Utilization of a spiropyran derivative in a polymeric film optode for selective fluorescent sensing of zinc ion

Spiropyrans are the most studied families of func- tional materials due to their reversible structural con- version in response to external optical, chemical, and thermal stimulation[1]. Irradiation with ultraviolet light causes formation of an extended π-conjugation open form (merocyanine form) by heterolytic cleavage of the C (spiro)-O bond, which generates an intense ab- sorption in the visible region. Under the irradiating of visible light, the opened form will come back to the closed spi…     

The complexation of flurbiprofen with β-cyclodextrin: a NMR study in aqueous solution

The complexation process between racemic flurbiprofen and β-cyclodextrin in solution was investigated by 1D and 2D proton NMR spectroscopy. In the presence of β-cyclodextrin, the aromatic protons of flurbiprofen were the most affected, suggesting a strong involvement of the phenyl groups in the inclusion mechanism. The stoichiometry of the complex was determined by the method of continuous variation, using the chemical induced shifts of both host and guest protons. The association constant, K_a of the obtained complex was calculated and found to be 2483.8 M^?1. On the other hand, signals belonging to the protons associated with the carboxyl group are split in the presence of β-cyclodextrin indicating enantiomeric differentiation. Rotating frame NOE spectroscopy, (ROESY), was used to ascertain the solution geometry of the host–guest complex. The result suggested that the flurbiprofen molecule fully penetrates the β-cyclodextrin cavity with the carboxyl group protruding from the primary hydroxyl side and the phenyl group close to the secondary rim.     

Reaction mechanism of monoethanolamine with CO₂ in aqueous solution from molecular modeling

We present a theoretical study of the reaction mechanism of monoethanolamine (MEA) with CO? in an aqueous solution. We have used molecular orbital reaction pathway calculations to compute reaction free energy landscapes for the reaction steps involved in the formation of carbamic acids and carbamates. We have used the conductor-like polarizable continuum model to calculate reactant, product, and transition state geometries and vibrational frequencies within density functional theory (DFT). We have also computed single point energies for all stationary structures using a coupled cluster approach with singles, doubles, and perturbational triple excitations using the DFT geometries. Our calculations indicate that a two-step reaction mechanism that proceeds via a zwitterion intermediate to form carbamate is the most favorable reaction channel. The first step, leading to formation of the zwitterion, is found to be rate-determining, and the activation free energies are 12.0 (10.2) and 11.3 (9.6) kcal/mol using Pauling (Bondi) radii within the CPCM model at the CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/6-311++G(2df,2p) levels of theory, respectively, using geometries and vibrational frequencies obtained at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. These results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental value of about 12 kcal/mol. The second step is an acid-base reaction between a zwitterion and MEA. We have developed a microkinetic model to estimate the effective reaction order at intermediate concentrations. Our model predicts an equilibrium concentration for the zwitterion on the order of 10?11 mol/L, which explains why the existence of the zwitterion intermediate has never been detected experimentally. The effective reaction order from our model is close to unity, also in agreement with experiments. Complementary ab initio QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations with umbrella sampling have been carried out to determine the free energy profiles of zwitterion formation and proton transfer in solution; the results confirm that the formation of the zwitterion is rate-determining.     

Thermochemical study of coordination equilibria in the zinc(II)-β-alanine-water system in aqueous solution

The heats of formation of β-alanine (HAla) complexes with Zn²⁺ ion at temperatures of 288.15, 298.15, and 308.15 K and ionic strengths of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mol/l (KNO₃) were determined by calorimetry; the heats of dilution of a zinc nitrate solution in supporting electrolyte solutions were found for introduction of appropriate corrections. The standard heats of complexation in the zinc(II)-β-alanine-water system were determined. The standard thermodynamic characteristics of zinc(II) complexation with β-alanine and standard enthalpies of formation of ZnAla⁺ and ZnAla₂ complex species were calculated.     

Solubilization of cholesterol in aqueous solution by two β-cyclodextrin dimers and a negatively charged β-cyclodextrin derivative

Two βCD dimers (linked by succinic acid, 2, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA, 3, bridges) and a negatively charged monomer derivative of βCD, 1, have been synthesized and their ability to solubilize cholesterol in aqueous solution was studied. The three compounds exhibit a great capacity in solubilizing cholesterol as, for instance, concentrations up to 6 mM of cholesterol were measured in the presence of 25 mM of 3. The phase-solubility diagrams of the two dimers exhibit A _L type profiles while the monomer 1 follows an A _P isotherm. The cholesterol/dimer complexes have 1:1 stoicheiometries while monomer 1 forms two complexes with molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 (cholesterol/1). The equilibrium constants are K _1:1 = (5.9 ± 0.3) × 10⁴ M^?1 and K _1:1 = (8.8 ± 0.2) × 10⁴ M^?1 for 2 and 3, respectively, and K _1:1 = 73 ± 19 M^?1 and K _1:2 = 204 ± 65 M^?1 for 1. The comparison of K _1:1(3) with the product K _1:1 × K _1:2 (1) reveals that a chelate effect in binding the cholesterol by 3 exists. The structure of the cholesterol/3 complex was studied by ROESY experiments and by molecular dynamics simulations.     

An investigation of the complexation of a TTF derivative with α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins in aqueous media

This Letter, describes the complexation of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins (1-3) with TTF derivative 4 in water. In particular, we show using ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry that β-cyclodextrin 2 forms an effective complex with 4. Complex 2·4 can be conveniently disassembled upon the addition of 1-adamantanol.     

Adsorption of strontium ions from aqueous solution using hydrous,amorphous MnO2–ZrO2 composite: a new inorganic ion exchanger

Hydrous, amorphous MnO₂–ZrO₂ composite was prepared as a new inorganic composite material under various conditions for removal of Sr²⁺ ion from aqueous solutions. The physico-chemical characterization was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. The maximum sorption capacity for synthesized composite was evaluated as 1.5 meq/g sorbent and batch experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, aqueous phase pH, temperature and initial metal ions concentration of adsorptive solution. The results indicated that under optimal conditions, Sr²⁺ ions could be efficiently removed using MnO₂–ZrO₂ composite from aqueous solutions when pH > 5. The equilibrium isotherms were determined and the sorption data were successfully modeled using Langmuir model. Kinetics of the process was studied by considering a pseudo second-order model. This model predicted chemisorption as the adsorption mechanism. The results of thermodynamic investigation reveal that the adsorption process of the studied ion is entropy driven.     

Lanthanum ion–impregnated granular activated carbon for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution: Equilibrium and kinetic study

The current study discusses application of the lanthanum ions (La³⁺) as an activating agent incorporated /immobilized into coconut shell–based granular activated carbon (GAC) for porosity development; subsequently, the carbon material is used for the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions. The new carbons were characterized using FTIR, XRD, CHNO, burn off, and carbon yield. The surface functional groups were determined by Boehm titration. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the carbons is 953 m² g⁻¹ (GACLa1073), 997 m² g⁻¹ (GAC383), and 973 m² g⁻¹ (GACO383). Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and John–Sivanandan Achari (J-SA) isotherm models on the equilibrium isotherm data were examined for the new carbon-phenol system. It is found that the Langmuir isotherm fits better with a monolayer adsorption capacity, highest for GACLa1073 (387.59 mg g⁻¹) followed by GAC383 (303.03 mg g⁻¹) and GACO383 (197.62 mg g⁻¹). Kinetic studies reveal that the adsorption system follows the pseudo–second-order kinetic model. Isotherm analysis by the phase change method of John-Sivanandan Achari (J-SA) isotherm gives a better insight into adsorption phenomena, which is accompanied by regeneration studies of carbon with >75% for GACLa1073 after three cycles.     

Inclusion complex formation of ��- and ��-cyclodextrins with riboflavin and alloxazine in aqueous solution: thermodynamic study

Possibility of encapsulation of riboflavin and alloxazine by ??- and ??-cyclodextrins in aqueous solution was studied by ¹H NMR and solubility methods. Thermodynamic parameters of 1:1 inclusion complex formation (K, ??_cG⁰, ??_cH⁰ and ??_cS⁰) were obtained and analyzed in terms of influence of reagent??s structure on complexation process. It was shown that ??-cyclodextrin displays low binding affinity to riboflavin and alloxazine. On the contrary, ??-cyclodextrin forms with riboflavin and alloxazine more stable inclusion complexes. Binding is accompanied by the negative enthalpy and entropy changes that are determined by predominance of van der Waals interactions and possible H-bonding. The presence of ribityl substituent in riboflavin molecule prevents the deep penetration of this compound into macrocyclic cavity. Proposed on the basis of ¹H NMR data the partial insertion of the hydrophobic part of riboflavin and alloxazine molecules into the ??-cyclodextrin cavity causes the enhancement of aqueous solubility of the encapsulated substances. In comparison with ??-cyclodextrin, the solubilizing effect of ??-cyclodextrin is more pronounced due to its higher binding affinity to alloxazine and riboflavin.     

Poly(oxyethylene)–cation interactions in aqueous solution: a molecular dynamics study

We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of a poly(oxyethylene) (POE) chain with 15 ethylene oxide units in an aqueous solution in the presence of potassium cations for 1 ns. The effect of the potassium ions on the POE aqueous solution characteristics are examined for the energetics, the hydration, the chain conformation and dynamics, and the solvent structure in comparison to those in the absence of cations. The POE's helical conformation is considerably distorted by complex formations with K⁺, and a significant perturbation of the POE hydration by K⁺ is observed. The competition between the K⁺–water and the K⁺–POE associations is found to be heavily shifted toward the latter. Furthermore, the POE–water pair interaction energy drastically decreases upon addition of K⁺. The observations, along with the decreased chain flexibility, point to the salting-out of POE salt aqueous solutions.     

Complex formation of hexakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-α-cyclodextrin with substituted benzenes in aqueous solution

The host-guest interaction of hexakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)--cyclodextrin (DM--CDx) with substituted benzenes in aqueous solution has been investigated by circular dichroism spectra. From the resemblance of the spectra, it is concluded that the guest molecules are included in the DM--CDx ring in a manner similar to that of corresponding -cyclodextrin complexes. Thermodynamic parameters of the complex formation were determined on the basis of the temperature dependent intensity change of the spectra. In spite of the considerable variation in H and AS values, the free energy does not change much among complexes because of the strong compensation effect. The compensation temperature was 309 ± 11K. Negative values of H and S, suggesting that the complex formation is not governed by the hydrophobic interaction, can be interpreted in terms of the tight binding of the guest molecule within the host cavity.     

Inclusion complexes of Sulconazole with β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin: characterization in aqueous solution and in solid state

Complexation between sulconazole (SULC), an imidazole derivative with in vitro antifungal and antiyeast activity, and β-cyclodextrins (β-CD and HP-β-CD) was studied in solution and in solid states. Complexation in solution was evaluated using solubility studies and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR). In the solid state, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and RX diffraction studies were used. Solubility studies suggested the existence of inclusion complex between SULC and β-CD or HP-β-CD. ¹H-NMR spectroscopy studies showed that the complex formed occurs by complexation of imidazole ring into inner cavity. DSC studies showed the existence of a complex of SULC with β-CD. The TGA and RX studies confirmed the DSC results of the complex. Solubility of SULC in solid complexes was studied by the dissolution method and it was found to be much more soluble than the uncomplexed drug.     

Interaction of thorium(IV) with nitrate in aqueous solution: medium effect or weak complexation?

Microcalorimetric titrations were performed to study the Th(IV)/nitrate interaction in aqueous solution. The results show the formation of a weak mononuclear complex of Th(IV) with nitrate and allow the determination of the complexation thermodynamic parameters at 298 K and ionic strength 1.0 mol dm(-3). The reaction is endothermic and entropy driven. Data and comparison with similar actinide(IV) complexes allow to confirm the inner-sphere nature of the Th(NO(3))(3+) complex.     

Anation reactions involving bidentate ligands—I: The reaction between oxalate and diaquatetraamminecobalt(III) ion in acid aqueous solution

The reaction of diaquatetraamminecobalt(II)) ion with oxalate was found to occur in a single stage. The rate law is interpreted in terms of an ion pairing mechanism with an ion pairing equilibrium constant of 0.52 for H₂C₂O₄ and 5.3 for HC₂O₄⁻.     

Luminescent core–shell nanoparticles with crosslinked aggregation-induced emission core structures: Emission both in solution and solid states

Luminescent core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) with crosslinked aggregation-induced emission (AIE) core structures, which exhibited excellent emission independent of the dispersion state of the NPs, have been developed by a facile one-pot method based on the self-assembly of an amphiphilic block copolymer poly(PEGMA)-b-poly(DB3VT). Core–shell micelles with a poly(DB3VT) core were formed from poly(PEGMA)-b-poly(DB3VT) in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H₂O condition, and the crosslinked AIE-based structure was selectively incorporated into the core by the Suzuki coupling reaction between poly(DB3VT) blocks and tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based coupling monomers at the same time. This method afforded a uniform NP with a crosslinked TPE-based AIE core structure. The obtained NP exhibited excellent emission both in diluted solution and solid states. This result indicated that the formed TPE-based AIE core structure was always aggregated regardless of NP dispersion owing to the crosslinking as we expected. The crosslinked TPE-based AIE core structure, which was related to the emission property, was readily tuned by the selection and combination of coupling monomers in the Suzuki coupling reaction. By incorporating electron-deficient units into the core, the emission color could be successfully tuned from yellow-green to orange and red while maintaining the emission property independent of the state of the NP dispersion. These results demonstrated that NPs with the crosslinked AIE core structures are a promising luminescent material design motif to realize emission independent on molecular dispersion.     

Inclusion complexes of 5-flucytosine with β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: characterization in aqueous solution and in solid state

Complexation between 5-flucytosine (5-FC), a cytosine analogue with in vitro antifungal and antiyeast activity, and β-cyclodextrins (β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) was studied in solution and in solid states. Complexation in solution was evaluated using solubility studies, UV–vis and ¹H-NMR. In the solid state, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR and X-ray diffraction studies were used. UV–vis, FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy studies showed that the complex formed occurs by complexation of piridinique base analogue into inner cavity. DSC studies showed the existence of a complex of 5-FC with β-CDs. X-ray studies confirmed the DSC results of the complex existence. Solubility studies showed that the complexed drug is forty times more soluble than free 5-FC, indicating the obtained systems as future, promising drug carriers.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the ligand substitution reaction of di-μ-hydroxobis(bipyridyl)dipalladium(II) ion with thiourea in aqueous solution

The kinetics of the interaction between thiourea and the title complex has been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous medium as a function of nucleophile concentration, temperature and pH at constant ionic strength. The reaction is a two-step process in which the first step is ligand dependent, but the second step is ligand independent and is assigned to ring closure. The rate and activation parameters, conductivity studies and IR data were used to deduce a plausible mechanism.     

Kinetics and mechanism of reactions of bis(biguanide)copper(II) ion with 2,2′-bipyridyl and 1,10-phenanthroline in aqueous solution

Summary In aqueous solution [Cu(bigH)₂]²⁺ (bigH=biguanide) reacts with 2,2-bipyridyl (bipy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) through intermediate formation of ternary complexes [Cu(bigH)(L)]²⁺ and [Cu(bipy)(phen)]²⁺ and binary complexes [CuL₂]²⁺ (L=bipy, phen). The rates of the different steps have been followed in borax buffer (pH 8.0±0.1) by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. For each step k_obs=k₀+k_L[L] and the k_L path appears to be associative. H and S values for the k_L path conform to an isokinetic trend.