Peripherally metalated secoporphyrazines: a new generation of photoactive pigments

Base-catalyzed cross condensation of dipropylmaleonitrile 1 with bis(dimethylamino)maleonitrile 2 in an equimolar ratio afforded the porphyrazines 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a and 7a. Subsequent demetalation of 5a with TFA followed by remetalation with Zn(OAc)(2) gave ligand 5c in good yield. Compound 5c was, in turn, selectively oxidized and further peripherally functionalized using Pt(PhCN)(2)Cl(2) and PdCl(2) to yield the novel seco solitaire porphyrazines 10a and 10b. The photophysical profiles of the seco solitaire porphyrazines 10a and 10b were evaluated by means of absorption, emission, and transient absorption spectroscopy. The new pigments 10a and 10b were found to be photochemically more stable than the solitaire complexes 3d and 3e and mediated the generation of singlet oxygen with quantum yields of 0.59 and 0.45, respectively.     

p-Carborane: a new cage spacer for photoactive metal polypyridine dyads

The first example of a binuclear ruthenium complex involving the p-carborane framework in the bridging ligand is reported. The bridging ligand is a symmetric linear array comprising a central p-carborane unit, two p-phenylene spacers, and two 5-yl-2,2'-bipyridine coordinating units. A homobinuclear Ru(II) complex, with 2,2'-bipyridine as peripheral ligands, was synthesized and characterized. The Ru(II)-Ru(III) mixed-valence species, obtained by partial oxidation, has been investigated with steady-state and time-resolved techniques in CH3CN. The rate of photoinduced electron transfer is 2.3 x 10(8) s(-1).     

Synthesis of photoactive analogues of a cystine knot trypsin inhibitor protein

We describe the preparation of a recently described photoactive amino acid analogue (photoMethionine) by two novel synthetic routes, one of which is flexible and enantiospecific, and the site-specific chemical incorporation of photoMethionine into a defined and functionally active protein using a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and modern chemical ligation methodology. Site-specific labeling of proteins with this amino acid analogue through chemical synthesis provides valuable probes for photoaffinity cross-linking studies.     

Titania-lanthanum phosphate photoactive and hydrophobic new generation catalyst

Titania-lanthanum phosphate nanocomposites with multifunctional properties have been synthesized by aqueous sol-gel method. The precursor sols with varying TiO₂:LaPO₄ ratios were applied as thin coating on glass substrates in order to be transparent, hydrophobic, photocatalytically active coatings. The phase compositions of the composite powders were identified by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The anatase phase of TiO₂ in TiO₂-LaPO₄ composite precursors was found to be stable even on annealing at 800 °C. The glass substrates, coated with TL1 (TiO₂-LaPO₄ composition with 1 mol% LaPO₄) and TL50 (composite precursor containing TiO₂ and LaPO₄ with molar ratio 1:1) sols and annealed at 400 °C, produced contact angles of 74° and 92°, respectively, though it is only 62° for pure TiO₂ coating. The glass substrates, coated with TL50 sol, produced surfaces with relatively high roughness and uneven morphology. The TL1 material, annealed at 800 °C, has shown the highest UV photoactivity with an apparent rate constant, k_app=24×10⁻³ min⁻¹, which is over five times higher than that observed with standard Hombikat UV 100 (k_app=4×10⁻³ min⁻¹). The photoactivity combined with a moderate contact angle (85.3°) shows that this material has a promise as an efficient self-cleaning precursor.     

Synthesis of photoactive polyfunctional molecules based on 1-aryloxyanthraquinone aminoderivatives

By alternating stages of condensation of 1-(4-tert-butylphenoxy)-2-amino-9,10-anthraquinone with 5-nitroisophthaloyl dichloride, cyanuric chloride, and 4-aminobenzocrown ethers with stages of catalytic reduction of nitro group photoactive polyfunctional compounds were prepared containing both several photoactive groups and complex-forming crown ether moieties.     

Synthesis and characterization of new fluorinated photoactive polyamides based on xanthene pendant: Evaluation of antibacterial and heavy metal ions removal behavior

A series of novel organosoluble polyamides (PAs) bearing different functional groups such as flexible ether, substituted imidazole, and xanthene rings and electron-withdrawing CF₃ groups were synthesized from diamines and various dicarboxylic acids. The structures of diamines and PAs were fully characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The PAs showed good solubility in aprotic and polar organic solvents, with high thermal stability exhibiting the glass transition temperatures (T_gs) and 10% weight loss temperatures (T₁₀%) in the range of 184–277°C and 410–480°C in N₂ atmosphere, respectively. These polymers showed fluorescence emission upon irradiation with UV light. Diamine compounds and two of synthesized polymers were also screened for antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and the obtained results for all four combinations showed good inhibition. Extraction capability for heavy metal ions such as Cr³⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Co²⁺ from aqueous solutions was also tested at 25°C and pH 7–8.     

Synthesis of photoactive p-azidotetrafluorophenylalanine containing peptide by solid-phase Fmoc methodology

[structure: see text] N-Fmoc-L-p-azidotetrafluorophenylalanine was prepared from achiral starting materials using an acetamidomalonate synthesis and enzymatic resolution. A photoactive peptide containing this fluorinated residue could be assembled using solid-phase Fmoc chemistry.     

Photophysical, photochemical and photobiological properties of pyrrolocoumarins; a new class of photoactive compounds

With the aim of finding new photoactive compounds that may reduce the side effects of 8-methoxypsoralen photochemotherapy we report on some photophysical, photochemical and photobiological properties of recently synthesized pyrrolocoumarins, in particular 4-methyl-N-ethyl-pyrrolo[3,2-g]coumarin (PCNEt) which has an absorption maximum in the UV-A (320-400 nm). Laser (347 nm) flash photolysis studies showed triplet transients that were quenched by O2 and by ground state PCNEt. Singlet minus triplet spectra were broad (350-550 nm) and, at 700 nm, indicated solvated electron and radical production. PCNEt complexes with DNA in the dark and photobinds to thymine but does not form DNA cross-links. PCNEt was phototoxic in yeast with an action spectrum similar to its absorption spectrum. PCNEt showed photohaemolytic activity but was not phototoxic on guinea pig skin. These data suggest that PCNEt may photosensitize via several mechanisms: direct DNA photobinding, photodynamic action, or photoproduction of radicals.     

Synthesis and properties of a microtube photocatalyst with photoactive inner surface and inert outer surface

Synthesis of a photocatalyst with a novel particle form, its photoactivity, and the degradation of polyvinyl alcohol containing the photocatalyst were studied in detail. A microtube photocatalyst with titanium dioxide particles supported on the inner surface of the microtube was synthesized by adding fine titanium dioxide particles in the formation process of basic magnesium carbonate microtube. The photoactivity of the microtube photocatalyst was confirmed from the decomposition of 2-propanol under blacklight irradiation. Moreover, the microtube photocatalyst was found to cause no degradation of polyvinyl alcohol, whereas, it decomposed 2-propanol with its photoactivity when impregnated in a polyvinyl alcohol foam. This fact was considered to be derived from the unique structure of the microtube photocatalyst, which has a photoactive inner surface with titanium dioxide and an inert outer surface of basic magnesium carbonate.     

Synthesis of 2'-amino-LNA: a new strategy

In this paper we present revised and significantly improved synthetic routes to 2'-amino-LNA (locked nucleic acid). The optimal route is convergent with the synthesis of LNA monomers ("2'-oxy-LNA") via a common intermediate obtained by a mild deacetylation for the liberation of the 2'-hydroxy group to give compound 23 without the concomitant ring closure that affords the 2'-oxy-LNA skeleton. After inversion of the stereochemistry at C2' and triflate formation at the 2'-hydroxy group a new common intermediate 16 is obtained which gives easy access to a range of other analogues exemplified by the introduction of a sulfur nucleophile leading to the 2'-thio-LNA structure. After substitution of the triflate with azide a basic reduction affords the desired 2'-amino-LNA structure, i.e., compound 18. This new synthesis strategy towards 2'-amino-LNA improves the overall yield significantly and converges the syntheses of 2'-oxy-LNA and LNA analogues.     

Identification of six new photoactive yellow proteins--diversity and structure-function relationships in a bacterial blue light photoreceptor

Photoactive yellow proteins (PYP) are bacterial photoreceptors with a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain fold. We report the identification of six new PYPs, thus nearly doubling the size of this protein family. This extends the taxonomic diversity of PYP-containing bacteria from photosynthetic to nonphotosynthetic bacteria, from aquatic to soil-dwelling organisms, and from Proteobacteria to Salinibacter ruber from the phylum Bacteriodetes. The new PYPs greatly increase the sequence diversity of the PYP family, reducing the most prevalent pair-wise identity from 45% to 25%. Sequence alignments and analysis indicate that all 14 PYPs share a common structure with 13 highly conserved residues that form the chromophore binding pocket. Nevertheless, the functional properties of the PYPs vary greatly--the absorbance maximum extends from 432 to 465 nm, the pK(a) of the chromophore varies from pH 2.8 to 10.2, and the lifetime of the presumed PYP signaling state ranges from 1 ms to 1 h. Thus, the PYP family offers an excellent opportunity to investigate how functional properties are tuned over a wide range, while maintaining the same overall protein structural fold. We discuss the implications of these results for structure-function relationships in the PYP family.     

Synthesis of photoactive bichromophoric dyads containing 2-styrylquinoline and 2-naphthol moieties

A three-step approach to the synthesis of bichromophoric dyads of the general formula SQ-(CH₂) _n -Np (SQ is the 2-(4-oxystyryl)quinoline moiety, Np is the 3-oxy-2-naphthol moiety, n = 2, 4, 5) was developed from available reagents.     

Efficient synthesis and characterization of new photoactive dextran esters showing nanosphere formation

Different types of photoactive dextran derivatives with high degree of substitution were prepared by an efficient and mild esterification of the biopolymer with 2-methoxycinnamic acid, [(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy]acetic acid, and azobenzene-4-carboxylic acid via in situ activation of the carboxylic acid groups with N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole. The structures of the novel dextran esters were evaluated by means of NMR spectroscopy applying the perpropionylated samples. Perpropionylation yields samples soluble in chloroform and acetonitrile that are very useful solvents not only for NMR but also for UV-vis spectroscopic studies. The photochemistry was studied by NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy in the dissolved state and the changes observed may be used to control the properties. The photoactive dextran esters form spherical nanoparticles of a size below 200 nm that are of interest in the design of smart materials.     

Triggering DNAzymes with light: a photoactive C8 thioether-linked adenosine

Herein we report evidence for a light-inducible DNAzyme. In so doing, we also disclose the synthesis and photochemical properties of a novel nucleoside: 8-(2-(4-imidazolyl)ethyl-1-thio)-2'-deoxyriboadenosine (d1). The light sensitivity of (d1) was evaluated via an examination of the photoinduced reactivation of DNAzyme 8-17E from an inactive form that contained a single nucleotide (d1) modification. Restoration of DNAzyme activity results from a photoinduced reversion of (d1) to unmodified deoxyadenosine. Deuterium studies indicate that water is the source of hydrogen in the C8-H product and not the alkylthio group, suggesting that reversion of (1) to adenosine is not a consequence of simple homolysis of the C8-S bond but of an unprecedented photochemical conversion. This adenosine, which affords significant control of catalytic reactivation of a DNAzyme, may find general use in photodecaging other biological systems.     

Synthesis of a photoactive gemini surfactant and its use in AGET ATRP miniemulsion polymerisation and UV curing

A novel photoactive gemini surfactant was easily synthesised in high yields. The multi-functional molecule can be used as a gemini surfactant, a benzophenone type photoinitiator, and as an ATRP initiator. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(allyl methacrylate) (PMMA-b-PAMA) were prepared using the photoactive gemini surfactant as an ATRP initiator under soap-free miniemulsion polymerisation conditions. Kinetic results of the miniemulsion polymerisation of methyl methacrylate (MMA) indicate that the reaction has controlled/living characteristics. UV curing was performed by irradiation of the linear PMMA-b-PAMA polymer, in which PMMA-b-PAMA containing a benzophenone moiety functioned as a macromolecular photoinitiator.     

60]Fullerene: a versatile photoactive core for dendrimer chemistry

Owing to their special photophysical properties, fullerene derivatives are good candidates to demonstrate dendritic effects. In particular, the triplet lifetimes of a C(60) core can be used to evaluate its degree of isolation from external contacts. On the other hand, the fullerene core can act as a terminal energy receptor in dendrimer-based light-harvesting systems. When a fullerodendrimer is further functionalized with a suitable electron donor, it may exhibit the essential features of a multicomponent artificial photosynthetic system in which photoinduced energy transfer from the antenna to the C(60) core is followed by electron transfer.     

一种结构新颖的螺锗化合物的合成

在吡啶存在下，本文利用手性配体试剂L-N，N-双(2-羟乙基)苏氨酸(1)与β-羧基乙基锗倍半氧化物(2)反应，首次得到一种具有旋光性、含δ-内酯环新颖结构的螺锗化合物(3)。^1H NMR ，IR和MS的测定数据均表明NGe配键是存在的。     

On a new FeOF polymorph: Synthesis and stability

A new polymorph of FeOF (up to now only known in its rutile type structure) was prepared by using a new synthesis approach formally based on anionic exchange using the well-known layered FeOCl as precursor. The synthesis was achieved using [CH₃C(CH₂O–)₂(COO–)B] to vehicle fluorine through the formation of soluble (CH₃)₄N⁺ [CH₃C(CH₂O–)₂(COO–)BF]⁻ and using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the reacting medium. The XRD pattern of layered FeOF can be indexed with an orthorhombic cell which doubles along the b axis (which is the direction perpendicular to the layers) with respect to that of pristine FeOCl (a = 3.792(1) Å, b = 12.699(1) Å, c = 3.321(1) Å). Both thermal analysis and diffraction indicate similar stability for the layered and rutile polymorphs. Such findings are rationalized through Density Functional Theory calculations. It is found that the energy difference between the more stable rutile and layered polymorphs is practically nul. The origin of the similar stability lies in the fact that although the number of Fe–F and Fe–O bonds is different in the two structures, the strength of both the total number of Fe–O as well as Fe–F bonds are found to be almost identical. Even if the crystal and electronic structures are considerably different, the total bonding and thus, the stability of the two polymorphs, is comparable. The stability of different FeOF rutile type structures is also analyzed.