Liquid�Cliquid extraction studies with 4,4��-biphenylene-spaced bis-��-diketones

4,4??-biphenylene spaced lipophilic bis-??-diketone ligands of the type 4,4??-bis(RC(O)CH₂C(O))C₁₂H₈ (R = Pr, Ph, hexyl, octyl, nonyl) have been prepared and used for the liquid?Cliquid extraction of d-block metal ions. These ligands are expected to interact with divalent metal ions to form charge-neutral trinuclear metallocycles of type [M₃(L ³ )₃(solvent)] as has been demonstrated with the previously reported derivative of H₂ L ³ (R =  ^t Bu), the X-ray structure of which is reported. Liquid?Cliquid extraction studies were performed in a two-phase water/chloroform system employing a radiotracer technique for cobalt(II) and zinc(II). These experiments involved the systematic variation of ligand, metal and 4-ethylpyridine concentrations to probe the stoichiometries of the species extracted. Synergistic extraction was observed when 4-ethylpyridine was present with the ligand in the organic phase. Competitive extraction studies demonstrated the ligands are highly selective for copper(II) over cobalt(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II).     

A density functional theory study of the ��mythic�� Lindlar hydrogenation catalyst

A Lindlar catalyst is a popular heterogeneous catalyst that consists of 5?wt.% palladium supported on porous calcium carbonate and treated with various forms of lead and quinoline. The additives strategically deactivate palladium sites. The catalyst is widely used for the partial hydrogenation of acetylenic compounds in organic syntheses. Alkyne reduction is stereoselective, occurring via syn addition to give the cis-alkene. Even if it has been employed for about 60?years, there is a lack of molecular level understanding of the Lindlar catalyst. We have applied density functional theory simulations to understand the structure and the nature of the interplay between the multiple chemical modifiers in the Lindlar catalyst. Indeed, the poisons influence different parameters controlling selectivity to the alkene: Pb modifies the thermodynamic factor and hinders the formation of hydrides, while quinoline isolates Pd sites thus minimizing oligomerization.     

Colorimetric ��naked-eye�� sensor for anions based on conformational flexible tripodal receptor

A new tripodal receptor for anion sensing based on amide-pyridinium as recognition site and nitro-benzene as signaling unit was designed and successfully synthesized. This receptor showed high selectivity and strong binding affinity toward AcO^? over the investigated anions, especially over H₂PO₄ ^?. Addition of AcO^? induced clear color change of solution from colorless to yellow, realizing the ??naked-eye?? detection. UV?CVis and ¹H NMR experiments indicated the selectivity might origin from the synergistic effects arising from hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and conformational change.     

Purity assessment for 17��-estradiol

Purity assessment for high-purity organic substances is regarded as one of the core competences of national metrology institutes. For this reason, Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance??Metrology in Chemistry (CCQM) regularly organized intercomparison studies to compare and demonstrate the degree of equivalence of national measurement capabilities for purity determination. This paper reports the method development work for the participation in a recent CCQM key comparison on purity assessment for estradiol. An indirect consecutive estimation approach was adopted to determine the purity of the estradiol sample, i.e., through the identification and quantification of all possible impurities present in the sample. In the course of assessment, a variety of analytical techniques were applied. The most challenging part was to identify and estimate the amount of unknown organic-related substance present in the testing material. For the moisture determination, a gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection (GC?CTCD) method was employed to supplement the results obtained using coulometric Karl Fischer titration technique. Inorganic impurities and volatile organic compounds residual were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP?CMS) and gas chromatography?Cmass spectrometry (GC?CMS) techniques, respectively, and their contributions were found to be comparatively insignificant.     

��Gold standard�� coupled-cluster study of acetylene pentamers and hexamers via molecular tailoring approach

Due to high scaling order of MP2 and CCSD(T) methods, it is either difficult or at times even impossible to treat even moderately sized molecular systems with elaborate basis sets such as aug-cc-pVXZ (X?=?D, T, Q). In the present work, several structures of acetylene pentamers and hexamers are explored at MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory as?prototypical examples of clusters bound by CH···?? interactions. To enable this investigation, fragment-based method Molecular Tailoring Approach (MTA) is employed. It is shown that these acetylene assemblies can be treated with substantial reduction in computational resources and time, yet retaining a sub-millihartree accuracy in the energy. Further, using standard extrapolation methodologies, stabilization energies at the complete basis set limit of the acetylene clusters under consideration are determined at MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory. To test out the feasibility of treating a large cluster at MP2 level, a demonstrative calculation on a dodecamer of acetylene is reported.     

Preparation and characterization of the inclusion complex of Ofloxacin with ��-CD and HP-��-CD

The formation of the inclusion complexes of Ofloxacin with cyclodextrins (CDs) including ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD), and hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD) were studied by Fluorescence, UV?CVis absorption spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in solution. Experimental conditions including the concentration of various CDs and media acidity were investigated in detail at room temperature. The results suggested that in different pH solutions, CDs have different inclusive capacity to different forms Ofloxacin. ??-CD was most suitable for inclusion of neutral form and HP-??-CD was suitable for acidic form. The binding constant (K) of the inclusion complex was determined by fluorescence measurement, and the complexation ratio was determined as 1:1 in the concentration range used in this study. A mechanism was proposed to explain the inclusion process based on the experimental NMR data.     

��Jumping�� crystals: structures and properties of CuII complexes with N-methylimidazolyl- and N-methyltriazolyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxides

To find the factors favorable for the appearance of chemomechanical activity of heterospin crystals, a series of new heterospin complexes were synthesized and characterized. It includes [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH, [[Cu(pfu)₂]₂L^Im ₃]·1/2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(pfh)₂L^Im ₂]·1/2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(piv)₂L^Im ₂]·2MeOH, [Co(piv)₂L^Im ₂], [ $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ ], [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr]₂·CH₂Cl₂, and [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr ₂] (L^Im, $ L^{CD_3 } $ , and L^Tr are N-methylimidazolyl-, N-trideuteriomethylimidazolyl-, and N-methyltriazolyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxides, respectively; tfac, hfac, pfu, pfh, and piv are the charged coordinated diamagnetic ligands 1,1,5,5-tetrafluoropentane-2,4-dionate, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-octadecafluoroundecane-5,7-dionate, 1,1,1,5,5,6,6,6-octafluorohexane-2,4-dionate, and 2,2-dimethylpropionate, respectively). The crystal and molecular structures of all compounds were determined. The results of the X-ray diffraction study of the complex [Ni(hfac)₂L^Im ₂] synthesized earlier are reported. In the solid state of the complexes [Cu(pfh)₂L^Im ₂] and [Co(piv)₂L^Im ₂], the paramagnetic ligands are cis-coordinated to the central atom in a monodentate fashion via the donor N atom of the imidazole ring. In the dinuclear complexes [[Cu(pfu)₂]₂L^Im ₃] and [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr]₂, the paramagnetic ligands are also in cis positions but act as bridges through coordination of the donor N atoms of the azole ring and the O atom of the nitronyl nitroxide moiety to different Cu²⁺ ions. In the solid complexes $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ , [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr ₂], [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH, and [Cu(piv)₂L^Im ₂]·2MeOH, the nitronyl nitroxide radicals in the mononuclear heterospin molecules are in trans positions. The packing motif in the crystal structures of the complexes $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ , [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, and [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH is the same as that in the previously studied complexes [M(hfac)₂L^Im ₂] exhibiting chemomechanical activity. Among the complexes under consideration, only crystals of $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ can exhibit chemomechanical activity, that is to make jumps upon heating or irradiation. The results of the present study suggest that the packing of the solid-state structure plays a key role in the generation of mechanical activity of the crystals.     

Comparison between 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin for inclusion complex formation with danazol

Complexation in solution between danazol and two different cyclodextrins [2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD)] was studied using phase solubility analysis, and one- and two-dimensional ¹H-NMR. The increase of danazol solubility in the aqueous cyclodextrin solutions showed a linear relationship (A_L profile). The apparent stability constant, K _1:1, of each complex was calculated and found to be 51.7 × 10³ and 7.3 × 10³ M^?1 for danazol?CHP-??-CD and danazol?CHP-??-CD, respectively. ¹H-NMR spectroscopic analysis of varying ratios of danazol and the different cyclodextrins in a mixture of EtOD?CD₂O confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry. Cross-peaks, from 2D ROESY ¹H-NMR spectra, between protons of danazol and H3?? and H5??of cyclodextrins, which stay inside the cyclodextrin cavity, proved the formation of an inclusion complex between danazol and the cyclodextrins. For HP-??-CD, the inclusion complex is formed by entrance of the isooxazole and the A rings of danazol in the cyclodextrin cavity. For HP-??-CD, two different inclusion structures may exist simultaneously in solution: one with the isooxazole and A ring in the cavity and the other with the C and D ring inside the cavity. DLS showed that self-aggregation of the CD??s was absent in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 10% and in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 5%.     

Microelectrodes for voltammetry��a personal historical perspective

Since the 1950s, the field of electrochemistry has undergone rejuvenation numerous times, attributed to such developments as the three-electrode potentiostat, the integrated circuit operational amplifier, surface modified electrodes, computer-based instrumentation, (ultra)microelectrodes, scanning microelectrode techniques, nanostructured materials, and powerful computational packages (such as COMSOL Multiphysics) that facilitate solution of complex diffusion problems. My own career has spanned nearly all of these renaissances in electrochemistry, but for this discourse, I select the development of microelectrodes as an example of how serendipity can alter the direction of one??s research career. This is not a complete historical account of the development of microelectrodes but rather a personal perspective focusing on my own group??s contributions to this area.     

pH buffer assessment and Pitzer��s equations

Traceable measurement of the quantity pH in media outside the limits of the recent IUPAC recommendation requires an alternative to the Bates?CGuggenheim convention. The Pitzer??s approach to ion interactions is widely appraised and offers a suitable approach to the estimation of single-ion activity coefficients. For this purpose, the underlying electrolyte data need to be consistent and the uncertainty in existing Pitzer??s data needs to be assessed. Such an assessment is attempted in this study for pH in potassium acetate buffer medium. The re-evaluation of Pitzer??s data from potassium nitrate data revealed inconsistencies and wide uncertainty margins. The uncertainty contribution from binary Pitzer??s parameters to an assessment of pH in seawater resulted in an uncertainty in pH of about 0.03 (95% confidence interval). This contribution has to be taken into account in the overall uncertainty budget. Lack of appropriate data for other pH buffer systems (e.g., phosphate buffers) is noted.     

Improving the adhesion of polymethacrylate thin films onto indium tin oxide electrodes using a silane-based ��Molecular Adhesive��

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is the most commonly used transparent conducting substance. It has been used in numerous applications such as light-emitting diodes. In most applications and studies, the ITO surface is further coated with additional layers. The interface between the ITO and the coating is of utmost importance since it affects the physical and chemical properties of the final device. Improving the adhesion between ITO and a coating layer can be achieved by applying a ??molecular adhesive?? as an inter-phasing molecular layer. In this study, we used 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as a ??molecule adhesive?? for better connection between ITO and a polymethacrylate layer. The samples were studied by electrochemistry, contact angle goniometry, atomic force microscopy, and nano scratch microscopy. These studies clearly show that a simple silanization process formed a thin molecular adhesive layer, which did not influence the physical and chemical properties of the final coated electrode and at the same time increased significantly the adhesion between the ITO and the polymethacrylate coating.     

Inclusion complex formation of ��- and ��-cyclodextrins with riboflavin and alloxazine in aqueous solution: thermodynamic study

Possibility of encapsulation of riboflavin and alloxazine by ??- and ??-cyclodextrins in aqueous solution was studied by ¹H NMR and solubility methods. Thermodynamic parameters of 1:1 inclusion complex formation (K, ??_cG⁰, ??_cH⁰ and ??_cS⁰) were obtained and analyzed in terms of influence of reagent??s structure on complexation process. It was shown that ??-cyclodextrin displays low binding affinity to riboflavin and alloxazine. On the contrary, ??-cyclodextrin forms with riboflavin and alloxazine more stable inclusion complexes. Binding is accompanied by the negative enthalpy and entropy changes that are determined by predominance of van der Waals interactions and possible H-bonding. The presence of ribityl substituent in riboflavin molecule prevents the deep penetration of this compound into macrocyclic cavity. Proposed on the basis of ¹H NMR data the partial insertion of the hydrophobic part of riboflavin and alloxazine molecules into the ??-cyclodextrin cavity causes the enhancement of aqueous solubility of the encapsulated substances. In comparison with ??-cyclodextrin, the solubilizing effect of ??-cyclodextrin is more pronounced due to its higher binding affinity to alloxazine and riboflavin.     

Polarography��past, present, and future

Polarography was first developed as an automated method of voltage-controlled electrolysis with dropping mercury electrode. The spontaneously renewed pure electrode surface provided reproducible electrochemical results which enabled scientists to work out adequate theory and rich analytical applications. The original method was then instrumentally modified in various ways. Later, hanging mercury drop was added as an alternative indicator electrode??in this way, polarography turned formally into voltammetry with mercury drop electrodes. Beside, in potential-controlled electrolysis, the mercury drop electrodes have been also used in current-controlled electrolysis (chronopotentiometry)??there, it has provided new experimental effects. Polarography has thus gradually covered a wide field of electrolytic methods based on the use of mercury electrodes, in which it continues developing.     

Oxidation of 1-amino-4,5-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene as a route to the double ��proton sponges�� based on dibenzo[a,h]phenazine and 1,1��-azonaphthalene

Behavior of 4-amino-1-dimethylamino- and 1-amino-4,5-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalenes sharply differs on their treatment with tosyl chloride and oxidation with the Bu^tOK/O₂ system. While the former upon the action of tosyl chloride in protic media is transformed to sulfonamide, the latter unexpectedly forms 4,5,11,12-tetrakis(dimethylamino)dibenzo[a,h]phenazine in ??20% yield as a product of the competitive reaction, which represents the earlier unknown type of double ??proton sponges??. In contrast to this, the oxidative dimerization of the indicated amines with Bu^tOK/O₂ leads to 5,12-bis(dimethylamino)dibenzo[a,h]phenazine and 4,5,4??,5??-tetrakis(dimethylamino)-1,1??-azonaphthalene, respectively. Possible mechanisms of these reactions were considered, as well as problems of coloring, solvatochromism, and protonation of the compounds obtained.     

Thermal stability of ketoprofen��active substance and tablets

Simultaneous thermoanalytical techniques were used for the characterization of the thermal decomposition of ketoprofen??active substance and tablets. DTA and DSC curves showed that ketoprofen melts before the decomposition. A kinetic study regarding the ketoprofen??active substance??s thermal decomposition was performed under non-isothermal conditions and in a nitrogen atmosphere at five heating rates: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 °C min^?1. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition process were obtained from TG/DTG curves using the following differential methods: Friedman isoconversional, Chang, respectively, integral methods: Flynn?CWall?COzawa, Kissinger?CAkahira?CSunose, Coats?CRedfern and Madhusudanan. The careful treatment of the kinetic parameters obtained in certain thermal conditions was confirmed to be necessary as well as a different strategy of experimental data processing.     

Inclusion of chemotherapeutic agents in substituted ��-cyclodextrin derivatives

The stabilities of the inclusion compounds of three chemotherapeutic agents, camptothecin (CPT), docetaxel (DOC) and idarubicin (IDA), plus a model compound 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHA) with several ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD) derivatives were investigated by solubility measurements, isothermal titration microcalorimetry and fluorescence anisotropy measurements. Ionic heptakis-(6-deoxy-6-thioethers) of ??-CD were found to exhibit very high binding potentials for these drugs making them to good candidates for advanced drug delivery.     

Synthesis of per-substituted hydrophilic and hydrophobic ��-cyclodextrin derivatives

The aim of this work was to synthesize new cyclodextrin derivatives from native ??-cyclodextrin by allylation reactions and indium metal in aqueous and organic medium. The resulted products could be used to prepare a new hydrophilic pharmaceutical active ingredient. A hydrophobic derivative can also be prepared by the same method. Indeed, the allylation reactions allow the creation of a stereogenic centers and the introduction of an allyl group lead to development of various functionalization of CD sites. Natural ??-cyclodextrin was treated with allyl bromide and sodium hydride in dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature, which resulted in the formation of O-perallylated ??-cyclodextrin A₁ (98%). Through successive reactions of oxidation, reduction and allylation, the latter was converted into per 2, 3, 6-tri-O-(2-hydroxypent-4-enyl) ??-cyclodextrins A₄ (40%). Others derivates of CD type B₃ and C₃ were synthesized by series of reaction to give multifunctionalized cyclodextrins with yield of 25 and 30%, respectively.     

Study of complex formation between ��-cyclodextrin and benzene

In this work study of complex formation of ??-cyclodextrin with benzene was performed both experimentally and theoretically. Interaction of benzene with ??-cyclodextrin in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of UV spectroscopy at temperatures in the range 291?C303 K. The stoichiometric composition, stability constant, and thermodynamic parameters of ????-cyclodextrin-benzene?? supramolecular structures formation were calculated from spectroscopic data. It was proved that 1:1 inclusion complex is mainly formed in aqueous solutions. The calculations of a spatial structure, formation energy, and vibration spectra in IR range for the complex of ??-cyclodextrin with benzene were performed by Hartree?CFock?CRoothaan method within PM3 semiempirical approximation with quantum chemistry package GAMESS (version 6.4). The calculated energy parameters for ????-cyclodextrin-benzene?? inclusion complex are in agreement with experimental data.     

Large inclusion constants of ��-cyclodextrin with carborane derivatives

Complexation of some o-, m- and p-carborane derivatives with ??-cyclodextrin was investigated using phenolphthalein in pH 10.5 (0.05 mol dm^?3) borate buffer. Some carborane derivatives indicated large inclusion constants K_ass > 1 × 10⁵ dm³ mol^?1.