Polar Effects in Organic Reactions

Attempts to gauge the effect of polar substituents on organic reaction rates by means of “inductive substituent constants” are based on the assumption that these effects are independent of the type of reaction observed. The measured rate constants of nucleophilic substitution reactions show, however, that this assumption is only partly justified even for saturated molecules. It is invalid if the substituent and the reaction center are an electron donor and an electron acceptor, respectively, which are hyperconjugated by way of σ-bonds. In extreme cases the resulting polarization can lead to heterolytic fragmentation.     

Ab initio pseudopotential study of M2As− and M2Br+ (M = Cu,Ag, Au)

The equilibrium geometries and the vibration frequencies of M₂As⁻ and M₂Br⁺ (M = Cu, Ag, Au) are calculated at the Hartree–Fock (HF) and the second‐order Møller–Plesset (MP2) levels with pseudopotentials. The calculated results indicate that the species have a bent structure (C_2v). The electron correlation corrections on the geometrical structure are investigated at the MP2 level, the bond angles are reduced by 10°–20° for considered species. The electron correlation effects on the geometry of the Au₂As⁻ are studied particularly at MP2, MP3, MP4, CCSD and CCSD(T) levels. Comparing the species containing Ag and Au, the relativistic effects slightly short the bond lengths of the species. The bonding possibility of the Au₂As⁻ is predicted. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 80: 38–43, 2000     

Model study of the relaxation accompanying adsorption of atomic hydrogen on the Li(100) cluster surface

Relaxation effects in the (4, 1, 4) and (5, 4) Li₉ clusters induced by interaction with H are studied using the diatomics-in-molecules method. Total electronic energies for the clusters are determined as functions of the Li-Li bond lengths, both in the absence and in the presence of hydrogen adsorbed in a position of C_4v symmetry. Two models of cluster relaxation are considered, differing in which part of the cluster is allowed to relax. The calculations reveal that hydrogen adsorbed on the (100) cluster surface causes quite a significant contraction of the metal atoms. The effect of the cluster relaxation on the nonadiabatic coupling between the lowest two Born-Oppenheimer states of the hydrogen-cluster system is discussed.Dedicated to Professor J. Koutecký on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

Isotope Effects in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry

The present article shows the extent to which isotope effects are likely to be encountered in the use of isotope techniques and what problems are studied with primary and secondary isotope effects. By way of example, the results of studies on E2 reactions, particularly in the Hofmann degradation, are discussed, followed by a discussion of some “analytical isotope effects”. Finally, the problems encountered and the information that can be obtained from isotope effects studies on enzyme reactions, and the advantages and disadvantages of competitive and non-competitive techniques are described. In addition to a survey of isotope effects in dehydrogenase reactions, new isotope effects encountered in the dehydrogenation of T-labeled alcohols are reported.     

Flavonoid separation by capillary electrophoresis. Effect of temperature and pH

Summary The use of capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of selected flavonols present in fruit juices and wines (kaempferol-3- rutinoside, rutin, avicularin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin) was explored, and the effect of pH and temperature on the separation studied. The method had good reproducibility and analyses were carried out in less than 10 minutes.     

Vapor Pressure Isotope Effects

The vapor pressure isotope effect is a reflection of the thermodynamic relations in the condensed phase. It is possible to explain the observed effects on the basis of intermolecular vibrations, e.g. hydrogen bond vibrations, and the frequency shifts of the charateristic vibrations on condensation, though other effects must also be discussed. Information about the thermodynamics of liquids, e.g. about the degree of association or the expected positions of the lattice frequencies, can be obtained from the vapor pressure isotope effect.     

Additivity rules using similarity models for chemical reactivity: calculation and interpretation of electrofugality and nucleofugality

A recently proposed, multi-parameter correlation: log k (25 degrees C)=s(f) (Ef + Nf), where Ef is electrofugality and Nf is nucleofugality, for the substituent and solvent effects on the rate constants for solvolyses of benzhydryl and substituted benzhydryl substrates, is re-evaluated. A new formula (Ef=log k (RCl/EtOH/25 degrees C) -1.87), where RCl/EtOH refers to ethanolysis of chlorides, reproduces published values of Ef satisfactorily, avoids multi-parameter optimisations and provides additional values of Ef. From the formula for Ef, it is shown that the term (sfxEf) is compatible with the Hammett-Brown (rho+sigma+) equation for substituent effects. However, the previously published values of N(f) do not accurately account for solvent and leaving group effects (e.g. nucleofuge Cl or X), even for benzhydryl solvolyses; alternatively, if the more exact, two-parameter term, (sfxNf) is used, calculated effects are less accurate. A new formula (Nf=6.14 + log k(BX/any solvent/25 degrees C)), where BX refers to solvolysis of the parent benzhydryl as electrofuge, defines improved Nf values for benzhydryl substrates. The new formulae for Ef and Nf are consistent with an assumption that sf=1.00(,) and so improved correlations for benzhydryl substrates can be obtained from the additive formula: log k(RX/any solvent/25 degrees C)=(Ef + Nf). Possible extensions of this approach are also discussed.     

Toward understanding the role of the electric double layer structure and electrolyte effects on well-defined interfaces for electrocatalysis

The interplay between the structure and composition of the electric double layer and the surface charge controls the electrocatalytic activity of reactions central to decarbonization of chemical fuels and materials. The employed electrolyte can affect the charge distribution and the electric field on the interface, which also alters the local pH and ordering of the water-solvent network. Additionally, the electrolyte plays a key role in stabilizing or destabilizing the adsorbed intermediates via non-covalent bonds, or poisons the surface and induces surface reconstruction, affecting the reactivity of the active sites positions. Herein, we discuss, from an experimental perspective, electrolyte effects on different interfacial properties relevant to electrocatalysis.     

Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf

Prunus mahaleb L. fruit has long been used in the production of traditional liqueurs. The fruit also displayed scavenging and reducing activity, in vitro. The present study focused on unravelling peripheral and central protective effects, antimicrobial but also anti-COVID-19 properties exerted by the water extract of P. mahaleb. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied in isolated mouse colons exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Neuroprotection, measured as a blunting effect on hydrogen-peroxide-induced dopamine turnover, was investigated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. Antimicrobial effects were tested against different Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains. Whereas anti-COVID-19 activity was studied in lung adenocarcinoma H1299 cells, where the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was measured after extract treatment. The bacteriostatic effects induced on Gram+ and Gram- strains, together with the inhibition of COX-2, TNFα, HIF1α, and VEGFA in the colon, suggest the potential of P. mahaleb water extract in contrasting the clinical symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. The inhibition of the hydrogen peroxide-induced DOPAC/DA ratio indicates promising neuroprotective effects. Finally, the downregulation of the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in H1299 cells, suggests the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus entry in the human host. Overall, the results support the valorization of the local cultivation of P. mahaleb.     

Influence of molecular electronic properties on the IR spectra of dimeric hydrogen bond systems: polarized spectra of 2-hydroxybenzothiazole and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole crystals

We have studied the polarized IR spectra of the hydrogen-bonded molecular crystals of 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (HBT) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). The crystal structure of 2-hydroxybenzothiazole was determined by X-ray diffraction. The polarized spectra of the crystals were measured, in the frequency ranges of the ν_N-H and ν_N-D bands, at room temperature, and at 77 K. In both systems an extremely strong H/D isotopic effect in the spectra was observed, involving reduction of the well-developed ν_N-H band fine structure to a single prominent ν_N-D line only. The two ν_N-H bands were also shown to exhibit almost identical properties, band shapes, temperature and dichroic properties included. The spectra were quantitatively reconstituted, along with the strong isotopic effect, when calculated using the ‘strong-coupling’ theory, assuming the centrosymmetric dimers of HBT or MBT to be the structural units responsible for the crystalline spectral properties. The similarity of the spectra of the two crystalline systems was considered to be a result of longer-distance couplings between the proton vibrations in the dimers, via the aromatic ring electrons. When investigating the ‘residual’ ν_N-H band shapes for crystals isotopically diluted by deuterium, we observed some ‘self-organization’ effects in the spectra, indicating the energetically favored presence of two identical hydrogen isotopes in each hydrogen bond dimer.     

Exchange and Delocalization Effects in [Fe6S6]2+ Superclusters

A theoretical study of Heisenberg exchange and double exchange (delocalization) effects in the iron-sulphur supercluster is presented. Such clusters can play important role in biological systems (proteins and enzymes) acting as so-called active centres. The cluster with valence 2+ can be modelled by two Fe(III) and four Fe(II) ions. An idealized structure of double cubane has been considered instead of a more realistic defected double cubane structure of lower symmetry. Energies of the lowest spin states have been calculated numerically depending on the Heisenberg exchange J _i and double exchange b parameters. Possible spin ground states (S=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) have been predicted. The ground state of a given total spin Sis usually achieved for the intermediate spin value of S ₅₆=4 in the case of fully antiferromagnetic as well as partially ferromagnetic spin interactions. In the case of no double exchange, the ground state with the total spin S=3 should always be observed, while a nonzero hopping effect results in narrowing a parameter region of the ground state. If the double exchange is taken into account, then the spin values depend on the Heisenberg integrals. The model results can be applied in order to interpret many structural and magnetic properties of proteins and enzymes possessing the Fe-S active centres.     

Mono and dinuclear palladium complexes of o-alkyl substituted arylphosphane ligands: Solvent-dependent syntheses, NMR-spectroscopic characterization and X-ray crystallographic studies

Palladium(II) chloride complexes of o-alkyl substituted phosphanes were prepared in various solvents with the phosphane ligands o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphane, o-ethylphenyldiphenylphosphane, o-isopropylphenyldiphenylphosphane, o-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylphosphane and o-phenylphenyldiphenylphosphane. The structures of the complexes were characterized by ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The X-ray structures of PdCl₂(o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphane)₂, PdCl₂(o-isopropylphenyldiphenylphosphane)₂, PdCl₂(o-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylphosphane)₂, PdCl₂(o-phenylphenyldiphenylphosphane)₂, [PdCl₂(o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphane)]₂, [PdCl₂(o-ethylphenyldiphenylphosphane)]₂ and [PdCl₂(o-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylphosphane)]₂ were also determined. We report a systematic, solvent-dependent method to prepare palladium(II) complexes of the aryl phosphines o-methylphenyldiphenylphosphane, o-cyclohexylphenyldiphenylphosphane and o-phenylphenyldiphenylphosphane with a desired nuclearity. We demonstrated that chlorinated solvents promote the formation of dinuclear chlorine-bridged palladium complexes for all five ligands. The ligands preferentially form mononuclear palladium complexes in other solvents where the starting materials are only weakly soluble in the solvent.     

Salt Effects in the Cononsolvency of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Microgels

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is well known to exhibit reentrant behavior or cononsolvency in response to the composition of a mixed solvent consisting of water and a low‐chain alcohol. Since the solvent structure plays an important role in this phenomenon, the presence of structure‐breaking/structure‐making ions in solution is expected to have a dramatic effect on the cononsolvency of PNIPAM. The present work examines the way that the presence of different salts can modify the reentrant‐phase diagram displayed by a cationic PNIPAM microgel in the mixed ethanol/water solvent. The effects of four Hofmeister anions—SO₄^2?_, Cl^?, NO₃^? and SCN^?—with different abilities to modify the solvent structure are analyzed. The species with kosmotropic or structure‐making character show a clear competition with ethanol for the water molecules, intensifying the nonsolvency of the PNIPAM with the EtOH volume fraction (?_e). However, striking results are found with the most chaotropic or structure‐breaking anion, SCN^?. In contrast to what happens in water‐rich solutions, the presence of SCN^? in alcohol‐rich solvents enhances the solubility of the polymer, which macroscopically results in the microgel swelling. Moreover, this ion displays great stabilizing properties when ?_e> is 0.2. These results have been explained by considering how chaotropic or structure‐breaking ions interact with water and ethanol molecules.     

Basicity and solvent effects on hydrogen bonding in NR3···HCOOH (R=H,CH3) model systems

The effect of the basicity of methyl‐amines on hydrogen bonding (HB) with HCOOH is examined in both gas and solution phases. In the gas phase, the strength of HB may be related to the proton affinity (PA) difference between the carboxylate anion and the methyl‐amine, ΔPA=PA(HCOO⁻)−PA(NR₃). The changes in the driving potential ΔPA are explained on the basis of electronic substituent effects. The electronic substituent effects are rationalized in terms of local reactivity indices such as the Fukui function and the local hardness and softness at the basic center. A simple model is then proposed to explain the enhancement HB in the solution phase. The HB pattern in the solution phase is changed by electrostatic and nonelectrostatic solvation of the zwitterionic and neutral species in equilibrium. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 74: 387–394, 1999     

Electrostatic calculation of the substituent effect: an efficient test on isolated molecules

The energy of a disubstituted molecule has often been approximated by simple electrostatic formulas that represent the substituents as poles or dipoles. Herein, we test this approach on a new model system that is more direct and more efficient than testing on acid-base properties. The energies of 27 1,4-derivatives of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane were calculated within the framework of the density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level; interaction of the two substituents was evaluated in terms of isodesmic homodesmotic reactions. This interaction energy, checked previously on some experimental gas-phase acidities, was considered to be accurate and served as reference to test the electrostatic approximation. This approximation works well in the qualitative sense as far as the sign and the order of magnitude are concerned: beginning with the strongest interaction between two poles, a weaker interaction between pole and dipole, and the weakest between two dipoles. However, all the electrostatic calculations yield energies that are too small, particularly for weak interaction, and this fundamental defect is not remedied by some possible improvements. In particular, variation of the effective permittivity would require a physically impossible value less than unity. The explanation must lie in a more complex distribution of electron density than anticipated in the electrostatic model. It also follows that possible conclusions about the transmission of substituent effects "through space" have little validity.     

Long Lifetime Floating Drops

Using a rotating magnet device, we observe the noncoalescence of droplets of certain liquids slightly put in contact with the surface of the same liquid. The droplets go into the vortex and coalesce, the resulting drop staying in equilibrium in this position. If the rotation of the liquid is stopped, the drop rests at the surface for more than 20 s, as if it were immiscible, without any relative motion.     

Conformational Relaxation of p‐Phenylenevinylene Trimers in Solution Studied by Picosecond Time‐Resolved Fluorescence

Two p‐phenylenevinylene (PV) trimers, containing 3′‐methylbutyloxyl (in MBOPV3) and 2′‐ethylhexyloxyl (in EHOPV3) side chains, are used as model compounds of PV‐based conjugated polymers (PPV) with the purpose of clarifying the origin of fast (picosecond time) components observed in the fluorescence decays of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV). The fluorescence decays of MBOPV3 and EHOPV3 reveal the presence of similar fast components, which are assigned to excited‐state conformational relaxation of the initial population of non‐planar trimer conformers to lower‐energy, more planar conformers. The rate constant of conformational relaxation k_CR is dependent on solvent viscosity and temperature, according to the empirical relationship k_CR=aη_o^?α?exp(?αE_η/RT), where aη_o^?α is the frequency factor, η_o is the pre‐exponential coefficient of viscosity, E_η is the activation energy of viscous flow. The empirical parameter α, relating the solvent microscopic friction involved in the conformational change to the macroscopic solvent friction (α=1), depends on the side chain. The fast component in the fluorescence decays of MEH‐PPV polymers (PPVs), is assigned to resonance energy transfer from short to longer polymer segments. The present results call for revising this assignment/interpretation to account for the occurrence of conformational relaxation, concurrently with energy transfer, in PPVs.     

磁场中手性碳纳米环的类超导效应

利用导出的任意手性碳纳米环(TCNTs)的电子状态-能量关系式,对磁场中任意手性TCNs所具有的类似超导环的性质及持续电流的手性效应进行理论探讨.在T=0 K时,金属型和半导体型TCNTs象介观一维正常金属环一样具有类似超导环的性质、即持续电流以磁通量子φ0为周期随φ线性变化,且对手性角θ、环半径R极为敏感.手性TCNTs类似超导环的性质比高对称TCNTs明显得多,但随R增大而减弱,且减弱的快慢也与手性角θ有关.     

Exploring the dynamics of calix[4]pyrrole: effect of solvent and fluorine substitution

Molecular dynamics simulations show that calix[4]pyrrole (CP) and octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole (8F-CP) are extremely flexible molecules. CP mainly adopts the 1,3-alternate conformation in all the solvents, although the percentage of alternative conformations increases in polar solvents, especially those with good hydrogen-bonding acceptor properties. However, in the case of 8F-CP, the cone conformation is the most populated in some solvents. Transitions between conformers are common and fast, and both CP and 8F-CP can adopt the cone conformation needed for optimum interaction with anions more easily than would be predicted on the basis of previous gas-phase calculations. Furthermore, the present studies show that when a fluoride anion is specifically placed initially in close proximity to CP and 8F-CP in their respective 1,3-alternate conformations, an extremely fast change to the cone conformation is observed in both cases. The results suggest that preorganization does not represent a major impediment to anion-binding for either CP or 8F-CP, and that ion-induced conformational changes can follow different mechanisms depending on the solvent and the chemical substituents present on the calix[4]pyrrole beta-pyrrolic positions.