Syntheses,crystal structures,and some spectroscopic properties of zinc(II) complexes with N2O2 ligands derived from m-phenylenediamine and m-aminobenzylamine

The reaction of bis(salicylidene)-m-phenylenediamine with zinc(II) ion affords a 2?:?2 dinuclear zinc(II) complex formulated as [Zn₂(L¹)₂]. A similar 2?:?2 dinuclear zinc(II) complex, [Zn₂(L²)₂], can be obtained by reaction of bis(salicylidene)-m-aminobenzylamine with zinc(II) ion. These two dinuclear complexes slightly differ in their crystal structures, especially coordination environments around the zinc(II) centers, depending on the dissimilar flexibilities of the two ligands. The differences between the two complexes are reflected in their diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence behaviors.     

Vibrational frequencies and force constants of N2O4 in complexes with molecules of different solvents determined by Raman spectra andAb initio calculation

The Raman spectra of N₂O₄ solutions in organic solvents have been recorded. The frequencies ofv ₁,v ₂, andv ₃ bands of N₂O₄ increase with increasing solvent electron-donor properties. Especially large changes ofv ₃ N-N stretching band have been observed (254.5 cm^–1 in n-hexane, 276.5 cm^–1 in 1,4-dioxane). The ab initio calculations have shown that the interaction between N₂O₄ and electron-donor molecules causes an increase of N-N and N-O stretching and O-N-O bending force constants of N₂O₄ in agreement with the results of Raman study.     

Complex formation reactions between [Pd(piperazine)(H2O)2]2+ and biorelevant ligands: synthesis and equilibrium constants

[Pd(pip)Cl₂], [Pd(pip)(cbdca)] ? 2H₂O, and [Pd(pip)(malonate)] ? 2H₂O complexes were synthesized and characterized, where pip is piperazine and cbdca is cyclobutanedicarboxylate. The stoichiometry and stability of the complexes formed between [Pd(pip)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ and various biologically relevant ligands (amino acids, peptides, DNA constituents, and dicarboxylic acids) were investigated at 25°C and 0.1 M ionic strength. The stability constant of the complexes formed in solution was determined and the binding centers of the ligands were assigned. The concentration distribution diagrams of the complexes were evaluated.     

Ni(II), Pd(II), Cu(II) And Zn(II) complexes with N-(2-Pyridyl)Carbonylaniline (L), Syntheses and X-Ray Crystal structures of [Cu(L)2(H2O)2](No3)2, [Cu(L)2(H2O)2](Clo4)2 and [Zn(L)2(H2O)2](Clo4)2

Reaction of the N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline ligand (L) with Cu(NO₃)₂, Cu(ClO₄)₂, Zn(ClO₄)₂, Ni(NO₃)₂ and PdCl₂ gives complexes with stoichiometry [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂, [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂, [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂] (ClO₄)_2, [Ni(L)₂(H₂O)Cl](NO₃) and PdLCl₂. The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and infrared spectra. The crystal structures of [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂, [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂, and [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ were determined by X-ray crystallography. The cation complexes [M(L)₂(H₂O)₂] contain copper(II) and zinc(II) with distorted octahedral geometry with two N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline (L) ligands occupying the equatorial sites. The hexa-coordinated metal atoms are bonded to two pyridinic nitrogens, two carbonyl oxygens and two water molecules occupying the axial sites. Both the coordinated water molecules and uncoordinated amide NH groups of the N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline (L) ligands are involved in hydrogen bonding, resulting in infinite hydrogen-bonded chains running in one and two-dimensions.     

Five-membered ring chelate complexes of Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) derived of di-(2-pyridyl)-N-ethylimine

Cis-diaquobis{di-(2-pyridyl)-N-ethylimine}nickel(II) chloride (2) was obtained from the reaction of di-(2-pyridyl)-N-ethylimine (1) and [NiCl₂dppe] [dppe = cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene] in a 2:1 ratio in hot acetonitrile. Cis-dichloro{di-(2-pyridyl)-N-ethylimine}palladium(II) (3) and cis-dichloro{di-(2-pyridyl)-N-ethylimine}platinum(II) (4) complexes were obtained from the reaction of MCl₂ (M = Pd, Pt) and (1) in equimolar ratio in hot acetonitrile. Compounds 1–4 were characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry; the complexes 3 and 4 were characterized in solution by NMR. In addition, solid state structures of compounds 1–4 were determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. X-ray diffraction data of the complexes 3 and 4 showed a distorted square planar local geometry at palladium and platinum atoms with the chlorine atoms in a cis-coordination; in 2 a local octahedral geometry at nickel atom was observed. Complexes 3 and 4 are arranged as dimers with a M?M distance of 3.4567(4) Å (M = Pd) and 3.4221(4) Å (M = Pt), respectively; 2 consists of units linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonding.     

N2O4 complexes with electron donor molecules. An STO-3G study

The quantum chemical calculations for N₂O₄ complexes with some electron-donor molecules: CH₃NO₂, CH₃COOH, CH₃CN, C₆H₆ and with another molecule of N₂O₄ show that the donor molecule lies under the N₂O₄ plane and its electron-donor atom points to the center of N-N bond of N₂O₄ (or near this center). The electron charge is transferred from the donor to N₂O₄ molecule, mostly to the N-N bond of N₂O₄.     

Palladium(II) complexes with R2edda-derived ligands

Four palladium(II) complexes with R₂edda ligands, dichlorido(O,O′-dialkylethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate)palladium(II) monohydrates, [PdCl₂(R₂edda)]?H₂O, R = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Bu, and the new ligand precursor i-Bu₂edda?2HCl?H₂O, O,O′-diisobutylethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate dihydrochloride monohydrate, were synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. DFT calculations were performed for the palladium(II) complexes and a high possibility for isomer formation due to stereogenic N ligand atoms was confirmed. Moreover, DFT simulations revealed energetic profile of isomer formation. Computational outcomes are in agreement with spectroscopic instrumental findings, both strongly indicating a non-stereoselective reaction between selected esters and K₂[PdCl₄], forming isomers.     

A comparison of quantitative theoretical results of the bonding in Ni(CO)4 and Ni(N2)4

Using non-empirical calculations the details of bonding in Ni(CO)₄ and in the analogous Ni(N₂)₄ are investigated.For Ni(CO)₄ some previous results are confirmed. In the calculation on Ni(N₂)₄ the close resemblance with Ni(CO)₄ is quite remarkable. The main difference is contained in the fact that carbon has a lower -electron density than nitrogen and that therefore the *-orbital in CO is lower in energy and geometrically more favourable for back donation.From the calculations we find a difference in metal-ligand bond energy between the carbonyl complex and the dinitrogen complex of approximately 18 kcal/mol.     

Ferrite nanoparticles (MFe2O4 NPs) as magnetically recoverable supports for catalysis in organic synthesis

Abstract

Heterogenization of organic and metallic catalysts with a solid support is an attractive and useful strategy to solve the separation and recovery problems of catalysts. During the last decade, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in general ferrite nanoparticles (MFe₂O₄ NPs) have emerged as a highly efficient support for catalysis, due to their simple fabrication, modification, and large surface area ratio. In this paper, we provide an overview of the utilization of organic and metallic molecules immobilized on magnetic ferrite nanoparticles (MFe₂O₄ NPs) as attractive and efficient catalytic systems in wide variety of in organic reactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of a cationic oxorhenium(V) complex containing the pentadentate N3O2-donor ligand bis ( N -methylsalicylideneiminopropyl)amine

The complex salt [ReO(bsa)]PF₆ (H₂bsa?=?bis(N-methylsalicylideneiminopropyl)amine) was prepared from the reaction of cis-[ReO₂I(PPh₃)₂] with H₂bsa in toluene. The dianionic pentadentate ligand bsa is coordinated to the ReO³⁺ moiety via one secondary amino and two imino nitrogens, and two anionic phenolate oxygens. The complex was characterized by spectroscopy and analytical data, and the structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Effect of ionic interactions on the oxidation of Fe(II) with H2O2 in aqueous solutions

The oxidation of Fe(II) with H₂O₂ has been measured in NaCl and NaClO₄ solutions as a function of pH, temperature T (K) and ionic strength (M, mol-L^–1). The rate constants, k (M^–1-sec^–1), d[Fe(II)]/DT=-k[Fe(II)][₂O₂]at pH=6.5 have been fitted to equations of the formlog k = log k₀+ AI ^1/2+BI+CI ^1/2/T Where log k₀=15.53-3425/T in water; A=–2.3, –1.35; B=0.334, 0.180; and C=391, 235, respectively, for NaCl (=0.09) and NaClO₄ ( =0.08). Measurements made in NaCl solutions with added anions yield rates in the order B(OH) ₄ ^– >HCO ₃ ^– >ClO ₄ ^– >Cl^–>NO ₃ ^– >SO ₄ ^2– and are attributed to the relative strength of the interactions of Fe²⁺ or FeOH⁺ with these anions. The FeB(OH) ₄ ⁺ species is more reactive while the FeCO ₃ ⁰ , FeCl⁺, FeNO ₃ ⁺ and FeSO ₄ ⁰ species are less reactive than the FeOH⁺ ion pair. The general trend is similar to our earlier studies of the oxidation of Fe(II) with O₂ except for B(OH) ₄ ^– . The effect of pH on the logk was found to be a quadratic function of the concentration of H⁺ or OH^– from pH=4 to 8. These results have been attributed to the different rate constants for Fe²⁺ (k₀) and FeOH⁺ (k₁) which are related to the measured k by, k=k_0Fe + k_1FeOH, where _i is the molar fraction of species i. The rates increase due to the greater reactivity of FeOH⁺ compared to Fe²⁺. k₀ is independent of composition and ionic strength but k₁ is a function of ionic strength and composition due to the interactions of FeOH⁺ with various anions.     

Comparative structural study of the complexation behaviour of silver(I), cadmium(II), mercury(II), and palladium(II) with a 17-membered N3O2-donor macrocycle

A comparative investigation of the coordination behaviour of the 17-membered, N₃O₂-donor macrocycle, 1,12,15-triaza-3,4:9,10-dibenzo-5,8-dioxacycloheptadecane, L, with the soft metal ions Ag(I), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pd(II) is reported. The X-ray structures of 12 complexes have been determined and a range of structural types, including both mononuclear and dinuclear species, shown to occur. In particular cases the effect of anion variation on the resulting structures has been investigated; L reacts with AgX (X = NO₃, ClO₄, PF₆, OTf and CN) to yield related 2:2 (metal:ligand) complexes of types [Ag₂L₂(NO₃)₂] (1), [Ag₂L₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2DMF (2), [Ag₂L₂](PF₆)₂ · 2DMF (3), [Ag₂L₂](OTf)₂ (4) and [Ag₂L₂(μ-CN)][Ag(CN)₂] · H₂O (5). In all five complexes the ether oxygens of each ring are unbound. In 1–4 the macrocycles are present in sandwich-like arrangements that shield the dinuclear silver centres, with each silver bonded to two nitrogen donors from one L and one nitrogen from a second L. A Ag···Ag contact is present between each metal centre such that both centres can be described as showing distorted tetrahedral geometries. In the case of 5 a rare single μ₂-κC:κC symmetrically bridging two-electron-donating cyano bridge links silver ions [Ag···Ag distance, 2.7437(10) Å]; the macrocyclic ligands are orientated away from the dinuclear metal centres. In contrast to the behaviour of silver, reaction of cadmium(II) perchlorate with L resulted in a mononuclear sandwich-like complex of type [CdL₂](ClO₄)₂ · CH₃CN (6). Again, the ether oxygens do not coordinate, with each L binding to the cadmium centre only via its three nitrogen donors in a facial arrangement such that a distorted octahedral coordination geometry is attained. Reaction of L with HgX₂ (X = ClO₄, SCN and I) yielded the monomeric species [HgL(ClO₄)₂] (7), [HgL(SCN)₂]·CH₃CN (8) and [Hg₂L₂](HgI₄)₂ · 2L (9), in which all five donors of L are bound to the respective mercury centres. However, reaction of L with Hg(NO₃)₂ in dichloromethane/methanol gave a mononuclear sandwich-like complex [HgL₂](NO₃)₂ · 2CH₃OH (10) without anion coordination. Reaction of K₂PdCl₄ and Pd(NO₃)₂ with L yielded the 1:1 complexes [PdLCl]Cl · H₂O (11) and [PdL(NO₃)]NO₃ · CH₃OH (12), respectively, in which the metal is bound to three nitrogen donors from L along with the corresponding chloride or nitrate anion. Each palladium adopts a distorted square-planar coordination geometry; once again the ether oxygens are not coordinated.     

Ion-pair extraction of transition metal cations from aqueous media using novel N2O2-macrocyclic crown ligands

Three new macrocyclic crown ether ligands containing nitrogen–oxygen donor atoms were designed and synthesized from 1,4-bis(2′-formylphenyl)-1,4-dioxabutane and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine. Ion-pair extraction of metal picrates such as Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, and Pb²⁺ from aqueous phase to the organic phase was carried out using the novel ligands. The solvent effect over the metal picrate extractions was investigated at 25 ± 0.1 °C by using UV–visible spectrometry. The extractability and the values of the extraction constants (log K_ex) were determined for the extracted complexes.     

CHROMOTROPIC CHANGES OF Cu(II) AND Ni(II) COMPLEXES WITH N2O2 AND N3O2 SCHIFF-BASE LIGANDS IN THE SOLID PHASE

Abstract

Four new Schiff-base ligands have been prepared from the condensation of 3-formyl-4-hy-droxy-1,8-naphthyridin-2-one with different diamines and a triamine, H₂L_a-H₂L_d. Two series of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with the four ligands were also prepared. The ligands and their metal complexes were characterized by chemical analyses, IR, Far-IR, electronic, ESR and mass spectra as well as magnetic measurements and X-ray diffraction patterns.

Different products for Ni(II) and Cu(II) were obtained in similar reactions with the same metal salt, depending on the nature of the ligand. Different geometries were also obtained depending on the counter anion of metal salt. Thus, violet square-planar Cu(II) complexes were obtained with Cu(OAc)₂. H₂O and green octahedral ones with CuCl₂. 2H₂O, except the reaction with ligand H₂L_d which gave only an octahedral product whether the anion was acetate, chloride or perchlorate. Electronic and ESR spectra were used to differentiate between the two geometries of the Cu(II) complexes. The green octahedral Cu(II) complexes undergo irreversible thermochromism to the violet square-planar complexes except the copper complex of the ligand H₂L_d which did not not show any color change and retained its octahedral geometry. Based on the magnetic moments and thermal analyses, only one Ni(II) complex of the Schiffbase ligand H₂L_c undergoes reversible thermochromism from green (octahedral) to red (squareplanar). The reverse change of the thermal product (red) to the parent complex (green) proceeded on exposure to atmospheric air for a few minutes. On the other hand, Ni(II) complexes of ligands H₂L_a and H₂L_b have stable square-planar geometry and all efforts to add other ligands such as H₂O or pyridine to these complexes failed to yield other products. The corresponding Cu(II) complexes were easily transformed to their octahedral geometry by adding H₂O or pyridine and heating.     

Cu2O(SO4), dolerophanite: Refinement of the crystal structure,with a comparison of [O Cu(II)4] tetrahedra in inorganic compounds

The refinement of the crystal structure of Cu₂O(SO₄), dolerophanite, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; space group C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] confirmed the trigonal dipyramidal coordination of one Cu(II) atom (mean distance Cu-O=2.025 Å). One O atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by four Cu(II) atoms; the mean Cu(II)-O distance of 1.918 Å compares well to [O Cu(II)₄] tetrahedra found in inorganic crystal structures.de|Die Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur von Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit, [a=9.370 (1) Å,b=6.319 (1) Å,c=7.639 (1) Å, =122.34 (1)°; Raumgruppe C 2/m;Z=4;R=0.035] bestätigte die trigonal dipyramidale Koordination des einen Cu(II)-Atoms (mittlerer Cu-O-Abstand=2.025 Å). Ein O-Atom ist tetraedrisch von vier Cu(II)-Atomen umgeben; der mittlere Cu(II)-O-Abstand von 1.918 Å entspricht den in ähnlichen [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern von anorganischen Kristallstrukturen gefundenen Werten.

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Cu₂O(SO₄), Dolerophanit: Verfeinerung der Kristallstruktur mit einem Vergleich von [O Cu(II)₄]-Tetraedern in anorganischen Verbindungen

     

Effect of ionic interactions on the rates of reduction of Cu(II) with H2O2 in aqueous solutions

The rates of reduction of Cu(II) with H₂O₂ have been measured in NaCl and NaBr solutions and mixtures with NaClO₄ as a function of pH (6 to 9), temperature (5 to 45°C) and ionic composition (0.1 to 6M). The effect of pH on the rates was found to be independent of temperature and ionic composition. The rates increased as a function of [H⁺] raised to the power of 1.3 to 1.6. Speciation calculations indicate that this pH dependence can be attributed to Cu(OH)₂ being the reactive species. The rate constants in NaCl and NaBr and mixtures with NaClO₄ were independent of ionic strength, but proportional to the halide concentration raised to the power of 2.0 (0.2 to 2.6M). These results can be attributed to Cu(OH)₂Cl ₂ ²⁻ being the reactive species to reduction with H₂O₂. The Cu(I) halide complexes formed from the reduction are not easily oxidized with O₂ or H₂O₂. The faster rates in Br⁻ solutions, which form stronger complexes with Cu⁺, support this contention. Measurements made in NaCl with added NaHCO₃, NaB(OH)₄ EDTA, NTA and glycine were also made. These measurements indicate that the CuL complexes (L=B(OH) ₄ ⁻ , CO ₃ ²⁻ , EDTA, NTA, and glycine) are not very reactive to reduction with H₂O₂. The addition of Mg²⁺ or Ca²⁺ caused the rates to increase due to the formation of MgL or CaL complexes and the resultant release of reactive Cu²⁺.     

Spectral studies, cyclic voltammetry and synthesis of cobalt(II) and ruthenium(III) complexes with symmetric and asymmetric ring containing membered N2S2, N4, and N5 donor macrocyclic ligands

Reaction of divalent cobalt(II) and trivalent ruthenium(III) salts (NO3, SCN and SO4) with macrocyclic ligands L1, L2 and L3 having N2S2, N4 and N5 core, have been designed and carry out. All these three macrocyclic ligands and their complexes were obtained in pure form. Their structures were investigated by using microanalytical analyses, IR, mass, magnetic moments, electronic and EPR spectral studies. The redox properties of the complexes were also examined by cyclic voltammetry. An interesting feature of complexes is that the relatively large rings of macrocyclic ligands prevent the macrocyclic rings from approaching the metal center as closely as they would, if they were not constrained. So the Ru-N distances are longer than expected due to ring size. Electrochemical studies show that the macrocyclic ligand L1 is more effective electron donors to ruthenium than of L2 and L3. Electronic spectral properties also show that the sulphur donor atom of L1 weakens the ligand field with respect to ligand-to-metal charge-transfer band. However it is expected that second-row transition metal-ligand bonds tend to be weaker than third-row transition metal-ligand bonds. There are well-established examples of reactions in which decreased of reactivity down a triad of transition metals is not observed. These novelties are usually attributed to pi-bonding effects for ligands such as carbon monoxide, solvent effects, or a change in mechanism.     

Die Kristallstrukturen der Kupfer(II)-oxo-selenite Cu2O(SeO3) (kubisch und monoklin) und Cu4O(SeO3)3 (monoklin und triklin)

Syntheses within the system CuO-SeO₂-H₂O revealed four copper(II)-oxo-selenites. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray techniques. Chemical formulae, lattice parameters and space groups are: Cu₂O(SeO₃)-I [a=8.925 (1) Å, P2₁3], Cu₂O(SeO₃)-II [a=6.987 (5) Å,b=5.953 (4) Å,c=8.429 (6) Å, =92.17 (3)°, P2₁/n], Cu₄O(SeO₃)₃-I [a=15.990 (8) Å,b=13.518 (8) Å,c=17.745 (12) Å, =90.49 (5)°, P2₁/a], and Cu₄O(SeO₃)₃-II [a=7.992 (6) Å,b=8.141 (6) Å,c=8.391 (6) Å, =77.34 (3)°, =65.56 (3)°, =81.36 (3)°, ].All the Cu atoms are-with one exception-[4], [4+1], and [4+2] coordinated by O atoms. The four nearest O atoms are more or less distorted square planar arranged. Within the CuO₄ squares the Cu-O bond lengths are significantly shorter for the [4] coordinated O atoms as compared with those of the [4+1] and [4+2] coordinated Cu atoms. The exception in the coordination of the Cu atoms is the Cu(1) atom in Cu₂O(SeO₃)-I with the site symmetry 3, which is trigonal dipyramidal [5] coordinated. A common feature of these four crystal structures is, that O atoms outside the SeO₃ groups are tetrahedrally coordinated by four Cu(II) atoms. The Se atoms are as usual [3] coordinated, building up SeO₃ pyramids. In all these four compounds the copper-oxygen polyhedra are combined to a three-dimensional network.

     

Investigation on The Thermal Properties of Fe2O(SO4)2. Part II

Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ is a secondary product of the decomposition of FeSO₄⋅H₂O. Part I of this study presents results on the synthesis of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ in gaseous environment containing either low or high concentration of oxygen. In this paper the existence of differences between the structures of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ is proved on the basis of a detailed thermal study of Fe₂O(SO₄)₂ upon dynamic heating (differential thermal analysis) and upon isothermal heating (thermal-analytic balance) in various gaseous environments as well as by presenting kinetic data on the processes of decomposition of both compounds. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Benign synthesis of quinolinecarboxamide ligands,H2bqbenzo and H2bqb and their Pd(II) complexes: X-ray crystal structure,electrochemical and antibacterial studies

Two carboxamide ligands, H₂bqbenzo {3,4-bis(2-quinolinecarboxamido)benzophenone} and H₂bqb {N,N′-bis[(2-quinolinecarboxamide)-1,2-benzene]}, have been prepared using tetrabutylammonium bromide as an environmentally benign reaction medium. Two new Pd(II) complexes, [Pd^II(bqbenzo)] (1) and [Pd^II(bqb)] (2), have been synthesized, characterized, and their structures determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The di-anionic ligands, bqbenzo^2? and bqb^2?, are coordinated via two N_amide atoms and the nitrogens of the two quinoline rings, with Pd?N_amide < Pd–N_quinoline bond lengths. The geometry around palladium(II) in both complexes is distorted square planar. The electrochemical behaviors of the ligands and their Pd(II) complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry in DMF. An irreversible Pd^II/I reduction is observed at ?1.06 V for 1 and at ?1.177 V for 2, indicating the influence of the R substituent on the central phenyl ring of carboxamide ligands on the Pd^II/I reduction potential. The ligands and palladium complexes were also screened for in vitro antibacterial activity. The Pd(II) complexes show strong biological activity against S.typhi and E.coli as Gram ?ve and B.cereus and S.aureus as Gram +ve bacteria comparable to the antibiotic penicillin. The antibacterial results also reveal that coordination of Pd(II) significantly improves the activity.