The B6‐vitamer Pyridoxal is a Sensitizer of UVA‐induced Genotoxic Stress in Human Primary Keratinocytes and Reconstructed Epidermis

UVA‐driven photooxidative stress in human skin may originate from excitation of specific endogenous chromophores acting as photosensitizers. Previously, we have demonstrated that 3‐hydroxypyridine‐derived chromophores including B₆‐vitamers (pyridoxine, pyridoxamine and pyridoxal) are endogenous photosensitizers that enhance UVA‐induced photooxidative stress in human skin cells. Here, we report that the B₆‐vitamer pyridoxal is a sensitizer of genotoxic stress in human adult primary keratinocytes (HEKa) and reconstructed epidermis. Comparative array analysis indicated that exposure to the combined action of pyridoxal and UVA caused upregulation of heat shock (HSPA6, HSPA1A, HSPA1L, HSPA2), redox (GSTM3, EGR1, MT2A, HMOX1, SOD1) and genotoxic (GADD45A, DDIT3, CDKN1A) stress response gene expression. Together with potentiation of UVA‐induced photooxidative stress and glutathione depletion, induction of HEKa cell death occurred only in response to the combined action of pyridoxal and UVA. In addition to activational phosphorylation indicative of genotoxic stress [p53 (Ser15) and γ‐H2AX (Ser139)], comet analysis indicated the formation of Fpg‐sensitive oxidative DNA lesions, observable only after combined exposure to pyridoxal and UVA. In human reconstructed epidermis, pyridoxal preincubation followed by UVA exposure caused genomic oxidative base damage, procaspase 3 cleavage and TUNEL positivity, consistent with UVA‐driven photooxidative damage that may be relevant to human skin exposed to high concentrations of B₆‐vitamers.     

Red Light Interferes in UVA‐Induced Photoaging of Human Skin Fibroblast Cells

The possible regulation mechanism of red light was determined to discover how to retard UVA‐induced skin photoaging. Human skin fibroblasts were cultured and irradiated with different doses of UVA, thus creating a photoaging model. Fibroblasts were also exposed to a subtoxic dose of UVA combined with a red light‐emitting diode (LED) for five continuous days. Three groups were examined: control, UVA and UVA plus red light. Cumulative exposure doses of UVA were 25 J cm^?2, and the total doses of red light were 0.18 J cm^?2. Various indicators were measured before and after irradiation, including cell morphology, viability, β‐galactosidase staining, apoptosis, cycle phase, the length of telomeres and the protein levels of photoaging‐related genes. Red light irradiation retarded the cumulative low‐dose UVA irradiation‐induced skin photoaging, decreased the expression of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, upregulated SIRT1 expression, decreased matrix metalloproteinase MMP‐1 and the acetylation of p53 expression, reduced the horizon of cell apoptosis and enhanced cell viability. Furthermore, the telomeres in UVA‐treated cells were shortened compared to those of cells in the red light groups. These results suggest that red light plays a key role in the antiphotoaging of human skin fibroblasts by acting on different signaling transduction pathways.     

UVA and UVB‐Induced 8‐Methoxypsoralen Photoadducts and a Novel Method for their Detection by Surface‐Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS)

UVA‐activated psoralens are used to treat hyperproliferative skin conditions due to their ability to form DNA photoadducts, which impair cellular processes and may lead to cell death. Although UVA (320–400 nm) is more commonly used clinically, studies have shown that UVB (280–320 nm) activation of psoralen can also be effective. However, there has been no characterization of UVB‐induced adduct formation in DNA alone. As psoralen derivatives have a greater extinction coefficient in the UVB region (11 800 cm^?1 M^?1 at 300 nm) compared with the UVA region (2016 cm^?1 M^?1 at 365 nm), a greater extent of adduct formation is expected. SELDI‐TOF, a proteomic technique that combines chromatography with mass spectrometry, was used to detect photoadduct formation in an alternating A–T oligonucleotide. 8‐Methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and DNA solutions were irradiated with either UVA or UVB. An adduct peak was obtained with SELDI‐TOF. For UVB‐activated 8‐MOP, the extent of adducts was three times greater than for UVA. HPLC ESI‐MS analysis showed that UVB irradiation yielded high levels of 3,4‐monoadducts (78% of total adducts). UVA was more effective than UVB at conversion of 4′,5′‐monoadducts to crosslinks (17% vs 4%, respectively). This report presents a method for comparing DNA binding efficiencies of interstrand crosslink inducing agents.     

Effects of 660‐nm and 780‐nm Laser Therapy on ST88‐14 Schwann Cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the comparative effects of red (660‐nm) and near‐infrared (780‐nm) low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on viability, mitochondrial activity, morphology and gene expression of growth factors on Schwann cells (SC). ST88‐14 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 with 10 mM of HEPES, 2 mM of glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% antibiotic‐antimycotic solution at 37°C in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂. Cells were detached with trypsin and centrifugated at 231 g for 5 min at 10°C, and the pellet (8 × 10⁴ cells/tube) was irradiated at the bottom of 50 ml polypropylene tube with a Twin‐Laser system (660 and 780 nm, 40 mW, 1 mW cm^?2, 3.2 and 6.4 J, 80 and 160 J cm^?2 with 80 and 160 s). After 1, 3 and 7 days, the analysis was performed. After irradiation, the SC increase mitochondrial activity, gene expression of the neural growth factors NGF and BDNF, and cell migration and increase the G2/M cells. SC showed neuronal morphology, normal F‐actin cytoskeleton organization and positive labeling for S100. PBM increased metabolic activity, mitosis and gene expression when irradiated with red and infrared LLLT. An increase in cell migration was obtained when irradiated with infrared LLLT.     

Impact of Long‐Wavelength Ultraviolet A1 and Visible Light on Light‐Skinned Individuals

Solar radiation is known to be a major contributor to the development of skin cancer. Most sunscreen formulations, including those with broad spectrum, offer minimal protection in long‐wavelength ultraviolet A1 (UVA1; 370–400 nm) and visible light (VL; 400–700 nm) domain. There is limited information regarding the impact of this broad waveband (VL + UVA1, 370–700 nm) on those with light skin. In this study, ten healthy adult subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I–III were enrolled. On day 0, subjects' lower back was exposed to a VL + UVA1 dose of 480 J cm^?2. A statistically significant increase in erythema immediately after irradiation compared with subjects' baseline nonirradiated skin was observed. Clinically perceptible erythema with VL + UVA1 is a novel finding since the erythemogenic spectrum of sunlight has primarily been attributed to ultraviolet B and short‐wavelength ultraviolet A (320–340 nm). The results emphasize the need for protection against this part of the solar spectra and warrant further investigation.     

A Simple Synthetic Method of a 1,3,5‐Triazine UV Absorbent CGL‐479 and Its Characterization

As a novel ultraviolet (UV) absorbent with excellent performance in UVA section (320 ~ 400 nm), 2‐{2‐hydroxy‐4‐[(octyloxycarbonyl)ethylideneoxy]phenyl}‐4,6‐Bis(4‐biphenylyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (CGL‐479) was synthesized in a simple method with a total yield of 45.3% in four steps. Its outstanding UV absorption capability (λ_max = 326 nm, ε_max = 4.15 × 10⁴ L?mol^?1?cm^?1), high thermostability [T₅ (the temperature of losing 5% in weight) = 385 °C], and compatibility with polymer materials make it a potential substitute of the traditional UV absorbents.     

Direct Observation of an Imidoylnitrene: Photochemical Formation of PhC(=NMe)−N and Me−N from 1‐Methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole

The imidoylnitrene 8 , N‐methyl‐C‐phenylimidoylnitrene, has been generated by laser photolysis of 1‐methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole 6 at 5 K and characterized by its ESR spectrum (|D/hc|=0.9602, |E/hc|=0.0144 cm^?1). In addition, the triplet excited states of 6 and of 2‐methyl‐5‐phenyltetrazole 11 were also observed by ESR spectroscopy in the 5 K matrices ( 6 : |D/hc|=0.123 cm^?1, E/hc=0.0065 cm^?1, 11 : |D/hc|=0.126 cm^?1, |E/hc|=0.0056 cm^?1). The imidoylnitrene 8 is unstable both thermally (disappearing at 80 K) and photochemically (disappearing on continued irradiation at 266 nm). Methyl(phenyl)carbodiimide is the end product of photolysis.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 99mTc tricarbonyl complex of O,O′‐diethylethylenediamine‐N,N′‐di‐3‐propanoate as potential tumour diagnostic agent

The extensive development of radiopharmaceuticals towards early tumour detection and treatment has increased the demand for new ligands with higher tumour selectivity. Research has been done on the potential of the novel O,O′‐diethylethylenediamine‐N,N′‐di‐3‐propanoate ( L ) ligand as a radionuclide vehicle for tumour targeting. Under alkaline conditions, L hydrolyses and produces half ester ligand ( L' ) and diacid ligand ( L'' ), with characteristic donor atom array N,N,O. Ligand L was successfully labelled with ^99mTc at pH = 9 by coordination with the octahedral fac‐[^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ intermediate, forming the main radioproduct fac‐[^99mTcL′(CO)₃] (Tc1). The ^99mTc complex showed a low lipophilic character (log P = 0.48) and low binding affinity to human serum albumin (2.51 ± 0.48%). In vitro stability studies in saline and human plasma, as well as challenge studies with cysteine and histidine, revealed high stability of the complex during 24 h. Biodistribution studies of Tc1 in female C57BL/6 mice bearing B16/F1 melanoma metastases showed significant tumour uptake: 9.81 ± 1.19%ID g^?1 in the liver, 5.87 ± 0.54%ID g^?1 in the lungs and 3.17 ± 0.33%ID g^?1 in the ovary at 30 min post‐injection. Favourable physicochemical properties, satisfactory in vitro/in vivo stability and biodistribution profile in the experimental metastatic melanoma model indicate the possible application of the radiolabelled ligand in tumour diagnosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rate constants of the gas‐phase reactions of OH radicals with trans‐2‐hexenal,trans‐2‐octenal,and trans‐2‐nonenal

The rate constants of the gas‐phase reaction of OH radicals with trans‐2‐hexenal, trans‐2‐octenal, and trans‐2‐nonenal were determined at 298 ± 2 K and atmospheric pressure using the relative rate technique. Two reference compounds were selected for each rate constant determination. The relative rates of OH + trans‐2‐hexenal versus OH + 2‐methyl‐2‐butene and β‐pinene were 0.452 ± 0.054 and 0.530 ± 0.036, respectively. These results yielded an average rate constant for OH + trans‐2‐hexenal of (39.3 ± 1.7) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The relative rates of OH+trans‐2‐octenal versus the OH reaction with butanal and β‐pinene were 1.65 ± 0.08 and 0.527 ± 0.032, yielding an average rate constant for OH + trans‐2‐octenal of (40.5 ± 2.5) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The relative rates of OH+trans‐2‐nonenal versus OH+ butanal and OH + trans‐2‐hexenal were 1.77 ± 0.08 and 1.09 ± 0.06, resulting in an average rate constant for OH + trans‐2‐nonenal of (43.5 ± 3.0) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. In all cases, the errors represent 2σ (95% confidential level) and the calculated rate constants do not include the error associated with the rate constant of the OH reaction with the reference compounds. The rate constants for the hydroxyl radical reactions of a series of trans‐2‐aldehydes were compared with the values estimated using the structure activity relationship. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 483–489, 2009     

Photochromism and decolorization controlled by auxiliary ligands of complexes derived from 1‐methyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium cation

Three 1‐methyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium (MQ⁺)‐based complexes, {[Cd(MQ)(p‐BDC)Br]?H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[Cd(MQ)(m‐BDC)(H₂O)Br]?3H₂O}_n ( 2 ) and Cu(MQ)Br₂ ( 3 ) (p‐H₂BDC = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, m‐H₂BDC = 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 are one‐dimensional coordination polymers constituted of one coordinated MQ⁺ cation, one coordinated Br^? ion and chains of Cd²⁺ ions connected by deprotonated BDC^2? units, which both have photochromism but different decolorization behaviors. The structures and photoresponsive behaviors controlled by auxiliary ligands have been explored. Compound 3 is constituted of one Cu⁺ center, one MQ⁺ ligand and two coordinated Br^? ions in a ‘V’ configuration, exhibiting no photochromism.     

C–C bridged Ni(II) complexes bearing β‐keto‐9‐fluorenyliminato ligands prepared by different in situ bonding mechanisms and their use in catalytic (co)polymerization of norbornene and styrene

Two C–C bridged Ni(II) complexes bearing β‐keto‐9‐fluorenyliminato ligands with electron‐withdrawing groups (─CF₃), Ni{PhC(O)CHC[N(9‐fluorenyl)]CF₂}₂ (Ni 1 ) and Ni{CF₃C(O)CHC[N(9‐fluorenyl)]Ph}₂ (Ni 2 ), were synthesized by metal coordination reaction and different in situ bonding mechanisms. The C–C bridged bonds of Ni 1 were formed by in situ intramolecular trifluoromethyl and 9‐fluorenyl carbon–carbon cross‐coupling reaction and those of Ni 2 were formed by in situ intramolecular 9‐fluorenyl carbon–carbon radical coupling reaction mechanism. The obtained complexes were characterized using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The crystal and molecular structures of Ni 1 and Ni 2 with C–C bridged configuration were determined using X‐ray diffraction. Ni 1 and Ni 2 were used as catalysts for norbornene (NB) polymerization after activation with B(C₆F₅)₃ and the catalytic activities reached 10⁶ g_polymer mol_Ni^?1 h^?1. The copolymerization of NB and styrene catalyzed by the Ni 1 /B(C₆F₅)₃ system showed high activity (10⁵ g_polymer mol_Ni^?1 h^?1) and the catalytic activities decreased with increasing feed content of styrene. All vinyl‐type copolymers exhibited high molecular weight (10⁴ g mol^?1), narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n = 1.71–2.80), high styrene insertion ratios (11.13–50.81%) and high thermal stability (T_d > 380°C) and could be made into thin films with high transparency in the visible region (400–800 nm).     

Isomeric Effect on the anticancer Behavior of two Zinc (II) complexes based on 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Two isomeric Zinc (II) complexes constructed by 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly) pyridine has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses and infrared spectroscopy. The binding mode and ability of complex 1–2 with CT‐DNA were studied by UV and fluorescence spectra. The intrinsic binding constant K_b (K_b1 = 2.305 × 10⁴ M^?1, K_b2 = 3.095 × 10⁴ M^?1) and the observed association constant K_obs (K_obs1 = 1.523*10⁶ M^?1, K_obs2 = 2.057*10⁶ M^?1) indicated that the insertion ability of complex 2 with CT‐DNA is stronger than complex 1. Gel electrophoresis showed that complexes have a good ability to hydrolyze cleavage pBR322 plasmid DNA. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies showed that complexes exhibited excellent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells, especially complex 2 had better growth inhibition than Cisplatin. Molecular docking study simulated the binding model of complexes with DNA (PDB:4av1), showing an imidazole plane of complex 2 can be inserted into a DNA base pair in relative parallel. Both complexes can be used as potential anticancer agents.     

Effects and Mechanism of Nicotinamide Against UVA‐ and/or UVB‐mediated DNA Damages in Normal Melanocytes

Melanoma incidences are increasing rapidly, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is believed to be its major contributing factor. UV exposure causes DNA damage in skin which may initiate cutaneous skin cancers including melanoma. Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the melanin‐producing skin cells, following genetic dysregulations resulting into hyperproliferative phenotype and neoplastic transformation. Both UVA and UVB exposures to the skin are believed to trigger melanocytic hyperplasia and melanomagenesis. Melanocytes by themselves are deficient in repair of oxidative DNA damage and UV‐induced photoproducts. Nicotinamide, an active form of vitamin B3 and a critical component of the human body's defense system has been shown to prevent certain cancers including nonmelanoma skin cancers. However, the mechanism of nicotinamide's protective effects is not well understood. Here, we investigated potential protective effects and mechanism of nicotinamide against UVA‐ and/or UVB‐ induced damage in normal human epidermal melanocytes. Our data demonstrated an appreciable protective effect of nicotinamide against UVA‐ and/or UVB‐ induced DNA damage in melanocytes by decreasing both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels. We found that the photoprotective response of nicotinamide was associated with the activation of nucleotide excision repair genes and NRF2 signaling. Further studies are needed to validate our findings in in vivo models.     

Nitrogen‐Rich Energetic Monoanionic Salts of 3,4‐Bis(1 H‐5‐tetrazolyl)furoxan

3,4‐Bis(1H‐5‐tetrazolyl)furoxan (H₂BTF, 2 ) and its monoanionic salts that contain nitrogen‐rich cations were readily synthesized and fully characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and elemental analyses. Hydrazinium ( 3 ) and 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazolium ( 7 ) salts crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n and have calculated densities of 1.820 and 1.764 g cm^?3, respectively. The densities of the energetic salts range between 1.63 and 1.79 g cm^?3, as measured by a gas pycnometer. Detonation pressures and detonation velocities were calculated to be 23.1–32.5 GPa and 7740–8790 m s^?1, respectively.     

The elimination kinetics and mechanisms of ethyl piperidine‐3‐carboxylate,ethyl 1‐methylpiperidine‐3‐carboxylate,and ethyl 3‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)propionate in the gas phase

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of the above‐mentioned compounds were determined in a static reaction system over the temperature range of 369–450.3°C and pressure range of 29–103.5 Torr. The reactions are homogeneous, unimolecular, and obey a first‐order rate law. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius expressions: ethyl 3‐(piperidin‐1‐yl) propionate, log k₁(s^?1) = (12.79 ± 0.16) ? (199.7 ± 2.0) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; ethyl 1‐methylpiperidine‐3‐carboxylate, log k₁(s^?1) = (13.07 ± 0.12)–(212.8 ± 1.6) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; ethyl piperidine‐3‐carboxylate, log k₁(s^?1) = (13.12 ± 0.13) ? (210.4 ± 1.7) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; and 3‐piperidine carboxylic acid, log k₁(s^?1) = (14.24 ± 0.17) ? (234.4 ± 2.2) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1. The first step of decomposition of these esters is the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acids and ethylene through a concerted six‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. The intermediate β‐amino acids decarboxylate as the α‐amino acids but in terms of a semipolar six‐membered cyclic transition state mechanism. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 106–114, 2006     

Nitrogen‐doped Carbon–CoOx Nanohybrids: A Precious Metal Free Cathode that Exceeds 1.0 W cm−2 Peak Power and 100 h Life in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Efficient and durable nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction (ORR) are highly desirable for several electrochemical devices, including anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, a 2D planar electrocatalyst with CoO_x embedded in nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon (N‐C‐CoO_x) was created through the direct pyrolysis of a metal–organic complex with a NaCl template. The N‐C‐CoO_x catalyst showed high ORR activity, indicated by excellent half‐wave (0.84 V vs. RHE) and onset (1.01 V vs. RHE) potentials. This high intrinsic activity was also observed in operating AEMFCs where the kinetic current was 100 mA cm^?2 at 0.85 V. When paired with a radiation‐grafted ETFE powder ionomer, the N‐C‐CoO_x AEMFC cathode was able to achieve extremely high peak power density (1.05 W cm^?2) and mass transport limited current (3 A cm^?2) for a precious metal free electrode. The N‐C‐CoO_x cathode also showed good stability over 100 hours of operation with a voltage decay of only 15 % at 600 mA cm^?2 under H₂/air (CO₂‐free) reacting gas feeds. The N‐C‐CoO_x cathode catalyst was also paired with a very low loading PtRu/C anode catalyst, to create AEMFCs with a total PGM loading of only 0.10 mg_Pt‐Ru cm^?2 capable of achieving 7.4 W mg^?1_PGM as well as supporting a current of 0.7 A cm^?2 at 0.6 V with H₂/air (CO₂ free)—creating a cell that was able to meet the 2019 U.S. Department of Energy initial performance target of 0.6 V at 0.6 A cm^?2 under H₂/air with a PGM loading <0.125 mg cm^?2 with AEMFCs for the first time.     

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of ethyl 2‐furoate and ethyl 2‐thiophenecarboxylate

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of ethyl 2‐furoate and 2‐ethyl 2‐thiophenecarboxylate was carried out in a static reaction system over the temperature range of 623.15–683.15 K (350–410°C) and pressure range of 30–113 Torr. The reactions proved to be homogeneous, unimolecular, and obey a first‐order rate law. The rate coefficients are expressed by the following Arrhenius equations: ethyl 2‐furoate, log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.51 ± 0.17)–(185.6 ± 2.2) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1; ethyl 2‐thiophenecarboxylate, log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.59 ± 0.19)–(183.8 ± 2.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1. The elimination products are ethylene and the corresponding heteroaromatic 2‐carboxylic acid. However, as the reaction temperature increases, the intermediate heteroaromatic carboxylic acid products slowly decarboxylate to give the corresponding heteroaromatic furan and thiophene, respectively. The mechanisms of these reactions are suggested and described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 145–152, 2009     

Exceptionally high molecular weight linear polyethylene by using N,N,N′‐Co catalysts appended with a N′‐2,6‐bis{di(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl}‐4‐nitrophenyl group

The bis(arylimino)pyridines, 2‐[CMeN{2,6‐{(4‐FC₆H₄)₂CH}₂–4‐NO₂}]‐6‐(CMeNAr)C₅H₃N (Ar = 2,6‐Me₂C₆H₃ L1 , 2,6‐Et₂C₆H₃ L2 , 2,6‐i‐Pr₂C₆H₃ L3 , 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂ L4 , 2,6‐Et₂–4‐MeC₆H₂ L5 ), each containing one N′‐2,6‐bis{di(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl}‐4‐nitrophenyl group, have been synthesized by two successive condensation reactions from 2,6‐diacetylpyridine. Their subsequent treatment with anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride gave the corresponding N,N,N′‐CoCl₂ chelates, Co1 – Co5 , in excellent yield. All five complexes have been characterized by ¹H/¹⁹F NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by elemental analysis. In addition, the molecular structures of Co1 and Co3 have been determined and help to emphasize the differences in steric properties imposed by the inequivalent N‐aryl groups; distorted square pyramidal geometries are adopted by each complex. Upon activation with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), precatalyts Co1 – Co5 collectively exhibited very high activities for ethylene polymerization with 2,6‐dimethyl‐substituted Co1 the most active (up to 1.1 × 10⁷ g (PE) mol^?1 (Co) h^?1); the MAO systems were generally more productive. Linear polyethylenes of exceptionally high molecular weight (M_w up to 1.3 × 10⁶ g mol^?1) were obtained in all cases with the range in dispersities exhibited using MAO as co‐catalyst noticeably narrower than with MMAO [M_w/M_n: 3.55–4.77 ( Co1 – Co5 /MAO) vs. 2.85–12.85 ( Co1 – Co5 /MMAO)]. Significantly, the molecular weights of the polymers generated using this class of cobalt catalyst are higher than any literature values reported to date using related N,N,N‐bis (arylimino)pyridine‐cobalt catalysts.     

Cyclodextrins in Polymer Synthesis: Photoinitiated Free‐Radical Polymerization of N‐Isopropylacrylamide in Water Initiated by a Methylated β‐Cyclodextrin/2‐Hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one Host/Guest Complex

Methylated β‐cyclodextrin (Me‐β‐CD) was used to complex a free‐radical photoinitiator, 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one ( 1 ), yielding the water‐soluble 1 : 1 host/guest complex 1 a . The structure of complex 1 a was verified by means of IR, UV/vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The influence of Me‐β‐CD as the host on the photopolymerization kinetics of N‐isopropylacrylamide was studied. Compared to the photopolymerization carried out under nearly identical conditions but without cyclodextrin, an increase in the polymerization rate was registered in the presence of complex 1 a .