Spectral properties of coumarin derivatives in various environments

The structural and spectral properties of coumarin derivatives in complex environments were investigated within the time-dependent density functional theory (TD DFT). Absorption spectra calculations were obtained at TD PBE0/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory for coumarin47 in the gas-phase and in various polar and non-polar organic solvents. The geometries of coumarins 6, 30, 47 and 522 in the gas phase and in inclusion complexes with the β-cyclodextrin (βCD) were determined by PM3 and DFT (HCTH/6-31G) calculations. Encapsulation of coumarin in βCD and associated changes in electronic structure produced either a red or blue shift in the absorption spectra of coumarins. A proposed cavity model for βCD-coumarin complex in water solution allowed identification of various contributions to the overall shift in the absorption spectra of coumarin upon complex formation in a solvent environment      

Magneto-structural correlations in Cu(tn)Cl2 (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane): two-dimensional spatially anisotropic triangular magnet formed by hydrogen bonds

A novel polymeric one-dimensional compound Cu(tn)Cl2 (tn = 1,3-diaminopropane) was prepared and structurally characterized, and its spectral, magnetic, thermodynamic, and thermal properties were studied. The unique structure shows ladderlike chains composed of Cu(II) atoms and chloro bridging ligands [Cu(-mu(3)-Cl-)Cu2] running along the crystallographic c axis. The coordination geometry about copper (4 + 2) approximates that of a strongly elongated octahedron. The equatorial plane of the coordination octahedron is formed by a chelate N-bonded tn ligand and two chloro ligands. One of the chloro ligands is terminal, and the other one, mu3-Cl-, forms two additional longer bonds to the neighboring copper atoms and thus occupies the axial octahedral positions. The electronic ground state of the Cu(II) ion is of d(z)2 symmetry and suggests the activation of intraladder and interladder Cl...H-N hydrogen bonds as exchange paths that form a two-dimensional pattern of a triangular symmetry. The interaction due to the hydrogen bonds seems to play an important role in molecular packing and magnetic coupling. The studies of magneto-structural correlations including electron paramagnetic resonance measurements and thermodynamic and magnetic properties revealed a two-dimensional character of magnetic correlations with the effective intralayer exchange coupling J/k(B) approximately -3 K. No phase transition to the ordered state has been observed down to 60 mK. Cu(tn)Cl2 with the interlayer coupling J' approximately 10(-3)J and moderate intralayer interaction represents an excellent example of a two-dimensional magnetic system.     

Reaction of substituted furan-2-carboxaldehydes and furo[b]pyrrole type aldehydes with hippuric acid

4-Heteroarylidene-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-ones were prepared by reactions of hippuric acid with substituted furan-2-carboxaldehydes or furo[b]pyrrole type aldehydes. The reactivity of various furan-2-carboxaldehyde derivatives in this reaction is discussed. The effect of microwave irradiation on some condensation reactions was compared with "classical" conditions. The results show that microwave irradiation shortens the reaction times while affording comparable yields. Elementary analysis, UV, IR and 1D NMR proved the structure of new synthesised compounds. 2D NMR spectroscopic measurements confirmed that the configuration at the carbon-carbon double bond corresponds to the pure E isomers of the products.     

Characterization of copper SERS-active substrates prepared by electrochemical deposition

Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) on copper substrates of various morphologies, prepared by electrochemical deposition on platinum targets, was investigated. The substrate preparation procedures differed by the coating bath compositions, applied current densities and the duration of individual steps. The surface morphology of the substrates was visualized by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SERS spectra of selected organic thiols were measured and the relation between SERS spectral intensity and the surface structure of SERS-active substrates was studied. It has been shown that good Raman surface enhancement can be achieved on the copper substrates prepared by electrochemical deposition from ammoniac baths. Copper substrates fabricated from acidic baths did not show efficient Raman surface enhancement. The results of microscopic measurements demonstrated that the average surface roughness value does not play a substantial role, whereas the shape of the surface nanostructures is a key parameter.     

Reactions of substituted furan-2-carboxaldehydes and furo[b]pyrrole type aldehydes with benzothiazolium salts

A series of new push-pull compounds were synthesised by reaction of 5-aryl- furan-2-carboxaldehydes and furo[b]pyrrole type aldehydes with benzothiazolium salts. These new condensation products represent highly conjugated systems that have potential biological activity. The reaction of furo[b]pyrrole type aldehydes with benzothiazolium salts give potential precursors of cyanine dyes.     

Spectrally and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Imaging of 22-NBD-Cholesterol in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

The interaction of the fluorescent probe 22-NBD-cholesterol with membranes of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was tested by time- and spectrally resolved fluorescence imaging to monitor the disturbance of lipid metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its treatment with statins. Blood samples from healthy volunteers (HV) and CKD patients, either treated or untreated with statins, were compared. Spectral imaging was done using confocal microscopy at 16 spectral channels in response to 458 nm excitation. Time-resolved imaging was achieved by time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) following excitation at 475 nm. The fluorescence of 22-NBD-cholesterol was mostly integrated into plasmatic membrane and/or intracellular membrane but was missing from the nuclear region. The presence of two distinct spectral forms of 22-NBD-cholesterol was uncovered, with significant variations between studied groups. In addition, two fluorescence lifetime components were unmasked, changing in CKD patients treated with statins. The gathered results indicate that 22-NBD-cholesterol may serve as a tool to study changes in the lipid metabolism of patients with CKD to monitor the effect of statin treatment.