Sucrose cryo‐protection facilitates imaging of whole eye sections by MALDI mass spectrometry

Sucrose is used as a cryo‐preservation agent on large mammalian eyes post formalin fixation and is shown to reduce freezing artefacts allowing the collection of 12‐µm thick sections from these large aqueous samples. The suitability of this technique for use in MALDI imaging experiments is demonstrated by the acquisition of the first images of lipid distributions within whole sagittal porcine eye sections. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The first crystal structures of six‐ and seven‐membered tellurium‐ and nitrogen‐containing (Te—N) heterocycles: 2H‐1,4‐benzotellurazin‐3(4H)‐one and 2,3‐dihydro‐1,5‐benzotellurazepin‐4(5H)‐one

There is a paucity of data concerning the structures of six‐ and seven‐membered tellurium‐ and nitrogen‐containing (Te—N) heterocycles. The title compounds, C₈H₇NOTe, (I), and C₉H₉NOTe, (II), represent the first structurally characterized members of their respective classes. Both crystallize with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. When compared to their sulfur analogs, they exhibit slightly greater deviations from planarity to accommodate the larger chalcogenide atom, with (II) adopting a pronounced twist‐boat conformation. The C—Te—C angles of 85.49 (15) and 85.89 (15)° for the two independent molecules of (I) were found to be somewhat smaller than those of 97.4 (2) and 97.77 (19)° for the two independent molecules of (II). The C—Te bond lengths [2.109 (4)–2.158 (5) Å] are in good agreement with those predicted by the covalent radii. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonding in (I) forms centrosymmetric R₂²(8) dimers, while that in (II) forms chains. In addition, intermolecular Te...O contacts [3.159 (3)–3.200 (3) Å] exist in (I).     

Dimers linked by type‐I C—F...F—C contacts in (Z)‐3‐methyl‐4‐[2‐(4‐methylphenyl)hydrazinylidene]‐1‐(pentafluorophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one

The title compound, C₁₇H₁₁F₅N₄O, is described and compared with two closely related analogues in the literature. There are two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions into dimeric entities, presenting a noticeable noncrystallographic C₂ symmetry. These dimers are in turn linked by a medium‐strength type‐I C—F...F—C interaction into elongated tetramers. Much weaker C—H...F contacts link the tetramers into broad two‐dimensional substructures parallel to (101).     

Image fusion combining SEM and ToF‐SIMS images

Image fusion allows for the combination of an image containing chemical information but low spatial resolution with a high‐spatial resolution image having little to no chemical information. The resulting hybrid image retains all the information from the chemically relevant original image, with improved spatial resolution allowing for visual inspection of the spatial correlations. In this research, images were obtained from two sample test grids: one of a copper electron microscope grid with a letter ‘A’ in the center (referred to below as the ‘A‐grid’), and the other a Tantalum and Silicon test grid from Cameca that had an inscribed letter ‘C’ (referred to below as the ‘Cameca grid’). These were obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). Image fusion was implemented with the Munechika algorithm. The edge resolution of the resulting hybrid image was calculated compared with the edge resolution obtained for both the individual ToF‐SIMS and SEM images. The challenges of combining complimentary datasets from different instrumental analytical methods are discussed as well as the advantages of having a hybrid image. The distance across the edge for hybrid images of the A‐Grid and the Cameca grid were determined to be 21 µm and 8 µm, respectively. When these values were compared to the original ToF‐SIMS, SEM and optical microscopy measurements, the fused image had a spatial resolution nearly equal to that obtained in the SEM image for both samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two new isatin derivatives: 1‐benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoline‐2,3‐dione and 1‐benzyl‐5‐fluoroindoline‐2,3‐dione

Isatin (1H‐indole‐2,3‐dione) derivatives represent synthetically useful substrates which can be used to prepare a broad range of heterocyclic compounds. In the title compounds, C₁₈H₁₇NO₅, (I), and C₁₅H₁₀FNO₂, (II), the isatin ring systems are planar and form a dihedral angle of 73.04 (7)° in (I) and 76.82 (11)° in (II) with the benzyl groups. The bicyclic scaffolds in both compounds are almost superimposable, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.061 Å. The crystal structures of both derivatives are stabilized by C—H...O interactions. These contacts generate an R¹₂(7) ring motif in (I) and a C(7) chain motif in (II).     

Poly[(μ‐pentafluorobenzoato‐κ2O:O′)(pentafluorobenzoato‐κO)(μ‐pyrazine‐κ2N:N′)copper(II)]: a coordination polymer linked into a three‐dimensional network by intermolecular C—H...F—C interactions

In the title compound, [Cu(C₆F₅COO)₂(C₄H₄N₂)]_n, (I), the asymmetric unit contains one Cu^II cation, two anionic pentafluorobenzoate ligands and one pyrazine ligand. Each Cu^II centre is five‐coordinated by three O atoms from three independent pentafluorobenzoate anions, as well as by two N atoms from two pyrazine ligands, giving rise to an approximately square‐pyramidal coordination geometry. Adjacent Cu^II cations are bridged by a pyrazine ligand and two pentafluorobenzoate anions to give a two‐dimensional layer. The layers are stacked to generate a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture via strong intermolecular C—H...F—C interactions, as indicated by the F...H distance of 2.38 Å.     

Hydrogen bonding between aromatic H and F groups leading to a stripe structure with R‐ and S‐columns: the crystal structure of (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(3‐fluorophenyl)methanone and comparison with its 1‐aroylnaphthalene analogues

In the molecule of (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(3‐fluorophenyl)methanone, C₁₉H₁₅FO₃, (I), the dihedral angle between the plane of the naphthalene ring system and that of the benzene ring is 85.90 (5)°. The molecules exhibit axial chirality, with either an R‐ or an S‐stereogenic axis. In the crystal structure, each enantiomer is stacked into a columnar structure and the columns are arranged alternately to form a stripe structure. A pair of (methoxy)C—H...F hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions between the benzene rings of the aroyl groups link an R‐ and an S‐isomer to form a dimeric pair. These dimeric pairs are piled up in a columnar fashion through (benzene)C—H...O=C and (benzene)C—H...OCH₃ hydrogen bonds. The analogous 1‐benzoylated compound, namely (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(phenyl)methanone [Kato et al. (2010). Acta Cryst. E 66 , o2659], (II), affords three independent molecules having slightly different dihedral angles between the benzene and naphthalene rings. The three independent molecules form separate columns and the three types of column are connected to each other via two C—H...OCH₃ hydrogen bonds and one C—H...O=C hydrogen bond. Two of the three columns are formed by the same enantiomeric isomer, whereas the remaining column consists of the counterpart isomer. In the case of the fluorinated 1‐benzoylated naphthalene analogue, namely (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(4‐fluorophenyl)methanone [Watanabe et al. (2011). Acta Cryst. E 67 , o1466], (III), the molecular packing is similar to that of (I), i.e. it consists of stripes of R‐ and S‐enantiomeric columns. A pair of C—H...F hydrogen bonds between R‐ and S‐isomers, and C—H...O=C hydrogen bonds between R(or S)‐isomers, are also observed. Consequently, the stripe structure is apparently induced by the formation of R...S dimeric pairs stacked in a columnar fashion. The pair of C—H...F hydrogen bonds effectively stabilizes the dimeric pair of R‐ and S‐enantiomers. In addition, the co‐existence of C—H...F and C—H...O=C hydrogen bonds makes possible the formation of a structure with just one independent molecule.     

Alpha‐1 antitrypsin variants in plasma from HIV‐infected patients revealed by proteomic and glycoproteomic analysis

Novel tools are necessary to explore proteins related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this work, proteomic and glycoproteomic technology were employed to examine plasma samples from HIV‐positive patients. Through comparative proteome analysis of normal and HIV‐positive plasma samples, 19 differentially expressed protein spots related to 12 non‐redundant proteins were identified by ESI‐ion trap MS. Among these, the 130‐kDa isoform of α‐1‐antitrypsin was found to be decreased in HIV‐positive patients while another variant with a molecular weight of 40 kDa was increased. SWISS‐2‐D‐PAGE reference gel and protein sequence comparisons of the 40‐kDa protein showed homology with α‐1‐antitrypsin minus the N‐terminus, and its identity was further confirmed by 1‐D Western blotting and glycoproteomic analysis. In all, our results showed that proteomics and glycoproteomics are powerful tools for discovering proteins related to HIV infection. Furthermore, this 40‐kDa variant of α‐1‐antitrypsin found in the plasma of HIV‐positive individuals may prove to be a potentially useful biomarker for anti‐HIV research according to bioinformatics analysis.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and docking studies of tetracyclic 10‐iodo‐1,2‐dihydroisoquinolino[2,1‐b][1,2,4]benzothiadiazine 12,12‐dioxide and its precursors

The title compound, 10‐iodo‐1,2‐dihydroisoquinolino[2,1‐b][1,2,4]benzothiadiazine 12,12‐dioxide, C₁₅H₁₁IN₂O₂S ( 8 ), was synthesized via the metal‐free intramolecular N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)‐mediated radical oxidative sp³‐C—H aminative cyclization of 2‐(2′‐aminobenzenesulfonyl)‐1,3,4‐trihydroisoquinoline, C₁₅H₁₆N₂O₂S ( 7 ). The amino adduct 7 was prepared via a two‐step reaction, starting from the condensation of 2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride ( 4 ) with 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline ( 5 ), to afford 2‐(2′‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl)‐1,3,4‐trihydroisoquinoline, C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₄S ( 6 ), in 82% yield. The catalytic hydrogenation of 6 with hydrogen gas, in the presence of 10% palladium‐on‐charcoal catalyst, furnished 7 . Products 6 – 8 were characterized by their melting points, IR and NMR (¹H and ¹³C) spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The three compounds crystallized in the monoclinic space group, with 7 exhibiting classical intramolecular hydrogen bonds of 2.16 and 2.26 Å. All three crystal structures exhibit centrosymmetric pairs of intermolecular C—H…π(ring) and/or π–π stacking interactions. The docking studies of molecules 6 , 7 and 8 with deoxyribonucleic acid (PDB id: 1ZEW ) revealed minor‐groove binding behaviours without intercalation, with 7 presenting the most favourable global energy of the three molecules. Nonetheless, molecule 8 interacted strongly with the DNA macromolecule, with an attractive van der Waals energy of ?15.53 kcal mol^?1.     

Surface analysis of the solid electrolyte interface formed by additives on graphite electrodes in Li‐ion batteries using XPS,FE‐AES,and XHR‐SEM techniques

We investigate the formation and distribution of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on a graphite anode with two additives [vinylethylene carbonate (VEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC)] in a formation process using XPS, field emission AES, and extreme high‐resolution SEM (XHR‐SEM) techniques, and we studied what factors play an important role in determining the formation of the SEI layer. The VEC‐derived SEI behaviors (morphology, thickness, compound, and balance over electrode position) on a graphite anode largely depend on the elevated temperature. The VC‐derived SEI layer is mostly formed in the initial charging step, showing simple growth (formation) behavior. It is suggested that the properties of the additives are important for SEI bonding configurations at the nanoscale film surface, and to achieve the stable SEI layer, there appears to be an effective formation process for the additive properties. This research highlights the challenges of developing a stable SEI layer with additives in the formation process for electric vehicle batteries and would make a contribution to the understanding of how formation conditions affect an SEI layer with respect to additive properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sulfur as hydrogen‐bond acceptor in cocrystals of 2‐thio‐modified thymine

Doubly and triply hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular synthons are of particular interest for the rational design of crystal and cocrystal structures in crystal engineering since they show a high robustness due to their high stability and good reliability. The compound 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil (2‐thiothymine) contains an ADA hydrogen‐bonding site (A = acceptor and D = donor) if the S atom is considered as an acceptor. We report herein the results of cocrystallization experiments with the coformers 2,4‐diaminopyrimidine, 2,4‐diamino‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine, 6‐amino‐3H‐isocytosine and melamine, which contain complementary DAD hydrogen‐bonding sites and, therefore, should be capable of forming a mixed ADA–DAD N—H…S/N—H…N/N—H…O synthon (denoted synthon 3s_{N·S;N·N;N·O}), consisting of three different hydrogen bonds with 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil. The experiments yielded one cocrystal and five solvated cocrystals, namely 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–2,4‐diaminopyrimidine (1/2), C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₄H₆N₄, (I), 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–2,4‐diaminopyrimidine–N,N‐dimethylformamide (2/2/1), 2C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₄H₆N₄·C₃H₇NO, (II), 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–2,4‐diamino‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine–N,N‐dimethylformamide (2/2/1), 2C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₉H₉N₅·C₃H₇NO, (III), 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–6‐amino‐3H‐isocytosine–N,N‐dimethylformamide (2/2/1), (IV), 2C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₄H₆N₄O·C₃H₇NO, (IV), 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–6‐amino‐3H‐isocytosine–N,N‐dimethylacetamide (2/2/1), 2C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₄H₆N₄O·C₄H₉NO, (V), and 5‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil–melamine (3/2), 3C₅H₆N₂OS·2C₃H₆N₆, (VI). Synthon 3s_{N·S;N·N;N·O} was formed in three structures in which two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded networks are observed, while doubly hydrogen‐bonded interactions were formed instead in the remaining three cocrystals whereby three‐dimensional networks are preferred. As desired, the S atoms are involved in hydrogen‐bonding interactions in all six structures, thus illustrating the ability of sulfur to act as a hydrogen‐bond acceptor and, therefore, its value for application in crystal engineering.     

Syntheses,Structures and Characterization of Four Metal‐Organic Frameworks constructed by 2,2′,6,6′‐Tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic Acid

Four metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Mn_3.5L(OH)(HCOO)₄(DMF)] · H₂O} ( 1 ), {[In_2.5L₂O(OH)_1.5(H₂O)₂] · DMF · CH₃CN · 2H₂O} ( 2 ), {[Pb₄L₃O(DMA)] · CH₃CN} ( 3 ), and {[LaL(NO₃)(DMF)₂] · 2H₂O} ( 4 ) were synthesized by utilizing the ligand 2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H₂L) via solvothermal methods. All MOFs were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. In 1 , the Mn²⁺ ions are interconnected by formic groups in situ produced via DMF decomposition to form a rare 2D macrocyclic plane, which is further linked by L^2– to construct the final 3D network. In 2 , 1D zip‐like infinite chain is formed and then interconnected to build the 3D framework. In 3 , a [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂(O₂C)₁₀(DMA)₂] cluster with a centrosymmetric [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂]⁸⁺ octahedral core is formed in the 3D structure. In 4 , the La³⁺ ions are connected with each other through carboxylate groups of L^2– to generate 1D zigzag chain, which is further linked by L^2– to construct a 3D network with sra topology. Solid photoluminescence properties of 3 and 4 were also investigated.     

SEM and RBS characterization of a cobalt‐based conversion coating process on AA2024‐T3 and AA7075‐T6

Samples of aluminium alloys AA2024‐T3 and AA7075‐T6 were treated with a chromate‐based deoxidizer, then conversion coated with a commercial cobalt‐based solution and finally sealed with a commercial vanadate‐based product. The alloy specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The thickness of the cobalt‐based conversion coating increased rapidly up to 5 min of immersion but more slowly for longer times. Sealing resulted in penetration of vanadium through the oxide and a small increase in thickness due to the deposition of a thin sealing coating within the pores and on the external surface of the cobalt‐containing coating. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Chiral β‐Lactams by Pd‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Amidation of Methylene C(sp3)–H Bonds Enabled by a 2‐Pyridylisopropyl Auxiliary†

Qiang Yue, Xu Yang, Meng‐Xue Jiang, Bing‐Feng Shi, Tao Zhou, Yi Ding and Ye‐Qiang Han (from left to right). Mr. Tao Zhou is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the group of Prof. Bing‐Feng Shi in Zhejiang University. Mr. Ye‐Qiang Han is currently a fourth‐year PhD student in the group of Prof. Bing‐Feng Shi in Zhejiang University.     

Synthon preference in a hydrated β‐resorcylic acid structure and its cocrystal with thymine

Multicomponent crystals or cocrystals play a significant role in crystal engineering, the main objective of which is to understand the role of intermolecular interactions and to utilize such understanding in the design of novel crystal structures. Molecules possessing carboxylic acid and amide functional groups are good candidates for forming cocrystals. β‐Resorcylic acid monohydrate, C₇H₆O₄·H₂O, (I), crystallizes in the triclinic space group P with one β‐resorcylic acid molecule and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit. The cocrystal thymine–β‐resorcylic acid–water (1/1/1), C₅H₆N₂O₂·C₇H₆O₄·H₂O, (II), crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2₁, with one molecule each of thymine, β‐resorcylic acid and water in the asymmetric unit. All available donor and acceptor atoms in (I) and (II) are utilized for hydrogen bonding. The acid and amide functional groups are well known for the formation of self‐complementary acid–acid and amide–amide homosynthons. In (I), an acid–acid homosynthon is observed, while in (II), an amide–acid heterosynthon is present. In (I), the β‐resorcylic acid molecule exhibits the expected intramolecular S(6) motif between the hydroxy and carbonyl O atoms, and an intermolecular R₂²(8) dimer motif between the carboxylic acid groups; only the former motif is observed in (II). The water solvent molecule in (I) propagates the discrete dimers into two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded sheets. In (II), thymine and β‐resorcylic acid molecules do not form self‐complementary amide–amide and acid–acid homosynthons; instead, a thymine–β‐resorcylic acid heterosynthon is observed. With the help of the water molecule, this heterosynthon is aggregated into a three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded network. The absence of thymine base pairing in (II) might be linked to the availability of additional functional groups and the preference of the donor and acceptor hydrogen‐bond combinations.     

New rac‐XP(O)(OC6H5)(NHC6H4‐p‐CH3) [X = N(CH3)(cyclo‐C6H11) and NH(C3H5)] and rac‐(C6H5CH2NH)P(O)(OC6H5)(NH‐cyclo‐C6H11) mixed‐amide phosphinates

The mixed‐amide phosphinates, rac‐phenyl (N‐methylcyclohexylamido)(p‐tolylamido)phosphinate, C₂₀H₂₇N₂O₂P, (I), and rac‐phenyl (allylamido)(p‐tolylamido)phosphinate, C₁₆H₁₉N₂O₂P, (II), were synthesized from the racemic phosphorus–chlorine compound (R,S)‐(Cl)P(O)(OC₆H₅)(NHC₆H₄‐p‐CH₃). Furthermore, the phosphorus–chlorine compound ClP(O)(OC₆H₅)(NH‐cyclo‐C₆H₁₁) was synthesized for the first time and used for the synthesis of rac‐phenyl (benzylamido)(cyclohexylamido)phosphinate, C₁₉H₂₅N₂O₂P, (III). The strategies for the synthesis of racemic mixed‐amide phosphinates are discussed. The P atom in each compound is in a distorted tetrahedral (N¹)P(=O)(O)(N²) environment. In (I) and (II), the p‐tolylamido substituent makes a longer P—N bond than those involving the N‐methylcyclohexylamido and allylamido substituents. In (III), the differences between the P—N bond lengths involving the cyclohexylamido and benzylamido substituents are not significant. In all three structures, the phosphoryl O atom takes part with the N—H unit in hydrogen‐bonding interactions, viz. an N—H...O=P hydrogen bond for (I) and (N—H)(N—H)...O=P hydrogen bonds for (II) and (III), building linear arrangements along [001] for (I) and along [010] for (III), and a ladder arrangement along [100] for (II).     

Structure determination of chamaedryosides A—C,three novel nor‐neo‐clerodane glucosides from Teucrium chamaedrys,by NMR spectroscopy

Three new nor‐neo‐clerodane diterpenes, named chamaedryoside A (1), B (2) and C (3), have been isolated from the organic extracts of Teucrium chamaedrys (L.) and their structural characterization has been accomplished by ¹H and ¹³C‐NMR spectra, and DEPT, by COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, HSQC‐TOSCY and HMBC experiments, as well as by ESI‐MS/MS techniques. The stereostructures have been elucidated by NOESY and computational calculations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of proton‐conducting organic–inorganic polymeric materials by ASAXS

The distribution of ZrO₂ and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) in a matrix of sulfonated polyether ketone was investigated by anomalous small‐angle X‐ray scattering (ASAXS). Scattering curves were obtained using X‐ray energies near the Zr and W absorption edges, allowing the independent analysis of the distribution of ZrO₂ and PTA in the sample. The interaction between both inorganic components improved their dispersion considerably when compared with films containing just one of the additives. The synergism was correlated to previous investigations concerning proton conductivity and permeability of the membranes developed for direct methanol fuel cell. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2981–2992, 2005     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel long‐alkyl‐chain ester‐substituted benzimidazole gelator and its octan‐1‐ol solvate

The synthesis of a novel benzimidazole derivative with a long‐chain‐ester substituent, namely methyl 8‐[4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)phenoxy]octanoate, (3), is reported. Ester (3) shows evidence of aggregation in solution and weak gelation ability with toluene. The octan‐1‐ol solvate, methyl 8‐[4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)phenoxy]octanoate octan‐1‐ol monosolvate, C₂₂H₂₆N₂O₃·C₈H₁₈O, (4), exhibits a four‐molecule hydrogen‐bonded motif in the solid state, with N—H…O hydrogen bonds between benzimidazole molecules and O—H…N hydrogen bonds between the octan‐1‐ol solvent molecules and the benzimidazole unit. The alkyl chains of the ester and the octan‐1‐ol molecules are in unfolded conformations. The phenylene ring is canted by 10.27 (6)° from the plane of the benzimidazole ring system. H…C contacts make up 20.7% of the Hirshfeld surface coverage. Weak C—H…π interactions involving the benzimidazole alkyl chain and three aromatic rings are observed.