Two-photon absorption properties of two-dimensional π-conjugated chromophores: combined experimental and theoretical study

The two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of four TPEB [tetrakis(phenylethynyl)benzene] derivatives (TD, para, ortho, and meta) with different donor/acceptor substitution patterns have been investigated experimentally by the femtosecond open-aperture Z-scan method and theoretically by the time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) method. The four compounds show relatively large TPA cross sections, and the all-donor substituted species (TD) displays the largest TPA cross-section σ(2) = 520 ± 30 GM. On the basis of the calculated electronic structure, TD shows no TPA band in the lower energy region of the spectrum because the transition density is concentrated on particular transitions due to the high symmetry of the molecular structure. The centrosymmetric donor-acceptor TPEB para shows excitations resulting from transitions centered on D-π-D and A-π-A moieties, as well as transition between the D-π-D and A-π-A moieties; this accounts for the broad nature of the TPA bands for this compound. Calculations for two noncentrosymmetric TPEBs (ortho and meta) reveal that the diminished TPA intensities of higher-energy bands result from destructive interference between the dipolar and three-state terms. The molecular orbitals (MOs) of the TPEBs are derivable with linear combinations of the MOs of the two crossing BPEB [bis(phenylethynyl)benzene] derivatives. Overall, the characteristics of the experimental spectra are well-described based on the theoretical analysis.     

CuCl-induced formation and migration of isoindazolyl carbenoids

Two azo-ene-butadiyne conjugated systems undergo CuCl-mediated cyclization to afford isoindazolyl carbenoids that could be trapped with 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene as [2+1] cycloaddition products. X-ray structure analysis of the resultant cyclopropanes showed that formal migration to the distal carbenoid isomer and subsequent trapping had occurred. The possible CuCl-induced cyclization/migration pathways were explored using density functional theory, which indicated that the reaction most likely occurred via coordination of CuCl to the distal alkyne bond.     

Biscyclization reactions in butadiyne- and ethyne-linked triazenes and diazenes: concerted versus stepwise coarctate cyclizations

A series of alkyne-linked bis-2H-indazoles has been prepared by the double cyclization of ethyne- or butadiyne-linked phenyltriazene or phenyldiazene moieties. Even though there are two five-membered ring cyclizations and several triple bond shifts involved, the reactions proceed rapidly under neutral conditions with mild heating, affording the heterocycles in excellent yields. DFT calculations, in agreement with experimental observations, indicate that the reactions: (1) occur via a very short-lived carbene intermediate, (2) are concerted via an asymmetrical transition state, or (3) are even synchronous, with as many as 16 bonds that are made or broken simultaneously. The biscyclizations presented herein strikingly illustrate the concept of coarctate reactions, the stabilization of transition states by coarctate M?bius aromaticity, the ethynologation principle, and the stereochemical rules.     

Multiple periodic solutions for a nonlinear suspension bridge equation

We investigate nonlinear oscillations in a fourth-order partialdifferential equation which models a suspension bridge. Previouswork establishes multiple periodic solutions when a parameterexceeds a certain eigenvalue. In this paper, we use Leray-Schauderdegree theory to prove that if the parameter is increased further,beyond a second eigenvalue, then additional solutions are created.     

Synthesis of 2H-indazoles via Lewis acid promoted cyclization of 2-(phenylazo)benzonitriles

Lewis-acid promoted "coarctate" cyclization of 10 2-(phenylazo)benzonitrile derivatives furnishes the isoindazole ring system in ca. 65-95% yield. A plausible mechanism for this unusual transformation is proposed.     

Experiments with longitudinally polarized electrons in a storage ring using a siberian snake

We report on first measurements with polarized electrons stored in a medium-energy ring and with a polarized internal target. Polarized electrons were injected at 442 MeV (653 MeV), and a partial (full) Siberian snake was employed to preserve the polarization. Longitudinal polarization at the interaction point and polarization lifetime of the stored electrons were determined with laser backscattering. Spin observables were measured for electrodisintegration of polarized 3He, with simultaneous detection of scattered electrons, protons, neutrons, deuterons, and 3He nuclei, over a large phase space.     

Syntheses and properties of 1,6 and 1,7 perylene diimides and tetracarboxylic dianhydrides

Via Sonogashira cross-coupling with different alkynes, 1,6 and 1,7 perylene diimides (PDIs) and perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (PTCDs) were synthesized from the corresponding regioisomeric mixture of 1,6/1,7-dibromo precursors. Both bulky triphenyl propyne (TPP) groups and nonbulky hexyl groups allow for facile chromatographic separation. The optical properties of these compounds are discussed. Neutral bay substituents hypsochromically shift both the absorption and emission through deformation from planarity of the perylene core.     

DNA vaccine containing the mycobacterial hsp65 gene prevented insulitis in MLD-STZ diabetes

Background  

Our group previously demonstrated that a DNA plasmid encoding the mycobacterial 65-kDa heat shock protein (DNA-HSP65) displayed prophylactic and therapeutic effect in a mice model for tuberculosis. This protection was attributed to induction of a strong cellular immunity against HSP65. As specific immunity to HSP60 family has been detected in arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, the vaccination procedure with DNA-HSP65 could induce a cross-reactive immune response that could trigger or worsen these autoimmune diseases.     

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the coarctate cyclization of (2-Ethynylphenyl)phenyldiazenes

A new route to substituted 2-phenyl-2H-indazoles through the cyclization of (2-ethynylphenyl)phenyldiazenes is presented. A coarctate reaction pathway forms the isoindazole carbene under neutral conditions, at moderate temperatures, and without the requirement of a carbene stabilizer. A wide variety of previously unknown diazene precursors was synthesized and cyclized. Trapping of the carbene with a silyl alcohol followed by deprotection affords the 3-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-2H-indazoles in good overall yield. The free carbene could also be trapped as a [2 + 1] cycloadduct with 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene.