Thermal degradation of flame-retardant compounds derived from castor oil

Castor oil is a non-edible plant oil produced in a large quantity annually. It is a triglyceride of primarily (approximately 90%) ricinoleic acid. The acid residues contain both a hydroxyl group and a double bond which permit ready functionalization. The hydroxyl group may be converted to phosphorus esters of varied structure while the unsaturation readily undergoes addition of bromine. Derivatives of castor oil containing phosphorus, bromine, or phosphorus and bromine have been prepared and fully characterized using spectroscopic and thermal methods. The thermal stability and mode of degradation for these compounds have been assessed using thermogravimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The primary mode of degradation for the phosphorus esters is elimination of the corresponding phosphorus acid (phosphates more readily than phosphonates). Brominated castor oil undergoes thermally induced dehydrobromination at relatively modest temperatures and this promotes dehydration (at temperatures well below that required for dehydration of unmodified castor oil). Brominated phosphorus esters of castor oil undergo degradation initiated by dehydrobromination.

     

Microstructure and properties of polyurethanes derived from castor oil

The goal of this work was the synthesis of novel segmented polyurethanes with a high percentage of components derived from renewable sources. The soft segment was a polyol derived from castor oil and the hard segment structure was varied by means of different chain extenders, petrochemical-based 1,4-butanediol (BD) and corn sugar-based 1,3-propanediol (PD). The synthesis was carried out in bulk and without catalyst via a two-step polymerization varying hard segment ratio. Physico-chemical, mechanical and morphological characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mechanical testing and termogravimetric analysis (TGA). Properties have been discussed from the viewpoint of hard/soft microdomain phase separation and also the hard segment nature and formed structure. An increase in hard segment content was accompanied by an increase in hard domain order, crystallinity, and stiffness. The hard segment structures, in addition to the elastic nature of soft segment, provide enough physical crosslink sites to impart properties ranging from elastomeric to rigid behaviour with the increase of hard segment content. Polyurethanes synthesized from bio-based chain extender showed a slightly lower crystallinity in the hard segment structure than that synthesized from BD as the chain extender. This lower crystallinity avoids strength concentrations at the soft/crystalline hard segment interface, thus improving the mechanical properties at high hard segment content. The slightly higher thermal stability observed for BD based polyurethanes is related with their more packed structures and crystallinity observed in the hard segment structure.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of banana-shaped compounds derived from 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene

Thirty eight compounds composed of achiral banana-shaped molecules belonging to three new homologous series have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties investigated. The mesophases have been characterized using a combination of polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, miscibility methods and X-ray diffraction measurements. All the compounds reported exhibit mesomorphic properties. Most of the homologues in the three series show B₁ and B₂ phases and the transition temperatures of these are lower in the fluoro substituted compounds. Some of the lower homologues of the fluoro substituted derivatives also show the nematic phase.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of banana-shaped compounds derived from 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene

Thirty eight compounds composed of achiral banana-shaped molecules belonging to three new homologous series have been synthesized and their mesomorphic properties investigated. The mesophases have been characterized using a combination of polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, miscibility methods and X-ray diffraction measurements. All the compounds reported exhibit mesomorphic properties. Most of the homologues in the three series show B₁ and B₂ phases and the transition temperatures of these are lower in the fluoro substituted compounds. Some of the lower homologues of the fluoro substituted derivatives also show the nematic phase.     

Spectral properties of some metal complexes derived from uracil-thiouracil and citrazinic acid compounds

The reaction of FeCl(3) with uracil (H(2)L(1)), citrazinic acid (H(2)L(6)), 5-(phenylazo)citrazinic acid (H(2)L(7)), 5-(m-hydroxyphenylazo)citrazinic acid (H(2)L(8)) and 5-(m-nitrophenylazo)citrazinic acid (H(2)L(9)) leads to the formation of complexes with the empirical formula Fe(HL)(3).nH(2)O (n=1-3). All of the prepared complexes have octahedral complexation geometry where the azo group is not the reactive site for complexation. Thiouracil (H(2)L(2)) and the 5-(substituted phenylazo)thiouracil (H(2)L(3)-H(2)L(5)) ligands are bidentates on complexation with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, DTA, electron spin resonance (copper complexes) and M?ssbauer spectra (iron complexes). The coordination bond lengths between the metal ion and the active centers for complexation were calculated.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of some bisegmented compounds derived from 4,4'-disubstituted biphenyl

New unsymmetrical disubstituted biphenyls have been synthesized. Two different chains (one hydrocarbon and the other fluorinated) are linked through an acetamide bond to 4-methoxy-4'-hydroxybiphenyl. Their mesomorphic properties have been characterized by light microscopy and by differential thermal analysis showing the peculiar contribution of the hydrocarbon chain and the fluorinated tail. The enhancement of the hydrocarbon moiety from one to twelve methylene groups leads to a decrease of the clearing temperatures; furthermore the enantiotropic behaviour is changed to monotropic. The variation of the fluorinated moiety generates strong effects on the transition temperatures. These mesomorphic properties are compared to those of their monocatenar perfluorinated analogues incorporating a connector of the ester or monosubstituted amide type.     

Interfacial properties of a synthetic peptide derived from hepatitis G virus E2 protein: interaction with lipid monolayers

A useful approach to get information about the potential fusogenic ability of virus synthetic peptides is the study of its interfacial properties and subsequent study in mono- and bilayers. In this work, we have characterized by means of physicochemical tools (i.e. compression isotherms and surface activity) the sequence 267-284, LLGTEVSEVLGGAGLTGG, derived from the E2 structural protein of HGV/GBV-C. The adsorption of the peptide at the air/water interface was monitored by following the increase in surface pressure as a function of time at two different pH values: 5 and 7. Parameters such as surface excess or molecular area were calculated from the equation of Gibbs. The peptide showed a tendency to migrate to the surface of a saline-buffered solution. It formed stable monolayers at the air/water interface giving a compression isotherm with a shape consistent with that of some alpha-helical peptide conformations. Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) showed that through compression the peptide formed multilayers. The studies with lipid monolayers (DPMC, DMPC/DMPG, and DMPC/DMTAP) showed that the peptide interacts with all the lipids assayed producing a marked disrupting effect upon them. In these effects electrostatic interactions seem to have some participation.     

Durable multifunctional superhydrophobic sponge for oil/water separation and adsorption of volatile organic compounds

Inspired by the strong adhesion of mussels, a super-hydrophobic sponge was designed and prepared by a simple and inexpensive one-pot solution immersion method. The prepared superhydrophobic sponge can not only efficiently separate the oil–water mixture, more importantly, but also remove volatile organic compounds in the atmospheric environment. Polydopamine (PDA) enables polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) particles to be firmly and tightly attached to the melamine sponge skeleton, thereby making the hydrophilic sponge superhydrophobic and providing adsorption sites for volatile organic compounds in the air. The synergy enables the sponge/PDA/PDVB to quickly adsorb oils and organic substances, and it has high stability and capacity even after 20 cycles. In addition, superhydrophobic sponges can still perform outstanding adsorption performance even under highly acidic and alkaline environments. Meanwhile, the static adsorption capacity of the sponge/PDA/PDVB for gaseous toluene is 5.7 times that of activated carbon. Compared with pure PDVB, the super-hydrophobic sponge in the dynamic experiment has a penetration time increased from 6 to 390 min, which is 65 times longer than that of the PDVB, and the adsorption performance has been greatly improved. Therefore, our strategy may achieve a new effect, which can quickly and easily separate oil–water mixtures and remove volatile gaseous pollutants, and it can provide potential options for practical applications

     

Anion-directed self-assembly of lanthanide-notp compounds and their fluorescence, magnetic, and catalytic properties

Reactions of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl-tris(methylenephosphonic acid) [notpH(6), C(9)H(18)N(3)(PO(3)H(2))3] with different lanthanide salts result in four types of Ln-notp compounds: [Ln{C(9)H(20)N(3)(PO(3)H)(2)(PO(3))}(NO(3))(H(2)O)].4H2O (1), [Ln = Eu (1 Eu), Gd (1 Gd), Tb (1 Tb)], [Ln{C(9)H(20)N(3)(PO(3)H)(2)(PO(3))}(H2O)]Cl.3H2O (2) [Ln = Eu (2 Eu), Gd (2 Gd), Tb (2 Tb)], [Ln{C(9)H(20)N(3)(PO(3)H)(2)(PO(3))}(H2O)]ClO4.8H2O, (3) [Ln = Eu (3 Eu), Gd (3 Gd)], and [Ln{C(9)H(20)N(3)(PO(3)H)(2)(PO(3))}(H2O)]ClO4.3H2O (4), [Ln = Gd (4 Gd), Tb (4 Tb)]. Compounds within each type are isostructural. In compounds 1, dimers of {Ln2(notpH4)2(NO3)2(H2O)2} are found, in which the two lanthanide atoms are connected by two pairs of O-P-O and one pair of mu-O bridges. The NO3- ion serves as a bidentate terminal ligand. Compounds 2 contain similar dimeric units of {Ln2(notpH4)2(H2O)2} that are further connected by a pair of O-P-O bridges into an alternating chain. The Cl- ions are involved in the interchain hydrogen-bonding networks. A similar chain structure is also found in compounds 3; in this case, however, the chains are linked by ClO4- counterions through hydrogen-bonding interactions, forming an undulating layer in the (011) plane. These layers are fused through hydrogen-bonding interactions, leading to a three-dimensional supramolecular network with large channels in the [100] direction. Compounds 4 show an interesting brick-wall-like layer structure in which the neighboring lanthanide atoms are connected by a pair of O-P-O bridges. The ClO4- counterions and the lattice water molecules are between the layers. In all compounds the triazamacrocyclic nitrogen atoms are not coordinated to the Ln(III) ions. The anions and the pH are believed to play key roles in directing the formation of a particular structure. The fluorescence spectroscopic properties of the Eu and Tb compounds, magnetic properties of the Gd compounds, and the catalytic properties of 4 Gd were also studied.     

Ligands derived from tetrathiafulvalene: building blocks for multifunctional materials

The last decade has witnessed many advances in the coordination chemistry of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). Various ligands, in which a metal-binding functionality is attached to the TTF unit, have been synthesized and used for the preparation of metal complexes. This Perspective summarizes the main types of TTF-containing ligands and their metal complexes and outlines the potential for the use of these building blocks in the design and assembly of multifunctional molecular materials.     

Rational design of a nanoscale helical scaffold derived from self-assembly of a dimeric coiled coil motif

We describe a model for the design of synthetic α-helical peptides that are competent for self-assembly into structurally defined supramolecular fibrils on the basis of architectural features that have been programmed into the peptide sequence. In order to test the validity of this experimental model, we have synthesized an oligopeptide YZ1 that was designed to conform to this model and to self-assemble into an α-helical fibril in which the structural sub-units that comprise the fibril corresponded to coiled coil dimers. Peptide YZ1 was prepared via conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis and was composed of 42 amino acid residues such that the sequence defined six distinct heptad repeats of a coiled coil structure. The sequence of YZ1 was designed to adopt an α-helical conformation in which the helical protomers self-associate in a parallel orientation with a staggered orientation between adjacent peptides that corresponded to an axial displacement of three heptads. The self-assembly of peptide YZ1 was examined at varying levels of structural hierarchy for compliance of the observed structures with the experimental model. Circular dichroism spectroscopy provided evidence for an α-helical coiled coil structure for YZ1 in aqueous solution, which could be reversibly denatured through thermal methods. TEM measurements indicated the formation of long aspect-ratio fibers of uniform diameter from aqueous solutions of YZ1, however the dimensions of the fibers suggested that lateral association occurred between the fibrils corresponding to the 2-stranded helical bundles. The α-helical coiled coil structure was confirmed in the solid-state for fibers derived from self-assembly of YZ1 by a combination of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and ¹³C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. SANS and synchrotron SAXS measurements on dilute aqueous solutions of YZ1 provided a fibril diameter that corresponded to the lateral dimensions estimated for a dimeric coiled coil assembly on the basis of structural determinations of model peptides.     

Two new compounds derived from bufalin

The biotransformation of bufalin by cell suspension cultures of Platycodon grandiflorus was investigated and two new biotransformed products were obtained,which was 3-epi-telocinobufagin and 3-epi-bufalin-3-O-β-D-glucoside.     

Dewatering of crude oil emulsions 2. Interfacial properties of the asphaltic constituents of crude oil

The importance of the interfacial rheology in determining the stability of water-in-Buchan crude oil emulsions has been demonstrated in part 1 of this series of papers (R.A. Mohammed, A.I. Bailey, P.F. Luckham and S.E. Taylor, Colloids Surfaces A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects, 80(1993)223). In part 2, interfacial tensions of crude oil, and solutions of asphaltenes and resins in a model oil have been investigated. Surface pressure vs. area (Π—A) curves of monolayers of asphaltenes, resins and their mixtures have been established. In its dependence on the ratio of resins to asphaltenes, the pseudostatic dilatational modulus has high values for low resin-to-asphaltene ratios and low values for high resin-to-asphaltene ratios. This is expected to throw light on the cause of the enhanced stability of water-in-crude oil emulsions.     

One-dimensional optoelectronic nanostructures derived from the aqueous self-assembly of pi-conjugated oligopeptides

The aqueous self-assembly of oligopeptide-flanked pi-conjugated molecules into discrete one-dimensional nanostructures is described. Unique to these molecules is the fact that the pi-conjugated unit has been directly embedded within the peptide backbone by way of a synthetic amino acid with pi-functionality that is compatible with standard Fmoc-based peptide synthesis. The peptide-based molecular design enforces intimate pi-pi communication within the aggregate after charge-screening and self-assembly, making these nanostructures attractive for optical or electronic applications in biological environments. The synthesis and assembly are reported along with spectroscopic and morphological characterization of the new nanomaterials.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of organotin(IV) compounds derived from the self-assembly of hydrazone Schiff base series and various alkyltin salts

Reactions of pyruvic acid hydrazone series [pyruvic acid thiophenecarbonyl hydrazone (L1), pyruvic acid 4-hydroxybenzoylhydrazone (L2), pyruvic acid salicyloylhydrazone (L3), pyruvic acid benzoylhydrazone (L4)], or salicylaldehyde hydrazone Schiff base ligand [salicylaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone (L5)] with different alkyltin salts result in six new organotin(IV) compounds, {(n-Bu)₂Sn[2-SC₄H₃CON₂C(CH₃)CO₂](HOC₃H₇-i)}₂ (1), [{(n-Bu)₂SnCl(O)(n-Bu)₂ Sn(O)[C₆H₄CON₂C(CH₃)CO₂]Sn(n-Bu)₂(HOCH₃)}₂]_∞ (2), {(o-ClBz)₂Sn[4-HOC₆H₄CON₂C(CH₃) CO₂] (HOC₂H₅)}₂ (3), {(n-C₈H₁₇)₂Sn[2-HOC₆H₄CON₂C(CH₃)CO₂](H₂O)}₂ (4), {(n-Bu)₂Sn[C₆H₅ CON₂C(CH₃)CO₂][HOSn(n-Bu)₃]}₂ (5), and {[(n-C₄H₉)SnCl₂]⁻[4-NHC₅H₄CON₂CH (C₆H₄O-2)]⁺ (6), which have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR. In compounds 1, 3, 4, weak-bridged dimers are found, in which the two tin atoms are linked by a pair of monodentate bridges. Each pyruvic acid hydrazone ligand serves as an enolic tridentatic ligand. Compound 2 contains dimeric units of {Sn₆(L2)₂(n-Bu)₆(HOCH₃)₂} that are further connected by two pairs of monodentate bridges into an 1D weak-bridged polymeric chain, in which there also exists a fascinating dichlorodistannoxane ladder structure. Studies show that the bulk and steric hindrance of the alkyl groups and the coordinated solvent molecule bonding to Sn center have little effect on the geometry of the weak-bridge for compounds 1-4. A similar weak-bridged dimeric structure is also found in compound 5; in this case, however, there is no coordinated solvent molecule and the corresponding coordination site is replaced by the trialkyltin hydroxide. Compound 6 exhibits a rare 1D supermolecular chain constructed from the zwitterionic {Sn(L5)(n-Bu)Cl₂} units connected by the intermolecular N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds. The thermal stability of compound 1 was also studied.     

Novel hybrid compounds derived from benzofuroxans and sulfonamides

Novel hybrid compounds based on 4,6-dichloro-5-nitrobenzofuroxan or 7-chloro-4,6-dinitro-benzofuroxan and sulfonamides with a potential antimicrobial activity have been obtained.     

Polymers derived from 2,5-diamino-p-benzoquinone-diimide and related compounds

A number of new polymeric materials have been prepared by the self-condensation of 2,5-diamino-p-benzoquinonediimide and by its condensation with 2,5-diamino-p-benzoquinone, 2,5-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinone, and 2,5-dichloro-p-benzoquinone. Ladder polymers were expected, but in every case polymers with some open rings were obtained. 2,5-Diaminohydroquinone was condensed with 2,5-diamino-p-benzoquinonediimide and with 2,5-diamino-p-benzoquinone to produce heat stable polymers but the expected ladder structures were not obtained. Thermogravimetric analyses of the polymers in nitrogen all showed a weight loss at 100–150°C of 3–14% which was presumably due to loss of either chemically combined or absorbed water on the polymer and then only a 5% weight loss up to about 600°C with a final weight loss of 19% at 900°C.     

Model compounds and monomers derived from 1,1-difluoroethene

Saturated model compounds, related to elastomers that are derived from copolymers of CH₂=CF₂/CF₂=CFCF₃, have been synthesised and studied. Unsaturated compounds were obtained by both base- and Lewis-acid induced processes. Some reactions with antimony pentafluoride lead to remarkably stable carbocations, and even di-cations, and the nmr data for these systems is revealing about structure. Polyconjugated polymers may be obtained by this procedure. Preliminary studies are described, relating to the incorporation of crowded monomers into fluorocarbon polymers, ultimately, as a means of initiating cross-linking processes for curing elastomers.     

Further polymers derived from bisazlactones and tetraamino compounds

New polymers containing benzimidazole in the polymeric backbone were obtained from the reaction of bis(oxazolones) with known and with a novel aromatic tetraamine. The polymers have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.1-0.4 dL/g (in DMF 30°C).