Preparation of monodisperse silicon nanocrystals using density gradient ultracentrifugation

We report the preparation of monodisperse silicon nanocrystals (ncSi) by size-separation of polydisperse alkyl-capped ncSi using organic density gradient ultracentrifugation. The ncSi were synthesized by thermal processing of trichlorosilane-derived sol-gel glasses followed by HF etching and surface passivation with alkyl chains and were subsequently fractionated by size using a self-generating density gradient of 40 wt % 2,4,6-tribromotoluene in chlorobenzene. The isolated monodisperse fractions were characterized by photoluminescence spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and determined to have polydispersity index values between 1.04 and 1.06. The ability to isolate monodisperse ncSi will allow for the quantification of the size-dependent structural, optical, electrical, and biological properties of silicon, which will undoubtedly prove useful for tailoring property-specific optoelectronic and biomedical devices.     

Semisynthesis of Biologically Active Glycoforms of the Human Cytokine Interleukin 6

Human interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is a potent cytokine with immunomodulatory properties. As the influence of N‐glycosylation on the in vivo activities of IL‐6 could not be elucidated so far, a semisynthesis of homogeneous glycoforms of IL‐6 was established by sequential native chemical ligation. The four cysteines of IL‐6 are convenient for ligations and require only the short synthetic glycopeptide 43–48. The Cys‐peptide 49–183 could be obtained recombinantly by cleavage of a SUMO tag. The fragment 1–42 was accessible by the simultaneous cleavage of two inteins, leading to the 1–42 thioester with the native N‐terminus. Ligation and refolding studies showed that the inherently labile Asp? Pro bond 139–140 was detrimental for the sequential C‐ to N‐terminal ligation. A reversed ligation sequence using glycopeptide hydrazides gave full‐length IL‐6 glycoproteins, which showed full bioactivity after efficient refolding and purification.     

Structure-Based Evolution of Subtype-Selective Neurotensin Receptor Ligands

Subtype-selective agonists of the neurotensin receptor NTS2 represent a promising option for the treatment of neuropathic pain, as NTS2 is involved in the mediation of μ-opioid-independent anti-nociceptive effects. Based on the crystal structure of the subtype NTS1 and previous structure–activity relationships (SARs) indicating a potential role for the sub-pocket around Tyr11 of NT(8–13) in subtype-specific ligand recognition, we have developed new NTS2-selective ligands. Starting from NT(8–13), we replaced the tyrosine unit by β²-amino acids (type 1), by heterocyclic tyrosine bioisosteres (type 2) and peptoid analogues (type 3). We were able to evolve an asymmetric synthesis of a 5-substituted azaindolylalanine and its application as a bioisostere of tyrosine capable of enhancing NTS2 selectivity. The S-configured test compound 2 a, [(S)-3-(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-5-yl)-propionyl¹¹]NT(8–13), exhibits substantial NTS2 affinity (4.8 nm) and has a nearly 30-fold NTS2 selectivity over NTS1. The (R)-epimer 2 b showed lower NTS2 affinity but more than 600-fold selectivity over NTS1.     

Anomaly-free formulation of non-perturbative, four-dimensional Lorentzian quantum gravity

A Wheeler-DeWitt quantum constraint operator for four-dimensional, non-perturbative Lorentzian vacuum quantum gravity is defined in the continuum. The regulated Wheeler-DeWitt constraint operator is finite, does not require any renormalization and the final operator is anomaly-free and at least symmetric.

The technique introduced here can also be used to produce a couple of completely well-defined regulated operators including but not exhausting (i) the Euclidean Wheeler-DeWitt operator, (ii) the generator of the Wick rotation transform that maps solutions to the Euclidean Hamiltonian constraint to solutions to the Lorentzian Hamiltonian constraint, (iii) length operators, (iv) Hamiltonian operators of the matter sector and (v) the generators of the asymptotic Poincaré group including the quantum ADM energy.     

Chemical modifications of au-electrodes on YSZ and their influence on the non-Nernstian behaviour

The interface between gold electrodes and the solid electrolyte Zr_0.86Y_0.14O_1.93 (YSZ) was chemically modified in several ways. Nb₂O₅ was obtained in two states: as an X-ray amorphous surface layer after vacuum evaporation and dissolved in YSZ after annealing at 1150 °C. This was confirmed by X-ray diffraction with grazing incidence and Bragg-Brentano technique. On the metal side the modification was made by potentiostatic deposition of the electronically conducting perovskite La_1-xSr_xCrO₃ and subsequent annealing at 1000 °C. The influence of these modifications on the electrode potential in gases containing oxygen and propylene at temperatures ≤700 °C was investigated. The known sensitivity of the Au electrode to propylene is nearly maintained after both Nb₂O₅ modifications of the solid electrolyte. After modification with the chromite layer, the sensitivity to propylene disappeared completely in gas mixtures with excess oxygen. Strong differences in the sensitivity caused by chemical modifications can possibly be utilized in hydrocarbon sensors. Paper presented at the 3rd Euroconference on Solid State Ionics, Teulada, Sardinia, Italy, Sept. 15–22, 1996     

Zur Reaktivität von Titanocenkomplexen [Ti(Cp′)2(η2‐Me3SiC≡CSiMe3)] (Cp′ = Cp,Cp*) gegenüber Benzoldicarbonsäuren

On the Reactivity of Titanocene Complexes [Ti(Cp′)₂(η²‐Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃)] (Cp′ = Cp, Cp*) towards Benzenedicarboxylic Acids Titanocene complexes [Ti(Cp′)₂(BTMSA)] ( 1a , Cp′ = Cp = η⁵‐C₅H₅; 1b , Cp′ = Cp* = η⁵‐C₅Me₅; BTMSA = Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃) were found to react with iodine and methyl iodide yielding [Ti(Cp′)₂(μ‐I)₂] ( 2a / b ; a refers to Cp′ = Cp and b to Cp′ = Cp*), [Ti(Cp′)₂I₂] ( 3a / b ) and [Ti(Cp′)₂(Me)I] ( 4a / b ), respectively. In contrast to 2a , complex 2b proved to be highly moisture sensitive yielding with cleavage of HCp* [{Ti(Cp*)I}₂(μ‐O)] ( 7 ). The corresponding reactions of 1a / b with p‐cresol and thiophenol resulted in the formation of [Ti(Cp′)₂{O(p‐Tol)}₂] ( 5a / b ) and [Ti(Cp′)₂(SPh)₂] ( 6a / b ), respectively. Reactions of 1a and 1b with 1,n‐benzenedicarboxylic acids (n = 2–4) resulted in the formation of dinuclear titanium(III) complexes of the type [{Ti(Cp′)₂}₂{μ‐1,n‐(O₂C)₂C₆H₄}] (n = 2, 8a / b ; n = 3, 9a / b ; n = 4, 10a / b ). All complexes were fully characterized analytically and spectroscopically. Furthermore, complexes 7 , 8b , 9a ·THF, 10a / b were also be characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses.     

Urethanases for the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Low Molecular Weight Carbamates and the Recycling of Polyurethanes

Enzymatic degradation and recycling can reduce the environmental impact of plastics. Despite decades of research, no enzymes for the efficient hydrolysis of polyurethanes have been reported. Whereas the hydrolysis of the ester bonds in polyester-polyurethanes by cutinases is known, the urethane bonds in polyether-polyurethanes have remained inaccessible to biocatalytic hydrolysis. Here we report the discovery of urethanases from a metagenome library constructed from soil that had been exposed to polyurethane waste for many years. We then demonstrate the use of a urethanase in a chemoenzymatic process for polyurethane foam recycling. The urethanase hydrolyses low molecular weight dicarbamates resulting from chemical glycolysis of polyether-polyurethane foam, making this strategy broadly applicable to diverse polyether-polyurethane wastes.     

[4+2]-Cycloaddition of sterically hindered thiophene S-oxides to alkenes and SO extrusion reactions of the cycloadducts

Cycloaddition reactions of 2,5-di-tert-butylthiophene S-oxide and 2,3,4,5-tetrakis(p-tolyl)thiophene S-oxide with alkenes are described. The reactivity of 2,5-di-tert-butylthiophene S-oxide as diene in Diels–Alder reactions is compared with 2,5-di-tert-butylthiophene S,S-dioxide. The thermal and photochemical SO extrusion reactions of the cycloadducts under formation of highly substitutedaromatic compounds are exemplified.     

Combining the Advantages of Tetrazoles and 1,2,3‐Triazoles: 4,5‐Bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1,2,3‐triazole, 4,5‐Bis(1‐hydroxytetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1,2,3‐triazole,and their Energetic Derivatives

In the development of new energetic materials, the main challenge is the combination of high energy content with chemical and mechanical stability, two properties that are often contradictory. In this study, the syntheses and comprehensive characterizations of 4,5‐bis(tetrazole‐5‐yl)‐1,2,3‐triazole and the novel 4,5‐bis(1‐hydroxytetrazole‐5‐yl)‐1,2,3‐triazole, as well as their energetic properties, are presented, combining the advantages of the more energetic tetrazole and the more stable 1,2,3‐triazole rings. Nitrogen‐rich salts of both compounds were synthesized to investigate their detonation performances and combustion behavior calculated by computer codes for potential application in erosion‐reduced gun propellant mixtures due to their high nitrogen content. The structures of several of the compounds were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and, especially in the case of 4,5‐bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1,2,3‐triazole, revealed the site of deprotonation.