Role of Polyalanine Domains in β‐Sheet Formation in Spider Silk Block Copolymers

Genetically engineered spider silk‐like block copolymers were studied to determine the influence of polyalanine domain size on secondary structure. The role of polyalanine block distribution on β‐sheet formation was explored using FT‐IR and WAXS. The number of polyalanine blocks had a direct effect on the formation of crystalline β‐sheets, reflected in the change in crystallinity index as the blocks of polyalanines increased. WAXS analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the sample with the largest number of polyalanine blocks. This approach provides a platform for further exploration of the role of specific amino acid chemistries in regulating the assembly of β‐sheet secondary structures, leading to options to regulate material properties through manipulation of this key component in spider silks.

     

Physicochemical characterization of α‐chitin, β‐chitin,and γ‐chitin separated from natural resources

We isolated α‐chitin, β‐chitin, and γ‐chitin from natural resources by a chemical method to investigate the crystalline structure of chitin. Its characteristics were identified with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid‐state cross‐polarization/magic‐angle‐spinning (CP–MAS) ¹³C NMR spectrophotometers. The average molecular weights of α‐chitin, β‐chitin, and γ‐chitin, calculated with the relative viscosity, were about 701, 612, and 524 kDa, respectively. In the FTIR spectra, α‐chitin, β‐chitin, and γ‐chitin showed a doublet, a singlet, and a semidoublet at the amide I band, respectively. The solid‐state CP–MAS ¹³C NMR spectra revealed that α‐chitin was sharply resolved around 73 and 75 ppm and that β‐chitin had a singlet around 74 ppm. For γ‐chitin, two signals appeared around 73 and 75 ppm. From the X‐ray diffraction results, α‐chitin was observed to have four crystalline reflections at 9.6, 19.6, 21.1, and 23.7 by the crystalline structure. Also, β‐chitin was observed to have two crystalline reflections at 9.1 and 20.3 by the crystalline structure. γ‐Chitin, having an antiparallel and parallel structure, was similar in its X‐ray diffraction patterns to α‐chitin. The exothermic peaks of α‐chitin, β‐chitin, and γ‐chitin appeared at 330, 230, and 310, respectively. The thermal decomposition activation energies of α‐chitin, β‐chitin, and γ‐chitin, calculated by thermogravimetric analysis, were 60.56, 58.16, and 59.26 kJ mol^?1, respectively. With the Arrhenius law, ln β was plotted against the reciprocal of the maximum decomposition temperature as a straight line; there was a large slope for large activation energies and a small slope for small activation energies. α‐Chitin with high activation energies was very temperature‐sensitive; β‐Chitin with low activation energies was relatively temperature‐insensitive. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3423–3432, 2004     

Investigation of the Variation of Unit Cell Dimensions of Crystalline Polymers with High‐Resolution FT‐IR Spectroscopy

Summary: High‐resolution FT‐IR spectroscopy has been used for the first time to characterize the variation of the unit cell dimensions of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). In combination with the unit cell parameters of HDPE measured at different temperatures by Swan using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, the relationship between the rocking band shift (730 cm⁻¹) and the change of the unit cell volume of HDPE has been established.

High‐resolution variable‐temperature FT‐IR spectra of HDPE rocking bands with decreasing temperature.     

Isolation and Structural Characterization of Di‐ and Tetra‐protonated Forms of the Macrocyclic Hexaamine trans‐6,13‐Dimethyl‐1,4,8‐11‐tetraazacyclodecane‐6,13‐diamine

Cations derived by protonation of the ligand title compound (L¹) have been structurally characterized in their di‐ and tetra‐ protonated forms in the salts [H₂L¹][ClO₄]₂·2H₂O and [H₄L¹][ZnCl₄]₂·4H₂O. In both structures, one half of the formula unit comprises the asymmetric unit of the structure, the macrocycle being centrosymmetric, with the two macrocycles adopting similar conformations. In both salts, a pair of diagonally opposed macrocyclic secondary amine groups are protonated; in the [H₄L¹]⁴⁺ salt, the additional pair of protons are accommodated on the exocyclic pendant amine groups. The dispositions of the pendent amines differ between the two structures, being ‘equatorial’ with respect to the macrocyclic ring in the [H₂L¹]²⁺ salt, and ‘axial’ in the [H₄L¹]⁴⁺ salt. In other structurally characterized compounds containing [H₄L¹]⁴⁺ the equatorial disposition was found in the ferricyanide adduct, while in the tetraperchlorate salt the axial disposition was identified. The differences in disposition of the exocyclic groups are ascribed to the extensive H‐bonding in the lattices.     

Hydrogen‐Bonding Interaction and Crystalline Morphology in the Binary Blends of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Polyphenol Catechin

The specific intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the ester carbonyl groups of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of catechin has been studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). According to quantitative curve‐fitting analysis of the FT‐IR spectra of PCL/catechin blends, it was found that the fraction of hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups of PCL increased with catechin content, while that of hydrogen‐bonded hydroxyl groups of catechin decreased. The calculated crystallinity of PCL in the binary blends, based on the curve‐fitting results, suggested that the crystallization of PCL was restrained in the blends with catechin. Only single glass transition temperature, T_g, was observed over the whole range of blend compositions, which was between those of the pure components. The melting point, T_m, depressed and T_g increased, indicating also the existence of strong intermolecular association. The blend composition dependence of T_g could be predicted very well by the Kwei equation with a positive ‘q’ value of 124. With the aid of small angle X‐ray scattering measurement, the segregation of catechin was investigated. It was found that the extent of extra‐lamellar segregation increased with catechin content. It was suggested that the crystal growth rate played the dominant role in the formation of morphology. With decreasing crystal growth rate of PCL component in the blends, enough time has been given to catechin molecules to diffuse into extra‐lamellar region.

     

Structural polymorphism in poly(dodecamethylen‐di‐O‐methyl‐L‐tartaramide)

Structural characterization of poly(dodecamethylen‐di‐O‐methyl‐L‐tartaramide) was carried out with optical microscopy, thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Two different crystalline forms were found in accordance with the thermograms, powder and fiber X‐ray diffraction diagrams. The electron microscopy allows corroboration of the morphological and crystallographic differences. Molecular modeling was used to conclude the structural analogies and differences between the two crystalline forms that were related to the chain packing and orientation in the crystal cell, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2523–2530, 2002     

Bis(dimethylamino)trifluoromethylsulfonium Salze: [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[Me3SiF2]‐, [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[HF2]‐ und [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[CF3S]‐

Bis(dimethylamino)trifluoro sulfonium Salts: [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺[Me₃SiF₂]^‐, [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺ [HF₂]^‐ and [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺[CF₃S]^‐ From the reaction of CF₃SF₃ with an excess of Me₂NSiMe₃ [CF₃(NMe₂)₂]⁺[Me₃SiF₂]^‐ (CF₃‐BAS‐fluoride) ( 5 ), from CF₃SF₃/CF₃SSCF₃ and Me₂NSiMe₃ [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺‐ [CF₃S]^‐ ( 7 ) are isolated. Thermal decomposition of 5 gives [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺ [HF₂]^‐ ( 6 ). Reaction pathways are discussed, the structures of 5 ‐ 7 are reported.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the First Doubly‐bridged N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamoyl Metal Complex: Crystal Structure of [Mo(Cl)(CO)2(PPh3)]2(η1:η2:μ‐SCNMe2)2

The first doubly‐bridged thiocarbamoyl metal complex [Mo(Cl)(CO)₂(PPh₃)]₂(η¹:η²:μ‐SCNMe₂)₂ ( 2 ) was formed from stirring [Mo(CO)₂(η²‐SCNMe₂)(PPh₃)₂Cl] ( 1 ) in dichloromethane at room temperature. Complex 2 is a dimer with each thiocarbamoyl unit coordinating through sulfur and carbon to one metal center and bridging both metals through sulfur. Complex 2 is characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Structural and Vibrational Studies of Sr2[W(CN)8]·10H2O

The crystal structure of distrontium octacyanotungstate decahydrate, Sr₂[W(CN)₈] · 10H₂O, was solved using X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The tungsten atom lies on a two fold axis. Eight cyanide anions create tetragonal antiprismatic coordination sphere of tungsten atom. The two edge‐sharing tetragonal antiprisms of [Sr(NC)₃(OH₂)₅], create a dimer, [Sr₂(CN)₆(H₂O)₆(μ‐H₂O)₂], which lies on the inversion center. One symmetry independent water molecule is located in a void of 40 Å³. Vibrational (FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectroscopic) behavior of main structural units is discussed. It was spectroscopically confirmed that the geometry of [W(CN)₈]^4– anion is slightly distorted from that corresponding to “free” anion. The number of observed bands is significantly lower than that expected for C₂ point group.     

A moderate distortion of the `picket‐fence' porphyrin (cryptand‐222)potassium chlorido[meso‐α,α,α,α‐tetrakis(o‐pivalamidophenyl)porphyrinato]ferrate(II) n‐hexane monosolvate

As representative porphyrin model compounds, the structures of `picket‐fence' porphyrins have been studied intensively. The title solvated complex salt {systematic name: (4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane)potassium(I) [5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(2‐tert‐butanamidophenyl)porphyrinato]iron(II) n‐hexane monosolvate}, [K(C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆)][Fe(C₆₄H₆₄N₈O₄)Cl]·C₆H₁₄ or [K(222)][Fe(TpivPP)Cl]·C₆H₁₄ [222 is cryptand‐222 or 4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane, and TpivPP is meso‐α,α,α,α‐tetrakis(o‐pivalamidophenyl)porphyrinate(2−)], [K(222)][Fe(TpivPP)Cl]·C₆H₁₄, is a five‐coordinate high‐spin iron(II) picket‐fence porphyrin complex. It crystallizes with a potassium cation chelated inside a cryptand‐222 molecule; the average K—O and K—N distances are 2.81 (2) and 3.05 (2) Å, respectively. One of the protecting tert‐butyl pickets is disordered. The porphyrin plane presents a moderately ruffled distortion, as suggested by the atomic displacements. The axial chloride ligand is located inside the molecular cavity on the hindered porphyrin side and the Fe—Cl bond is tilted slightly off the normal to the porphyrin plane by 4.1°. The out‐of‐plane displacement of the metal centre relative to the 24‐atom mean plane (Δ₂₄) is 0.62 Å, indicating a noticeable doming of the porphyrin core.     

Surface Segregation Assessment In Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐poly(ethylene glycol) Multiblock Copolymer Films

The ability to predict the in vivo performance of multiblock‐copolymer‐based biomaterials is crucial for their applicability in the biomedical field. In this work, XPS analysis of PCL‐PEG copolymers was carried out, as well as morphological and wettability evaluations by SEM and CA measurements, respectively. XPS analysis on films equilibrated in PBS demonstrated a further enrichment in the PEG component on the surface. Copolymer films obtained by casting using different solvents showed a dependence in segregation according to the solvent employed. Cell adhesion tests demonstrated the importance of copolymer segregation and rearrangement in a wet environment, with a dependence of these phenomena on the copolymer molecular weight.

     

X‐Ray and Electron Diffraction Study of Poly(p‐dioxanone)

Summary: Solution‐grown lamellar crystals of poly(p‐dioxanone) (PPDX) have been crystallized isothermally from butane‐1,4‐diol at 100 °C. The crystal structure of PPDX has been determined by interpretation of X‐ray fiber diagrams of PPDX fibers and electron diffraction diagrams of lozenge‐shaped chain‐folder lamellar crystals. The unit cell of PPDX is orthorhombic with space group P2₁2₁2₁ and parameters: a = 0.970 nm, b = 0.742 nm, and c (chain axis) = 0.682 nm. There are two chains per unit cell, which exist in an antiparallel arrangement.

Transmission electron micrograph of PPDX chain‐folded lamellar crystals obtained by isothermal crystallization and its electron diffraction diagram.     

Co‐MOFs Containing Flexible α,ω‐Alkane‐dicarboxylates and Bis(imidazole) Ligands: Synthesis,Structure, and Properties

Three structurally related flexible bis(imidazole) ligands reacted with Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and succinic acid (L₁) to yield three new metal‐organic frameworks {[Co(L₁)(L₂)] · (H₂O)}_n ( 1 ) [L₂ = 2‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)ethane], {[Co(L₁)(L₃)](H₂O)}_n ( 2 ) [L₃ = 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl) butane], and {[Co(L₁)(L₄)] · (H₂O)}_n ( 3 ) [L₄ = 1,4‐bis(2‐methyl‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane], respectively. These complexes were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, as well as thermal analyses. Interestingly, the ligands in these complexes exhibit different conformations and further cause three different configurations. Complex 1 shows a three‐dimensional (3D) framework, which is connected by two‐dimensional (2D) layer structures through hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is a diamond structure with threefold interpenetration. Complex 3 is a 3D framework linked by hydrogen bonds like complex 1 .     

High‐Temperature Elastic Moduli of Flux‐Grown α‐GeO2 Single Crystal

From high‐precision Brillouin spectroscopy measurements, six elastic constants (C₁₁, C₃₃, C₄₄, C₆₆, C₁₂, and C₁₄) of a flux‐grown GeO₂ single crystal with the α‐quartz‐like structure are obtained in the 298–1273 K temperature range. High‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction data is collected to determine the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters and the volume thermal expansion coefficients. The temperature dependence of the mass density, ρ, is evaluated and used to estimate the thermal dependence of its refractive indices (ordinary and extraordinary), according to the Lorentz–Lorenz equation. The extraction of the ambient piezoelectric stress contribution, e₁₁, from the C′₁₁–C₁₁ difference gives, for the piezoelectric strain coefficient d₁₁, a value of 5.7(2) pC N^?1, which is more than twice that of α‐quartz. As the quartz structure of α‐GeO₂ remains stable until melting, piezoelectric activity is observed until 1273 K.     

Monomeric Magnesium and Calcium Complexes containing the Rigid,Dianionic 1, 2‐Bis[(2, 5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (dtb‐BIAN) and 1, 2‐Bis[(2‐biphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (bph‐BIAN) Ligands

The new rigid bidentate nitrogen ligands 1, 2‐bis[(2, 5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene ( 1 ) (dtb‐BIAN) and 1, 2‐bis[(2‐biphenyl)imino]acenaphthene ( 2 ) (bph‐BIAN) have been synthesized by condensation of 1, 2‐acenaphthylenedione with 2, 5‐di‐tert‐butylaniline and 2‐aminobiphenyl, respectively. Reduction of 1 and 2 with magnesium and calcium results in the formation of the monomeric metal complexes [(dtb‐BIAN)Mg(THF)₂] ( 3 ), [(bph‐BIAN)Mg(DME)₂] ( 4 ), and [(bph‐BIAN)Ca(THF)₃] ( 5 ). Compounds 1 — 5 have been characterized by C/H analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectra, the structures of 2 , 3 , and 5 have been estimated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Catalytic Activities of Copper(I) Complexes with the Ligand 2(4,5‐Diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)­pyridine

Two copper(I) complexes of compositions [Cu(HL)I]₂ · EtOH ( 1 ) and [Cu(HL)₃]I · MeOH ( 2 ) were synthesized via the reactions of HL [HL = 2(4,5‐diphenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine] and CuI in EtOH and MeOH, respectively, under solvothermal conditions. The complexes were characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are catalytically active towards ketalization reaction, giving various ketals under mild conditions.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Organotin Compounds of a New Schiff Base Ligand with α‐Oxoglutaric Acid Isonicotinyl Hydrazone

Organotin compounds are a recurring motif in organometallic chemistry. The syntheses and characterization of new diorganotin compounds with α‐oxoglutaric acid isonicotinyl hydrazone are described, prepared compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. They both have a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal arrangement, with a heptacoordinated central tin atom. Compound 1 presents a centrosymmetric dinuclear framework. Interestingly, intermolecular O–H ··· N and O–H ··· O hydrogen bonds contribute to the two‐dimensional network. Compound 2 is a simple mononuclear compound, which exhibits a rare one‐dimensional chain constructed by intermolecular O–H ··· Cl and N–H ··· O hydrogen bonds.     

5-雄烯-3β, 7α, 17β-三醇和5-雄烯-3β, 7β, 17β-三醇的合成

以5-雄烯二醇为原料,用微生物转化的方法合成了两个重要的神经甾体5-雄烯-3β, 7α, 17β-三醇和5-雄烯-3β, 7β, 17β-三醇。所用菌种总枝毛霉为我们自己筛选,并首次应用于5-雄烯-3β, 7α, 17β-三醇和5-雄烯-3β, 7β, 17β-三醇的合成中。     

High‐Resolution Structural Characterization of a Helical α/β‐Peptide Foldamer Bound to the Anti‐Apoptotic Protein Bcl‐xL

Get into the groove : The first high‐resolution structure of a foldamer bound to a protein target is described (see picture; foldamer in sticks). The foldamer consists of α‐ and β‐amino acid residues and is bound to the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐x_L. The overall binding mode and key interactions observed in the foldamer/Bcl‐x_L complex mimic those seen in complexes of Bcl‐x_L with natural α‐peptide ligands. Additional contacts in the foldamer/Bcl‐x_L complex involving β‐amino acid residues appear to contribute to binding affinity.