Heterobimetallic aluminium and zinc complex with N-arylanilido-imine ligand: Synthesis, structure and catalytic property for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone

Treatment of a N-arylanilido-imine ligand [ortho-C₆H₄(NHAr)CHN]₂CH₂CH₂ (Ar = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) (LH₂) with one equiv. of AlMe₃ affords a monometallic complex [C₆H₄(NHAr)–CHN)]CH₂CH₂(C₆H₄(NAr)CHNAlMe₂) (1). The monometallic complex 1 reacts with one equiv. of ZnEt₂ to give a heterobimetallic complex [C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNZnEt]CH₂CH₂[C₆H₄(NAr)–CHNAlMe₂] (2). Both complexes were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, and the molecular structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The complexes 1 and 2 both are efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of benzyl alcohol yielding polymers with narrow polydispersity values and complex 2 initiates the polymerization in a controllable manner.     

Seeking new metalloligands: Synthesis and reactivity of palladacycles with pyridine and pyrimidine rings

Treatment of the Schiff base ligands 4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)C₆H₄] (a), 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H)N[2′-(OH)-C₆H₄] (b) and 3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₄C(H) N[2′-(OH)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃] (c) with palladium (II) acetate in toluene gave the poly-nuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}]₄ (1a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-C₆H₄]}]₄ (1b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃]}]₄ (1c) respectively, as air stable solids, with the ligand acting as a terdentate [C,N,O] moiety after deprotonation of the –OH group. Reaction of the cyclometallated complexes with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear species [Pd{4-(NC₅H₄)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2a), [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N[2′-(O)C₆H₄]}(PPh₃)], (2b) and [Pd{3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N[2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃)}(PPh₃)], (2c) in which the polynuclear structure has been cleaved and the coordination of the ligand has not changed [C,N,O]. When the cyclometallated complexes 1b and 1c were treated with the diphosphines Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂ (dppb), Ph₂PC₅H₄FeC₅H₄PPh₂ (dppf) and Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (t-dppe) in a 1:2 molar ratio the dinuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₄PPh₂)], (3c), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)C₆H₄}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)PPh₂)], (4b), [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H) N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(η⁵C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵C₅H₄)P-Ph₂)], (4c) and [{Pd[3,5-(N₂C₄H₃)C₆H₃C(H)N{2′-(O)-5′-^tBuC₆H₃}]}₂(μ-Ph₂P(CHCH)PPh₂)], (5c) were obtained as air stable solids.     

H NMR Dynamic study of thermal Z/E isomerization of 5-substituted 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidine derivatives: Barriers to rotation about CC bond

The rotational barriers between the configurational isomers of two structurally related push–pull 4-oxothiazolidines, differing in the number of exocyclic CC bonds, have been determined by dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The equilibrium mixture of (5-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)-1-phenylethanone (1a) in CDCl₃ at room temperature to 333 K consists of the E- and Z-isomers which are separated by an energy barrier ΔG^# 98.5 kJ/mol (at 298 K). The variable-temperature ¹H NMR data for the isomerization of ethyl (5-ethoxycarbonylmethylidene-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)ethanoate (2b) in DMSO-d₆, possessing the two exocyclic CC bonds at the C(2)- and C(5)-positions, indicate that the rotational barrier ΔG^# separating the (2E,5Z)-2b and (2Z,5Z)-2b isomers is 100.2 kJ/mol (at 298 K). In a polar solvent-dependent equilibrium the major (2Z,5Z)-form (>90%) is stabilized by the intermolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding and strong 1,5-type S · · · O interactions within the SCCCO entity. The ¹³C NMR Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values, ranging from 58 to 69 ppm in 1a–d and 49-58 ppm in 2a–d, correlate with the degree of the push-pull character of the exocyclic C(2)C(2′) bond, which increases with the electron withdrawing ability of the substituents at the vinylic C(2′) position in the following order: COPh COEt > CONHPh > CONHCH₂CH₂Ph. The decrease of the Δδ_C(2)C(2′) values in 2a–d has been discussed for the first time in terms of an estimation of the electron donor capacity of the S fragment on the polarization of the CC bonds.     

An unprecedented Cu–Schiff base complex existing as two different trinuclear units with strong antiferromagnetic couplings

A new tetradentate N₂O₂ donor Schiff base ligand [OHC₆H₄CHNCH₂CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)NCHC₆H₄OH = H₂L ] was obtained by 1:2 condensation of 1,3-diaminopentane with salicylaldehyde and has been used to synthesise an unusual copper(II) complex whose asymmetric unit presents two structurally different almost linear trinuclear units [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(ClO₄)₂] [Cu₃(μ-L)₂(H₂O)(ClO₄)₂] (1). The ligand and the complex were characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy in addition electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were performed for the complex. The magnetic properties of 1 reveal the presence of strong intra-trimer (J₁ = −202(3) cm⁻¹ and J₂ = −233(3) cm⁻¹) as well as very weak inter-trimer (zJ′ = −0.11(1) cm⁻¹) antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Investigations of molecular interactions in propionic acid–N,N-dimethyl formamide binary system—FTIR study

FTIR spectra of propionic acid (PA), N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and its binary mixtures with varying molefractions of the PA were recorded in the region 500–3500 cm⁻¹, to investigate the formation of hydrogen bonded complexes in a mixed system. The observed features in ν(CO), δ(OC–N) and ν_as(CN) of DMF, ν(CO) and ν(CO) of PA have been explained in terms of the hydrogen bonding interactions between DMF and PA and dipole–dipole interaction. The intrinsic bandwidth for the vibrational modes ν_as(CN) and ν(CO) has been elucidated using Bondarev and Mardaeva model.     

Theoretical investigation on possible mechanisms on regioselective formation of (η-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes

Selective formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes by reaction of hydrido(hydrosilylene)tungsten complexes with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was reported experimentally. The mechanisms have been investigated by employing the model reaction of [Cp(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–{C(SiH₃)₃}] (R), derived from the original experimental complex Cp′(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–[C(SiMe₃)₃] (1a, Cp′ = Cp*; 1b, Cp′ = η⁵-C₅Me₄Et), with methyl vinyl ketone, under the aid of the density functional calculations at the b3lyp level of theory. It is theoretically predicted that the route involving migration of the hydride to silicon to afford a 16e intermediate [Cp(CO)₂W–SiH₂–{C(SiH₃)₃}] is inaccessible (route 2), supporting the proposition by experiments. Another route, via [2 + 4] cycloaddition followed by directly Si–H reductive elimination, is theoretically predicted to be accessible (route 1). In route 1, two possible paths with different attacking directions of the oxygen of methyl vinyl ketone at Si (WSi) are put forward. The attack at the Si atom from the hydride (H1) side of the plane W–Si–H1 in R is found to be preferred kinetically. The regioselectivity for formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes, where only the exo-anti isomer was obtained, is discussed based on the consideration of thermodynamics and kinetics.     

Synthesis and characterization of new heterocyclic Schiff base palladacycles: Ring activation through N-oxide formation

Reaction of the Schiff base ligand derived from 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂], (1), with palladium(II) acetate in toluene at 60 °C for 24 h gave [Pd{NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}₂(OCOCH₃)₂], (2), with two ligands coordinated through the pyridine nitrogen. Treatment of the Schiff base ligand derived from 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde N-oxide, 4-(O)NC₅H₄C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂], (4), with palladium(II) acetate in toluene at 75 °C gave the dinuclear acetato-bridged complex [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(OCOCH₃)]₂, (5) with metallation of an aromatic phenyl carbon. Reaction of complex 5 with sodium chloride or lithium bromide gave the dinuclear halogen-bridged complexes [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Cl)]₂, (6) and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Br)]₂, (7), after the metathesis reaction. Reaction of 6 and 7 with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear species [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(Cl)(PPh₃)], (8) and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}-(Br)(PPh₃)], (9), as air stable solids. Treatment of 6 and 7 with Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂ (dppe) in a complex/diphosphine 1:2 molar ratio gave the mononuclear complexes [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(PPh₂(CH₂)₂PPh₂)][Cl], (10), and [Pd{4-(O)NC₅H₃C(H)N[2′,4′,6′-(CH₃)C₆H₂]}(PPh₂(CH₂)₂PPh₂)][PF₆], (11), with a chelating diphosphine. The molecular structure of complex 9 was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis.     

Magnetic field effect on chemical compositions of spherical Fe/Co fine particles synthesized from a gaseous mixture of iron pentacarbonyl and cobalt tricarbonyl nitrosyl

Under UV light irradiation on a gaseous mixture of Fe(CO)₅ and Co(CO)₃NO, both the crystalline deposits with sizes of 5 and 18 μm and the spherical particles with a mean diameter of 0.3 μm were produced. From FT-IR spectra and SEM–EDS analysis, it was suggested that the chemical structure of the crystalline deposits was the one of Fe₂(CO)₉ being modified by involving Fe(CO)Co bond. By decreasing a partial pressure of Fe(CO)₅ to 0.5 Torr in the gaseous mixture, only the spherical aerosol particles could be produced. Chemical composition of the particles was rich in Co species. From the disappearance of bridging CO band in the FT-IR spectra of the particles and the appearance of CO bands coordinated to a metal atom, Fe atom in Fe(CO)₄ was suggested to be coordinated by the O atom in bridging CO bond in Co(CO)Co structure and/or in α-diketone structure which was formed from two CO groups in dicobalt species. Chemical compositions of the crystalline deposits and the spherical particles were influenced differently by the application of a magnetic field. Atomic ratio of Fe to Co atom decreased in the crystalline deposits whereas it increased in the spherical particles with increasing magnetic field up to 5 T. Linearly aggregated particles (i.e., particle wires) as long as 30 μm were produced on the front side of a glass plate placed at the bottom of the irradiation cell.     

Effects of dipole interaction and solvation on the CO stretching band of N,N-dimethylacetamide in nonpolar solutions: Infrared, isotropic and anisotropic Raman measurements

The concentration dependence of the CO stretching (ν_CO) band of N,N-dimethylacetamide (NdMA) in cyclohexane, n-hexane, and CCl₄ has been investigated by infrared (IR) and polarized Raman spectroscopy. For the neat liquid of NdMA, the noncoincidence of the aniso- and isotropic Raman wavenumbers is evident. In the 0.47 M cyclohexane solution of NdMA, the noncoincidence effect almost disappears and the ν_CO envelopes in both the Raman and IR spectra are asymmetric to the low-wavenumber side. When the concentration of NdMA decreases from 0.33 to 0.023 M, the peak of these bands slightly shifts to a higher wavenumber and the band shape becomes symmetric. The shape of the ν_CO envelope does not show any significant change below 0.023 M. These results suggest that the asymmetric shape of the ν_CO band observed for the 0.33 M cyclohexane solution is associated with the intermolecular interaction among NdMA molecules, which vanishes at around 0.02 M. Spectral changes for the CCl₄ solution of NdMA show a similar tendency. However, the shape and peak wavenumber of the ν_CO band observed in a highly diluted CCl₄ solution (≤0.023 M) indicate that the solvation effect of CCl₄ is more complicated than those of cyclohexane and n-hexane. The analyses of the ν_CO band, which is sensitive to the intermolecular interaction between solutes and between solute and solvent for NdMA dissolved in nonpolar solvents, would serve to clarify the electronic property of the molecule in a solution.     

Triosmium compounds containing the oxametallacycle [Os(CO)3{C(R)CHC(O)CHC(H)C5H4FeC5H5}] moiety. Synthesis and electrochemical studies

The compounds [Os₃(CO)₁₀{μ,η³-(SCH₂CH₂SCCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe (C₅H₅)}] (2), [Os₃(CO)₉{μ,η³-(SCH₂CH₂SCCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe(C₅H₅)}] (3) and [Os₃(CO)₈{μ₃,η²-{CCHC(O)CHCH(C₅H₄)Fe(C₅H₅)}(SCH₂CH₂S)}] (4) have been obtained by rupture of S-C bonds in the ketene dithioacetal [C₅H₅FeC₅H₄CHCHC(O)CHC(SCH₂CH₂S)], in their reaction with the activated cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂]. The presence of an oxametallacycle in these derivatives has been confirmed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical study has indicated the ability of these compounds to modify the electrode surfaces.     

Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis of 2-arylcoumaran lignin model compounds

Phenolic 2-arylcoumarans 1–6 were used to examine the behaviors of β-5 subunits in lignin during tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis. Products were monitored by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The process predominantly provided dimeric products with the opened hydrofuran ring. Substituent changes at the γ-position of ring A and at the 5-position of ring B had a large effect on the product compositions. 2-Arylcoumarans 1 and 6 with the γ-CH₂OH substituent predominantly gave 2,3,3′,4′-tetramethoxystilbenes involving the elimination of the γ-CH₂OH substituent, while 2–5 with the γ-CH₃ substituent gave a mixture of 2,3,3′,4′-tetramethoxy-α-methylstilbenes and α-methoxy-α-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-β-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)propanes. Substituent –CHCHCH₃ on ring B remained unaffected. Substituents –CHCHCH₂OH and –COOH on ring B produced the corresponding methyl ether and ester, respectively, by methylation. The –CHCHCHO substituent on ring B was converted to the –CHO substituent.     

The syntheses and structures of mono- and di-bromovinylidenes

Reactions of metal acetylide complexes M(CCAr)(PP)Cp′ (M = Fe, Ru; Ar = C₆H₅, C₆H₄Me-4; PP = (PPh₃)₂, dppe; Cp′ = Cp, Cp*; not all combinations), or the analogous vinylidene, with cyanogen bromide yield monobromovinylidene complexes [M{CC(Br)Ar}(PP)Cp′]⁺, isolated as PF₆⁻ salts. The trimethylsilyl-capped acetylides M(CCSiMe₃)(PP)Cp′ react with cyanogen bromide to give [M(CCBr₂)(PP)Cp′]⁺, the first examples of metal complexes containing a terminal dihalovinylidene ligand, which can be isolated as the BF₄⁻ salts. Molecular structures of representative mono- and di-bromovinylidene complexes are reported, together with those of Ru(CCSiMe₃)(PPh₃)₂Cp and Ru(CCSiMe₃)(dppe)Cp*.     

Atmospheric chemistry of CF3CFCH2: Products and mechanisms of Cl atom and OH radical initiated oxidation

The products of Cl atom and OH radical initiated oxidation of CF₃CFCH₂ were studied in 700 Torr of N₂/O₂ diluent at 296 ± 1 K. The reactions of Cl atoms and OH radicals with CF₃CFCH₂ proceed via electrophilic addition to the double bond. The reaction with chlorine atoms proceeds 56 ± 5% via addition to the central carbon. The chlorine atom initiated oxidation of CF₃CFCH₂ gives CF₃C(O)F in a molar yield which is indistinguishable from 100% and independent of [O₂], and HC(O)Cl in a molar yield which increased from 30% to 59% as [O₂] was increased from 3 to 700 Torr. The OH radical initiated oxidation of CF₃CFCH₂ gives CF₃C(O)F as major product in a yield of 91 ± 6%. The results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry and environmental impact of CF₃CFCH₂.     

Nucleophilic destruction of organophosphate toxins: A computational investigation

Computed reaction enthalpies, free energies, and activation barriers in vacuo are presented for the nucleophilic detoxification of the organophosphorus compounds (H)(HO)P(O)F, (H)(H₃CO)P(O)F and (H₃C)(CH(CH₃)₂O)P(O)F via the reaction R₁OH + (R₂)(R₃O)P(O)F → (R₂)(R₃O)P(O)(OR₁) + HF for a wide variety of R₁OH nucleophiles. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level was employed for all the calculations. A multi-step Wright-type reaction mechanism [J. B. Wright, W.E. White, J. Mol. Struct. (THEOCHEM) 454 (1998) 259], which proceeds via a proton transfer from the nucleophile to the fluorine atom through the phosphinyl oxygen atom, was consistently found to have a lower activation barrier in the gas-phase than for the corresponding mechanism that operates via a proton transfer from the nucleophile directly to the fluorine atom. Of the nucleophilic agents investigated, peroxybenzoic acid and o-iodosobenzoic acid had the lowest classical activation barrier for the Wright-type mechanism.     

Reaction of multifunctional molecule (Ph2P(o-C6H4)CHNCH2CH2)3N with triosmium carbonyl clusters

Reaction of (Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCH₂CH₂)₃N with 3 equiv. of Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)₂ at ambient temperature affords the triple cluster [Os₃(CO)₁₀Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCH₂CH₂]₃N (1) through coordination of the phosphine and imine groups. Thermolysis of 1 in benzene leads to decarbonylation and C-H/C-N bond activation of the ligand to generate (μ-H)Os₃(CO)₈(μ₃-Ph₂P(o-C₆H₄)CHNCCH₂) (2). The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by an X-ray diffraction study.     

Additions and intramolecular migrations of nucleophiles in cationic diruthenium μ-allenyl complexes

The diruthenium μ-allenyl complex [Ru₂(CO)(NCMe)(μ-CO){μ-η¹:η²-C(H)CC(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂][BF₄], 3b, reacts with halide anions to yield the neutral derivatives [Ru₂(CO)₂(X){μ-η¹:η²-C(H)CC(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂] [X = Cl, 4b; X = Br, 4c; X = I, 4d]. Complex 4b undergoes isomerization to the unprecedented bridging vinyl-chlorocarbene species [Ru₂(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η¹:η³- C(Cl)C(H)C(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂], 10, upon filtration of a CH₂Cl₂ solution through an alumina column.Complex 3b reacts with an excess of NaBH₄ to give five products: the allene complex [Ru₂(CO)₂{μ-η²:η²- CH₂CC(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂], 5; the hydride species trans-[Ru₂(CO)₂(μ-H){μ-η¹:η²-CHCC(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂], 6, and cis-[Ru₂(CO)₂(μ-H){μ-η¹:η²-CHCC(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂], 8; the vinyl-alkylidene [Ru₂(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η¹:η³- C(H)C(H)C(Me)(Ph)}(Cp)₂], 9; and the cluster [Ru₃(CO)₃(μ-H)₃(Cp)₃], 7.Studies on the thermal stabilities of 5, 6, 8 and 9 have suggested a plausible mechanism for the formation of these complexes and for the synthesis of 10.     

Conformational influences of the polymorphic forms on the CO and C–H stretching modes of five saturated monoacid triglycerides studied by Raman spectroscopy at various temperatures

A study of the vibrational behavior of five saturated monoacid triacylglycerides is performed by Raman spectroscopy at various temperatures in two separate spectral ranges: 1780–1700 and 3100–2650 cm⁻¹. The samples are studied in polycrystalline phase at room temperature, in isotropic liquid phase, and in polycrystalline phase after cooling from the isotropic liquid phase. The CO stretching mode of these triglycerides changes significantly according to the temperature: we observe three components, or an unresolved doublet, or a resolved doublet. The I(2845)/I(2880) ratios (in the C–H stretching spectral region) of the different saturated monoacid triglycerides vary also according to the temperature. The study of these two indicators (the CO stretching mode and the I(2845)/I(2880) ratio) has permitted us to determine the polymorphic forms of the studied triglycerides.     

Specific crystal structure of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) thin films studied by infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy

Infrared reflection–absorption (IR-RAS) and transmission spectra were measured for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) thin films to explore its specific crystal structure in the surface region. As IR-RAS is sensitive to the vibration mode of perpendicular orientation of the surface, differences between IR-RAS and transmission spectra indicate an orientation of the lamella structure in the surface of PHB thin films. The relative intensity of the crystalline CO stretching band in the IR-RAS spectrum is significantly weaker than that in the transmission spectrum. It may be concluded that the transient dipole moment of the CO stretching mode of the crystalline state is not oriented perpendicular but nearly parallel to the substrate surface. On the other hand, the relative intensity of the band at 3009 cm⁻¹ due to the C–H stretching mode of the C–HOC hydrogen bonding is similar between the IR-RAS and transmission spectra, suggesting that the C–H bond is oriented neither perpendicular nor parallel to the substrate surface but in an intermediate direction. Since the CO group of the C–HOC hydrogen bonding is oriented nearly parallel to the surface and its C–H group is in the intermediate direction, it is very likely that the C–HOC hydrogen bonding has a somewhat bent structure. These results are in good agreement with our previous conclusion that the C–HOC hydrogen bonding of PHB exists along the a-axis (not the b-axis) between the CH₃ group of one helix and the CO group of another helix.