Diruthenium and diosmium tetracarboxylates: synthesis, physical properties and applications

Dimetal tetracarboxylates, [M₂(O₂CR)₄]ⁿ, have received much coverage in the literature. The metals include Cr, Mo, W, Tc, Re, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni and Cu with n ranging from −2 to +4 (0 to +2 being most common). Diruthenium and diosmium tetracarboxylates form two of the younger families of these ubiquitous compounds and are known to exist as homovalent Ru₂(II,II) and Os₂(III,III) and mixed-valent Ru₂(II,III) and Os₂(II,III) species. This paper will provide a comprehensive review of these complexes and include such things as their discovery, synthesis and crystal structures; electronic, vibrational (IR and Raman), ESR and photoelectron spectroscopy; magnetic susceptibility; electrochemistry; kinetics; calorimetry; theoretical calculations such as SCF-X-SW and CASSCF; and more recent studies of their mesomorphic behaviour and biological and catalytic applications. The ruthenium compounds, in particular, have shown a potential application as liquid crystals. Current work (including this author's) is also focused on the development of linear chains involving these metal carboxylate units and bidentate bridges with the view to developing ferromagnetic materials and conductive polymers.

There have been no previous reviews on ruthenium (and osmium) carboxylates per se. Cotton and Walton give them some coverage in the context of metal–metal bonds in Multiple Bonds Between Metal Atoms (2nd ed., 1993) however the direct coverage of Ru₂(O₂CR)₄ and Os₂(O₂CR)₄ type complexes is cursory and dispersed throughout the book. As well, the coverage is only comprehensive through December 1990 with some references from 1991. The current review will be complete through to mid-1997.     

Oxa-spirocycles: synthesis,properties and applications

A general approach to a new generation of spirocyclic molecules – oxa-spirocycles – was developed. The key synthetic step was iodocyclization. More than 150 oxa-spirocyclic compounds were prepared. Incorporation of an oxygen atom into the spirocyclic unit dramatically improved water solubility (by up to 40 times) and lowered lipophilicity. More potent oxa-spirocyclic analogues of antihypertensive drug terazosin were synthesized and studied in vivo.

A general practical approach to a new generation of spirocyclic molecules – oxa-spirocycles – is developed.     

Ethylene glycol: properties, synthesis, and applications

Ethylene glycol (EG) is an important organic compound and chemical intermediate used in a large number of industrial processes (e.g. energy, plastics, automobiles, and chemicals). Indeed, owing to its unique properties and versatile commercial applications, a variety of chemical systems (e.g., catalytic and non-catalytic) have been explored for the synthesis of EG, particularly via reaction processes derived from fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and biomass-based resources. This critical review describes a broad spectrum of properties of EG and significant advances in the prevalent synthesis and applications of EG, with emphases on the catalytic reactivity and reaction mechanisms of the main synthetic methodologies and applied strategies. We also provide an overview regarding the challenges and opportunities for future research associated with EG.     

Thin metal nanostructures: synthesis,properties and applications

Two-dimensional nanomaterials, especially graphene and single- or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets, have attracted great research interest in recent years due to their distinctive physical, chemical and electronic properties as well as their great potentials for a broad range of applications. Recently, great efforts have also been devoted to the controlled synthesis of thin nanostructures of metals, one of the most studied traditional materials, for various applications. In this minireview, we review the recent progress in the synthesis and applications of thin metal nanostructures with a focus on metal nanoplates and nanosheets. First of all, various methods for the synthesis of metal nanoplates and nanosheets are summarized. After a brief introduction of their properties, some applications of metal nanoplates and nanosheets, such as catalysis, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), sensing and near-infrared photothermal therapy are described.     

Integrated nanoparticle-biomolecule hybrid systems: synthesis, properties, and applications

Nanomaterials, such as metal or semiconductor nanoparticles and nanorods, exhibit similar dimensions to those of biomolecules, such as proteins (enzymes, antigens, antibodies) or DNA. The integration of nanoparticles, which exhibit unique electronic, photonic, and catalytic properties, with biomaterials, which display unique recognition, catalytic, and inhibition properties, yields novel hybrid nanobiomaterials of synergetic properties and functions. This review describes recent advances in the synthesis of biomolecule-nanoparticle/nanorod hybrid systems and the application of such assemblies in the generation of 2D and 3D ordered structures in solutions and on surfaces. Particular emphasis is directed to the use of biomolecule-nanoparticle (metallic or semiconductive) assemblies for bioanalytical applications and for the fabrication of bioelectronic devices.     

化学修饰的寡核苷酸: 合成、性质和应用

本文综述了近年来化学修饰的寡核苷酸研究的进展,介绍了化学修饰的寡核苷酸的种类, 化学合成方法, 生物作用原理及应用方面已达到的成継34This review deals with the progress in the research of chemically modified oligonucleotides: the synthesis, the chemical and biological properties and the potential applications as a new research tool and new therapeutic approach.     

Paramagnetic surface active ionic liquids: synthesis,properties, and applications

Paramagnetic surface active ionic liquids (PMSAILs) classify task-specific ionic liquids with magnetic properties by incorporating metal into the cationic or anionic part of the ionic liquid. Paramagnetic ionic liquids had long-chain either in cations or anions and showed excellent surface activity and magnetic properties without any need for the magnetic nanoparticles. These PMSAILs have inherent unique ionic liquid properties and self-assembled into various nano-aggregates such as micelles, vesicles, rod-like micelles, and etc., by modification in the structure of cations or anions. PMSAILs provide stimuli-responsive properties, which is one of the essential aspects of targeted applications. The appropriate functional tunability of anions and cations in PMSAILs leads to various multifaceted chemical and biological applications. A new emerging trend in PMSAIL research is hybridization with flexible materials. This review will mainly deal with the synthesis, characterization, and brief history of PMSAILs and their potential advantages in the various applications in micellar catalysis, purification and separation of biomolecules, compaction and decompaction of DNA, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications.     

Tetraaminoperylenes: their efficient synthesis and physical properties

Trimethylsilylation of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene gave 1,8-bis(trimethylsilylamino)naphthalene (1 a), which was in turn lithiated with two molar equivalents of n-butyllithium to give the tris(thf)-solvated dilithium diamide [1,8-[(Me(3)SiN)Li(thf)](2)C(10)H(6)](thf) (2 a). Metal exchange of 2 a with TlCl was carried out in two steps, via the previously characterized mixed-metal amide [1-[(Me(3)SiN)Li(thf)(2)]-8-[(Me(3)SiN)Tl]C(10)H(6)], to give the dithallium diamide [1,8-[(Me(3)SiN)Tl](2)C(10)H(6)] (3 a). Thermolysis of 3 a cleanly gave a 1:1 mixture of the 4,9-bis(trimethylsilylamino)perylenequinone-3,10-bis(trimethylsilylimine) (4 a) and 1 a. By this route, a whole series of silylated homologues of 4 a was obtained in good yields, while the same method proved to be inefficient for the synthesis of the alkyl-substituted analogues. Compound 4 a and its tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivative 4 d were reduced with sodium amalgam to give, after protonation, the corresponding 3,4,9,10-tetraaminoperylenes 7 a and 7 d. Cyclic voltammetry showed two reversible, closely spaced reduction waves (E(red 1)=-1.39, E(red 2)=-1.59 V versus SCE) corresponding to this conversion. The perylenes 7 a and 7 d are thought to be the primary products in the reaction cascade leading to the perylene derivatives, involving the thermal demetalation of the thallium amides, possibly via Tl(II)bond;Tl(II) intermediates, first to give 7 a and its analogues. The final oxidation of the tetraaminoperylenes by one molar equivalent of 3 a and analogous thallium amides gave the quinoidal derivatives such as 4 a and 4 d, a step that could be studied by direct reaction of the isolated species. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of the 4,9-bis(silylamino)perylenequinone-3,10-bis(silylimines) are characterized by a long-wavelength absorption band with a pronounced vibrational structure (lambda(max)=639 nm, lg epsilon =4.53) attributed to a pi*<--pi and a pi*<--n absorption band at 454 nm (lg epsilon 4.83), along with intense absorption in the UV region. A weak red emission with a rather low quantum yield (Phi(fl)=0.001, lambda(max)=660 nm) is observed upon irradiation of a sample; the lifetime of the emission is only 66 ps. The low emission quantum yield is attributed to the *pi<--n transition of the amino perylene, which induces strong spin-orbit coupling, leading to a large triplet yield. The triplet state was probed by transient absorption spectroscopy and found to have a lifetime of 200 ns in air, and 1100 ns in argon-flushed solution. Treatment of 4 a with a stoichiometric amount of KF in methanol/water under phase-transfer conditions (with the cryptand [C 222]) gave an almost quantitative yield of the parent compound 4,9-diaminoperylenequinone-3,10-diimine (8). Treatment of 8 with two molar equivalents of the ruthenium complex [Ru(bpy)(2)(acetone)(2)](PF(6))(2), generated in situ, yielded the blue dinuclear ruthenium complex [(bpy)(4)Ru(2)[mu(2)-N,N':N",N"'-[[4,9-(NH(2))(2)-3,10-(NH)(2)]C(20)H(8)]]](PF(6))(4) (9), the redox properties of which were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The difference in the potentials of the two one-electron redox steps (225 mV) indicates strong coupling of the metal centers through the 4,9-diaminoperylenquinone-3,10-dimine bridging ligand and corresponds to a comproportionation constant K(c) of 6.3 x 10(3). The UV/Vis absorption spectrum of the mixed valent form, which is stable in air, has a characteristic intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) band in the near infrared at 930 nm (lg epsilon =3.95), from which an electronic coupling parameter J of 760 cm(-1) could be estimated, placing compound 9 at the borderline between the class II and class III cases in the Robin-Day classification.     

Microbial synthesis,physical properties,and biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoates

Poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), is produced by Alcaligenes eutrophus from fructose or butyric acid. The kinetics and mechanism of P(3HB) biosynthesis are presented. Four types of copolymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), are produced by several bacterial strains from various carbon substrates. These microbial polyesters are biodegradable thermoplastics whose physical properties can be regulated by varying the molecular structure and composition of copolymers.     

Cyclic polymers: Advances in their synthesis,properties, and biomedical applications

Since the time first synthetic macrocycles were observed as academic curiosities, great advances have been made. Thanks to the development of controlled polymerization processes, new catalytic systems and characterization techniques during the last decades, well-defined cyclic polymers are now readily accessible. This further permits the determination of their unique set of properties, mainly due to their lack of chain ends, and their use for industrial applications can now be foreshadowed. This review aims to give an overview on the recent progresses in the field of ring polymers to this day. The current state of the art of the preparation of cyclic polymers, the challenges related to it such as the purification of the samples and the scalability of the synthetic processes, the properties arising from the cyclic topology and the potential use of cyclo-based polymers for biomedical applications are as many topics covered in this review.     

Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates-eco-friendly next generation plastic: Production,biocompatibility, biodegradation,physical properties and applications

ABSTRACT

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are intracellular aliphatic polyesters synthesized as energy reserves, in the form of water-insoluble, nano-sized discrete and optically dense granules in cytoplasm by a diverse bacteria and some archae under conditions of limiting nutrients in the presence of excess carbon source. Bacteria synthesize different PHAs from coenzyme A thioesters of respective hydroxyalkanoic acid, and degrade intracellularly for reuse and extracellularly in natural environments by other microorganisms. In vivo, PHAs exist as amorphous mobile liquid and water-insoluble inclusions but in vitro, exhibit material and mechanical properties, ranging from stiff and brittle crystalline to elastomeric and molding, similar to petrochemical thermoplastics. Further, they are hydrophobic, isotactic, biocompatible and exhibit piezoelectric properties. But as commodity plastics their applications are limited by high production cost, low yield, in vivo degradation, complexity of technology and difficulty of extraction. Therefore, to replace the conventional plastic with PHAs, it is prerequisite to standardize the PHA production systems.     

Fe3O4 nanostructures: synthesis, growth mechanism, properties and applications

Recent progress in research on Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals has attracted much attention both for investigating fundamental nanomagnetism and their potential applications in nanocatalysis, biosensing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and drug delivery. In this feature article, we provide an overview of synthetic strategies and growth mechanisms of various Fe(3)O(4) nanostructures, discuss the uniqueness of associated properties, and illustrate their potential applications.     

Organometal halide perovskite quantum dots: synthesis,optical properties,and display applications

In recent two years, organometal halide perovskites quantum dots are emerging as a new member of the nanocrystals family. From the chemical point of view, these perovskites quantum dots can be synthesized either by classical hot-injection technique for inorganic semiconductor quantum dots or the reprecipitation synthesis at room temperature for organic nanocrystals. From a physical point of view, the observed large exciton binding energy, well self-passivated surface, as well as the enhanced nonlinear properties have been of great interest for fundamental study. From the application point of view, these perovskites quantum dots exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields, wide wavelength tunability and ultra-narrow band emissions, the combination of these superior optical properties and low cost fabrication makes them to be suitable candidates for display technology. In this short review, we introduce the synthesis, optical properties, the prototype light-emitting devices, and the current important research tasks of halide perovsktie quantum dots, with an emphasis on CH₃NH₃PbX₃ (X=Cl, Br, I) quantum dots that developed in our group.     

Thiadiazoloquinoxalines: tuning physical properties through smart synthesis

The synthesis of π-conjugated acceptors based on thiadiazoloquinoxaline (TQ) derivatives is described. Apart from reporting on the functionalization of the TQ core, the influence of the substituents was studied by UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry measurements, and DFT calculations. By changing the donor as well as the π-spacer, a fine-tuning of the photo- and electrochemical properties was achieved.     

Novel polyelectrolytes with regular structure synthesis,properties and applications

Cationic polyelectrolytes and polymeric betaines with narrow molecular weight distribution as well as block copolymers containing charged and uncharged blocks of different hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity were synthesized by different routes of radical polymerization. The cationic polyelectrolytes were characterized with respect to solution properties and electrolyte behaviour. The block copolymers serve as powerful stabilizers in precipitation and emulsion polymerization processes.     

Polythiophene-block-poly(phenyl isocyanide) copolymers: One-pot synthesis,properties and applications

Conjugated block copolymers have gained increasing interests in recent years. Development of a novel method for facile synthesis of conjugated block copolymers with desired structures and functions is greatly desired. In this mini review, we summarized the recent advances in one-pot synthesis of conjugated block copolymers containing π-conjugated polythiophene and helical polyisocyanide segments by using a nickel(Ⅱ) complex as single catalyst. The sequential living polymerization of the two monomers proceeded in a controlled manner, affording expected block copolymers in high yields with controlled molecular weights(Mns) and narrow molecular weight distributions(Mw/Mns). By using this method, a family of block copolymers with expected structure and tunable compositions can be facilely prepared. Introducing functional groups onto the pendant, these block copolymers can exhibit interesting self-assembly property, tunable light emission and multi-responsiveness.     

Recent advances in polymer protected gold nanoparticles: synthesis, properties and applications

The use of various functionalized polymers as stabilizers to design metal core-organic shell hybrid nanoparticle architectures has attracted increasing interest for different applications. The feature article reviews recent reports published from 2004 to the beginning of 2007 on the synthesis of polymer protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and also comments their properties and applications.     

Aliphatic polyester polymer stars: synthesis, properties and applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology

A critical review: the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters provides access to an array of biodegradable, bioassimilable and renewable polymeric materials. Building these aliphatic polyester polymers into larger macromolecular frameworks provides further control over polymer characteristics and opens up unique applications. Polymer stars, where multiple arms radiate from a single core molecule, have found particular utility in the areas of drug delivery and nanotechnology. A challenge in this field is in understanding the impact of altering synthetic variables on polymer properties. We review the synthesis and characterization of aliphatic polyester polymer stars, focusing on polymers originating from lactide, ε-caprolactone, glycolide, β-butyrolactone and trimethylene carbonate monomers and their copolymers including coverage of polyester miktoarm star copolymers. These macromolecular materials are further categorized by core molecules, catalysts employed, self-assembly and degradation properties and the resulting fields of application (262 references).