) Å, b=14.820(3) Å, c=17.951(4) Å, β=91.98(2)°, V=2549.9(10) ų, and Z=4. The nest-shaped cluster was obtained for the first time with a neutral skeleton containing 2,2′-bipy ligand. The non-linear optical (NLO) property of [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] in DMF solution was measured by using a Z-scan technique with 15 ns and 532 nm laser pulses. The cluster has large third-order NLO absorption and the third-order NLO refraction, its ₂ and n₂ values were calculated as 6.2×10⁻¹⁰ and −3.8×10⁻¹⁷ m² W⁻¹ in a 3.7×10⁻⁴ M DMF solution.     

Synthesis of new-type donor–acceptor π-conjugated benzofuro[2,3-c]oxazolo[4,5-a]carbazole fluorescent dyes and their photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells

New-type donor–acceptor π-conjugated benzofuro[2,3-c]oxazolo[4,5-a]carbazole fluorescent dyes with various lengths of non-conjugated alkyl chains containing a carboxyl group at the end position have been developed and their photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells are investigated. It is found that in spite of the lengths of the alkyl chains, due to flexibility of alkyl chain, the cyano group of the dyes is located in close proximity to TiO₂ surface and thus a good electron communication between the dyes and TiO₂ surface is established.     

Kinetics study of the gas-phase reactions of C2F5OC(O)H and n-C3F7OC(O)H with OH radicals at 253–328 K

The rate constants, k₁ and k₂ for the reactions of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured using an FT-IR technique at 253–328 K. k₁ and k₂ were determined as (9.24 ± 1.33) × 10⁻¹³ exp[−(1230 ± 40)/T] and (1.41 ± 0.26) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1260 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The random errors reported are ±2 σ, and potential systematic errors of 10% could add to the k₁ and k₂. The atmospheric lifetimes of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated at 3.6 and 2.6 years, respectively.     

Anionic derivatives of pentafluoro-λ-sulfanyl (fluorosulfonyl) acetic acid esters

New ester salts [R₃NH]⁺[F₅SC(SO₂F)C(O)OR′]⁻ where RH, CH₃CH₂ and R′CH₃,(CH₃)₂CH have been prepared from corresponding esters and amines. The sodiumsalt Na[F₅SC(SO₂F)C(O)OCH(CH₃)₂] was used to prepare the following -substitutedderivatives: SF₅CX(SO₂F)C(O)OCH(CH₃)₂, XBr, Cl. The crystal structure of[(C₂H₅)₃NH]⁺[F₅SC(SO₂F)C(O)OCH₃]⁻ was determined and is monoclinic: P2₁/n;a=8.758(2) Å, b=9.645(2) Å and c=19.167(4) Å; β=97.92(3)°; V=1603.6 ų; Z=4.     

H, C, N NMR, ESI mass spectral and single crystal X-ray structural characterization of three spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindoles]

Three spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindoles], 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-phenyl-spiro[3H-indole-3,3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine]-2′-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1), 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-nitro-2′-phenyl-spiro[3H-indole-3, 3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine] (2) and 1,1′,2,2′,5′,6′,7′,7′a-octahydro-2-oxo-1′-nitro-2′-(4″-chlorophenyl)-spiro[3H-indole-3,3′-[3H]-pyrrolizine] (3) have been synthesized and their ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N spectra assigned. The chemical shift assignments are based on Pulsed Field Gradient (PFG) Double Quantum Filter (DQF) ¹H, ¹H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), PFG ¹H, ¹³C Heteronuclear Multiple Quantum Coherence (HMQC) and PFG ¹H,X (X = ¹³C and ¹⁵N) Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC) experiments. The single crystal X-ray structures of 1–3 have been determined. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallized in monoclinic space group C2/c and compound 3 in monoclinic space group P2₁/c, respectively. Also the ESI-TOF MS data of 1–3 are given.     

Characterization of antibodies against benzo[a]pyrene with thermodynamic and kinetic constants

Antibodies of a polyclonal antiserum against benzo[a]pyrene were characterized by determining thermodynamic and kinetic constants of the antigen–antibody reaction. Label-free binding assays with optical detection based on reflectometric interference spectroscopy were performed to determine these constants. Different evaluation methods for kinetic measurements were compared. Also, cross-reactivity against two other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, chrysene and pyrene, was checked. The affinity constant between the antibodies and benzo[a]pyrene in homogeneous phase was determined to be K=(5.3±0.3)×10⁷ M⁻¹ which was in the middle of the usual range of antibody affinities. The association rate constant for the reaction at the surface was determined to be (3.8±0.9)×10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, the dissociation rate constant as (9.7±0.5)×10⁻³ s⁻¹. Different evaluation methods applied to the kinetic measurements led to the same results. This antiserum would be suitable for the selective determination of benzo[a]pyrene in concentrated samples.     

Reactivity of several deactivated 3-aminobenzo[b]thiophenes in the Buchwald–Hartwig C–N coupling. Scope and limitations

Di(hetero)arylamines were prepared in moderate to high yields by Buchwald–Hartwig C–N coupling of bromobenzenes bearing electron-withdrawing groups and of a bromobiphenyl with several methyl 3-aminobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylates, using the coupling conditions for heteroaromatic amines [Pd(OAc)₂, Xantphos, Cs₂CO₃ in dioxane, 120 °C]. The use of these aminobenzo[b]thiophenes as coupling components avoids the step of changing the amino group into a bromine atom, like we have done before to perform C–N couplings using the corresponding 3-bromobenzo[b]thiophenes. Nevertheless, the couplings using the methyl 3-aminobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylates were only successful with bromobenzenes bearing electron-withdrawing groups and a bromobiphenyl or with electron deficient rings such us as bromopyridines. Using the latter compounds, different substituted 6H-benzothieno[3,2-d]pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimid-6-ones were obtained by C–N coupling followed by an intramolecular cyclization. These tetracyclic compounds may have interesting biological activity like it was already demonstrated by us for the non substituted derivative.     

Kinetics of the autoxidation of vitamin A catalysed by cobalt ion

Vitamin A,dissolved in liquid paraffin, is stable below room temperature, but suffers oxidative decomposition at 80°, giving its epoxide as the main product. The rate of decomposition of vitamin A (V_A) at 80° in the presence of oxygen (partial pressure of p) and a small amount of cobaltous stearate (Co) is expressed as: d[V_A]/dt = 3·15 × 10⁻¹:[V_A][Co] p^1·48 + 1·51 × 10⁻⁵[V_A]p^0·33 + 0·33 × 10⁻⁵[V_A], where the last term represents the spontaneous thermal decomposition.     

Fluorescence reaction and complexation equilibria between norfloxacin and aluminium (III) ion in chloride medium

Norfloxacin, 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinoline carboxylic acid (NORH), reacts with aluminium(III) ion forming the strongly fluorescent complex [Al(HNOR)]³⁺, in slightly acidic medium. The complex shows maximum emission at 440 nm with excitation at 320 nm. The fluorescence intensity is enhanced upon addition of 0.5% sodium dodecylsulphate. Fluorescence properties of the Al-NOR complex were used for the direct determination of trace amounts of NOR in serum. The linear dependence of fluorescence intensity on NOR concentration, at a NOR to Al concentration ratio of 1:10, was found in the concentration range 0.001–2 μg/ml NOR with a detection limit of 0.1 ng/ml. The ability of aluminium (III) ion to form complexes with NOR was investigated by titrations in 0.1 M LiCl medium, using a glass electrode, at 298 K, in the concentration range: 2 × 10⁻⁴ ≤ [Al] ≤ 8 × 10⁻⁴; 5 × 10⁻⁴ ≤ [NOR] ≤ 9 × 10⁻⁴ mol/dm³; 2.8 ≤ pH ≤ 8.3. The experimental data were explained by the following complexes and their respective stability constants, log(β ± σ): [Al(HNOR)], (14.60 ± 0.05); [Al(NOR)], (8.83 ± 0.08); [A1(OH)₃(NOR)], (−14.9 ± 0.1), as well as several pure hydrolytic complexes of A1³⁺. The structure of the [Al(HNOR)] complex is discussed, with respect to its fluorescence properties.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of the redox reaction of hexaaquotitanium(III) and the ethylenediamine tetraacetato titanium(III) complex by aqueous solutions of bromine

At 25°C, I = 1.0 M (CF₃SO₃⁻Li⁺+CF₃SO₃H), [H⁺] = 0.034–0.274 M and λ = 453 nm, the rate equation for the oxidation of Ti(H₂O), ₆³⁺ by bromine was found to be: −d/[Br₂]T/dt=kK/[Br₂][Ti^III]/[H⁺]+K+kK/[Br₃⁻][Ti^III]/[H⁺+K, where k = 9.2 × 10⁻³ M ⁻¹ s ⁻¹ and K = 4.5 × 10⁻³ M. At [H⁺] = 1.0 M, [Br⁻] = 0.05–0.4 M, the apparent second-order rate constant decreases as [Br⁻] increases.

The pH-dependence of the oxidation of Ti^III-edta by bromine is interpreted in terms of the change in identity of the Ti^III-edta species as the pH of the reaction medium changes. The second-order rate constants were fitted using a non-linear least-square computer program with (1/k₀^edta)² weighting into an equation of the form: k₀^edta =k₁+k₂K₁[H⁺]⁻¹+k₃K₁K₂[H⁺]^−2/1+K₁[H⁺[H⁺⁻¹+K₁K₂[H⁺]⁻², with K₁ and K₂ fixed as earlier determined at 9.55 × 10⁻³ and 2.29 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively, for the oxidation of bromine. k₁=k₂=(3.1±0.32)×10³M⁻¹s⁻¹ k₃=(2.3±0.45)×10⁶N⁻¹s⁻¹.

It is proposed that these electron transfer reactions proceed by univalent changes with the production of Br₂^.− as a transient intermediate. An outer-sphere mechanism is proposed for these reactions. The homonuclear exchange rate for Ti^III-edta+Ti^IV-edta is estimated at 32 M⁻¹ s⁻¹.     

Emission energies and photophysical properties of ladder oligo(p-aniline)s

Emission properties and the photophysics of three ladder oligo(p-aniline)s; namely 5,11-diethyl-6,12-dimethylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (DIMER 2P), 14-ethyl-5,8-dihydro-diindolo[3,2-b:2′,3′-h]carbazole (TRIMER 2P), and 5,8,14-triethyl-diindolo[3,2-b:2′,3′-h]carbazole (TRIMER 3P) are presented. The optimization (relaxation) of the first singlet excited electronic state (S₁) has been done using the restricted configuration interaction (singles) (RCIS/6-31G*) approach. The excitation to the S₁ state does not cause important changes in the geometrical parameters of the compounds, as is experimentally corroborated by the small Stokes shifts. Emission energies from the relaxed excited states have been obtained from TDDFT calculations performed on the S₁ optimized geometries and have been correlated with the corresponding fluorescence spectra of the derivatives dissolved in dichloromethane. A good agreement has been found between TDDFT emission energies and the (0,0) fluorescence bands. As predicted from theoretical calculations, all compounds exhibit small Stokes shift, which testify the rigidity of these ladder compounds. Moreover, this theoretical approach provides a good evaluation of the bathochromic shifts caused by the increase in the conjugation length or by the presence of alkyl chains on the nitrogen atoms. Finally, the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of the compounds in dichloromethane have been obtained. From these data, the radiative and nonradiative rate constants of the deactivation of the S₁ state have been determined.     

Asymmetric hydrogenations of ketones catalyzed by Ru–achiral phosphine-enantiopure diamine complexes

Five novel ruthenium complexes, RuCl₂(MOTPP)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] [MOTPP = tris(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphine] (1), RuCl₂(TFTPP)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] [TFTPP = tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine] (2), RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂[(S,S)-DPEN] (3), RuCl₂(BDPX)[(S,S)-DPEN] [BDPX = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzene] (4), RuCl₂(BISBI)[(S,S)-DPEN][BISBI = 2,2′-bis((diphenylphosphino)methyl)-1,1′-biphenyl]] (5) were synthesized and used for the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. The complexes showed high catalytic activities, especially that the catalytic activity of complex 5 containing the diphosphine with large bite angle and complex 1 containing triarylphosphine with electron-donating group were higher than the other three complexes. The enantioselectivities of products were almost not influenced by the electron factors of phosphine.     

Hydrolysis of amide bond in histidine-containing peptides promoted by chelated amino acid palladium(II) complexes: dependence of hydrolytic pathway on the coordination modes of the peptides

Hydrolytic reactions between cis-[Pd( -Ala-N,O)Cl₂]⁻ and cis-[Pd( -Ala-N,O)(H₂O)₂]⁺, in which -Ala is alanine coordinated through N and O atoms, and N-acetylated peptides -histidylglycine (MeCO-His-Gly), glycyl- -histidine (MeCO-Gly-His), glycylglycyl- -histidine (MeCO-Gly-Gly-His) and glycyl- -histidylglycine (MeCO-Gly-His-Gly) were studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. All reactions were carried out in the pH range 2.0–2.5 and two different temperatures, 22 and 60°C. In the reactions of these two palladium(II) complexes with MeCO-His-Gly, complete hydrolysis of the amide bond involving carboxylic group of histidine occurs in less than 24 h. The cleavage is regioselective. With peptides containing free a carboxylic group of histidine, MeCO-Gly-His and MeCO-Gly-Gly-His, palladium(II) complex promote the cleavage of the MeCO–Gly and Gly–Gly amide bonds. No cleavage of the Gly–His amide bond was observed. The mechanism of these hydrolytic reactions involves release of -Ala ligand and aquation of the palladium(II) complex chelated to the substrate through the imidazole N-3 atom and deprotonated nitrogen atom of the amide bond involving amino group of histidine. This aqua complex represents a catalytically active form different from the initially added catalytically inactive complex. In the reactions of palladium(II) complexes with tripeptide MeCO-Gly-His-Gly, two amide bonds, MeCO–Gly and His–Gly, were cleaved. The mechanism of the cleavage of these amide bonds is correlated with two different palladium(II)–substrate catalytically active forms. These findings contribute to the better understanding of selective cleavage of peptides and proteins and must be taken into consideration in designing new reagents for this purpose.     

Enantioselective Addition of Allyltrichlorosilane to Bulky-substituted Aldehydes Catalyzed by Axial N,N'-Dioxide Pivalate

Allylation of bulky-substituted aromatic aldehydes with allyltrichlorosilanes were catalyzed by axial biscarboline N.N-dioxide esters with high enaiitioselectivities up to 92% e.e. for l-(4-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-9Hpyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carbaldehyde and 90% e.e.for 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-9-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carbaldehyde, respectively.Total 22 aldehydes were tested with good yields and enantioselectivities.Catalyst 4f exhibited good catalytic enantioselectivity.     

Determination of divalent trace metals in natural waters by preconcentration on N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine-silica followed by on-line ion chromatography

A method for the on-line preconcentration and chromatography of trace metals, e.g., Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, on N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine-bonded silica is described. The preconcentrated metals were desorbed with 0.13 M tartrate, which allows direct separation on a cation-exchange chromatographic column. The metals separated were detected by postcolumn reaction with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and measuring the absorbances at 500 nm. Linear calibration graphs were obtained over the range 1 · 10⁻⁸−3 · 10⁻⁶ M. The synthesis and characteristics of the chelated silica are described. The method was applied to the analysis of river and interstitial sediment waters.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of liquid crystalline [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene derivatives

Two new series of chiral aliphatic and aromatic esters of 7-decyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid were synthesized and their mesomorphic behaviour studied. While the chiral aliphatic esters exhibited only the SmA phase, the antiferroelectric SmC_A* phase was found for esters with chiral 4-hydroxybenzoates; for one homologue a ferroelectric SmC* phase was also observed. Introduction of lateral substituents in the 3-position of the 4-hydroxybenzoic acids (methoxy, fluoro, chloro, and bromo) led to a reduction of the polymorphism and only the SmA phase remained.     

Chains, ladders and sheets of d metal–organic polymers generated from the flexible bipyridyl ligands

By use of the three-layer diffusion method, reactions of flexible bipyridyl ligands (4,4′-bpp or 3,3′-bpp) with M(II) salts (M = Zn, Cd) and multi-carboxylate ligands resulted in the formation of four interesting d¹⁰ metal–organic coordination polymers: [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)Br₂]_n (1), [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)(1,2-bdc)]_n · nH₂O (2), [Zn(μ-3,3′-bpp)(1,3-bdc)]_n · nCH₃OH · 2nH₂O (3) and [Cd(μ-3,3′-bpp)(C₄H₂O₄)]_n · 3nH₂O (4) (4,4′-bpp = 2,2′-bis(4-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; 3,3′-bpp = 2,2 ′-bis(3-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; bdc=benzenedicarboxylate, C₄H₄O₄ = fumaric acid). Complex 1 has a 2D sheet structure consisting of two unusual zigzag Zn(II) chains which are nearly perpendicular to each other. Complex 2 is comprised of two-leg ladders, in which [Zn(4,4′-bpp)] chains serve as the side rails and 1,2-bdc ligands serve as the cross rungs. In complex 3, every two 1,3-bdc ligands connect the neighbouring Zn(II)-3,3′-bpp dimetallic rings in η¹ coordination modes into an interesting chain structure. Complex 4 consists of an anionic macrocycle-containing cadmium dicarboxylate sheets that are separated by 3,3′-bpp. These d¹⁰ metal complexes exhibit high thermal stabilities and strong luminescence efficiencies.     

Capillary electrophoretic separation of dicarboxylic acids in atmospheric aerosol particles

2,3-Pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (PZDA), 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) and 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (QUIN) solutions were studied as background electrolytes (BGEs) in the capillary electrophoretic analysis of dicarboxylic acids in aerosol particles with indirect UV detection. The BGEs were selected on the basis of similarity in structure with the analytes so that mobilities would be compatible. Optimised pH values for PZDA, PDA and QUIN solutions were 10.6, 11.0 and 10.2, respectively. Myristyltrimethylammonium hydroxide and myristyltrimethylammonium bromide were added to reverse the electroosmotic flow in the solutions in the direction of anode to enable fast anion detection. Separation was obtained for nine dicarboxylic acids (C₂–C₁₀) differing in the number of CH₂ groups in their skeleton. The electrophoretic mobilities were determined to lie in the range 3.0×10⁻⁴–7.0×10⁻⁴ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the absolute migration times of the analytes were mostly less than 0.5% (n=6) in PZDA solution. In PDA solution the within-day and day-to-day RSD values for migration were less than 1% and between 2 and 4%, respectively. Peak heights and areas mostly deviated between 1 and 15% in both PZDA and PDA solutions. Detection limits ranged between 1 and 5 mg/l. Methods were applied to the analysis of dicarboxylic acids isolated from aerosol particles.     

Rates of the reactions CN + H2CO and NCO + H2CO in the temperature range 294–769 K

The rate coefficients of the reactions: (1) CN + H₂CO → products and (2) NCO + H₂CO → products in the temperature range 294–769 K have been determined by means of the laser photolysis-laser induced fluorescence technique. Our measurements show that reaction (1) is rapid: k₁(294 K) = (1.64 ± 0.25) x 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹; the Arrhenius relation was determined as k₁ = (6.7 ± 1.0) x 10⁻¹¹ exp[(−412 ± 20)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. Reaction (2) is approximately a tenth as rapid as reaction (1) and the temperature dependence of k₂ does not conform to the Arrhenius form: k₂ = 4.62 x 10⁻¹⁷T^1.71 exp(198/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. Our values are in reasonable agreement with the only reported measurement of k₁; the rate coefficients for reaction (2) have not been previously reported.