Enantiospecific Synthesis of (–)-Cuspareine and (–)-Galipinine

An enantiospecific route to the synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline alkaloids (–)-cuspareine and (–)-galipinine is reported. Coupling of an iodide derivative of D-serine with aromatic dithianes and Pd-catalyzed intramolecular C–N coupling are the key steps in the synthesis.     

Growth behavior and properties of (HF)1–16 clusters

Structural Chemistry - HF cluster is a typical hydrogen bond system. (HF)1–16 clusters have been studied by MP2/aug-cc-pvdz//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method. The global minimum structures of them...     

Phase Behavior of Poly(Oxyethylene)–Poly(Oxypropylene)–Poly(Oxyethylene) Block Copolymer in Water and Water–C12EO5 Systems

Abstract

The binary phase diagram of a triblock copolymer poly(oxyethylene) (PEO) poly(oxypropylene) (PPO) poly(oxyethylene) (PEO), (PEO)₃₇(PPO)₅₈(PEO)₃₇ or P105 in water and the ternary system of P105, water, and pentaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C₁₂EO₅) has been studied to understand the miscibility of a small amphiphile, C₁₂EO₅ and a copolymer, as well as the mixing effect on the formed liquid crystalline structures. Phase diagrams, small angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize these systems. The phase diagram of the binary system is presented together with the characteristic parameters for founded phases, namely, cubic, hexagonal, and lamellar phases. In the ternary system it was found that the small amphiphile and the block copolymer, despite having very different chain lengths are essentially miscible forming single phases. A large amount of C₁₂EO₅ can be solubilized in the P105 aggregates whereas P105 is most difficult to dissolve in the C₁₂EO₅ aggregates because of the difference in the molecular size. The copolymer is practically insoluble in the lamellar phase of C₁₂EO₅ due to the packing constraint. Hence, two lamellar phases coexist in a surfactant‐rich region, at W _s  = 0.66, where W _s is the weight fraction of the total amphiphile in the system. This indicates that the thickness of the lipophilic part of the C₁₂EO₅ lamellar phase is too small to allocate the large lipophilic chain of the P105 triblock copolymer.     

Determination of the stability constants of Pb–(DIPSO)x–(OH)y and Pb–(AMPSO)x–(OH)y systems

In this work, complexation between lead ion and the ligands 3-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (DIPSO) and N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (AMPSO), which are commercial pH buffers, is presented. Both ligands form complexes with lead in their pH buffer range (between pH 6.5 and 8.5 for DIPSO and between pH 8.0 and 9.0 for AMPSO). The final models and the overall stability constants, which are reported here, were determined by direct current polarography and glass electrode potentiometry [only for the Pb–(DIPSO)_x–(OH)_y system] at 25.0 °C and 0.1 M KNO₃ ionic strength. For the Pb–(DIPSO)_x–(OH)_y system, the proposed final model contains PbL, PbL₂, PbL₂(OH), and PbL₂(OH)₂ with stability constants, as log β, of 3.4 ± 0.1, 6.35 ± 0.15, 12.8 ± 0.2, and 18.0 ± 0.3, respectively. For the Pb–(AMPSO)_x–(OH)_y system, the species observed are PbL, PbL(OH), and PbL(OH)₂ with stability constants, as log β, of 2.9 ± 0.5, 9.4 ± 0.1, and 14.5 ± 0.2, respectively. For AMPSO, the possible adsorption of the ligand at the mercury electrode surface was evaluated by alternating current polarography through calculation of the capacitance of the double layer.     

Pyrolysis kinetics of ethylene–propylene (EPM) and ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM)

The thermal degradation kinetics of several ethylene–propylene copolymers (EPM) and ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymers (EPDM), with different chemical compositions, have been studied by means of the combined kinetic analysis. Until now, attempts to establish the kinetic model for the process have been unsuccessful and previous reports suggest that a model other than a conventional nth order might be responsible. Here, a random scission kinetic model, based on the breakage and evaporation of cleavaged fragments, is found to describe the degradation of all compositions studied. The suitability of the kinetic parameters resulting from the analysis has been asserted by successfully reconstructing the experimental curves. Additionally, it has been shown that the activation energy for the pyrolysis of the EPM copolymers decreases by increasing the propylene content. An explanation for this behavior is given. A low dependence of the EPDM chemical composition on the activation energy for the pyrolysis has been reported, although the thermal stability is influenced by the composition of the diene used.     

Structural Stability Among Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin A(1–8)–Magainin 2(1–12) and Its Analogues: A Computational Approach

Cecropin A–Magainin 2 (CA–MA) hybrid antimicrobial peptide (AMP), a combination of two naturally occurring AMPs, cecropin A and magainin 2 is preferred widely in biotechnological, nano and pharmaceutical applications. It exhibits a strong antibacterial activity with a characteristic reduced cytotoxic effect towards mammalian cells. In this study, three AMP structures native CA–MA hybrid and its tryptophan substitutes CA–MA L2 and CA–MA A2 was computationally studied to analyze their structural stability and functionality. Computational analysis like, intra-molecular interactions (25), relative stability (3.22) and instability index (?14.28) showed an increase in structural stability of native CA–MA hybrid. Additionally, the generated peptide ensembles showed a RMSD (3.98 Å), RMSF (0.202 Å), radius of gyration (11.98 Å), ovality (3.33) and hydrophobicity (69.7%) supporting native CA–MA along with hydrogen bond strength (?4.212 kcal/mol) and distribution comparatively. The distribution of secondary structure in native CA–MA hybrid showed the sequential maintenance of stable helical content along with helical stability (52.25%) and computed free energy (?1.74 kcal/mol) in membrane mimicking environment proving its functional activity comparatively. This study aids in designing stable AMP biodrugs with low cytotoxicity in future, the result can be potentially extended to other AMPs to assist in their exploitation as peptide and nano drugs.     

Structures and defects of Au particles (1–3 nm) by HREM

Gold particles produced by the inert gas aggregation technique were observed in HREM. Among the smallest ones (1–3 nm), four structures were recognized: decahedra, icosahedra, cuboctahedra and body-centered tetragonal or orthorhombic structures. The observation of the latter structure for Au clusters is reported for the first time. By improved image processing, their morphologies and defects were precisely determined. Most of them contained small distortions compared to the ideal structures.     

Sol–gel preparation and characterization of Bi4(Si1−xGex)3O12 solid solutions

Micro-crystals of Bi₄(Ge_xSi_1?x)₃O₁₂ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) solid solution series were synthesized by a sol–gel method, using stoichiometric Si(OC₂H₅)₄, GeO₂, Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O as the starting materials. The as-prepared series were studied by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, differential thermal analysis, and fluorescence spectra. Experiments showed that single phase of Bi₄(Si_1?xGe_x)₃O₁₂ was obtained by the sol–gel method. For all the composition, Bi₄Si₃O₁₂ and Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ can completely dissolve into each other. The refined cell parameters were in proportion to the composition. Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ showed the strongest fluorescence emission while Bi₄Si₃O₁₂ showed the weakest fluorescence emission.     

DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of metallofluorescein–porphyrin complexes of zinc(II) and copper(II)

The DNA-binding behaviors of the fluorescein?Cporphyrinatozinc(II) complex Zn(Fl-PPTPP) (Fl-PPTPP?=?5-(4-fluoresceinpropyloxy)phenyl-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin) and fluorescein?Cporphyrinatocopper(II) complex Cu(Fl-PPTPP) with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by UV?CVis absorption titrations, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements, thermal denaturation and circular dichroism. The results suggest that both complexes interact with CT-DNA by intercalation. In addition, their photocleavage reactions with pBR322 supercoiled plasmid DNA were investigated. Both complexes exhibit significant DNA cleavage activity, and singlet oxygen may play an important role in these reactions.     

Interaction behavior study of HCl on (ZnS)n (n = 1–12) clusters and HCl effect on Hg0 adsorption

The interaction behavior of HCl and (ZnS)_n (n = 1–12) clusters and HCl effect on Hg⁰ adsorbed by (ZnS)_n have been studied theoretically. The combined genetic algorithm and density functional theory (GA-DFT) method has been used to obtain the structures of (ZnS)_nHCl and (ZnS)_nHgHCl (n = 1–12) clusters. The structural properties of (ZnS)_nHCl and (ZnS)_nHgHCl have been analyzed. The adsorption energies and interaction energies have been calculated. Bond length and bond order analysis has revealed that S H and Zn Cl bonds form after HCl adsorbed on (ZnS)_n clusters, while Hg⁰ can only weakly bind with (ZnS)_nHCl clusters. According to thermodynamic adsorption analysis, the formation of (ZnS)_nHCl clusters from (ZnS)_n and HCl are spontaneous because of their negative Gibbs free energy changes. The formation of (ZnS)_nHgHCl from (ZnS)_nHCl and Hg are nonspontaneous for n = 1–4 and 9, and the Gibbs free energy changes have small negative values for other sizes. Electron localization function and noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis of (ZnS)₁₀HgHCl manifest that Hg and its nearest Zn form zinc amalgam. Projected density of state study has been performed to obtain the interaction nature of HCl and (ZnS)_n clusters and Hg⁰ adsorption on (ZnS)_nHCl clusters. Based on our study, HCl is chemical adsorbed by (ZnS)_n clusters except (ZnS)₄ cluster. After (ZnS)_n adsorbs HCl, Hg⁰ can physically adsorb on (ZnS)_nHCl clusters. The strength of Hg⁰ on (ZnS)_nHCl is comparable to that of Hg⁰ on (ZnS)_n, indicating that HCl can hardly affect the adsorption of Hg⁰ on ZnS clusters.     

Chemistry of1,16–Dihydroxytetraphenylene and 2,3,9,10–Tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)pentacene

Recently, four tetraphenylenols, as well as several non–substituted and substituted 2,3,9,10–tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)pentacenes were realized in our laboratories. In this presentation, the synthesis, hydrogen bonding properties, and chiral recognition studies of (S)–1,16–dihydroxytetraphenylene (1) and its (R)–enantiomer will be delineated. 1,16–Bis(diphenylphosphino)tetraphenylene (2) was also realized from 1 and was employed in the formation of a stable platinum complex. The synthesis…     

Iodination of B12H11OC(O)CH2–3, B12H11OH2–, and B12H11SCN2–

Reactions of iodination of monosubstituted derivatives of B₁₂H₁₁X^2–anion (X = OC(O)CH₃, OH, SCN) were studied. The reactions were shown to proceed smoothly to give B₁₂H₁₀(OC(O)CH₃)I^2–((carboxy)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion), B₁₂H₁₀(OH)I^2–((hydroxo)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion), and B₁₂H₁₀(SCN)I^2–((thiocyanato)(iodo)[decahydro[I _h1551-²⁰-closo]dodecaborate(2–)] anion) in high yields, irrespective of the solvent used (benzene, H₂O–ROH, where R = C₂H₅, CH₂CH₂CH₃).¹     

Visible-light photoresponsive heterojunctions of (Nb–Ti–Si) and (Bi/Bi-O) nanoparticles

The increasing motivation to seek alternative sources of clean and sustainable energy has intensified, due to a growing awareness that fossil fuels are finite in quantity, and that the combustion products of such fuels contribute to global warming. Solar energy is considered one of the most readily available alternatives, but materials which are able to harness this form of energy need to be developed. This study details the development of a novel composite material, of the form of Bi/Bi-O nanoparticles supported on a (Nb–Ti–Si) oxide. Characterized using electrochemical and other methods, this material generates a photocurrent, and is capable of photo-oxidizing airborne-styrene in a fluidized-bed photoreactor when exposed to visible-light.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Hydroxypoly(ethylene oxide) propyl–b–polydimethylsiloxane–b–propyl hydroxypoly(ethylene oxide)

A series of α, ω–bishydroxyl terminated PDMS, hydroxypoly(ethylene oxide) propyl–b–polydimethylsiloxane–b–propyl hydroxypoly(ethylene oxide) (HPEO–PDMS–HPEO) was prepared by a hydrosilation reaction of monoallyloxy substituted poly(ethylene oxide) with α,ω–bishydrogen terminated PDMS (HPDMS) that obtained via acid–catalyzed ring–opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane with 1,1,3,3–tetramethyldisiloxane. Chloroplatinic acid was employed as the catalyst of hydrosilation. The molecular weight of HPEO–PDMS–HPEO could be controlled easily by varying the chain length of HPDMS. FTIR and ¹H–NMR spectroscopy were used to identify the structure of HPEO–PDMS–HPEO and HPDMS. The conversion of Si–H bond to Si–C bond was affected by the catalyst amount, reaction time and temperature. It was found that the optimum condition of hydrosilation reaction was the catalyst amount of 22 μg/g and 5 h time at 100°C. Synthesized HPEO–PDMS–HPEO showed good storage stability at ambient temperature. Urethane reaction of OH and NCO group revealed that HPEO–PDMS–HPEO was more reactive toward to diisocyanate than α, ω –bishydroxylbutyl terminated PDMS.     

Synthesis and properties of double copper(I)–nickel(II) sulfite

Pourbaix diagrams of Cu–H₂SO4–H₂O and Ni–H₂SO₄–H₂O systems have been refined, and stability regions of the sulfite phases have been determined. State diagrams of double copper(I)–copper(II) and copper(I)–nickel(II) sulfites have been constructed. Double copper(I)–nickel(II) sulfite has been isolated from aqueous solutions saturated with sulfur dioxide. The solutions at different ratios of the metals have been studied by spectrophotometry; the isolated double sulfite has been studied by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, dispersion analysis, and thermal analysis. Fundamentals of thermodynamic prognostication of the Cu₂SO₃·MSO₃ double sulfites synthesis have been elaborated.     

Structural characterization and cytotoxicity studies of ruthenium(II)–dmso–chloro complexes of chalcone and flavone derivatives

A synthetic precursor cis-[Ru^IICl₂(dmso)₄] is complexed separately with 3-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1-(2-hydroxylphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one (L¹H) and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-3hydroxy-chromen-4-one (L²H). The resulting complexes are assigned the composition fac-[RuCl(S-dmso)₃(L¹)] 1 and fac-[RuCl(S-dmso)₃(L²)] 2 using elemental analyses, FAB mass data and spectroscopic (IR, ¹H NMR, UV–Vis, emission) spectral properties. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that complexes self-associate through non-covalent interactions and provide 1D and 2D supramolecular structures. These complexes are assayed for their cytotoxicity studies on Dalton Lymphoma cell lines.     

Facile and Reversible Formation of Iron(III)–Oxo–Cerium(IV) Adducts from Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complexes and Cerium(III)

Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) or Ce^IV(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆ is often used in artificial water oxidation and generally considered to be an outer-sphere oxidant. Herein we report the spectroscopic and crystallographic characterization of [(N4Py)Fe^III-O-Ce^IV(OH₂)(NO₃)₄]⁺ ( 3 ), a complex obtained from the reaction of [(N4Py)Fe^II(NCMe)]²⁺ with 2 equiv CAN or [(N4Py)Fe^IV=O]²⁺ ( 2 ) with Ce^III(NO₃)₃ in MeCN. Surprisingly, the formation of 3 is reversible, the position of the equilibrium being dependent on the MeCN/water ratio of the solvent. These results suggest that the Fe^IV and Ce^IV centers have comparable reduction potentials. Moreover, the equilibrium entails a change in iron spin state, from S=1 Fe^IV in 2 to S=5/2 in 3 , which is found to be facile despite the formal spin-forbidden nature of this process. This observation suggests that Fe^IV=O complexes may avail of reaction pathways involving multiple spin states having little or no barrier.     

Structures and luminescent properties of two heterotrimetallic Ln(III)–Sr(II)–K(I) complexes

Eu(III)–Sr(II)–K(I) and Tb(III)–Sr(II)–K(I) heterotrimetallic metal-organic frameworks with 2,4,6-pyridinetricarboxylic acid have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The complexes are isomorphic and both in triclinic space group P-1. The ligands bond with three metal ions with two coordination modes. One connects seven metal ions and the other connects eight metal ions. IR spectra, thermal analysis, and photoluminescent properties have been studied. The results display strong characteristic emissions of Eu(III) or Tb(III) ions with excitation of ultraviolet radiation.