Low-spin state structure of [Fe(chloroethyltetrazole)6](BF4)2 obtained from synchrotron powder diffraction data

The complex [Fe(teec)6](BF4)2 (teec = chloroethyltetrazole) shows a two-step complete spin-crossover transition in the temperature range 300-90 K. Time-resolved synchrotron powder diffraction experiments have been carried out in this temperature range, and crystal structure models have been obtained from the powder patterns by using the parallel tempering technique. Of these models, the low-spin state structure at 90 K has been refined completely with Rietveld refinement. Its structural characteristics are discussed in relation to the high-spin state model and other spin-crossover compounds. The complex shows a remarkable anisotropic unit-cell parameter contraction that is dependent on the applied cooling rate. In addition, the possible important implications for the interpretation of spin-crossover behavior in terms of structural changes are discussed.     

A New Layered Compound Containing [PMo12O40]3? and Both 5- and 6-Coordinated Homoleptic (1-(2-Chloroethyl)tetrazole)Copper(II) Cations

 The synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of the complex obtained from the reaction between the polyoxometalate anion [PMo₁₂O₄₀]³⁻, copper(II) and the ligand 1-(2-chloroethyl)tetrazole (teec) are described. This compound has been synthesized as a model for designing materials containing both magnetic polyoxometalate anions and iron(II) spin-crossover cations. The compound, with formula [Cu(teec)₅]₂[Cu(teec)₆][PMo₁₂O₄₀]₂·2H₂O, consists of alternating layers of polyoxometalates and cationic complexes. Both, five and six coordinated Cu(II) ions are present, each positioned in different layers. Despite these layers having a similar width, the layer of pentacoordinated Cu(II) ions contains twice as many cationic complexes as the layer of hexacoordinated Cu(II) ions. This unusual coexistence of complexes with different coordination number is most likely caused by the steric hindrance induced by the bulky polyoxometalates in the layer of pentacoordinated Cu(II) which prevents the presence of a sixth teec ligand.     

Carbonyl complexes of 1,2,4-triazoles : II. The crystal structure of pentacarbonyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazolechromium(0), Cr(CO)5(C3H3H5). Chromium-to-triazole π-bonding

The crystal structure of pentacarbonyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazolechromium [Cr(CO)₅(C₃N₃H₅)] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray techniques. The compound crystallizes in the space group Pbca with a 10.899(2), b 17.572(2), c 11.877(2) Å and Z = 8. The compound consists of monomeric units in which the chromium atom is coordinated octahedrally to five CO groups and one monodentate coordinating 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazole ligand (CrN 2.111(2) Å). Full matrix least-squares refinement resulted in a final R = 0.025 (R_w = 0.0324). There appears to be no or little π-interaction between the triazole ligand and the chromium atom.     

Imaging surface plasmon resonance for multiplex microassay sensing of mycotoxins

A prototype imaging surface plasmon resonance-based multiplex microimmunoassay for mycotoxins is described. A microarray of mycotoxin–protein conjugates was fabricated using a continuous flow microspotter device. A competitive inhibition immunoassay format was developed for the simultaneous detection of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), using a single sensor chip. Initial in-house validation showed limits of detection of 21 and 17 ng/mL for DON and 16 and 10 ng/mL for ZEN in extracts, which corresponds to 84 and 68 μg/kg for DON and 64 and 40 μg/kg for ZEN in maize and wheat samples, respectively. Finally, the results were critically compared with data obtained from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmatory analysis method and found to be in good agreement. The described multiplex immunoassay for the rapid screening of several mycotoxins meets European Union regulatory limits and represents a robust platform for mycotoxin analysis in food and feed samples.     

Colour-encoded paramagnetic microbead-based direct inhibition triplex flow cytometric immunoassay for ochratoxin A, fumonisins and zearalenone in cereals and cereal-based feed

A combined (triplex) immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of three mycotoxins in grains was developed with superparamagnetic colour-encoded microbeads, in combination with two bead-dedicated flow cytometers. Monoclonal antibodies were coupled to the beads, and the amounts of bound mycotoxins were inversely related to the amounts of bound fluorescent labelled mycotoxins (inhibition immunoassay format). The selected monoclonal antibodies were tested for their target mycotoxins and for cross-reactivity with relevant metabolites and masked mycotoxins. In the triplex format, low levels of cross-interactions between the assays occurred at irrelevant high levels only. All three assays were influenced by the sample matrix of cereal extracts to some extent, and matrix-matched calibrations are recommended for quantitative screening purposes. In a preliminary in-house validation, the triplex assay was found to be reproducible, sensitive and sufficiently accurate for the quantitative screening at ML level. The triplex assay was critically compared to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using reference materials and fortified blank material. Results for the quantification of ochratoxin A and zearalenone were in good agreement. However, the fumonisin assay was, due to overestimation, only suitable for qualitative judgements. Both flow cytometer platforms (Luminex 100 and FLEXMAP 3D) performed similar with respect to sensitivity with the advantages of a higher sample throughput and response range of the FLEXMAP 3D and lower cost of the Luminex 100.