The Binary System Tetradecanedioic Acid–Hexadecanedioic Acid: Polymorphism of the Components and Experimental Phase Diagram

Complementary techniques had to be applied to investigate the binary system tetradecanedioic acid (C₁₄H₂₆O₄)–hexadecanedioic acid (C₁₆H₃₀O₄), because all the forms observed have the same space group (P2₁/c; Z = 2). We studied the polymorphism of the two single compounds and of their mixtures by X‐ray powder diffraction, differential‐scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo‐optical microscopy (TOM). The two diacids were found to be isopolymorphic. At low temperature, they crystallize in the same ordered C‐form, and, on heating, adopt the ordered C_h‐form, 1° below their melting point. In contrast to similar compounds (unbranched alkanes, alkanols, and fatty acids), the solid–solid and solid–liquid phase‐transition temperatures decrease with increasing chain length. At low temperature, a new monoclinic form, C_i, appears as a result of the disorder of composition in the mixed samples. There are two [C + C_i]‐type solid–solid domains. On heating, the solid domains are related to solid–liquid domains by a peritectic invariant for compositions rich in C₁₄H₂₆O₄, and by a eutectic invariant for compositions rich in C₁₆H₃₀O₄. At higher temperature, there appears a second peritectic invariant for compositions rich in C₁₄H₂₆O₄, together with a metatectic invariant for compositions rich in C₁₆H₃₀O₄. All the solid forms observed in this binary system are isostructural. Nevertheless, the equilibrium between them is complex near the melting point, and their miscibility in the solid state is reduced.     

[Gd(C10H9N2O4)(C10H8N2O4)(H2O)3]2·phen·4H2O的晶体结构和生物活性

在水乙醇混合溶剂中，首次得到了2-羰基丙酸水杨酰腙、1，10-菲啰啉与硝酸钆形成的配合物[Gd(C₁₀H₉N₂O₄)(C₁₀H₈N₂O₄)(H₂O)₃]₂·phen·4H₂O，并测试了其单晶结构。该配合物属三斜晶系，空间群为P-1。每个配合物分子中有两个九配位的钆的结构单元，每个钆离子与两个三齿配体2-羰基丙酸水杨酰腙（分别以负一价和负二价形式）和三个水分子配位。每个钆单元在空间呈扭曲的单帽四方反棱柱。同时还有一个游离的1，10-菲啰啉存在于晶格中，通过氢键与配位水作用。生物活性试验表明该配合物对三种病原菌有一定的抑菌活性。     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Binuclear Complex [Pr2(C10H8N2O4)2(C10H9N2O4)2(H2O)4]·3H2O·C6H6

The binuclear praseodymium(III) complex with N‐(1‐carboxyethylidene)‐salicylhydrazide (C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₄, H₂L) was prepared in H₂O‐C₂H₅OH mixed solution, and the crystal structure of [Pr₂L₂(HL)₂(H₂O)₄]·3H₂O·C₆H₆ was determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal complex crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P‐1, and in the structure each Pr atom is 9‐coordinated by carboxyl O and acyl O and azomethine N atoms of two tridentate ligands to form two stable five‐membered rings sharing one side in keto‐mode and two water molecules. The coordination polyhedron around Pr³⁺ was described as a monocapped square antiprism geometry. In an individual molecule, four tridentate ligands were coordinated by two negative univalent (HL) and two bivalent forms (L) respectively. Two negative univalent ligands were coordinated via μ₂‐bridging mode.     

Experimental Investigation on Binary Phase Diagram of the Thermotropic Phase Transitions Compounds (n‐CnH2n+1R3)2ZnCl4

The thermotropic phase transitions compounds (n‐C_nH_2n+1R₃)₂ZnCl₄ as well as a series of their binary mixtures were prepared by a solution reflux method from their ethanol solutions. The experimental subsolidus binary phase diagram of [n‐C₁₈H₃₇N(CH₃)₃]₂ZnCl₄‐[n‐(C₁₈H₃₇)₂N(CH₃)₂]₂ZnCl₄ is constructed over the entire composition range by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and X‐ray. Experi‐ mental results indicate one stable intermediate phase [n‐C₁₈H₃₇N(CH₃)₃] [n‐(C₁₈H₃₇)₂N(CH₃)₂]ZnCl₄ at W_C18C3Zn %=59.75 %, and two invariant three phase equilibria, which shows two eutectoid temperatures: Te₁ at 310±1 K for eutectoid point W_C18C3Zn %=36.24 %, Te₂ at 313±1 K for eutectoid point W_C18C3Zn %=80.17 %. These three noticeable solid‐solution ranges are α‐phase at the left, ?‐phase at the right, and ψ‐phase in the middle of the phase diagram. It is (n‐C_nH_2n+1R₃)₂ZnCl₄ systems as phase change materials that are characterized the phase transition temperatures T in the range of 310 to 340 K, the transition enthalpies ΔH in the range of 38.40 and 168.72 J/g between two polymorphic forms.     

Non-Isothermal Decomposion Kinetics of Supermolecule Compound [Eu(C_(10)H_9N_2O_4)(C_(10)H_8N_2O_4)(H_2O)_3]_2·phen·4H_2O

Europium(Ⅲ) compound with 2-oxopropionic acid salicyloyl hydrazone (C_(10)H_(10)N_2O_4,H_3L) and 1,10-phenan-throline (C_(12)H_8N_2,phen) has been prepared.A yellow prismatic crystal of the compound was obtained,and themolecule crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1.There are two 9-coordinated complex molecules in everystructure unit,where every Eu atom is coordinated by three water molecules and two tridentate C_(10)H_(10)N_2O_4 ligands,forming two stable pentacycles.The coordination polyhedron around Eu~(3+) was described as a single cap squareantiprism.In the crystal cell,there are one free 1,10-phenanthroline and four water molecules.The thermaldecomposition of the compound and its kinetics were studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetry.The Kissinger'smethod and Ozawa's method were used to calculate the activation energy value of the first-step decomposition.Thestages of the decompositions were identified by TG-DTG-DSC curve.The non-isothermal kinetic data were ana-lyzed by means of integral and differential methods.The possible reaction mechanism and the kinetic equationswere investigated by comparing the kinetic parameters.     

Effect of Structure of Functionalizing Molecules on the Inter‐Macromolecular Reactions and Blending of Poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene) (EPM) with Poly(6‐aminohexanoic Acid) (PA6)

Two different functionalizing systems, i.e., monohexadecyl maleate (= hexadecyl hydrogen (2Z)‐but‐2‐enedioate) in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (= bis(1‐methyl‐1‐phenylethyl) peroxide) or 4‐carboxybenzenesulfonazide (= 4‐(azidosulfonyl)benzoic acid), were used in distinct experiments to perform in a one‐step procedure the formation of a EPM–PA6 graft copolymer, necessary to obtain a compatibilized blend, from a molten mixture of ethylene–propylene copolymer (EPM) and polyamide 6 (PA6). The characterization of the graft polymer by selective solvent extraction of the blends and the subsequent IR and NMR analysis of the various fractions established the occurrence of functionalization reactions preferentially onto the polyolefin with both reagents. Also the formation in good yield of graft copolymers at the phases interface was observed. Moreover, the morphology and thermal characterizations of the blends by means of SEM and DSC analyses were used to evaluate the compatibilization extent in comparison with blends obtained by the conventional two‐step procedure or by the one‐step procedure with commercial maleic acid derivatives.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Dicopper(II) Complex [Cu2{Ph2P(=O)(o‐C6H4)CO2}2(THF)2(H2O)2][BF4]2 by Oxidation of [Cu{Ph2P(o‐C6H4)C(=O)H}2(NCMe)][BF4] with Aqueous H2O2

Treatment of [Cu(pcho)₂(NCMe)][BF₄] 1 (pcho = 2‐(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde) with aqueous H₂O₂ in THF solvent affords [Cu₂(dpb)₂(THF)₂(H₂O)₂] [BF₄]₂ 2 (dpb = 2‐(diphenylphosphinoxide)‐benzoate) after crystallization from diethyl ether. This reaction involves oxidation of Cu(I) to Cu(II) ion, phosphine to phosphinoxide, and benzaldehyde to benzoate species. The crystal structure of 2 consists of two copper(II) atoms bridged by two carboxylate moieties of the dpb ligands. The coordination about each copper(II) atom is a distorted trigonal bipyramid.     

A 3D 12‐Ring Zeolite with Ordered 4‐Ring Vacancies Occupied by (H2O)2 Dimers

A germanate zeolite, PKU‐14, with a three‐ dimensional large‐pore channel system was structurally characterized by a combination of high‐resolution powder X‐ray diffraction, rotation electron diffraction, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Ordered Ge₄O₄ vacancies inside the [4⁶.6¹²] cages has been found in PKU‐14, in which a unique (H₂O)₂ dimer was located at the vacancies and played a structure‐directing role. It is the first time that water clusters are found to be templates for ordered framework vacancies.     

A Gadolinium Complex of the 5‐(1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐yl)isophthalic Acid Ligand: [Gd(C9H3N4O4)(H2O)3·2H2O]n

The reaction of Gd(ClO₄)₃·6H₂O with 5‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)isophthalic acid affords a 3D framework gadolinium coordination polymer, [Gd(C₉H₃N₄O₄)(H₂O)₃·2H₂O]_n ( 1 ). Its crystal structure belongs to a triclinic system, space group , with a = 7.909(2) Å; b = 8.448(2) Å; c = 10.994(2) Å; α = 102.65(3)°; β = 124.32(2)°; γ = 96.28(3)°; V = 704.5(2) ų; Z = 2; R₁ = 0.0245 for 3225 reflections with I >2σ(I), wR₂ = 0.0556. Fluorescent analyses show that compound 1 exhibits purple fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

[(C6H10)(NH3)2][Ni(H2O)4C6H2(COO)4]·4H2O – A Coordination Polymer with the Chain‐like Polyanion {Ni(H2O)4[C6H2(COO)4]2−}n

Triclinic single crystals of [(C₆H₁₀)(NH₃)₂][Ni(H₂O)₄C₆H₂(COO)₄]·4H₂O have been prepared in aqueous solution at 55 °C. Space group (Nr. 2), a = 691.23(6), b = 924.84(5), c = 1082.43(7) pm, α = 74.208(6)°, β = 75.558(7)°, γ = 68.251(6)°, V = 0.60985(7) nm³, Z = 1. The Nickel(II) species, located on a crystallographic inversion centre, is coordinated in a trans‐octahedral fashion by two oxygen atoms stemming from the centrosymmetric pyromellitate anions and four from water molecules (Ni–O 205.82(12) – 208.11(13) pm). The connection between Ni²⁺ and [C₆H₂(COO)₄)]^4? leads to infinite chain‐like polyanions extending parallel to with {Ni(H₂O)₄[C₆H₂(COO)₄]^2?}_n composition. [(C₆H₁₀)(NH₃)₂]²⁺‐cations are accomodated between the chains, compensating for the negative charge of the polyanions. Thermogravimetric analysis in air showed that the loss of water of crystallisation occurs in two steps between 102 and 206 °C, corresponding to the loss of 6 and 2 water molecules per formula unit, respectively. The dehydrated sample was stable between 206 and 353 °C. Further decomposition yielded nickel(II) oxide (NiO).     

Photo Polymerized Interpenetrating Polymer Network of Poly(antimony acrylate) and Poly(arsenic acrylate): Synthesis and Characterization

A series of IPN based on poly(antimony acrylate) and poly(arsenic acrylate) have been synthesized by a sequential mode of synthesis. Formation of complex based on “polymer solvent” method reflects the contraction of the polymer coils by determining the value of mutual interaction constant (k_AB) in different solvents such as dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) (k_AB=0.60); dimethylformamide (DMF) (k_AB=0.42); dioxane (k_AB=0.26) predicting weak Vander Waal interaction. The scanning electron microscopy reveals dual phase morphology of both metal acrylates. The infrared spectrum indicates characteristic frequencies of (>C?O) at 1730 cm^?1,thus giving structural evidence for IPN. The properties namely percentage swelling, average molecular weight between crosslinks(M_c),Young's modulus, increases with concentrations of linear polymer(polyantimony acrylate) and initiator (benzoyl peroxide). However, it decreases with concentrations of monomer (arsenic acrylate) and crosslinker (divinyl benzene).The value of activation energy calculated from thermo gravimetric analysis is 15 KJ/mol.     

LaX3-C18H16N3O2Cl-H2O三元体系的相平衡

测定了ＬａＸ３－Ｃ１８Ｈ１６Ｎ３Ｏ２Ｃｌ－Ｈ２Ｏ（Ｘ＝ＮＯ＾３,Ｃｌ＾－）三元体系在３０℃时的溶度和饱和溶液的折光率。发现Ｌａ（ＮＯ３）３＝Ｃ１８Ｈ１６Ｎ３Ｏ２Ｃｌ－Ｈ２Ｏ体系有不一致溶化合物Ｌａ（Ｃ１８Ｈ１６Ｎ３Ｏ２Ｃｌ）３（ＮＯ３）３生成,而ＬａＣｌ３－Ｃ１８Ｈ１６Ｎ３Ｏ２Ｃｌ－Ｈ２Ｏ体系为简单共饱体系。     

体系Mg(NO3)2-MgCl2-H2O作为相变储能材料的相图预测

应用修正的BET热力学模型对Mg(NO₃)₂-MgCl₂-H₂O体系在273～373 K的相图进行预测, 发现两个共晶点, 并通过实验对共晶点组成材料的吸热和放热行为进行测定, 发现三元共晶点Mg(NO₃)₂•6H₂O(45.6%)-Mg(NO₃)₂•2H₂O (29.6%)-MgCl₂•6H₂O(24.8%)储能效果较差, 而二元共晶点Mg(NO₃)₂•6H₂O(61.6%)-MgCl₂•6H₂O(38.4%)在熔点附近具有很好的储放热能力, 其相变热焓经差热分析为136.8 J•g^－1, 说明该材料可用作潜在的相变储能材料.     

Crystal Structures of {[Cd(phen)](C6H8O4)3/3} and {[Cd(phen)](C7H10O4)3/3} · 2H2O with C6H10O4 = Adipic Acid and C7H12O4 = Pimelic Acid

Two coordination polymers {[Cd(phen)](C₆H₈O₄)_3/3} ( 1 ) and {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} · 2H₂O ( 2 ) were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. In 1 (C2/c (no. 15), a = 16.169(2)Å, b = 15.485(2)Å, c = 14.044(2)Å, β = 112.701(8)°, U = 3243.9(7)ų, Z = 8), the Cd atoms are coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand and five O atoms of three adipato ligands to form mono‐capped trigonal prisms with d(Cd‐O) = 2.271‐2.583Å and d(Cd‐N) = 2.309, 2.390Å. The [Cd(phen)] moieties are bridged by adipato ligands to generate {[Cd(phen)](C₆H₈O₄)_3/3} chains, which, via interchain π—π stacking interactions, are assembled into layers. Complex 2 (P1¯(no. 2), a = 9.986(1)Å, b = 10.230(3)Å, c = 11.243(1)Å, α = 66.06(1)°, β = 87.20(1)°, γ = 66.71(1)°, U = 955.7(2)ų, Z = 2) consists of {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} chains and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. The Cd atoms are pentagonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand and five O atoms of three pimelato ligands with d(Cd‐O) = 2.213—2.721Å and d(Cd‐N) = 2.329, 2.372Å. Through interchain π—π stacking interactions, the {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} chains resulting from [Cd(phen)] moieties bridged by pimelato ligands are assembled in to layers, between which the hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules are sandwiched.     

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of a Copper Cube: [Cu4(OH)4(C16H18N2)4]4+ (ClO4)4 C3H6O [C16H18N2=(E)-1,6-[Di(pyridin-4-yl)hex-3-ene]

The synthesis of a Cu₄(OH)₄ cube which is coordinated by four molecules of the dipyridyl ligand 1,6-[di(pyridin-4-yl)hex-3-ene] is reported. This compound has a trans double bond which restricts the conformational freedom of the ligand and favours coordination within a unique copper cube. The structure was solved by an X-Ray single crystal structure determination and low temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements examined its magnetic properties. The cube classification corresponds to the type I classification of Mergehenn and Haase and the short/long distribution of Cu ⋅⋅⋅ Cu separations in the cube as defined by Ruiz. The magnetic susceptibility measurements show paramagnetic behaviour down to 50 K but below this the copper cube shows weak ferromagnetic exchange interactions. The low temperature magnetic susceptibility characteristics are examined in detail then modelled and compared to other similar Cu₄O₄ copper cubes.     

Molybdänhalogenidcluster mit zwei terminalen Alkoholatliganden: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von (C18H36N2O6Na)2[Mo6Cl12(OCH3)2] und (C18H36N2O6Na)2[Mo6Cl12(OC15H11)2] · 2C4H6O3

Molybdenum(II) Halide Clusters with two Alcoholate Ligands: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OCH₃)₂] and (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OC₁₅H₁₁)₂] · 2C₄H₆O₃ . Reaction of Mo₆Cl₁₂ with two equivalents of sodium methoxide in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt yields (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OCH₃)₂] ( 1 ), which can be converted to (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OC₁₅H₁₁)₂] · 2C₄H₆O₃ ( 2 ) by metathesis with 9-Anthracenemethanole in propylene carbonate. As confirmed by X-ray single crystal structure determination ( 1 : C2/m, a=25.513(8) Å, b=13.001(3) Å, c=10.128(3) Å, β=100.204(12)°; : C2/c, a=15.580(5) Å, b=22.337(5) Å, c=27.143(8) Å, β=98.756(10)°) the compounds contain anionic cluster units [Mo₆ClCl(OR^a)₂]^2? with two alcoholate ligands in terminal trans positions ( 1 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.597(2) Å to 2.610(2) Å, d(Mo—Clⁱ) 2.471(3) Å to 2.493(4) Å, d(Mo—Cl^a) 2.417(8) Å and 2.427(8) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.006(13) Å; 2 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.599(3) Å to 2.628(3), d(Mo—Clⁱ) 2.468(8) Å to 2.506(7) Å, d(Mo—Cl^a) 2.444(8) Å and 2.445(7) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.012(19) Å).     

3Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·8H2O: A Metastable Phase in the System Mg(OH)2‐MgSO4‐H2O

In the course of investigations relating to magnesia oxysulfate cement the basic magnesium salt hydrate 3Mg(OH)₂ · MgSO₄ · 8H₂O (3–1–8 phase) was found as a metastable phase in the system Mg(OH)₂‐MgSO₄‐H₂O at room temperature (the 5–1–2 phase is the stable phase) and was characterized by thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The complex crystal structure of the 3–1–8 phase was determined from high resolution laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data [space group C2/c, Z = 4, a = 7.8956(1) Å, b = 9.8302(2) Å, c = 20.1769(2) Å, β = 96.2147(16)°, and V = 1556.84(4) ų]. In the crystal structure of the 3–1–8 phase, parallel double chains of edge‐linked distorted Mg(OH₂)₂(OH)₄ octahedra run along [–110] and [110] direction forming a pattern of crossed rods. Isolated SO₄ tetrahedra and interstitial water molecules separate the stacks of parallel double chains.     

Dodekahydro‐closo‐dodekaborate der schweren Erdalkalimetalle aus wäßriger Lösung: Ca(H2O)7[B12H12] · H2O,Sr(H2O)8[B12H12] und Ba(H2O)6[B12H12]

Dodecahydro‐ closo ‐dodecaborates of the Heavy Alkaline‐Earth Metals from Aqueous Solution: Ca(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂] · H₂O, Sr(H₂O)₈[B₁₂H₁₂], and Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂] The crystalline hydrates of the heavy alkaline earth metal dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborates (M[B₁₂H₁₂] · n H₂O, n = 6–8; M = Ca, Sr, Ba) are easily accessible by reaction of an aqueous (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] solution with an alkaline earth metal carbonate (MCO₃). By isothermic evaporation of the respective aqueous solution we obtained colourless single crystals which are characterized by X‐ray diffraction at room temperature. The three compounds Ca(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂] · H₂O (orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁; a = 1161.19(7), b = 1229.63(8), c = 1232.24(8) pm; Z = 4), Sr(H₂O)₈[B₁₂H₁₂] (trigonal, R3; a = 1012.71(6), c = 1462.94(9) pm; Z = 3) and Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂] (orthorhombic, Cmcm; a = 1189.26(7) pm, b = 919.23(5) pm, c = 1403.54(9) pm; Z = 4) are neither formula‐equal nor isostructural. The structure of Sr(H₂O)₈[B₁₂H₁₂] is best described as a NaCl‐type arrangement, Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂] rather forms a layer‐like and Ca(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂] · H₂O a channel‐like structure. In first sphere the alkaline earth metal cations Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ are coordinated by just seven and eight oxygen atoms from the surrounding water molecules, respectively. A direct coordinative influence of the quasi‐icosahedral [B₁₂H₁₂]^2– cluster anions becomes noticeable only for the Ba²⁺ cations (CN = 12) in Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂]. The dehydratation of the alkaline earth metal dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrates has been shown to take place in several steps. Thermal treatment leads to the anhydrous compounds Ca[B₁₂H₁₂], Sr[B₁₂H₁₂] and Ba[B₁₂H₁₂] at 224, 164 and 116 °C, respectively.     

Interactions with ATP, DNA Cleavage and Anti-tumor Activities of Complexes with Anions [Mo（V）O2（O2CeH4）2]^3-, [Mo（Ⅴ）0.5W（Ⅵ）0.5O2（O2C6H4）2]^2.5- and [W（Ⅵ）O2（O2C6H4）2]^2-

(NH3CH2CH2NH2)3[Mo(Ⅴ)O2(O2C6H4)2] (1), (NH3CH2CH2NH2)2.5[Mo(Ⅴ)o.sW(Ⅵ)o.502(O2C6H4)2] (2) and(NH3CH2CH2NH2)2[VC(Ⅵ)O2(O2C6H4)2] (3) were synthesized, structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, and studied on their interactions with ATP, their DNA cleavage activities and antitumor properties. The redox state of molybdenum was not changed on going from crystal to aqueous solutions in complexes 1 and 2, while tungsten underwent reduction from W(VI) to W(V) in complexes 2 and 3. ATP promoted the oxidation of both molybdenum and tungsten from M(Ⅴ) to M(Ⅵ) and the hydrolysis of catecholate ligands in solution consisting of ATP and the complexes. Complex 1 possesses fairly good activity to DNA cleavage and against tumor S180 in mice, and is more effective than the control drug cyclophosphamide under the identical conditions. However, complexes 2 and 3 exhibited marginal effectiveness. The effectiveness of anti-tumor of the complexes was related positively to their DNA cleavage activities and their hydrolysis of catecholate ligands.