De‐agglomeration of Silica Nanoparticles in the Presence of Surfactants

The effect of the type of surfactant and pH on de‐agglomeration of a hydrophilic silica nano‐powder in a high shear mixer was investigated. It has been found that the presence of surfactant does not affect the general pattern of de‐agglomeration characterized by the transition of a single modal aggregates size distribution with the median of 10 µm, through a bi‐modal distributions with the second median of the order of 100 nm to a single modal distribution with the median of the order of 100 nm. None of the investigated surfactants enabled de‐agglomeration of the nano‐powder into a primary nanoparticle.

At pH=4, breakage of large secondary aggregates was enhanced by the addition of PEG and PVP, whereas the addition of SDS slowed down de‐agglomeration. The final aggregates were larger in all suspensions containing surfactant than in surfactant free suspensions. At pH=9 all surfactants drastically reduced de‐agglomeration rate without affecting the size of the primary aggregates. PEG induced bridge flocculation of the primary aggregates leading to a drastic change of the rheology of suspension.     

Structure – Directing Effect of Renewable Resource Based Amphiphilic Dopants on the Formation of Conducting Polyaniline-Clay Nanocomposite

Summary: The structure-directing effect of two amphiphilic dopants on the nucleation and growth mechanism during the formation of micro/ nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline-clay nanocomposites (PANICNs) is described. PANIs and PANICNs were prepared by in-situ intercalative emulsion polymerization of aniline using the amphiphilic dopants, 3-pentadecyl phenyl phosphoric acid (3-PDPPA) and 3-pentadecyl phenol–4-sulphonic acid (3-PDPSA), derived from cashew nut shell liquid, a renewable resource. These molecules act as intercalating agents, dopants and also as structure-directing agents. X- ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies revealed the formation of lamellar/fibrillar – network in PANI- PDPPA and cylinder/rod morphology in PANI-PDPSA. Experimental data reveal that fibrillar morphology arises from the heterogeneous nucleation followed by an indefinite growth mechanism. On the other hand rod-like structures are formed from the self-assembled rod-like micelle guided polymerization through homonucleation followed by an anisotropic growth mechanism. Electrical conductivity measurement revealed lower conductivities for PANICNs than that of PANIs.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New Unsaturated Polyesters Containing 4‐Phenylcyclohexanone Moiety in the Main Chain

Two series of new unsaturated polyesters were prepared from 2,6‐bis(p‐hydroxidebenzylidene)‐4‐phenylcyclohexanone (I) and 2,6‐divanillyidene‐4‐phenylcyclohexanone (II) with adipoyl, isophthaloyl, sebacoyl and terephthaloyl dichlorides utilizing the interfacial polycondensation technique at ambient temperature. In addition to that, the model compounds were synthesized by reacting (I) and (II) with benzoyl chloride. The model compound and polyester samples have been characterized by elemental and spectral analyses. The unsaturated polyesters have inherent viscosities of 0.96–1.63 dl/g. All the polyesters are amorphous and most of them are partially soluble in most common organic solvents, but easily soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid. Their glass transition temperatures (T_g) range from190.15 to 245.28°C, and the temperatures of 10% weight loss as high as 180 to 220°C in air, indicating that these aromatic polyesters have high T_g and excellent thermal stability.     

Synthesis of Porphyrin‐Anthraquinone Conjugates as Photosensitizing Agents

A series of 5,10,15,20‐tetraarylporphyrins covalently linked to anthraquinones belonging to the class of emodin were synthesized following two different pathways. The first method exploits the functionalization of the methyl group in position 6 of O‐protected emodins, which can be converted either into a carboxylic acid or into a bromo‐methyl derivative. The modified emodins were then bound through amido or ether bonds to one of the tetraarylporphyrins meso phenyl rings bearing an amino or hydroxyl group, respectively. An alternative synthesis exploits the mixed condensation of triacetoxy‐emodinaldehyde (or trimethoxy‐emodinaldehyde) with pyrrole in the presence of variable amounts of benzaldehyde, thus affording two similar 5‐emodin‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrins differing from one another in the emodin hydroxyl group protection. These compounds are characterized by direct conjugation of the emodin moiety to the tetrapyrrolic ring. Preliminary experiments were performed in vitro on the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HCT116 to evaluate the photocytotoxicity of the new compounds.     

Silica Chromate as a Novel Oxidizing Agent for the Oxidation of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines

Silica chromate easily converts 1,4‐dihydropyridines to their corresponding pyridines in the presence of NaHSO₄ · H₂O and wet SiO₂ in dichloromethane at room temperature in good to excellent yields.     

In‐situ Synthesis and Photoluminescence of a Europium Porphyrin Complex Incorporated in the Silica Matrix

A practicable synthesis method is explored to synthesize a europium porphyrin complex in which a water‐soluble positively charged 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐trimethylammoniophenyl)porphyrin iodide, H₂TMePPI, is immobilized into the sol‐gel silica matrix and then in‐situ metallized with the Eu³⁺ ion. The product is characterized by means of the solid UV diffusion reflection spectra, fluorescence spectra, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The solid UV diffusion reflection spectra show that the number of Q bands in the product is less than that of the H₂TMePPI ligand, which is one of the important characteristics of porphyrin metallization. The fluorescence spectra of the product are different from that of the silica doped with free Eu³⁺ ions, implying the different function of Eu³⁺ ions in the product. The TG curves show that the thermal stability of the Eu(III)TMePPI entrapped into silica is higher than that of the H₂TMePPI. The effect of a heat treatment and an UV‐light irradiation on the photoluminescence properties of the composite is investigated in details. The stronger interaction between Eu(III)TMePPI and SiO₂ in the composite is responsible for the different spectra.     

Preparation and Characterization of trans‐1,4‐Polybutadiene Nanocomposites Containing in situ Generated Silica

Abstract

trans‐1,4‐Polybutadiene (tPBD) networks crosslinked free radically with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were reinforced by in situ silica formed in a two‐step sol–gel technique. Changing the degree of crosslinking by changing the amount of DCP, or changing the amounts of the sol–gel components [tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and dibutyltin diacetate (DBTDA)], changed the silica generated with regard to the amount precipitated, particle size, and degree of dispersion. Stress–strain measurements in continuous extension indicated good reinforcement, even at relatively low amounts of silica. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated decreases in heat of crystallization with increases in the amounts of silica, but thermogravimetric analysis showed initial decomposition temperatures (IDT) remained relatively constant. Suggestions are made regarding interpretation of these properties in terms of the composite morphologies.     

Efficient and Selective Formation of Mixed Acetals by Nafion‐H SAC‐13 Silica Nanocomposite Solid Acid Catalyst

Abstract

Various types of hydroxy compounds can readily be converted to the corresponding mixed acetals with dialkoxymethanes in the presence of SAC‐13 solid superacid. The transformation is almost instantaneous, product acetals are isolated in good to excellent yields, and the catalyst can be reused with minor loss of activity. Comparative studies were also carried out with p‐toluenesulfonic acid and BF₃ · OEt₂.     

Oxidation of Sulfides with N‐Bromosuccinimide in the Presence of Hydrated Silica Gel

An efficient and highly selective procedure for oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) in the presence of hydrated silica gel has been developed. Hydrated silica gel supplies the water necessary for decomposition of the intermediate bromosulfonium salt to the product, allowing the reaction to employ a nonaqueous media. Also, this procedure has increased the scope of the reaction by oxidizing a wider variety of sulfides, which was not possible until now.     

Mechanism of Formation and Molecular Structure of α-Halothioacetones

The mechanism of formation of -halo thioketones in reactions of haloacetones with H₂S in the presence of HCl was studied by quantum-chemical methods. The cause of failure in attempted preparation of iodo thioketone by this procedure was elucidated. The stereoelectronic structure and capability for 1,3-proto- tropic rearrangements of -halothioacetones were studied.     

Oligo-lysine Induced Formation of Silica Particles in Neutral Silicate Solution

Introduction Theformationofsilicastructuresunderthecontrol ofalivingorganism(biosilification)isawidespread phenomenoninnature,whichisfoundinmanylife formssuchasdiatoms,spongesandgrasses,etc.[1,2].Themostattractiveaspectofbiosilificationisthatex quisitestr…     

Crystal and Molecular Structure of 2,3‐Pentamethylene‐3,4‐Dihydroquinazolone‐4 Nitrate. Conjugation Effects in the Series of Tricyclic Quinazolines

The structure of 2,3pentamethylene3,4dihydroquinazolone4 nitrate was determined by means of Xray diffraction. Analysis was performed of the geometry of the heterocyclic ring in 2,3tri, tetra, and pentamethylene3,4dihydroquinazolones4, quinazolines, and their salts with inorganic acids and complexes with metal ions. It is found that in the N(1)—C(2)—N(3) fragment in the bases of quinazolines and quinazolones4, the conjugation is less pronounced than that in the protonated (salt) forms.     

The Role of Sulphonamides and N-Sulphonyl Ketimines/Aldimines as Directing Groups in the Field of C−H Activation

Sulphonamides and N-sulphonyl ketimines/aldimines have turned out to be versatile motifs in the field of synthetic and medicinal chemistry. The field of C−H activation/functionalization flourished remarkably due to their synthetic applicability and directing group plays a remarkable role to achieve regioselectivity in these reactions. The current review summarizes recent tactics by utilizing sulphonamides and N-sulphonyl ketimines/aldimines as directing groups for C−H activation or functionalization. As a directing group, they also facilitate site selectivity and late-stage functionalization of drug molecules in order to construct complex scaffolds of therapeutic importance by C−H activation.     

Use of Di‐tert‐butyl‐dicarbonate Both as a Protecting and Activating Group in the Synthesis of Dipeptides

Amide formation from amino acids was achieved in an easy and convenient one‐pot procedure using di‐tert‐butyl dicarbonate both as a protecting and an activating agent. A number of dipeptides have been synthesized in good yields.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Diethyl Fumarate‐1,4‐Cyclohexanedimethanol Polyesters for Use in Bioresorbable Bone Cement Composites

Unsaturated polyesters are prepared by transesterification polymerization of diethyl fumarate and 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol. The structure of the polyesters was characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. Semicrystalline morphology of the polymers is suggested by DSC analysis with T_g at 21°C and melting at 140°C. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the onset of degradation takes place at 300°C. The polyester's structure has significant impact on the properties of the composites prepared by crosslinking the fumarate double bonds with N‐vinyl pyrrolidone in the presence of an inorganic filler, calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the addition of a radical initiator, benzoyl peroxide, at ambient temperatures. The compressive strength and hydrolytic stability of the cement compositions was correlated with structure of the polyesters.     

Synthesis of Novel Spin‐Labeled Derivatives of Podophyllotoxin as Potential Antineoplastic Agents

Five novel nitroxyl spin‐labeled ester derivatives of podophyllotoxin have been prepared by reacting the corresponding N‐(1‐oxyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyloxycarbonyl) amino acids with the hydroxy group of podophyllotoxin in the presence of dimethylaminopyridine and N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and evaluated as potential antitumor agents. All of the target compounds showed more significant cytotoxicity against P‐388 murine leukemia and A‐549 human lung carcinoma in vitro than etoposide.     

Mechanical Properties of Silicone Rubber Using Carbosilane Dendrimers as the Cross-linker

Peroxide-cured high-temperature vulcanized （HTV） silicone rubber was prepared by using allyl-capped carbosilane dendrimers, in which the core molecule is Si（CHaCH=CH2）4, as the cross-linker. It showed that this kind of allyl-capped carbosilane dendrimer improved the mechanical properties of silicone rubber.     

Parameters Governing the Formation of Photopolymerized Silica Sol–Gel Monoliths in PDMS Microfluidic Chips

Although polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chips provide an alternative to more expensive microfabricated glass chips, formation of monolithic stationary phases in PDMS is not a trivial task. Photopolymerized silica sol–gel monoliths were fabricated in PDMS-based microfluidic devices using 3-trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate and glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The monolith formation was optimized by identifying a suitable porogen, controlling monomer concentration, functional additives, salts, porogen, wall attachment methods, and rinsing procedures. The resulting monoliths were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and separation performance. Monoliths functionalized with boronic acid ligands were used for the separation of cis-diol containing compounds both in batch mode and in the microfluidic chip.     

Parameters Governing the Formation of Photopolymerized Silica Sol–Gel Monoliths in PDMS Microfluidic Chips

Although polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chips provide an alternative to more expensive microfabricated glass chips, formation of monolithic stationary phases in PDMS is not a trivial task. Photopolymerized silica sol–gel monoliths were fabricated in PDMS-based microfluidic devices using 3-trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate and glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The monolith formation was optimized by identifying a suitable porogen, controlling monomer concentration, functional additives, salts, porogen, wall attachment methods, and rinsing procedures. The resulting monoliths were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and separation performance. Monoliths functionalized with boronic acid ligands were used for the separation of cis-diol containing compounds both in batch mode and in the microfluidic chip.

     

Synthesis,in silico and in vitro Evaluation of Novel Oxazolopyrimidines as Promising Anticancer Agents

New potential bioactive oxazolopyrimidines have been synthesized using two main approaches: the pyrimidine ring annulation on a functionalized oxazole and the benzoyl bromide trimerization followed by rearrangement and formation of the oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold. The docking analyzes have shown that 7-piperazine substituted oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines 8a – 8c could be potential VEGFR2 inhibitors with high free energy of ligand–protein complex formation (ΔG: −10.1, −9.6, −9.8 kcal/mol, respectively). In vitro antitumor assays confirmed theoretical predictions that oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines 8a – 8c containing positively charged piperazine moiety should demonstrate significantly higher cytotoxic effects. 4-[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-phenyl[1,3]oxazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]piperazin-1-ium trifluoroacetate ( 8c ) exhibited a slightly higher antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀=0.21 μm ) than doxorubicin (IC₅₀=0.36 μm ) on MDA-MB-231 cell line and has relatively good results on OVCAR-3 (IC₅₀=1.7 μm ) and HCT-116 (IC₅₀=0.24 μm ) cells.