Copper(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) complexes with a bulky anthracene-based carboxylic ligand: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

To systematically explore the influence of the bulky aromatic ring skeleton with a large conjugated pi-system on the structures and properties of their complexes, six CuII, CoII, and NiII complexes with the anthracene-based carboxylic ligand anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (HL1), were synthesized and characterized, sometimes incorporating different auxiliary ligands: [Cu2(L1)4(CH3OH)2](CH3OH) (1), [Cu4(L1)6(L2)4](NO3)2(H2O)2 (2), {[Cu2(L1)4(L3)](CH3OH)0.25}infinity (3), [Co2(L1)4(L4)2(micro-H2O)](CH3OH) (4), {[Co(L1)2(L5)(CH3OH)2]}infinity (5), and {[Ni(L1)2(L5)(CH3OH)2]}infinity (6) (L2 = 2,2'-bipyridine, L3 = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, L4 = 1,10-phenanthroline, and L5 = 4,4'-bipyridine). 1 has a dinuclear structure that is further assembled to form a one-dimensional (1D) chain and then a two-dimensional (2D) network by the C-H...O H-bonding and pi...pi stacking interactions jointly. 2 takes a tetranuclear structure due to the existence of the chelating L2 ligand. 3 possesses a 1D chain structure by incorporating the related auxiliary ligand L3, which is further interlinked via interchain pi...pi stacking, resulting in a three-dimensional (3D) network. 4 also has a dinuclear structure and then forms a higher-dimensional supramolecular network through intermolecular pi...pi stacking and/or C-H...pi interactions. 5 and 6 are isostructural complexes, except they involve different metal ions, showing 1D chain structures, which are also assembled into 2D networks from the different crystallographic directions by interchain pi...pi stacking and C-H...pi interactions, respectively. The results reveal that the steric bulk of the anthracene ring in HL1 plays an important role in the formation of 1-6. The magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated, and the very long intermetallic distances result in weak magnetic coupling, with the exception of 1 and 3, which adopt the typical paddle-wheel structure of copper acetate and are thus strongly coupled.     

Reactivity of conjugated and unconjugated pterins with singlet oxygen (O2(1Deltag)): physical quenching and chemical reaction

Pterins (PTs) belong to a class of heterocyclic compounds present in a wide range of living systems. They participate in relevant biological functions and are involved in different photobiological processes. We have investigated the reactivity of conjugated PTs (folic acid [FA], 10-methylfolic acid [MFA], pteroic acid [PA]) and unconjugated PTs (PT, 6-hydroxymethylpterin [HPT], 6-methylpterin [MPT], 6,7-dimethylpterin [DPT], rhamnopterin [RPT]) with singlet oxygen (1O2) in aqueous solutions, and compared the efficiencies of chemical reaction and physical quenching. The chemical reactions between 1O2, produced by photosensitization, and PT derivatives were followed by UV-visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, and corresponding rate constants (k(r)) were evaluated. Whenever possible, products were identified and quantified. Rate constants of 1O2 total quenching by the PT derivatives investigated were obtained from steady-state 1O2 luminescence measurements. Results show that the behavior of conjugated PTs differs considerably from that of unconjugated derivatives, and the mechanisms of 1O2 physical quenching by these compounds and of their chemical reaction with 1O2 are discussed in relation to their structural features.     

Pozzolanic properties of a residual FCC catalyst during the early stages of cement hydration

The catalyst used in fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units of refineries after several recovery cycles in regeneration units, reduces its activity and it is partially substituted by new catalyst in the process. As it has a high silicon and aluminum oxides content, the pozzolanic properties of a Brazilian FCC spent residual catalyst, used in different substitution degrees to cement, were evaluated by three thermal analysis techniques during the early stages of hydration of a type II Portland cement. NCDTA curves show in real time that the residual catalyst, accelerates the stages of cement hydration. TG and DSC curves of respective pastes after 24 h of hydration evidence the pozzolanic activity of the waste, respectively, by the lower water mass loss during the dehydroxylation of the residual calcium hydroxide and by the lower dehydroxylation endothermal effect. Within the analyzed period, the higher is the cement substitution degree, the higher is the pozzolanic activity of the residual catalyst.     

Ultrastructure, histochemistry, and mineralization patterns in the ecdysial suture of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus.

The ecdysial suture is the region of the arthropod exoskeleton that splits to allow the animal to emerge during ecdysis. We examined the morphology and composition of the intermolt and premolt suture of the blue crab using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The suture could not be identified by routine histological techniques; however 3 of 22 fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins tested (Lens culinaris agglutinin, Vicia faba agglutinin, and Pisum sativum agglutinin) differentiated the suture, binding more intensely to the suture exocuticle and less intensely to the suture endocuticle. Back-scattered electron (BSE) and secondary electron observations of fracture surfaces of intermolt cuticle showed less mineralized regions in the wedge-shaped suture as did BSE analysis of premolt and intermolt resin-embedded cuticle. The prism regions of the suture exocuticle were not calcified. X-ray microanalysis of both the endocuticle and exocuticle demonstrated that the suture was less calcified than the surrounding cuticle with significantly lower magnesium and phosphorus concentrations, potentially making its mineral more soluble. The presence or absence of a glycoprotein in the organic matrix, the extent and composition of the mineral deposited, and the thickness of the cuticle all likely contribute to the suture being removed by molting fluid, thereby ensuring successful ecdysis.     

Three lanthanide complexes with mixed salicylate and 1,10-phenanthroline: syntheses,crystal structures,and luminescent/magnetic properties

Three new lanthanide complexes incorporating salicylate (HSA or SA) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), Ln₃(HSA)₅(SA)₂(phen)₃ [Ln = Ho (1) and Er (2)], and Sm₂(HSA)₂(SA)₂(phen)₃ (3), have been synthesized. X-ray structural analysis reveals that 1 and 2 are isostructural with a trinuclear pattern, and 3 exhibits a binuclear structure. Comparison of the structural differences between 1/2 and 3 suggests that the identity of metal plays an important role in construction of such complexes. The magnetic properties of 1 are discussed. Moreover, 2 and 3 are both photoluminescent materials, and their emission properties are closely related to their corresponding Ln^III centers.     

Particle and surface characterization of a natural illite and study of its copper retention

Illite clays are known to have a strong affinity for metallic pollutants in the environment and can be applied as low-cost adsorbents for industrial waste treatment. A crucial factor in the development of such applications, however, is the understanding of the chemical, mineralogical, and colloidal properties of these clays. It is also important to understand the mechanisms involved in the surface adsorption of metals by these adsorbants. In order to study the retention of transition metals on illite clays, we have applied surface characterization techniques such as FPIA, SEM-EDX, XRD, N2 (77 K) adsorption, and FTIR. In addition to these experimental techniques, we have also employed a theoretical model that accounts for the chemistry of transition metal ions, and considers the global retention process to be the sum of several single retention processes. This model adequately fits the experimental data and allows for the speciation of metal retention on illite surfaces. Between pH values of 2.53 and 3.01 the only adsorption processes are the electrostatic sorption of [Cu(H2O)6]2+, and the surface complexation of [Cu(H2O)6]2+ and [Cu(OH)(H2O)5]+ ions. Surface complexation of [Cu(OH)(H2O)5]+ ions increases with pH, overcoming [Cu(H2O)6]2+ retention, and thus contributing to the surface precipitation of Cu(OH)2.     

Structural refinement of Nd[Fe(CN)6]·4H2O and study of NdFeO3 obtained by its oxidative thermal decomposition at very low temperatures

The crystal structure of Nd[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O has been refined by Rietveld analysis using high resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. It belonged to the orthorhombic crystal system, Cmcm space group, with cell parameters: , and . The change in space group from P6₃/m which is observed in the pentahydrates (LnFe(CN)₆·5H₂O) to Cmcm in the tetrahydrates has been analyzed to be a consequence of the change in 9-fold coordination of Nd³⁺ in the pentahydrates to 8-fold coordination in the tetrahydrates, which changes the Nd³⁺ environment from tricapped trigonal prism to a distorted tricapped trigonal prism or square antiprism. Its decomposition process in air to produce NdFeO₃ has been followed by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy and laboratory powder XRD. We found that it is possible to synthesize crystalline NdFeO₃ at temperatures as low as 380 °C and refine the structure of single phase crystalline NdFeO₃ synthesized by this method at 600 °C.     

Development and Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Drugs Analysis in Human Feces by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The use of veterinary drugs in animal production is a common practice to secure animal and human health. However, residues of administrated drugs could be present in animal food products. Levels of drugs in food of animal origin are regulated within the European Union. In recent years, residues have been detected not only in food, but also in the environmental elements such as water or soil, meaning that humans are involuntarily exposed to these substances. This article presents a multiclass method for the analysis of various therapeutic groups of pharmaceuticals in human feces. Pharmaceuticals are extracted from feces with an acid extraction solvent, and after filtration the extract was analyzed by HPLC–MS/MS. A limit of detection of 10 ng/g was achieved for 9 pharmaceuticals, with linearity over 0.99 and repeatability and reproducibility lower than 20%. The method was satisfactorily applied in 25 feces samples of individuals that had declared not to be under medical treatment for the last two months. Results indicate the presence of six different compounds at concentration between 10 and 456 ng/g. This preliminary study showed the involuntary exposure of human gut microbiota to active substances such as pharmaceuticals     

Structure Elucidation of Triterpenoid Saponins Found in an Immunoadjuvant Preparation of Quillaja brasiliensis Using Mass Spectrometry and 1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy

An immunoadjuvant preparation (named Fraction B) was obtained from the aqueous extract of Quillaja brasiliensis leaves, and further fractionated by consecutive separations with silica flash MPLC and reverse phase HPLC. Two compounds were isolated, and their structures elucidated using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. One of these compounds is a previously undescribed triterpene saponin (Qb1), which is an isomer of QS-21, the unique adjuvant saponin employed in human vaccines. The other compound is a triterpene saponin previously isolated from Quillaja saponaria bark, known as S13. The structure of Qb1 consists of a quillaic acid residue substituted with a β-d-Galp-(1→2)-[β-d-Xylp-(1→3)]-β-d-GlcpA trisaccharide at C3, and a β-d-Xylp-(1→4)-α-l-Rhap-(1→2)-[α-l-Arap-(1→3)]-β-d-Fucp moiety at C28. The oligosaccharide at C28 was further substituted at O4 of the fucosyl residue with an acyl group capped with a β-d-Xylp residue.