Magnesium iodide–4,4′‐bipyridine–water (1/3/4) and strontium iodide–4,4′‐bipyridine–propan‐1‐ol (1/2.5/2)

Both of the title compounds, catena‐poly­[[[tetra­aqua­magnesium(I)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bi­pyridine‐κ²N:N′] diiodide bis(4,4′‐bi­pyridine) solvate], {[Mg(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₄]I₂·2C₁₀H₈N₂}_n, (I), and catena‐poly­[[[μ‐4,4′‐bi­pyridine‐bis­[di­iodo­bis­(propan‐1‐ol)­strontium(I)]]‐di‐μ‐4,4′‐bi­pyridine‐κ⁴N:N′] bis(4,4′‐bi­pyri­dine) solvate], {[Sr₂I₄(C₁₀H₈N₂)₃(C₃H₈O)₄]·2C₁₀H₈N₂}_n, (II), are one‐dimensional polymers which are single‐ and double‐stranded, respectively, the metal atoms being linked by the 4,4′‐bi­pyridine moieties. The Mg complex, (I), is [cis‐{(H₂O)₄Mg(N‐4,4′‐bi­pyridine‐N′)_(2/2)}]_(∞|∞)I₂·4,4′‐bi­pyridine and Mg has a six‐coordinate quasi‐octahedral coordination environment. The Sr complex, (II), is isomorphous with its previously defined Ba counterpart [Kepert, Waters & White (1996). Aust. J. Chem. 49 , 117–135], being [(propan‐1‐ol)₂I₂Sr(N‐4,4′‐bi­pyridine‐N′)_(3/2)]_(∞|∞)·4,4′‐bi­pyridine, with the I atoms trans‐axial in a seven‐coordinate pentagonal–bipyramidal Sr environment.     

First Cr(III)-SNS complexes and their use as highly efficient catalysts for the trimerization of ethylene to 1-hexene

Cr(III) complexes of tridentate SNS ligands have been prepared and evaluated as catalysts for ethylene trimerization, with several giving very high activity and excellent selectivity toward 1-hexene when activated with methylaluminoxane. The new complexes illustrate the potential of sulfur-based ligands on early transition metals for catalysis.     

ZIF-8 degrades in cell media,serum, and some—but not all—common laboratory buffers

ABSTRACT

Drug delivery using metal-organic frameworks (MOF) has elicited interest in their biocompatibility; however, few studies have been conducted on their stability in common buffers, cell media, and blood proteins. In particular, the use of ZIF-8, a MOF interconnected by Zn and methylimidazole, has been frequently employed. In this study, we tested single crystals of ZIF-8 with common laboratory buffers, cell media, and serum, and noted several issues. Buffers containing phosphate and bicarbonate alter the appearance and composition of ZIF-8; however, these buffers do not appear to cause cargo to leak out even when the ZIF-8 itself is displaced by phosphates. On the other hand, serum dissolves ZIF-8, causing premature cargo release. Our results show that ZIF-8 undergoes surface chemistry changes that may affect the interpretation of cellular uptake and cargo release data. On the other hand, it provides a rational explanation as to how ZIF-8 neatly dissolves in vivo.     

An automated system for the determination of fluoride

A procedure is reported for the automated determination of fluoride by the method of standard addition. Additions of standard are made via a peristaltic pump and the amounts of standard added are computed from the change in weight of the standard in its container on a digital electronic balance.     

Novel antibiotics: second generation macrocyclic peptides designed to trap Holliday junctions

Described are the syntheses of 15 macrocyclic peptides designed to trap Holliday junctions (HJs) in bacteria during site-specific and homologous recombination. This leads to inhibiting bacterial growth. These second generation macrocycles were based on the C-2 symmetrical HJ. They were synthesized using a strategy that permits elucidation of the amino acid role in binding HJs. The syntheses of these macrocycles are an important step in the development of a new class of antibiotics.     

Variation of electrochemical capacitor performance with Room Temperature Ionic Liquid electrolyte viscosity and ion size

The use of Room Temperature Ionic Liquid (RTIL) electrolytes promises to improve the energy density of Electrochemical Capacitors (ECs) by allowing for operation at higher voltages. RTIL electrolytes 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF(4)), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMImN(CN)(2)), 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (DMPImTFSI), and 1-butyl-3-methylpyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (BMPyFAP) were studied. Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate 1 molar solution in anhydrous propylene carbonate (Et(4)NBF(4)-PC 1M) was studied for comparison purposes. Carbon was produced from phenolic resin activated in CO(2). The porosity of the carbon samples were characterised by N(2) adsorption-desorption at 77 K and the relevant electrochemical behaviour was characterised by galvanostatic charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The highest operating voltage of 3.5 V was obtained for BMPyFAP, whilst the best capacitive performance was obtained for EMImBF(4). The maximum energy density increased to 70 Wh kg(-1) (carbon) for RTIL EMImBF(4) from 35 Wh kg(-1)(carbon) for the organic electrolyte Et(4)NBF(4)-PC 1M. It was found that the performance of the RTIL electrolytes could be related to the IL viscosity and ion size whilst the electrolyte equivalent series resistances produced a linear relationship with viscosity. It was found that the capacitance performance of the RTIL electrolytes followed the order EMImBF(4) > DMPImTFSI > BMPyFAP > EMImN(CN)(2). The electrolyte and equivalent series resistance were in the order EMImN(CN)(2) < EMImBF(4) < DMPImTFSI < BMPyFAP.     

Molar mass distributions by gradient liquid chromatography: predicting and tailoring selectivity

Interactive liquid chromatography (iLC) for polymer analysis is usually applied to the characterisation of distributions other than molar mass. In particular, its use for the determination of chemical-composition, functionality-type and tacticity distributions has been demonstrated. The application of iLC for the determination of molar mass distributions (MMDs), however, has not yet been fully explored. An expanded version of the reversed-phase liquid chromatography model has been developed to describe and predict how the retention behaviour of polydisperse polystyrene samples changes with molar mass. The relationship between molar mass and the parameters of the model has been investigated in some detail and non-linear correlations were found. From the model and the relationships between the model parameters and molar mass, calibration curves (retention time versus molar mass) were constructed to predict changes in chromatographic selectivity across a given molar mass range. These calibration curves were compared to experimentally obtained curves and, in most cases, excellent agreement was found. The dramatic enhancement in selectivity that can be obtained with iLC in comparison to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) was illustrated by measuring matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) MS spectra of fractions collected during a gradient-LC separation. In the low-molar mass range, essentially monodisperse fractions were obtained. Calibration curves, predicted by the model and validated experimentally using narrow-dispersity standards and MALDI-MS spectra of fractions, were used to determine the molar mass distribution of some narrowly distributed polystyrene samples. Molar mass distributions for such standards were found to be somewhat lower than the values reported by the manufacturers. The results also deviated from those obtained by MALDI-MS.     

A robust spin-coated optical sensing device for rapid determination of predominant metal ions in wastewater streams

The potential of an optical sensing material for determination of metal ions in wastewater streams is presented. The initial results in the development of a chromo-ionophore-based optical sensor for metal ions are detailed. An azo dye species, 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (BrPADAP), together with an ionophore and plasticiser was immobilised in a film of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Initial investigations using the dye-impregnated sensing film showed a reproducible and reversible response to Pb(II) ions in aqueous solution. The response of this sensing film to Pb(II) at pH 6 was found to be linear in the 0.1-10 mg/L range, with a %RSD of 1.55%. The film can be regenerated by immersion in a low-pH buffer solution. The authors demonstrate how this method shows potential for analysis using once-off sensing probes. The sensing film response for Pb(II) occurs within 30 s.