Electron ionization induced metastable decompositions of isomeric trimethylsilylmethanol, (CH3)3SiCH2OH, and methoxytrimethylsilane, (CH3)3SiOCH3

The metastable decompositions of trimethylsilylmethanol, (CH₃)₃SiCH₂OH (MW: 104, 1) and methoxytrimethylsilane, (CH₃)₃SiOCH₃ (MW: 104, 2) upon electron ionization have been investigated by use of mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectroscopy and D labeling. The metastable ions of 1 ^·+ decompose to give the fragment ions m/z 89 (CH ₃ ^· loss) and 73 (^·CH₂OH loss), whereas those of 2 ^·+ only yield the fragment ion m/z 89 (CH ₃ ^· loss). The latter fragment ion is generated by loss of a methyl radical from the trimethylsilyl group via a simple cleavage reaction as shown by D labeling. However, the fragment ions m/z 89 and 73 from 1 ^·+ are generated following an almost statistical exchange of the original methyl and methylene hydrogen atoms in the molecular ion as shown also by D labeling. This exchange indicates a complex rearrangement of the molecular ion of 1 ^·+ prior to metastable decomposition for which as key step a 1,2-trimethylsilyl group migration from carbon to oxygen is suggested. A different behavior is also found between the source-generated m/z 89 ions from 1 ^·+ which decompose in the metastable time region to give ions m/z 61 by loss of ethylene and those from 2 ^·+ which decompose in the metastable region to yield ions m/z 59 by elimination of formaldehyde.     

Ammonium carbamate type self-derivative salts of (R-)- and racemic α-methylbenzylamine

Two different compounds have formed from liquid enantiomeric (R-) and racemic α-methylbenzylamine (α-MBA, named also as 1-phenylethylamine, 1-FEA) with supercritical fluid CO₂. The crystalline solids have been characterized by elemental CHN analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and found to be α-methylbenzylammonium α-methylbenzylcarbamate self-derivative ionic salts 1 (R/R) and 2 (rac RS), respectively, of the corresponding amines. Compound 2 (rac RS) has shown different XRD pattern from that of enantiomerically pure 1 (R/R), indicating a preferential formation of a 1:1 mixture of (R/S-) and (S/R-) or rather a racemate compound of (RS/SR-) ammonium carbamate salt (2 (rac RS)) from racemate. For thermal stability, the compounds have been checked by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and in situ coupled evolved gas analysis by mass spectroscopy (TG/DTA?EGA?MS) and FTIR-gas cell (TG?FTIR). No melting point is observed because of the low thermal stability of the compounds. Decomposition stages are tried to be separated with using semi-closed (sealed with a pinhole on the top) crucibles, thus different evolution courses of CO₂ and organic vapors could be followed by MS and FTIR spectroscopy. The α-MBA vapors themselves, evolved from open crucibles could be identified by FTIR-gas cell, while vapors up to m/z = 164 have been detected by MS from semi-closed Al crucible.     

Rapid comprehensive characterization of crude oils by thermogravimetry coupled to fast modulated gas chromatography–single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Comprehensive multi-dimensional hyphenation of a thermogravimetry device (i.e. a thermobalance) to gas chromatography and single photon ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TG–GC×SPI–MS) has been used to investigate two crude oil samples of different geographical origin. The source of the applied vacuum ultraviolet radiation is an electron beam pumped rare gas excimer lamp (EBEL). The soft photoionization favors the formation of molecular ions. Introduction of a fast, rapidly modulated gas chromatographic separation step in comparison with solely TG–SPI–MS enables strongly enhanced detection especially with such highly complex organic matrices as crude oil. In contrast with former TG–SPI–MS measurements, separation and identification of overlying substances is possible because of different GC retention times. The specific contribution of isobaric compounds to one mass signal is determined for alkanes, naphthalenes, alkylated benzenes, and other compounds.

Three-dimensional molecular reconstruction of rat heart with mass spectrometry imaging

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one cause of death, accounting for 17.1 million deaths a year. New high-resolution molecular and structural imaging strategies are needed to understand underlying pathophysiological mechanism. The aim of our study is (1) to provide a molecular basis of the heart animal model through the local identification of biomolecules by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) (three-dimensional (3D) molecular reconstruction), (2) to perform a cross-species validation of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-based cardiovascular molecular imaging, and (3) to demonstrate potential clinical relevance by the application of this innovative methodology to human heart specimens. We investigated a MSI approach using SIMS on the major areas of a rat and mouse heart: the pericardium, the myocardium, the endocardium, valves, and the great vessels. While several structures of the heart can be observed in individual two-dimensional sections analyzed by metal-assisted SIMS imaging, a full view of these structures in the total heart volume can be achieved only through the construction of the 3D heart model. The images of 3D reconstruction of the rat heart show a highly complementary localization between Na⁺, K⁺, and two ions at m/z 145 and 667. Principal component analysis of the MSI data clearly identified different morphology of the heart by their distinct correlated molecular signatures. The results reported here represent the first 3D molecular reconstruction of rat heart by SIMS imaging.

Acid Co(II) and Ni(II) trifluoroacetate complexes: Synthesis and crystal structure

Anhydrous and partially hydrated acid trinuclear trifluoroacetates of divalent transition metals of the composition [M₃(CF₃COO)₆(CF₃COOH)₆)](CF₃COOH) and [M₃(CF₃COO)₆(CF₃COOH)₂(H₂O)₄)](CF₃COOH)₂, respectively, where M = Co (I, III) Ni (II, IV), were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. Complexes I and II were obtained by crystallization from solutions of M(CF₃COO)₂ · 4H₂O in trifluoroacetic anhydride; complexes III and IV were synthesized under the same conditions with the use of 99% trifluoroacetic acid as a solvent. Crystals I are triclinic: space group $P\bar 1$ , a = 13.199(6) Å, b = 14.649(6) Å, c = 15.818(6) Å, α = 90.04(4)°, β = 114.32(4)°, γ = 108.55(4)°, V = 2611.3(19) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0480. Crystals II are trigonal: space group $R\bar 3$ , a = 13.307(2) Å, c = 53.13(1) Å, V = 8148(2) ų, Z = 6, R = 0.1112. Crystals III are triclinic: space group $P\bar 1$ , a = 9.001(8) Å, b = 10.379(9) Å, c = 12.119(9) Å, α = 83.67(5)°, β = 72.33(5)°, γ = 83.44(5)°, V = 1068.3(15) ų, Z = 1 Å, R = 0.1031. Crystals IV are triclinic: space group $P\bar 1$ , a = 9.121(18) Å, b = 10.379(2) Å, c = 12.109(2) Å, α = 84.59(3)°, β = 72.20(3)°, γ = 82.80(3)°, V = 1080.94(40) ų, Z = 1, R = 0.0334.     

Copper complexes of two isomeric NS2-macrocycles

Two isomeric NS₂-macrocycles incorporating a xylyl group at ortho (o -L) and meta (m -L) positions were employed and their copper complexes (1?C5) were prepared and structurally characterized. The copper(II) nitrate complexes [Cu(L)(NO₃)₂] (1: L = o -L, 2: L = m -L) for both ligands were isolated. In each case, the copper center is five-coordinated with a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Despite the overall geometrical similarity, 1 and 2 show the different ligand conformation due to the discriminated packing pattern. Reaction of o -L with copper(II) perchlorate afforded complex 3 containing two independent complex cations [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)(ClO₄)]⁺ and [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)]²⁺; the coordination geometry of the former is a distorted octahedron while the latter shows a distorted square pyramidal arrangement. In the reactions of copper(I) halides (I or Br), o -L gave a mononuclear complex [Cu(o-L)I] (4) with a distorted tetrahedral geometry, while m -L afforded a unique exodentate 2:1 (ligand-to-metal) complex [trans-Br₂Cu(m-L)₂] (5) adopting a trans-type square-planar arrangement.     

Synthesis and characterization of fluoro-substituted β-enaminoketonato titanium complexes and their catalytic behavior of regioselective ethylene/cyclopentadiene copolymerization

The ethylene/cyclopentadiene (CPD) copolymerization behavior by using fluoro-substituted bis(β-enaminoketonato) titanium complexes [FC₆H₄NC(CH₃)CHCO(CF₃)]₂TiCl₂ (1a–1c) has been investigated in detail. Upon utilizing MMAO as a cocatalyst, complexes 1a–1c exhibit high catalytic activities, affording the copolymers with high molecular weight and unimodal molecular weight distribution. Compared with non-substituted complex [C₆H₅NC(CH₃)CHCO(CF₃)]₂TiCl₂ (1), complexes 1a–1c can produce the copolymers with CPD incorporation adjusted in a wide range due to the enhancement of electrophilicity of metal center caused by introducing electron-withdrawing groups. Especially complex 1c bearing fluorine at the para-position of N-aryl moiety provides the highest CPD incorporation, which is nearly two times (18.5 mol%) higher than the non-substituted complex 1 (8.9 mol%) under the same conditions. The highest CPD incorporation up to 24.6 mol% can be easily achieved using this complex. ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra demonstrate that these fluoro-substituted complexes possess regioselective nature with exclusive 1,2-insertion fashion, and alternating ethylene-CPD sequence can be detected at high CPD incorporation.     

Gas Phase Decarbonylation and Cyclization Reactions of Protonated N-Methyl-N-Phenylmethacrylamide and Its Derivatives Via an Amide Claisen Rearrangement

Gas phase decarbonylation and cyclization reactions of protonated N-methyl-N-phenylmethacrylamide and its derivatives (M·H⁺) were studied by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). MS/MS experiments of M·H⁺ showed product ions were formed by loss of CO, which could only occur with an amide Claisen rearrangement. Mechanisms for the gas phase decarbonylation and cyclization reactions were proposed based on the accurate m/z measurements and MS/MS experiments with deuterated compounds. Theoretical computations showed the gas phase Claisen rearrangement was a major driving force for initiating gas phase decarbonylation and cyclization reactions of M·H⁺. Finally, the influence of different phenyl substituents on the gas phase Claisen rearrangement was evaluated. Electron-donating groups at the para-position of the phenyl moiety promoted the gas phase Claisen rearrangement to give a high abundance of fragment ions [M ? CO + H]⁺. By contrast, electron-withdrawing groups on the phenyl moiety retarded the Claisen rearrangement, but gave a fragment ion at m/z 175 by loss of neutral radicals of substituents on the phenyl, and a fragment ion at m/z 160 by further loss of a methyl radical.     

Spin crossover in the coordination compounds of iron(II) with tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane

Iron(II) complexes with tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane {HC(3,5-Me₂Pz)₃} of the composition [Fe{HC(3,5-Me₂Pz)₃}₂]Am · nH₂O (A = Cl^? (I), ClO ₄ ^? (II), SO ₄ ^2? (III), CF₃SO ₃ ^? (IV), m = 1, 2, n = 0.1) are synthesized. The compounds are studied by static magnetic susceptibility, IR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray structure analysis. The crystal structures of two polymorphous modifications of the [Fe{HC(3,5-Me₂Pz)₃}₂](ClO₄)₂ (IIa and IIb) and [Fe{HC(3,5-Me₂Pz)₃}₂](CF₃SO₃)₂ (IV) complexes are determined. The temperature dependence ??_eff(T) shows that the spin crossover ¹ A ₁ ai ⁵ T ₂ is observed in the polycrystalline phase of complex I and in one of the single-crystal phases of complex II (IIa) and is accompanied by thermochromism (the change of the dark pink color ai to white).     

Fragmentation of Protonated <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(3-Aminophenyl)Benzamide and Its Derivatives in Gas Phase

An ion of m/z 110.06036 (ion formula [C₆H₈NO]⁺; error: 0.32 mDa) was observed in the collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry experiments of protonated N-(3-aminophenyl)benzamide, which is a rearrangement product ion purportedly through nitrogen-oxygen (N–O) exchange. The N–O exchange rearrangement was confirmed by the MS/MS spectrum of protonated N-(3-aminophenyl)-O ¹⁸ -benzamide, where the rearranged ion, [C₆H₈NO ¹⁸ ]⁺ of m/z 112 was available because of the presence of O ¹⁸ . Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31 g(d) level suggest that an ion-neutral complex containing a water molecule and a nitrilium ion was formed via a transition state (TS-1), followed by the water molecule migrating to the anilide ring, eventually leading to the formation of the rearranged ion of m/z 110. The rearrangement can be generalized to other protonated amide compounds with electron-donating groups at the meta position, such as, –OH, –CH₃, –OCH_3, –NH(CH₃)₂, –NH-Ph, and –NHCOCH₃, all of which show the corresponding rearranged ions in MS/MS spectra. However, the protonated amide compounds containing electron-withdrawing groups, including –Cl, –Br, –CN, –NO₂, and –CF₃, at the meta position did not display this type of rearrangement during dissociation. Additionally, effects of various acyl groups on the rearrangement were investigated. It was found that the rearrangement can be enhanced by substitution on the ring of the benzoyl with electron-withdrawing groups.

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Heteroditopic receptors tris(2-pyridylamide) derivatives derived from hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene triacetic acid

The lower rim functionalized cone-hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene tris(2-pyridylamide) derivatives cone- 3 and cone-7 having the hydrogen bonding groups and 2-pyridyl groups were synthesized from triol 1 by a stepwise reaction. Extraction data for alkali metal ions, transition metal ions, and alkyl ammonium ions from water into dichloromethane are discussed. Due to the strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the neighboring NH and CO groups, their affinities to metal cations were weakened. The complexation modes of cone-3 and cone -7 with n-BuNH₃Cl and AgSO₃CF₃ were also demonstrated by ¹H NMR titration in CDCl₃. Tris(2-pyridylamide) derivatives cone-3 and cone-7 can complex with n-butyl ammonium ion and silver cation at the same time to form the heteroditopic complexation.     

Electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of promising highly efficient red phosphorescent Os(II)(LR)2(PH3)2 complexes: a theoretical exploration

The red phosphorescent osmium(II) complexes [Os(LR)₂(PH₃)₂] (L = 2-pyridyltriazole (ptz): R = H (1a), CF₃ (1b), t-Bu (1c)); L = 2-pyridylpyrazole (ppz): R = H (2a), CF₃ (2b), t-Bu (2c)); L = 2-phenylpyridine (ppy): R = H (3a)) were explored using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The ground- and excited-state geometries of the complexes were optimized at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ and UB3LYP/LANL2DZ levels, respectively. The absorption and phosphorescence of the complexes in CH₂Cl₂ media were calculated based on the optimized ground- and excited-state geometries using time-dependent density functional theory method with the polarized continuum model. The optimized geometry structural parameters of the complexes in the ground state agree well with the corresponding experimental values. The lower-lying unoccupied molecular orbitals of the complexes are dominantly localized on the L ligand, while the higher-lying occupied ones are composed of Os(II) atom and L ligand. The low-lying metal-to-ligand and intraligand charge transfer (MLCT/ILCT) transitions and high-lying ILCT transitions are red-shifted with the increase in the π-donating ability of the L ligand and the π electron-donating ability of R substituent. The calculation revealed that the phosphorescence originated from ³MLCT/³ILCT excited state. However, the complex 3a displayed different types of MLCT/ILCT excited state compared with that of 1a–2c, and the different types of transition were also found in the absorption. In addition, we found that the phosphorescence quantum efficiency of Os(II) complexes is related to the metal composition in the high-energy occupied molecular orbitals, it will be helpful to designing highly efficient phosphorescent materials.     

Mixed-ligand complexes of alkaline-earth metal trifluoroacetates with monoethanolamine

The mixed-ligand complexes of the formula [M(CF₃COO)₂(MEA) _n ] (MEA is monoethanolamine; M = Ca (I) and Sr (II), n = 1.5; M = Ba (III), (n = 1) were obtained from appropriate salts M(CF₃COO)₂ · nH₂O and MEA in ethanol. Complexes I–III were characterized by elemental analysis data and IR spectra. Slow crystallization of a solution of complex III in air gave a single crystal of the formula [Ba(CF₃COO)₂(MEA)(H₂O)], which is a coordination polymer with C.N.(Ba) 9 (X-ray diffraction data). Thermal analysis showed that complexes I–III decompose under argon and in air to the corresponding fluorides at T < 400°C.     

Platinum complexes bearing 2,2′-dipyridylamine ligand

The replacement of the iodide ligands in the complex [PtI₂(dpa)] (1) (dpa is 2,2′-dipyridylamine) by silver triflate in acetonitrile afforded the compound [Pt(dpa)(MeCN)₂](SO₃CF₃)₂ (2). Homoleptic complexes [Pt(dpa)₂](X)₂ (3·(X)₂) were synthesized by the treatment of [PtI₂(dpa)] (1) with 2,2′-dipyridylamine in the presence of silver salts AgX in methanol (X = NO₃) or acetonitrile (X = SO₃CF₃). The deprotonation of the complex [3](SO₃CF₃)₂ to give the homoleptic complex [Pt(dpa-H)₂] (4) was performed by two methods, e.g., by the treatment of [3](SO₃CF₃)₂ with 2 equiv. of NaOH in methanol or by the addition of excess Et₃N to a suspension of [3](SO₃CF₃)₂ in methanol. The structures of compounds 1–4 were established by elemental analyses, high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopy; the crystal structure of complexes [2](SO₃CF₃)₂, [3](NO₃)₂·H₂O, [3](SO₃CF₃)₂·2H₂O, and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

The use of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry on the structural characterization of novel asymmetric metallo-organic supermolecules,based on pentafluorophenylporphyrins and ruthenium complexes

The novel asymmetric metallo-organic triads cis- and trans-[B(4-py)BPFPH₂{Ru₃O(Ac)₆(py)₂}{Ru(bpy)₂Cl}](PF₆)₂ (5a,b) for which cis- and trans-B(4-py)BPFPH₂ = 5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-15,20-bis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin and 5,15-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-10,20-bis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin, respectively; Ac = acetate; py = pyridine and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, as well as their corresponding monosubstituted dyads cis- and trans-[B(4-py)BPFPH₂{Ru₃O(Ac)₆(py)₂}]PF₆ (4a,b) have been structurally characterized via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS). The ESI-MS of dyads 4a,b display two characteristic Ru-multicomponent clusters of isotopologue ions corresponding to singly charged ions 4a,b⁺ of m/z 1629 and doubly charged ions [4a,b+H]²⁺ of m/z 815 and the triads 5a,b are detected by ESI-MS as the intact doubly charged cluster of isotopologue ions of m/z 1039 [5a,b]²⁺. The ESI-MS/MS of 4a,b⁺, [4a,b+H]²⁺ and [5a,b]²⁺ reveal characteristic dissociation pathways, which confirm the structural assignments providing additional information on the intrinsic binding strengths of the gaseous ions. Although the gas-phase behavior of each pair of isomers was rather similar, the less symmetric dyads 4a,b are distinguished via the ¹H NMR spectral profile of the pyrrolic signals. Exploratory photophysical assays have shown that both modifying motifs alter the porphyrinic core emission profile, opening the possibility to use these asymmetric systems as photophysical devices.     

Molecular geometry and electronic structures of stable organic derivatives of divalent germanium and tin [(\operatorname{Me} _3 \operatorname{Si} )_2 \operatorname{N} {\kern 1pt} ---{\kern 1pt} Me_2 ]_n (M = Ge, n = 1; M = Sn, n = 2): a theoretical study

The molecular geometry and electronic structure of stable organic derivatives of divalent germanium and tin, [(Me₃Si)₂N-M-OCH₂CH₂NMe₂]_n (M = Ge (4), n = 1; M = Sn (5), n =2) and their isomers with broken (4a, 5a) and closed (4b, 5b) intramolecular coordination bonds M←NMe₂, were studied by the density functional (PBE/TZ2P/SBK-JC) and NBO methods. Factors responsible for stability of their dimers 4c and 5c were established. Dimerization of 5b in the gas phase is a thermodynamically favorable process (ΔG ⁰ = ?2.1 kcal mol^?1) while that of 4b is thermally forbidden (ΔG ⁰ = 10.1 kcal mol^?1), which is consistent with experimental data. The M←NMe₂ coordination bond energies, ΔE ⁰, were found to be ?5.3 and ?8.6 kcal mol^?1 for M = Ge and Sn, respectively. NBO analysis showed that the metal atoms M in molecules 4 and 5 are weakly hybridized. The lone electron pairs of the M atoms have strong s-character while vacant orbitals of these atoms, LP* M, are represented exclusively by the metal np_z-AOs. The strongest orbital interactions between subunits in dimers 4c and 5c involve electron density donation from the lone electron pairs of oxygen atoms (LP O) to the LP* M orbitals.     

The unimolecular thermal decomposition of oxetane and its methyl derivatives: An Ab initio and RRKM calculations

Quantum mechanical and Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) calculations are carried out to study the thermal unimolecular decomposition of oxetane (1), 2-methyloxetane (2), and 2,2-dimethyloxetane (3) at the MPW1PW91/6-311 + G** level of theory. The results of the calculations reveal that decomposition reaction of compounds 1?C3 yields formaldehyde and the corresponding substituted olefin. The predicted high-pressure-limit rate constants for the decomposition compounds 1?C3 are represented as 6.61 × 10¹³exp(?32472/T), 9.33 × 10¹³exp(?29873/T), and 4.79 × 10¹³exp(?27055/T) s^?1, respectively. The fall-off pressures for the decomposition of compounds 1?C3 are found to be 9.42 × 10^?2, 3.67 × 10^?3, and 7.26 × 10^?4 mm Hg, respectively. As the fall-off pressure of the decomposition process of compounds 1?C3 are in the following order: P _1/2(1) > P _1/2(2) > P _1/2(3); therefore the decomposition rates are as follow: rate(1) < rate(2) < (3).     

Copper(II), iron(III) and cobalt(III) complexes of the pendent-arm cyclam derivative 6,6,13-trimethyl-13-amino-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane

The interaction of Cu(II), Fe(III) and Co(III) with 6,6,13-trimethyl-13-amino-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L ³ ) incorporating a pendent amine group has led to isolation of the new octahedral complexes [Cu(HL ³ )(ClO₄)₂]Cl·H₂O (1), [Fe(L ³ )Cl](S₂O₆)·H₂O (2), [Co(L ³ )Cl](ClO₄)_1.5Cl_0.5·0.25H₂O (3), [Co(HL ³ )Cl₂](ClO₄)₂·H₂O (4) and [Co(L ³ )Cl]₂(S₂O₄)(ClO₄)₂ (5). In (1) the copper ion occupies the macrocyclic cavity of protonated (–NH₃ ⁺) L ³ which is present in its trans-III configuration; weakly bound ClO₄ ^? ligands occupy the axial positions. The X-ray structure of (2) showed that Fe(III) occupies the N₄-macrocyclic cavity of L ³ in a trans-III configuration, with the pendent amine group binding in an axial position. The remaining axial position is occupied by a Cl^? ligand. Chromatography of the product obtained from the reaction of Na₃[Co(CO₃)₃] with L ³ yielded three fractions. Fraction 1 yielded crystals (3) composed of three crystallographically independent species incorporating cations of type [Co(L ³ )Cl]²⁺ with very similar structures; in each case the macrocyclic ring nitrogens of L ³ are bound to the Co(III) in an asymmetric cis-fashion. Fraction 2 yielded the trans-III octahedral cationic complex (4) incorporating L ³ in its protonated form. The Co(III) complex (5) from fraction 3 shows a different coordination arrangement to the products from fractions 1 or 2. The macrocyclic ring coordinates in its trans-III form, but the axial sites in this case are occupied by the pendent-NH₂ group and a Cl^? ligand.     

Charge Site Mass Spectra: Conformation-Sensitive Components of the Electron Capture Dissociation Spectrum of a Protein

A conventional electron capture dissociation (ECD) spectrum of a protein is uniquely characteristic of the first dimension of its linear structure. This sequence information is indicated by summing the primary c ^m+ and z ^m+? products of cleavage at each of its molecular ion’s inter-residue bonds. For example, the ECD spectra of ubiquitin (M?+?nH)ⁿ⁺ ions, n?=?7–13, provide sequence characterization of 72 of its 75 cleavage sites from 1843 ions in seven c ^(1–7)+ and eight z ^(1–8)+? spectra and their respective complements. Now we find that each of these c/z spectra is itself composed of “charge site (CS)” spectra, the c ^m+ or z ^m+? products of electron capture at a specific protonated basic residue. This charge site has been H-bonded to multiple other residues, producing multiple precursor ion forms; ECD at these residues yields the multiple products of that CS spectrum. Closely similar CS spectra are often formed from a range of charge states of ubiquitin and KIX ions; this indicates a common secondary conformation, but not the conventional α-helicity postulated previously. CS spectra should provide new capabilities for comparing regional conformations of gaseous protein ions and delineating ECD fragmentation pathways.

Self-assembly and characterization of a giant metallocycle

A giant, 100-membered metallocycle 3 was prepared via coordination bond-based self-assembly from W-shaped ligand 9 and a palladium complex. Metallocycle 3 may create three topologically discrete subcavities, thus capable of binding up to three molecules of a diamide guest by hydrogen-bonding interactions. Elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, and the ESI-mass spectra, and vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) data were all consistent with the structure of 3. N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylterephthalamide G was used as a guest for the binding study, and ESI-mass spectrum clearly displayed a characteristic, intense peak at m/z 1542 (41%), attributed to the fragment [3·G₃-3CF₃SO₃]³⁺ of 1:3 (host/guest) complex. The ¹H NMR titration experiments gave association constants of 2300 ± 300 and 1200 ± 200 M⁻¹ in CDCl₃ at 25 °C for two identical outer cavities, with weak positive cooperativity (Hill coefficient h = 1.3).