Counterion-Trapped-Molecules: From High Polarity and Enriched IR Spectra to Induced Isomerization

We report extensive computational studies of some novel intermolecular systems and their properties. Recombination of alkali-halide counterions separated by a noncovalently trapped hydrocarbon molecule is prevented by significant potential energy barriers, resulting in unusual metastable insertion complexes. These systems are extremely polar, while the inserted molecule is strongly counter-polarized, leading to significant cooperative nonadditivity effects. The compression and electric field produced by the counterions favours isomerization of the trapped molecule via a significant reduction of the barriers to bond rearrangement, in a field-induced mechanochemical process. The predicted IR intensity spectra clearly reflect (1) formation of the insertion complex, rather than simple attachment of alkali halide, and (2) isomerization of the trapped molecule, thus allowing experimental access to these events.     

Organoboron Derivatives of Stereoregular Phenylcyclosilsesquioxanes

This study presents the synthesis of organoboron derivatives of stereoregular 4-, 6-, and 12-unit phenylcyclosilsesquioxanes. All compounds obtained were isolated in good yields (70–80 %) and were fully characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, ¹¹B NMR, IR spectroscopy, HRMS ESI, and elemental microanalysis. The structure of the key modifier, obtained for the first time, 4-(tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl) dimethylvinylsilane, was also confirmed by single-crystal XRD.     

The Trifluoromethyl Anion

First evidence for the existence of free trifluoromethyl anion CF₃^? has been obtained. The 3D‐caged potassium cation in [K(crypt‐222)]⁺ is inaccessible to CF₃^?, thus rendering it uncoordinated (“naked”). Ionic [K(crypt‐222)]⁺ CF₃^? has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, solution NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and reactivity toward electrophiles.     

On weak* convergent sequences in duals of symmetric spaces of <Emphasis Type="Italic">τ</Emphasis>-measurable operators

It is shown that the pre-dual of a σ-finite von Neumann algebra has property (k) in the sense of Figiel, Johnson and Pelczyński [12]. This resolves in the affirmative an open question raised in [12]. It is shown further that a weakly sequentially complete symmetric space E of τ-measurable operators affiliated with a semifinite σ-finite von Neumann algebra has property (k).     

A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono-Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: a Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins

In this study, the ligand exchange mechanism at a biomimetic Zn^II centre, embedded in a pocket mimicking the possible constrains induced by a proteic structure, is explored. The residence time of different guest ligands (dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and ethanol) inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene-based tris(imidazole) tetrahedral zinc complex was probed using 1D EXchange SpectroscopY NMR experiments. A strong dependence of residence time on water content was observed with no exchange occurring under anhydrous conditions, even in the presence of a large excess of guest ligand. These results advocate for an associative exchange mechanism involving the transient exo-coordination of a water molecule, giving rise to 5-coordinate Zn^II intermediates, and inversion of the pyramid at the Zn^II centre. Theoretical modelling by DFT confirmed that the associative mechanism is at stake. These results are particularly relevant in the context of the understanding of kinetic stability/lability in Zn proteins and highlight the key role that a single water molecule can play in catalysing ligand exchange and controlling the lability of Zn^II in proteins.     

The New Data for the Reaction of Arylenedioxy Trihalogenophosphoranes with Alkyl- and Arylacetylenes

The new data concerning the reaction between substituted arylenedioxy trihalogenophosphoranes and monoalkyl- or arylacetylenes are summarized. The reaction leads to formation of six-membered heterocycles-2-oxo-4-R-benzo[ e ]-1,2-oxaphosphorin-3-enes. The substituent effects in the phosphorane and acetylene molecules on the ipso -substitution and halogenation regiochemistry are discussed. The ipso -substitution of tert -butyl group on chlorine and the exchange of bromine on chlorine and iodine on hydrogen have been observed, along with formation of benzophosphorines. The interaction of tetrachloro- ortho -benzoquinone with phosphorus trichloride and arylacetylenes is proposed as a new modification of the reaction leading to the formation of benzo[ e ]-1,2-oxaphosphorines. The structures of some benzo[ e ]-1,2-oxaphosphorines are determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

A surface containing a line and a circle through each point is a quadric

We prove that a surface in 3-dimensional Euclidean space containing a line and a circle through each point is a quadric. We also give some particular results on the classification of surfaces containing several circles through each point.