Syntheses and Characterization of Novel Perovskite-Type LaScO3-Based Lithium Ionic Conductors

Perovskite-type lithium ionic conductors were explored in the (Li_xLa_1−x/3)ScO₃ system following their syntheses via a high-pressure solid-state reaction. Phase identification indicated that a solid solution with a perovskite-type structure was formed in the range 0 ≤ x < 0.6. When x = 0.45, (Li_0.45La_0.85)ScO₃ exhibited the highest ionic conductivity and a low activation energy. Increasing the loading of lithium as an ionic diffusion carrier expanded the unit cell volume and contributed to the higher ionic conductivity and lower activation energy. Cations with higher oxidation numbers were introduced into the A/B sites to improve the ionic conductivity. Ce⁴⁺ and Zr⁴⁺ or Nb⁵⁺ dopants partially substituted the A-site (La/Li) and B-site Sc, respectively. Although B-site doping produced a lower ionic conductivity, A-site Ce⁴⁺ doping improved the conductive properties. A perovskite-type single phase was obtained for (Li_0.45La_0.78Ce_0.05)ScO₃ upon Ce⁴⁺ doping, providing a higher ionic conductivity than (Li_0.45La_0.85)ScO₃. Compositional analysis and crystal-structure refinement of (Li_0.45La_0.85)ScO₃ and (Li_0.45La_0.78Ce_0.05)ScO₃ revealed increased lithium contents and expansion of the unit cell upon Ce⁴⁺ co-doping. The highest ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 623 K was confirmed for (Li_0.4Ce_0.15La_0.67)ScO₃, which is more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the (Li_xLa_1−x/3)ScO₃ system.     

Two Key Amino Acids Variant of α-l-arabinofuranosidase from Bacillus subtilis Str. 168 with Altered Activity for Selective Conversion Ginsenoside Rc to Rd

α-l-arabinofuranosidase is a subfamily of glycosidases involved in the hydrolysis of l-arabinofuranosidic bonds, especially in those of the terminal non-reducing arabinofuranosyl residues of glycosides, from which efficient glycoside hydrolases can be screened for the transformation of ginsenosides. In this study, the ginsenoside Rc-hydrolyzing α-l-arabinofuranosidase gene, BsAbfA, was cloned from Bacilus subtilis, and its codons were optimized for efficient expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant protein BsAbfA fused with an N-terminal His-tag was overexpressed and purified, and then subjected to enzymatic characterization. Site-directed mutagenesis of BsAbfA was performed to verify the catalytic site, and the molecular mechanism of BsAbfA catalyzing ginsenoside Rc was analyzed by molecular docking, using the homology model of sequence alignment with other β-glycosidases. The results show that the purified BsAbfA had a specific activity of 32.6 U/mg. Under optimal conditions (pH 5, 40 °C), the kinetic parameters K_m of BsAbfA for pNP-α-Araf and ginsenoside Rc were 0.6 mM and 0.4 mM, while the K_cat/K_m were 181.5 s⁻¹ mM⁻¹ and 197.8 s⁻¹ mM⁻¹, respectively. More than 90% of ginsenoside Rc could be transformed by 12 U/mL purified BsAbfA at 40 °C and pH 5 in 24 h. The results of molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis suggested that the E173 and E292 variants for BsAbfA are important in recognizing ginsenoside Rc effectively, and to make it enter the active pocket to hydrolyze the outer arabinofuranosyl moieties at C₂₀ position. These remarkable properties and the catalytic mechanism of BsAbfA provide a good alternative for the effective biotransformation of the major ginsenoside Rc into Rd.     

Thermodynamic Solution Properties of a Biodegradable Chelant (L-glutamic-N,N-diacetic Acid,L-GLDA) and Its Sequestering Ability toward Cd2+

The thermodynamics of the interaction of L-glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) with protons was studied potentiometrically at different temperatures, ionic strengths and ionic media. Four protonation constants and corresponding enthalpy changes occurred at infinite dilution together with temperature and ionic strength coefficients. The medium effect was also interpreted in terms of the formation of weak complexes between the ligand and the cations of supporting electrolytes, resulting in a greater tendency of GLDA to chemically interact with Na⁺ rather than K⁺ and, in turn, (CH₃)₄N⁺. Formation constants of GLDA with Cd²⁺ were determined in NaCl_(aq) at different ionic strength values. Five complex species were found, namely CdL²⁻, CdHL⁻, CdH₂L⁰_(aq), Cd₂L⁰_(aq), and Cd(OH)L³⁻, whose formation constant values at infinite dilution were log β = 12.68, 17.61, 20.76, 17.52, and 1.77, respectively. All the species results were relevant in the pH range of natural waters, although the Cd₂L⁰_(aq) was observed only for C_Cd ≥ C_GLDA and concentrations of >0.1 mmol dm⁻³. The sequestering ability of GLDA toward Cd²⁺, evaluated by means of pL_0.5, was maximum at pH~10, whereas the presence of a chloride containing a supporting electrolyte exerted a negative effect. Among new generation biodegradable ligands, GLDA was the most efficient in Cd²⁺ sequestration.     

Separation of cerium and europium by extraction with tributyl phosphate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid in n-alkane from nitrate solutions

The following extraction systems have been studied: (Ce³⁺+Eu³⁺) (NO₃)-(EDTA, DCTA, DTPA)/TBP in n-alkane and (Ce³⁺+Eu³⁺)(NO₃)/DEHPA in n-alkane at concentration ratios as follows: [Ce³⁺]=trace –1 mol·dm^–3, [Eu³⁺]=trace –0.1 mol·dm^–3. [TBP]=(0.183–1.83) mol·dm^–3, [DEHPA]=(5·10^–3–0.1) mol·dm^–3, [(H, Na)NO₃]=(0.1–6) mol·dm^–3, [Eu³⁺]: [EDTA, DCTA, DTPA]=11–110. The initial concentration of Eu³⁺ in aqueous phase in the extraction system containing a mixture of Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺ was trace, 1% and 10% compared with the Ce³⁺ concentration. The distribution of the elements between the phases was observed radiometrically using¹⁴¹Ce,¹⁵²Eu and¹⁵⁴Eu. The results are documented by the distribution ratios D_Ce, D_Eu and separation factor =D_Eu/D_Ce as functions of variable parameters of the systems.     

Exploiting host–guest chemistry to manipulate magnetic interactions in metallosupramolecular M4L6 tetrahedral cages

Reaction of Ni(OTf)₂ with the bisbidentate quaterpyridine ligand L results in the self-assembly of a tetrahedral, paramagnetic cage [Ni^II₄L₆]⁸⁺. By selectively exchanging the bound triflate from [OTf⊂Ni^II₄L₆](OTf)₇ (1), we have been able to prepare a series of host–guest complexes that feature an encapsulated paramagnetic tetrahalometallate ion inside this paramagnetic host giving [M^IIX₄⊂Ni^II₄L₆](OTf)₆, where M^IIX₄²⁻ = MnCl₄²⁻ (2), CoCl₄²⁻ (5), CoBr₄²⁻ (6), NiCl₄²⁻ (7), and CuBr₄²⁻ (8) or [M^IIIX₄⊂Ni^II₄L₆](OTf)₇, where M^IIIX₄⁻ = FeCl₄⁻ (3) and FeBr₄⁻ (4). Triflate-to-tetrahalometallate exchange occurs in solution and can also be accomplished through single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations. Host–guest complexes 1–8 all crystallise as homochiral racemates in monoclinic space groups, wherein the four {NiN₆} vertexes within a single Ni₄L₆ unit possess the same Δ or Λ stereochemistry. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetisation data show that the magnetic exchange between metal ions in the host [Ni^II₄] complex, and between the host and the MX₄ⁿ⁻ guest, are of comparable magnitude and antiferromagnetic in nature. Theoretically derived values for the magnetic exchange are in close agreement with experiment, revealing that large spin densities on the electronegative X-atoms of particular MX₄ⁿ⁻ guest molecules lead to stronger host–guest magnetic exchange interactions.

The tetrahedral [Ni^II₄L₆]⁸⁺ cage can reversibly bind paramagnetic MX₄^1/2− guests, inducing magnetic exchange interactions between host and guest.     

Complexes of Bifunctional DO3A-N-(α-amino)propinate Ligands with Mg(II), Ca(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Lanthanide(III) Ions: Thermodynamic Stability,Formation and Dissociation Kinetics,and Solution Dynamic NMR Studies

The thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural properties of Ln³⁺ complexes with the bifunctional DO3A-ACE⁴⁻ ligand and its amide derivative DO3A-BACE⁴⁻ (modelling the case where DO3A-ACE⁴⁻ ligand binds to vector molecules) have been studied in order to confirm the usefulness of the corresponding Gd³⁺ complexes as relaxation labels of targeted MRI contrast agents. The stability constants of the Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ complexes of DO3A-ACE⁴⁻ and DO3A-BACE⁴⁻ complexes are lower than for DOTA⁴⁻ and DO3A³⁻, while the Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ complexes have similar and higher stability than for DOTA⁴⁻ and DO3A³⁻ complexes. The stability constants of the Ln(DO3A-BACE)⁻ complexes increase from Ce³⁺ to Gd³⁺ but remain practically constant for the late Ln³⁺ ions (represented by Yb³⁺). The stability constants of the Ln(DO3A-ACE)⁴⁻ and Ln(DO3A-BACE)⁴⁻ complexes are several orders of magnitude lower than those of the corresponding DOTA⁴⁻ and DO3A³⁻ complexes. The formation rate of Eu(DO3A-ACE)⁻ is one order of magnitude slower than for Eu(DOTA)⁻, due to the presence of the protonated amine group, which destabilizes the protonated intermediate complex. This protonated group causes the Ln(DO3A-ACE)⁻ complexes to dissociate several orders of magnitude faster than Ln(DOTA)⁻ and its absence in the Ln(DO3A-BACE)⁻ complexes results in inertness similar to Ln(DOTA)⁻ (as judged by the rate constants of acid assisted dissociation). The ¹H NMR spectra of the diamagnetic Y(DO3A-ACE)⁻ and Y(DO3A-BACE)⁻ reflect the slow dynamics at low temperatures of the intramolecular isomerization process between the SA pair of enantiomers, R-Λ(λλλλ) and S-Δ(δδδδ). The conformation of the C_α-substituted pendant arm is different in the two complexes, where the bulky substituent is further away from the macrocyclic ring in Y(DO3A-BACE)⁻ than the amino group in Y(DO3A-ACE)⁻ to minimize steric hindrance. The temperature dependence of the spectra reflects slower ring motions than pendant arms rearrangements in both complexes. Although losing some thermodynamic stability relative to Gd(DOTA)⁻, Gd(DO3A-BACE)⁻ is still quite inert, indicating the usefulness of the bifunctional DO3A-ACE⁴⁻ in the design of GBCAs and Ln³⁺-based tags for protein structural NMR analysis.     

Silver (Ι)‐assisted enantiomeric analysis of ginsenosides using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

For identification of ginsenoside enantiomers, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) was used to generate silver complexes of the type [ginsenoside + Ag]⁺. Collision induced dissociation of the silver‐ginsenoside complexes produced fragment ions by dehydration, allowing differentiation of ginsenoside enantiomers by the intensity of [M + Ag ? H₂O]⁺ ion. In the meanwhile, an approach based on the distinct profiles of enantiomer‐selective fragment ion intensity varied with collision energy was introduced to refine the identification and quantitation of ginsenoside enantiomers. Five pairs of enantiomeric ginsenosides were distinguished and quantified on the basis of the distribution of fragment ion [M + Ag ? H₂O]⁺. This method was also extended to the identification of other type of ginsenoside isomers such as ginsenoside Rb2 and Rb3. For demonstrating the practicability of this novel approach, it was utilized to analyze the molar ratio of 20‐(S) and 20‐(R) type enantiomeric ginsenosides in enantiomer mixture in red ginseng extract. The generation of characteristic fragment ion [M + Ag ? H₂O]⁺ likely results from the reduction of potential energy barrier of dehydration because of the catalysis of silver ion. The mechanism of enantiomer identification of ginsenosides was discussed from the aspects of computational modeling and internal energy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ceria–Zirconia Nanoparticles as an Enhanced Multi‐Antioxidant for Sepsis Treatment

The two oxidation states of ceria nanoparticles, Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺, play a pivotal role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, Ce³⁺ is largely responsible for removing O₂⁻ and ^.OH that are associated with inflammatory response and cell death. The synthesis is reported of 2 nm ceria–zirconia nanoparticles (CZ NPs) that possess a higher Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ ratio and faster conversion from Ce⁴⁺ to Ce³⁺ than those exhibited by ceria nanoparticles. The obtained Ce_0.7Zr_0.3O₂ (7CZ) NPs greatly improve ROS scavenging performance, thus regulating inflammatory cells in a very low dose. Moreover, 7CZ NPs are demonstrated to be effective in reducing mortality and systemic inflammation in two representative sepsis models. These findings suggest that 7CZ NPs have the potential as a therapeutic nanomedicine for treating ROS‐related inflammatory diseases.     

Salt Stress Mitigation via the Foliar Application of Chitosan-Functionalized Selenium and Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)

High salt levels are one of the significant and major limiting factors on crop yield and productivity. Out of the available attempts made against high salt levels, engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely employed and considered as effective strategies in this regard. Of these NPs, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) and selenium functionalized using chitosan nanoparticles (Cs–Se NPs) were applied for a quite number of plants, but their potential roles for alleviating the adverse effects of salinity on stevia remains unclear. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is one of the reputed medicinal plants due to their diterpenoid steviol glycosides (stevioside and rebaudioside A). For this reason, the current study was designed to investigate the potential of TiO₂ NPs (0, 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹) and Cs–Se NPs (0, 10 and 20 mg L⁻¹) to alleviate salt stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl) in stevia. The findings of the study revealed that salinity decreased the growth and photosynthetic traits but resulted in substantial cell damage through increasing H₂O₂ and MDA content, as well as electrolyte leakage (EL). However, the application of TiO₂ NPs (100 mg L⁻¹) and Cs–Se NPs (20 mg L⁻¹) increased the growth, photosynthetic performance and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased the contents of H₂O₂, MDA and EL under the saline conditions. In addition to the enhanced growth and physiological performance of the plant, the essential oil content was also increased with the treatments of TiO₂ (100 mg L⁻¹) and Cs–Se NPs (20 mg L⁻¹). In addition, the tested NPs treatments increased the concentration of stevioside (in the non-saline condition and under salinity stress) and rebaudioside A (under the salinity conditions) in stevia plants. Overall, the current findings suggest that especially 100 mg L⁻¹ TiO₂ NPs and 20 mg L⁻¹ Cs–Se could be considered as promising agents in combating high levels of salinity in the case of stevia.     

The Effect of Metal Cations on the Aqueous Behavior of Dopamine. Thermodynamic Investigation of the Binary and Ternary Interactions with Cd2+, Cu2+ and UO22+ in NaCl at Different Ionic Strengths and Temperatures

The interactions of dopamine [2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamine, (Dop⁻)] with cadmium(II), copper(II) and uranyl(VI) were studied in NaCl(aq) at different ionic strengths (0 ≤ I/mol dm⁻³ ≤ 1.0) and temperatures (288.15 ≤ T/K ≤ 318.15). From the elaboration of the experimental data, it was found that the speciation models are featured by species of different stoichiometry and stability. In particular for cadmium, the formation of only MLH, ML and ML₂ (M = Cd²⁺; L = dopamine) species was obtained. For uranyl(VI) (UO₂²⁺), the speciation scheme is influenced by the use of UO₂(acetate)₂ salt as a chemical; in this case, the formation of ML₂, MLOH and the ternary MLAc (Ac = acetate) species in a wide pH range was observed. The most complex speciation model was obtained for the interaction of Cu²⁺ with dopamine; in this case we observed the formation of the following species: ML₂, M₂L, M₂L₂, M₂L₂(OH)₂, M₂LOH and ML₂OH. These speciation models were determined at each ionic strength and temperature investigated. As a further contribution to this kind of investigation, the ternary interactions of dopamine with UO₂²⁺/Cd²⁺ and UO₂²⁺/Cu²⁺ were investigated at I = 0.15 mol dm⁻³ and T = 298.15K. These systems have different speciation models, with the MM’L and M₂M’L₂OH [M = UO₂²⁺; M’ = Cd²⁺ or Cu²⁺, L = dopamine] common species; the species of the mixed Cd²⁺ containing system have a higher stability with respect the Cu²⁺ containing one. The dependence on the ionic strength of complex formation constants was modelled by using both an extended Debye–Hückel equation that included the Van’t Hoff term for the calculation of the formation enthalpy change values and the Specific Ion Interaction Theory (SIT). The results highlighted that, in general, the entropy is the driving force of the process. The quantification of the effective sequestering ability of dopamine towards the studied cations was evaluated by using a Boltzmann-type equation and the calculation of pL_0.5 parameter. The sequestering ability was quantified at different ionic strengths, temperatures and pHs, and this resulted, in general, that the pL_0.5 trend was always: UO₂²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺.     

A generator of peroxynitrite activatable with red light

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as “unconventional” therapeutics with precise spatiotemporal control by using light stimuli may open entirely new horizons for innovative therapeutic modalities. Among ROS and RNS, peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) plays a dominant role in chemistry and biology in view of its potent oxidizing power and cytotoxic action. We have designed and synthesized a molecular hybrid based on benzophenothiazine as a red light-harvesting antenna joined to an N-nitroso appendage through a flexible spacer. Single photon red light excitation of this molecular construct triggers the release of nitric oxide (˙NO) and simultaneously produces superoxide anions (O₂˙⁻). The diffusion-controlled reaction between these two radical species generates ONOO⁻, as confirmed by the use of fluorescein-boronate as a highly selective chemical probe. Besides, the red fluorescence of the hybrid allows its tracking in different types of cancer cells where it is well-tolerated in the dark but induces remarkable cell mortality under irradiation with red light in a very low concentration range, with very low light doses (ca. 1 J cm⁻²). This ONOO⁻ generator activatable by highly biocompatible and tissue penetrating single photon red light can open up intriguing prospects in biomedical research, where precise and spatiotemporally controlled concentrations of ONOO⁻ are required.

Excitation of a molecular hybrid with highly biocompatible red light generates cytotoxic peroxynitrite, produces red fluorescence useful for cell tracking and induces remarkable cancer cell death at very low concentrations and very low light doses.     

Enhanced Production of Artemisinin by Hairy Root Cultivation of Artemisia annua in a Modified Stirred Tank Reactor

Artemisinin is an important drug commonly used in the treatment of malaria as a combination therapy. It is primarily produced by a plant Artemisia annua, however, its supply from plant is significantly lower than its huge demand and therefore alternative in vitro production routes are sought. Hairy root cultivation could be one such alternative production protocol. Agrobacterium rhizogenes was used to induce hairy roots of A. annua. Statistical optimization of media was thereafter attempted to maximize the biomass/artemisinin production. The growth and product formation kinetics and the significant role of O₂ in hairy root propagation were established in optimized media. Mass cultivation of hairy roots was, thereafter, attempted in a modified 3-L Stirred Tank Bioreactor (Applikon Dependable Instruments, The Netherlands) using optimized culture conditions. The reactor was suitably modified to obtain profuse growth of hairy roots by segregating and protecting the growing roots from the agitator rotation in the reactor using a perforated Teflon disk. It was possible to produce 18 g biomass L^?1 (on dry weight basis) and 4.63 mg L^?1 of artemisinin in 28 days, which increased to 10.33 mg L^?1 by the addition of elicitor methyl jasmonate.     

Ion polarisation-assisted hydrogen-bonded ferroelectrics in liquid crystalline domains

An alkylamide-substituted (−NHCOC₁₀H₂₁) hydrogen-bonded dibenzo[18]crown-6 derivative (1) was prepared to stabilise the ionic channel structure in a discotic hexagonal columnar (Col_h) liquid crystal. The introduction of simple M⁺X⁻ salts such as Na⁺PF₆⁻ and K⁺I⁻ into the ionic channel of 1 enhanced the ionic conductivity of the Col_h phase of the M⁺·(1)·X⁻ salts, with the highest ionic conductivity reaching ∼10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ for K⁺·(1)·I⁻ and Na⁺·(1)·PF₆⁻ at 460 K, which was approximately 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of 1. The introduction of non-ferroelectric 1 into the ferroelectric N,N′,N′′-tri(tetradecyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide (3BC) elicited a ferroelectric response from the mixed Col_h phase of (3BC)_x(1)_1−x with x = 0.9 and 0.8. The further doping of M⁺X⁻ into the ferroelectric Col_h phase of (3BC)_0.9(1)_0.1 enhanced the ferroelectric polarisation assisted by ion displacement in the half-filled ionic channel for the vacant dibenzo[18]crown-6 of (3BC)_0.9[(M⁺)_0.5·(1)·(X⁻)_0.5]_0.1.

An alkylamide-substituted (−NHCOC₁₀H₂₁) hydrogen-bonded dibenzo[18]crown-6 derivative (1) was prepared to stabilise the ionic channel structure in a discotic hexagonal columnar (Col_h) liquid crystal.     

Production of Minor Ginsenosides C-K and C-Y from Naturally Occurring Major Ginsenosides Using Crude β-Glucosidase Preparation from Submerged Culture of Fomitella fraxinea

Minor ginsenosides, such as compounds (C)-K and C-Y, possess relatively better bioactivity than those of naturally occurring major ginsenosides. Therefore, this study focused on the biotransformation of major ginsenosides into minor ginsenosides using crude β-glucosidase preparation isolated from submerged liquid culture of Fomitella fraxinea (FFEP). FFEP was prepared by ammonium sulfate (30–80%) precipitation from submerged culture of F. fraxinea. FFEP was used to prepare minor ginsenosides from protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenoside (PPDG-F) or total ginsenoside fraction (TG-F). In addition, biotransformation of major ginsenosides into minor ginsenosides as affected by reaction time and pH were investigated by TLC and HPLC analyses, and the metabolites were also identified by UPLC/negative-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis. FFEP biotransformed ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc into C-K via the following pathways: Rd → F2 → C-K for Rb1 and both Rd → F2→ C-K and C-Mc1 → C-Mc → C-K for Rc, respectively, while C-Y is formed from Rb2 via C-O. FFEP can be applied to produce minor ginsenosides C-K and C-Y from PPDG-F or TG-F. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the production of C-K and C-Y from major ginsenosides by basidiomycete F. fraxinea.     

Oxygen atom transfer promoted nitrate to nitric oxide transformation: a step-wise reduction of nitrate → nitrite → nitric oxide

Nitrate reductases (NRs) are molybdoenzymes that reduce nitrate (NO₃⁻) to nitrite (NO₂⁻) in both mammals and plants. In mammals, the salival microbes take part in the generation of the NO₂⁻ from NO₃⁻, which further produces nitric oxide (NO) either in acid-induced NO₂⁻ reduction or in the presence of nitrite reductases (NiRs). Here, we report a new approach of VCl₃ (V³⁺ ion source) induced step-wise reduction of NO₃⁻ in a Co^II-nitrato complex, [(12-TMC)Co^II(NO₃⁻)]⁺ (2,{Co^II–NO₃⁻}), to a Co^III–nitrosyl complex, [(12-TMC)Co^III(NO)]²⁺ (4,{CoNO}⁸), bearing an N-tetramethylated cyclam (TMC) ligand. The VCl₃ inspired reduction of NO₃⁻ to NO is believed to occur in two consecutive oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions, i.e., OAT-1 = NO₃⁻ → NO₂⁻ (r₁) and OAT-2 = NO₂⁻ → NO (r₂). In these OAT reactions, VCl₃ functions as an O-atom abstracting species, and the reaction of 2 with VCl₃ produces a Co^III-nitrosyl ({CoNO}⁸) with V^V-Oxo ({V^V O}³⁺) species, via a proposed Co^II-nitrito (3, {Co^II–NO₂⁻}) intermediate species. Further, in a separate experiment, we explored the reaction of isolated complex 3 with VCl₃, which showed the generation of 4 with V^V-Oxo, validating our proposed reaction sequences of OAT reactions. We ensured and characterized 3 using VCl₃ as a limiting reagent, as the second-order rate constant of OAT-2 (k₂^/) is found to be ∼1420 times faster than that of the OAT-1 (k₂) reaction. Binding constant (K_b) calculations also support our proposition of NO₃⁻ to NO transformation in two successive OAT reactions, as K_{b(Co^II–NO2⁻)} is higher than K_{b(Co^II–NO3⁻)}, hence the reaction moves in the forward direction (OAT-1). However, K_{b(Co^II–NO2⁻)} is comparable to K_b{CoNO}⁸, and therefore sequenced the second OAT reaction (OAT-2). Mechanistic investigations of these reactions using ¹⁵N-labeled-¹⁵NO₃⁻ and ¹⁵NO₂⁻ revealed that the N-atom in the {CoNO}⁸ is derived from NO₃⁻ ligand. This work highlights the first-ever report of VCl₃ induced step-wise NO₃⁻ reduction (NRs activity) followed by the OAT induced NO₂⁻ reduction and then the generation of Co-nitrosyl species {CoNO}⁸.

Single metal-induced reduction of NO₃⁻ → {NO₂⁻} → NO via oxygen atom transfer reaction.     

Versatile Reactivity of MnII Complexes in Reactions with N-Donor Heterocycles: Metamorphosis of Labile Homometallic Pivalates vs. Assembling of Endurable Heterometallic Acetates

Reaction of 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen) with [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n led to the formation of binuclear complexes [Mn₂(Piv)₄L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (1), phen (2); Piv⁻ is the anion of pivalic acid). Oxidation of 1 or 2 by air oxygen resulted in the formation of tetranuclear Mn^II/III complexes [Mn₄O₂(Piv)₆L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (3), phen (4)). The hexanuclear complex [Mn₆(OH)₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₄] (5) was formed in the reaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with pyrimidine (pym), while oxidation of 5 produced the coordination polymer [Mn₆O₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₂]_n (6). Use of pyrazine (pz) instead of pyrimidine led to the 2D-coordination polymer [Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇(µ₂-pz)₂]_n (7). Interaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with FeCl₃ resulted in the formation of the hexanuclear complex [Mn^II₄Fe^III₂O₂(Piv)₁₀(MeCN)₂(HPiv)₂] (8). The reactions of [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(H₂O)₃] with 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) or trans-1,2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) led to the formation of 1D-polymers [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆L₂]_n·2nDMF, where L = 4,4′-bipy (9·2DMF), bpe (10·2DMF) and [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(bpe)(DMF)]_n·3.5nDMF (11·3.5DMF). All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Desolvation of 11·3.5DMF led to a collapse of the porous crystal lattice that was confirmed by PXRD and N₂ sorption measurements, while alcohol adsorption led to porous structure restoration. Weak antiferromagnetic exchange was found in the case of binuclear Mn^II complexes (J_Mn-Mn = −1.03 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2). According to magnetic data analysis (J_Mn-Mn = −(2.69 ÷ 0.42) cm⁻¹) and DFT calculations (J_Mn-Mn = −(6.9 ÷ 0.9) cm⁻¹) weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn^II ions also occurred in the tetranuclear {Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇} unit of the 2D polymer 7. In contrast, strong antiferromagnetic coupling was found in oxo-bridged trinuclear fragment {MnFe₂O(OAc)₆} in 11·3.5DMF (J_Fe-Fe = −57.8 cm⁻¹, J_Fe-Mn = −20.12 cm⁻¹).     

Sensitization of Tb3+ luminescence with Ce3+ in LaOBr: Tb3+, Ce3+

Luminescence emission and uv-excitation properties of LaOBr: Tb³⁺, LaOBr: Ce³⁺, and LaOBr: Tb³⁺, Ce³⁺ phosphors were studied. The visible emission spectra of La_0.995Tb_0.005OBr consists of⁵D_3,4 →⁷F_3–6 transitions in the wavelength range of 410–630 nm. The excitation of the Tb³⁺ ion gives a broad 4f → 5d transition band at 254 nm and weaker4f → 4f transition lines above 300 nm. The uv-excitation and emission of La_0.995Ce_0.005OBr at 290, 315, 355 (excitation), and 440 nm (emission) originate from transitions between the 4f-ground state and the four crystal field components of the5d²D excited state. The sensitization of Tb³⁺ luminescence in LaOBr with Ce³⁺ at varying concentrations is described and discussed. With increasing Ce³⁺ concentration the ⁵D₃ →⁷F transitions of Tb³⁺ quench totally and the⁵D₄ →⁷F transitions begin to quench gradually. The excitation spectrum of the⁵D₄ →⁷F₅ transition of Tb³⁺ consists of four bands due to Tb³⁺ and Ce³⁺, of which the three Ce³⁺ bands increase in intensity and the Tb³⁺ band decreases as the Ce³⁺ concentration is increased.     

Uncovering an oxide ion substitution for the OH− + CH3F reaction

Theoretical investigations on chemical reactions allow us to understand the dynamics of the possible pathways and identify new unexpected routes. Here, we develop a global analytical potential energy surface (PES) for the OH⁻ + CH₃F reaction in order to perform high-level dynamics simulations. Besides bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (S_N2) and proton abstraction, our quasi-classical trajectory computations reveal a novel oxide ion substitution leading to the HF + CH₃O⁻ products. This exothermic reaction pathway occurs via the CH₃OH⋯F⁻ deep potential well of the S_N2 product channel as a result of a proton abstraction from the hydroxyl group by the fluoride ion. The present detailed dynamics study of the OH⁻ + CH₃F reaction focusing on the surprising oxide ion substitution demonstrates how incomplete our knowledge is of fundamental chemical reactions.

Reaction dynamics simulations on a high-level ab initio analytical potential energy surface reveal a novel oxide ion substitution channel for the OH⁻ + CH₃F reaction.     

Optimization of crystal packing in semiconducting spin-crossover materials with fractionally charged TCNQδ− anions (0 < δ < 1)

Co-crystallization of the prominent Fe(ii) spin-crossover (SCO) cation, [Fe(3-bpp)₂]²⁺ (3-bpp = 2,6-bis(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine), with a fractionally charged TCNQ^δ− radical anion has afforded a hybrid complex [Fe(3-bpp)₂](TCNQ)₃·5MeCN (1·5MeCN, where δ = −0.67). The partially desolvated material shows semiconducting behavior, with the room temperature conductivity σ_RT = 3.1 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹, and weak modulation of conducting properties in the region of the spin transition. The complete desolvation, however, results in the loss of hysteretic behavior and a very gradual SCO that spans the temperature range of 200 K. A related complex with integer-charged TCNQ⁻ anions, [Fe(3-bpp)₂](TCNQ)₂·3MeCN (2·3MeCN), readily loses the interstitial solvent to afford desolvated complex 2 that undergoes an abrupt and hysteretic spin transition centered at 106 K, with an 11 K thermal hysteresis. Complex 2 also exhibits a temperature-induced excited spin-state trapping (TIESST) effect, upon which a metastable high-spin state is trapped by flash-cooling from room temperature to 10 K. Heating above 85 K restores the ground-state low-spin configuration. An approach to improve the structural stability of such complexes is demonstrated by using a related ligand 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2′-yl)pyridine (bzimpy) to obtain [Fe(bzimpy)₂](TCNQ)₆·2Me₂CO (4) and [Fe(bzimpy)₂](TCNQ)₅·5MeCN (5), both of which exist as LS complexes up to 400 K and exhibit semiconducting behavior, with σ_RT = 9.1 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ and 1.8 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹, respectively.

Co-crystallization of the cationic complex [Fe(3-bpp)2]²⁺ with fractionally charged TCNQ^δ− anions (0 < δ < 1) affords semiconducting spin-crossover (SCO) materials. The abruptness of SCO is strongly dependent on the interstitial solvent content.     

Sol-gel deposition and luminescent properties of LaMgAl11O19:Ce/Tb phosphor films

Rare earth ions (Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺)-doped LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉ phosphor films were deposited on quartz glass substrates by Pechini sol-gel and dip coating method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and lifetimes were used to characterize the resulting films. The results of XRD indicated that the magnetoplumbite structure LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉ phase can be obtained at 1200 °C on quartz glass substrates. This was further verified by the results of FT-IR and TG-DTA. AFM study showed that uniform films have an average grain size of 150 nm and a root mean square (RMS) roughness of 4 nm. The thickness of the films characterized by FESEM is about 340 nm. LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉:Ce³⁺ film showed the parity and spin allowed 5d-4f band emission of Ce³⁺ with a maximum at 350 nm. Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺-codoped LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉ films showed the band emission of Ce³⁺ and characteristic emission of Tb³⁺, namely, ⁵D_3,4-⁷F_J (J=6, 5, 4, 3) due to an efficient energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺ in the host.