Simple rules for the understanding of Heusler compounds

Heusler compounds are a remarkable class of intermetallic materials with 1:1:1 (often called Half-Heusler) or 2:1:1 composition comprising more than 1500 members. Today, more than a century after their discovery by Fritz Heusler, they are still a field of active research. New properties and potential fields of applications emerge constantly; the prediction of topological insulators is the most recent example. Surprisingly, the properties of many Heusler compounds can easily be predicted by the valence electron count. Their extremely flexible electronic structure offers a toolbox which allows the realization of demanded but apparently contradictory functionalities within one ternary compound. Devices based on multifunctional properties, i.e. the combination of two or more functions such as superconductivity and topological edge states will revolutionize technological applications. The subgroup of more than 250 semiconductors is of high relevance for the development of novel materials for energy technologies. Their band gaps can readily be tuned from zero to ≈4 eV by changing the chemical composition. Thus, great interest has been attracted in the fields of thermoelectrics and solar cell research. The wide range of their multifunctional properties is also reflected in extraordinary magneto-optical, magnetoelectronic, and magnetocaloric properties. The most prominent example is the combination of magnetism and exceptional transport properties in spintronic devices. To take advantage of the extremely high potential of Heusler compounds simple rules for the understanding of the structure, the electronic structure and the relation to the properties are reviewed.     

A comprehensive investigation of the interrelationships between spectroscopy and photochemistry and substituents of some azulenic derivatives

Several azulenic dyes, including six azulene hydrocarbons, two azulene aldehydes, and two olefinic azulenes, have been synthesized to survey their photophysics and photochemistry. These azulenes display S(2)-->S(0) emission, but with several differences. This is the most remarkable characteristic of the effect of orbital control on color and excited state properties of the azulenic compounds. This paper emphasizes how emission spectra and photochemistry of azulenic compounds are influenced by their chemical structure and solvent. The emission spectra of the azulene hydrocarbons suggest that their excited state properties can be controlled by their molecular structure and size. It was confirmed by emission and (1)H NMR spectroscopy that azulene monoaldehyde is protonated in a strong acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Photochemistry of styrylazulenes was observed during irradiation. Azulenic compounds are thermally stable and color tunable, and hence they are good candidates as non-linear optical materials. Based on their unique photochemical and photophysical characteristics, novel azulenic dyes can be constructed for different uses.     

Peptidomimetics for Receptor Ligands—Discovery,Development, and Medical Perspectives

Peptides, as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones, influence a multitude of physiological processes by signal transduction mediated through receptors. In addition, during the last 20 years their role in the appearance or maintenance of various diseases could be unequivocally proven. Agents that can imitate or block the biological functions of bioactive peptides (agonists or antagonists, respectively) can be considered as aids for the investigation of peptidergic systems and also as therapeutic agents. The suitability of bioactive peptides as therapeutic agents was examined after preliminary pharmacological experiments. It was thereby shown that based on their pharmacological properties, for example degradation by peptidases or poor bioavailability, they could be employed as drugs in only a few cases. To solve this problem peptidomimetics, compounds that act as substitutes for peptides in their interaction with receptors, have been synthesized. In comparison with native peptides they show higher metabolic stability, better bioavailability, and longer duration of action. Peptidomimetics with antagonistic properties were also developed within the range of these investigations. As a result, new types of treatment and therapy for a series of diseases are possible. Although peptidomimetics have been developed largely by empirical methods (e.g. modification of native peptides, optimization of lead structures), methods for rational design based on investigations into the structure of peptide? peptide receptor complexes and studies of conformation energies, among others, are gradually being established.     

meso-四(间烷氧基苯基)卟啉及其铜配合物的合成、 表征和性能研究

设计合成了meso-四(间烷氧基苯基)卟啉及其19个铜配合物, 其中16个为未见报道的化合物. 研究了其合成、分离、纯化方法, 得到了这两个系列化合物的晶体或固体, 其结构经 1H NMR, MS, IR, UV和元素分析确证. 研究了这两个系列化合物的液晶性能, 发现13个化合物具有液晶性, 其液晶行为表现为升温单变液晶. 还研究了烷氧基链长、金属离子和分子空间结构对卟啉化合物液晶性能的影响.     

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Applications of Nitrogen-Containing Macrocycles

Macrocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds are versatile molecules. Supramolecular, noncovalent interactions of these macrocycles with guest molecules enables them to act as catalysts, fluorescent sensors, chiral or nonchiral selectors, or receptors of small molecules. In the solid state, they often display a propensity to form inclusion compounds. All of these properties are usually closely connected with the presence of nitrogen atoms in the macrocyclic ring. As most of the reviews published so far on macrocycles were written from the viewpoint of functional groups, synthetic methods, or the structure, search methods for literature reports in terms of the physicochemical properties of these compounds may be unobvious. In this minireview, the emphasis was put on the synthesis and applications of nitrogen-containing macrocyclic compounds, as they differ from their acyclic analogs, and at the same time are the driving force for further research.     

2.2]Paracyclophanes in polymer chemistry and materials science

After a long period as model compounds in basic research [2.2]paracyclophanes are quickly gaining in practical importance. They can be incorporated into numerous polymeric systems in which they either lose (the so-called Parylenes) or retain their layered structure, and they can be used for the construction of unsaturated molecular scaffolds characterized not only by conventional (lateral) pi-electron overlap but also by cofacial pi-electron interactions. Surfaces generated from and with [2.2]paracyclophanes possess interesting biological, photophysical, and optoelectronic properties.     

The Relation Between Position and Chemical Composition of Bis-Indole Substituents Determines Their Interactions with G-Quadruplex DNA

G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are linked to fundamental biological processes and human diseases, which has triggered the development of compounds that affect these DNA structures. However, more knowledge is needed about how small molecules interact with G4 DNA structures. This study describes the development of a new class of bis-indoles (3,3-diindolyl-methyl derivatives) and detailed studies of how they interact with G4 DNA using orthogonal assays, biophysical techniques, and computational studies. This revealed compounds that strongly bind and stabilize G4 DNA structures, and detailed binding interactions which for example, show that charge variance can play a key role in G4 DNA binding. Furthermore, the structure–activity relationships generated opened the possibilities to replace or introduce new substituents on the core structure, which is of key importance to optimize compound properties or introduce probes to further expand the possibilities of these compounds as tailored research tools to study G4 biology.     

具有三角架结构的丙二酸、β-二酮和吡唑衍生物的合成、结构及超分子自组装

本文系统的探讨了1,3,5-丙二酸衍生物取代基（2-5）,戊烷-2,4-二酮取代基(6),3,5-二甲基-1H-吡唑取代基-2,4,6-三乙基苯(7)的合成和结构。1H NMR分析表明,这些化合物在溶液中具有高度的对称性;X-单晶衍射分析确认这些化合物在固态均采取1,3,5-交替构象,即三个功能取代基团处在中心苯环平面的一边,而三个乙基则位于该中心苯环平面的另一边。分子内和分子间氢键是化合物4,5,7实现超分子自组装的主要作用力。化合物7（L）的吡唑取代基与铜离子（II）通过Cu-N的配位键作用形成笼状配合物8 (Cu3L2),在配合物8中,两配体分子7（L）采取了顺式面面相向的构象。     

Analysis of the refractive indices of TiO2, TiOF2, and TiF4: concept of optical channel as a guide to understand and design optical materials

In an effort to gain insight into how optical properties of insulating materials are affected by a change in chemical composition, we investigated the dielectric functions of titanium dioxide, TiO(2), and its fluorine-substituted phases, TiOF(2) and TiF(4), by electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory electronic band structure calculations. The refractive indices of these compounds are found to be inversely proportional to their cell volumes per formula unit. This observation was explained by employing the concept of optical channels. Our study indicates that the light-scattering properties of insulating compounds can be controlled by modifying their cell volumes.     

Biodegradable starburst carbon chain polymer-protein and lysine dendrite conjugates: adjustment of immune properties,DNA bonding and delivery

In the past decade, the development of gene therapy technology has focused on the design of new nonviral carriers for gene delivery. Proteins modified with polyethyleneimine^[1] or polylysine^[2] as well as dendrites^[3] have shown to be perspective carriers for DNA targeted delivery. The usage of protein conjugates as carriers of biologically active compounds will depend on the adjustment of their immune properties. To investigate this we have prepared starburst carbon chain polymer/protein conjugates containing low molecular weight biologically active compounds, salsolinol and bradykinin, in the polymer moieties and studied their immune properties. We have shown that chemical structure of the polymer moiety determines the conjugate biodegradation as well as their immune properties. The starburst poly(N-vinylimidazole) transferring poly(N-vinylimidazole) and polylysine 3G lysine dendrite conjugates have been prepared. The study of their ability to bind DNA and to guarantee its targeted delivery have shown that they are perspective DNA carriers.     

Two-photon Pumped Up-conversion Lasing Properties of A Series of Organic Salts with Different Side-chains

Two-photon processes, perceived until recently to be of only academic interest, are now receiving a great deal of interest for their many potential technological applications1-3, This area offers numerous opportunities both for fundamental research and for new application development. From the fundamental research point of view, there are numerous challenges for computational and synthetic chemists. In exploring strong TPA (two-photon absorption) compounds, Albota et al. have focused on symm…     

Acetylene-terminated resins: Mechanism of thermal polymerization and properties of cured polymers

The polymerization kinetics and mechanisms of model compounds (mono- and difunctional) characteristic of prepolymers of ATR (acetylene-terminated resins) have been studied by HPLC, FTIR, UV, NMR (liquid and solid) and HPLC in the temperature range of 150–220°C. Using monofunctional compounds, we were able to show that the thermal polymerization of acetylene functions is not a simple reaction. Initially, the majority of compounds formed have a low polymerization degree, followed by the formation of species with higher and progressive polymerization degrees. Spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and FTIR lead to the unambiguous determination of reaction conversion up to 95% in the case of bifunctional prepolymers. The understanding of network structures, on the other hand, is more delicate in polyaromatic systems, since the chains formed are very similar to the basic skeleton of the prepolymer. The kinetic curves obtained isothermally between 150–220°C have shown that while kinetic monitoring of the disappearance of the first 90% of ethynyl functions poses no particular problems, there is a considerable uncertainty for the last 10%, regardless of the technique chosen. We have demonstrated that me thermal properties are dependent on the molecular weight and the structure of the polymer.     

Kagome network compounds and their novel magnetic properties

Compounds possessing the Kagome network are truly interesting because of their unusual low-energy properties. They exhibit magnetic frustration because of the triangular lattice inherent to the hexagonal bronze structure they possess, as indeed demonstrated by some of the Fe(3+) jarosites, but this is not the general case. Kagome compounds formed by transition metal ions with varying spins exhibit novel magnetic properties, some even showing evidence for magnetic order and absence of frustration. We describe the structure and magnetic properties of this interesting class of materials and attempt to provide an explanation for the variety of properties on the basis of theoretical considerations.     

Bis-Thioether-Containing Lipid Chains in Cationic Amphiphiles: Physicochemical Properties and Applications in Gene Delivery

Cationic amphiphiles featuring two thioether functions in each lipid chain of bicatenar cationic amphiphiles are reported here for the first time. The physicochemical properties and transfection abilities of these new amphiphiles were compared with those of already reported analogues featuring either (i) saturated, (ii) unsaturated or (iii) mono-thioether containing lipid chains. The homogeneity of the series of new compounds allowed to clearly underscore the effect of bis-thioether containing lipid chains. This study shows that besides previous strategies based on unsaturation or ramification, the incorporation of two thioether functions per lipid chain constitutes an original complementary alternative to tune the supramolecular properties of amphiphilic compounds. The potential of this strategy was evaluated in the context of gene delivery and report that two cationic amphiphiles (i. e. 4 a and 4 b) can be proposed as new efficient transfection reagents.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new dyestuff polymer soluble in alkaline aqueous media

Novel dyestuff polymers were successfully obtained through oxidative polymerization technique. The synthesized Schiff base and its polymer were soluble in alkaline＇aqueous medium and they have various colors in different solutions. Also, it can be said that the synthesized compounds are suitable as coloring agent （dyestuff） for textile applications. Fluorescence properties of the compounds were determined in DMF with different concentrations （mg/L）. Poly-tris（4- aminophenyl）methanol （P-TAPM） has quite high emission and excitation intensity values. Optical and electrochemical band gaps of the polymers were lower than those of the monomers indicating the more conjugated structure of the polymers. The oxidized states of the novel dyestuff compounds were examined by cyclic voltammetry （CV） technique. The solid state conductivity measurements showed that the synthesized polymers were semiconductors when exposed to the iodine vapour their conductivities could be increased. P-TAPM had the highest undoped conductivity. Thermal characterizations of the synthesized compounds were carried out by TG-DTA and DSC methods.     

Structure determination and characterization of two rare-earth molybdenum borate compounds: LnMoBO(6) (Ln = La, Ce)

The structural, optical, and electronic properties of two rare-earth molybdenum borate compounds, LnMoBO(6) (Ln = La, Ce), have been investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and spectral measurements, as well as calculations of energy band structures, density of states, and optical response functions by the density functional method. The title compounds, which crystallize in monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, possess a similar network of interconnected [Ce(2)(MoO(4))(2)](2+) chains and [BO(2)](-) wavy chains. Novel 1D molybdenum oxide chains are contained in their three-dimensional (3D) networks. The calculated results of crystal energy band structure by the density functional theory (DFT) method show that the solid-state compound LaMoBO(6) is a semiconductor with indirect band gaps.     

Octane numbers (ONs) of hydrocarbons: a QSPR study using optimal topological indices for the topological equivalents of the ONs

A new method proposed for solving QSPR tasks is based on transition from numerical values to topological equivalents (TEs) of physicochemical properties of chemical compounds. The TEs are unambiguously related to corresponding properties; for n-alkanes, they are linear functions of the number, n, of carbon atoms. Since the TE depends only on the corresponding physicochemical parameter, it can be calculated for any hydrocarbon using the same relationships as those known for n-alkanes. The optimal topological index (OTI) constructed using the chemical structure matrix for TEs usually has a much smaller basis compared to the topological index obtained by analogous procedure for the physicochemical property. An algorithm for modeling of physicochemical properties using the TEs was developed and evaluated taking the octane numbers of alkanes and cycloalkanes as examples. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1619–1631, September, 2007.     

Synthetic strategies to derivatizable triphenylamines displaying high two-photon absorption

A versatile synthetic strategy to access a set of highly fluorescent pi-conjugated triphenylamines bearing a functional linker at various positions on one phenyl ring is described. These compounds were designed for large two-photon absorption (2PA) and in particular for labeling of biomolecules. The monoderivatized trisformylated or trisiodinated intermediates described herein allow introduction of a large variety of electron-withdrawing groups required for large 2PA as well as a panel of chemical functions suitable for coupling to biomolecules. The monoderivatized three-branched compounds and in particular the benzothiazole (TP-3Bz) series show remarkable linear (high extinction coefficients and high quantum yield) and nonlinear (high 2-photon cross sections) optical properties. Interestingly the presence of functional side chains does not disturb the two-photon absorption. Finally, monoderivatized two-branched derivatives also appear to be valuable candidates. Altogether the good optical properties of the new derivatizable pi-conjugated TPA combined with their small size and their compatibility with bioconjugation protocols suggest that they represent a new chemical class of labels potentially applicable for the tracking of biomolecules using two-photon scanning microscopy.     

Graphene-Oxide-Based Fluoro- and Chromo-Genic Materials and Their Applications

Composite materials and their applications constitute a hot field of research nowadays due to the fact that they comprise a combination of the unique properties of each component of which they consist. Very often, they exhibit better performance and properties compared to their combined building blocks. Graphene oxide (GO), as the most widely used derivative of graphene, has attracted widespread attention because of its excellent properties. Abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on GO can provide various reactive sites for chemical modification or functionalization of GO, which in turn can be used to develop novel GO-based composites. This review outlines the most recent advances in the field of novel dyes and pigments encompassing GO as a key ingredient or as an important cofactor. The interactions of graphene with other materials/compounds are highlighted. The special structure and unique properties of GO have a great effect on the performance of fabricated hybrid dyes and pigments by enhancing the color performance of dyes, the anticorrosion properties of pigments, the viscosity and rheology of inks, etc., which further expands the applications of dyes and pigments in dyeing, optical elements, solar-thermal energy storage, sensing, coatings, and microelectronics devices. Finally, challenges in the current development as well as the future prospects of GO-based dyes and pigments are also discussed. This review provides a reference for the further exploration of novel dyes and pigments.