Alkali cation attachment to derivatized fullerenes studied by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization

The complexation of alkali metal ions with amphiphilic fullerene derivatives has been investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The formation of analyte ions occurs via two competing mechanisms including electron transfer from matrix-derived ions and metal ion attachment. The interplay of these processes has been examined by laser fluence dependent sample activation and by variation of the target composition. The attachment of metal ions has been established as the gentler and thus more efficient route towards the formation of intact analyte ions. Investigations into the metal ion complexation have been conducted to reveal the reactivity order of the alkali metals in these reactions and to elucidate the influence of structural differences of the analytes, as well as to unravel effects caused by the anionic counter ion of the metal. The experimental data have been derived by two complementary approaches. Competing reactants were either studied simultaneously, so that the product distribution would provide direct insight into the reactivity pattern, and/or product distributions were obtained in a large variety of separate experiments and normalized for reliable comparison. It has been found that the extent to which complexation is observed follows the charge density order of the alkali metal ions. The structural features of the fullerene-attached ligands were of profound influence on the attachment of the metal ion, inducing enhanced selectivity for the complexation with less reactive metals. The metal ion attachment is reduced with the use of smaller anionic counter ions. Rationalization of these findings is provided within the framework of the mechanisms of ion formation in MALDI.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra reflect solution-phase zinc finger peptide complexation

The complexation between an 18-residue zinc finger peptide of CCHC type (CCHC=Cys-X₂-Cys-X₄-His-X₄-Cys, X=variable amino acid) from the gag protein p55 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and various transition metal ions was studied by means of circular dichroism spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). A correlation between the complexation behavior in solution and in MALDI-MS could be established. It was shown that MALDI-MS is a fast method suitable for studying metal binding properties of zinc finger complexes.     

嵌段-接枝共聚物SEPG与PS(OH)之间的氢键络合导致胶束化的研究

利用原子转移自由基聚合反应合成了以聚苯乙烯-b-聚(乙烯-co-丙烯)(SEP)为主链、无规分布且数目可控的聚甲基丙烯酸乙酯(PEMA)为支链的嵌段接枝共聚物SEPG.发现在甲苯中因支链PEMA与聚(苯乙烯-co-对六氟羟丙基-α-甲基苯乙烯)[简称PS(OH]的氢键络合作用和EP嵌段的溶解作用导致了聚集体的胶束化.研究了胶束的尺寸及其分布对PS(OH)中羟基含量和共混物组成的依赖性.     

嵌段—接枝共聚物SPEG与PS（OH）之间的氢键络合导致胶束化的研究

利用原子转移自由基聚合反应合成了以聚苯乙烯－ｂ－聚（乙烯－ｃｏ－丙烯）（ＳＥＰ）为主链、无规分布且数目可控的聚甲基丙烯酸乙酯（ＰＥＭＡ）为支链的嵌段接枝共聚物ＳＰＥＧ,发现在甲苯中因支链ＰＥＭＡ与聚（苯乙烯－ｃｏ－对六氟丙基－α－甲基苯乙烯）「简称ＰＳ（ＯＨ）」的氢键络合作用和ＥＰ嵌段的溶解作用导致了聚集体的胶束化,研究了胶束的尺寸及其分布对ＰＳ（ＯＨ）中羟基含量和共混物组成的依赖性。     

Phototransformation of Pyridine-Containing Nitrosubstituted Spiropyran in the Presence of Metal Ions

Photocoloration and complexation reactions of pyridine-containing nitrosubstituted spiropyran with terbium, zinc, and lanthanum cations in acetonitrile have been studied using laser kinetic spectroscopy. The triplet state participates in the photocoloration reaction of spiropyran. The complexation reaction is accompanied by a hypsochromic shift of the absorption band and proceeds in the microsecond range with pseudo-first order rate constants of 1.4 × 10⁶, 2.3 × 10⁶, and 3.5 × 10⁵ s^–1 for lanthanum, zinc, and terbium cations, respectively.     

Salt effects on aggregation of O-carboxymethylchitosan in aqueous solution

The effects of salt with different valences (NaCl, CaCl2 and CrCl3) on the aggregation of O-carboxylmethylchitosan (OCMCS) in dilute aqueous solution were investigated using viscometry, dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). With increasing OCMCS concentration beyond a critical aggregation concentration (cac) of approximately 0.045 g/l, the aggregation of OCMCS appears in solution. The driving forces of the OCMCS aggregation are intermolecular hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic repulsion. The OCMCS aggregation behavior strongly depends on the valence of salt. When NaCl is added, the aggregate size increases with NaCl concentration. When CaCl2 or CrCl3 is added to a given OCMCS concentration, there exists a critical concentration each of Ca2+ and Cr3+. Before the critical concentration, the aggregates decrease in size with increasing salt concentration due to the intra-aggregate complexation; while after the critical concentration, the size of the aggregates increases with salt concentration due to the inter-aggregate complexation. Moreover, the effect of Cr3+ on the OCMCS aggregation is greater than that of Ca2+. The formation of the intra-aggregate complexation is found to be a kinetic process and the aggregate size decreases with time; the formation of the inter-aggregate complexation is also kinetic where the aggregate size increases with time. The aggregates dominated by the intra-aggregate complexation are small, compact and spherical, while the aggregates dominated by the inter-aggregate complexation show the big, compact and spherical morphology.     

Polymeric micelles formed by splitting of micellar cluster

Polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) diblock copolymer chains form aggregates with bimodal distribution in toluene. The introduction of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) chains leads to the formation of mixed micellar cluster due to the hydrogen-bonding complexation between PAA and PEO. By using laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, we have investigated the structural evolution of the mixed micellar cluster. As the standing time increases, the cluster split into regular complex micelles composed of PS-b-PAA and PS-b-PEO chains. Our results reveal that the hydrogen-bonding complexation between PAA and PEO in the core and the repulsion between PS chains in the corona as a function of the molar ratio (r) of PEO to PAA manipulate the evolution.     

Complexation of bovine serum albumin and sugar beet pectin: structural transitions and phase diagram

The complexation between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sugar beet pectin (SBP) was studied in situ by coupling glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) induced acidification with dynamic light scattering and turbidity measurements. Individual measurements at specific pHs and mixing ratios were also carried out using zeta potentiometry, gel permeation chromatography-multiangle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). These investigations together enabled the establishment of a phase diagram of BSA/SBP and the identification of the molecular events during protein/polysaccharide complexation in relation to the phase diagram, which showed five regions: (I) a stable region of mixed individual soluble polymers, (II) a stable region of intramolecular soluble complexes, (III) a quasi-stable region of intermolecular soluble complexes, (IV) an unstable region of intermolecular insoluble complexes, and (V) a second stable region of mixed individual soluble polymers, on lowering pH. We found for the first time that the complexation could take place well above the critical pH(c), the value that most previous studies had regarded as the onset occurrence of complexation. A model of structural transitions between the regions was proposed. The borderline between region II and region III represents the BSA/SBP stoichiometry for intramolecular soluble complex at a specific pH, while that between region III and region IV identifies the composition of the intermolecular insoluble complex. Also studied was the effect of NaCl and CaCl(2) on the phase diagram and structural transitions.     

Time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigations of the N3- complexation of Eu(III), Cm(III), and Am(III) in an ionic liquid: differences and similarities

The complexation of the lanthanide Eu(III) and the actinides Cm(III) and Am(III) by N3- was investigated by application of time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS) in the ionic liquid solution of C4mimTf2N (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). TRLFS measurements show that the interaction of azide with Eu(CF3SO3)3 and Eu(ClO4)3 results in both dynamic luminescence quenching by collisional encounters of N3- with Eu(III) and static luminescence quenching by inner-sphere complexation of Eu(III) by N3-. Hereby, the complexation of Eu-triflate by azide starts at a lower N3- concentration as compared to the perchlorate salt. The authors ascribe this phenomenon to a stronger bonding of ClO4- toward the metal ion than triflate, as well as to a stronger electrostatic repulsion of N3- by the perchlorate ligand. In both actinide samples (Cm(ClO4)3, Am(ClO4)3), the complexation with azide exhibits a clear kinetic hindrance. Nevertheless, mixed actinide-perchlorate-azide complexes are formed after several days in C4mimTf2N. The different reaction kinetics for the Ln- and An-complexation by azide may provide the opportunity for an effective separation of lanthanides from actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle by the use of N-based extractants in ionic liquid solution.     

Determination of alkali metal ion binding selectivities of calixarenes by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray ionization in a quadrupole ion trap

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) are used to evaluate the alkali metal ion binding selectivities of a series of calixarenes. Each calixarene of interest is mixed with one or more alkali metal salts (1:100 ratio of calixarene to metal), either in the ESI solution or on the MALDI probe surface, and the relative binding selectivities are directly determined from the intensities of the calixarene/metal complexes in the mass spectra. For t-butylcalix[4]arene-tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester (calixarene 1), complexation of Na⁺ is favored over complexation of K⁺, in agreement with prior solution results obtained by conventional methods. For the three calixarenes that do not have t-butyl groups on the upper rims, the calixarenes preferentially bind K⁺ over Na⁺, thus demonstrating that size selective complexation can be probed with both the ESI and MALDI methods. Collision-activated dissociation results indicate that the phenyl oxygens, but not necessarily the ethoxy ethyl oxygens of the lower rims, are the primary binding sites for the alkali metal ions.     

Synthesis and optical properties of metal-centered dimeric fullerene macromolecules

Dimeric fullerene macromolecules were prepared via the complexation of two fullerenylated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligands with Fe(II) and Co(II) ions. The solubility of these macromolecules in some organic solvents allowed both their structural characterization and a study of their optical properties. The electronic absorption and emission of the macromolecules in solution were evaluated; and the results indicated no meaningful ground-state and excited singlet state intramolecular charge transfer interactions. However, the laser flash photolysis results could be explained in terms of the electron transfer quenching of the excited triplet methanofullerene moiety by the center metal–ligand complex in the macromolecules. The optical limiting properties of the macromolecules in solution were also investigated in comparison with those of the ligands for an evaluation of the complexation effects.     

改性酚氧树脂/聚(甲基丙烯酸丁酯-co-4-乙烯基吡啶)共混物的相容-络合行为和表面表征

合成了一系列不同4-乙烯基吡啶含量的聚(甲基丙烯酸丁酯-co-4-乙烯基吡啶)(BVPy)共聚物,并对酚氧树脂(Phenoxy)的仲羟基进行了不同乙酰化程度的改性.用粘度法和激光光散射(LLS)研究了BVPy/改性Phenoxy共混物在溶液中的络合行为对氢键相互作用基团密度的依赖性,并用DSC研究了共混体系在本体中的相容性.将粘度法及LLS的结果结合起来,得到了改性Phenoxy/BVPy共混体系的不相容-相容-络合转变相图.在此基础上,用XPS初步考察了共混物的相容性对其表面组成的影响.结果表明,大分子间的络合相互作用可抑制共混物的表面富集.     

Complexation of novel diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes: unusual extraction behaviour, transport, and fluorescence studies

Three diglycolamide functionalized calix[4]arenes (calix[4]-nDGA) were synthesized and evaluated for their extraction behaviour towards lanthanide/actinide ions. Exceptionally high D(Am) and D(Pu) values indicate these radiotoxic elements can be selectively removed from nuclear waste solutions. Transport and laser induced fluorescence studies indicated strong complexation of the trivalent metal ions with the calix[4]-4DGA ligand.     

Structural effects on polyether cationization by alkali metal ions in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization

Structural effects on polyether cationization in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are investigated using three different polyethers: PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), and PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran). This study was performed using equimolar cesium and lithium chlorides as the cationizing agent. It was observed that the polyether structure variation led to a substantial change in polyether selectivity for alkali metal ion complexation. Moreover, it was found that like PEG, PPG displays a different selectivity for Cs⁺ and Li⁺ with different matrices. Discussion of these results and their implication in MALDI are given.     

Contribution to polymer nanoparticles analysis by laser light scattering

The applications of laser light scattering (LLS) to polymer physics and colloid science have been extensive and noteworthy, especially in particle-size analysis. The study presents an example of LLS application to the characterization of interpolymer complexation of poly(aspartic acid) with a vinylic polymer, by particle size and zeta potential evaluation. The LLS technique is complemented by oscillatory rheological data. The complexes have a potential biomedical application by bioactive substances attachment.     

Spectroscopic evidence for a dinitrogen complex of gallium and estimation of the Ga-N2 bond strength

Matrix-isolation experiments were performed to study the interaction between Ga atoms and N2 by using Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopies for detection and analysis. It was revealed that a weak complex is formed, for which resonance Raman spectra were obtained. Several overtones were sighted, allowing a rough estimate of the Ga-N2 fragmentation energy to be made (approximately 19 kJ mol(-1)). The excitation profile obtained from the spectra at different laser wavelengths agrees with the UV/Vis spectrum and shows that the complex exhibits an electronic transition at around 410 nm. At the Ga atom, this transition can be described as a 2S<--2P or 2D<--2P excitation, which is red-shifted from its position for free Ga atoms (approximately 340 nm and 270 nm for 2S<--2P and 2D<--2P, respectively) as a result of N2 complexation. The effect of complexation involves, therefore, only slight stabilization of the 2P ground state but relatively strong stabilization of the excited (2)S state. Accordingly, for the Ga atom in its excited 2S state, the Ga-N2 bond energy can be estimated to be around 79 kJ mol(-1).     

Structural evolution of mixed micelles due to interchain complexation and segregation investigated by laser light scattering

Polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) diblock copolymers form micelles in toluene with PAA as the core and PS as the corona. The introduction of poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PMMA-b-PEO) solution in toluene leads to mixed micelles due to the hydrogen-bonding complexation between PAA and PEO. By using a combination of static and dynamic laser light scattering, we have investigated the evolution of the mixed micelles. Our results revealed that the complexation between PAA and PEO in the core and the segregation between PS and PMMA in the corona as a function of the molar ratio (r) of PEO to PAA manipulate the evolution. At r < approximately 1.0, the mixed micelles hold a spherical structure after a long-time standing. However, at r > approximately 1.0, the average radius of gyration Rg, the average hydrodynamic radius , and the ratio / of the mixed micelles increase with time, whereas the molar mass (Mw) does not change. The facts indicate that the mixed micelle has evolved from a spherical structure to a hyperbranched structure.     

Entropy and enthalpy of polyelectrolyte complexation: Langevin dynamics simulations

We report a systematic study by Langevin dynamics simulation on the energetics of complexation between two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes of same charge density in dilute solutions of a good solvent with counterions and salt ions explicitly included. The enthalpy of polyelectrolyte complexation is quantified by comparisons of the Coulomb energy before and after complexation. The entropy of polyelectrolyte complexation is determined directly from simulations and compared with that from a mean-field lattice model explicitly accounting for counterion adsorption. At weak Coulomb interaction strengths, e.g., in solvents of high dielectric constant or with weakly charged polyelectrolytes, complexation is driven by a negative enthalpy due to electrostatic attraction between two oppositely charged chains, with counterion release entropy playing only a subsidiary role. In the strong interaction regime, complexation is driven by a large counterion release entropy and opposed by a positive enthalpy change. The addition of salt reduces the enthalpy of polyelectrolyte complexation by screening electrostatic interaction at all Coulomb interaction strengths. The counterion release entropy also decreases in the presence of salt, but the reduction only becomes significant at higher Coulomb interaction strengths. More significantly, in the range of Coulomb interaction strengths appropriate for highly charged polymers in aqueous solutions, complexation enthalpy depends weakly on salt concentration and counterion release entropy exhibits a large variation as a function of salt concentration. Our study quantitatively establishes that polyelectrolyte complexation in highly charged Coulomb systems is of entropic origin.     

Photophysical behaviour of 4-(imidazole-1-yl) phenol and its complexation with beta-cyclodextrin in ground and excited states

This paper mainly dwells on photophysics of 4-(imidazole-1-yl) phenol (IDP) in different solvents and temperatures from the investigations of absorption, emission and laser flash photolysis and also on the nature of complexation with beta-cyclodextrin (CD) in ground and excited states. IDP makes 1:1 inclusion complex with beta-CD in ground, excited singlet and also in triplet states. The orientation of complex could be ascertained as imidazole moiety stays inside the cavity with phenol moiety stays in the bulk. A proposed energy level scheme unveils that vibronic interaction and spin-orbit interaction are found to be active differently in aprotic and protic solvents.     

聚甲基丙烯酸与修饰聚丙烯酰胺间的络合作用

利用荧光各向异性,荧光探针和荧光猝灭等静态光物理技术研究了稀水溶液中聚甲基丙烯酸（ＰＭＡＡ）与阳离子修饰聚丙烯酰胺（ＱＣＰＡＭ）间的络合作用。结果表明：在ｐＨ＝２－８范围内,ＰＭＡＡ与ＱＣＰＡＭ之间发生明显络合,但以ｐＨ为４时络合作用最大,最佳络合本比为１：１（单体单元比）,络合作用的发生大大地改变了ＰＭＡＡ的构象行为,ＰＭＡＡ构象对ｐＨ和络合作用的双重依赖性有可能在新型“智能”凝胶的设计合成上获