Molecular organization and electrochemical reduction of a Ni(II)Porphyrin complex in LB films

In this work, mixed films of a tetra-cationic porphyrin, Ni(II)TMPyP, and an anionic phospholipid, DMPA, in molar ratio of 1:4, were formed at the air–water interface and transferred onto glass and optically transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Transmission spectroscopy (on glass and ITO) and cyclic voltammetry (on ITO) were used to infer the molecular organization and the electrochemical reduction of these LB films. Likewise, we compare the electrochemical reduction of the Ni(II)TMPyP in water solution with that in LB films. The porphyrin molecules in water solution show three two-electron reduction waves, which are related to the two-electron reduction of the central ring of the porphyrin and to the one-electron reductions of the four methyl–pyridyl groups of the molecule, respectively, while only two reversible one-electron reduction waves are observed in LB films corresponding to the reduction of the central ring of the porphyrin and to the Ni(II) to Ni(I) reduction, respectively.     

Facile deoxygenation of dicarbonyl compounds using a samarium diiodide-additive system

The reduction of alpha- and beta-dicarbonyl compounds was investigated with samarium diiodide in the presence of additive. Diketones and ketocarboxylic acids were easily reduced at room temperature to give the mono-alcohols in good to excellent yield, and ketoester afforded the saturated ester as the major product in moderate yield. These reductions containing the reductive deoxygenation can be rapidly performed under the facile and mild conditions by this method.     

Catalytic two-electron reductions of N2O and N3- by myoglobin in surfactant films

Myoglobin (Mb), in films of dimethyldidodecylammonium bromide (ddab) on graphite electrodes, is used as a catalyst to mediate the electrochemical reduction of nitrous oxide (N2O) as well as the isoelectronic ion azide (N3-) in aqueous solutions. The electrocatalytic reductions are characterized by a rate-dependent irreversibility in cyclic voltammograms of Mb/ddab in the presence of the substrates. Bulk electrolysis shows that the reduction of 15N15NO by Mb/ddab yields 15N15N as shown by GC/MS. The catalytic reduction of azide results in almost quantitative formation of ammonia. These electrocatalytic processes are rationalized as two-electron reductions, with the catalyst cycling between the Fe(I) and Fe(III) states of Mb. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of N2O reduction by an Fe porphyrin or heme protein.     

Cathodically deposited polypyridine films: A novel electroactive polyconjugated polymer

Poly-2,5- and poly-2,6-pyridine coatings have been produced on glassy-carbon electrodes by nickelcatalysed reduction of the corresponding dibromopyridine in acetonitrile. Poly-2,5-pyridine films display two reversible cathodic cycles, one of which is due to nickel ions coordinated to pyridine moieties and the other to the polymeric backbone. Both reductions lead to the polymer changing from the insulating to the conductive state. Conversely, Poly-2,6-pyridine films are not reversibly electroactive and the differences are discussed in terms of conjugation along the polymeric chain.     

Glutathione oxidation in real time by thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

The oxidation and reduction of glutathione and oxidized glutathione were studied in real time by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry during exposure to hydrogen peroxide and mercaptoethanol. By mass spectrometry mixed disulfides and both reversible and irreversible oxidations of sulfur to higher states (sulfinic and sulfonic acids) were directly observed during exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The irreversible oxidation of glutathione to glutathione sulfonic acid could be detected after 30 min exposure of glutathione to 40 mM H2O2 at 20 degrees C. A peak consistent with glutathione-sulfinic acid was transiently present, suggesting this compound behaved as an oxygen consuming antioxidant. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry appears to be an excellent method to study oxidation and reductions of sulfur containing peptides and amino acids.     

Influence of the concentration of a low-molecular organic solute on the flux reduction of a polyethersulphone ultrafiltration membrane

Drastic flux reductions are sometimes encountered during ultrafiltration of solutes much smaller than the membrane pores. This usually occurs during ultrafiltration of hydrophobic, low-molecular solutes, such as fatty acids, alcohols and alkanes. The influence of the concentration of a carboxylic acid, octanoic acid, on the flux of a polyethersulphone membrane was studied in this investigation. The concentration was found to have a marked influence on the flux. The flux reduction was moderate at low concentrations, but became severe above a certain, critical concentration. Two flux-reducing mechanisms were evaluated; reduction of the effective pore radius by adsorption of solute molecules on the pore walls, and blocking of pores by capillary condensation. The adsorption of octanoic acid on a hydrophobic solid surface was studied by null ellipsometry.     

Calcium alkoxyalanates : III. Reduction of organic functional groups by calcium tetrakis(alkoxy)alanates

Calcium tetrakis(alkoxy)alanates obtained from different alcohols reduce aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, acid chlorides and anhydrides to alcohols in high yields. Good results are achieved in the reduction of amides to amines. The reductions of nitrile and oxime groups and dehalogenation reactions are more difficult. Selectivity is possible in the reduction of organic epoxides.     

Liquid-liquid biphasic synthesis of layered zinc hydroxides intercalated with long-chain carboxylate ions and their conversion into ZnO nanostructures

A method for synthesizing layered zinc hydroxide compounds in high yields is developed using an immiscible liquid-liquid system in one pot. Long-chain carboxylate ions such as heptanoate, decanoate, and dodecanoate were successfully intercalated between zinc hydroxide layers in one process starting from a xylene-water system. Typically, a xylene phase dissolving the respective carboxylic acids was allowed to stand in contact with an aqueous phase dissolving zinc nitrate hexahydrate and urea. During keeping the resultant biphasic system at 80 °C, urea was thermo-hydrolyzed to supply OH(-) in the aqueous phase while the carboxylic acids were continuously transferred from the xylene phase under the distribution law. The aqueous phase was then supersaturated, and a solid phase of layered basic zinc carboxylate was precipitated as films on glass substrates through heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent two-dimensional crystal growth. Crystal structures and morphology of the films were modulated by the kind of the carboxylic acids employed. The layered basic zinc carboxylate films could be converted to nanostructured, mesoporous ZnO films by heating at 450 °C in air. The relationship between the initial solution compositions and the final solid products was systematically examined to discuss reaction mechanisms in the biphasic systems.     

Sorption and transport properties of MY720/DDS epoxy reacted with blocking reagents

Thin films of the epoxy formed by the reaction of tetraglycidyl 4,4'-diamino-diphenylmethane and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (73:27 w/w) were reacted with acrylonitrile (ACN) and isocyanates as blocking reagents for hydroxyl, amine, and epoxy groups. The water uptake at 30, 45, 55, and 70°C of the epoxy resin was monitored gravimetrically. At each temperature the epoxy exhibited case I or Fickian behavior. The diffusion coefficient D increased from 30 to 55°C, but decreased at 70°C because of the reaction of water with residual oxirane groups. Diffusion of ACN is accompanied by both reaction and polymerization, so equilibrium could not be reached. Sorption of the isocyanates essentially follows case I or Fickian behavior. Equilibrium moisture absorptions showed a correspondence between the reduction of moisture absorption and the number of blocked functional groups, irrespective of the nature of the blocking groups. Moisture absorption reductions as high as 68% were obtained. Moisture diffusion of the films after blocking with the various reactants exhibits case I or Fickian behavior. At 30°C, D values are significantly higher for reacted films. At 70°C, the value of D is unchanged as compared with the 30°C value for films reacted with ACN, but D values are significantly lower for films reacted with isocyanate blocking reagents as compared with the epoxy resin.     

Greffage radiochimique de l'acide methacrylique sur des films de polytetrafluoroethylene

Methacrylic acid was grafted into the bulk of PTFE films 50 μm thick by irradiating the films in aqueous solutions of monomer containing CuCl₂. The influences of radiation dose-rate and of temperature were investigated. The swelling of the grafted films was studied in the following solvents for the grafted branches: water, methanol, DMF and their mixtures. In each case the molar ratios corresponding to the limiting swelling were determined. It was further found that the grafted films swell in carboxylic acids such as methacrylic, acrylic and acetic acids, which are non-solvents for the grafted branches. This swelling is much slower than the swelling in good solvents. It is suggested that it results from a molecular association of the carboxyl groups of the solvent with those of the polymer.     

聚丙烯腈表面金属化新方法的研究

以硼氢化钠（ＮａＢＨ４）水溶液还原聚丙烯腈（ＰＡＮ）／金属盐络合膜后，就可得到一种新的高分子表面金属化材料．其导电性能较好，表面电阻约为１０－１～１０Ω／□通过ＵＶ、ＩＲ等分析手段证实了在高聚物和金属离子之间存在络合作用。研究了影响表面电阻的因素。通过电镜和测量还原率、电子探针微区分析，证实了还原过程中存在离子迁移     

New Pd-catalyzed selective reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes

A catalyst generated in situ from palladium acetate and tricyclohexylphosphine efficiently catalyzes the reduction of carboxylic acids with sodium hypophosphite in the presence of pivalic anhydride to give aldehydes with high selectivity. The low cost and convenient handling of the reagents makes this process a valuable alternative to hydrogenations and metal hydride reductions.     

Keggin结构钨磷酸/聚乙烯吡咯烷酮复合膜的制备和光致变色性质研究

近年来,由于无机－有机复合材料具有潜在的应用前景和特殊性能,尤其是光致变色性能,引起研究者们的广泛兴趣^[1-3],以杂多化合物为多核配合物,通过化合键或氢键作用与高分子底物结合,形成电荷转移物质,可以大大提高复合材料的化学和物理性能。目前,这一领域的研究在国外已经成为热点^[4-7]。本文以Keggin结构钨磷酸和聚乙烯吡咯烷酮为原料,报道了该类复合物的合成、表征及光致变色性质。     

Condensed thymine films at the mercury/water interface: Part II. Effects on electrode kinetics

Condensed films provide ideal systems to distinguish between electron transfer with or without adsorption, i.e., between so-called inner- and outer-sphere electrode reactions. The one-electron reductions of europium(III) and vanadium(III) at an electrode covered with a condensed thymine film are unaffected by the film pressure, and therefore do not involve direct contact with the electrode, whereas the rate of the one-electron reduction of Co(NH₃)³⁺₆ varies with film pressure, as do the two-electron atom transfer reductions of cadmium(II) and lead(II). Apparently, the reduction of Co(NH₃)³⁺₆ involves direct contact with the mercury.     

Synthesis of non-hydrolyzable substrate analogs for Asp-tRNA/Glu-tRNA amidotransferase

Non-hydrolyzable substrate analogs for tRNA-dependent amidotransferase, 2′- or 3′-aspartyl or -glutamyl adenosine, were synthesized from adenosine without protection of the adenine base. The hydroxyl groups of adenosine were selectively protected, followed by a series of oxidation/reductions to alter the stereochemistry. DFT calculations revealed the driving forces for the ketone hydrate formation at C-2′, but not the C-3′ carbon during the oxidation step. Subsequently, triflation and azide replacement yielded azidoadenosines, which were coupled to protected amino acids after deprotection and reduction. After global deprotection, the target substrate analogs were obtained in 2–14% overall yields from adenosine.     

Analysis of organic acids and phenols of interest in the wine industry using Langmuir–Blodgett films based on functionalized nanoparticles

A chemically modified electrode consisting of Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of n-dodecanethiol functionalized gold nanoparticles (S_DODAuNP-LB), was investigated as a voltammetric sensor of organic and phenolic acids of interest in the wine industry. The nanostructured films demonstrated interfacial properties being able to detect the main organic acids present in grapes and wines (tartaric, malic, lactic and citric). Compared to a bare ITO electrode, the modified electrodes exhibited a shift of the reduction potential in the less positive direction and a marked enhancement in the current response. Moreover, the increased electrocatalytic properties made it possible to distinguish between the different dissociable protons of polyprotic acids. The S_DODAuNP-LB sensor was also able to provide enhanced responses toward aqueous solutions of phenolic acids commonly found in wines (caffeic and gallic acids). The presence of nanoparticles increased drastically the sensitivity toward organic acids and phenolic compounds. Limits of detection as low as 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ were achieved. Efficient catalytic activity was also observed in mixtures of phenolic acid/tartaric in the range of pHs typically found in wines. In such mixtures, the electrode was able to provide simultaneous information about the acid and the phenol concentrations with a complete absence of interferences.     

Preparation of Hot Water-Resistant Silica Thin Films from Polysilazane Solution at Room Temperature

Perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) films were deposited on single-crystal Si substrates by spin-coating using a xylene solution of PHPS, and then suspended over 1 mol L^?1 ammonia water at room temperature. The PHPS-to-silica conversion occurring on the exposure to the ammonia water vapor was studied by infrared absorption spectroscopy. Si--H and N--H infrared absorption peaks decreased and Si--O--Si bands increased, showing PHPS-to-silica conversion; the conversion was almost completed in 6 h. The exposed films were soaked in 80°C water for 24 h, and the reduction in thickness on soaking was evaluated. The PHPS-derived films suspended over the ammonia water for 6 h exhibited only 2% reduction in thickness on soaking in 80°C water. Alkoxide-derived silica gel films dried in the ambient atmosphere or suspended over the ammonia water, on the other hand, exhibited significant reduction in thickness on soaking in 80°C water.     

Biodegradable network elastomeric polyesters from multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) diols

Biodegradable elastomeric network polyesters were prepared from multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids such as tricarballylic acid (Yt) or meso-1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (Xb) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) diols with molecular weights of 530, 1,250 and 2,000 g.mol-1. Prepolymers prepared by a melt polycondensation were cast from DMF solution and postpolymerized at 280 degrees C for various periods of times to form a network. The resultant films were transparent, flexible and insoluble in organic solvents. The network polyesters obtained were characterized by IR absorption spectra, WAXS, density measurement, DSC, and tensile test. YtPCL1250, and XbPCL1250 network polyester films showed good elastomeric properties with high ultimate elongation (540-590%), and low Young's modulus (2.5-3.3 MPa). The enzymatic degradation was estimated by the weight loss of network films in a buffer solution with Rhizopus delemar lipase at 37 degrees C. The degree and rate of degradation were significantly affected by the molecular weight of PCL diol, chemical structures of multifunctional aliphatic carboxylic acids and the morphology of network films. The changes in the solid states of network films during the degradation were also estimated by the results of DSC and WAXS. [see text]     

氧化铑电致变色薄膜的制备、结构及性能

采用溶胶_凝胶方法在ITO导电基底上制备氧化铑电致变色薄膜 .当在碱性溶液中对薄膜分别施加阴极和阳极电位时 ,薄膜即呈现由亮黄到深绿的可逆变化 .采用原位XRD、TG_DTA、IR、XPS等方法对薄膜的结晶态、热处理过程以及膜的化学组成进行分析 .应用交流阻抗法计算了薄膜变色过程的扩散系数 ,结果表明该膜基本可以用于变色器件     

Atomic layer deposition of organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on saturated linear carboxylic acids

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has successfully provided thin films of organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on saturated linear carboxylic acids and trimethylaluminium (TMA). Films were grown for seven carboxylic acids: oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, pimelic, suberic and sebacic acid, i.e. ranging from 2 to 10 carbon atoms in the molecular structure. These processes show exceptionally high growth rates; up to 4.3 nm/cycle for the pimelic acid-TMA system. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements of the growth dynamics indicate that all systems are of a self limiting ALD-type. Nevertheless, temperature dependent growth was observed in several systems. The width of the ALD windows shows correlations with the length of the carbon chains. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy clearly proved that the deposited films are of a hybrid character, where the carboxylic acids primarily form bidentate complexes, though bridging complexes may also form. All films are X-ray amorphous as deposited. The films were further analyzed by atomic force microscopy for surface roughness and topography, UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry for optical properties, and the goniometer method for measuring sessile drops for surface wetting properties. Apart from the oxalic and malonic acid-TMA systems, the films are stable in contact with water. The films are generally smooth, transparent and have a refractive index close to 1.5. The complete coverage and accurate growth control offered by the ALD technique is here proven to provide surface-functionalized hybrid materials resembling metal-organic frameworks (MOF), probably as rather dense structures, yet with substantial potential for applications.