A new type of noncovalent surface–π stacking interaction occurring on peroxide-modified titania nanosheets driven by vertical π-state polarization

Noncovalent π stacking of aromatic molecules is a universal form of noncovalent interactions normally occurring on planar structures (such as aromatic molecules and graphene) based on sp²-hybridized atoms. Here we reveal a new type of noncovalent surface–π stacking unusually occurring between aromatic groups and peroxide-modified titania (PMT) nanosheets, which can drive versatile aromatic adsorptions. We experimentally explore the underlying electronic-level origin by probing the perturbed changes of unoccupied Ti 3d states with near-edge X-ray absorption fine structures (NEXAFS), and find that aromatic groups can vertically attract π electrons in the surface peroxo-Ti states and increase their delocalization regions. Our discovery updates the concept of noncovalent π-stacking interactions by extending the substrates from carbon-based structures to a transition metal oxide, and presents an approach to exploit the surface chemistry of nanomaterials based on noncovalent interactions.

A new type of noncovalent surface–π stacking interaction occurring on a transition metal oxide, titania, is reported, which is different from the traditional forms on sp²-hybridized planar structures like graphene.     

Organosulfur-functionalized Au, Pd, and Au-Pd nanoparticles on 1D silicon nanowire substrates: preparation and XAFS studies

A hybrid preparative method was developed to prepare organosulfur-functionalized Au nanoparticles (NPs) on silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by reacting HAuCl(4) with SiNW in the presence of thiol. A number of organosulfur molecules-dodecanethiol, hexanethiol, 1,6-hexanedithiol, and tiopronin-were used to functionalize the Au surface. Size-selected NPs ranging from 1.6 to 7.5 nm were obtained by varying the S/Au ratio and the concentration of HAuCl(4). This method was further extended to the preparation Pd and Pd-Au bimetallic NPs on SiNWs. The morphology of the metal nanostructures was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The local structure and bonding of the SiNW-supported metal nanostructures were studied using X-ray absorption fine structures (XAFS) [including both X-ray near-edge structures (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structures (EXAFS)] at the Au L(3)-, Pd K-, S K-, and Si K-edges. It was also found that the annealing of the thiol-capped Au NPs up to 500 degrees C transforms the surface of the thiol-capped NPs to gold sulfide, as identified using Au L(3)- and S K-edge XANES. We also illustrate that this preparative approach can be used to form size-controllable Au NPs on carbon nanotubes.     

Synthesis and reactions of cubane-type iron-sulfur-phosphine clusters,including soluble clusters of nuclearities 8 and 16

A family of soluble, reduced iron-sulfur clusters with nuclearities 4, 8, and 16 having tertiary phosphine ligation and based on the Fe(4)S(4) cubane-type structural motif has been synthesized. The results of this investigation substantially extend and improve the results of our original work on iron-sulfur-phosphine clusters (Goh, C.; Segal, B. M.; Huang, J.; Long, J. R.; Holm, R. H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 11844). A general property of this cluster family is facile phosphine substitution. The clusters [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)](+) are precursors to monosubstituted [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(3)X] (X = Cl-, RS-), homoleptic [Fe(4)S(4)(SR)(4)](3-), and all-ferrous monocubanes [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] (R = Pr(i), Cy, Bu(t); generated in solution). In turn, [Fe(4)S(4)(PPr(i)()(3))(3)(SSiPh(3))] and [Fe(4)S(4)(PPr(i)(3))(4)] can be transformed into the dicubanes [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)()(3))(4)(SSiPh(3))(2)] and [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)((3))(6)], respectively. Further, the tetracubanes [Fe(16)S(16)(PR(3))(8)] are also accessible from [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] under different conditions. X-ray structures are described for [Fe(4)S(4)(PCy(3))(3)X] (X = Cl-, PhS-), [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)(3))(4)(SSiPh(3))(2)], [Fe(8)S(8)(PPr(i)()(3))(6)], and [Fe(16)S(16)(PCy(3))(8)]. The monosubstituted clusters show different distortions of the [Fe(4)S(4)](+) cores from idealized cubic symmetry. The dicubanes possess edge-bridged double cubane structures with an Fe(2)(mu(4)-S)(2) bridge rhomb and idealized C(2)(h)() symmetry. The ready cleavage of these clusters into single cubanes is considered a probable consequence of strained bond angles at the mu(4)-S atoms. Tetracubanes contain four individual cubanes, each of which is implicated in two bridge rhombs so as to generate a cyclic structure of idealized D(4) symmetry. Redox properties and M?ssbauer spectroscopic parameters are reported. The species [Fe(4)S(4)(PR(3))(4)] (in solution), [Fe(8)S(8)(PR(3))(6)], and [Fe(16)S(16)(PR(3))(8)] are the only synthetic all-ferrous clusters with tetrahedral iron sites that have been isolated. Their utility as precursors to other highly reduced iron-sulfur clusters is under investigation.     

Spectrofluorimetric determination of thiols by use of N[P-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenyl]maleimide

The weak fluorescence of N-[P-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenyl]maleimide (BOPM) can be greatly enhanced by thiol-containing compounds. A sensitive and simple spectrofluorimetric method based on the use of BOPM has been developed for the determination of thiols such as cysteine (Cys) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Calibration plots were linear in the concentration range from 0 to 1.6 x 10(-7) mol L(-1) for Cys and 0 to 1.7 x 10(-7) mol L(-1) for GSH. The detection limits (3a) were 2.36 x 10(-10) mol L(-1) for Cys and 1.49 x 10(-10) mol L(-1) for GSH. Many other amino acids (present at 100-fold greater concentrations) did not interfere with the determination. The proposed method has been used for the determination of Cys in protein hydrolysate and cystine electrolyte or GSH in serum, with recoveries of 95.4-103.7%.     

Purpurin-18 in combination with light leads to apoptosis or necrosis in HL60 leukemia cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a cancer treatment using a photosensitizer and visible light, has been shown to induce apoptosis or necrosis. We report here that Purpurin-18 (Pu18) in combination with light induces rapid apoptotic cell death in the human leukemia cell line (HL60) at low doses and necrosis at higher concentrations. Cells treated with Pu18 and light under apoptotic conditions exhibited DNA laddering and an increase in both cellular content of subdiploid DNA and externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), indicating DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry. In the absence of light activation, Pu18 at nanomolar concentrations had no detectable cytotoxic effect. Caspase-3 activity was increased even after 1 h from treatment with low doses of Pu18 and light. The PS exposure and nuclear features of apoptosis were prevented by treatment of cells before illumination with caspase inhibitors benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK) and benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK). Conversely, the caspase-1 inhibitor, acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-aldehyde (Ac-YVAD-CHO) failed to suppress the apoptosis. No protective effect of the three caspase inhibitors was observed when the cells were exposed to necrotic concentrations of Pu18 and light. Our results show that caspase-3, but not caspase-1, is involved in the signaling of apoptotic events in PDT with Pu18-induced apoptosis of HL60 cells. Moreover, both the time course of PS exposure and the effect of caspase inhibitors on it indicate that it is regulated in the same manner as DNA fragmentation.     

Cleavage of the Fe—Fe Bond of （Me2SiSiMe2） [η^5－C5H4Fe（CO）2]2 with Na／Hg and Molecular Structure of the Ring－Opened Complex

The reaction of the rifle cyclic complex (1) with sodium amalgam in THF resulted in the expected cleavage of the Fe-Fe bond to afford his-sodium salt ( Me2SiSiMe2 ) [η^5-C5H4Fe(CO)2]2 (4). The latter was not isolated and was used directly to react with MeI, PhCH2Cl, CH3C(O)Cl, PhC(O)Cl,Cy3SnCl (Cy= cyclohexyl) or Ph3SnCl to afford corresponding ring-opened derivatives (Me2SiSiMe2) [η^5-C5H4Fe(CO)2]2 [5, R=Me; 6, R=PhCH2; 7, R=CH3C(O); 8, R=PhC(O); 9, R = Cy3Sn or 10, R = Ph3Sn ]. The crystal and molecular structures of 10 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecule took the desired ant/ conformation around the Si-Si bond. The length of the Si--Si bond is 0.2343(3)nm, which is essentially identical to that in the cyclic structure of 1[0.2346(4) tun]. This result unambiguously demonstrates that the Si--Si bond in the cyclic structure of 1 is not subject to obvious strain.     

Influence of CaCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles shape on thermal and crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene based nanocomposites

Summary The influence of calcium carbonate nanoparticles with different shapes (spherical and elongated) on the thermal properties and crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene was investigated. CaCO₃ nanoparticles were covered by an appropriate coating agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between the filler and the polyolefin matrix. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing and subsequent compression molding. A remarkable effect of CaCO₃ on the thermal properties of iPP was observed. Moreover, the analysis of crystallization kinetics showed that CaCO₃ nanopowder coated with PP-MA are efficient nucleating agents for iPP, and the overall crystallization rate results higher than plain iPP.     

The boron-catalyzed polymerization of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide. A living polymethylene synthesis

Trialkyl and aryl organoboranes catalyze the polymerization of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide (1). The product of the polymerization is a tris-polymethylene organoborane. Oxidation affords linear telechelic alpha-hydroxy polymethylene. The polymer molecular weight was found to be directly proportional to the stoichiometric ratio of ylide/borane, and polydispersities as low as 1.01-1.03 have been realized. Although oligomeric polymethylene has been the most frequent synthetic target of this method, polymeric star organoboranes with molecular weights of 1.5 million have been produced. The average turnover frequency at 120 degrees C in 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene/toluene is estimated at >6 x 10(6) g of polymethylene (mol boron)(-1) h(-1). The mechanism of the polyhomologation reaction involves initial formation of a zwitterionic organoborane.ylide complex which breaks down in a rate-limiting 1,2-alkyl group migration with concomitant expulsion of a molecule of DMSO. The reaction was found to be first order in the borane catalyst and zero order in ylide. DMSO does not interfere with the reaction. The temperature dependence of the reaction rate yielded the following activation energy parameters (toluene, DeltaH(++) = 23.2 kcal/mol, DeltaS(++) = 12.6 cal deg/mol, DeltaG(++) = 19.5 kcal/mol; THF, DeltaH(++) = 26.5 kcal/mol, DeltaS(++) = 21.5 cal deg/mol, DeltaG(++) = 20.1 kcal/mol).     

Study on the isolation, purification and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Indocalamus tesselatus

Polysaccharides prepared from Chinese traditional medicine "Ruoye" (Indocalamus tesselatus), a kind of bamboo leaves, were studied. Eight crude polysaccharides were isolated from the dried leaves by successive extraction with 85% ethanol (FE), 0.9% sodium chloride (FS), hot water (FI), 1% ammonium oxalate (FII), 5% NaOH (FIII-a, FIII-b) and 20% NaOH (FIV-a, FIV-b). They were decolorized by hydrogen peroxide treatment and the protein was removed with Savag's method. The polysaccharides were precipitated by three volumes of absolute ethanol. After further purification by gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G-200 column, these polysaccharides were lyophilized. Their physicochemical properties and structural feature were elucidated by modern analytical technique such as UV, elemental analysis and high performance gel permeation chromatography. From the results of partial hydrolysis, FE and FIII-b have a main chain comprised solely of glucuronic acid and xylose residues, respectively.     

Simultaneous Determination of Four Active Components in a Compound Formulation by Liquid Chromatography

Summary A rapid and accurate LC method is described for simultaneous determination of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PSE), acetaminophen (AMP), dextromethorphen hydrobromide (DEX), and diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) in a compound formulation. Chromatographic separation of the four drugs was achieved on a Hypersil CN column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 m particle) by use of a mobile phase comprising a mixture of 3 mM ion-pairing solution, 2% aqueous triethylamine solution, and 2 M phosphoric acid, 68:48:88 (v/v), pH 3.0, delivered at 1.0 mL min^–1. Compounds were detected at 215 nm and the run time was less than 10 min. The linearity, accuracy, and precision of the method were found to be acceptable over the concentration ranges 6.1–36.4 g mL^–1 for PSE, 65.0–390.0 g mL^–1 for AMP, 3.1–18.6 g mL^–1 for DEX, and 5.0–30.0 g mL^–1 for DPH.