Investigation of cation–anion interaction in 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium‐based ion pairs by density functional theory calculations and experiments

Gas‐phase structure, hydrogen bonding, and cation–anion interactions of a series of 1‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium ([HOEMIm]⁺)‐based ionic liquids (hereafter called hydroxyl ILs) with different anions (X = [NTf₂]^–, [PF₆]^–, [ClO₄]^–, [BF₄]^–, [DCA]^–, [NO₃]^–, [AC]^– and [Cl]^–), as well as 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimizolium ([EMIm]⁺)‐based ionic liquids (hereafter called nonhydroxyl ILs), were investigated by density functional theory calculations and experiments. Electrostatic potential surfaces and optimized structures of isolated ions, and ion pairs of all ILs have been obtained through calculations at the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31 + G(d,p) level and their hydrogen bonding behavior was further studied by the polarity and Kamlet–Taft Parameters, and ¹H‐NMR analysis. In [EMIm]⁺‐based nonhydroxyl ILs, hydrogen bonding preferred to be formed between anions and C2–H on the imidazolium ring, while in [HOEMIm]⁺‐based hydroxyl ILs, it was replaced by a much stronger one that preferably formed between anions and OH. The O–H···X hydrogen bonding is much more anion‐dependent than the C2–H···X, and it is weakened when the anion is changed from [AC]^– to [NTf₂]^–. The different interaction between [HOEMIm]⁺ and variable anion involving O–H···X hydrogen bonding resulted in significant effect on their bulk phase properties such as ¹H‐NMR shift, polarity and hydrogen‐bond donor ability (acidity, α). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Elaborating the excited state behavior of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine coupling with methanol solvent

We present a theoretical investigation about the excited state dynamical mechanism of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine (DMAPIP‐c). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we reasonably repeat the experimental electronic spectra, which further confirm the theoretical level used in this work is feasible. Given the best complex model, 3 methanol (MeOH) solvent molecules should be connected with DMAPIP‐c forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH complex in both ground state and excited state. Exploring the changes about bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bond wires, we find the O7‐H8···N9 one should be largely strengthened in the S₁ state, which plays an important role in facilitating the excited state intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. In addition, the analyses about infrared vibrational spectra also confirm this conclusion. The redistribution about charges distinguished via frontier molecular orbitals based on the photoexcitation, we do find tendency of ESIPT reaction due to the most charges located around N9 atom in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Based on constructing the potential energy curves of both S₀ and S₁ states, we not only confirm that the ESIPT process should firstly occur along with hydrogen bond wire O7‐H8···N9, but also find a low potential energy barrier 8.898 kcal/mol supports the ESIPT reaction in the S₁ state forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT configuration. Subsequently, DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT could twist its dimethylamino moiety with a lower barrier 3.475 kcal/mol forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT‐TICT structure. Our work not only successfully explains previous experimental work but also paves the way for the further applications about DMAPIP‐c sensor in future.     

Exploring excited‐state proton transfer mechanism for 9,10‐dihydroxybenzo[h]quinolone

In this work, we mainly focus on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of a new molecule 9,10‐dihydroxybenzo[h]quinoline (9‐10‐HBQ). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we have theoretically investigated its excited‐state dynamical process and our theoretical results successfully reappeared previous experimental electronic spectra. The ultrafast excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer process occurs in the first excited state (S₁ state) forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT1 structure without potential energy barrier along with hydrogen bond (O₃–H₄···N₅). Then the second proton may transfer via another intramolecular hydrogen bonded wire (O₁–H₂···N₃) with a moderate potential energy barrier (about 7.69 kcal/mol) in the S₁ state forming 9‐10‐HBQ‐PT2 configuration. After completing excited‐state dynamical process, the molecule on the first excited electronic state would come back to the ground state. We not only clarify the excited‐state dynamical process for 9‐10‐HBQ but also put forward new predictions and successfully explain previous experimental results.     

Mechanistic study on silver(I)‐catalyzed aminofluorination of unactivated alkenes

A study has been performed on the mechanism for the Ag(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular aminofluorination of N‐arylpent‐4‐enamides with Selectfluor by means of density functional theory. According to the calculations, the whole catalytic cycle consists of a series of elementary reactions, including formation of the complex ( IMC ) of the substrate and Ag(H₂O)⁺ (derived from the ligation of H₂O to Ag(I)), oxidation of the complex IMC by Selectfluor, deprotonation, homolytic cleavage of the N–Ag(II) bond, intramolecular radical cyclization, and fluorine abstraction. It is suggested that the oxidation of the complex IMC should be the rate‐determining step and that the intramolecular radical cyclization determines the regioselectivity of the reaction. Different from that in the decarboxylative fluorination, herein, the deprotonation of the amide is initiated by Ag(II) rather than Ag(I).     

Theoretical evidence on O–N type smiles rearrangement mechanism: a computational study on the intramolecular cyclization of N‐methyl‐2‐(2‐chloropyridin‐3‐yloxy)‐acetamide anion

Smiles rearrangement (SR) falls under a broad category of organic synthesis for many important compounds. A complete understanding toward SR process appeals to the assistance of theoretical research. Herein, by performing quantum chemistry calculations, we give a theoretical evidence for the mechanism of a representative O–N type SR, the intramolecular cyclization of N‐methyl‐2‐(2‐chloropyridin‐3‐yloxy)acetamide anion. It is found that the SR to the ipso‐position involves a two‐step mechanism and is energetically more favorable than the direct nucleophilic attack by N atom on the ortho‐position. The present result rationalizes well the experimentally observed ipso‐SR product and provides a consistent picture of the O–N SR process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoinduced electron‐transfer reactions of tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II)‐based carbonic anhydrase inhibitors tethering plural binding sites

Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complex‐based carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors, [Ru(bpy)₂(bpydbs)]²⁺ {bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine and bpydbs = 2,2′‐bipyridinyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxilic acid bis[(2‐{2‐[2‐(4‐sulfamoylbenzoylamino)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethyl)amide]} and [Ru(bpydbs)₃]²⁺, tethering plural benzenesulfonamide groups have been prepared. The CA catalytic activity was effectively suppressed by these synthetic [Ru(bpy)₂(bpydbs)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpydbs)₃]²⁺ inhibitors, and their dissociation constants at pH = 7.2 and at 25°C were determined to be K_I = 0.93 ± 0.02 μM and K_I = 0.24 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. Next, 2 photoinduced electron‐transfer (ET) systems comprising a Ru²⁺‐CA complex and an electron acceptor, such as chloropentaamminecobalt(III) ([CoCl(NH₃)₅]²⁺) or methylviologen (MV²⁺) were studied. In the presence of CA and a sacrificial electron acceptor, such as pentaamminechlorocobalt(III) complex, the photoexcited triplet state of ³([Ru(II)]²⁺)* was quenched through an intermolecular photoinduced ET mechanism. In case of the [Ru(bpydbs)₃]²⁺‐CA‐MV²⁺ system, the photoexcited triplet state of ³([Ru(bpydbs)₃]²⁺)* was quenched by sacrificial quencher through an intermolecular photoinduced ET mechanism, giving the oxidized [Ru(bpydbs)₃]³⁺. Then the following intramolecular ET from the amino acid residue, Tyr6, near the active site of CA proceeded. We observed a transient absorption around at 410 nm, arising from the formation of a Tyr^?+ in the [Ru(bpydbs)₃]²⁺‐CA‐MV²⁺ system. These artificial Ru(II)‐CA systems may clearly demonstrate both intermolecular and intramolecular photoinduced ET reactions of protein and could be one of the interesting models of the ET proteins. Their photophysical properties and the detailed ET mechanisms are discussed in order to clarify the multistep ET reactions.     

1,3‐Bis(2′‐hydroxyethyl)imidazolium ionic liquids: correlating structure and properties with anion hydrogen bonding ability

A series of 1,3‐bis(2′‐hydroxyethyl)imidazolium ionic liquids is reported where ¹H NMR chemical shift values and thermal stabilities (T_d), as determined by thermogravimetric analysis, are correlated with the hydrogen bonding capability of various anions ([Cl^?], [Br^?], [CF₃CO₂^?], [NO₂^?], [MsO^?], [NO₃^?], [TfO^?], [BF₄^?], [NTf₂^?], and [PF₆^?]). Use of anions with the strongest hydrogen bonding capability, such as chloride [Cl^?], bromide [Br^?], and trifluoroacetate [CF₃CO₂^?], led to the furthest observed downfield chemical shift values in DMSO‐d₆ and the poorest thermal stabilities ([CF₃CO₂^?] < 200 °C). Thermal stabilities in excess of 350 °C and upfield chemical shift values were observed for ionic liquids, which employed the weakly coordinating triflate [OTf^?], tetrafluoroborate [BF₄^?], or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf₂^?] anion. Optimized structures of selected ionic liquids, as determined by density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G + (d,p) level, indicated that the anion preferred to be located above the imidazolium ring and in close proximity to the hydroxyl groups. Calculated dissociation energies (ΔE) and a comparison of key bonding distances (C2―H, (C2)H···X, O―H, and (O)H···X) also confirmed this structural preference. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

2-(4-Formylphenyl)phenanthroimidazole as a Colorimetric and Fluorometric Probe for Selective Fluoride Ion Sensing

An easy-to-prepare chemosensor, 2-(4-formylphenyl)phenanthroimidazole 1, synthesized by facile one-step condensation under microwave irradiation, has been indicated to be a colorimetric and fluorometric probe for fluoride anion with good sensitivity and high selectivity. This probe shows obvious red shift and absorbance intensity changes in UV absorption and fluorescence spectra in the presence of fluoride anions. Such color and absorbance intensity changes are attributed to the deprotonation of N-H on the imidazole moiety with fluoride anion.     

Theoretical investigation on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer mechanism of 2‐(2′‐benzofuryl)‐3‐hydroxychromone

Spectroscopic studies on excited‐state proton transfer of a new chromophore 2‐(2′‐benzofuryl)‐3‐hydroxychromone (BFHC) have been reported recently. In the present work, based on the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT), the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of BFHC is investigated theoretically. The calculated primary bond lengths and angles involved in hydrogen bond demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bond is strengthened. In addition, the phenomenon of hydrogen bond reinforce has also been testified based on infrared (IR) vibrational spectra as well as the calculated hydrogen bonding energies. Further, hydrogen bonding strengthening manifests the tendency of excited state proton transfer. Our calculated results reproduced absorbance and fluorescence emission spectra of experiment, which verifies that the TD‐DFT theory we used is reasonable and effective. The calculated Frontier Molecular Orbitals (MOs) further demonstrate that the excited state proton transfer is likely to occur. According to the calculated results of potential energy curves along O―H coordinate, the potential energy barrier of about 14.5 kcal/mol is discovered in the S₀ state. However, a lower potential energy barrier of 5.4 kcal/mol is found in the S₁ state, which demonstrates that the proton transfer process is more likely to happen in the S₁ state than the S₀ state. In other words, the proton transfer reaction can be facilitated based on the photo‐excitation effectively. Moreover, the phenomenon of fluorescence quenching could be explained based on the ESIPT mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gas‐phase Acidities of 2‐Aryl‐2‐chloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethanes and Related Compounds. Experimental and Computational Studies

The gas‐phase acidities (GA) of 2‐aryl‐2‐chloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethanes ( 1a ), 2‐aryl‐2‐fluoro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethanes ( 2a ), and related compounds, XC₆H₄CH(Z)R where Z = Cl ( 1 ) or F ( 2 ) and R = C₂F₅ ( b ), t‐C₄F₉ ( c ), C(CF₃)₂C₂F₅ ( d ), C(CF₃)₂Me ( e ), Me ( f ), H ( g ), were investigated experimentally and computationally. On the basis of an excellent linear correlation (R² > 0.99) of acidities of 1c , 1d , 1e , 1f and 2c , 2d , 2e , 2f where there is no fluorine atom at β‐position to the deprotonation site with the corrected number of fluorine atoms contained in the fluorinated alkyl group, the extent of β‐fluorine negative hyperconjugation of the CF₃ and C₂F₅ groups (ΔG^o_β‐F) was evaluated. The GA_el values given by subtraction ΔG^o_β‐F from the apparent GA value were considered to represent the electronic effect of the substituent X. The substituent effects on the GA_el values and GA values for 1c , 1d , 1e , 1f and 2c , 2d , 2e , 2f were successfully analyzed in terms of the Yukawa–Tsuno equation. The variation of resonance demand parameter r^? with the R group observed for various XC₆H₄CH(Z)R was linearly related to the GA (GA_el) value of the respective phenyl‐substituted fluorinated alkanes. On the other hand, the corresponding correlation for the ρ values provided three lines for ArCH(Cl)R, ArCH(F)R and ArCH₂R, respectively. These results supported our previous conclusion that the r^? and ρ values are governed by the thermodynamic stability of the parent ion (ring substituent = H). Other factors arising from an atom bonded to the acidic center also influence the ρ value. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Theoretical design on a new double functional device of 2,2′‐bipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐pyrenyl methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5

Theoretical design on a new molecular switch and fluorescent chemosensor double functional device of aza‐crown ether (2,2′‐dipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐anthraceneyl(pyrenyl)methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5) was explored. The interactions between ligands and a series of alkaline earth metal cations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺) were investigated. The fully optimized geometry structures of the free ligands ( L _1, L ₂) and their metal cation complexes ( L ₁/M²⁺, L ₂/M²⁺) were calculated with the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) method. The natural bond orbital analysis, which is based on optimized geometric structures, was used to explore the interaction of L ₁/M²⁺, L ₂/M²⁺ molecules. The absorption spectra of L _1, L ₂, L ₁/M²⁺, and L ₂/M²⁺, and their excited states were studied by time‐dependent density functional theory. A new type molecular device L ₂(2,2′‐dipyridine‐embedded N‐(9‐pyrenyl methyl)aza‐15‐crown‐5) is designed, which not only has the selectivity for Sr²⁺, and construct allosteric switch, but also has fluorescent sensor performance.     

The kinetics and mechanism of the homogeneous,unimolecular gas‐phase elimination of 2‐(4‐substituted‐phenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyranes

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of tetrahydropyranyl phenoxy ethers: 2‐phenoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran, 2‐(4‐methoxyphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran, and 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran were determined in a static system, with the vessels deactivated with allyl bromide, and in the presence of the free radical inhibitor toluene. The working temperature and pressure were 330 to 390°C and 25 to 89 Torr, respectively. The reactions yielded DHP and the corresponding 4‐substituted phenol. The eliminations are homogeneous, unimolecular, and satisfy a first‐order rate law. The Arrhenius equations for decompositions were found as follows:

• 2‐phenoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran
• log k₁ (s^?1) = (14.18 ± 0.21) ? (211.6 ± 0.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• 2‐(4‐methoxyphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran
• log k₁ (s^?1) = (14.11 ± 0.18) ? (203.6 ± 0.3) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1
• 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran
• log k₁ (s^?1) = (14.08 ± 0.08) ? (205.9 ± 1.0) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1

The analysis of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for thermal elimination of 2‐(4‐substituted‐phenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyranes suggests that the reaction proceeds via 4‐member cyclic transition state. The results obtained confirm a slight increase of rate constant with increasing electron donating ability groups in the phenoxy ring. The pyran hydrogen abstraction by the oxygen of the phenoxy group appears to be the determinant factor in the reaction rate.     

Anion effect on the conformational equilibrium of sulfamide and its N,N′‐diindolyl derivative: Insights on anion transportation

The relatively high acidity of the sulfamide hydrogens suggests a potential for the development of sulfamide derivatives as novel anion receptors. The interactions of sulfamide with F^?, Cl^?, CH₃COO^?, and H₂PO₄^? anions were spectroscopically (¹H and ¹⁹F NMR) and theoretically (density functional theory) analyzed, and the complexation through hydrogen bonds was confirmed by changes in the NMR signals and theoretical calculations. The replacement of 2 sulfamide hydrogens with indolyl groups yields the N,N′‐diindolylsulfamide ( DIS , N‐1H‐indol‐4‐yl‐N′‐1H‐indol‐7‐ylsulfuric diamide), whose bond rotations allow the interaction of 4 H(N) atoms with anions. The conformational preferences of DIS change upon the presence of anions, but they are practically insensitive to the anion type. According to the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital analysis, and NMR chemical shifts, as well as to a thermodynamic cycle, the complex with fluoride is the most stable, followed by the oxoanion‐derived models.     

Pulse radiolysis studies of 2‐ and 3‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols: inhibition of dehydration of ·OH‐(hydroxybenzyl alcohols) adducts by H2PO4− ions

Reactions of ·OH/O ^.? radicals and H‐atoms as well as specific oxidants such as Cl₂^.? and N₃· radicals have been studied with 2‐ and 3‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols (2‐ and 3‐HBA) at various pH using pulse radiolysis technique. At pH 6.8, ·OH radicals were found to react quite fast with both the HBAs (k = 7.8 × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 with 2‐HBA and 2 × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 with 3‐HBA) mainly by adduct formation and to a minor extent by H‐abstraction from ? CH₂OH groups. ·OH‐(HBA) adduct were found to undergo decay to give phenoxyl type radicals in a pH dependent way and it was also very much dependent on buffer‐ion concentrations. It was seen that ·OH‐(2‐HBA) and ·OH‐(3‐HBA) adducts react with HPO₄^2? ions (k = 2.1 × 10⁷ and 2.8 × 10⁷ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1 at pH 6.8, respectively) giving the phenoxyl type radicals of HBAs. At the same time, this reaction is very much hindered in the presence of H₂PO ions indicating the role of phosphate ion concentration in determining the reaction pathway of ·OH adduct decay to final stable product. In the acidic region adducts were found to react with H⁺ ions. At pH 1, reaction of ·OH radicals with HBAs gave exclusively phenoxyl type radicals. Proportion of the reducing radicals formed by H‐abstraction pathway in ·OH/O ^.? reactions with HBAs was determined following electron transfer to methyl viologen. H‐atom abstraction is the major pathway in O ^.? reaction with HBAs compared to ·OH radical reaction. H‐atom reaction with 2‐ and 3‐HBA gave transient species which were found to transfer electron to methyl viologen quantitatively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A theoretical study on the ESPT mechanism for a novel Bis‐HPBT fluorophore

In this work, based on the density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, the properties of the 2 intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1‐H2···N3 and O4‐H5···N6) of a new photochemical sensor 4‐(3‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐6‐tert‐butyl phenol (Bis‐HPBT) have been investigated in detail. The calculated dominating bond lengths and bond angles about these 2 hydrogen bonds (O1‐H2···N3 and O4‐H5···N6) demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S₁ state. In addition, the variations of hydrogen bonds of Bis‐HPBT have been also testified based on infrared vibrational spectra. Our theoretical results reproduced absorption and emission spectra of the experiment, which verifies that the theoretical level we used is reasonable and effective in this work. Further, hydrogen bonding strengthening manifests the tendency of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Frontier molecular orbitals depict the nature of electronically excited state and support the ESIPT reaction. According to the calculated results of potential energy curves along stepwise and synergetic O1‐H2 and O4‐H5 coordinates, the potential energy barrier of approximately 1.399 kcal/mol is discovered in the S₁ state, which supports the single ESIPT process along with 1 hydrogen bond of Bis‐HPBT. In other words, the proton transfer reaction can be facilitated based on the electronic excitation effectively. In turn, through the process of radiative transition, the proton‐transfer Bis‐HPBT‐SPT form regresses to the ground state with the fluorescence of 539 nm.     

Density functional theory calculation and vibrational spectral analysis of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐oxo‐1‐phenylbutyl)‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one

The Fourier transform infrared (4000–400 cm⁻¹) and Fourier transform Raman (3500–500 cm⁻¹) spectra of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐oxo‐1‐phenylbutyl)‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one (Warfarin) have been measured and calculated. The structure optimization has been made using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Complete vibrational assignments of the observed spectra have been compared with theoretical wavenumbers. The wavenumber increasing in the methyl group shows the electronic hyperconjugation effect. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis reveals the hyperconjugation interaction and the intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The first‐order hyperpolarizability has been calculated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Self‐Stabilized Poly(N‐(3‐Amidino)‐Aniline) Particles and their CO2‐Responsive Properties

Novel CO₂‐responsive conductive polymer particles based on poly(N‐(3‐amidino)‐aniline) (or PNAAN) are reported in this work. A CO₂‐responsive N‐(3‐amidino)‐aniline (NAAN) monomer is firstly synthesized with the pendant amidine group at the meta‐position of aniline (AN) and subsequently polymerized into the PNAAN polymer by chemical oxidation. Self‐assembly of PNAAN in turn forms the polymer particles. In the strong or weak acid media, the amidine group protonates into cationic amidinium and self‐stabilizes the PNAAN particles without the use of any stabilizers. The reaction media are found to affect the polymerization rate and self‐assembly of particles, and hence the size and size distribution of the resultant particles. The particles synthesized in strong basic media show CO₂‐responsvie properties since the H⁺ released by dissolved CO₂ (dCO₂) can protonate the amidine group into hydrophilic amidinium group and result in swelling of the PNAAN particles. Zeta‐potential measurements show the reversible change of particle surface charges in the presence and absence of dCO₂. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements show the particle size linearly changed with dCO₂ concentration in the range of 5 × 10^?4 and 2.5 × 10^?2 atm. This is the first reported CO₂‐responsive polyaniline (PANI) particles for dCO₂ sensing or reversible fixation of CO₂.     

Thermolysis and photolysis of 2‐ethyl‐4‐nitro‐1(2H)‐isoquinolinium hydroperoxide

The thermal and light‐induced O ? O bond breaking of 2‐ethyl‐4‐nitro‐1(2H)‐isoquinolinium hydroperoxide (IQOOH) were studied using ¹H NMR, steady‐state UV/vis spectroscopy, femtosecond UV/vis transient absorption (fs TA) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD DFT) calculations. Thermal O ? O bond breaking occurs at room temperature to generate water and the corresponding amide. The rate of this reaction, k = 5.4 · 10^?6 s^?1, is higher than the analogous rates of simple alkyl and aryl hydroperoxides; however, the rate significantly decreases in the presence of small amounts of methanol. The calculated structure of the transition state suggests that the thermolysis is facilitated by a 1,2 proton shift. The photochemical process yields the same products, as confirmed using NMR and UV/vis spectroscopy. However, the quantum yield for the photolysis is low (Φ = 0.7%). Fs TA studies provide additional detail of the photochemical process and suggest that the S₁ state of IQOOH undergoes fast internal conversion to the ground state, and this process competes with the excited‐state O ? O bond breaking. This result was supported by the fact that the model compound IQOH exhibits similar excited‐state decay lifetimes as IQOOH, which is assigned to the S₁ → S₀ internal conversion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Conformational analysis of 4,4‐dimethyl‐1‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐1,4‐azasilinane and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐1,4,2,6‐oxazadisilinane

4,4‐Dimethyl‐1‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐1,4‐azasilinane 1 and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐1,4,2,6‐oxazadisilinane 2 were studied by variable temperature dynamic ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations at the DFT (density functional theory) and MP2 (Møller‐Plesset 2) levels of theory. Both kinetic (barriers to ring inversion) and thermodynamic data (frozen conformational equilibria) could be obtained for the two compounds. The computations revealed two minima on the potential energy surface for molecules 1 and 2 corresponding to the rotamers with the CF₃SO₂ group directed ‘inward’ and ‘outward’ the ring, the latter being 0.2–0.4 kcal/mol (for 1 ) and 1.1 kcal/mol (for 2 ) more stable than the former. The vibrational calculations at the DFT and MP2 levels of theory give the values of the free energy difference ΔG^o for the ‘inward’ ‘outward’ equilibrium consistent with those determined from the experimentally measured ratio of the rotamers. The structure of crystalline compound 2 was ascertained by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of hydroxyoligophenylenes containing electron‐donating,electron‐accepting groups,or π‐deficient aromatic ring and their solvatochromic behavior

We have reported oligo(p‐phenylene)s (OPPs) with an OH group located at one end, namely, OPP(n)‐OHs (where n is the number of benzene rings). The OPPs exhibited significant solvatochromism; the deprotonation of the OH groups of OPP(n)‐OHs , when treated with NaH, caused a bathochromic shift of absorption maxima (λ_max) that increased with the donor numbers (DNs) of the solvents. We assumed that the solvatochromism exhibited by OPP(n)‐ONa was attributed to an intramolecular charge shift from the sodium phenoxy group(s) to the adjacent rings. In this study, to investigate the assumption, hydroxyoligophenylenes ( R‐OPP(n)‐OH ) with an electron‐donating dimethylamino group (n = 3, R = NMe₂), an electron‐accepting nitro group (n = 3, R = NO₂), and a π‐deficient pyridine ring (n = 2, R = Py) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction. The deprotonation of the OH group of by treatment with NaH caused a bathochromic shift (Δλ) of λ_max of R‐OPP(m)‐ONa . The Δλ of the deprotonated species increased with the DNs of the solvents. The emission peak positions of R‐OPP(m)‐ONa depended on the DNs of the solvents; therefore, the emission color could be tuned by changing the solvent. R‐OPP(m)‐OH received an electrochemical oxidation of the OH group and OPP unit. The data related to the remarkable solvatochromic behavior of R‐OPP(n)‐ONa will be useful information for the development of new luminescent materials.