Atypical “Masked” Frustrated Lewis Pair Character in a Geminal-Linked Phosphine-Borane

We report the synthesis and reactivity of the geminal-linked fluorene-derived P/B frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) ⁱPr₂P(C₁₃H₈)BCy₂ ( 1 ). Compound 1 displays anomalous behavior towards small molecules, acting as a “masked” FLP. This behavior stems from significant polarization of the B−C(fluorene) bond in 1 , as identified by density functional theory (DFT) computations. We exploit this B−C bond polarity through reactions with PhPCl₂, H₃N ⋅ BH₃, and ⁱPrNH₂, demonstrating P−Cl and N−H bond activation, respectively.     

On phosphorus chemical shift anisotropy in metal (IV) phosphates and phosphonates: A 31P NMR experimental study

The phosphorus chemical shift anisotropies, ³¹PΔcs, and asymmetry parameters η were measured by the ³¹P{¹H} NMR experiments in static and low-frequency spinning samples of the zirconium phosphates and phosphonates and also in the mixed Zr (IV)/Sn (IV) phosphate/phosphonate material. The data obtained have shown a 111 connectivity in the HPO₄ and PO₃ groups, which does not change at modification and intercalation of the materials. The ³¹PΔcs values of the phosphonate groups (43–49 ppm) significantly surpass the values characterizing the HPO₄ groups (23–37 ppm). The ³¹P Δcs values obtained for the metal (IV) phosphates were discussed in terms of P-O distances. The ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy parameters can help at elucidation of local structures in phosphate and phosphonate materials.     

Compartmentalized Polyampholyte Microgels by Depletion Flocculation and Coacervation of Nanogels in Emulsion Droplets

In pH-responsive drug carriers, the distribution of charges has been proven to affect delivery efficiency but is difficult to control and verify. Herein, we fabricate polyampholyte nanogel-in-microgel colloids (NiM−C) and show that the arrangement of the nanogels (NG) can easily be manipulated by adapting synthesis conditions. Positively and negatively charged pH-responsive NG are synthesized by precipitation polymerization and labelled with different fluorescent dyes. The obtained NG are integrated into microgel (MG) networks by subsequent inverse emulsion polymerization in droplet-based microfluidics. By confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we verify that depending on NG concentration, pH value and ionic strength, NiM−C with different NG arrangements are obtained, including Janus-like phase-separation of NG, statistical distribution of NG, and core–shell arrangements. Our approach is a major step towards uptake and release of oppositely charged (drug) molecules.     

Sustainable Design of Structural and Functional Polymers for a Circular Economy

To achieve a sustainable circular economy, polymer production must start transitioning to recycled and biobased feedstock and accomplish CO₂ emission neutrality. This is not only true for structural polymers, such as in packaging or engineering applications, but also for functional polymers in liquid formulations, such as adhesives, lubricants, thickeners or dispersants. At their end of life, polymers must be either collected and recycled via a technical pathway, or be biodegradable if they are not collectable. Advances in polymer chemistry and applications, aided by computational material science, open the way to addressing these issues comprehensively by designing for recyclability and biodegradability. This Review explores how scientific progress, together with emerging regulatory frameworks, societal expectations and economic boundary conditions, paint pathways for the transformation towards a circular economy of polymers.