Electron-Deficient Imidazolium Substituted Cp Ligands and their Ru Complexes

The synthesis of electron-poor mono-, di- and tri(imidazolium)-substituted Cp-ylides is presented and their electronic properties are discussed based on NMR spectroscopy, X-ray structure analyses, electrochemical investigations and DFT calculations as well as by their reactivity toward [Ru(CH₃CN)₃Cp*](PF₆). With mono- and di(imidazolium)-substituted cyclopentadienides the respective monocationic and dicationic ruthenocences are formed (X-ray), whereas tri(imidazolium) cyclopentadienides are too electron-poor to form the ruthenocenes. Cyclic voltammetric analysis of the ruthenocenes shows reversible oxidation at a potential that increases with every additional electron-withdrawing imidazolium substituent at the Cp ligand by 0.53–0.55 V in an electrolyte based on a weakly coordinating anion. A reversible oxidation can be observed for the free 1,3-disubstituted ligand as well.     

The Fascinating Flexibility and Coordination Modes of a Pentamethylene Connected Macrocyclic CNC Pincer Ligand

The coordination chemistry of an electron-rich macrocyclic CNC pincer-ligand consisting of two pentamethylene tethered N-heterocyclic carbene moieties on a carbazole backbone (bimca^C5) is investigated by mainly NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis. A bridging coordination mode is found for the lithium complex. With the larger and softer potassium ion, the ligand adopts a facial coordination mode and a polymeric structure by intermolecular potassium nitrogen interactions. The facial coordination is also confirmed at a Cp*Ru fragment, while C-H activation under dehydrogenation at the alkyl chain is observed upon reaction with [Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂]. In contrast, Pd(OAc)₂ reacts under C-H activation at the central carbon atom of the pentamethylene tether to an alkyl-pincer macrocycle.     

Fertility and Iron Bioaccumulation in Drosophila melanogaster Fed with Magnetite Nanoparticles Using a Validated Method

Research on nanomaterial exposure-related health risks is still quite limited; this includes standardizing methods for measuring metals in living organisms. Thus, this study validated an atomic absorption spectrophotometry method to determine fertility and bioaccumulated iron content in Drosophila melanogaster flies after feeding them magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄NPs) dosed in a culture medium (100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg⁻¹). Some NPs were also coated with chitosan to compare iron assimilation. Considering both accuracy and precision, results showed the method was optimal for concentrations greater than 20 mg L⁻¹. Recovery values were considered optimum within the 95–105% range. Regarding fertility, offspring for each coated and non-coated NPs concentration decreased in relation to the control group. Flies exposed to 100 mg L⁻¹ of coated NPs presented the lowest fertility level and highest bioaccumulation factor. Despite an association between iron bioaccumulation and NPs concentration, the 500 mg L⁻¹ dose of coated and non-coated NPs showed similar iron concentrations to those of the control group. Thus, Drosophila flies’ fertility decreased after NPs exposure, while iron bioaccumulation was related to NPs concentration and coating. We determined this method can overcome sample limitations and biological matrix-associated heterogeneity, thus allowing for bioaccumulated iron detection regardless of exposure to coated or non-coated magnetite NPs, meaning this protocol could be applicable with any type of iron NPs.     

A review of research on science instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder

Understanding science concepts and phenomena is important for an increasingly complex global society. For students with disabilities, there continue to be huge achievement disparities in science achievement when compared to their peers without disabilities. This includes students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examines and analyzes published research on science and science-related achievement for students with ASD. The authors reviewed characteristics of the research related to science achievement for students with ASD from 2000 through 2018 and analyzed included data to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions included in the studies. Implications for research and teaching are discussed.     

Controlled Release of a Micelle Payload via Sequential Enzymatic and Bioorthogonal Reactions in Living Systems

A bioorthogonal approach is explored to release the content of nanoparticles on demand. Exploiting our recently described click‐and‐release technology, we developed a new generation of cleavable micelles able to disassemble through a sequential enzymatic and bioorthogonal activation process. Proof‐of‐concept experiments showed that this new approach could be successfully used to deliver the substances encapsulated into micelles in living cells as well as in mice by two complementary targeted strategies.     

Cooperation in publicly funded reference material production

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Heidelberg Forum of Molecular Catalysis 2005

Zum dritten Mal nach 2001 und 2003 fand Anfang Juli das „Heidelberg Forum of Molecular Catalyis”︁ (HFMC} mit drei Gastrednern aus den USA und der Verleihung des „BASF Catalysis Award”︁ statt. Das Symposium organisiert der SFB 623 „Molekulare Katalyse: Struktur und Funktionsdesign”︁ ( www.sfb623.uni‐hd.de ) an der Universität Heidelberg; die BASF finanziert. Über 500 Teilnehmer aus Deutschland und den angrenzenden Nachbarländern waren der Einladung gefolgt.     

Facile preparation of superhydrophobic coatings by sol-gel processes

Different organic/inorganic compositions and deposition methods were used to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces using metal alkoxides and the sol-gel process. Both surface roughness and composition had to be adjusted in order to obtain very high contact angles and low contact angle hysteresis as a necessary requirement for superhydrophobicity. Multilayer samples with a fluorinated organic-inorganic top layer showed water contact angles of about 157 degrees with low hysteresis (2 degrees ). Water drops rolled easily off their surface at a tilt angle as low as 4 degrees .     

Enzyme‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of 3(S)‐isopropylmorpholine‐2,5‐dione

The enzymatic ring‐opening polymerization of a 6‐membered cyclic depsipeptide, 3(S)‐isopropylmorpholine‐2,5‐dione in the bulk, was investigated by using lipases as catalysts at 100 and 130°C. Unchanged monomer was recovered in the absence of the enzyme or using an inactivated enzyme, indicating that the present polymerization proceeds through enzymatic catalysis. Poly(3‐isopropylmorpholine‐2,5‐dione) has a carboxylic acid group at one end and a hydroxy group at the other end.