Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyzed by Mesoporous MCM‐41‐Supported Chiral Ru‐Complex

Chiral N‐sulfonyldiamine was successfully anchored on mesoporous MCM‐41 silica. The MCM‐41‐supported chiral N‐sulfonyldiamine was used as an efficient heterogeneous chiral ligand in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones. This heterogeneous system offered satisfactory enantioselectivities up to 94 % with excellent conversions.     

Improving MCM‐41 as a Nitrosamines Trap through a One‐Pot Synthesis

Copper oxide was incorporated into MCM‐41 by a one‐pot synthesis under acidic conditions to prepare a new mesoporous nitrosamines trap for protection of the environment. The resulting composites were characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption–desorption, and H₂ temperature‐programmed reduction techniques, and their adsorption capabilities were assessed in the gaseous adsorption of N‐nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR). The adsorption isotherms were consistent with the Freundlich equation. The copper salt was deposited onto MCM‐41 during the evaporation stage and was fixed on the host in the calcination process that followed. MCM‐41 was able to capture NPYR in air below 373 K but not at 453 K. Loading of copper oxide on MCM‐41 greatly improved its adsorption capability at elevated temperatures. The influence of the incorporation of copper into MCM‐41 samples and the adsorption behavior of these samples are discussed in detail.     

Copper(I)‐N2S2‐salen type complex covalently anchored onto MCM‐41 silica: an efficient and reusable catalyst for the A3‐coupling reaction toward propargylamines

The immobilization of copper complexes by covalent anchoring of the ligand on the surface of mesoporous MCM‐41 has been described. Bis[2‐(phenylthio)benzylidene]‐1,2‐ethylenediamine as a new N₂S₂ donor salen‐type ligand was covalently anchored onto nanopores of MCM‐41 coordinated with copper (I) halide. The organic–inorganic hybrid material was achieved readily using 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane as a reactive surface modifier. 2‐Nitrobenzaldehyde was reacted smoothly with the thiol moieties in order to form functionalized nanoporous silica with carbaldehyde groups. The resulting supported organic moieties were converted to thiosalen ligand and coordinated with CuX (X = CN, Cl, Br, I). Characterization of the heterogeneous catalyst by X‐ray diffraction, N₂ sorption, FT‐IR, diffuse reflectance UV‐visible and TGA techniques indicated successful grafting of the copper complex inside the nano‐channels of MCM‐41. The heterogenized catalyst was evaluated by the Mannich condensation reaction of aldehydes, amines and alkynes. In this reaction, the corresponding propargylamines were obtained as single products in good to excellent yields. Factors such as reaction temperature, solvent, catalyst loading, leaching and reusability of the catalyst also were discussed. The use of MCM‐41 as support permits an easier separation and recycles with only a marginal decrease in reactivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enzyme‐Responsive Intracellular‐Controlled Release Using Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles Capped with ε‐Poly‐L‐lysine

The synthesis and characterization of two new capped silica mesoporous nanoparticles for controlled delivery purposes are described. Capped hybrid systems consist of MCM‐41 nanoparticles functionalized on the outer surface with polymer ε‐poly‐L ‐lysine by two different anchoring strategies. In both cases, nanoparticles were loaded with model dye molecule [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺. An anchoring strategy involved the random formation of urea bonds by the treatment of propyl isocyanate‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles with the lysine amino groups located on the ε‐poly‐L ‐lysine backbone (solid Ru‐rLys‐S1 ). The second strategy involved a specific attachment through the carboxyl terminus of the polypeptide with azidopropyl‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles (solid Ru‐tLys‐S1 ). Once synthesized, both nanoparticles showed a nearly zero cargo release in water due to the coverage of the nanoparticle surface by polymer ε‐poly‐L ‐lysine. In contrast, a remarkable payload delivery was observed in the presence of proteases due to the hydrolysis of the polymer’s amide bonds. Once chemically characterized, studies of the viability and the lysosomal enzyme‐controlled release of the dye in intracellular media were carried out. Finally, the possibility of using these materials as drug‐delivery systems was tested by preparing the corresponding ε‐poly‐L ‐lysine capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic drug camptothecin (CPT), CPT‐rLys‐S1 and CPT‐tLys‐S1 . Cellular uptake and cell‐death induction were studied. The efficiency of both nanoparticles as new potential platforms for cancer treatment was demonstrated.     

Synthesis of lanthanide-based SBA-15 mesoporous hybrids by a novel route

The ligand N², N⁶-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (L or BHPC) was synthesised by modification of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid then used to construct the lanthanide-based mesoporous material Tb-BHPC-SBA-15. In the structure of the resulting Tb-BHPC-SBA-15, lanthanide ions were chelated by the BHPC ligand and the Tb-BHPC complexes were anchored into the SBA-15 host formed by the reaction between the hydroxyl group and the active Si-OH. The mesoporous material Tb-BHPC-SBA-15 was characterised by UV, small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) patterns, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and fluorescence spectra. The results indicate that the ligand and lanthanide ions were introduced into the SBA-15 host and the mesoporous material Tb-BHPC-SBA-15 exhibited the characteristic luminescence of Tb³⁺.     

Lanthanide(III) (Eu,Gd, Tb,Dy) Complexes Derived from 4‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)methyleneamino‐1,2,4‐triazole: Crystal Structure,Magnetic Properties,and Photoluminescence

The reaction of lanthanide(III) nitrates with 4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methyleneamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (L) was studied. The compounds [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃] ? 2 L, in which Ln=Eu ( 1 ), Gd ( 2 ), Tb ( 3 ), or Dy ( 4 ), obtained in a mixture of MeCN/EtOH have the same structure, as shown by XRD. In the crystals of these compounds, the mononuclear complex units [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃] are linked to L molecules through intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions to form a 2D polymeric supramolecular architecture. An investigation into the optical characteristics of the Eu³⁺‐, Tb³⁺‐, and Dy³⁺‐containing compounds ( 1 , 3 , and 4 ) showed that these complexes displayed metal‐centered luminescence. According to magnetic measurements, compound 4 exhibits single‐ion magnet behavior, with ΔE_eff/k_B=86 K in a field of 1500 Oe.     

N,N′‐Bis(Salicylidene)‐1,2‐Cyclohexanediamine Lanthanide(III) Coordination Polymers: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescence Properties

The salen‐type ligand H₂L [H₂L = N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine] was utilized for the synthesis of two lanthanide(III) coordination polymers [LnH₂L(NO₃)₃MeOH]_n [Ln = Eu ( 1 ) and Ln = Lu ( 2 )]. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses of 1 and 2 revealed that they are isomorphous and exhibit one‐dimension neutral structure, in which H₂L effectively functions as a bridging ligand and give rise to a chain‐like polymer. The luminescent properties of polymers in solid state and in solution were investigated and 1 exhibits typical red luminescence of Eu^III ions in solid state and dichloromethane solution and 2 emits the ligand‐centered blue luminescence. The energy transfer mechanisms in these luminescent lanthanide polymers were described through calculation of the lowest triplet level of ligand H₂L.     

Photovoltaic activity of Ti/MCM‐41

Ti/MCM‐41 is a well‐known heterogeneous catalyst for alkene epoxidation with organic peroxides. This titanosilicate contains isolated titanium atoms forming part of a framework of mesoporous silica whose structure is formed by parallel hexagonal channels 3.2 nm in diameter. The surface area and porosity of Ti/MCM‐41 are about 880 m² g^?1 and 0.70 cm³ g^?1, respectively. These values are among the highest for any material. Herein, we show that Ti/MCM‐41 exhibits photovoltaic activity. Dye‐sensitized solar cells using mesoporous Ti/MCM‐41 (2.8–5.7 % Ti content) as active layer, black dye N3 as photosensitizer and I₃^?/I^? in methoxyacetonitrile as electrolyte exhibit a V_OC, J_SC and FF of 0.44 V, 0.045 mA cm^?2 and 0.33, respectively. These values compare well against 0.75 V, 4.1 mA cm^?2 and 0.64, respectively, measured for analogous solar cells using conventional P‐25 TiO₂. However, the specific current density (J_SC/Ti atom) for the Ti/MCM‐41 is very similar to that of P25 TiO₂.     

The First Europium(III) β‐Diketonate Complex Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

The first europium(III) β‐diketonate complex functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has been obtained by immobilization of such a complex at a silicon vertex of the POSS cage through the complexation of Eu³⁺ ions with thenoyltrifluoroacetone‐functionalized POSS. The new molecular hybrid material is liquid at room temperature, and shows bright‐red emission when irradiated with UV light due to energy transfer from the thenoyltrifluoroacetone ligand to the coordinated Eu³⁺ ions. Thermal analysis has revealed a significant improvement in the thermal stability of the material compared with tris(2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)europium(III) dihydrate, [Eu(TTA)₃] ? 2 H₂O. In the context of recent advances in printable electronic technology, this novel luminescent organic liquid with the characteristic emission of Eu³⁺ may potentially be useful in the development of next‐generation organic devices such as flexible displays.     

Luminescent Nitridophosphates CaP2N4:Eu2+, SrP2N4:Eu2+, BaP2N4:Eu2+, and BaSr2P6N12:Eu2+

Nitridophosphates MP₂N₄:Eu²⁺ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) and BaSr₂P₆N₁₂:Eu²⁺ have been synthesized at elevated pressures and 1100–1300 °C starting from the corresponding azides and P₃N₅ with EuCl₂ as dopant. Addition of NH₄Cl as mineralizer allowed for the growth of single crystals. This led to the successful structure elucidation of a highly condensed nitridophosphate from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data (CaP₂N₄:Eu²⁺ (P6₃, no. 173), a=16.847(2), c=7.8592(16) Å, V=1931.7(6) ų, Z=24, 2033 observed reflections, 176 refined parameters, wR₂=0.096). Upon excitation by UV light, luminescence due to parity‐allowed 4f⁶(⁷F)5d¹→4f⁷(⁸S_7/2) transition was observed in the orange (CaP₂N₄:Eu²⁺, λ_max=575 nm), green (SrP₂N₄:Eu²⁺, λ_max=529 nm), and blue regions of the visible spectrum (BaSr₂P₆N₁₂:Eu²⁺ and BaP₂N₄:Eu²⁺, λ_max=450 and 460 nm, respectively). Thus, the emission wavelength decreases with increasing ionic radius of the alkaline‐earth ions. The corresponding full width at half maximum values (2240–2460 cm^?1) are comparable to those of other known Eu²⁺‐doped (oxo)nitrides emitting in the same region of the visible spectrum. Following recently described quaternary Ba₃P₅N₁₀Br:Eu²⁺, this investigation represents the first report on the luminescence of Eu²⁺‐doped ternary nitridophosphates. Similarly to nitridosilicates and related oxonitrides, Eu²⁺‐doped nitridophosphates may have the potential to be further developed into efficient light‐emitting diode phosphors.     

Improvement of the Water Resistance of a Narrow‐Band Red‐Emitting SrLiAl3N4:Eu2+ Phosphor Synthesized under High Isostatic Pressure through Coating with an Organosilica Layer

A SrLiAl₃N₄:Eu²⁺ (SLA) red phosphor prepared through a high‐pressure solid‐state reaction was coated with an organosilica layer with a thickness of 400–600 nm to improve its water resistance. The observed 4f⁶5d→4f⁷ transition bands are thought to result from the existence of Eu²⁺ at two different Sr²⁺ sites. Luminescence spectra at 10 K revealed two zero‐phonon lines at 15377 (for Eu(Sr1)) and 15780 cm^?1 (for Eu(Sr2)). The phosphor exhibited stable red emission under high pressure up to 312 kbar. The configurational coordinate diagram gave a theoretical explanation for the Eu^2+/3+ result. The coated samples showed excellent moisture resistance while retaining an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 70 % of their initial EQE after aging for 5 days under harsh conditions. White‐light‐emitting diodes of the SLA red phosphor and a commercial Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺ yellow phosphor on a blue InGaN chip showed high color rendition (CRI=89, R9=69) and a low correlated color temperature of 2406 K.     

Three Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on an Ether‐Decorated Polycarboxylic Acid Linker: Luminescence Modulation,CO2 Capture and Conversion Properties

Three new isostructural 3D lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs), {H[LnL(H₂O)]?2 H₂O}_n ( 1‐Ln ) (Ln=Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺ and Tb³⁺), based on infinite lanthanide‐carboxylate chains were constructed by employing an ether‐separated 5,5′‐oxydiisophthalic acid (H₄L) ligand under solvothermal reaction. 1‐Eu and 1‐Tb exhibit strong red and green emission, respectively, through the antenna effect, as demonstrated through a combination of calculation and experimental results. Moreover, a series of dichromatic doped 1‐Eu_xTb_y MOFs were fabricated by introducing different concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions, and they display an unusual variation of luminescent colors from green, yellow, orange to red. 1‐Eu with channels decorated by ether O atoms and the open metal sites displays good performance for CO₂ capture and conversion between CO₂ and epoxides into cyclic carbonates.     

Complexation Properties of N,N′,N″,N′′′‐[1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetrayltetrakis(1‐oxoethane‐2,1‐diyl)]tetrakis[glycine] (H4dotagl). Equilibrium,Kinetic, and Relaxation Behavior of the Lanthanide(III) Complexes

Eu³⁺, Dy³⁺, and Yb³⁺ complexes of the dota‐derived tetramide N,N′,N″,N′′′‐[1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetrayltetrakis(1‐oxoethane‐2,1‐diyl)]tetrakis[glycine] (H₄dotagl) are potential CEST contrast agents in MRI. In the [Ln(dotagl)] complexes, the Ln³⁺ ion is in the cage formed by the four ring N‐atoms and the amide O‐atom donor atoms, and a H₂O molecule occupies the ninth coordination site. The stability constants of the [Ln(dotagl)] complexes are ca. 10 orders of magnitude lower than those of the [Ln(dota)] analogues (H₄dota=1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetic acid). The free carboxylate groups in [Ln(dotagl)] are protonated in the pH range 1–5, resulting in mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetraprotonated species. Complexes with divalent metals (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cu²⁺) are also of relatively low stability. At pH>8, Cu²⁺ forms a hydroxo complex; however, the amide H‐atom(s) does not dissociate due to the absence of anchor N‐atom(s), which is the result of the rigid structure of the ring. The relaxivities of [Gd(dotagl)] decrease from 10 to 25°, then increase between 30–50°. This unusual trend is interpreted with the low H₂O‐exchange rate. The [Ln(dotagl)] complexes form slowly, via the equilibrium formation of a monoprotonated intermediate, which deprotonates and rearranges to the product in a slow, OH^?‐catalyzed reaction. The formation rates are lower than those for the corresponding Ln(dota) complexes. The dissociation rate of [Eu(dotagl)] is directly proportional to [H⁺] (0.1–1.0M HClO₄); the proton‐assisted dissociation rate is lower for [Eu(H₄dotagl)] (k₁=8.1?10^?6 M ^?1 s^?1) than for [Eu(dota)] (k₁=1.4?10^?5 M ^?1 s^?1).     

catena‐Poly­[europium‐tri‐μ‐4‐methyl­benzoato]

Each Eu³⁺ ion in the title compound, catena‐poly­[europium(III)‐tri‐μ‐4‐methyl­benzoato‐O:O,O′;O:O,O′;O,O′:O′], {[Eu(C₈H₇O₂)₃]₃}_n, is coordinated by nine O atoms, and three Eu atoms form a trimeric unit. These trimeric units are linked by bridging–chelating carboxyl­ates to form an infinite one‐dimensional polymer chain.     

Metal‐Ion Sensing Europium(III) Complexes with Bidentate Phosphine Oxide Ligands Containing a 2,2′‐Bipyridine Framework

Novel Eu^III complexes with bidentate phosphine oxide ligands containing a bipyridine framework, i.e., [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)]) and [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)]), were synthesized for lanthanide‐based sensor materials having high emission quantum yields and effective chemosensing properties. The emission quantum yields of [Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)] and [Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)] were 71 and 73%, respectively. Metal‐ion sensing properties of the Eu^III complexes were also studied by measuring the emission spectra of Eu^III complexes in the presence of Zn^II or Cu^II ions. The metal‐ion sensing and the photophysical properties of luminescent Eu^III complexes with a bidentate phosphine oxide containing 2,2′‐bipyridine framework are demonstrated for the first time.     

Cationic polymerization of cyclohexyl vinyl ether within MCM‐41 channels

Cationic polymerization of cyclohexyl vinyl ether (CHVE) within mesoporous, siliceous molecular sieves (MCM‐41) yields novel MCM‐41‐polyCHVE host‐guest hybrid materials. Initiation within the channel can be achieved by triphenylmethylium or bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)methylium silanolate ion pairs, as well as by mobile acidic silanols to a certain extent. Generation of the carbenium ions on MCM‐41 is investigated by a special UV/VIS technique. The structure of poly(vinyl ether) generated within the channels of MCM‐41 depends on the mechanism of initiation as shown by means of solid state ¹³C{¹H} and ²⁹Si{¹H} CP MAS NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Catalysis of Ce‐MCM‐41

The cerium‐containing MCM‐41 (Ce‐MCM‐41) has been synthesized by direct hydrothermal method. The low‐angle XRD patterns revealed the typical five major peaks of MCM‐41 type hexagonal structures. The interplanar spacing d₁₀₀ = 38.4 Å was obtained that can be indexed on a hexagonal unit cell parameter with a_o = 44.3 Å which was larger than that of pure siliceous MCM‐41 (Si‐MCM‐41). Transmission electron micrograph shows the regular hexagonal array of uniform channel characteristics of MCM‐41. The BET surface area of Ce‐MCM‐41 was 840 m²/g, which is much reduced as compared to that of Si‐MCM‐41, with the pore size of 26.9 Å and mesopore volume of 0.78 cm³/g were measured by nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherm at 77 K. Along with the results, the synthesized Ce‐MCM‐41 exhibited a well‐ordered MCM‐41‐type mesoporous structure with the incorporation of cerium. Using Ce‐MCM‐41 as a support, the Rh (0.5 wt%) catalyst exhibited very high activity for the NO/CO reactions.     

Biodegradable polyester/modified mesoporous silica composites for effective bone repair with self‐reinforced properties

A series novel composites based on poly(_L‐lactide) (PLLA) oligomer modified mesoporous silica (MCM41) homogeneous dispersed into poly(_L‐lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate‐co‐glycolide) (PLTG) terpolymer has been successfully prepared. The structure of PLTG terpolymer was characterized by ¹H NMR. The structure and properties of modified and unmodified MCM41 were attested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which demonstrated that the MCM41 was successfully grafted by the PLLA oligomer. The effect of different concentration of modified MCM41 in PLTG matrix on thermal properties, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity was investigated by TGA, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical testing, contact angle measurement, and SEM. The results of mechanical tests showed that 5 wt% of modified MCM41 nanoparticles gave rise to optimal reinforcing effect. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of the PLTG/PLLA‐MCM41 (5%) composites were 33.2 Mpa, 1.58 Gpa, and 268.7%, respectively, which were all higher than the PLTG/MCM41 (5%) composites and pristine PLTG matrix, which were due to good interfacial adhesion between the PLTG matrix and MCM41 nanoparticles. TGA and DSC have shown that 5% modified MCM41 in the PLTG increased the temperature of composite degradation and T_g. Water contact angle measurement showed the hydrophilicity of the composites increases with the increase of modified MCM41 content. The live/dead assay showed that the modified MCM41 existing on the PLTG matrix presents very excellent cytocompatibility. Therefore, the novel composite material represents promising way for bone tissue engineering application.     

catena‐Poly­[europium(III)‐tri‐μ‐2,3‐di­methoxy­benzoato]

The title compound, [Eu(C₉H₉O₄)₃]_n or [Eu(2,3‐DMOBA)₃]_n, where 2,3‐DMOBA is 2,3‐di­methoxy­benzoate, is an infinite one‐dimensional non‐centrosymmetric coordination polymer. The unique Eu^III atom is bridged by six carboxyl­ate ligands; it is ennea‐coordinated and has a distorted tricapped trigonal prism geometry. The Eu—O distances are in the range 2.315 (3)–2.959 (5) Å.     

Efficient Liquid‐Phase Oxidation of Diphenylmethane to Benzophenone over Vanadium‐Containing MCM‐41 Catalysts

The liquid‐phase oxidation of diphenylmethane with tert‐butylhydroperoxide has been studied using vanadium‐containing MCM‐41 materials, which were prepared by direct hydrothermal (V‐MCM‐41) and wet impregnation (V/MCM‐41) methods. These catalysts were characterized in detail by ICP‐AES, N₂‐sorption, XRD, FT‐IR, ²⁹Si and ⁵¹V NMR, TPD of ammonia, TPR of hydrogen, and chemisorption of oxygen. Both series of catalyst show good catalytic results, which are attributed to their highly ordered mesoporous structure, large BET surface area as well as the presence of easily accessible vanadium‐oxygen species as active centers in the catalyst. Further, V‐MCM‐41 exhibit superior catalytic activity (based on turnover number) than V/MCM‐41 mainly due to well‐dispersed tetrahedral vanadium‐oxygen species with higher oxidation ability. The effect of reaction parameters, i.e., temperature, time, solvent, etc. were investigated. Catalyst recycling test reveals good stability with only slight extent of leaching during the reaction.