NMR analysis of mono‐ and difructosyllactosucrose synthesized by 1F‐fructosyltransferase purified from roots of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)

Two novel oligosaccharides, mono‐ and difructosyllactosucrose {[O‐β‐D ‐fructofuranosyl‐(2 → 1)]_n‐β‐D ‐fructofuranosyl‐O‐[β‐D ‐galactopyranosyl‐(1 → 4)]‐α‐D ‐glucopyranoside, n = 1 and 2} were synthesized using 1^F‐fructosyltransferase purified form roots of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.). Their ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were assigned using several NMR techniques. The spectral analysis was started from two anomeric methines of aldose units, galactose and glucose, since they showed separate characteristic signals in their ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. After assignments of all the ¹H and ¹³C signals of two units of aldose, they were discriminated as galactose and glucose using proton–proton coupling constants. The HMBC spectrum revealed the galactose residue attached to C‐4 of glucose, fructose residue attached to the C‐1 of glucose, and further fructosyl fructose linkage extended from the glucosyl fructose residues. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solid‐state NMR spectroscopy of Pb‐rich apatite

Pb‐containing hydroxylapatite phases synthesized under aqueous conditions were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to determine the Pb, Ca distribution. ³¹P and ¹H magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR results indicate slight shifts of the isotropic chemical shift with increased Ca content and complex lineshapes at compositions with near equal amounts of Ca and Pb. ³¹P{²⁰⁷Pb} and ¹H{²⁰⁷Pb} rotational‐echo double resonance (REDOR) results for intermediate compositions show that resolved spectral features cannot be assigned simply in terms of local Ca, Pb configurations or coexisting phases. ²⁰⁷Pb MAS NMR spectra are easily obtained for these materials and contain well‐resolved resonances for crystallographically unique A1 and A2 Pb sites. Splitting of the A1 and A2 ²⁰⁷Pb resonances for pure hydroxyl‐pyromorphite (Pb₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) compared to natural pyromorphite (Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl) suggests symmetry reduced from hexagonal. We find that ²⁰⁷Pb{¹H} CP/MAS NMR is impractical in Pb‐rich hydroxylapatites due to fast ²⁰⁷Pb relaxation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Stereostructure of Porphyra‐334: An Experimental and Calculational NMR Investigation. Evidence for an Efficient ‘Proton Sponge’

The mycosporine‐like amino acid (MAA) porphyra‐334 ( 1 ) is subjected to extensive ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR analysis as well as to density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations. All ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR signals of 1 are assigned, as well as the resonances of prochiral proton pairs. This is achieved by 500‐MHz standard COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments, as well as by one‐dimensional (DPFGSE‐NOE) and two‐dimensional (NOESY) NOE experiments. Diffusion measurements (DOSY) confirm that 1 is monomeric in D₂O solution. DFT Calculations yield ¹³C‐NMR chemical shifts which are in good agreement for species 6 which is the imino N‐protonated form of 1 . An exceptionally high proton affinity of 265.7 kcal/mol is calculated for 1 , indicating that 1 may behave as a very powerful ‘proton sponge’ of comparable strength as synthetic systems studied so far. Predictions of ¹³C‐NMR chemical shifts by the ‘NMRPredict’ software are in agreement with the DFT data. The absolute configuration at the ring stereogenic center of 1 is concluded to be (S) from NOE data as well as from similarities with the absolute configuration (S) found in mycosporine‐glycine 16 . This supports the assumption that 1 is biochemically derived from 3,3‐O‐didehydroquinic acid ( 17 ). The data obtained question the results recently published by a different research group claiming that the configuration at the imino moiety of 1 is (Z), rather than (E) as established by the here presented study.     

1H‐, 13C‐, and 15N‐NMR chemical shifts for selected glucosides and ribosides of aromatic cytokinins

The ¹H and ¹³C NMR resonances of 16 purine glucosides were assigned by a combination of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR experiments, including gs‐COSY, gs‐HSQC, and gs‐HMBC, in order to characterize the effect of substituent and the position of glucose unit on the NMR chemical shifts. In addition, ¹⁵N NMR chemical shifts for selected derivatives were investigated by using ¹H? ¹⁵N chemical shift correlation techniques. To map the influence of sugar moiety on the directly bonded nitrogen atom, selected N⁹‐glucosides and their ribose analogs were compared. Characteristic long‐range ¹H? ¹⁵N coupling constants, measured by using ¹H? ¹⁵N gradient‐selected single‐quantum multiple bond correlation (GSQMBC), are also reported and discussed. All compounds investigated here belong to cytokinins, an important group of plant hormones. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Charakterisierung der Protonen in polykristallinen Parawolframaten durch 1H‐MAS‐NMR‐Untersuchungen

Characterization of the Protons in Polycrystalline Paratungstates using ¹H MAS NMR Investigations ¹H MAS NMR experiments are used to characterize the non‐acid protons of the anions in polycrystalline paratungstates by means of the measured isotropic chemical shift values. The investigation of various hydrates of ammonium paratungstate allows a direct proof of protons in NH₄ ions and in water molecules while protons of the anions are not detectable. However, for both the potassium and the sodium paratungstates ¹H MAS NMR investigations detected the protons of water molecules and the non‐acid protons of the paratungstate anions. Additional ¹H broad‐line NMR experiments at 173 K support the interpretation of the results obtained by the ¹H MAS NMR investigations. For the NMR signal of the non‐acid protons of the paratungstate anion in the ¹H MAS NMR spectra of the potassium salt line‐splitting appears. This refers to the existence of two nonidentical positions of the protons in the crystal lattice and is in agreement with the results of the X‐ray structural analysis.     

Synthesis and properties of oxygen‐, methylene‐, and alkylene‐bridged poly(dithiafulvene)s

Polymerization by cycloaddition between aldothioketene and its alkynethiol tautomer (derived in situ from a diyne) leading to the formation of dithiafulvene unit‐linked polymers has been studied. Two aromatic diynes [bis(4‐ethynyldiphenyl)methane ( 1a ) and 4,4′‐diethynyldiphenyl ether) ( 1b )] were used as starting materials with the aim of obtaining non‐π‐conjugated methylene‐ and oxygen‐bridged aromatic poly(dithiafulvene)s. The poly(dithiafulvene) derived from bis(4‐ethynyldiphenyl)methane can be considered as an interesting precursor to a small band‐gap polymer having alternating aromatic and quinonoid moieties. Further, two aliphatic diynes [1,7‐octadiyne ( 3a ) and 1,9‐decadiyne ( 3b )] were subjected to cycloaddition polymerization to obtain aliphatic poly(dithiafulvene)s containing localized electron‐rich dithiafulvene units. The polymers obtained were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and cyclic voltammetry. The electron‐donating property of the polymers was evident from the charge‐transfer (CT) complex formation with an electron acceptor 7,7,8,8‐teracyanoquinodimethane. The CT complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3593–3603, 2001     

Synthesis of Two Derivatives of 3,6,9‐tri(carboxymethyl)‐3,6,9‐triazaundecanedioic Acid and the Stabilities of Their Complexes with Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Dy3+ and Gd3+

Two N‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl and N‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl derivatives of DTPA (3,6,9‐tri(carboxymethyl)‐3,6,9‐triazaundecanedioic acid), DTPA‐H1P = 3,9‐di(carboxymethyl)‐6‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl‐3,6,9‐triazaundecanedioic acid, and DTPA‐H2P = 3,9‐di(carboxymethyl)‐6‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl‐3,6,9‐triazaundecanedioic acid were synthesized. Their protonation constants were determined by Potentiometric titration in 0.10 M Me₄NNO₃ and by NMR pH titration at 25.0 ± 0.1°C. The formations of lanthanide(III), copper(II), zinc(II) and calcium(II) complexes were investigated quantitatively by potentiometry. The stability constant for Gd(III) complex is larger than those for Ca(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with these two ligands. The selectivity constants and modified selectivity constants of the DTPA‐H1P and DTPA‐H2P for Gd(III) over endogenously available metal ions were calculated. Comparing pM values at physiological pH 7.4 assesses effectiveness of these two ligands in binding divalent and trivalent metal ions in biological media. The observed water proton relaxivity values of [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)]^? and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)]^? became constant with respect to pH changes over the range of 4‐10. ¹⁷O NMR shifts showed that the [Dy(DTPA‐H1P)]^? and [Dy(DTPA‐H2P)]^? complexes at pH 6.30 had 1.91 and 2.28 inner‐sphere water molecules, respectively. Water proton spin‐lattice relaxation rates of [Gd(DTPA‐H1P)]^? and [Gd(DTPA‐H2P)]^? complexes were also consistent with the inner‐sphere Gd(III) coordination.     

Heteronuclear NMR Spectroscopy as a Surface‐Selective Technique: A Unique Look at the Hydroxyl Groups of γ‐Alumina.

The surface hydroxyl groups of γ‐alumina dehydroxylated at 500 °C were studied by a combination of one‐ and two‐dimensional homo‐ and heteronuclear ¹H and ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy at high magnetic field. In particular, by harnessing ¹H–²⁷Al dipolar interactions, a high selectivity was achieved in unveiling the topology of the alumina surface. The terminal versus bridging character of the hydroxyl groups observed in the ¹H magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectrum was demonstrated thanks to ¹H–²⁷Al RESPDOR (resonance‐echo saturation‐pulse double‐resonance). In a further step the hydroxyl groups were assigned to their aluminium neighbours thanks to a {¹H}‐²⁷Al dipolar heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation (D‐HMQC), which was used to establish a first coordination map. Then, in combination with ¹H–¹H double quantum (DQ) MAS, these elements helped to reveal intimate structural features of the surface hydroxyls. Finally, the nature of a peculiar reactive hydroxyl group was demonstrated following this methodology in the case of CO₂ reactivity with alumina.     

Structures of rhenium(I) complexes with 3‐hydroxyflavone and benzhydroxamic acid as O,O′‐bidentate ligands and confirmation of π‐stacking by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy

The synthesis and crystal structures of two new rhenium(I) complexes obtained utilizing benzhydroxamic acid (BHAH) and 3‐hydroxyflavone (2‐phenylchromen‐4‐one, FlavH) as bidentate ligands, namely tetraethylammonium fac‐(benzhydroxamato‐κ²O,O′)bromidotricarbonylrhenate(I), (C₈H₂₀N)[ReBr(C₇H₆NO₂)(CO)₃], 1 , and fac‐aquatricarbonyl(4‐oxo‐2‐phenylchromen‐3‐olato‐κ²O,O′)rhenium(I)–3‐hydroxyflavone (1/1), [Re(C₁₅H₉O₃)(CO)₃(H₂O)]·C₁₅H₁₀O₃, 3 , are reported. Furthermore, the crystal structure of free 3‐hydroxyflavone, C₁₅H₁₀O₃, 4 , was redetermined at 100 K in order to compare the packing trends and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy with that of the solvate flavone molecule in 3 . The compounds were characterized in solution by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy using the cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) technique. Compounds 1 and 3 both crystallize in the triclinic space group P with one molecule in the asymmetric unit, while 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. Molecules of 1 and 3 generate one‐dimensional chains formed through intermolecular interactions. A comparison of the coordinated 3‐hydroxyflavone ligand with the uncoordinated solvate molecule and free molecule 4 shows that the last two are virtually completely planar due to hydrogen‐bonding interactions, as opposed to the former, which is able to rotate more freely. The differences between the solid‐ and solution‐state ¹³C NMR spectra of 3 and 4 are ascribed to inter‐ and intramolecular interactions. The study also investigated the potential labelling of both bidentate ligands with the corresponding fac‐^99mTc‐tricarbonyl synthon. All attempts were unsuccessful and reasons for this are provided.     

The Effect of C4H and C5H on the Microstructure of Aqueous Solutions of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquids

As is well‐known, the C2?H proton of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Emim]BF₄) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF₄) has a strong ability to form hydrogen bonds. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of the interactions of the C4?H and C5?H protons on the microstructure of [Emim]BF₄ and [Bmim]BF₄ with water by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The differences between the relative ¹H NMR chemical shifts of C2?H, C4?H, and C5?H and between the interaction‐energy parameters obtained from these chemical shifts are minor, thus suggesting that the interactions of C4?H and C5?H may have a considerable effect on the microstructure. To confirm this, the viscosities of the systems are estimated by using the interaction‐energy parameters obtained from the ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the three studied aromatic protons and water, showing that the interactions of C4?H and C5?H also play an important role in the microstructure.     

Solid‐State NMR investigations of anhydrous proton‐conducting acid–base poly(acrylic acid)– poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) polymer blend system: A study of hydrogen bonding and proton conduction

NMR studies of the structure and dynamics of a system composed of the acidic polymer poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and the basic polymer poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) are presented. This system aims at the application of anhydrous proton‐conducting membranes that can be used at elevated temperatures at which the proton conduction of hydrated membranes breaks down. The ¹H NMR measurements have been preformed under fast magic angle spinning (MAS) conditions to achieve sufficient resolution and the applied ¹H NMR methods vary from simple ¹H MAS to double‐quantum filtered methods and two‐dimensional ¹H double‐quantum spectroscopy. The dynamic behavior of the systems has been investigated via variable temperature ¹H MAS NMR. ¹³C cross‐polarization MAS NMR provides additional aspects of dynamic and structural features to complete the picture. Different types of acidic protons have been identified in the studied PAA‐P4VP systems that are nonhydrogen‐bonded free acidic protons, hydrogen‐bonded dicarboxylic dimers, and protons forming hydrogen bonds between carboxylic protons and ring nitrogens. The conversion of dimer structures in dried PAA to free carboxylic acid groups is accomplished at temperatures above 380 K. However, the stability of hydrogen‐bonding strongly depends on the hydration level of the polymer systems. The effect of hydration becomes less apparent in the complexes. An inverse proportionality between hydrogen‐bonding strength and proton conduction in the PAA‐P4VP acid–base polymer blend systems was established. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 138–155, 2009     

Assessing the potential of fast amplitude modulation pulses for improving triple‐quantum magic angle spinning NMR spectra of half‐integer quadrupolar nuclei

A comprehensive experimental and numerical study of the potential of fast amplitude (FAM) irradiation for improving the triple‐quantum (3Q) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of half‐integer nuclei (²³Na, ²⁷Al, ⁴⁵Sc, ⁹³Nb) was carried out. Materials of academic and industrial importance, such as infrared‐emitter Na₃YSi₃O₉, microporous aluminophosphate VPI‐5, mineral andalusite, calcined kaolinite, Sc₂O₃ and relaxor ferroelectric PMN, were investigated. It was found that FAM pulses are indeed of practical relevance and particularly useful for the observation of the NMR resonances given by nuclei in distorted local environments (large quadrupole coupling constants). In addition, a novel strategy for the optimization of the FAM‐II MQ MAS NMR experiment, which improves the multiple‐ to single‐quantum coherence transfer efficiency, is also reported. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

1H and 13C NMR and X‐ray diffraction data for a diosgenyl N,O‐protected glucopyranoside

The assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR chemical shifts together with x‐ray diffraction data for synthesized diosgenyl 3,4,6‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐2‐deoxy‐2‐tetrachlorophthalimido‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside are described. The structure of this glycoside was established by using homo‐ and heteronuclear two‐dimensional NMR techniques. X‐ray diffraction data for this compound are also reported. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Isotopic effect on tautomeric behavior of 5‐(2,6‐disubstituted‐aryloxy)‐tetrazoles

Isotopic effect on tautomeric behaviors of the synthesized 5‐phenoxy‐ (1a), 5‐(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐ (1b), 5‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenoxy)‐ (1c), 5‐(2,6‐dimethoxyphenoxy)‐ (1d) and 5‐(4‐methylphenoxy)‐tetrazole (1e) were investigated in DMSO‐d₆ by adding one drop of D₂O. Among 1a–e, 1a, 1d and 1e show small rotational barrier around C5? O1 and O1? C6 while in 1b and 1c there are distinguishable rotational barrier about that bonds. The ¹H NMR spectra of 1b and 1c show slightly different chemical shifts for two methyl and isopropyl groups on those phenyl ring, respectively, while the chemical shifts difference (Δδ) between two methyl and two isopropyl groups were enhanced by adding D₂O. The ¹³C NMR spectra of 1b show two overlapped singlets for methyl groups after adding D₂O. Representatively, the calculations of compound 1c were performed with GAUSSIAN‐03and the rotational barrier about C5? O1 and between isopropyl group and phenyl ring in 1c was calculated with B3LYP/6‐31G(d) basis set. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Immobilized with 3-[(Mercapto or amino)propyl]trialkoxysilane by a Simple One-pot Reaction

Sodium silicate from rice husk ash (RHA) was transformed to functionalized silica with 3‐(mercaptopropyl)‐trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) or 3‐(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) via a simple sol‐gel technique in a one‐pot synthesis to give RHAPrSH and RHAPrNH₂. The ²⁹Si MAS NMR of RHAPrSH and RHAPrNH₂ showed the presence of T¹, T², T³, Q², Q³ and Q⁴ silicon centers. The ¹³C MAS NMR showed that RHAPrSH had chemical shifts at δ 16.59, 32.73, consistent with two of the carbon atoms of the MPTMS moiety, while the ¹³C MAS NMR of RHAPrNH₂ had chemical shifts at δ 14.58, 26.13, 47.87, consistent with the three carbon atoms of the APTES moiety. The presence of carbon, silicon, sulfur and nitrogen in RHAPrSH and RHAPrNH₂ was determined by a combination of elemental analysis and EDX study.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Thioacylamidophosphates and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl and 1,10‐Phenathroline. Crystal Structures,Solution 1H NMR Spectral and Magnetic Properties

Structure and magnetic properties of N‐diisopropoxyphosphorylthiobenzamide PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^I ) and N‐diisopropoxyphosphoryl‐N′‐phenylthiocarbamide PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^II ) complexes with the Co^II cation of formulas [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 2 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1a ) and [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂}(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 3 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 4 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 5 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 6 ) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the ¹H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin Co^II complexes with HL^I,II , incorporating the S‐C‐N‐P‐O chelate moiety and two aromatic chelate ligands. Investigation of the thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 1‐2 and 6 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral ( 1 , 2 ) or octahedral ( 1a , 6 ) metal atoms whereas 3 and 5 show antiferromagnetic properties. Compound 4 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, T_c = 115 K. Complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 1 resides a distorted tetrahedral O₂S₂ environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands. Complex 1a has a tetragonal‐bipyramidal structure, Co(O^ax)₂(O^eq)₂(S^eq)₂, and two neutral ligand molecules are coordinated in the axial positions through the oxygen atoms of the P=O groups. The base of the bipyramid is formed by two anionic ligands in the typical 1,5‐O,S coordination mode. The ligands are in a trans configuration.     

Solid‐state NMR spectroscopic studies on the interaction of sorbic acid with phospholipid membranes at different pH levels

²H, ³¹P, and ¹H‐magic‐angle‐spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the interaction between sorbic acid, a widely used weak acid food preservative, and 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DMPC) bilayers under both acidic and neutral pH conditions. The linewidth broadening observed in the ³¹P NMR powder pattern spectra and the changes in the ³¹P longitudinal relaxation time (T₁) indicate interaction with the phospholipid headgroup upon titration of sorbic acid or decanoic acid into DMPC bilayers over the pH range from 3.0 to 7.4. The peak intensities of sorbic acid decrease upon addition of paramagnetic Mn²⁺ ions in DMPC bilayers as recorded in the ¹H MAS NMR spectra, suggesting that sorbic acid molecules are in close proximity with the membrane/aqueous surface. No significant ²H quadrupolar splitting (Δν_Q) changes are observed in the ²H NMR spectra of DMPC‐d₅₄ upon titration of sorbic acid, and the change of pH has a slight effect on Δν_Q, indicating that sorbic acid has weak influence on the orientation order of the DMPC acyl chains in the fluid phase over the pH range from 3.0 to 7.4. This finding is in contrast to the results of the decanoic acid/DMPC‐d₅₄ systems, where Δν_Q increases as the concentration of decanoic acid increases. Thus, in the membrane association process, sorbic acids are most likely interacting with the headgroups and shallowly embedded near the top of the phospholipid headgroups, rather than inserting deep into the acyl chains. Thus, antimicrobial mode of action for sorbic acid may be different from that of long‐chain fatty acids. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solid‐state NMR study on changes of phosphate and proton species in metal pyrophosphate composite (MP2O7–MO2) ceramics

In order to investigate the effects of composite production and the role of the counter cation for metal phosphate conductors, changes in the solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and magnetic relaxation times caused by the removal of volatile products and water washing were examined for various metal pyrophosphate (MP₂O₇–MO₂; M = Sn, Si, Ti, and Zr). Acidic species could be detected by ¹H MAS NMR spectra for all the composites except ZrP₂O₇–ZrO₂ that had the lowest conductivity. The ³¹P DD‐MAS NMR spectra for MP₂O₇–MO₂ composites showed different signal patterns depending on the counter cations participating in the ion exchange as a result of different microstructures. Combinational analysis of ³¹P DD‐MAS and ³¹P CP‐MAS NMR spectra of the composites indicated that protonic bulk phosphates were observed at slightly lower fields than non‐protonic bulk phosphates in all of the MP₂O₇–MO₂ composites. After water washing, the acidic species and the protonic bulk phosphates of MP₂O₇–MO₂ composites disappeared or were reduced to trace amounts. The T₁H values of the water‐washed composites lengthened because of removal of orthophosphoric acid, although the T₁P values remained almost unchanged. The results of the solid‐state NMR studies suggest that the protonic bulk phosphates of MP₂O₇–MO₂ composites do not generally distribute in the bulk but exist in the interface between excess H₃PO₄ and the bulk. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of G‐Quadruplex/Hairpin Transitions of RNAs by 19F NMR Spectroscopy

2′‐O‐[(4‐Trifluoromethyl‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl] reporter groups have been incorporated into guanosine‐rich RNA models (including a known bistable Qd/Hp RNA and two G‐rich regions of mRNA of human prion protein, PrP) and applied for the ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopic characterization of plausible G‐quadruplex/hairpin (Qd/Hp) transitions in these RNA structures. For the synthesis of the CF₃‐labeled RNAs, phosphoramidite building blocks of 2′‐O‐[(4‐CF₃‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl] nucleosides (cytidine, adenosine, and guanosine) were prepared and used as an integral part of the standard solid‐phase RNA synthesis. The obtained ¹⁹F NMR spectra supported the usual characterization data (obtained by UV‐ and CD‐melting profiles and by ¹H NMR spectra of the imino regions) and additionally gave more detailed information on the Qd/Hp transitions. The molar fractions of the secondary structural species (Qd, Hp) upon thermal denaturation and under varying ionic conditions could be determined from the intensities and shifts of the ¹⁹F NMR signals. For a well‐behaved Qd/Hp transition, thermodynamic parameters could be extracted.     

Polymer electrolyte membranes based on p‐toluenesulfonic acid doped poly(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole): Synthesis,thermal and proton conductivity properties

Throughout this work, the synthesis, thermal as well as proton conducting properties of acid doped heterocyclic polymer were studied under anhydrous conditions. In this context, poly(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole), PVTri was produced by free radical polymerization of 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole with a high yield. The structure of the homopolymer was proved by FTIR and solid state ¹³C CP‐MAS NMR spectroscopy. The polymer was doped with p‐toluenesulfonic acid at various molar ratios, x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, with respect to polymer repeating unit. The proton transfer from p‐toluenesulfonic acid to the triazole rings was proved with FTIR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetry analysis showed that the samples are thermally stable up to ～250 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry results illustrated that the materials are homogeneous and the dopant strongly affects the glass transition temperature of the host polymer. Cyclic voltammetry results showed that the electrochemical stability domain extends over 3 V. The proton conductivity of these materials increased with dopant concentration and the temperature. Charge transport relaxation times were derived via complex electrical modulus formalism (M*). The temperature dependence of conductivity relaxation times showed that the proton conductivity occurs via structure diffusion. In the anhydrous state, the proton conductivity of PVTri1PTSA and PVTri2PTSA was measured as 8 × 10^?4 S/cm at 150 °C and 0.012 S/cm at 110 °C, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1016–1021, 2010