SERS you right: The plasmon heating of gold nanoshells is exploited to yield the local conversion of amorphous TiO2 into anatase on the surface of polymeric colloidal crystals (see scheme). The resulting Au/TiO2 spots are active substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and allow surface reactions and processes to be followed directly on‐site.
Dotting the i's : Stimuli‐responsive optoelectronic devices are formed from the title transistors functionalized with photoactive quantum dots. The p‐type semiconducting tubes show a fast current decrease under UV irradiation and reversibility when the UV irradiation is switched off. In contrast, ambipolar tubes show mirror‐image photoswitching effects when negative and positive gate bias voltages are applied.
The time is ripe : A general theoretical framework based on force‐transformed potential energy surfaces rationalizes the intriguing results of recent experiments in the emerging field of covalent mechanochemistry.
Continuous organocatalysis : Fast aldol and Mannich reactions require less catalyst when conducted in a microreactor. A proline tetrazole derivative (5–10 mol %) catalyzes asymmetric aldol reactions between various aromatic aldehydes and ketones in microreactor at 60 °C with reaction times ranging from 10 to 30 min.
The first ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorite has been developed through regulation of the electron‐withdrawing ability of the electron acceptor in an intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) system by a deoximation reaction (see figure; EWG=electron‐withdrawing group).
Taking the plunge : The first example of a Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation with olefins in water is described. By using loadings of a DNA‐based copper catalyst as low as 0.15 mol %, good yields and excellent enantioselectivities were obtained in the reaction of α,β‐unsaturated 2‐acyl imidazoles with heteroaromatic π nucleophiles. dmbpy=4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine.
Making connections : A hydroxy‐centered trinuclear nickel cluster has been employed to construct a highly connected, highly symmetric framework with a uninodal nine‐connected topology. An array of triakis tetrahedra leads to a biporous intersecting‐channel system (see picture).
Carbon‐rich‐quick scheme : A carbon‐rich solid product made up of uniform micrometer‐sized spheres of tunable diameter has been synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization of saccharides. These microspheres possess a core–shell chemical structure based on the different nature of the oxygen functionalities between the core and the outer layer (see figure).
Searching for “intelligence” : Azurin–PNIPAM conjugates were prepared by site‐directed mutagenesis followed by protein reconstitution by using imidazole‐conjugated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamides). The polymer‐bound imidazole acts as a ligand in the active site of the blue copper protein azurin. The bioconjugates showed thermosensitive behavior in electron‐transfer processes with reduced cytochrome c.
Controlled synthesis based on spectroscopic characterization, structure, and catalytic performance of mesoporous silica SBA‐15‐supported vanadium oxide model catalysts (see TEM image) are reviewed. The effect of water on the structure and dispersion of highly dispersed vanadium oxide is discussed in the light of recent results in multiple in situ spectroscopy.
Double trouble : A hybrid organic–inorganic (organometallic) inhibitor was designed to target glutathione transferases. The metal center is used to direct protein binding, while the organic moiety acts as the active‐site inhibitor (see picture). The mechanism of inhibition was studied using a range of biophysical and biochemical methods.
Self‐assembly line : In the presence of a DNA analyte or low‐molecular‐weight substrates, multicomponent nucleic acids self‐assemble into cooperatively stabilized functional nanostructures (see scheme) that activate DNAzyme cascades.
High‐de‐hydride! A straightforward reaction between a magnesium silylamido/N‐heterocyclic carbene adduct and phenylsilane provides a {Mg4H6} cluster molecule that may be regarded as a combination of two magnesium dihydride and two magnesium monohydride moieties.
Going through the phases : The title reaction was found to proceed by an initial base‐mediated isomerization to allenyl esters and subsequent phase transfer catalyzed alkylation at the α position of the ester (see scheme).
