Synthesis and mesophase behaviour of rigid rod‐like phenylthiophene‐based amphiphilic diol derivatives

Novel amphiphilic block molecules consisting of a rigid 2‐phenylthiophene or 5‐phenylbithienyl core, with a polar glycerol group attached to the phenyl ring and one or two alkyl chains attached to the thiophene ring on the other side, have been synthesised by using Ni(0) and Pd(0) catalyzed coupling reactions as key steps. The thermotropic and solvent‐induced liquid crystalline behaviour of these compounds was investigated by polarising optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The influence of the length, number and position of the alkyl chains, and the length of the rigid core, on their mesophase behaviour was investigated. Compounds with one alkyl chain in the terminal 5‐position on the thiophene ring form only smectic A phases, compounds with two adjacent alkyl chains attached in the 4‐ and 5‐positions of the thiophene ring exhibit thermotropic columnar mesophases, and those with two long alkyl chains attached to the 3‐ and 5‐positions form columnar LC phases only in the presence of water. Another compound containing the longer 5‐phenylbithienyl core unit and two alkyl chains attached in lateral positions to each of the thiophene rings is not mesogenic.     

Iodo‐substituted triphenylene‐based discogens: by metal‐mediated oxidative cross‐coupling

New monoiodopentakis(alkoxy)triphenylene derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The metal‐mediated oxidative coupling of 2‐iodoalkoxybenzene with 3,3′,4,4′‐tetraalkoxybiphenyl by MoCl₅ as oxidizing reagent yields 2‐iodopentakis(alkoxy)triphenylene. These products were purified by repeated column chromatography; their liquid crystalline properties were studied by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All the derivatives exhibit a columnar mesophase over a wide temperature range.     

Bent‐core mesogens based on semi‐flexible dicyclohexylmethane spacers

New, bent‐core mesogens are described in which the core of the molecule is a semiflexible, di(4‐aminocyclohexyl)methane spacer. The compounds show nematic, columnar nematic and columnar phases as shown by a combination of X‐ray diffraction and optical microscopy. The potential of these new mesogens as biaxial nematic candidates is considered.     

General and Facial Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐5‐halogenpyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives

A facile synthetic approach to 2‐amino‐5‐halogen‐pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acids from 5‐halogen‐2‐methylsulfonylpyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid by nucleophilic displacement of the methylsulfonyl group with primary and secondary aliphatic amines has been developed. The titled amino acids underwent decarboxylation, yielding 2‐amino‐5‐halogenpyrimidines. Starting from 2‐amino‐5‐chloropyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid chlorides, 2‐[5‐chloro‐2‐(amino)‐4‐pyrimidinyl]‐2‐oxo‐1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐ethyl cyanides were obtained in excellent yields.     

Preparation and Pervaporation Performances of PEA‐based Polyurethaneurea and Polyurethaneimide Membranes to Benzene/Cyclohexane Mixture

Pervaporation is promising in the separation of benzene/cyclohexane mixture for the petrochemical industry. Two kinds of pervaporation membrane materials, including PEA‐based polyurethaneurea (PUU) and polyurethaneimide (PUI), were successfully synthesized from the same soft segment of poly(ethylene adipate)diol (PEA) and different hard segments via a two‐step method. The hard segment of PUU was prepared from toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (MDA), while that of PUI was from 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). The structures and properties of PUU and PUI were characterized by means of FT‐IR, DSC and TGA. During the pervaporation experiment, the PUI membranes had a flux of 12.13 kg µm m^?2 h^?1 and separation factor of 8.25, while the PUU membranes had a flux of 26.35 kg µm m^?2 h^?1 and separation factor of 6.29 for 50 wt% benzene in the benzene/cyclohexane mixture at 40°C. The effects of the structures of hard segments on pervaporation performances were discussed. The investigation of the relationship in molecular structure and PV performances will be helpful for the choice and design of membrane materials in the separation of benzene/cyclohexane mixture.     

Novel Copolymers of Alkyl and Alkoxy Ring‐Substituted Ethyl 2‐Cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates and Styrene

Abstract

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylenes, ring‐substituted ethyl 2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC₆H₄CH?C(CN)CO₂C₂H₅ (where R is 2‐CH₃, 3‐CH₃, 4‐CH₃, 2‐OCH₃, 3‐OCH₃, and 4‐OCH₃) were prepared and copolymerized with styrene (ST). The monomers were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐substituted benzaldehydes and ethyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. All the ethylenes were copolymerized with ST (M₁) in solution with radical initiation (AIBN) at 70°C. The compositions of the copolymers were calculated from nitrogen analysis and the structures were analyzed by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The order of relative reactivity (1/r ₁) for the monomers is 3‐OCH₃ (0.88)?>?4‐CH₃ (0.71)?>?2‐OCH₃ (0.68)?>?3‐CH₃ (0.55)?>?2‐CH₃ (0.47)?>?4‐OCH₃ (0.40). Higher T _g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the TSE structural unit. Gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 257–287°C range.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Alkyl and Aryl‐(4‐methyl‐6‐nitro‐quinolin‐2‐yl)amines: X‐Ray Structures of Ethyl and Cyclohexyl‐(4‐methyl‐6‐nitro‐quinolin‐2‐yl)amine

Abstract

We have synthesized and characterized a series of alkyl and aryl‐(4‐methyl‐6‐nitro‐quinolin‐2‐yl)amines through a high‐yield, three‐step procedure starting from 4‐methylquinolin‐2‐ol. Nitration using concentrated nitric/sulfuric acids, followed by chlorination in phosphorus oxychloride, yielded 2‐chloro‐4‐methyl‐6‐nitro‐quinoline. All of the intermediates and aminated products have been characterized by multinuclear (¹H and ¹³C) NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and, in the case of the two title compounds (ethyl and cyclohexyl‐(4‐methyl‐6‐nitro‐quinolin‐2‐yl)amine), a single crystal X‐ray structure was obtained to verify the nature of the new materials.     

Shape‐similarity relations based on topological resolution

Shape‐similarities of electron density clouds of molecules provide important clues concerning chemical and physical properties, including information about their reactivities in biochemical systems. The concept of topological resolution is used for quantifying molecular similarities: within a hierarchy of finer and cruder topologies, the crudest topology that already provides discrimination between two objects (such as two fuzzy electron density clouds) is used to define a measure of their similarities. The finer this topology, the more similar the two objects. This approach, the method of topological resolution‐based similarity measures (TRBSM), can be combined with a geometrically motivated resolution‐based similarity measure (RBSM) within a metric space. Some of the relations between these two approaches are discussed in this contribution, with special emphasis on applications to electron densities. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal performance evaluation of a nanofluid‐based flat‐plate solar collector

The thermal performance of a flat-plate solar collector (FPSC) is investigated experimentally and analytically. The studied nanofluid is SiO₂/deionized water with volumetric concentration up to 0.6% and nanoparticles diameter of 20–30 nm. The tests and also the modeling are performed based on ASHRAE standard and compared with each other to validate the developed model. The dynamic model is based on the energy balance in a control volume. The system of derived equations is solved by employing an implicit finite difference scheme. Moreover, the thermal conductivity and viscosity of SiO₂ nanofluid have been investigated thoroughly. The measurement findings indicate that silica nanoparticles, despite their low thermal conductivity, have a great potential for improving the thermal performance of FPSC. Analyzing the characteristic parameters of solar collector efficiency reveals that the effect of nanoparticles on the performance improvement is more pronounced at higher values of reduced temperature. The thermal efficiency, working fluid outlet temperature and also absorber plate temperature of the modeling have been confirmed with experimental verification. A satisfactory agreement has been achieved between the results. The maximum percentage of deviation for working fluid outlet temperature and collector absorber plate temperature is 0.7% and 3.7%, respectively.

     

Novel Copolymers of Styrene and Alkyl and Alkoxy Ring‐Trisubstituted Methyl 2‐Cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, akyl and alkoxy ring‐trisubstituted methyl 2‐cyano‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenoates, RC₆H₂CH[dbnd]C(CN)CO₂CH_3, (where R is 2,3‐dimethyl‐4‐methoxy, 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐methoxy‐, 2,3,4‐trimethoxy‐, 2,4,5‐trimethoxy, 2,4,6‐trimethoxy, and 2,4‐dimethoxy‐3‐methyl), were synthesized by the piperidine catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐substituted benzaldehydes and methyl cyanoacetate, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator (AIBN) at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High T_g of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubstituted ethylene monomer unit. The gravimetric analysis indicated that the copolymers decompose in the 283–306°C range.     

Synthesis of 4‐Substituted‐ and 1,4‐Disubstituted‐4‐Hydroxypyrrolidin‐2‐ones

This report describes the synthesis of 4‐substituted‐ and 1,4‐disubstituted‐4‐hydroxypyrrolidin‐2‐ones by cyclization of intermediate γ‐aminoesters prepared from alkylbenzylamines, α‐bromoketones, and lithio ethyl acetate.     

Synthesis of Hydroxyalkyl‐Substituted,Push–Pull Chromophores based on Diphenylacetylenes and 1,4‐Bis(phenylethynyl)benzenes

Six new push–pull chromophores based on phenylacetylenes were prepared: two 1,2‐diphenylacetylenes and four 1,4‐bis(phenylethynyl)benzenes. The donor amino groups have hydroxyethyl substituents, and the acceptor groups are cyano or nitro. More soluble versions were made by including two methoxy groups on the central phenyl ring.     

Solution and Solid‐State Polymerization of 2,3‐Dicyano‐5,7‐dimethyl‐6H‐1,4‐diazepine

Abstract

2,3‐Dicyano‐5,7‐dimethyl‐6H‐1,4‐diazepine (1) is polymerized to a conjugated structure in solution by both alkaline sugar reagents and butoxide in n‐butanol and in the solid state by thermal annealing. From both infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, all polymers have a similar chain repeat structure involving polymerization at one of the two cyano groups in the molecular structure of 1. Electronic spectra, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and thermal analysis further characterize the polymers. The methyl protons of 1 are acidic, and solution polymerization is likely initiated by a delocalized anion derived from 1. This delocalized anion also provides a rationalization for polymerization at only one of the cyano groups of 1 instead of cyclopolymerization. The solid state polymerization leads to an amorphous product in a heterogeneous process. The crystal structure of 1 does not allow formation of an infinite chain. A tautomeric form of 1 likely initiates the solid state polymerization. The tautomerization creates a defect site in the crystal of 1, and the initial addition reaction is likely topochemical.     

Synthesis and NMR Characterization of Multi‐hydroxyl End‐groups PEG and PLGA‐PEG Barbell‐like Copolymers

Multi‐hydroxyl end‐groups poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was prepared from PEG and epichlorohydrin. Then, PEG‐supported poly(lactic‐ran‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)_n‐PEG‐(PLGA)_n (n=1, 2, 4) linear‐dendritic barbell‐like copolymers were synthesized through direct polycondensation under bulk condition from the multi‐hydroxyl end‐groups PEG, lactic acid and glycolic acid. Arm numbers were varied, with 2, 4 and 8, by using bis‐, tetra‐, and octa‐hydroxyl end‐groups PEG, respectively. The chemical structures, absolute number‐average molecular weight, the monomer units per single arm and the molar ratio of hydroxyl acid monomer units of the (PLGA)_n‐PEG‐(PLGA)_n barbell‐like copolymers were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. The result indicated that the structures of the multi‐hydroxyl end‐groups PEG and (PLGA)_n‐PEG‐(PLGA)_n barbell‐like copolymers were consistent with design. Compared with the theoretical values, molecular weights determined by ¹H‐NMR end‐group analysis gave reasonably consistent values, but the values determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were considerably less than theoretical values. The results indicated that (PLGA)_n‐PEG‐(PLGA)_n copolymers have linear‐dendritic structures.     

Mild and Efficient Synthesis of 1,8‐Naphthalide and 1,8‐Naphthalenedimethanol

Abstract

Mild and efficient procedures have been developed for synthesis of 1,8‐naphthalide and 1,8‐naphthalenedimethanol. In an ice‐water bath, 1,8‐naphthalide was prepared from 1,8‐naphthlic anhydride using LiAlH₄ as reducing agent. 1,8‐Naphthalenedimethanol was obtained with good yield from reduction of 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride by LiAlH₄ and Lewis acids at room temperature. The effects of various factors on the reduction of 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride with LiAlH₄ were investigated.     

Novel plastoquinone analogs containing benzocaine and its analogs: structure‐based design,synthesis, and structural characterization

Introducing new biologically active organic molecules or their analogs into the pharmaceutically important molecules significantly enables the discovery and development of the medicines that improve the health of patients. Chemical synthesis has a key role in pharmaceutical research and development, aiming to design and build molecules with the essential biological activity needed in drugs. For that reason, herein, three series of novel PQ analogs (the nonhalogenated (PQ1-6) and the halogenated PQ analogs (BrPQ1-6 and ClPQ1-6)) containing benzocaine and its analogs were designed and synthesized starting from the commercially available dimethylhydroquinone (1) with benzocaine and its analogs. The structures of all synthesized analogs were characterized by using spectroscopic methods. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated for the PQ analogs.

     

Enzyme‐powered micromotors based on hierarchical porous MOFs

Bioinspired micro‐/nano‐motors are artificial micro‐/nano‐machines that can convert various forms of energy to propel their movement[1].For example,the motion of some of these micromachines can be precisely controlled by application of external physical stimuli including magnetic,electric and acoustic fields[2,3].Inspired by the study of microorganisms,researchers have been exploring also the use of available chemical energy from the local environment to trigger and sustain self‐propulsion[4].Within this research direction,Metal‐organic frameworks(MOFs)—a class of extended materials synthesized via a modular approach from inorganic(metal clusters or ions)and organic linkers[5]—offer excellent opportunities for the design and synthesis of self‐propelled micromotors.MOFs typically possess ultra‐high surface areas that allow facile access to densely populated catalytically active sites imbedded within their pore networks.Through careful design these catalytic sites can be exploited to convert chemical energy into kinetic energy resulting in self‐propulsion of the MOF crystal[6].In addition,rigidity,density,crystalline pore organization and pore size of MOFs can be optimized to carry out a swimming‐type motion[7].     

Synthesis of Anomerically Pure,Furanose‐Free α‐Benzyl‐2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐d‐altro‐ and d‐manno‐pyranosides and Some of Their Derivatives

The anomerically pure benzyl α‐d‐glycoside of 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐mannopyranoside was synthesized from d‐glucopyranose via 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐d‐altrose intermediates. Unlike the direct synthesis from mannosamine in the literature, our method provides furanose‐free products. A new method for the preparation of cis‐2,3‐oxazolidinones of 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐sugars was developed. A selective removal of the glycosidic benzyl group in the presence of 4,6‐O‐benzylidene protection was developed, which may provide new routes for the synthesis of oligosaccharides. Furanose‐free derivatives of α‐benzyl‐2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐mannopyranuronic acids synthesized here offered possibilities for direct comparisons to prior literature preparations.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of 9‐Substituted Benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione and 5‐Benzyl‐9‐substituted Benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione

New Mansonone analogues of 9‐substitued benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione 5b–e and 5‐benzyl‐9‐substitued benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione 6a–e were prepared through a modified route. The first step involved a bulky base t‐butylamine mediated regioselective deacetylation of 2‐substituted‐1,4‐naphth‐diyl diacetate, resulting in obtaining of monoacetate 4‐acetate 2 in high yield. The mechanism of cyclization, debenzylation, and oxidation for the formation of 5a–e and 6a–e were discussed. The cytotoxicity of the prepared compounds 5 and 6 were comparable with naturally occurring Mansonone F.