Speciation of Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes in Ionic Liquids: A Multiple‐Technique Approach

The dissolution process of metal complexes in ionic liquids was investigated by a multiple‐technique approach to reveal the solvate species of the metal in solution. The task‐specific ionic liquid betainium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Hbet][Tf₂N]) is able to dissolve stoichiometric amounts of the oxides of the rare‐earth elements. The crystal structures of the compounds [Eu₂(bet)₈(H₂O)₄][Tf₂N]₆, [Eu₂(bet)₈(H₂O)₂][Tf₂N]₆?2H₂O, and [Y₂(bet)₆(H₂O)₄][Tf₂N]₆ were found to consist of dimers. These rare‐earth complexes are well soluble in the ionic liquids [Hbet][Tf₂N] and [C₄mim][Tf₂N] (C₄mim=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium). The speciation of the metal complexes after dissolution in these ionic liquids was investigated by luminescence spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C, and ⁸⁹Y NMR spectroscopy, and by the synchrotron techniques EXAFS (extended X‐ray absorption fine structure) and HEXS (high‐energy X‐ray scattering). The combination of these complementary analytical techniques reveals that the cationic dimers decompose into monomers after dissolution of the complexes in the ionic liquids. Deeper insight into the solution processes of metal compounds is desirable for applications of ionic liquids in the field of electrochemistry, catalysis, and materials chemistry.     

Synthesis of oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds via α-chloro-δ-(trimethylsilyloxy)imines

Treatment of α-chloro-δ-(trimethylsilyloxy)ketimines, obtained by regiospecific alkylation of α-chloroketimines with 3-bromo-1-(trimethylsilyloxy)propane, with bases and nucleophiles leads to a variety of oxygen-containing heterocycles, including tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans.     

Heteroleptic silver-containing ionic liquids

The first examples of structurally characterised mixed-ligand metal-containing ionic liquids (ILs) are presented, synthesised by the use of different N-alkylimidazoles. The cations consist of two-coordinate silver(i) centres ligated by two different N-alkylimidazole ligands. It is shown that the resulting ionic liquids have lower melting points than the single ligand ILs.     

(Thio)ureido anion receptors based on a 1,3-alternate oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine scaffold

In pursuit of highly preorganized macrocyclic host molecules for the complexation of anions, a series of oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine-based bis(thio)ureido receptors were synthesized and fully characterized. The pincer-like 1,3-alternate conformation of the oxacalix[4]arene scaffold, essential for an efficient host-guest interaction, was visualized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and supported by variable-temperature NMR studies. The anion binding properties of the receptors were evaluated via (1)H NMR titration experiments, showing intermolecular interactions with H(2)PO(4)(-), AcO(-), BzO(-), and Cl(-) ions. The host molecule bearing 4-nitrophenyl substituents on the bisurea binding pocket showed association constants in the range of 200-400 M(-1) in the strongly competitive solvent mixture of DMSO/0.5% H(2)O.     

Improved Spectral Coverage and Fluorescence Quenching in Donor–acceptor Systems Involving Indolo[3‐2‐b]carbazole and Boron‐dipyrromethene or Diketopyrrolopyrrole

A novel π‐conjugated triad and a polymer incorporating indolo[3,2‐b]‐carbazole (ICZ) and 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) were synthesized via a Sonogashira coupling. Compared to the parent BODIPY the absorption and fluorescence spectrum were for both compounds broader and redshifted. The redshift of the fluorescence and the decrease of the fluorescence quantum yield and decay time upon increasing solvent polarity were attributed to the formation of a partial charge‐transfer state. Upon excitation in the ICZ absorption band the ICZ fluorescence was quenched in both compounds mainly due to energy transfer to the BODIPY moiety. In a similar ICZ–π–DPP polymer (where DPP is diketopyrrolopyrrole), a smaller redshift of the absorption and fluorescence spectra compared to the parent DPP was observed. A less efficient quenching of the ICZ fluorescence in the ICZ–π–DPP polymer could be related to the unfavorable orientation of the transition dipoles of ICZ and DPP. The rate constant for energy transfer was for all compounds an order of magnitude smaller than predicted by Förster theory. While in a solid film of the triad a further redshift of the absorption maximum of nearly 100 nm was observed, no such shift was observed for the ICZ–π–BODIPY polymer.     

Development and validation of a qualitative screening method for the detection of exogenous anabolic steroids in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A screening method for the urinary detection of 34 exogenous anabolic steroids has been developed. The method involves an enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid-liquid extraction and detection by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The use of some adducts such as [M+NH₄]⁺, [M+CH₃COO]⁻ and [M+H+MeOH]⁺ was necessary in order to detect some analytes at the required level (lower than 10 ng/ml). Two transitions were selected for each analyte. Different concentration factors have been studied in order to increase the sensitivity. A concentration factor of 50 was selected for the screening method although the high ion suppression observed under these conditions can hamper its application as a quantitative method. The method was validated and limits of detection were obtained by spiking ten different blank urine samples at five different concentration levels. Up to 29 analytes were detected in all spiked urines at the required level. Limits of detection between 1 and 10 ng/ml were obtained for most analytes which fulfil current requirements. The applicability of the method was shown by analysing positive samples.     

Aqueous enantioselective hydrogenation of methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate with Rh-MeDuPHOS occluded in PDMS

A new chiral heterogeneous catalytic system obtained by occlusion of the Rh-MeDuPHOS complex in a polydimethylsiloxane film was tested in the asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate in aqueous medium.     

Synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-fluoro-olefin analogues of potent dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors

(E)- and (Z)-fluoro-olefin analogues of potent dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors were synthesized. A Wadsworth-Horner-Emmons reaction, followed by amide formation and reduction of the amide were used for the construction of the α-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated amine functionality.     

Comprehensive blood plasma lipidomics by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A lipidomics strategy, combining high resolution reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) with high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QqTOF), is described. The method has carefully been assessed in both a qualitative and a quantitative fashion utilizing human blood plasma. The inherent low technical variability associated with the lipidomics method allows to measure 65% of the features with an intensity RSD value below 10%. Blood plasma lipid spike-in experiments demonstrate that relative concentration differences smaller than 25% can readily be revealed by means of a t-test. Utilizing an advanced identification strategy, it is shown that the detected features mainly originate from (lyso-)phospholipids, sphingolipids, mono-, di- and triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters. The high resolution offered by the up-front RPLC step further allows to discriminate various isomeric species associated with the different lipid classes. The added value of utilizing a Jetstream electrospray ionization (ESI) source over a regular ESI source in lipidomics is for the first time demonstrated. In addition, the application of ultra high performance LC (UHPLC) up to 1200 bar to extend the peak capacity or increase productivity is discussed.