Methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, a new and versatile reagent for the convenient synthesis of phosphonate-containing compounds

A straightforward procedure leading to the new phosphonylating reagent, methyl 4-toluenesulfonyloxymethylphosphonate, requiring no chromatographic purification is described. This stable reagent works with the same efficiency as dimethyl and other dialkyl esters for the introduction of an O-phosphonomethyl moiety while, in contrast to dimethyl ester, it does not cause any unwanted methylation of sensitive functionalities. Its utility for the alkylation of protected nucleosides in high yield is exemplified.     

Modified interfacial statistical associating fluid theory: a perturbation density functional theory for inhomogeneous complex fluids

A density functional theory based on Wertheim's first order perturbation theory is developed for inhomogeneous complex fluids. The theory is derived along similar lines as interfacial statistical associating fluid theory [S. Tripathi and W. G. Chapman, J. Chem. Phys. 122, 094506 (2005)]. However, the derivation is more general and applies broadly to a range of systems, retaining the simplicity of a segment density based theory. Furthermore, the theory gives the exact density profile for ideal chains in an external field. The general avail of the theory has been demonstrated by applying the theory to lipids near surfaces, lipid bilayers, and copolymer thin films. The theoretical results show excellent agreement with the results from molecular simulations.     

Wave packet driven dissociation and concerted elimination in CH2I2

We follow the evolution of a vibrational wave packet in a highly excited state of the halogenated methane CH(2)I(2). We observe how the wave packet modulates both dissociation and concerted elimination to form CH(2)I(+) and I(2) (+), respectively. We present a simple and intuitive interpretation of the molecular dynamics leading to the formation of the products.     

Cyclization of Pyrene Oligomers: Cyclohexa‐1,3‐pyrenylene

First synthesis of the macrocycle cyclohexa(1,3‐pyrenylene) is achieved in six steps starting with pyrene, leading to a non‐aggregating highly twisted blue‐light‐emitting material. The cyclodehydrogenation of the macrocycle offers a promising synthesis route to holey‐nanographene.     

Three Short Stories about Hexaarylbenzene–Porphyrin Scaffolds

A feasible two‐step synthesis and characterization of a full series of hexaarylbenzene (HAB) substituted porphyrins and tetrabenzoporphyrins is presented. Key steps represent the microwave‐assisted porphyrin condensation and the statistical Diels–Alder reaction to the desired HAB‐porphyrins. Regarding their applications, they proved to be easily accessible and effective high molecular mass calibrants for (MA)LDI mass spectrometry. The free‐base and zinc(II) porphyrin systems, as well as the respective tetrabenzoporphyrins, demonstrate in solid state experiments strong red‐ and near‐infrared‐light emission and are potentially interesting for the application in “truly organic” light‐emitting devices. Lastly, they represent facile precursors to large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) substituted porphyrins. We prepared the first tetra‐hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene substituted porphyrin, which represents the largest prepared PAH‐porphyrin conjugate to date.     

NHC‐CAAC Heterodimers with Three Stable Oxidation States

The synthesis of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (CAAC) heterodimers is presented. As the free carbenes do not react together in solution, the synthetic approach involves the addition of a free NHC to a cyclic iminium salt, which results in the formation of the protonated heterodimer. Subsequent deprotonation leads to the isolation of the corresponding mixed Wanzlick dimers. One‐ and two‐electron oxidations of these triazaolefins result in the formation of stable cationic radicals and bis(cations), respectively, which have been isolated and fully characterized. Cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, spin density, and DFT calculations suggest that these heterodimers feature complementary electronic properties to tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs).     

The ion sensitivity of surface conductive single crystalline diamond

Charge build-up at the solid/aqueous interface is a ubiquitous phenomenon that determines the properties of interfacial electrical double layers. Due to its unique properties, the surface of diamond offers an attractive platform to investigate charging mechanisms in aqueous solutions. We investigate the surface charge by studying the ion sensitivity of H-terminated single crystalline diamond surface conductive layers. The effect of monovalent and divalent salts has been probed at different pH values. For a pH above 3.5, increasing the ionic strength results in a decrease of the surface conductivity, in contrast to the results obtained for pH below 3.5. Electrokinetic experiments are in good agreement with the surface conductivity measurements, showing an isoelectric point at pH 3.5 for the H-terminated diamond surface. We discuss the results in terms of the Coulombic screening by electrolyte ions of the surface potential, which is induced by a pH-dependent surface charge. The origin of this surface charge is discussed in terms of charge regulation by amphoteric hydroxyl surface groups and unsymmetrical adsorption of hydroxide and hydronium ions induced by the hydrophobic nature of the H-terminated diamond surface. This surface charge can have important consequences for processes governed by the diamond/aqueous interface, such as electron transfer to charged redox molecules, adsorption of charged molecules and proteins, and ion sensitivity.