Splitting of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis></Superscript> atomic states in icosahedral 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> metal endofullerenes M@C<Subscript>60</Subscript>

Group-theoretical and quantum-chemical investigations of the spectrum of low-lying excited states have been performed by the ROHF and FCI-RAS (Full CI in Restricted Active Space) methods for 3d metal endofullerenes (MEFs) M@C₆₀ (M =Mn, Cr, and Fe) in different charged states. The major purpose of this study is quantum-chemical verification of the anomalous (“non-Bethe’s”) character of splitting of the d ^N atomic states in an electrostatic field with icosahedral symmetry, predicted previously within the theory of integral invariants theory. The interrelation between the integral invariants theory and the quantumchemical methods applied in this work is considered in detail. Our calculations suggest that the d ^N atomic states in the icosahedral field generated by fullerene C60 (I _h ) on a metal atom (ion) remain non-split for different charged states of the metal and C₆₀. Reasons for this phenomenon and other possible approaches to verification of the prediction are discussed. It is demonstrated that the d ^N states of the encapsulated metal are split in icosahedral 3d MEFs only under very strong compression of these structures.     

Stability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>-, <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-element diphosphates in water

The mean atomic Gibbs energies of formation of (Δ _f ? _at ⁰ ) of s-, p-, and d-element diphosphates have been calculated using ion increments of the Gibbs energy (Δ _f G ⁰). The diphosphate hydrolysis kinetics is considered, and a correlation between the Δ _f ? _at ⁰ values and the hydrolysis rate constants is presented.     

5<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-4<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> Emission spectrum with a cascade decay of the 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> vacancy in the Xe atom

The 5p-4d emission spectrum, obtained during cascade de-excitation of the initial deep 3d vacancy in the Xe atom, was calculated by directly constructing a decay tree in a stepwise manner. The cascade decay tree was constructed with allowance for all radiative and nonradiative channels of decay for the initial and all intermediate ionic configurations of the cascade. The probabilities of branching and transition energies were calculated in a one-electron approximation with averaging over configurations. The 5p-4d cascade emission spectrum has a complex structure with many components, which reflects the transitions from the wide variety of the many-hole intermediate configurations generated by the cascade. The calculated data agree well with the experiment.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>-conformers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-chloroacetylcytisine

N-Chloroacetylcytisine was synthesized by acylation of (–)-cytisine. Stable Z- and E-conformers with respect to rotational isomerism around the N-12–CO bond were found in PMR spectra at room temperature. The point at which PMR resonances of the Z- and E-conformers coalesced upon heating was measured. The transition barrier between the conformers was estimated.     

Bioconversion of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-glucose into <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-glucosone by Glucose 2-oxidase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coriolus versicolor</Emphasis> at Moderate Pressures

Glucose 2-oxidase (pyranose oxidase, pyranose:oxygen-2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.10) from Coriolus versicolor catalyses the oxidation of d-glucose at carbon 2 in the presence of molecular O₂ producing d-glucosone (2-keto-glucose and d-arabino-2-hexosulose) and H₂O₂. It was used to convert d-glucose into d-glucosone at moderate pressures (i.e. up to 150 bar) with compressed air in a modified commercial batch reactor. Several parameters affecting biocatalysis at moderate pressures were investigated as follows: pressure, [enzyme], [glucose], pH, temperature, nature of fluid and the presence of catalase. Glucose 2-oxidase was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography on epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B-IDA-Cu(II) column at pH 6.0. The rate of bioconversion of d-glucose increased with the pressure since an increase in the pressure with compressed air resulted in higher rates of conversion. On the other hand, the presence of catalase increased the rate of reaction which strongly suggests that H₂O₂ acted as inhibitor for this reaction. The rate of bioconversion of d-glucose by glucose 2-oxidase in the presence of either nitrogen or supercritical CO₂ at 110 bar was very low compared with the use of compressed air at the same pressure. The optimum temperature (55°C) and pH (5.0) of d-glucose bioconversion as well as kinetic parameters for this enzyme were determined under moderate pressure. The activation energy (E _a) was 32.08 kJ mol⁻¹ and kinetic parameters (V _max, K _m, K _cat and K _cat/K _m) for this bioconversion were 8.8 U mg⁻¹ protein, 2.95 mM, 30.81 s⁻¹ and 10,444.06 s⁻¹ M⁻¹, respectively. The biomass of C. versicolor as well as the cell-free extract containing glucose 2-oxidase activity were also useful for bioconversion of d-glucose at moderate pressures. The enzyme was apparently stable at moderate pressures since such pressures did not affect significantly the enzyme activity.     

Development of transition state analogue inhibitors for <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acetylglycosyltransferases bearing <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>psico- or <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>tagatofuranose scaffolds

New potential transition state analogue inhibitors for N-acetylglucosyltransferases (GnTs) were synthesised. These compounds based on psico- and tagatofuranose (structure) scaffold contained a 2-thiophenyl-1-O-diethylphosphate moiety mimicking the proposed model of the transition state of the enzymatic reaction catalysed by N-acetylglucosyltransferases. The synthesised compounds as well as their precursors were fully characterised by NMR, optical rotation and mass techniques. Anomeric configuration of tagatofuranose derivatives was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Two types of potential human glycosyltransferase (GnTs) inhibitors representing donor UDP-GlcNAc, assigned for biological assays on human GnTs, were prepared.     

Cycloaminomethylation of dihydric phenols catalyzed by <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>- and <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>-metal compounds

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 7,16,25-triaryl-7,8,16,17,25,26-hexahydro-6H,15H,24H-tribenzo[f,m,t][1,5,8,12,15,19,3,10,17]hexaoxatriazacyclohenicosines, 3,8-diaryl-2,3,4,7,8,9-hexahydrobenzo[1,2-e:4,3-e′]bis[1,3]oxazines, 3,9-bis(chlorophenyl)-3,4,9,10-tetrahydro-2H,8H-benzo[1,2-e:3,4-e′]bis[1,3]oxazines, and 2,9-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,2,3,8,9,10-hexahydrobenzo[1,2-e:6,5-e′]bis-[1,3]oxazines via cycloaminomethylation of pyrocatechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone with N,N-bis(methoxymethyl) anilines in the presence of samarium catalysts.     

Unusual Polymers Containing Alternating <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> Elements Connected by Bridging Pivalate

From tetrahydrofurane solutions containing Cu(II) or Co(II) and potassium pivalate (KPiv) (molar ratios Cu/K=1/10, Co/K=1/5) one can isolate polynuclear [K₃Co₂Piv₇(THF)₃] (1) and [K₆Cu₂Piv₁₀(HPiv)(THF)(H₂O)₂]\(\cdot\)2THF (2), respectively. In the solid state the structures of the compounds consist of alternating, oppositely winding helices with a step of 46.085 Å for 1 and 25.260 Å for 2. In 2, the bridging pivalates link the infinite helices into layers. For both compounds, an important peculiarity of the structure is wide separation of transition metal ions (at least 5.327 Å for 1 and 6.791 Å for 2). Due to the presence of excess KPiv in the reaction system, the Cu(II) and Co(II) ions do not “coalesce” into polynuclear complexes typically observed in transition metal pivalates; instead they form unusual polymer systems containing alternating atoms of s and d elements. For transition metal pivalates, this type of structure was found for the first time.     

Molecular properties of the copolymers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-diallyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-dimethylammonium chloride and maleic acid

The hydrodynamic and conformational properties of molecules of poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) and N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride-maleic acid copolymers of different compositions in solutions with various ionic-strength and pH values, as well as of the polyelectrolyte complex based on the copolymer with dodecyl sulfate anions in chloroform, are studied. For poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) molecules in a 1 M NaCl solution, the Kuhn segment length and the hydrodynamic diameter of the chain are estimated as A = 3.9 nm and d = 0.48 nm, respectively. In acidic solutions with pH 3.5, the copolymers demonstrate behavior typical for polyelectrolytes. In an alkaline solution with pH 13, when 1 M NaCl is added to the solution of the copolymer containing 29 mol % maleic acid units, there is an antipolyelectrolyte effect that manifests itself as an increase in the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymer and in the hydrodynamic radius of its molecules. It is found that an increase in the fraction of maleic acid units in the copolymer from 12 to 42 mol % brings about a reduction in the equilibrium rigidity of its macromolecules from 4.1 to 2.2 nm. The equilibrium rigidity of polyelectrolyte-complex molecules is higher than that of initial copolymer molecules owing to steric interactions arising between the aliphatic chains of dodecyl sulfate anions. In an electric field, the molecules of the complex are oriented owing to the induced dipole moment resulting from the displacement of dodecyl sulfate anions along the chain contour.     

Electrospray mass spectra of aqueous solutions of 4<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>-3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> heterometallic chelates

The composition of aqueous solutions of the heterometallic chelates MLnDTPA and Ln₂M₃(EDTA)₃ (H₅DTPA = diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; H₄EDTA = ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Ln = Eu, La; M = Ni, Mn) and the monometallic chelates H₃Ni(DTPA), HNi₂(DTPA), H₂La(DTPA), and H₂Eu(DTPA) was studied by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS). The mass spectra indicate that there is equilibrium between chelated rare-earth and 3d-metal ions in the aqueous solution of the heterometallic chelates. Both monometallic and bimetallic diethylenetriaminepentaacetates are observed for the 3d elements. The intensity ratio of the chelated rare-earth and 3d-metal ions in the aqueous solutions of the heterometallic complexes is in agreement with the ratio of the stability constants of the respective monometallic chelates.     

Compositions and structures of nanoparticles of trigonal symmetry <Emphasis Type="Italic">D</Emphasis><Subscript>3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis></Subscript>: Nanotubes

A method has been developed for the determination of the structure and number of atoms in the shells of nanoparticles as a function of the arrangement of atoms at the symmetry elements of a symmetry group. The formulas for calculation of the number of particles of symmetry D _3d have been reported. It has been shown that the number of atoms in trigonal shells is determined by three structurally invariant numbers and the quantum number of the group order n. All possible nanostructures of symmetry D _3d have been classified: C_{θ + 6z} , z = 0, 1, 2, ..., where the basic shells are C_θ = C₆, C₈, and C₁₄. A sum rule has been obtained for the coordination numbers of the shell sites located on symmetry axes. Trigonal nanoparticles are parent ones for obtaining (3,0), (6,0), and (9,0) nanotubes of trigonal type. The general formulas of these nanotubes with icosahedral, dodecahedral, and cubic caps are N_{8 + 12p} , N_{20 + 24p} , and N_{60 + 36p} (p = 1, 2, ...), respectively. The graphical constructions of all classes of trigonal nanoparticles and nanotubes are reported.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-diethylnicotinamide) <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-chlorobenzoate complexes of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)

Three novel mixed ligand complexes of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with p-chlorobenzote and N,N-diethylnicotinamide were synthesised and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopic analysis, solid state UV-Vis spectrometric and magnetic susceptibility data. The thermal behavior of the complexes was studied by simultaneous TG-DTA methods in static air atmosphere and the mass spectra data were recorded. According to microanalytical results, formulas of complexes are C₃₄H₄₀N₄O₈ClNi, C₃₄H₄₀N₄O₈ClZn and C₃₄H₄₄N₄O₁₀ClCd. The complexes contain two moles of coordination waters, two moles p-chlorobenzoate and two mole N,N-diethylnicotinamide (dena) ligands per formula unit. In these complexes, the p-chlorobenzoate and N,N-diethylnicotinamide behave as monodentate ligand through acidic oxygen and nitrogen of pyridine ring. The decomposition pathways and the stability of the complexes are interpreted in the terms of the structural data. The final decomposition products were found to be as metal oxides.     

Synthesis and sorption properties of layered hydrous manganese dioxide saturated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>-, <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-metal cations

Layered compounds based on hydrous manganese dioxide (hereafter, Mn-phases) saturated with s-metal (Ba²⁺), p-metal (Pb²⁺), and d-metal (Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺) cations, analogues of manganese minerals of oceanic ferromanganese formations (vernadite, birnessite, buserite-I, and asbolan), were prepared at 4–6°C. All Mn-phases have poorly ordered structures. The sorption properties of phase compounds were studied in relation to alkali-metal (Na⁺ and K⁺) and other s-, p-, and d-metal cations. The exchange capacities of Mn-phases for alkali cations are very low, within 0.02–0.10 mg-equiv/g; for the other cations, the exchange capacities are 0.13–4.20 mg-equiv/g. The sorption of divalent metal cations depends on the phase and chemical composition of the Mn-phase.     

Synthesis of 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> heterometallic 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole complex with the structure depending on the reaction time

One-pot reaction containing Zn(NO₃)₂, Cd(NO₃)₂, NH₄SCN, and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (Atrz) proceeded by refluxing for different periods and gave different products. When the mixture was refluxed for 1 h, the product was a 1D chain polymer [Cd(Atrz)₂(SCN)₂] _n . However, when the refluxing time was increased to 3 h, a novel 3D 3d-3d heterometallic framework complex [Cd_2.84Zn_2.16(Atrz)₆(SCN)₁₀] · 4H₂O (I) with 6⁶ topology was obtained. The fluorescent property of I in the solid state was discussed.     

Synthesis of 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> heterometallic 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole complex with the structure depending on the reaction time

One-pot reaction containing Zn(NO₃)₂, Cd(NO₃)₂, NH₄SCN, and 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (Atrz) was proceeded by refluxing for different periods and gave different products. When the mixture was refluxed for 1 h, the product was a 1D chain polymer [Cd(Atrz)₂(SCN)₂] _n . However, when the refluxing time was increased to 3 h, a novel 3D 3d-3d heterometallic framework complex [Cd_2.84Zn_2.16(Atrz)₆(SCN)₁₀] · 4H₂O (I) with 66 topology was obtained. The photoluminescence property of I in the solid state was discussed..     

Structural features of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acylcytisines

N-Acyl cytisine derivatives were synthesized by acylation with acetic anhydride; benzoyl and o-bromo- and p-nitrobenzoyl chlorides; and crotonyl and cinnamoyl chlorides. The structures of the synthesized compounds were studied using IR, PMR, and x-ray structure analysis (XSA). PMR spectra of the N-acylcytisines in solution typically had two rotational isomers around the N12–CO bond. Conformational analysis was performed using XSA for the position of the acyl group relative to the cytisine core. Bond lengths and angles of the acyl groups involved in the conjugation were analyzed.     

Fucoidans from Brown Seaweeds <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sargassum hornery</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eclonia cava</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Costaria costata</Emphasis>: Structural Characteristics and Anticancer Activity

Fucoidans were isolated by water extraction and ion-exchange chromatography from brown algae Eclonia cava, Sargassum hornery, and Costaria costata collected near of Korean coasts. The structures of fucoidans were investigated. Fucoidan from E. cava was mixture of sulfated rhamnogalactofucan and galactofucan. Fucoidan from C. costata was a sulfated galactofucan. Fucoidan isolated from S. hornery was separated into three fractions: a homofucan sulfate, a homofucan but without sulfate groups, and a sulfated rhamnofucan. The results clearly showed that fucoidans play an inhibitory role in colony formation in human melanoma and colon cancer cells and may be effective antitumor agents.     

Electronic Properties of 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-Metal-Doped Zirconia Nanotubes

The electronic structure of hexagonal ZrO₂ nanotubes doped by 3d-metal atoms was calculated by the linearized augmented cylindrical wave (LACW) method. The calculated densities of electronic states indicate that partial substitutions of zirconium atoms by transition metals (Sc, Ti, Mn, Co, and Zn) decrease the optical gap of (4,4) ZrO₂ nanotubes from 3.7 to 2–2.3 eV. Doping of nanotubes shifts optical absorption from the UV to the visible, and the nanotubes themselves become candidate materials for design of electrodes for electrochemical water photolysis.