Lowest electronic states of neutral and ionic LiN

We have investigated the potential energy curves (PECs) of the LiN heteronuclear diatomic molecule, including its ionic species LiN⁺ and LiN⁻, using explicitly correlated multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI-F12) calculations in conjunction with the correlation consistent quintuple-𝜁 basis set. The effect of core–valence correlation, scalar relativistic effects, and the size of the basis sets has been investigated. A comprehensive set of spectroscopic constants determined based on the above-mentioned calculations are also reported for the lowest electronic states and all systems, including dissociation energies, harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies, and rotational constants. Additional parameters, such as the dipole moments, equilibrium spin-orbit constants, excitation energies, and rovibrational energy levels, are also documented. We found that the three triplet states of LiN, namely, X ³∑⁻, A ³Π, and 2 ³∑⁻, exhibit substantial potential wells in the PEC diagrams, while the quintet states are repulsive in nature. The ground state of the anion also shows a deep potential well in the vicinity of its equilibrium geometry. In contrast, the ground and excited states of the cation are very loosely bound. Charge transfer properties of each of these states are also analyzed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the interatomic interactions. We found that the core–valence correlation has a substantial effect on the calculated spectroscopic constants.     

Zinc(II) mediated imine-enamine tautomerization

Reduction of imine-anthracenone compounds selectively produces secondary alcohols leaving the external imine group unreacted. Addition of the Zn(II) ion induces a metal-mediated imine-enamine tautomerization reaction that is selective for Zn(II), a new fluorescence detection method not previously observed for this important cation.     

Lag synchronization and scaling of chaotic attractor in coupled system

We report a design of delay coupling for lag synchronization in two unidirectionally coupled chaotic oscillators. A delay term is introduced in the definition of the coupling to target any desired lag between the driver and the response. The stability of the lag synchronization is ensured by using the Hurwitz matrix stability. We are able to scale up or down the size of a driver attractor at a response system in presence of a lag. This allows compensating the attenuation of the amplitude of a signal during transmission through a delay line. The delay coupling is illustrated with numerical examples of 3D systems, the Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model, the Ro?ssler system, a Sprott system, and a 4D system. We implemented the coupling in electronic circuit to realize any desired lag synchronization in chaotic oscillators and scaling of attractors.     

A canted antiferromagnetic ordered phase of cyanido-bridged Mn(III)(2)Re(IV) single-chain magnets

A new cyanido-bridged Re(IV)-Mn(III) heterometallic 1D system, [Mn(III)(5-Me-saltmen)](2)[Re(IV)Cl(4)(CN)(2)]·3CH(3)CN (), was designed and structurally characterized. Interchain interactions stabilize a canted antiferromagnetic ordered state below 6.2 K that does not prevent slow relaxation of the magnetization reminiscent of the single-chain magnet properties of the individual chains.     

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) of Ethyl Acrylate: Its Mechanistic Studies

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of ethyl acrylate was carried out in bulk using ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate as initiator, CuBr as well as CuCl as catalyst in combination with different ligands e.g., 2,2′ bipyridine (bpy)andN,N, N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA). In most of the cases very high conversion (72–98%) was achieved. The polymerization was well controlled with a linear increase of molecular weight (M_n^SEC) with conversion and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (polydispersity index 1.2–1.3). Use of PMDETA as the ligand resulted in faster polymerization rate (98% conversion in 1 h) than those using bipyridine (72% conversion in 5 h). The MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of poly (ethyl acrylate) (PEA) prepared by using bpy as ligand showed the presence of halogen as the end group. On the contrary, when PMDETA was used as the ligand, the mass analysis showed no trace of this end group.     

The Phosphorus Bond,or the Phosphorus-Centered Pnictogen Bond: The Covalently Bound Phosphorus Atom in Molecular Entities and Crystals as a Pnictogen Bond Donor

The phosphorus bond in chemical systems, which is an inter- or intramolecular noncovalent interaction, occurs when there is evidence of a net attractive interaction between an electrophilic region associated with a covalently or coordinately bonded phosphorus atom in a molecular entity and a nucleophile in another, or the same, molecular entity. It is the second member of the family of pnictogen bonds, formed by the second member of the pnictogen family of the periodic table. In this overview, we provide the reader with a snapshot of the nature, and possible occurrences, of phosphorus-centered pnictogen bonding in illustrative chemical crystal systems drawn from the ICSD (Inorganic Crystal Structure Database) and CSD (Cambridge Structural Database) databases, some of which date back to the latter part of the last century. The illustrative systems discussed are expected to assist as a guide to researchers in rationalizing phosphorus-centered pnictogen bonding in the rational design of molecular complexes, crystals, and materials and their subsequent characterization.     

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of ZnO–rGO Core–Shell Nanorod Hybrids with Photo- and Electro-Catalytic Activity

The unique two-dimensional structure and surface chemistry of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) along with its high electrical conductivity can be exploited to modify the electrochemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). ZnO–rGO nanohybrids can be engineered in a simple new two-step synthesis, which is both fast and energy-efficient. The resulting hybrid materials show excellent electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activity. The structure and composition of the as-prepared bare ZnO nanorods (NRs) and the ZnO–rGO hybrids have been extensively characterised and the optical properties subsequently studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy (including decay lifetime measurements). The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye is enhanced using the ZnO–rGO hybrids as compared to bare ZnO NRs. Furthermore, potentiometry comparing ZnO and ZnO–rGO electrodes reveals a featureless capacitive background for an Ar-saturated solution whereas for an O₂-saturated solution a well-defined redox peak was observed using both electrodes. The change in reduction potential and significant increase in current density demonstrates that the hybrid core–shell NRs possess remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as compared to NRs of ZnO alone.     

Development of a new test method for measurement of tack and studies on tack between cap and base compounds

A new test method has been developed to measure the autohesive tack between cap and base compounds at higher temperatures of contact. This method is a modification of the 180° peel test by incorporating a separator or a perforated sheet at the interface. This gives reproducible results and simulates the coextrusion process at a relatively higher temperature of contact.

The effects of reinforcing filler, oil, contact temperature, contact area, contact time and peel rate on tack are reported here.     

A rhodamine hydrazide–4-nitroindole-3-carboxaldehyde based turn on Hg2+ chemosensor: cytoplasmic live cell imaging,logic gate and memory device applications and computational studies

A new, highly sensitive probe L² for the selective detection of Hg²⁺ in organo-aqueous (H₂O:CH₃CN, 1:1, v/v, HEPES buffer, pH 7.2) medium has been synthesized from rhodamine 6G-hydrazide and 4-nitroindole-3-carboxaldehyde. It was thoroughly characterized by physicochemical techniques including single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The reaction of L² with Hg²⁺ gives a 1:1 stoichiometry resulting in a 146 fold fluorescence enhancement and a binding constant (K_f) of 3?×?10⁴ M^?1. The spirolactam form of the probe is non-fluorescent; however, it shows dual channel (absorbance and fluorescence) recognition of Hg²⁺ via CHEF effect through the opening of the spirolactam ring. The quantum yields of L² (0.00045) and L²-Hg²⁺ (0.29) show the higher stability of complex in the excited state over the free ligand. The 44.5?nM LOD value demonstrates the detection of Hg²⁺ at a very low concentration range. Cell imaging studies show the cytoplasmic recognition of Hg²⁺ by L². Experimental results are comparable with theoretical values obtained by DFT studies. The fluorescence emission of the complex was completely quenched by I^- and from the reversibility studies an advance level INHIBIT logic gate and memory device can be framed.     

Underwater adhesive using solid–liquid polymer mixes

Instantaneous adhesion between different materials is a requirement for several applications ranging from electronics to biomedicine. Approaches such as surface patterning, chemical cross-linking, surface modification, and chemical synthesis have been adopted to generate temporary adhesion between various materials and surfaces. Because of the lack of curing times, temporary adhesives are instantaneous, a useful property for specific applications that need quick bonding. However, to this day, temporary adhesives have been mainly demonstrated under dry conditions and do not work well in submerged or humid environments. Furthermore, most rely on chemical bonds resulting from strong interactions with the substrate such as acrylate based. This work demonstrates the synthesis of a universal amphibious adhesive solely by combining solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers. While the dipole-dipole interactions are induced by a large electronegativity difference between fluorine atoms in PTFE and hydrogen atoms in PDMS, strong surface wetting allows the proposed adhesive to fully coat both substrates and PTFE particles, thereby maximizing the interfacial chemistry. The two-phase solid–liquid polymer system displays adhesive characteristics applicable both in air and water, and enables joining of a wide range of similar and dissimilar materials (glasses, metals, ceramics, papers, and biomaterials). The adhesive exhibits excellent mechanical properties for the joints between various surfaces as observed in lap shear testing, T-peel testing, and tensile testing. The proposed biocompatible adhesive can also be reused multiple times in different dry and wet environments. Additionally, we have developed a new reactive force field parameterization and used it in our molecular dynamics simulations to validate the adhesive nature of the mixed polymer system with different surfaces. This simple amphibious adhesive could meet the need for a universal glue that performs well with a number of materials for a wide range of conditions.