Hydrogenic systems,frequency standards and fundamental constants

Hydrogenic (two-body) systems are the only atomic systems for which uncertainties in calculations of the energy levels approach the current state of the art in frequency measurement. This article discusses progress in the theory and measurement of transition frequencies in hydrogenic systems. These studies have relevance to the determination of fundamental constants and the testing of physical theories, especially quantum electrodynamics. A set of high accuracy calculable frequency standards could also be realized by using hydrogenic systems.     

Direct sample fraction deposition using electrospray in narrow-bore size-exclusion chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for polymer characterization

A direct sample fraction deposition method was developed for off-line size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry. By using electrospray, the SEC eluent, together with a suitable matrix solution added coaxially, was directly deposited on the MALDI plate. Owing to the formation of very small droplets in electrospray, solvent evaporation is much faster. The fractionation volume in narrow-bore SEC, which can directly be collected in one MALDI spot, can easily be optimized in the range of a few microlitres. In addition, fairly homogeneous sample spots were obtained. The possible influence of composition variation of the SEC effluent on the analytical results using direct fraction deposition was investigated; no substantial effects were observed. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by characterizing a broad poly(methyl methacrylate) sample. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis, aggregation, and chiroptical properties of chiral, amphiphilic dendrimers

The syntheses of amphiphilic dendrimers based on 3,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol containing tri- or tetrafunctional chiral central cores and allyl ester termini are described. Water solubility is imparted to the dendrimers via a palladium-catalyzed deprotection of the peripheral allyl esters. This method affords complete deprotection of the carboxylate surface because, in contrast to the basic hydrolysis of methyl ester termini, the solubility of partially hydrolyzed intermediates is maintained throughout the course of the deprotection, thereby avoiding precipitation during the reaction. Chiroptical analysis indicates that the structure of the dendrimers collapses in water, resulting in an increased steric effect upon the central core that is manifested by lower optical rotatory power. However, contributions to the chiroptical properties from the dendron branch segments were not evident in water or organic media, suggesting that chiral substructures were not developing in the branch segments of the dendrimers. Multiangle light scattering studies revealed that the dendrimers experienced significant aggregation in aqueous media that decreased at higher generations. This behavior could be rationalized by a change in conformational preference from a disklike conformation at low generations to a more globular conformation at higher generations.     

Diels-alder reactions with 2-(Arylsulfinyl)-1,4-benzoquinones: effect of aryl substitution on reactivity, chemoselectivity, and pi-facial diastereoselectivity

Diels-Alder reactions of (SS)-2-(2'-methoxynaphthylsulfinyl)-1, 4-benzoquinone (1b), 2-(p-methoxyphenylsulfinyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (1c), and 2-(p-nitrophenylsulfinyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (1d) with cyclopentadiene are reported. These cycloadditions allowed the highly chemo- and stereoselective formation of both diastereoisomeric endo-adducts resulting from reaction on the unsubstituted double bond C(5)-C(6) of quinones working under thermal and Eu(fod)(3)- or BF(3).OEt(2)-catalyzed conditions. The synthesis of endo-adduct [4aS,5S,8R,8aR,SS]-9d resulting from cycloaddition on the substituted C(2)-C(3) double bond was achieved in a chemo- and diastereoselective way from quinone 1d in the presence of ZnBr(2). The reactivity and selectivity of the process proved to be dependent on the electron density of the arylsulfinyl group.