Calculations on ionic solvation—V The calculation of partition coefficients of ions

The solvation free energy of an ion in an organic solvent is calculated using our new electrostatic method, and is combined with the hydration free energy to yield the free energy of transfer of the ion from water to the organic solvent. It is shown that for the solvent systems water/1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, chloroform, o-dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, and nitrobenzene there is good agreement between the calculated ΔG_t^o values and the free energies for partition of ions, ΔG_p^o = -RTlnP. For organic phases in which water is quite soluble, for example 1-octanol, 1-pentanol, isopentanol, ethyl acetate, and methylisobutylketone, the calculated ΔG_t^o values are always more positive than the observed partition values, ΔG_p^o. It is shown that this effect is due to hydration of the ions in the wet organic phase and by calculations on a solvation model in which an ion in the wet organic phase is surrounded by a layer of water of thickness 3.1 Å (the diameter of a water molecule) it is concluded that in the first group of solvents most ions are unhydrated in the wet organic phase; Cl⁻ is an exception and is partially hydrated. In the second group of wet solvents, all ions are at least partially hydrated, and Cl⁻ is hydrated by a layer of water that must be even thicker than the diameter of a water molecule.     

Structure–property relationships in lath-shaped triads based on multialkynylbenzene

This report elaborates the synthesis of symmetrical triads based on multialkynylbenzene linked via flexible alkyl spacers. Four mesogens were synthesised in which multialkynylbenzene units were connected to each other in a side-by-side fashion with varying flexible alkyl spacers. The compound with longest alkyl spacer, i.e. n = 7, exhibited N_D phase which has been characterised by polarised optical microscopy and detailed X-ray scattering studies (small/wide-angle X-ray scattering). Surprisingly, this triad shows N_D phase at high temperature as compared to our previous reports on room-temperature N_D phases.     

Two new supramolecular assemblies based on Keggin-type polyoxometalates through AgO and ππ stacking interactions

Two new supramolecular assemblies based on Keggin-type polyoxometalates, [Ag₃(4,4′-bipy)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂][Ag(2,2′-bipy)₂][{Ag(2,2′-bipy)}HSiW₁₁VO₄₀] (1) and [Ag₃(4,4′-bipy)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂][Ag(2,2′-bipy)₂][{Ag(2,2′-bipy)}PW₁₁VO₄₀] (2) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by IR, XPS, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 has a 2D layer network structure via weak Ag^...O interactions. Compound 2 is isostructural with compound 1. In addition, the fluorescence of compound 1 is reported.     

Supramolecular polymers fabricated by orthogonal self-assembly based on multiple hydrogen bonding and macrocyclic host–guest interactions

Supramolecular polymers constructed by orthogonal self-assembly based on multiple hydrogen bonding and macrocyclic host-guest interactions have received increasing attention due to their elegant structures,outstanding properties,and potential applications.Hydrogen bonding endows these supramolecular polymers with good adaptability and reversibility,while macrocyclic host-guest interactions give them good selectivity and versatile stimuli-responsiveness.Therefore,functional supramolecular polymers fabricated by these two highly specific,noninterfering interactions in an orthogonal way have shown wide applications in the fields of molecular machines,electronics,soft materials,etc.In this review,we discuss the recent advances of functional supramolecular polymers fabricated by orthogonal self-assembly based on multiple hydroge n bonding and host-guest interactions.In particular,we focus on crown ether-and pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular polymers due to their compatibility with multiple hydrogen bonds in organic solution.The fabrication strategies,interesting properties,and potential applications of these advanced supramolecular materials are mainly concerned.     

Statistical–mechanical models with separable many-body interactions: especially partition functions and thermodynamic consequences

We start from a classical statistical–mechanical theory for the internal energy in terms of three- and four-body correlation functions g ₃ and g ₄ for homogeneous atomic liquids like argon, with assumed central pair interactions f(r_ij){\phi(r_{ij})} . The importance of constructing the partition function (pf) as spatial integrals over g ₃, g ₄ and f{\phi} is stressed, together with some basic thermodynamic consequences of such a pf. A second classical example taken for two-body interactions is the so-called one-component plasma in two dimensions, for a particular coupling strength treated by Alastuey and Jancovici (J Phys (France) 42:1, 1981) and by Fantoni and Tellez (J Stat Phys 133:449, 2008). Again thermodynamic consequences provide a particular focus. Then quantum–mechanical assemblies are treated, again with separable many-body interactions. The example chosen is that of an N-body inhomogeneous extended system generated by a one-body potential energy V(r). The focus here is on the diagonal element of the canonical density matrix: the so-called Slater sum S(r, β), related to the pf by pf(b) = òS(r, b)d[(r)\vec]{{\rm pf}(\beta) = \int {S({\bf r}, \beta)}d\vec {r}}, β = (k _B T)⁻¹. The Slater sum S(r, β) can be related exactly, via a partial differential equation, to the one-body potential V(r), for specific choices of V which are cited. The work of Green (J Chem Phys 18:1123, 1950), is referred to for a generalization, but now perturbative, to two-body forces. Finally, to avoid perturbation series, the work concludes with some proposals to allow the treatment of extended assemblies in which regions of long-range ordered magnetism exist in the phase diagram. One of us (Z.D.Z.) has recently proposed a putative pf for a three-dimensional (3D) Ising model, based on two, as yet unproved, conjectures and has pointed out some important thermodynamic consequences of this pf. It would obviously be of considerable interest if such a pf, together with conjectures, could be rigorously proved.     

Do aurophilic interactions compete against hydrogen bonds? Experimental evidence and rationalization based on ab initio calculations

[M(C6F5)(N(H)=CPh2)] (M = Ag (1) and Au (2)) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 shows a ladder-type structure in which two [Ag(C6F5)(N(H)=CPh2)] units are linked by a Ag(I)-Ag(I) interaction in an antiparallel disposition. The dimeric units are associated through hydrogen bonds of the type N-H...F(ortho). On the other hand, gold(I) complex 2 displays discrete dimers also in an antiparallel conformation in which both Au(I)-Au(I) interactions and N-H.F(ortho) hydrogen bonds appear within the dimeric units. The features of these coexisting interactions have been theoretically studied by ab initio calculations based on four different model systems in order to analyze them separately. The interactions have been analyzed at HF and MP2 levels of theory showing that, in this case, even at larger distances. The Au(I)-Au(I) interaction is stronger than Ag(I)-Ag(I) and that N-H.F hydrogen bonding and Au(I)-Au(I) contacts have a similar strength in the same molecule, which permits a competition between these two structural motifs giving rise to different structural arrangements.     

Organic dyes based on triphenylamine for dye-sensitized solar cells:Structure–property relationships

Three new organic dyes based on triphenylamine with a structure of A-D-A-D-A(D1),A-D-A(D2) and D-A(D3) were designed,theoretically calculated and synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells.Dye D1 exhibits a broader absorption than D2 and D3,due to the intramolecular charge transfer between the donor triphenylamine and the acceptor benzothiadiazole.Dye D1 exhibits a lower HOMO and a lower LUMO than D2 and D3 due to the electron-withdrawing benzothiadiazole.The number of anchoring group cyanoacrylic acid has no obvious influence on absorption and energy levels of D2 and D3.The LUMO of D1 locates on benzothiadiazole rather than cyanoacrylic acid anchoring groups,while the LUMOs of D2 and D3 are localized on cyanoacrylic acid.D2 and D3 give higher short-circuit current density than D1.D3 with one anchoring group gives the highest open-circuit voltage.Consequently,the D3-based device gives the highest efficiency.     

Evolution of the international workshops on quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) in environmental toxicology†

This presentation will review the evolution of the workshops from a scientific and personal perspective. From their modest beginning in 1983, the workshops have developed into larger international meetings, regularly held every two years. Their initial focus on the aquatic sphere soon expanded to include properties and effects on atmospheric and terrestrial species, including man. Concurrent with this broadening of their scientific scope, the workshops have become an important forum for the early dissemination of all aspects of qualitative and quantitative structure-activity research in ecotoxicology and human health effects. Over the last few decades, the field of quantitative structure/activity relationships (QSARs) has quickly emerged as a major scientific method in understanding the properties and effects of chemicals on the environment and human health. From substances that only affect cell membranes to those that bind strongly to a specific enzyme, QSARs provides insight into the biological effects and chemical and physical properties of substances. QSARs are useful for delineating the quantitative changes in biological effects resulting from minor but systematic variations of the structure of a compound with a specific mode of action. In addition, more holistic approaches are being devised that result in our ability to predict the effects of structurally unrelated compounds with (potentially) different modes of action. Research in QSAR environmental toxicology has led to many improvements in the manufacturing, use, and disposal of chemicals. Furthermore, it has led to national policies and international agreements, from use restrictions or outright bans of compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mirex, and highly chlorinated pesticides (e.g. DDT, dieldrin) for the protection of avian predators, to alternatives for ozone-depleting compounds, to better waste treatment systems, to more powerful and specific acting drugs. Most of the recent advances in drug development could not have been achieved without the use of QSARs in one form or another. The pace of such developments is rapid and QSARs are the keystone to that progress. These workshops have contributed to this progress and will continue to do so in the future.     

Structure and characteristics of copolyamides based on ε-caprolactam and diisocyanates

The main supramolecular characteristics and the processing and service characteristics of copolyamides based on -caprolactam and hexamethylene diisocyanate were studied. The relation between the comonomer composition and supramolecular structure of copolymers was established.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 77, No. 11, 2004, pp. 1891–1894.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Galibeev, Barnyagina, Kochnev, Arkhireev, Galimov.     

Integration of genetic virtual screening patterns and latent multivariate modeling techniques for QSAR optimization based on combinations and/or interactions between peptides and proteins

Both the concept and the model of snug quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) were pro-posed and developed for molecular design through constructing QSAR based on some known mode of receptor/ligand interactions. Many disadvantages of traditional models can be avoided by using the proposed method because the traditional models only determined upon molecular structural features in sample sets themselves. A genetic virtual screening of peptide/protein combinations (GVSPPC) is proposed for the first time by utilizing this idea to examine peptide/protein affinity activities. A genetic algorithm (GA) was developed for screening combinative targets with an interaction mode for virtual receptors. GVSPPC succeeds in disposing difficulties in rational QSAR,in order to search for the ligand/receptor interactions on conditions of unknown structures. Some bioactive oligo-/poly-peptide systems covering 58 angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and 18 double site mutation residues in camel antibody protein cAb-Lys3 were investigated by GVSPPC with satisfactory results (R 2 cu>0.91,Q 2 cv > 0.86,ERMS=0.19-0.95),respectively,which demonstrates that GVSPPC is more inter-pretable in the ligand-receptor interaction than the traditional QSAR method.     

SAMPL7 blind challenge: quantum–mechanical prediction of partition coefficients and acid dissociation constants for small drug-like molecules

The physicochemical properties of a drug molecule determine the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug. Thus, the development of fast and accurate theoretical approaches for the prediction of such properties is inevitable. The participation to the SAMPL7 challenge is based on the estimation of logP coefficients and pK_a values of small drug-like sulfonamide derivatives. Thereby, quantum mechanical calculations were carried out in order to calculate the free energy of solvation and the transfer energy of 22 drug-like compounds in different environments (water and n-octanol) by employing the SMD solvation model. For logP calculations, we studied eleven different methodologies to calculate the transfer free energies, the lowest RMSE value was obtained for the M06L/def2-TZVP//M06L/def2-SVP level of theory. On the other hand, we employed an isodesmic reaction scheme within the macro pK_a framework; this was based on selecting reference molecules similar to the SAMPL7 challenge molecules. Consequently, highly well correlated pK_a values were obtained with the M062X/6–311+G(2df,2p)//M052X/6–31+G(d,p) level of theory.

     

New type polyrotaxanes based on polyethyleneimine and α-cyclodextrin

Functional polyrotaxanes of N-alkanoylpolyethyleneimine@ α-cyclodextrin type are synthesized by acylation of the polypseudorotaxane precursor, namely, a polyethylenimine@ α-cyclodextrin inclusion complex, with excess of carboxylic acid anhydrides. In the course of the processing, α-cyclo-dextrin moieties are also fully O-acylated. The introduction of acyl moieties into polyethyleneimine backbone prevents the expulsion of α-cyclodextrin rings from this backbone.     

How to achieve self-assembly in polar solvents based on specific interactions? Some general guidelines

In general, self-assembly in polar solutions requires a combination of several non-covalent interactions within one binding motif. Besides the combination of H-bonds and hydrophobic or aromatic stacking interactions, in the last few years H-bonded ion pairs have been proven useful in this context. Also the molecular rigidity and the extent of intra- versus intermolecular interactions within the monomer play an important role in determining the self-assembling properties of a given monomer. We present some general guidelines and illustrative examples of various approaches that have been pursued in the literature before finally concentrating on a case study from our own work, the dimerization of a guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole carboxylate zwitterion. This zwitterion forms stable dimers with K > 10(9) M(-1) in DMSO and >10(2) M(-1) even in water and can not only be used to study the importance of various non-covalent interactions for self-assembly in polar solvents but also to construct large nanostructures.     

Synthesis and Swelling Properties of Thermosensitive Hydrogels based on Terpolymerization

Novel thermosensitive hydrogels based on polymerization of N-isopropyl acrylamide, Sodium acrylate, and diacetone acrylamide were synthesized, The swelling ratio and dynamic swelling were investigated. The results indicated that the hydrogels exhibited high water uptake and themosensitivity. The swelling properties and volume phase transition temperature could be adjusted by contents of the comonomers in the gels.     

Synthesis of α-chloropolyfluoroalkyl ethers and acetals based on them

α-Chloropolyfluoroalkyl ethers were synthesized by the reaction of polyfluorinated alcohols H(CF₂CF₂) _n CH₂OH (n=1?3) with aliphatic aldehydes (ethanal, propanal, butanal) and hydrogen chloride. Yield of α-chloroethers decreases from 71 to 61% as the number of carbon atoms in the starting reactants increases. α-Chloropolyfluoroalkyl ethers react with polyfluorinated alcohols (n = 1?3) to form acetals in yield of up to 40–61%, and with methanol and ethanol, up to 98%.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyimides based on thiazole-containing diamine

A new kind of aromatic diamine monomer containing thiazole unit,2-amino-5-(4-aminophenyl)-thiazole (AAPT),was synthesized in three steps,starting from 4-nitroacetophenone.A novel thiazole-containing polyimide was prepared via the polycondensation of AAPT with 6FDA by one-step method.The resulting polyimide exhibits excellent solubility,film-forming capability and high thermal resistance.