Insight into copper-mordenite–silica mixtures (CuMOR–SiO2)

A series of ternary CuMOR–SiO₂ mixed materials were prepared by two synthesis approaches (CuMOR1–y–SiO₂ and CuMOR2–y–SiO₂). Extensive characterization was done for both series and some selected materials were tested in CO catalytic oxidation and NO reduction. The presence of CuMOR and SiO₂ segregated phases was observed in both series by XRD, suggesting that silica formation was not inhibited by the mordenite (MOR) presence. UV–Vis results exhibited that Cu ion exchange was successfully done for CuMOR1–y–SiO₂ series. In the CuMOR2–y–SiO₂ series, the amount of copper was below the sensitivity limit of EDS analysis. CuMOR1–50%–SiO₂ catalyst resulted with higher specific surface area and catalytic activity. A possible relation between reduction temperature, the increase in Cu plasmon excitation, and catalytic activity was observed.     

Vibrational and electronic studies on interactions of Cu (II) with protic amides: Structural aspects of biological importance

Raman, IR and UV–Vis–NIR experiments of formamide (FA), N-methylformamide (NMF) and their solutions with copper perchlorate at different compositions were carried out. The downshift of the ν_CO mode and the upshift of the νCN vibration have been observed for both amides and suggest that an ionic structure is stabilized by Cu (II). The quantitative Raman study at the νCN region reveals that six FA molecules are coordinated to Cu (II) while four NMF molecules are around the metal ion. The data are complemented by information at the region characteristic of the metal–ligand vibrations, which evidences coordination through the O atom. The spectral changes observed at the ν_CN region have been then combined to the electronic data and show that [Cu(FA)₆]²⁺ and [Cu(NMF)₄]²⁺ are described as distorted octahedral and square planar complexes.     

Boron trifluoride–etherate in fluorinated alcohols: A powerful promoter system for intramolecular alkyne–aldehyde metathesis of o-(3-arylpropargyloxy)benzaldehydes

Boron trifluoride–etherate (BF₃·OEt₂) in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) was found to be a highly efficient promoter system for the intramolecular alkyne–aldehyde metathesis of o-(3-arylpropargyloxy)benzaldehydes. The reaction produces the corresponding 3-aroyl-2H-chromenes in excellent yields under metal-free conditions.     

Intermolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of N-substituted maleimides

Co₂(CO)₈-mediated intermolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of N-substituted maleimides with terminal alkynes are described, producing maleimide-fused cyclopentenones. The transformation differs from other intermolecular Pauson–Khand-type reactions of electron-deficient olefins, which react with Co₂(CO)₈ and alkynes to produce conjugated dienes, or generally require terminal, monosubstituted olefins to generate cyclopentenones. The reaction works well for N-benzyl, N-aryl, and N-alkyl substituted maleimides, and tolerates branching at the 3-position of the terminal alkyne. N–H maleimide, N–CO₂Me maleimide, and maleic anhydride do not take part in the transformation.     

Synthesis,characterization and in vitro antimicrobial screening of quinoline nucleus containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 2-azetidinone derivatives

A series of 3-chloro-1-(aryl)-4-(2-(2-chloro-6-methylquinolin-3-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-3(2H)-yl)-4-ethyl-azetidin-2-ones (V)_1–12 have been synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectra. Synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against four different strains like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, while antifungal activity was determined against three different strains like Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus clavatus. On the basis of statistical analysis, it has been observed that compounds gave significant co-relation.     

Lix(Al0.8Zn0.2) alloys as anode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries

The influence of the lithium content in the starting composition, depth of discharge, binder and electrolyte on the cycle stability was investigated. The structural changes in Li_x(Al_0.8Zn_0.2) electrodes during electrochemical lithium extraction and reinsertion were studied by in situ synchrotron diffraction. The crystal structure of the new compound Li₄Al_3.42Zn_11.58 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and can be described as combination of the CaCu₅ and MgFe₆Ge₆ structure types. The phase equilibria at 150 °C in the Li–Al–Zn system were investigated on six alloys, prepared along the lithium extraction–insertion line.     

Stability of Cu–Mn bimetal catalysts based on different zeolites for NOx removal from diesel engine exhaust

Cu–Mn bimetal catalysts were prepared to remove nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from diesel engine exhaust at low temperatures. At a Cu/Mn ratio of 3:2, the NO_x conversions at 200 °C reached 65% and 90% on Cu–Mn/ZSM-5 and Cu–Mn/SAPO-34, respectively. After a hydrothermal treatment and reaction in the presence of C₃H₆, the activity of Cu–Mn/SAPO-34 was more stable than that of Cu–Mn/ZSM-5. No obvious variations in the crystal structure or dealumination were observed, whereas the physical structure was best maintained in Cu–Mn/SAPO-34. The atomic concentration of Cu on the surface of Cu–Mn/SAPO-34 was quite stable, and the consumption of octahedrally coordinated Cu²⁺ could be recovered. Conversely, the proportion of octahedrally coordinated Cu²⁺ on the surface of Cu–Mn/ZSM-5 significantly decreased. Therefore, besides the structure, the redox cycle between Cu⁺ and octahedrally coordinated Cu²⁺ played an important role in the stability of the catalysts.     

Theoretical study of the geometry and electronic structure of the trinuclear [AunAgm (HNCOH)3] (m + n = 3) complex

The structures and properties of different gold and silver mixed-metal trinuclear complexes, [Au_nAg_m(HNCOH)₃] (m + n = 3), were investigated theoretically. The computed properties were compared with those of the [Au₃(HNCOH)₃] complex. The geometries of all complexes were optimized at the B3LYP level of theory using the GEN basis set. The optimization results revealed that the most stable structures of pure Au and Ag complexes are almost similar. In addition, all complexes are flat and highly symmetric. It was shown that the silver substitution had a significant influence on the electronic properties. The metal–metal distances were in the order of: Au–Au < Au–Ag < Ag–Ag. The ionization potential and hardness were found to be decreased while the electron affinity, HOMO–LUMO gap and chemical potential were found to be increased from the [Au₃(HNCOH)₃] to the [Ag₃(HNCOH)₃] complex. The [Au₃(HNCOH)₃] complex was the least reactive in the studied series with the electronic chemical potential equal to −3.98 eV. On the other hand, the value of the chemical potential characterizing the most reactive complex, [Ag₃(HNCOH)₃], was −3.80 eV.     

Silver-mediated synthesis of indolizines via oxidative C–H functionalization and 5-endo-dig cyclization

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of indolizines from readily available starting materials via oxidative C–H functionalization and 5-endo-dig cyclization in one step has been demonstrated. This protocol represents wide substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, and selectivity. The structure of the product was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies. Ag₂CO₃ required of this tandem reaction can be recycled and reused after undergoing oxidative reaction.     

Pure CuCr2O4 nanoparticles: Synthesis,characterization and their morphological and size effects on the catalytic thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

In the present paper a pure phase of the copper chromite spinel nanoparticles (CuCr₂O₄ SNPs) were synthesized via the sol–gel route using citric acid as a complexing agent. Then, the CuCr₂O₄ SNPs has been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the next step, with the addition of Cu–Cr–O nanoparticles (NPs), the effects of different parameters such as Cu–Cr–O particle size and the Cu/Cr molar ratios on the thermal behavior of Cu–Cr–O NPs + AP (ammonium perchlorate) mixtures were investigated. As such, the catalytic effect of the Cu–Cr–O NPs for thermal decomposition of AP was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TGA/DSC results showed that the samples with different morphologies exhibited different catalytic activity in different stages of thermal decomposition of AP. Also, in the presence of Cu–Cr–O nanocatalysts, all of the exothermic peaks of AP shifted to a lower temperature, indicating the thermal decomposition of AP was enhanced. Moreover, the heat released (ΔH) in the presence of Cu–Cr–O nanocatalysts was increased to 1490 J g⁻¹.     

Asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions of N-allenoyloxazolidinones catalyzed by Cu(II)–bis(oxazoline) complexes

Catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions of N-allenoyloxazolidinones were investigated. Various chiral metal–bis(oxazoline) and metal–pyridinebis(oxazoline) complexes were screened. Cu(SbF₆)₂(H₂O)₂(t-BuBox) was found to be the most effective catalyst, giving the product in high yield, enantioselectivity, and endo:exo selectivity. The relative reactivity between N-allenoyloxazolidinones and N-alkenoyloxazolidinones was also investigated. A model for stereoinduction was proposed to account for the enantioselectivity and endo:exo selectivity.     

Dimeric and monomeric palladium(II) parent-amido (NH2) complexes: Synthesis,characterization, and reactivity

The treatment of [PdL₃(NH₃)]OTf (L₃ = (PEt₃)₂(Ph) (1), (2,6-(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃) (3)) with NaNH₂ in THF afforded dimeric and monomeric parent-amido palladium(II) complexes with bridging and terminal NH₂, respectively, anti-[Pd(PEt₃)(Ph)(μ-NH₂)]₂ (2) and Pd(2,6-(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃)(NH₂) (4). The dimeric complex 2 crystallizes in the space group P2₁/n with a = 13.228(2) Å, b = 18.132(2) Å, c = 24.745(2) Å, β = 101.41(1)°, and Z = 4. It has been found that there are two crystallographically independent molecules with Pd(1)–Pd(2) and Pd(3)–Pd(4) distances of 2.9594 (10) and 2.9401(9) Å, respectively. The monomeric amido complex 4 protonates from trace amounts of water to give the cationic ammine species [Pd(2,6-(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃)(NH₃)]⁺. Complex 4 reacts with diphenyliodonium triflate ([Ph₂I]OTf) to give aniline complex [Pd(2,6-(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃)(NH₂Ph)]OTf (5). Reaction of 4 with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD, DEAD) yields diastereospecific palladium(II) vinyl derivative (Z)–(Pd(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃)(CR = CR(NH₂)) (R = CO₂Me (6a), CO₂Et (6b)). Reacting complexes 6a and 6b with p-nitrophenol produces (Pd(Cy₂PCH₂)₂C₆H₃)(OC₆H₄–p-NO₂) (8) and cis-CHR = CR(NH₂), exclusively.     

Preparations and properties of a tunable void with shell thickness SiO2@SiO2 core–shell structures via activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization

Core–shell structure nanoparticles are attracting considerable attention because of their applications in drug delivery, catalysis carrier, and nanomedicine. In this study, SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structure with tunable void and shell thickness was successfully prepared for the first time using SiO₂-poly(buty acrylate) (PBA)-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) (SiO₂-PBA-b-PDMAEMA) as the template and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica source. An amphiphilic copolymer PBA-b-PDMAEMA was first grafted onto the SiO₂ nanosphere surface through activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization. TEOS was hydrolyzed along with the PDMAEMA chain through hydrogen bonding, and the core–shell structure of SiO₂@SiO₂ was obtained through calcination to remove the copolymer. The gradient hydrophilicity of the PBA-b-PDMAEMA copolymer template facilitated the hydrolysis of TEOS molecules along the PDMAEMA to PBA segments, thereby tuning the voids between the SiO₂ core and SiO₂ shell, as well as the SiO₂ shell thickness. The voids were about 10–15 nm and the shell thicknesses were about 4–11 nm when adding different amounts of DMAEMA monomer. SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structures with tunable void and shell thickness were employed as supports for the loading and release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) in PBS (pH 4.0). The samples demonstrated good loading capacity and controlled release rate of DOX.     

CuI–Zn(OAc)2 catalyzed C(sp2)–H activation for the synthesis of pyridocoumarins through an uncommon CuI–CuIII switching mechanism: A fast,solvent-free,combo-catalytic,ball milling approach

CuI–Zn(OAc)₂ catalyzed, a fast, solvent-free synthetic protocol has been developed for the oxidative C–C and C–N coupling via C(sp²)–H activation. In this work, an aldehyde, terminal alkyne and 3-aminocoumarin were coupled together to form pyridocoumarin framework through a greener ball milling process under very mild condition. In contrast to the frequently used imine-alkyne cyclization reactions, this uncommon mild Cu^I–Cu^III switching combo-catalysis is expected to proceed through the formation of a flexible propargylic amine intermediate, which leads to a rapid C(sp²)–H activation for cyclization involving transient Cu^III species. The in-situ formation of transient Cu^III species was confirmed through ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses of the reaction mixture.     

Structural diversity of a series of urea-based coordination complexes: from water tapes,water-sulfate chains,to supramolecular structures

[Hg₂(L₁)₂I₄] (1), [Cd₂(L₁)₂I₄] (2), {[Cd(L₁)₂(SO₄)(H₂O)]·4H₂O}_n (3), {[Zn₂(L₂)₂(Cl)₄]·0.5H₂O} (4), {[Cu₂(L₂)₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₄]·2.5H₂O} (5), and {[Cd(L₂)₂(SO₄)(H₂O)]·3H₂O}_n (6), based on N–(3–picolyl)–N′–(3–pyridyl)urea (L₁) or N–(4–picolyl)–N′–(3–pyridyl)urea (L₂), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous and feature similar rectangular metal organic loops, which were further extended into 2-D supramolecular structures through hydrogen bonds. Complex 3 possesses a 2-D sql sheet, and the channels between the neighboring sheets are filled with lattice water molecules, which formed a 1-D water tape. Complex 4 also exhibits a rectangular metal organic loop and a 3-D supramolecular structure with the help of hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 5 also possesses a metal organic loop, and the water molecules interacted with sulfates, constructing a 1-D water–sulfate tube. Complex 6 features a 1-D loop polymeric chain. Moreover, the solid state luminescences of 1–4 and 6 have been investigated.     

Facile deposition of gold nanoparticles on core–shell Fe3O4@polydopamine as recyclable nanocatalyst

A simple and green method for the controllable synthesis of core–shell Fe₃O₄ polydopamine nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs) with tunable shell thickness and their application as a recyclable nanocatalyst support is presented. Magnetite Fe₃O₄ NPs formed in a one-pot process by the hydrothermal approach with a diameter of ∼240 nm were coated with a polydopamine shell layer with a tunable thickness of 15–45 nm. The facile deposition of Au NPs atop Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs was achieved by utilizing PDA as both the reducing agent and the coupling agent. The satellite nanocatalysts exhibited high catalytic performance for the reduction of p-nitrophenol. Furthermore, the recovery and reuse of the catalyst was demonstrated 8 times without detectible loss in activity. The synergistic combination of unique features of PDA and magnetic nanoparticles establishes these core–shell NPs as a versatile platform for potential applications.     

Hydrodechlorination of CCl4 over carbon-supported palladium–gold catalysts prepared by the reverse “water-in-oil” microemulsion method

Two series of carbon-supported Pd–Au catalysts were prepared by the reverse “water-in-oil, W/O” method, characterized by various techniques and investigated in the reaction of tetrachloromethane with hydrogen at 423 K. The synthesized nanoparticles were reasonably monodispersed having an average diameter of 4–6 nm (Pd/C and Pd–Au/C) and 9 nm (Au/C). Monometallic palladium catalysts quickly deactivated during the hydrodehalogenation of CCl₄. Palladium–gold catalysts with molar ratio Pd:Au = 90:10 and 85:15 were stable and much more active than the monometallic palladium and Au-richer Pd–Au catalysts. The selectivity toward chlorine-free hydrocarbons (especially for C₂₊ hydrocarbons) was increased upon introducing small amounts of gold to palladium. Simultaneously, for the most active Pd–Au catalysts, the selectivity for undesired dimers C₂H_xCl_y, which are considered as coke precursors, was much lower than for monometallic Pd catalysts. Reasons for synergistic effects are discussed. During CCl₄ hydrodechlorination the Pd/C and Pd–Au/C catalysts were subjected to bulk carbiding.     

First unambiguous evidence for distinct ionic and surface-contact effects during photocatalytic bacterial inactivation on Cu–Ag films: Kinetics,mechanism and energetics

Highly uniform Cu–Ag polyurethane (PU) sputtered films inactivated Escherichia coli presenting normal cell wall porins but were shown to require longer times to inactivate genetically modified porinless Escherichia coli. The Cu–Ag–PU films were observed to inactivate E. coli ～7 times faster compared to Cu-films and ～15 times faster compared to Ag-films by themselves under low intensity actinic light irradiation. The galvanic contact between Ag and Cu induces atomic disorder in the film leading to corrosion and release of ppb amounts of Ag and Cu. This is suggested to induce the oligodynamic effect responsible for the bacterial inactivation on the Cu–Ag films. By ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, the structural changes in the E. coli (LPS) bilayer were monitored during bacterial inactivation for porin and porinless bacteria. The Ag₂Cu₂O₄ composite was found by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to be the predominant species in the Cu–Ag films leading to bacterial inactivation. A mechanism is suggested for the photo-induced interfacial charge transfer (IFCT) between both metal oxides.     

Palladium(II)-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of arylboronic acid with aryl halide in water in the presence of 4-(benzylthio)-N,N,N-trimethybenzenammonium chloride

This work reported that Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of arylboronic acid with aryl bromide or iodides were mediated by Pd(OAc)₂ and 4-(benzylthio)-N,N,N-trimethylbenzenammonium chloride in the presence of Na₂CO₃ in water under the mild conditions. The corresponding Suzuki–Miyaura coupling products were obtained in good to excellent yields.     

Magnetically recoverable γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles as a highly active catalyst for Friedel–Crafts benzoylation reaction under ultrasound irradiation

A simple, facile and efficient method has been developed for the Friedel–Crafts benzoylation of arenes using magnetic γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles under solvent-free sonication. The γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were used as an efficient and magnetically recoverable catalyst for the synthesis of aromatic ketones in good to excellent yields at room temperature under solvent-free. The reaction occurred with high regioselectivity under mild condition. The magnetic γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles are economically synthesized in large-scale, easily separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and able to be reused several times without significant loss of the catalytic performance, which make them easy application to industrial processes.