Laser Spectroscopic Study of Cold Gas‐Phase Host‐Guest Complexes of Crown Ethers

The structure, molecular recognition, and inclusion effect on the photophysics of guest species are investigated for neutral and ionic cold host‐guest complexes of crown ethers (CEs) in the gas phase. Here, the cold neutral host‐guest complexes are produced by a supersonic expansion technique and the cold ionic complexes are generated by the combination of electrospray ionization (ESI) and a cryogenically cooled ion trap. The host species are 3n‐crown‐n (3nCn; n = 4, 5, 6, 8) and (di)benzo‐3n‐crown‐n ((D)B3nCn; n = 4, 5, 6, 8). For neutral guests, we have chosen water and aromatic molecules, such as phenol and benzenediols, and as ionic species we have chosen alkali‐metal ions (M⁺). The electronic spectra and isomer‐specific vibrational spectra for the complexes are observed with various laser spectroscopic methods: laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF); ultraviolet‐ultraviolet hole‐burning (UV‐UV HB); and IR‐UV double resonance (IR‐UV DR) spectroscopy. The obtained spectra are analyzed with the aid of quantum chemical calculations. We will discuss how the host and guest species change their flexible structures for forming best‐fit stable complexes (induced fitting) and what kinds of interactions are operating for the stabilization of the complexes. For the alkali metal ion?CE complexes, we investigate the solvation effect by attaching water molecules. In addition to the ground‐state stabilization problem, we will show that the complexation leads to a drastic effect on the excited‐state electronic structure and dynamics of the guest species, which we call a “cage‐like effect”.     

Simple evaluation of the adsorption states of benzene molecule on the hydroxyl,H+ and Na+ sites of Y-zeolite surfaces by using UV absorption spectroscopy

Chemical properties of benzene molecules adsorbed on the hydroxyl, H⁺ and Na⁺ sites of Y-zeolite surfaces were investigated by using UV absorption and FT-IR spectroscopies. The analyses on the IR peaks assigned to a C–H out-of-plane vibration mode revealed two different adsorption states of benzene: (1) a benzene molecule located a little distance from the hydroxyl groups of zeolite inner walls, and (2) a benzene molecule positioned a short distance from the H⁺ or Na⁺ sites of zeolite walls. Furthermore, the electronic properties of benzene molecules adsorbed on these Y-zeolites were investigated by UV absorption measurements. The vibrational splitting in UV absorption spectra of benzene provided the information about IR-inactive skeletal vibrations of the benzene ring, such as C–C–C in-plane bending and breathing modes. The benzene molecules strongly interacting with H⁺ or Na⁺ sites of Y-zeolites showed smaller breathing vibration energy as compared to benzene in gas or liquid phases, clearly indicating the stabilization of the benzene ring. In contrast, the benzene molecules weakly interacting with hydroxyl groups of siliceous USY zeolite were barely stabilized.     

A New Complex of Europium(II) with edta – Structure and Spectroscopy

A new complex of europium(II) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was obtained by electrochemical reduction. The compound is composed of polymeric chains, guanidinium cations and water molecules. The Eu²⁺ cation is eight‐coordinate (two nitrogen atoms and six carboxylate oxygen atoms), and contrary to europium(III) complexes with edta, does not contain water molecules in the first coordination sphere. Relationships between the coordination mode and IR as well as UV–Vis spectra are discussed.     

Ionization‐Induced Solvent Migration in Acetanilide‐Methanol Clusters Inferred from Isomer‐Selective Infrared Spectroscopy

We present the resonance‐enhanced multiphoton ionization, infrared‐ultraviolet hole burning (IR‐UV HB), and IR dip spectra of the trans‐acetanilide–methanol (AA–MeOH) cluster in the S₀, S₁, and cationic ground state (D₀) in a supersonic jet. The IR‐UV HB spectra demonstrate the co‐existence of two isomers in S_0,1, in which MeOH binds either to the NH or the CO site of the peptide linkage in AA, denoted as AA(NH)–MeOH and AA(CO)–MeOH. When AA(CO)–MeOH is selectively ionized, its IR spectrum in D₀ is the same as that measured for AA⁺(NH)–MeOH. Thus, photoionization of AA(CO)–MeOH induces migration of MeOH from the CO to the NH site with 100% yield.     

Structures of [M(Ura‐H)(H2O)n]+ (M = Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba; n = 1–3) complexes in the gas phase by IRMPD spectroscopy and theoretical studies

The structures of singly and doubly (and for Mg, triply) hydrated group 2 metal dications bound to deprotonated uracil were explored in the gas phase using infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared region (1000–1900 cm^?1) and the O–H/N–H stretching region (2700–3800 cm^?1) in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. The infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra were then compared with the computed IR spectra for various isomers. Calculations were performed using B3LYP with the 6‐31 + G(d,p) basis set for all atoms except Ba²⁺ and Sr²⁺, for which the LANL2DZ or the def2‐TZVPP basis sets with relativistic core potentials were used. Atoms‐in‐molecules analysis was conducted for all lowest energy structures. The lowest energy isomers in all cases are those in which the one uracil is deprotonated at the N3 position, and the metal is coordinated to the N3 and O4 of uracil. Regardless of the degree of solvation, all water molecules are bound to the metal ion and participate in a hydrogen bond with a carbonyl of the uracil moiety. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pairing of Isolated Nucleobases: Double Resonance Laser Spectroscopy of Adenine–Thymine

The vibronic spectrum of the adenine–thymine (A–T) base pair was obtained by one‐color resonant two‐photon ionization (R2PI) spectroscopy in a free jet of thermally evaporated A and T under conditions favorable for formation of small clusters. The onset of the spectrum at 35 064 cm^?1 exhibits a large red shift relative to the π–π* origin of 9H‐adenine at 36 105 cm^?1. The IR–UV spectrum was assigned to cluster structures with HNH???O?C/N???HN hydrogen bonding by comparison with the IR spectra of A and T monomers and with ab initio calculated vibrational spectra of the most stable A–T isomers. The Watson–Crick A–T base pair is not the most stable base‐pair structure at different levels of ab initio theory, and its vibrational spectrum is not in agreement with the observed experimental spectrum. Experiments with methylated A and T were performed to further support the structural assignment.     

Insights into Intramolecular Trp and His Side‐Chain Orientation and Stereospecific π Interactions Surrounding Metal Centers: An Investigation Using Protein Metal‐Site Mimicry in Solution

Metal‐binding scaffolds incorporating a Trp/His‐paired epitope are instrumental in giving novel insights into the physicochemical basis of functional and mechanistic versatility conferred by the Trp–His interplay at a metal site. Herein, by coupling biometal site mimicry and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy experiments, modular constructs EDTA‐(L ‐Trp, L ‐His) (EWH; EDTA=ethylenediamino tetraacetic acid) and DTPA‐(L ‐Trp, L ‐His) (DWH; DTPA=diethylenetriamino pentaacetic acid) were employed to dissect the static and transient physicochemical properties of hydrophobic/hydrophilic aromatic interactive modes surrounding biometal centers. The binding feature and identities of the stoichiometric metal‐bound complexes in solution were investigated by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, which facilitated a cross‐validation of the carboxylate, amide oxygen, and tertiary amino groups as the primary ligands and indole as the secondary ligand, with the imidazole (Im) N3 nitrogen being weakly bound to metals such as Ca²⁺ owing to a multivalency effect. Surrounding the metal centers, the stereospecific orientation of aromatic rings in the diastereoisomerism is interpreted with the Ca²⁺–EWH complex. With respect to perturbed Trp side‐chain rotamer heterogeneity, drastically restricted Trp side‐chain flexibility and thus a dynamically constrained rotamer interconversion due to π interactions is evident from the site‐selective ¹³C NMR spectroscopic signal broadening of the Trp indolyl C3 atom. Furthermore, effects of Trp side‐chain fluctuation on indole/Im orientation were the subject of a 2D NMR spectroscopy study by using the Ca²⁺‐bound state; a C? H2(indolyl)/C? H5(Im⁺) connectivity observed in the NOESY spectra captured direct evidence that the N? H1 of the Ca²⁺–Im⁺ unit interacted with the pyrrole ring of the indole unit in Ca²⁺‐bound EWH but not in DWH, which is assignable to a moderately static, anomalous, T‐shaped, interplanar π⁺–π stacking alignment. Nevertheless, a comparative ¹³C NMR spectroscopy study of the two homologous scaffolds revealed that the overall response of the indole unit arises predominantly from global attractions between the indole ring and the entire positively charged first coordination sphere. The study thus demonstrates the coordination‐sphere/geometry dependence of the Trp/His side‐chain interplay, and established that π interactions allow ¹³C NMR spectroscopy to offer a new window for investigating Trp rotamer heterogeneity near metal‐binding centers.     

Probing Protonation Sites of Isolated Flavins Using IR Spectroscopy: From Lumichrome to the Cofactor Flavin Mononucleotide

Infrared spectra of the isolated protonated flavin molecules lumichrome, lumiflavin, riboflavin (vitamin B₂), and the biologically important cofactor flavin mononucleotide are measured in the fingerprint region (600–1850 cm^?1) by means of IR multiple‐photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. Using density functional theory calculations, the geometries, relative energies, and linear IR absorption spectra of several low‐energy isomers are calculated. Comparison of the calculated IR spectra with the measured IRMPD spectra reveals that the N10 substituent on the isoalloxazine ring influences the protonation site of the flavin. Lumichrome, with a hydrogen substituent, is only stable as the N1‐protonated tautomer and protonates at N5 of the pyrazine ring. The presence of the ribityl unit in riboflavin leads to protonation at N1 of the pyrimidinedione moiety, and methyl substitution in lumiflavin stabilizes the tautomer that is protonated at O2. In contrast, flavin mononucleotide exists as both the O2‐ and N1‐protonated tautomers. The frequencies and relative intensities of the two C?O stretch vibrations in protonated flavins serve as reliable indicators for their protonation site.     

Observation of Main‐Group Tricarbonyls [B(CO)3] and [C(CO)3]+ Featuring a Tilted One‐Electron Donor Carbonyl Ligand

A combined experimental and theoretical study on the main‐group tricarbonyls [B(CO)₃] in solid noble‐gas matrices and [C(CO)₃]⁺ in the gas phase is presented. The molecules are identified by comparing the experimental and theoretical IR spectra and the vibrational shifts of nuclear isotopes. Quantum chemical ab initio studies suggest that the two isoelectronic species possess a tilted η¹(μ₁‐CO)‐bonded carbonyl ligand, which serves as an unprecedented one‐electron donor ligand. Thus, the central atoms in both complexes still retain an 8‐electron configuration. A thorough analysis of the bonding situation gives quantitative information about the donor and acceptor properties of the different carbonyl ligands. The linearly bonded CO ligands are classical two‐electron donors that display classical σ‐donation and π‐back‐donation following the Dewar–Chatt–Duncanson model. The tilted CO ligand is a formal one‐electron donor that is bonded by σ‐donation and π‐back‐donation that involves the singly occupied orbital of the radical fragments [B(CO)₂] and [C(CO)₂]⁺.     

Nuclear‐Spin‐Induced Circular Dichroism in the Infrared Region for Liquids

Recently, the nuclear‐spin‐induced optical rotation (NSOR) and circular dichroism (NSCD) for liquids were discovered and extensively studied and developed. However, so far, nuclear‐spin‐induced magnetic circular dichroism in the IR region (IR‐NSCD) has not been explored, even though all polyatomic molecules exhibit extensive IR spectra. Herein, IR‐NSCD is proposed and discussed theoretically. The results indicate that in favorable conditions the IR‐NSCD angle may be much larger than the NSOR angle in the UV/Vis region due to a vibrational resonance effect and can be measurable by using the NSOR experiment scheme. IR‐NSCD can automatically combine and give NMR spectra and IRCD spectra of the nuclear spin prepolarized samples in liquids, which, in principle, could be developed to become a unique, novel analytical tool.     

On the Surface Reactivity of Functionalized Phosphinines on Inorganic Supports

Phosphinines with pendant phenol or catechol functionalities and their gold(I) complexes were synthesised and characterised by spectroscopic data and in one case by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. Reactions of ligands or complexes with TiO₂ or chloropropyl modified hexagonal mesoporous silica were then studied with the aim to immobilise ligands or complexes on the carrier by covalent tethering. ³¹P MAS NMR studies revealed that immobilisation on TiO₂ was accompanied by complete degradation of the phosphinine moiety. Base induced coupling with chloropropyl modified silica produced a material that contained a mixture of several surface‐bound phosphorus compounds. ³¹P MAS NMR studies revealed that approx. 40 % of the ligand had retained its integrity whereas the remaining fraction had been converted into further, not unambiguously identified structures.     

The Geometric Structure of Silver‐Doped Silicon Clusters

Cationic silver‐doped silicon clusters, Si_nAg⁺ (n=6–15), are studied using infrared multiple photon dissociation in combination with density functional theory computations. Candidate structures are identified using a basin‐hopping global optimizations method. Based on the comparison of experimental and calculated IR spectra for the identified low‐energy isomers, structures are assigned. It is found that all investigated clusters have exohedral structures, that is, the Ag atom is located at the surface. This is a surprising result because many transition‐metal dopant atoms have been shown to induce the formation of endohedral silicon clusters. The silicon framework of Si_nAg⁺ (n=7–9) has a pentagonal bipyramidal building block, whereas the larger Si_nAg⁺ (n=10–12, 14, 15) clusters have trigonal prism‐based structures. On comparing the structures of Si_nAg⁺ with those of Si_nCu⁺ (for n=6–11) it is found that both Cu and Ag adsorb on a surface site of bare Si_n⁺ clusters. However, the Ag dopant atom takes a lower coordinated site and is more weakly bound to the Si_n⁺ framework than the Cu dopant atom.     

Self‐Assembled Multimetallic/Peptide Complexes: Structures and Unimolecular Reactions of [Mn(GlyGly−H)2n−1]+ and Mn+1(GlyGly−H2n]2+ Clusters in the Gas Phase

The unimolecular chemistry and structures of self‐assembled complexes containing multiple alkaline‐earth‐metal dications and deprotonated GlyGly ligands are investigated. Singly and doubly charged ions [M_n(GlyGly?H)_n‐1]⁺ (n=2–4), [M_n+1(GlyGly?H)_2n]²⁺ (n=2,4,6), and [M(GlyGly?H)GlyGly]⁺ were observed. The losses of 132 Da (GlyGly) and 57 Da (determined to be aminoketene) were the major dissociation pathways for singly charged ions. Doubly charged Mg²⁺ clusters mainly lost GlyGly, whereas those containing Ca²⁺ or Sr²⁺ also underwent charge separation. Except for charge separation, no loss of metal cations was observed. Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra were the most consistent with the computed IR spectra for the lowest energy structures, in which deprotonation occurs at the carboxyl acid groups and all amide and carboxylate oxygen atoms are complexed to the metal cations. The N?H stretch band, observed at 3350 cm^?1, is indicative of hydrogen bonding between the amine nitrogen atoms and the amide hydrogen atom. This study represents the first into large self‐assembled multimetallic complexes bound by peptide ligands.     

Solvent Migration in Microhydrated Aromatic Aggregates: Ionization‐Induced Site Switching in the 4‐Aminobenzonitrile–Water Cluster

The dependence of the preferred microhydration sites of 4‐aminobenzonitrile (4ABN) on electronic excitation and ionization is determined through IR spectroscopy of its clusters with water (W) in a supersonic expansion and through quantum chemical calculations. IR spectra of neutral 4ABN and two isomers of its hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) 4ABN–W complexes are obtained in the ground and first excited singlet states (S₀, S₁) through IR depletion spectroscopy associated with resonance‐enhanced multiphoton ionization. Spectral analysis reveals that electronic excitation does not change the H‐bonding motif of each isomer, that is, H₂O binding either to the CN or the NH site of 4ABN, denoted as 4ABN–W(CN) and 4ABN–W(NH), respectively. The IR spectra of 4ABN⁺–W in the doublet cation ground electronic state (D₀) are measured by generating them either in an electron ionization source (EI‐IR) or through resonant multiphoton ionization (REMPI‐IR). The EI‐IR spectrum shows only transitions of the most stable isomer of the cation, which is assigned to 4ABN⁺–W(NH). The REMPI‐IR spectrum obtained through isomer‐selective resonant photoionization of 4ABN–W(NH) is essentially the same as the EI‐IR spectrum. The REMPI‐IR spectrum obtained by ionizing 4ABN–W(CN) is also similar to that of the 4ABN⁺–W(NH) isomer, but differs from that calculated for 4ABN⁺–W(CN), indicating that the H₂O ligand migrates from the CN to the NH site upon ionization with a yield of 100 %. The mechanism of this CN→NH site‐switching reaction is discussed in the light of the calculated potential energy surface and the role of intracluster vibrational energy redistribution.     

Probing Surface Sites of TiO2: Reactions with [HRe(CO)5] and [CH3Re(CO)5]

Two carbonyl complexes of rhenium, [HRe(CO)₅] and [CH₃Re(CO)₅], were used to probe surface sites of TiO₂ (anatase). These complexes were adsorbed from the gas phase onto anatase powder that had been treated in flowing O₂ or under vacuum to vary the density of surface OH sites. Infrared (IR) spectra demonstrate the variation in the number of sites, including Ti⁺³? OH and Ti⁺⁴? OH. IR and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra show that chemisorption of the rhenium complexes led to their decarbonylation, with formation of surface‐bound rhenium tricarbonyls, when [HRe(CO)₅] was adsorbed, or rhenium tetracarbonyls, when [CH₃Re(CO)₅] was adsorbed. These reactions were accompanied by the formation of water and surface carbonates and removal of terminal hydroxyl groups associated with Ti⁺³ and Ti⁺⁴ ions on the anatase. Data characterizing the samples after adsorption of [HRe(CO)₅] or [CH₃Re(CO)₅] determined a ranking of the reactivity of the surface OH sites, with the Ti⁺³? OH groups being the more reactive towards the rhenium complexes but the less likely to be dehydroxylated. The two rhenium pentacarbonyl probes provided complementary information, suggesting that the carbonate species originate from carbonyl ligands initially bonded to the rhenium and from hydroxyl groups of the titania surface, with the reaction leading to the formation of water and bridging hydroxyl groups on the titania. The results illustrate the value of using a family of organometallic complexes as probes of oxide surface sites.     

A Vibrational Spectroscopic Study of Ion Solvation in Lithium Perchlorate/Propylene Carbonate Electrolyte

Abstract

The infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of propylene carbonate (PC) containing various concentrations of LiClO₄ have been measured and analyzed. The difference in spectra of PC with and without LiClO₄ was attributed to the interaction of the PC molecules and lithium ions. This interaction occurs mainly on the carbonyl oxygen atom of the PC molecule. The ring deformation, symmetric ring deformation, carbonyl stretching and stretching of ring oxygens for PC are sensitive to this interaction. The solvation number of Li⁺ is also calculated. On the other hand, the structure of the ClO^? ₄ is also affected by PC molecule, forming the solvent separated ion pairs.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal,DNA interaction and antimicrobial properties of novel Cu(II) heterochelates

Novel dimeric Cu(II) heterochelates were synthesized using 1‐cyclopropyl‐6‐fluoro‐4‐oxo‐7‐piperazin‐1‐yl‐1,4‐dihydro‐quinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid (Cpf) and eight different neutral bidentate ligands. All ligands were characterized by elemental analyses, melting point and IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra, while heterochelates were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, reflectance spectra, magnetic measurements and thermogravimetric analyses. The DNA interaction and cleavage behaviors of the ligands and corresponding heterochelates were studied by UV–vis absorption titration and gel electrophoresis technique, respectively. The results indicate that heterochelates show larger DNA interaction and cleavage affinity than the ligands. The antimicrobial activities of heterochelates, ligands, cupric nitrate and standard drugs against six bacteria and three fungi were tested. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Infrared Spectra of Protonated Coronene and Its Neutral Counterpart in Solid Parahydrogen: Implications for Unidentified Interstellar Infrared Emission Bands

Large protonated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (H⁺PAHs) are possible carriers of unidentified infrared (UIR) emission bands from interstellar objects, but the characterization of infrared (IR) spectra of large H⁺PAHs in the laboratory is challenging. IR absorption spectra of protonated coronene (1‐C₂₄H₁₃⁺) and mono‐hydrogenated coronene (1‐C₂₄H₁₃^.), which were produced upon electron bombardment of parahydrogen containing a small proportion of coronene (C₂₄H₁₂) during matrix deposition, were recorded. The spectra are of a much higher resolution than those obtained by IR multiphoton dissociation by Dopfer and co‐workers. The IR spectra of protonated pyrene and coronene collectively appear to have the required chromophores for features of the UIR bands, and the spectral shifts on an increase in the number of benzenoid rings point in the correct direction towards the positions of the UIR bands. Larger protonated peri‐condensed PAHs might thus be key species among the carriers of UIR bands.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, thermal analyses,biological activity and molecular docking studies on mixed ligand complexes derived from Schiff base ligands and 2,6‐pyridine dicarboxylic acid

Two novel Schiff base ligands (L^a and L^b) were prepared from the condensation of quinoline 2‐aldehyde with 2‐aminopyridine (ligand L^a) and from the condensation of oxamide with furfural (ligand L^b). Mixed ligand complexes of the type M⁺²L^a/b L^c were prepared, where (L^a and L^b) the primary ligands and L^c was 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid as secondary ligand. Metal ions used were Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) for mixed ligands L^a L^c and Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Hg(II) and Zn(II) for L^bL^c mixed ligands. L^a and L^b Schiff base ligands were both characterized using elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. Mass spectra for L^b, [Zn(L^a)L^cCl]Cl and [Cu(L^b)L^cCl]Cl were also studied. ESR spectrum of the [Cu(L^b) L^cCl]Cl complex was also recorded The metal complexes were synthesized and characterized using elemental analyses, spectroscopic (IR, ¹H NMR, UV‐visible, diffused reflectance), molar conductance, magnetic moment and thermal studies. The IR and ¹H NMR spectral data revealed that 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxalic acid ligand coordinated to the metal ions via pyridyl N and carboxylate O without proton displacement. In addition, the IR data showed that L^a and L^b ligands behaved as neutral bidentate ligands with N₂ donation sites (quinoline N and azomethine N for L^a and two azomethine N for L^b). Based on spectroscopic studies, an octahedral geometry was proposed for the complexes. The thermal stability and degradation of the metal complexes were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The binding modes and affinities of L^a, L^b and Zn(II) complexes towards receptors of crystal structure of E. coli (PDB ID: 3 t88) and mutant oxidoreductase of breast cancer (PDB ID: 3 hb5) receptors were also studied. The antimicrobial activity against two species of Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi were tested for the Schiff base ligands, 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid and the mixed ligand complexes and revealed that the synthesized mixed ligand complexes exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than their free Schiff base ligands.     

Synthesis,Structural Characterization and Preliminary Biological Studies of Several Heterocyclic Transition Metal Carbonyl Complexes

The reaction of molybdenum, tungsten and manganese carbonyls with several thiazole heterocycle ligands yielded a number of coordinated transition metal complexes 1 – 10 . Of these complexes 1 – 6 are new compounds which have not been reported to date. The structures of new compounds were characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1 – 10 are carbon monoxide releasing molecules that show structure‐related anti‐cancer activity. The cytotoxicity of all compounds on Hela cells was evaluated by MTT assay, and the results show that carbon monoxide releasing molecules containing such Schiff base ligands may have biomedical applications for their anti‐tumor effect.