Complexes of aluminium(III) with isoquercitrin: spectroscopic characterization and quantum chemical calculations

The composition and conformation of complexes of aluminium(III) with isoquercitrin (Iso) have been studied in methanol solution. This molecule presents two potential chelating sites in competition. UV–Vis spectroscopy provides evidence of three different species in neutral solution: Al(Iso)²⁺ Al(Iso)₂ ⁺ and Al₂(Iso)³⁺. This last one is formed only if a great quantity of Al(III) is presented in the medium. The first site involved in complexation is the 5-hydroxy-4-keto group. FT-Raman spectroscopy has allowed to confirm this mechanism. The stability constants of this complexes have been determined using the program. In acidic condition, only the first complex is obtained. In alkaline medium, Al(Iso)⁺ and Al(Iso)₂ ⁻ complexes are formed, the catechol group is then the chelating site involved in these species To propose a molecular conformation for the free isoquercitrin and its complexes in neutral medium, both semiempirical molecular orbital and DFT calculations have been performed. It has been showed that the participation of cynnamoyl and benzoyle mesomeric forms stabilise the structure of Al(Iso)²⁺. The structural models have been validated by the good agreement between theoretical and experimental electronic spectra.     

The distribution of ITRM-recognizable reals

Infinite Time Register Machines (ITRM's) are a well-established machine model for infinitary computations. Their computational strength relative to oracles is understood, see e.g. ,  and . We consider the notion of recognizability, which was first formulated for Infinite Time Turing Machines in [6] and applied to ITRM's in [3]. A real x is ITRM-recognizable iff there is an ITRM-program P   such that P^y$P^y$ stops with output 1 iff y=x$y=x$, and otherwise stops with output 0. In [3], it is shown that the recognizable reals are not contained in the ITRM-computable reals. Here, we investigate in detail how the ITRM  -recognizable reals are distributed along the canonical well-ordering _<L${<}_L$ of Gödel's constructible hierarchy L  . In particular, we prove that the recognizable reals have gaps in _<L${<}_L$, that there is no universal ITRM in terms of recognizability and consider a relativized notion of recognizability.     

La3TaO7 derivatives with Weberite structure type: Possible electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells and high temperature electrolysers

In this study, with the aim to enhance the ionic conduction of known structures by defect chemistry, the La₂O₃-Ta₂O₅ system was considered with a focus on the La₃TaO₇ phase whose structure is of Weberite type. In order to predict possible preferential substitution sites and substitution elements, atomistic simulation was used as a first approach. A solid solution La_3−xSr_xTaO_7−x/2 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy; it extends for a substitution ratio up to x = 0.15. Whereas La₃TaO₇ is a poor oxide ion conductor (σ_700 °C = 2 × 10⁻⁵S.cm⁻¹), at 700 °C, its ionic conductivity is increased by more than one order of magnitude when 3.3% molar strontium is introduced in the structure (σ_700 °C = 2 × 10⁻⁴S.cm⁻¹).     

Metal speciation in a complexing soft film layer: a theoretical dielectric relaxation study of coupled chemodynamic and electrodynamic interfacial processes

We report a comprehensive formalism for the dynamics of metal speciation across an interphase formed between a complexing soft film layer and an electrolyte solution containing indifferent ions and metal ions that form complexes with charged molecular ligands distributed throughout the film. The analysis integrates the intricate interplay between metal complexation kinetics and diffusive metal transfer from/toward the ligand film, together with the kinetics of metal electrostatic partitioning across the film/solution interphase. This partitioning is determined by the settling dynamics of the interfacial electric double layer (EDL), as governed by time-dependent conduction-diffusion transports of both indifferent and reactive metal ions. The coupling between such chemodynamic and electrodynamic processes is evaluated via derivation of the dielectric permittivity increment for the ligand film/electrolyte interphase that is perturbed upon application of an ac electric field (pulsation ω) between electrodes supporting the films. The dielectric response is obtained from the ω-dependent distributions of all ions across the ligand film, as ruled by coupled Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations amended for a chemical source term involving the intra-film complex formation and dissociation pulsations (ω(a) and ω(d) respectively). Dielectric spectra are discussed for bare and film coated-electrodes over a wide range of field pulsations and Deborah numbers De = ω(a,d)/ω(diff), where ω(diff) is the electric double layer relaxation pulsation. The frequency-dependent dynamic or inert character of the formed metal complexes is then addressed over a time window that ranges from transient to fully relaxed EDL. The shape and magnitude of the dielectric spectra are further shown to reflect the lability of dynamic complexes, i.e. whether the overall speciation process at a given pulsation ω is primarily rate-limited either by complexation kinetics or by ion-transport dynamics. The limits, strengths and extensions of the approach are further discussed within the context of metal speciation dynamics at soft planar and particulate complexing interphases.     

Determination of isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) in milk, yoghurt and fat by HPTLC-FLD, HPTLC-ESI/MS and HPTLC-DART/MS

Two new HPTLC methods for quantification of isopropyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (ITX) in milk, yoghurt and fat samples have been developed. Extraction of ITX from milk and yoghurt was performed with a mixture of cyclohexane and ethyl acetate by employment of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). For soy bean oil and margarine, a simple partitioning of ITX into acetonitrile was used. ITX and 2,4-diethyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (DTX) used as internal standard have been separated on silica gel 60 HPTLC plates with a mixture of toluene and n-hexane (4:1, v/v) and on RP18 HPTLC plates with a mixture of acetonitrile and water (9:1, v/v). Development was performed anti-parallel from both plate sides leading to a throughput of 36 separations in 7 min. Fluorescence measurement at 254/>400 nm was used for quantification. Limits of detection (S/N of 3) have been established to be 64 pg for ITX and DTX on both types of HPTLC plates. In fatty matrix (spiked butter) LOD of ITX was determined to be 1 μg kg⁻¹. In the working range monitored (20–200 μg kg⁻¹) polynomial regression of ITX showed a relative standard deviation (sdv) of ±1.51 % (r=0.99981). Starting with the limit of quantification the response was linear (sdv=±2.18 %, r=0.99893). Regarding repeatability (n=9) a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.1 % was obtained for ITX at 32 ng on silica gel plates and of 2.9 % on reversed-phase plates. Repeatabilities (n=4) of ITX determination at 20, 50 and 100 μg kg⁻¹ in milk, yoghurt, soybean oil and margarine showed CVs between ±1.0 and 6.4 %. The results prove that modern planar chromatography is a rapid and cost-efficient alternative method to quantify ITX in milk-based or fatty matrices. Only positive results are confirmed by online ESI/MS in the SIM mode (LOQ 128 pg) and by DART/MS involving a minimal employment of the MS device, which is a further advantage of HPTLC. Overall mean recovery rates of ITX at 20 or 50 and 100 μg kg⁻¹ (n=8) were 41 % for milk, 70 % for yoghurt, 6 % for margarine and 12 % for soy bean oil. However, with the internal standard correction recoveries were about 130 % for milk and yoghurt and 70 and 97 % for margarine and soy bean oil, respectively.      

Chemistry of transition‐metal complexes containing functionalized phosphines: synthesis and structural analysis of rhodium(I) complexes containing allyl and cyanoalkylphosphines

A series of related acetylacetonate–carbonyl–rhodium compounds substituted by functionalized phosphines has been prepared in good to excellent yields by the reaction of [Rh(acac)(CO)₂] (acac is acetylacetonate) with the corresponding allyl‐, cyanomethyl‐ or cyanoethyl‐substituted phosphines. All compounds were fully characterized by ³¹P, ¹H, ¹³C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The X‐ray structures of (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)(tert‐butylphosphanedicarbonitrile‐κP)carbonylrhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(CO)(C₈H₁₃N₂)] or [Rh(acac)(CO)(^tBuP(CH₂CN)₂}] ( 2b ), (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(diphenylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₅H₁₄N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){Ph₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2h ), and (acetylacetonato‐κ²O,O′)carbonyl[3‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphanyl)propanenitrile‐κP]rhodium(I), [Rh(C₅H₇O₂)(C₁₁H₂₂N)(CO)] or [Rh(acac)(CO){^tBu₂P(CH₂CH₂CN)}] ( 2i ), showed a square‐planar geometry around the Rh atom with a significant trans influence over the acetylacetonate moiety, evidenced by long Rh—O bond lengths as expected for poor π‐acceptor phosphines. The Rh—P distances displayed an inverse linear dependence with the coupling constants J_P‐Rh and the IR ν(C[triple‐bond]O) bands, which accounts for the Rh—P electronic bonding feature (poor π‐acceptors) of these complexes. A combined study from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and an evaluation of the intramolecular H…Rh contacts from X‐ray diffraction data allowed a comparison of the conformational preferences of these complexes in the solid state versus the isolated compounds in the gas phase. For 2b , 2h and 2i , an energy‐framework study evidenced that the crystal structures are mainly governed by dispersive energy. In fact, strong pairwise molecular dispersive interactions are responsible for the columnar arrangement observed in these complexes. A Hirshfeld surface analysis employing three‐dimensional molecular surface contours and two‐dimensional fingerprint plots indicated that the structures are stabilized by H…H, C…H, H…O, H…N and H…Rh intermolecular interactions.     

Development of proneurogenic, neuroprotective small molecules

Degeneration of the hippocampus is associated with Alzheimer's disease and occurs very early in the progression of the disease. Current options for treating the cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's are inadequate, giving urgency to the search for novel therapeutic strategies. Pharmacologic agents that safely enhance hippocampal neurogenesis may provide new therapeutic approaches. We discovered the first synthetic molecule, named P7C3, which protects newborn neurons from apoptotic cell death, and thus promotes neurogenesis in mice and rats in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the site of normal neurogenesis in adult mammals. We describe the results of a medicinal chemistry campaign to optimize the potency, toxicity profile, and stability of P7C3. Systematic variation of nearly every position of the lead compound revealed elements conducive toward increases in activity and regions subject to modification. We have discovered compounds that are orally available, nontoxic, stable in mice, rats, and cell culture, and capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier. The most potent compounds are active at nanomolar concentrations. Finally, we have identified derivatives that may facilitate mode-of-action studies through affinity chromatography or photo-cross-linking.     

Development of a quantitative high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for sucralose in sewage effluent, surface water, and drinking water

Sucralose, a persistent chlorinated substance used as sweetener, can already be found in waste water, and various countries focused on the release of sucralose into the aquatic environment. A quantitative high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method, which is orthogonal to existing methods, was developed to analyze sucralose in water. After sample preparation, separation of up to 17 samples was performed in parallel on a HPTLC plate silica gel 60 F(254) with a mixture of isopropyl acetate, methanol and water (15:3:1, v/v/v) within 15 min. Due to the weak native UV absorption of sucralose (≤200 nm), various post-chromatographic derivatization reactions were compared to selectively detect sucralose in effluent and surface water matrices. Thereby p-aminobenzoic acid reagent was discovered as a new derivatization reagent for sucralose. Compared to the latter and to β-naphthol, derivatization with aniline diphenylamine o-phosphoric acid reagent was slightly preferred and densitometry was performed by absorbance measurement at 400 nm. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of sucralose in drinking and surface water was calculated to be 100 ng/L for a given recovery rate of 80% and the extraction of a 0.5 L water sample. The sucralose content determined in four water samples obtained during an interlaboratory trial in 2008 was in good agreement to the mean laboratory values of that trial. According to the t-test, which compares the results with the target value, the means obtained by HPTLC were not significantly different from the respective means of six laboratories, analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS or HPLC-TOF-MS with the use of mostly isotopically labeled standards. The good accuracy and high sample throughput capacity proved HPTLC as a well suited method regarding quantification of sucralose in various aqueous matrices.