A-posteriori KAM theory with optimal estimates for partially integrable systems

In this paper we present a-posteriori KAM results for existence of d-dimensional isotropic invariant tori for n-DOF Hamiltonian systems with additional $n?d$ independent first integrals in involution. We carry out a covariant formulation that does not require the use of action-angle variables nor symplectic reduction techniques. The main advantage is that we overcome the curse of dimensionality avoiding the practical shortcomings produced by the use of reduced coordinates, which may cause difficulties and underperformance when quantifying the hypotheses of the KAM theorem in such reduced coordinates. The results include ordinary and (generalized) iso-energetic KAM theorems. The approach is suitable to perform numerical computations and computer assisted proofs.     

The COVID-19 pandemic: model-based evaluation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and prognoses

For the electrically actuated microbeam subjected to a combination of DC and AC voltage loadings, we studied the nonlinear dynamical responses and internal resonance analytically. The flexible boundary condition is considered. The modal interaction due to three-to-one internal resonance between the first and second modes is highlighted. The method of multiple scales is employed to get the modulation equation, which describes the amplitude and phases of the involving modes. Then, the equilibrium solutions of the modulation equation are calculated and their stability is examined. The frequency and force response curves reflecting the primary resonance (the first mode) are presented. We find that the first and second modes in the proposed model are coupled, and hence the energy transfer can occur between the involving modes. Moreover, it is found that the response of the system may encounter Hopf bifurcation for some specific parameters. As for simulation, the Galerkin scheme is applied to verify the analytical results in terms of time history, phase-plane portrait, Fourier spectrum, and Poincare section. The simulation results are in good agreement with the analytical ones.     

Combining Organometallic Reagents,the Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate DABSO,and Amines: A One‐Pot Preparation of Sulfonamides,Amenable to Array Synthesis

We describe a method for the synthesis of sulfonamides through the combination of an organometallic reagent, a sulfur dioxide equivalent, and an aqueous solution of an amine under oxidative conditions (bleach). This simple reaction protocol avoids the need to employ sulfonyl chloride substrates, thus removing the limitation imposed by the commercial availability of these reagents. The resultant method allows access to new chemical space, and is also tolerant of the polar functional groups needed to impart favorable physiochemical properties required for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The developed chemistry is employed in the synthesis of a targeted 70 compound array, prepared using automated methods. The array achieved a 93 % success rate for compounds prepared. Calculated molecular weights, lipophilicities, and polar surface areas are presented, demonstrating the utility of the method for delivering sulfonamides with drug‐like properties.     

Physical mechanisms responsible for the water-induced degradation of PC61BM P3HT photovoltaic thin films

We show that [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM) at the surface of thin film blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):PC₆₁BM can be patterned by water. Using a series of heating and cooling steps, water droplets condense onto the blend film surface. This is possible due to the liquid-like, water swollen layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Breath pattern water deformation and subsequent drying on the film surface results in isolated PC₆₁BM structures, showing that migration of PC₆₁BM takes place. This was confirmed by selective wavelength illumination to spatially map the photoluminescence from the P3HT and PC₆₁BM. Within a device, redistribution of the surface PC₆₁BM into aggregates would be catastrophic, as it would markedly alter device performance. We also postulate that repeated volume change of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate layer by water swelling may be, in part, responsible for the delamination failure mechanism in thin film solar cells devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 141–146     

Bio‐Inspired Transition Metal–Organic Hydride Conjugates for Catalysis of Transfer Hydrogenation: Experiment and Theory

Taking inspiration from yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH), a benzimidazolium (BI⁺) organic hydride‐acceptor domain has been coupled with a 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) metal‐binding domain to afford a novel multifunctional ligand ( L ^BI+) with hydride‐carrier capacity ( L ^BI++H^?? L ^BIH). Complexes of the type [Cp*M( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆]₂ (M=Rh, Ir) have been made and fully characterised by cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry, and, for the Ir^III congener, X‐ray crystallography. [Cp*Rh( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆]₂ catalyses the transfer hydrogenation of imines by formate ion in very goods yield under conditions where the corresponding [Cp*Ir( L ^BI)Cl][PF₆] and [Cp*M(phen)Cl][PF₆] (M=Rh, Ir) complexes are almost inert as catalysts. Possible alternatives for the catalysis pathway are canvassed, and the free energies of intermediates and transition states determined by DFT calculations. The DFT study supports a mechanism involving formate‐driven Rh?H formation (90 kJ mol^?1 free‐energy barrier), transfer of hydride between the Rh and BI⁺ centres to generate a tethered benzimidazoline (BIH) hydride donor, binding of imine substrate at Rh, back‐transfer of hydride from the BIH organic hydride donor to the Rh‐activated imine substrate (89 kJ mol^?1 barrier), and exergonic protonation of the metal‐bound amide by formic acid with release of amine product to close the catalytic cycle. Parallels with the mechanism of biological hydride transfer in yADH are discussed.     

Extended Specific Ion Theory (ESIT): Theoretical development and application to Harned’s rule

Journal of Solution Chemistry - The specific ion theory (SIT) is a convenient ion activity coefficient model that is often used in solubility and solution equilibrium studies. However, its accuracy...     

Heterocycle/Heteroallene Ring-Opening Copolymerization: Selective Catalysis Delivering Alternating Copolymers

Heteroatom-containing polymers have strong potential as sustainable replacements for petrochemicals, show controllable monomer–polymer equilibria and properties spanning plastics, elastomers, fibres, resins, foams, coatings, adhesives, and self-assembled nanostructures. Their current and future applications span packaging, house-hold goods, clothing, automotive components, electronics, optical materials, sensors, and medical products. An interesting route to these polymers is the catalysed ring-opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of heterocycles and heteroallenes. It is a living polymerization, occurs with high atom economy, and creates precise, new polymer structures inaccessible by traditional methods. In the last decade there has been a renaissance in research and increasing examples of commercial products made using ROCOP. It is better known in the production of polycarbonates and polyesters, but is also a powerful route to make N-, S-, and other heteroatom-containing polymers, including polyamides, polycarbamates, and polythioesters. This Review presents an overview of the different catalysts, monomer combinations, and polymer classes that can be accessed by heterocycle/heteroallene ROCOP.