Phase behaviors of Gemini cationic surfactants/n-butanol/water systems

Phase diagrams for ternary system of the Gemini cationic surfactants, N,N-long chain alkyl-2-hydroxyl-N,N,N,N-tetramethyl diammonium dichloride (G_nCl₂) with butanol and water have been drawn based on experimental data at 25 °C. The phase diagrams show that L phase and different liquid crystalline phases are existent in the ternary system at different components. Electric conductivity of the L phase has been studied. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), ²H (deuterium) quadrupolar splitting (²H NMR) and the polarizing-light microscope were employed to confirm the characteristic texture structures and the microstructure of three different liquid crystalline phases.     

Cubosome particles of a novel Guerbet branched chain glycolipid

Cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (cubosomes) of bicontinuous nature with internal networks of water channels have received great interests in nanomedicine applications, particularly as potential vehicle for loading and release of therapeutic agents. These nanoparticles have been most commonly produced using monoolein and phytantriol. In this study, we explore the use of a Guerbet branched chain glycolipid, namely 2-hexyl-decyl-β-D glucopyranoside (β-Glc?OC₁₀C₆), as a new and alternative material for cubosomes production. The fully hydrated glycolipid assumes a reverse bicontinuous cubic liquid crystal phase of an Ia3d space group with lattice parameter of ca. 74 Å, as confirmed using a small-angle X-ray scattering. Dynamic light scattering and a conventional transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the average size and morphology of the cubosomes. The effectiveness of Poloxamer 407 (stabiliser typically used in other cubosome systems against aggregations and particle coalescence) in providing steric stabilisation of the glycolipid cubosomes was assessed through visual assessment.     

Self-assembling properties of glycolipid biosurfactants and their potential applications

Biosurfactants (BS) produced by a variety of microorganisms show unique properties (e.g. mild production conditions, multi-functionality, higher environmental compatibility) compared to their chemical counterparts. The numerous advantages of BS have prompted applications not only in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries but in environmental protection and energy-saving technology as well. Among BS, “Glycolipid type” BS are the most promising, due to high productivity from renewable resources and versatile interfacial and biochemical properties. Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), which are glycolipid BS produced by yeast strains of the genus Pseudozyma, not only exhibit excellent surface activities but also self-assemble to form different lyotropic liquid crystalline phases such as sponge (L₃), bicontinuous cubic (V₂) or lammellar (L_α). They also show induction of cell-differentiation against human leukemia cells, and high binding affinity towards lectins and immunoglobulins. Recently, the cationic liposome bearing MELs has been demonstrated to increase dramatically the efficiency of gene transfection into mammalian cells. These features of BS should broaden the applications in new advanced technologies. The current status of R&D on glycolipid BS, especially their functions and potential applications, is discussed.     

The synthesis and liquid crystal transition temperatures of some weakly polar nematic methyl (E)-[trans-4-substituted-cyclohexyl]-allyl ethers

Abstract

We have introduced an oxygen atom and a carbon-carbon double bond with a trans-configuration (E) into the terminal alkyl chain of a wide variety of liquid crystalline cyclohexane derivatives to produce a variety of new methyl (E)-allyl ethers. The melting points and tendency to form smectic mesophases are often low, while nearly all of the compounds prepared exhibit a nematic phase. Thus, even two-ring derivatives can exhibit nematic phases over a wide temperature range (≤80°C), sometimes starting below room temperature (T _m≈10°C). Comparisons with the corresponding derivatives incorporating either just an oxygen atom or just a carbon-carbon double bond in the same position indicate that synergetic effects lead to broader nematic phases than would otherwise have been expected. Thus many of the new methyl (E)-allyl ethers exhibit nematic phases over a wider temperature range than the corresponding materials with an unsubstituted alkyl chain attached to the cyclohexyl ring. The new compounds are easily prepared from known starting materials. Many intermediates are themselves liquid crystalline. This allows investigation of the relationship between liquid crystal transition temperatures and the nature of the terminally substituted alkyl chain (for example, incorporating C[dbnd]C, OH, CO₂C₂H₅ and OCH₃ groups).     

Lyotropic liquid crystalline phases formed by phyosterol ethoxylates in room-temperature ionic liquids

The phase behaviors of four phytosterol ethoxylates surfactants (BPS-n, n = 5, 10, 20, and 30) with different oxyethylene units in room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF₄), have been studied. The polarized optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques are used to characterize the phase structures of these binary systems at 25 °C. The structure and ordering of the liquid crystalline (LC) phases in such BPS-n/[Bmim]BF₄ systems are found to be influenced by BPS-n concentration and the temperature. Due to the bulky and rigid cholesterol group, the phytosterol ethoxylates surfactants exhibit different properties and interaction mechanism from the conventional C_nEO_m type nonionic surfactant systems. The rheological measurements indicate a highly viscoelastic nature of these lyotropic LC phases and disclose a lamellar phase characteristic with a rather strong rigidity at high surfactant concentrations. The control experiment with Brij 97(polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether)/[Bmim]BF₄ system and the FTIR measurements help to recognize that the solvophobic interaction combining with the hydrogen bonding are the main driving forces for the LC phases formation.     

Synthesis of mesomorphic 3,5-bis(3,4,5-trialkyloxybenzoylamino)-4-methylbenzoates involving intermolecular hydrogen bonding

A series of methyl 3,5-bis(3,4,5-trialkyloxybenzoylamino)-4-methylbenzoates (alkyl = CH₃(CH₂)_n?1, n = 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16) exhibits mesomorphic behavior at temperatures between 120 and 240 °C. The liquid crystalline properties have been characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarization microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The molecules stack in columns which pack under hexagonal symmetry. Variable temperature infra-red absorption measurements provide evidence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide entities in both the crystalline and liquid-crystalline phases.     

Magnesium and calcium surfactants Ternary phase diagrams of magnesium and calcium dodecylsulphate with decanol and water

The isothermal ternary phase diagrams for the systems magnesium dodecylsulphate-decanol-water at 40 °C and calcium dodecylsulphate-decanol-water at 50 °C are determined by water deuteron NMR and polarizing microscopic studies. In the magnesium system, three liquid crystalline phases (lamellar and normal and reverse hexagonal) and two isotropic (normal and reverse) solution phases are characterized and their ranges of existence are obtained. The calcium system yields the same liquid crystalline phases, but only the lamellar liquid crystalline phase is investigated in detail. The important observations made are: (i) The lamellar liquid crystalline phase for the magnesium and calcium systems can incorporate, respectively, a maximum of 22.5 and 14.3 mole water per mole surfactant ion against 139 mole water for the corresponding sodium system. (ii) The reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase is formed for both the magnesium and calcium systems while no such liquid crystalline phase exists for the corresponding sodium system. (iii) The²H NMR quadrupole splittings obtained in the liquid crystalline phases for C₈SO ₄ ^– and C₁₂SO ₄ ^– surfactant systems with different counterions (Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺,Be²⁺,Na⁺) reveal that surfactant hydration is almost independent of alkyl chain length and counterions.     

Smectic E,C and A free radicals

Some new paramagnetic liquid crystals are described. Their mesophases have been identified, by isomorphism with known phases, as smectic mesophases of types S_E, S_C and S_A.     

Expeditious preparation of triazole-linked glycolipids via microwave accelerated click chemistry and their electrochemical and biological assessments

A series of triazole-linked ester-type glycolipids were efficiently prepared via a two-step sequence involving microwave accelerated ‘click’ chemistry and debenzylation. All carbon chain length varied O-alkynyl fatty esters used to couple with 1-azido-tetra-O-benzyl-β-d-glucoside showed excellent tolerance to the microwave-assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click reaction), forming the unique cycloadducts in almost quantitative yields of 92.9-99.0% within a quarter. The desired glycolipids were then readily afforded via the successive hydrogenolysis promoted by PdCl₂/H₂. Their adsorption competence on gold electrode were evaluated through EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) measurement and the resulting structure-activity relationship (SAR) was discussed. In addition, the cytotoxicity of this triazolyl glycolipid class on HeLa (cervix cancer) cell line was identified by MTT assay.     

New antiferroelectric liquid crystalline materials containing a keto group and two lactate groups

New chiral liquid crystalline materials containing a keto group and two lactate units attached to the mesogenic core have been synthesized and studied. All the new compounds show the paraelectric SmA, ferroelectric SmC* and antiferroelectric SmC*_A phases each over rather broad temperature ranges. The properties of the phases were characterized by DSC, electro-optical and dielectric studies. The spontaneous polarization, tilt angle, helical pitch, and switching times were determined for the polar phases.     

Tilted supramolecular structures of amphiphilic glycolipids in straight-core smectic C liquid crystals

Optical microscopic and the electric polarization studies show that amphiphilic glycolipids form tilted supramolecular structures in straight-core tilted smectic liquid crystals. Glycolipid and chiral smectic C (SmC) structures show spontaneous polarization while glycolipid and non-chiral SmC structures show no spontaneous polarization. We deduce from these observations that glycolipid molecules in chiral SmC structures nano-segregate in tilted double layers sandwiched between layers of straight-core liquid crystal molecules. In non-chiral SmC structures, tilted glycolipid molecules are nano-segregated in the layers of straight-core liquid crystal molecules. This indicates that, in contrast to the currently accepted interdigitated model, amphiphilic glycolipids may already have a tilted structure.     

Infrared and raman spectra,conformation and force field of 3-methoxy propyne

The infrared spectra of 3-methoxy propyne (CH₃OCH₂CsolutionCH) in and in the crystalline and vapour states have been studied. The Raman spectra of 3-methoxy propyne and 3-methoxy propyne- 1-d have also been measured. The spectra are relatively simple, and no significant spectral alterations are revealed on conversion from vapour, to liquid, to the crystalline state. Together with vapour phase band contours and Raman polarization measurements this indicates that there is predominantly one conformer in all three states. An assignment has been proposed, based on a gauche conformation and supported by normal coordinate analysis.     

Spectroscopic studies of 1,4-dibromobutyne-2

Infrared spectra of 1,4-dibromobutyne-2 have been recorded over the 4000-200 cm^?1 region in the vapour, liquid, amorphous and crystalline states Raman spectra were extended to ca. 20 cm^?1 in the same states of aggregation, except for the non-recorded vapour phase spectrum. The temperature was varied between ?190 and 160 °C, and the pressure up to 10 kbar.A high proportion of the molecules exhibited free, internal rotation in the vapour and liquid phases, but to a smaller extent in the amorphous state at ?190 °C. For those molecules not being excited beyond the potential barrier, an unsymmetric conformation was preferred, whereas in the crystalline state the molecules possessed the anti conformation (C_2h) both at low temperature and at high pressure at ambient temperature.A vibrational analysis based upon force field calculations was carried out and the mean amplitudes of vibration computed. The data have been related to preliminary results from dipole moment and electron diffraction investigations.     

Vibrational spectra and rotational isomerism of triallyl amine

The infrared spectra of triallyl amine in the vapour and liquid phases (as solutions in CS₂, CCl₄, CH₃Cl and CH₃CN), and in the solid state at low temperature were measured from 250 to 4000 cm⁻¹. The Raman spectrum of the liquid was recorded and qualitative depolarization measurements were made. It is shown that in the liquid and vapour phases the molecule exists as a mixture of at least two rotational isomers, while in the crystalline phase it assumes a single configuration having point-group symmetry C₃. A vibrational assignment for the observed bands in the infrared and Raman spectra is proposed on the basis of the C₃ point group symmetry for the more stable form of the molecule.     

Physicochemical characterization of natural-like branched-chain glycosides toward formation of hexosomes and vesicles

Synthetic branched-chain glycolipids have become of great interest in biomimicking research, since they provide a suitable alternative for natural glycolipids, which are difficult to extract from natural resources. Therefore, branched-chain glycolipids obtained by direct syntheses are of utmost interest. In this work, two new branched-chain glycolipids are presented, namely, 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-glucoside (2-HDG) and 2-hexyldecyl β(α)-D-maltoside (2-HDM) based on glucose and maltose, respectively. The self-assembly properties of these glycolipids have been studied, observing the phase behavior under thermotropic and lyotropic conditions. Due to their amphiphilic characteristics, 2-HDG and 2-HDM possess rich phase behavior in dry form and in aqueous dispersions. In the thermotropic study, 2-HDG formed a columnar hexagonal liquid crystalline phase, whereas in a binary aqueous system, 2-HDG formed an inverted hexagonal liquid crystalline phase in equilibrium with excess aqueous solution. Furthermore, aqueous dispersions of the hexagonal liquid crystal could be obtained, dispersions known as hexosomes. On the other hand, 2-HDM formed a lamellar liquid crystalline phase (smectic A) in thermotropic conditions, whereas multilamellar vesicles have been observed in equilibrium with aqueous media. Surprisingly, 2-HDM mixed with sodium dodecyl sulfate or aerosol OT induced the formation of more stable unilamellar vesicles. Thus, the branched-chain glycolipids 2-HDG and 2-HDM not only provided alternative nonionic surfactants with rich phase behavior and versatile nanostructures, but also could be used as new drug carrier systems in the future.     

Phase transitions in chlorobenzene-cis-decalin mixtures

The dielectric constant ?' and loss tangent tan δ of chlorobenzene-cis-decalin mixtures have been measured in the temperature range 77 K to 330 K and frequency range 0.1 to 100 kHz. On cooling, ?' increases with decreasing temperature upto about 135 K, after which it drops rapidly with decreasing T followed by a slow decrease. This indicates that the liquid mixture goes to an amorphous phase which transforms to a glass phase of restricted dipole rotation below T_g; however, the peak in ?' is due to relaxation in the amorphous phase (α relaxation) and does not give an exact T_g. On heating, the behaviour of the cooling curve is retraced upto 160 K, after which ?' drops suddenly to a value lower than that at 77 K in the glass phase. This indicates the transition to a crystalline phase in which dipole rotational freedom is completely lost. The crystalline phase changes to a eutectic liquid phase of high ?' at a temperature (200 K) lower than the melting point of chlorobenzene and cis-decalin. Dielectric dispersion is observed only in the glass and amorphous phases. The dielectric relaxation time is independent of the concentration of chlorobenzene.     

Ionic conductivity in crystalline–amorphous polymer electrolytes – P(EO)6:LiX phases

Recent reports have indicated higher ionic conductivities in crystalline polymer electrolytes consisting of isostructural P(EO)₆:LiX (X=PF₆, AsF₆, SbF₆) phases relative to the analogous amorphous materials. These reports challenge the conventional wisdom in polymer electrolyte research that amorphous electrolytes are much more conductive than crystalline ones. The higher conductivity in the crystalline materials was attributed to the structures in which Li⁺ cations are located within PEO cylinders uncoordinated by the anions. The conductivity and crystallinity of P(EO)_n–LiClO₄ (EO/Li=6 and 10) electrolytes have been examined here. In contrast to the recent reports, much lower conductivities are found for the isostructural P(EO)₆:LiClO₄ crystalline electrolyte relative to the same fully amorphous electrolyte.     

Fluorescent liquid crystalline compounds with 1,3,4-oxadiazole and benzo[b]thiophene units

A series of fluorescent liquid crystalline compounds containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole and benzo[b]thiophene units have been prepared. In CH₂Cl₂ solution, these compounds displayed a fluorescent emission with λ_max at 422–426 nm and quantum yields of 41–48%. Most of them exhibited thermotropic liquid crystalline properties with nematic and/or smectic A phases with excellent thermal stability. This work revealed that longer terminal alkoxy chains would be detrimental to the formation of mesophases for such kind of compounds. The effect of the terminal groups on mesomorphic and spectroscopic property is discussed.     

Vibrational spectra and structure of dimethyl oxalate and dimethyl oxalate-d6

The vibrational spectra of dimethyl oxalate-d₆, have been examined in connection with a re-examination of the spectra and structure of dimethyl oxalate. The vibrational spectra of the compound had previously been interpreted as being consistent with a transC_2h structure in the solid phase and a non-planar C₂, form in the liquid and gas phases. This behaviour is not consistent with that observed in similar compounds and a re-evaluation of the facts suggests that the major spectral changes which are observed may be caused by destroying an intermolecular association in going from the solid to the liquid phase, which allows the methyl groups to assume positions out of the plane. Some modifications and additions have been made in the vibrational assignment and assignments are presented for the deuterated compound.