The instructive redox behaviour of 4‐ferrocenylcatechol on nanocrystalline titanium dioxide electrodes

An investigation into the redox behaviour of 4‐ferrocenylcatechol bound to nanocrystalline TiO₂ electrodes identified a limitation to the use of catechol as an electron‐transfer facilitating anchoring group. 4‐Ferrocenylcatechol was adsorbed to transparent nanocrystalline TiO₂ electrodes. UV–visible spectra of the modified electrode were recorded in an acetonitrile‐electrolyte solution. At an applied potential of + 0.45 mV (vs Ag/AgCl/Cl^?) the ferrocenyl group oxidized to the ferrocenium cation and the catecholate group oxidized to the benzoquinone form. Subsequent application of a potential of 0 V reduced the ferrocenium to ferrocene but, owing to the irreversibility of the catechol oxidation in aprotic solvents, benzoquinone is not reduced to catecholate and subsequently desorbs and is lost due into solution. Electrochromic switching of the ferrocenyl electrochromophore on TiO₂ with aprotic electrolyte is, therefore, irreversible. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nitrogen fixation: Part I. Electrochemical reduction of titanium compounds in the presence of catechol and N2 in MeOH or THF

The cyclic voltammetry of Cp₂TiCl₂ was studied in both MeOH and THF, at either glassy carbon or platinum electrodes. The effect of catechol added, as a complexation agent, on the shape of the voltammograms is also described. Controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) was employed to reduce CP₂TiCl₂ under an N₂ atmosphere in the presence of catechol. Ammonia was formed in low chemical yields (up to 0.11%), but selectively. The reduction was also investigated in the presence of a base (MeONa) and divalent cation (Mg²⁺). The ammonia yield increased to 0.65% and 1.45%, respectively. Other titanium compounds ((acac)₂TiCl₂, (i-PrO)₄Ti, TiCl₄, TiCl₃) were reduced under similar conditions and found to be less efficient for N₂ reduction than Cp₂TiCl₂.     

Alkali‐Metal ortho‐Hydroxyphenolates: Syntheses and Crystal Structures from Powder X‐Ray Diffraction

Colorless and highly air‐ and moisture‐sensitive powders of M[o‐C₆H₄O(OH)] with M = K, Rb, or Cs have been synthesized from reaction mixtures of the appropriate alkali metal and catechol in thf. All compounds were structurally characterized by means of powder X‐ray diffraction using the Rietveld profile refinement technique including restraints for the C—C/C—O bond distances and the C—C—C angles. The atomic arrangements of M[o‐C₆H₄O(OH)] (K: monoclinic P2₁/c; Rb/Cs: orthorhombic Pbcm) are characterized by polymeric chains of [M₁^[4]O₂^[2]η⁶] units connected by hydrogen bonds, thereby making up layered structures similar to the one of catechol. The coordinatively unsaturated alkali metals are forming edge‐sharing MO₄ pyramids and exhibit asymmetrical η⁶‐interactions with the phenylene rings. The symmetry of the unit cells increases with increasing size of the cation, and this results in a decrease of the monoclinic angle from 118.5° (catechol) to 93.7° (K compound), eventually leading to orthorhombic cells for the Rb and Cs compounds.     

Catechol-Containing Schiff Bases on Thiacalixarene: Synthesis,Copper (II) Recognition,and Formation of Organic-Inorganic Copper-Based Materials

For the first time, a series of catechol-containing Schiff bases, tetrasubstituted at the lower rim thiacalix[4]arene derivatives in three stereoisomeric forms, cone, partial cone, and 1,3-alternate, were synthesized. The structure of the obtained compounds was proved by modern physical methods, such as NMR, IR spectroscopy, and HRMS. Selective recognition (K_b difference by three orders of magnitude) of copper (II) cation in the series of d-metal cations (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺) was shown by UV-vis spectroscopy. Copper (II) ions are coordinated at the nitrogen atom of the imine group and the nearest oxygen atom of the catechol fragment in the thiacalixarene derivatives. High thermal stable organic-inorganic copper-based materials were obtained on the base of 1,3-alternate + Cu (II) complexes.     

On the synthesis of the N2F+5 cation. A critical comment on the paper by Toy and Stringham.

Toy and Stringham recently reported [1] the synthesis of N₂F⁺₅ (CF₃)₃CO^-, a salt containing the novel pentafluorohydrazinium cation. This cation would be of significant academic and practical interest [2] since it would constitute the first known example of a substituted NF⁺₄ cation, i.e. an NF⁺₄ cation in which a fluorine ligand is replaced by an NF₂ group. According to the authors of [1], N₂F⁺₅(CF₃)₃CO^- was formed in a very unusual reaction involving the transfer of a fluorine cation from (CF₃)₃COF to N₂F₄ according to:

     

Voltammetric determination of catechol using a sonogel carbon electrode modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide

In this study, we investigate highly efficient sonogel carbon electrode (SGC/TiO₂) modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide synthesized via sol-gel method employing surfactant template for tailor-designing the structural properties of TiO₂. The stable SGC/TiO₂ electrode detects catechol, a neurotransmitter, in the presence of ascorbic acid, a common interferent, using cyclic voltammetry. A possible rationale for the stable catechol detection of SGC/TiO₂ electrode is attributed to most likely the adsorption of catechol onto highly porous TiO₂ (surface area of 147 m² g⁻¹ and porosity of 46.2%), and the formation of C₆H₄(OTi)₂ bond between catechol and TiO₂. The catechol absorbed onto TiO₂ rapidly reaches the SGC surface, then is oxidized, involving two electrons (e⁻) and two protons (H⁺). As a result, the surface of TiO₂ acts as an electron-transfer accelerator between the SGC electrode and catechol. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative detection of catechol, the SGC/TiO₂ electrode developed here meets the profitable features of electrode including mechanical stability, physical rigidity, and enhanced catalytic properties.     

Polyaniline-iron oxide nanohybrid film as multi-functional label-free electrochemical and biomagnetic sensor for catechol

Polyaniline-iron oxide magnetic nanohybrid was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic, microstructural and electrochemical techniques. The smart integration of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles within the polyaniline (PANI) matrix yielded a mesoporous nanohybrid (Fe₃O₄@PANI) with high surface area (94 m² g⁻¹) and average pore width of 12.8 nm. Catechol is quasi-reversibly oxidized to o-quinone and reduced at the Fe₃O₄@PANI modified electrodes. The amperometric current response toward catechol was evaluated using the nanohybrid and the sensitivity and detection limit were found to be 312 μA μL⁻¹ and 0.2 nM, respectively. The results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated that the increased solution resistance (R_s) was due to elevated adsorption of catechol on the modified electrodes. Photoluminescence spectra showed ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) between p-π orbitals of the phenolate oxygen in catechol and the d-σ* metal orbital of Fe₃O₄@PANI nanohybrid. Potential dependent spectroelectrochemical behavior of Fe₃O₄@PANI nanohybrid toward catechol was studied using UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy. The binding activity of the biomagnetic particles to catechol through Brownian relaxation was evident from AC susceptibility measurements. The proposed sensor was used for successful recovery of catechol in tap water samples.     

Simultaneous determination of catechol and hydroquinone by carbon paste electrode modified with hydrophobic ionic liquid-functionalized SBA-15

Hydrophobic ionic liquid-functionalized SBA-15 modified carbon paste electrode (CPSPE) was fabricated, and its electrochemical performance was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectra, and chronocoulometry in K₃Fe(CN)₆/K₄Fe(CN)₆ solution. Compared with carbon paste electrode (CPE) and SBA-15 modified carbon paste electrode (CSPE), the electron transfer ability was in the sequence as: CPSPE>CSPE>CPE. Meanwhile, the electrocatalytic activity of CPSPE to catechol and hydroquinone was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, and then, the linear concentration ranges were obtained by the amperometric detection from 2.0?×?10^-5 to 3.2?×?10^-4 M for catechol and 5.0?×?10^-5 to 5.5?×?10^-4 M for hydroquinone, with the detection limits of 5.0?×?10^-7 and 6.0?×?10^-7 M, respectively. The advantages of both ionic liquids and heterogeneous supports made CPSPE exhibit high electrocatalytic activity towards the redox of catechol and hydroquinone by significantly improving their reversibility and enhancing their peak currents. In addition, the present method was applied to the determination of catechol and hydroquinone in artificial wastewater sample, and the results were satisfactory.     

SYNTHESIS OF POLYCATECHOL WITH ELECTROCHEMICAL ACTIVITY AND ITS PROPERTIES

The electrochemical polymerization of catechol on platinum has been carried out using repeated potential cyclingbetween-0.2 and 1.1 V (versus SCE). The electrolytic solution consisted of 0.2 mol dm~(-3) catechol, 0.5 mol dm~(-3) NaCl and0.1 mol dm~(-3) Na_2HPO_4 with pH 8.72. Catechol can not be polymerized at pH≥10.12. Polycatechol has an electrochemicalactivity at pH≤4. The anodic and cathodic peak potentials of polycatechol shift towards more negative values as the pH ofthe solution increases from 1 to 4. The electrochemical activity of polycatechol hardly changes in this pH region, but itdecreases slowly with time. This is caused by oxygen in air, which leads to an irreversible oxidation of polycatechol. Thisproperty is favorable for protecting metals from corrosion. Raman and FTIR spectra of polycatechol and catechol are quitedifferent. AFM images of polycatechol films provide evidence that the image of the oxidized state of polycatechol ismarkedly different from that of the reduced one. This difference is caused by doping and dedoping of polycatechol.     

A New Silicate Clathrate Hydrate: An X-Ray Diffraction and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of a System with Octameric Silicate Anions and Trivalent Cations

The first crystal structure is reported for a silicate clathrate hydrate involving a triply charged cation [C₁₈H₃₀N₃]³⁺ and an octameric cubic silicate cage. The structure is essentially a host/guest system, with the silicate cages linked into a framework by hydrogen bonding to water molecules. The space group is P with Z = 2, and the asymmetric unit includes a complete cation and half the anion, plus 21 water molecules (4 of which are in disordered positions). Solid-state (CPMAS) ²⁹Si and ¹³CNMR spectra are consistent with the diffraction-determined structure and indicate substantial distortion of the anion from cubic symmetry. Solution-state spectra of precursor solutions and of melted material are also presented and discussed.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of (2.2.2-cryptand)potassium perchlorate

A new complex (2.2.2-cryptand)potassium perchlorate [K(Crypt-222)]ClO₄ is synthesized, and its structure is studied by X-ray diffraction analysis (space group R32, a = 8.441 Å, c = 30.475 Å, Z = 3). The structure is solved by the direct method and refined by the full-matrix least-squares method in the anisotropic approximation to R = 0.032 for 1222 independent (with allowance for anomalous dispersion) reflections (CAD4 automated diffractometer, λMoK _α radiation). The centers of the ClO ₄ ^? anion and [K(Crypt-222)]⁺ complex cation are in the positions (0,0,0) and (0,0,1/2), respectively, with the point symmetry 32. The ClO ₄ ^? anion is randomly disordered. The complex cation (with the high symmetry D ₃) is of the host-guest type and is somewhat disordered and exists as two different conformations with probabilities of 87 and 13%. The coordination polyhedron of the K⁺ cation (coordination number 8) is a two-base-centered trigonal prism distorted toward antiprism.     

Synthesis and some reactions of the stable vinyl cation stabilized by the 3-η5-cyclopentadienyl-η5-(3)-1,2-dicarbollyliron(II)-1 group

An individual vinyl cation in the form of a zwitterion stabilized by the 3-η⁵-C₅H₅Fe¹¹-η⁵-(3)-1,2-C₂B₉$\text{H}$₁₀-1 group has been produced for the first time, and its reactions with nucleophilic agents have been studied. Deprotonation yielding an acetylene derivative is the main reaction in the interaction of the vinyl cation with MeLi, NaBH₄ and C₅H₅N.     

Comparative Study of three Mononuclear Vanadium‐Aromatic 1, 2‐Diol Complexes: Structure,Characterization and Anti‐Proliferating Effects Against Cancer Cells

Three mononuclear vanadium complexes containing aromatic 1, 2‐diols (catechol and naphthalene‐2, 3‐diol) ligands,[V^IVO(cat)₂][1, 3‐HPDA]₂ · CH₃OH ( 1 ), [V^IVO(N‐2, 3‐D)₂][1, 3‐H₂PDA] ( 2 ), and [V^VO₂(N‐2, 3‐D)(1, 3‐HPDA)] · 1, 3‐PDA ( 3 ) (cat = catechol, N‐2, 3‐D = naphthalene‐2, 3‐diol, 1, 3‐PDA = 1, 3‐propanediamine) were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, and cyclovoltammetry. X‐ray analysis reveals that the spatial frameworks of complexes 1 – 3 are all constructed by hydrogen bonds donated by [1, 3‐H_nPDA]ⁿ⁺ (n = 1, 2) cation, forming distinct chain structures. Complexes 1 and 2 are both in the non‐chiral form of VO(L)₂, but 2 crystallizes in the chiral space group (P6₅22), due to the symmetry element of spiral axis, whereas complex 3 contains both enantiomers of chiral VO₂(L₁)(L₂) units, but crystallizes in the non‐chiral space group (P$\bar{1}$ ). The electrochemical behavior of the three complexes is studied in comparison with that of the free ligands. Complex 1 shows a pair of potentials assigned to the redox behavior of vanadium, while complexes 2 and 3 exhibit no such redox potentials. Pharmaceutical screening of complexes 1 – 3 were carried out against three representative cancer cell lines: A‐549 (lung cancer), Bel‐7402 (liver cancer) and HCT (colonic cancer) by MTT [3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazoyl‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The results show that the vanadium‐catechol complex 1 exhibits more obvious anti‐proliferating effects against the three cell‐lines, whereas the two vanadium‐N‐2, 3‐D complexes 2 and 3 basically display no such effects.     

Synthesis and characterization of copper(II) complexes of sulfadiazine with amino acids: catalytic activity toward oxidation of phenol and catechol

New copper complexes of DL-methioninoylsulfadiazine (MTS) and L-cystinoylsulfadiazine (CYS) were prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The mode of binding indicates that copper binds to MTS through carbonyl oxygen with the amino group nitrogen while for Cu^II–CYS the copper binds through carbonyl oxygen and SH with removal of its proton. The proposed structures were supported by conformational analysis which showed predominance of the trans form of copper(II)-L-cystinoylsulfadiazine. The two complexes enhanced oxidation of phenol and catechol in the presence of H₂O₂ under mild conditions. The catalyst shows proficiency toward oxidation of phenol and catechol compared to the auto-catalytic oxidation. Cu^II–MTS exhibited higher catalytic activity than Cu^II–CYS. The phenol and catechol oxidation is inhibited by Kojic acid.     

Solvatochromism and solvation of ternary iron-diimine-cyanide complexes

Summary The solvatochromic behaviour of several complexes [Fe(LL)₂(CN)₂] with LL=Schiff base diimine has been established in a series of non-aqueous solvents, as has that of two analogues containing diazabutadiene ligands. Transfer chemical potentials have been derived from appropriate solubility measurements for several iron(II)-and iron(III)-diimine-cyanide complexes into aqueous methanol, and for [Fe(bipy)₂(CN)₂] into several binary aqueous solvent series. The usefulness of solvatochromic shifts and transfer chemical potentials as indicators of selective solvation is discussed. Kinetics of oxidation of catechol and of 4-t-butyl catechol by [Fe(bipy)(CN)₄]^– in aqueous solution are described.     

Catalytic and stoichiometric reduction of ketones and aldehydes by the hydridotetracarbonyl ferrate anion

Acetone is catalytically reduced to isopropyl alcohol by carbon monoxide and water in the presence of iron carbonyls and triethylamine at 100°C and 100 bar. Use of NaOH in place of triethylamine gives a much less efficient catalyst system. The Et₃NH·HFe(CO)₄ system also catalyses the reduction of n-butyraldehyde to n-butyl alcohol at room temperature in a fast stoichiometric reaction, whereas NaHFe(CO)₄ is inactive under the same conditions. The Et₃NH⁺ cation is necessary for the transfer of a proton to the carbonyl group, while the HFe(CO)₄^? anion carries out nucleophilic attack on carbonyl group and supplies the hydride ion.     

Explanation of Ionic Sequences in Various Phenomena. III. Salting-in and -out of Amino Acids

Abstract

Previous developed theories were applied in explaining the mechanism for the salting-in and -out of various amino acids. Glycine is salted-in according to the cationic sequences Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Rb⁺ and Ca²⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺. The ability of a cation to increase the solubility of an amino acid therefore corresponds to the destruction of the ion-ion bond between the - CO-₂and the -NH_{+ 2}group of the amino acid by forming an insoluble ion-ion bond between the added cation and the - CO?² group. This insolubilizing effect produces a positive charge on the amino acid. If, however, the anion of the added salt forms a relatively insoluble ion-ion bond with the -NH₊₂ group of the amino acid, then the effect is minimized because now both charges on the amino acid are reduced. Consequently, the more insoluble the cation amino acid salt and the more soluble the anion amino acid salt (or vice versa), the greater will be the salting-in effect. Titration of either charged group on the amino acid zwitterion has the same effect, since now the ion-ion bond of the amino acid is again destroyed. Aliphatic and carboxylic acid groups also effect the salting-in sequence, since these groups are salted-out by addition of salt when D^± < D_H2o. These mechanisms explain how leucine is first salted-out, then salted-in (at 4 M) and finally salted-out again (at 9 M) in LiCl solutions. Urea salts-in hydrophobic amino acids by increasing the dielectric constant and salts-out polar amino acids by increasing the interaction between the two charge groups on the amino acid. Glycine reverses the salting-in effect of NaCl on asparagine by competing for the Na⁺ ion.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Copper and Silver Complexes with the Ylide Ph3PCHP(O)PPh2 as Ligand

The reactivity of the hydrolysis product of hexaphenylcarbodiphosphorane, PPh₃CHP(O)Ph₂, towards different soft Lewis acids, such as CuI and Ag[BF₄] are reported. While CuI exclusively binds at the ylidic carbon atom, reaction of the silver cation in CH₂Cl₂ leads to proton abstraction from the solvent to give the cation [PPh₃CH₂P(O)Ph₂]⁺. Surprisingly, Ag⁺ replaces the methyl group of [PPh₃CHMeP(O)Ph₂]⁺ to produce a dimeric complex, in which Ag⁺ is coordinated to C and O forming an eight membered ring. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction.     

Electrochemical Detection of Catechol on Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode Modified with Au/TiO2 Nanorod Composite

Au/TiO₂ nanorod composites with different ratios of [TiO₂]:[Au] have been prepared by chemically reducing AuCl₄^‐ on the positively charged TiO₂ nanorods surface and used to modify boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. The electrochemical behaviors of catechol on the bare and different Au/TiO₂ nanorod composites‐modified BDD electrodes are studied. The cyclic voltammetric results indicate that these different Au/TiO₂ nanorod composites‐modified BDD electrodes can enhance the electrocatalytic activity toward catechol detection, as compared with the bare BDD electrode. Among these different conditions, the Au/TiO₂‐BDD3 electrode (the ratio of [TiO₂]:[Au] is 27:1) is the most choice for catechol detection. The electrochemical response dependences of the Au/TiO₂‐BDD3 electrode on pH of solution and the applied potential are studied. The detection limit of catechol is found to be about 1.4 × 10^‐6 M in a linear range from 5 × 10^‐6 M to 200 × 10^‐6 M on the Au/TiO₂‐BDD3 electrode.     

Anion recognition and cation-induced molecular motion in a heteroditopic [2]rotaxane

A heteroditopic [2]rotaxane consisting of a calix[4]diquinone–isophthalamide macrocycle and 3,5‐bis‐amide pyridinium axle components with the capability of switching between two positional isomers in response to barium cation recognition is synthesised. The anion binding properties of the rotaxane’s interlocked cavity together with Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺ and Ba²⁺ cation recognition capabilities are elucidated by ¹H NMR and UV‐visible spectroscopic titration experiments. Upon binding of Ba²⁺, molecular displacement of the axle’s positively charged pyridinium group from the rotaxane’s macrocyclic cavity occurs, whereas the monovalent cations Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺ are bound without causing significant co‐conformational change. The barium cation induced shuttling motion can be reversed on addition of tetrabutylammonium sulfate.