Electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and theoretical studies on the reduction and deprotonation of the photovoltaic sensitizer [(H3-tctpy)Ru(NCS)3] (H3-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid)

The electrochemical reduction of the black dye photosensitizer [(H₃-tctpy)Ru^II(NCS)₃]⁻ (H₃-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid) used in photovoltaic cells has been found to be a complex process when studied in dimethylformamide. At low temperatures, fast scan rates and at a glassy carbon electrode, the chemically reversible ligand based one-electron reduction process [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻[(H₃-tctpy√⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻ is detected. This process has a reversible half-wave potential (E^r_1/2) of −1585±20 mV versus Fc/Fc⁺ at 25°C. Under other conditions, a deprotonation reaction occurs upon reduction, which produces [(H_3−x-tctpy^x−)Ru(NCS)₃]^(1+x)− and hydrogen gas. Mechanistic pathways giving rise to the final products are discussed. The E^r_1/2-value for the ligand based reductions of the deprotonated complex is 0.70 V more negative than for [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. Consequently, data obtained from molecular orbital calculations are consistent with the reaction [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻→[(H₂-tctpy⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻+1/2H₂ yielding the monodeprotonated complex as the major product obtained after electrochemical reduction of [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. The E^r_1/2-values for the metal based Ru^II/III process differ by 0.30 V when data obtained for the protonated and deprotonated forms of the black dye are compared. Electronic spectra obtained during the course of experiments in an optically transparent thin layer electrolysis configuration are consistent with the overall reaction scheme proposed on the basis of voltammetric measurements and molecular orbital calculations. Reduction studies on the free ligand, H₃-tcpy, are consistent with results obtained with [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻.     

Synthesis and characterization of complexes of lanthanide nitrates with N,N′-dinaphthyl-N,N′-diphenyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamide

Solid complexes of lighter lanthanide nitrates with N,N′-dinaphthyl-N,N′-diphenyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamide (DDD), Ln(NO₃)₃(DDD) (Ln = La---Nd, Sm) have been prepared in non-aqueous media. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR spectra, electronic spectra and TG-DTA techniques. In all the complexes, DDD and NO₃⁻ are coordinated to the lanthanide ions as tetradentate and bidentate ligands, respectively. The differences in the IR and electronic spectra between these complexes and lanthanide nitrate complexes with N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamide (TDD) are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel α- or β-tetra[6,7-dihexyloxy-3-(4-oxyphenyl)coumarin]-substituted metal-free and metallo phthalocyanines

The synthesis of novel phthalonitriles substituted at 3- or 4-position with 6,7-dihexyloxy-3-(4-oxyphenyl)coumarin were performed. The metal-free and metallo phthalocyanines (MPcs) (M = Zn, Co, Cu) were prepared by cyclotetramerization of 6,7-dihexyloxy-3-[p-(2′,3′-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]coumarin or 6,7-dihexyloxy-3-[p-(3′,4′-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]coumarin. The newly prepared compounds, phthalonitriles and Pcs, have been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MALDI-TOF, IR, UV–Vis and fluorescence spectral data. The electronic spectra exhibit bands of coumarin identity along with characteristic Q and B bands of the Pc core. The IR-spectra of all Pcs showed three characteristic intense bands at 1709–1700 cm⁻¹ for lactone carbonyl, two bands at 1489–1604 cm⁻¹ for conjugated olefinic system.     

Conformational dependence of the intrinsic acidity of the aspartic acid residue sidechain in N-acetyl- -aspartic acid-N′-methylamide

The sidechain conformational potential energy hypersurfaces (PEHS) for the γ_L, β_L, α_L, and α_D backbone conformations of N-acetyl- -aspartate-N′-methylamide were generated. Of the 81 possible conformers initially expected for the aspartate residue, only seven were found after geometric optimizations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. No stable conformers could be located in the δ_L, _L, γ_D, δ_D, and _D backbone conformations. The ‘adiabatic’ deprotonation energies for the endo and exo forms of N-acetyl- -aspartic acid-N′-methylamide were calculated by comparing their optimized relative energies against those found for the seven stable conformers of N-acetyl- -aspartate-N′-methylamide. Sidechain conformational PEHSs were also generated for the estimation of ‘vertical’ deprotonation energies for both endo and exo forms of N-acetyl- -aspartic acid-N′-methylamide. All backbone–sidechain (N–H⁻O–C) and backbone–backbone (N–HO=C) hydrogen bond interactions were analyzed. A total of two backbone–backbone and four backbone–sidechain interactions were found for N-acetyl- -aspartate-N′-methylamide. The deprotonated sidechain of N-acetyl- -aspartate-N′-methylamide may allow the aspartyl residue to form strong hydrogen bond interactions (since it is negatively charged) which may be significant in such processes as protein–ligand recognition and ligand binding. As a primary example, the molecular geometry of the aspartyl residue may be important in peptide folding, such as that in the RGD tripeptide.     

Novel heteroligand complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) formed by 2,2′-dipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline and phosphortriamide ligands: Synthesis and structure

This paper presents examples of mixed-ligand Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II) complexes, with a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, with 2,2′-dipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline and phosphortriamide ligands. The complexes of the general type ML₂·Lig (where M = Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II); L⁻ = {Cl₃C(O)NP(O)R₂}⁻ (R = NHBz, NHCH₂CHCH₂, NEt₂); Lig = 2,2′-dipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesised and characterised by means of X-ray diffraction, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The phosphortriamide ligands are coordinated via oxygen atoms of phosphoryl and carbonyl groups involved in six-membered metal cycles. The additional ligands 2,2′-dipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline are coordinated to the central atom, forming five-membered cycles.     

Development and validation of an analytical methodology for the determination of p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD in fish oil pills

An analytical methodology was proposed and validated to be applied to the determination of p,p′-DDT and its metabolites p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD in fish oil. The analytical procedure presented in this paper involves a single-step clean up process prior to the analysis. A solution of 1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphtalene was used as internal standard.The analytical technique used was gas chromatography coupled to an electron capture detector. Details on the validation process are provided.The limits of detection ranged from 2.6 to 4.7 pg μL^− 1. The BCR 598 standard reference material (cod liver oil) was used to evaluate the performance of the methodology with satisfactory recoveries for all the compounds.The analytes were determined in three different fish oil pills sold in Spain as a supplementary vitamin support. The sum of p,p′-DDT and metabolites was from 13.2 to 51.3 ng g^− 1, the dominant compound being p,p′-DDE.     

Resonance Raman spectra of metalloporphyrins. On the methine-bridge vibrations of ferric octaethylporphyrins and its α′, β′, γ′, and δ′ deutero derivatives

Raman spectra of Fe³⁺ and Pd²⁺ octaethylporphyrin (OEP) and their α′, β′, γ′, and δ′ deutero derivatives were measured with the 5145, 4880 and 4765 Å lines of an Ar ion laser. Raman bands due to methine-bridge stretching vibrations were assigned and their vibrational amplitudes were calculated from the observed frequency shifts on deuterium substitution of methine-bridge hydrogens. These vibrations correspond to the spin-state sensitive Raman bands of heme proteins. On the basis of symmetry considerations and the observed polarizations, vibrational assignments of other Raman bands were made.     

Temperature dependence vapour pressure measurements of Mg(tmhd)2(tmeda) [(tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione, tmeda = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine]

The reaction between the magnesium β-diketonate complex Mg(tmhd)₂(H₂O)₂ and 1 equiv. of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda = Me₂NCH₂CH₂NMe₂) in hexane at room temperature yielded Mg(tmhd)₂(tmeda). The standard enthalpy of sublimation (83.2 ± 2.3 kJ mol⁻¹) and entropy of sublimation (263 ± 6.3 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) of Mg(tmhd)₂(tmeda) were obtained from the temperature dependence vapour pressure, determined by adopting a horizontal dual arm single furnace thermogravimetric analyser as a transpiration apparatus. From the observed melting point depression DTA, the standard enthalpy of fusion (58.3 ± 5.2 kJ mol⁻¹) was evaluated, using the ideal eutectic behaviour of Mg(tmhd)₂(tmeda) as a solvent with bis(2,4-pentanedionato)magnesium(II), Mg(acac)₂ as a non-volatile solute.     

Synthesis, EPR spectrum and X-ray structure of tetra-n-butylammonium bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato(2−)-κS,S′)platinate(III)

The new salt, tetra-n-butylammonium bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato(2−)-κ²S,S′)platinate(III), [NBu₄][Pt(C₆H₄S₂)₂] (1), has been synthesized in ethanol/water, and fully characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The central platinum in the complex ion [Pt(bdt)₂]⁻ is tetracoordinated by the S atoms of the bdt²⁻ ligands (bdt²⁻ is benzene-1,2-dithiolate) in a square-planar geometry. The well-resolved frozen solution EPR spectrum exhibits rhombic symmetry. The room temperature effective magnetic moment (μ_eff = 1.80 Bohr magneton) is in line with this spectrum and strongly supports the Pt(III) oxidation state in 1. This observation is in excellent agreement with previous results reported on closely related Ni(III), Pd(III) and Pt(III) species.     

Theoretical studies on the structural and optical properties of a series of Os(II) diimine complexes [Os(NN)(CO)2I2] (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine(bpy), 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine(dbubpy), 4,4′-dichlorine-2,2′-bipyridine(dclbpy))

The ground- and excited-state structures for a series of Os(II) diimine complexes [Os(NN)(CO)₂I₂] (NN = 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) (1), 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dbubpy) (2), and 4,4′-dichlorine-2,2′-bipyridine (dclbpy) (3)) were optimized by the MP2 and CIS methods, respectively. The spectroscopic properties in dichloromethane solution were predicted at the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT, B3LYP) level associated with the PCM solvent effect model. It was shown that the lowest-energy absorptions at 488, 469 and 539 nm for 1–3, respectively, were attributed to the admixture of the [d_xy (Os) → π^*(bpy)] (metal-to-ligand charge transfer, MLCT) and [p(I) → π^*(bpy)] (interligand charge transfer, LLCT) transitions; their lowest-energy phosphorescent emissions at 610, 537 and 687 nm also have the ³MLCT/³LLCT transition characters. These results agree well with the experimental reports. The present investigation revealed that the variation of the substituents from H → t-Bu → Cl on the bipyridine ligand changes the emission energies by altering the energy level of HOMO and LUMO but does not change the transition natures.     

Stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone and (−)-(6S,2′S)-epi cryptocaryalactone

The total synthesis of (+)-(6R,2′S)-cryptocaryalactone and (−)-(6S,2′S)-epi cryptocaryalactone is reported based on stereoselective reduction of δ-hydroxy β-keto ester to install 1,3-polyol system, cis Wittig olefination, and lactonization as the key steps. The synthesis of (−)-(6S,2′S)-epi cryptocaryalactone is also reported using syn-benzylidene acetal formation and a preferential Z-Wittig olefination reaction and lactonization as the key steps.     

H NMR of the α,α′-bipyridine and o-phenanthroline adducts of n-butyltin trichloride

¹H NMR spectra of the α,α′-bipyridine adduct of n-BuSnCl₃ indicated the non-equivalence of the two pyridine rings. In particular the signals of the proton on the carbon atom adjacent to the two nitrogen atoms were widely separated. Similar spectral behavior was observed in the o-phenanthroline adduct. These adducts therefore are concluded to have the n-butyl group lying on the N---Sn---N plane of the hexacoordinated complexes. The configurational rearrangement of these adducts was markedly accelerated in the presence of excess n-BuSnCl₃.     

Rotational analysis of the v7,v11 (a′,a″) pair of bands of the infrared spectrum of the deuterium substituted propynal molecule C2H-CDO

The mid-infrared spectrum of the v₇,v₁₁ (a′,a″) pair of bands of the deuterium substituted propynal molecule C₂H-CDO was recorded at a resolution of about 0.08 cm⁻¹. An analysis of the pair of bands was completed using the method of simulation of the observed bands with synthetic spectra taking into account the effects of second order Coriolis interactions between the energy levels of the two bands. Best fit values for the changes in the rotational constants (A″ − A′), (B″ − B′) and (C″ − C′), the second order Coriolis constant ζ_7,11 and the δ_7,11 = v₁₁ − v₇ constant have been derived.     

5′,8-Cyclopurine-2′-deoxynucleosides: Molecular structure and charge distribution – DFT study in gaseous and aqueous phase

Oxidatively generated damage to DNA frequently appears in the human genome as an effect of aerobic metabolism or as the result of exposure to exogenous oxidizing agents. Due to these facts, it has been decided to present the structural propriety and charge distribution of 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine/guanosine (cdA, cdG) in their 5′R and 5′S diastereomeric forms. For all points of quantum mechanics studies presented, the density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP parameters on 6-311++G** basis set level was used. The 2-deoxyribose moiety of cyclopurines has adopted the ₀T¹ conformation in their cationic, neutral and anionic forms. The natural population analysis (NPA) of charge distribution between purine/2-deoxyribose moieties exhibited positive/positive value for cations, positive/negative for neutral molecules. NPA data for anionic forms showed negative/negative values in gas (exclude (5′S)cdG) and positive/negative in water. The dipole moments of 5′,8-cyclopurine-2′-deoxynucleosides were found as follows: 7.83(5′R)cdG, 6.86(5′S)cdG, 3.99(5′R)cdA, 1.99(5′S)cdA in the gaseous phase, 11.29(5′R)cdG, 9.99(5′S)cdG, 6.44(5′R)cdA, 4.14(5′S)cdA in the aqueous phase.     

The Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Copper(II), Nickel(II), and Cobalt(II) with 2,2′-Pyridil-mono-(2-quinolylhydrazone)

A 1:1 synthesis of 2-quinolylhydrazine with 2,2′-pyridil yields the hydrazone 2,2′-pyridil-mono-(2-quinolylhydrazone). In either the Z or E isomeric configuration, the molecule can serve as a tridentate ligand. Equilibrium studies were carried out to determine the effects of pH and concentration of ligand and metal on the distribution of the extracted complex into methyl isobutyl ketone. Graphical analysis of the slopes of the plot of the logarithm of the distribution coefficient vs pH, log [ligand], and log [M(II)] will determine the stoichiometry and polymerization of the complex. In the extraction of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II), there is a small change in log D, where D is the distribution coefficient, with pH indicating the presence of a weakly dissociated ligand. Ligand:metal (1:1) ion-paired species are extracted, each having three absorption peaks in the region 400-550 nm. While a spectrophotometrtc method for each element does not seem feasible due to simultaneous extraction and overlapping absorbances, an extractive-atomic absorption method for the analysis of 1.6 ppm of Cu(II) is presented. Excesses of 20-70 ppm Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻ do not interfere.     

Interpretation of vibrational and NMR spectra of allyl acrylate: An evidence for several conformers

The mid-IR, far-IR, and Raman spectra of allyl acrylate were measured and interpreted with support of the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculated anharmonic vibrational spectra followed by the potential energy distribution analysis. The experimental ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of allyl acrylate dissolved in CDCl₃ or C₆D₆ were interpreted by means of the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ-su2 calculated NMR chemical shifts and J(¹H,¹H) and J(¹H,¹³C) coupling constants. Exactly ten stable allyl acrylate conformers (five s-cis and five s-trans) were found after careful B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ and MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ scan of the conformational space. The experimental IR and Raman spectra are in good agreement with the theoretical spectra of the most stable conformers 1 with a presence of the second stable conformer 2, both exhibiting cis arrangement of the acrylic moiety. There are however two bands in the IR spectra, at ca. 1270 and 1260 cm⁻¹, that definitely indicate the conformers with trans arrangement of the acrylic moiety to be present in liquid allyl acrylate. The bands at ca. 2990 and 1650 cm⁻¹ are suggested to be due to Fermi resonances engaging CH and CC stretching vibrations, respectively. The careful inspection of the room temperature ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of allyl acrylate suggest that a dominating form of the allyl acrylate molecule in an inert solvent exhibits the cis conformation of the acrylic moiety and an extended allyl group.     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory-analgesic activity of 2′,4′-difluoro-3-（carbamoyl）biphenyl-4-yl benzoates

Eighteen 2′,4′-difluoro-3-（carbamoyl）biphenyl-4-yl benzoates were synthesized from diflunisal in three steps with total yields from 72% to 86%. All compounds were identified by IR, 1^H NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic activity for 18 compounds were evaluated. The preliminary assay results showed that compounds 4a and 4p exhibited potent anti-inflammatory-analgesic activity.     

Syntheses, structures, spectroscopic, electrochemical properties and DFT calculation of Ru(II)–thioarylazoimidazole complexes

The reaction of 1-alkyl-2-{(o-thioalkyl)phenylazo}imidazoles (SRaaiNR) (2a/2b) with Ru(II) has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3a/3b) in 2-methoxyethanol. The reaction in methanol, however, has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)(SRaaiNR)Cl](ClO₄) (4a/4b). The solid phase reaction of SRaaiNR and RuCl₃ on silica gel surface upon microwave irradiation has synthesized [Ru(SRaaiNR)(SaaiNR)](PF₆) (5a/5b) [SRaaiNR represents tridentate N,N′,S-chelator; SRaaiNR is N,N′-bidentate chelator where S does not coordinate and SaaiNR refers N,N′,S-chelator where S refers to thiolato binding]. The structural characterization of [Ru(SEtaaiNEt)(SEtaaiNEt)Cl](ClO₄) (4b) and [Ru(SEtaaiNEt)(SaaiNEt)](PF₆) (5b) has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The IR, UV–Vis, and ¹H NMR spectral data also support the stereochemistry of the complexes. The complexes show metal oxidation, Ru(III)/Ru(II), and ligand reductions (azo/azo⁻, azo⁻/azo). The molecular orbital diagram has been drawn by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Normal mode of analysis has been performed to correlate calculated and experimental frequencies of representative complexes. The electronic movement and assignment of electronic spectra have been carried out by TDDFT calculation both in gas and acetonitrile phase.     

Cobalt(II) porphyrazine catalysed reduction of nitrite

Studies on the catalytic reduction of nitrite on carbon electrodes modified with Co(II) tetra-2,3-pyridinoporphyrazine (CoTppa, 1), N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetramethyltetra-2,3-pyridinoporphyrazine ([CoTm-2,3-tppa]⁴⁺, 2) and Co(II) N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetramethyltetra-3,4-pyridinoporphyrazine ([CoTm-3,4-tppa]⁴⁺, 3) are reported. There is a close correspondence between the proximity of the methyl groups to the porphyrazine ring and the catalytic activity of the porphyrazine complexes. Bulk electrolysis gave ammonia and hydroxylamine as some of the products. The catalytic activity of the cationic complex, 3, towards the detection of low concentrations of nitrite (<10⁻⁹ M) in water containing sodium sulfate, was compared with the activities of the anionic cobalt(II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([CoTSPc]⁴⁻, 4) and the mixed [Co^IITm-3,4-tppa]⁴⁺·[CoTSPc]⁴⁻ (5) complexes. Complex 5 showed the best catalytic activity of the three in that large currents were obtained for very low concentrations of nitrite.