Quantum chemical studies on antimalarial of artemisinin (qinghaosu) derivatives

In this paper theoretical studies were performed on artemisinin (qinghaosu) derivatives with semiempirical quantum chemical methods AMI and PM3. The antimalarial activity -logC has an obvious correlation with the net charge of C(16) and bond orders of bonds O(1)-C(10), O(2)-C(6), O(1)-O(2) and O(5)-C(16). According to the calculation results, we derived structure-activity relationship, presented the probable pharmacophore of qinghaosu derivatives and the interaction fashion between the drugs and the plasmodium receptor.     

Quantum chemical modeling of 1,1‐proton transfer reaction catalyzed by a cofactor‐independent α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase

α‐Methylacyl‐CoA racemases (AMACR) are essential enzymes for branched‐chain lipids and drugs metabolism. AMACR catalyzes the chiral inversion of (2R) and (2S)‐methylacyl‐CoA esters in both directions. In this study, we investigated the catalytic mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MCR) α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase by using the density functional theory with the hybrid functional B3LYP. Our calculations elucidate and support the mechanism proposed by Prasenjit Bhaumik. His126 and Asp156 serve as the acid/base‐pair residues in the 1,1‐proton transfer catalytic reaction. From the optimized structures, it can be seen that an enolate intermediate is formed and the possibility of forming a ketene or a carbanion intermediate is excluded. By comparing the energy barriers, we could consider that the deprotonation step is the rate‐determined step in the invert direction from (S)‐ to (R)‐enantiomer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012     

Quantum chemical investigation on solvation of Ginkgolides

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Quantum Control of Gas‐Phase and Liquid‐Phase Femtochemistry

Active control of chemical reactions on a microscopic (molecular) level, that is, the selective breaking or making of chemical bonds, is an old dream. However, conventional control agents used in chemical synthesis are macroscopic variables such as temperature, pressure or concentration, which gives no direct access to the quantum‐mechanical reaction pathway. In quantum control, by contrast, molecular dynamics are guided with specifically designed light fields. Thus it is possible to efficiently and selectively reach user‐defined reaction channels. In the last years, experimental techniques were developed by which many breakthroughs in this field were achieved. Femtosecond laser pulses are manipulated in so‐called pulse shapers to generate electric field profiles which are specifically adapted to a given quantum system and control objective. The search for optimal fields is guided by an automated learning loop, which employs direct feedback from experimental output. Thereby quantum control over gas‐phase as well as liquid‐phase femtochemical processes has become possible. In this review, we first discuss the theoretical and experimental background for many of the recent experiments treated in the literature. Examples from our own research are then used to illustrate several fundamental and practical aspects in gas‐phase as well as liquid‐phase quantum control. Some additional technological applications and developments are also described, such as the automated optimization of the output from commercial femtosecond laser systems, or the control over the polarization state of light on an ultrashort timescale. The increasing number of successful implementations of adaptive learning techniques points at the great versatility of computer‐guided optimization methods. The general approach to active control of light–matter interaction has also applications in many other areas of modern physics and related disciplines.     

A vector‐based representation of the chemical bond for the normal modes of benzene

We introduce a vector‐based interpretation of the chemical bond within the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), the bond‐path framework set B = {p, q, r}, to follow variations in the 3D morphology of all bonds for the four infrared active normal modes of benzene. The bond‐path framework set B comprises three unique paths p, q, and r where r is the familiar QTAIM bond concept of bond‐path (r) while the two new paths p and q are formulated from the least and most preferred directions of electron density accumulation, respectively. We find 3D distortions including bond stretching/compression, torsion, and curving. We introduce two fractional measures to quantify these variations away from linearity of the bond.     

Quantum‐chemical approach to the solvatochromic transition in polysilane derivatives

We approached the solvatochromic transition observed in polysilane derivatives (poly[bis(4‐propoxybutyl)silylene] (PPBS)) from the standpoint of various quantum chemical treatments. It was found from conventional geometry optimizations at the levels of semiempirical and ab initio molecular orbital methods that a protonation to polysilane oligomers with side chain R = ? OCH₃ results in the conformational change of Si‐backbone to a trans‐zigzag structure. Using the Elongation method, which was developed for efficient calculations of huge systems, it was demonstrated that a protonation could change the conformation of Si‐backbone to a trans‐zigzag structure over 10–14 Si atoms. In addition, ab initio calculations showed that the positive charge of a proton can delocalize into the Si‐backbone through a long side chain in PPBS. Positively charged polysilane oligomers provide a rotational barrier that prefers a trans‐zigzag structure, whereas neutral oligomers have a barrier that results to a random structure. This unique behavior of the charged polysilane oligomers should not be disregarded in understanding the mechanism of the solvatochromic transition in PPBS. In ab initio configuration interaction/Mφller‐Plesset through‐space/bond interaction analysis, it was found that such a unique behavior of the rotational barrier in polysilane oligomers could be explained by the effect of orbital delocalization through σ‐conjugation on the Si‐backbone. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 119–133, 2006     

Electrochemistry in Carbon‐based Quantum Dots

Electrochemistry belongs to an important branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical changes produced by electricity and the production of electricity by chemical changes. Therefore, it can not only act a powerful tool for materials synthesis, but also offer an effective platform for sensing and catalysis. As extraordinary zero‐dimensional materials, carbon‐based quantum dots (CQDs) have been attracting tremendous attention due to their excellent properties such as good chemical stability, environmental friendliness, nontoxicity and abundant resources. Compared with the traditional methods for the preparation of CQDs, electrochemical (EC) methods offer advantages of simple instrumentation, mild reaction conditions, low cost and mass production. In return, CQDs could provide cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, biocompatible, stable and easily‐functionalizable probes, modifiers and catalysts for EC sensing. However, no specific review has been presented to systematically summarize both aspects until now. In this review, the EC preparation methods of CQDs are critically discussed focusing on CQDs. We further emphasize the applications of CQDs in EC sensors, electrocatalysis, biofuel cells and EC flexible devices. This review will further the experimental and theoretical understanding of the challenges and future prospective in this field, open new directions on exploring new advanced CQDs in EC to meet the high demands in diverse applications.     

UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS‐based screening and characterization of metabolites of cnidilin in human liver microsomes

Cnidilin is an active natural furocoumarin ingredient originating from well‐known traditional Chinese medicine Radix Angelicae Dahuricae . In the present study, an efficient approach was developed for the screening and identification of cnidilin metabolites using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. In this approach, an on‐line data acquisition method multiple mass defect filter combined with dynamic background subtraction was developed to trace all probable metabolites. Based on this analytical strategy, a total of 24 metabolites of cnidilin were detected in human liver microsomal incubation samples and the metabolic pathways were proposed. The results indicated that oxidation was the main biotransformation route for cnidilin in human liver microsomes. In addition, the specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes involved in the metabolism of cnidilin were identified using chemical inhibition and CYP recombinant enzymes. The results showed that CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 might be the major enzymes involved in the metabolism of cnidilin in human liver microsomes. The relationship between cnidilin and the CYP450 enzymes could provide us a theoretical basis of the pharmacological mechanism.     

Quantum chemical study of oxidation processes in Cu-phthalocyanine

Quantum chemical calculations reproduced quite well the experimental infrared spectra of CuPc and CuNO₃Pc · HNO₃. The agreement in the changes of line intensities during the oxidation supports the idea of ligand oxidation. This result is in agreement with the Mulliken population analysis.     

Tuning Optical Properties and Photocatalytic Activities of Carbon‐based “Quantum Dots” Through their Surface Groups

We report recent progress in tuning optical properties and photocatalytic activities of carbon‐based quantum dots (carbon‐based QDs) through their surface groups. It is increasingly clear that the properties of carbon‐based QDs are more dependent on their surface groups than on their size. The present challenge remains as to how to control the type, number, and conformation of the heterogeneous groups on the surface of carbon‐based QDs when considering their target applications. By reviewing the related achievements, this personal account aims to help us understand the roles different surface groups play in tuning the properties of carbon‐based QDs. A number of significant accomplishments have demonstrated that surface groups possess strong power in engineering electronic structure and controlling photogenerated charge behaviors of carbon‐based QDs. However, effective strategies for modifying carbon‐based QDs with diverse heterogeneous groups are still needed.     

Zr-promoted ‘pair’-selective and regioselective synthesis of penta-substituted benzene derivatives

Tetra-substituted zirconacyclopentadiene derivatives, obtainable via in situ generation of zirconacyclopropenes and their cyclic carbozirconation with alkynes, can be treated with alkynyllithiums to induce 1,2-migration accompanied by aromatization and protonolysis, leading to the formation of penta-substituted benzene derivatives, in which all five substituted may be different.     

Quantum chemical study of penicillin: Reactions after acylation

The density functional theory methods were used on the model molecules of penicillin to determine the possible reactions after their acylation on β‐lactamase, and the results were compared with sulbactam we have studied. The results show that, the acylated‐enzyme tetrahedral intermediate can evolves with opening of β‐lactam ring as well as the thiazole ring; the thiazole ring‐open products may be formed via β‐lactam ring‐open product or from tetrahedral intermediate directly. Those products, in imine or enamine form, can tautomerize via hydrogen migration. In virtue of the water‐assisted, their energy barriers are obviously reduced. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of CdSe Quantum Dots: A Size‐Tunable and Scalable Approach

In recent years, continuous‐flow/microreactor processing for the preparation of colloidal nanocrystals has received considerable attention. The intrinsic advantages of microfluidic reactors have opened new opportunities for the size‐controlled synthesis of nanocrystals either in the laboratory or on a large scale. Herein, an experimentally simple protocol for the size‐tunable continuous‐flow synthesis of rather monodisperse CdSe quantum dots (QDs) is presented. CdSe QDs are manufactured by using cadmium oleate as cadmium source, selenium dioxide as selenium precursor, and 1‐octadecene as solvent. Exploiting selenium dioxide as selenium source and 1‐octadecene as solvent allows execution of the complete process in open air without any requirement for air‐free manipulations using a glove box or Schlenk line. Continuous‐flow processing is performed with a stainless steel coil of 1.0 mm inner diameter pumping the combined precursor solution through the reactor by applying a standard HPLC pump. The effect of different reaction parameters, such as temperature, residence time, and flow rate, on the properties of the resulting CdSe QDs was investigated. A temperature increase from 240 to 260 °C or an extension of the residence time from 2 to 20 min affords larger nanocrystals (range 3–6 nm) whereas the size distribution does not change significantly. Longer reaction times and higher temperatures result in QDs with lower quantum yields (range 11–28 %). The quality of the synthesized CdSe QDs was confirmed by UV/Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the potential of this protocol for large‐scale manufacturing was evaluated and by operating the continuous‐flow process for 87 min it was possible to produce 167 mg of CdSe QDs (with a mean diameter of 4 nm) with a quantum yield of 28 %.     

New polyelectrolytes based on 4‐vinyl‐1,2,3‐triazole and 1‐vinylimidazole

Copolymers of 4‐vinyl‐1,2,3‐triazole and 1‐vinylimidazole (VI) were obtained by radical copolymerization of (4‐vinyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl pivalate with VI followed by alkali hydrolysis. Reactivity ratios of the triazole and imidazole monomers are 0.51 and 0.30, respectively. Theoretical quantum‐chemical calculations by the PM3 semiempirical method give close values, which show that the obtained reactivity ratios reflect the activity of the vinyl groups. Polyelectrolyte properties of the copolymers were studied by potentiometric titration. Hydrogen bonds between the protonated triazole cycle and the triazole or imidazole units were found to considerably influence the solubility and solution properties of the copolymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

几种苄基哌嗪衍生物13C NMR的计算研究

本文分别采用量子化学从头算Hatree-Fock方法和密度泛函B3LYP方法在6-311G++基组水平下对几种苄基哌嚷衍生物的13C NMR作了计算研究.结果表明两种方法计算得到的各苄基哌嗪衍生物中C原子化学位移的计算值与实验值之间均近似存在线性关系,其中采用考虑了电子相关作用的密度泛函方法计算时,各化合物中碳原子的化...     

Auger Ionization Beats Photo‐Oxidation of Semiconductor Quantum Dots: Extended Stability of Single‐Molecule Photoluminescence

Despite the bright and tuneable photoluminescence (PL) of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), the PL instability induced by Auger recombination and oxidation poses a major challenge in single‐molecule applications of QDs. The incomplete information about Auger recombination and oxidation is an obstacle in the resolution of this challenge. Here, we report for the first time that Auger‐ionized QDs beat self‐sensitized oxidation and the non‐digitized PL intensity loss. Although high‐intensity photoactivation insistently induces PL blinking, the transient escape of QDs into the ultrafast Auger recombination cycle prevents generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and preserves the PL intensity. By the detection of the NIR phosphorescence of ¹O₂ and evaluation of the photostability of single QDs in aerobic, anaerobic, and ¹O₂ scavenger‐enriched environments, we disclose relations of Auger ionization and ¹O₂‐mediated oxidation to the PL stability of single QDs, which will be useful during the formulation of QD‐based single‐molecule imaging tools and single‐photon devices.     

取代基咪唑啉与铁原子化学吸附作用能的量子化学计算

用量子化学方法计算了６个咪唑啉型化合物及其与铁原子的化学吸附作用能,探讨了这种作用能与缓蚀性能的关系。得到咪唑啉环上氮与铁的配位键长、双原子作用能以及重叠集居数。研究发现具有ｐ－π共轭体系的咪唑啉以及在环上引入供电子基团或取代芳烃,能增强氮与铁原子的化学吸附作用力。计算结果可为设计性能较好的新型咪唑啉缓蚀剂提供有用的信息。