Switchable molecules : The electronic configurations of the Fe center in trans‐[Fe(tzpy)2(NCS)2] in low‐spin, high‐spin, and LIESST states (LIESST=light‐induced excited spin‐state trapping) were confirmed by K‐ and L‐edge X‐ray absorption and magnetic measurements. The molecular structures at 40 K before and after irradiation are superimposed in the picture, which demonstrates a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transition by irradiation.
Zincate it! The mechanism of the halogen–zinc exchange reaction with organozincate compounds has been studied by using density functional theory to elucidate the effects of changing the halogen species, the alkyl ligand on zinc, and the substrate nature (see figure).
Pepped up polymers : The synthesis and properties of novel chiral cyclic peptides designed to complex with suitable polymers through hydrogen bonding are described. A substituted cyclic peptide self‐assembles into supramolecular nanotubes and develops noncovalent interactions with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by means of its carboxyl side chains.
A new acquisition : Based on “phase‐shifted mirrored sampling” (PMS) of indirect evolution periods of multi‐dimensional experiments, new acquisition schemes eliminate, without application of a phase correction, dispersive signal components that exacerbate peak identification and shift peak maxima. The resulting enhanced resolution is of particular value for systems with high chemical shift degeneracy.
Microfluidic synthesis is used to form nanoparticles by separate nucleation and growth processes using two microreactors (see picture) operating under different temperature and flow conditions. Ferrihydrite nanoparticles precipitated in the first microreactor are aged under continuous flow in a second microtubular reactor, leading to goethite nanoparticles. TMAOH=tetramethylammonium hydroxide.
Chemical scrabble : Mechanistic studies of complex organocatalytic cascade reactions are challenging owing to the presence of many species involved. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry provides details about a one‐pot quadruple organocatalytic cascade reaction, and allows detailed characterization of the reaction and its key intermediates.
Silica scaffolding : By employing functionalized mesoporous SBA‐15 silica, novel fluorescent cruciform‐silica hybrid materials are generated which preserve the desirable solution properties of cruciforms in the solid state for potential use in sensory schemes.
Delving into digallides : The characteristics of the chemical bonding of the digallides of the alkaline‐earth metals (see figure) have been studied by application of experimental methods, such as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, in combination with quantum mechanical calculations.
The growth and self‐organization of organic crystals between a source (S) and drain (D) electrode by a method based on the use of a micropipette and isothermal evaporation of the solvent in a two‐liquid system led to the formation of organic‐crystal transistors (see polarized optical micrograph). The method is similar to ink‐jet printing and should be suitable for the fabrication of low‐cost and mass‐producible printed electronic devices.
For controlled release and targeted delivery of curcumin in an aqueous medium a method of encapsulating curcumin and magnetic nanoparticles inside porous silica matrix has been developed. Curcumin and superparamagnetic nanoparticles are loaded inside porous silica in a single process. The graphic shows the TEM image of microtomed sample of Fe3O4 particles surrounded by a silica matrix.
Efficient and general conditions for the formation of stereodefined trisubstituted alkenes by using the rhodium‐catalyzed reaction of unactivated Baylis–Hillman adducts with either organoboronic acids or potassium trifluoro(organo)borates are reported (see scheme).
