Kinetic aspects of the Diels-Alder reaction between poly(styrene-co-furfuryl methacrylate) and bismaleimide

The crosslinking Diels-Alder reaction between styrene-furfuryl methacrylate copolymer samples (poly(ST-co-FM)) and bismaleimide (BM) at 25 °C in chloroform was studied by following the decay in UV absorbance of the maleimide (MI) group at 320 nm. Reaction conditions were changed by using copolymers with different mole fraction of FM, F_FM, and by employing different initial molar ratios of reactants (furan group within FM and MI group within BM). Second order kinetics were obeyed. ¹³C NMR spectra showed that, even when all reactants had been converted to an insoluble crosslinked network, unreacted MI groups remained, presumably in the form of singly reacted pendant BM molecules. The fractions of MI groups remaining unreacted were found to be 0.49, 0.34 and 0.22 for FM:MI mole ratios in the initial mixture of 2, 1 and 0.5 respectively, when using a copolymer of F_FM=0.1354. An attempt was also made to follow the kinetics of network formation by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, using the peak areas for reacted and unreacted MI and FM groups, but many of the findings were subject to some uncertainty for reasons, which are discussed. However, because the peak areas were considered reliable for unreacted MI groups, the rate constant, k, was evaluated, thereby. Overall using UV and NMR the values of k lay within the interval (0.8-3.6) × 10⁻⁵ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹.     

Polymerization studies on allylic compounds. III. α(substituted methyl)styrenes

The free-radical polymerization of a series of α-(substituted methyl)styrenes was investigated. These compounds were found to be inactive in homopolymerizations but copolymerized with methyl methacrylate and styrene with a retarding effect. Copolymerization characteristics were followed by rate and viscosity measurements.     

An improved algorithm to locate critical points in a 3D scalar field as implemented in the program MORPHY

A new algorithm for location of the critical points in general scalar fields is described. The new method has been developed as part of an on-going process to exploit the topologic analysis of general 3D scalar fields. Part of this process involves the use of topologic information to seed the critical point search algorithm. The continuing move away from topologic studies of just the electron density requires more general algorithms and the ability to easily "plug in" new functions, for example, the Laplacian of the electron density ( triangle down (2)rho), the Electron Localisation Function (ELF), the Localised Orbital Locator (LOL), the Lennard-Jones function (LJF), as well as any new functions that may be proposed in the future. Another important aspect of the current algorithm is the retention of all possible intermediate information, for example, the paths describing the connectivity of critical points, as well as an ability to restart searches, something that becomes increasingly important when analysing larger systems. This new algorithm represents a core part of a new local version of the MORPHY code. We distinguish nine universal types of gradient paths.     

The analysis of some heterocyclic compounds

The mass spectra of some relatively simple sulphur compounds have been obtained. Comments upon the McLafferty rearrangement are reported.     

Targeting apoptosis via chemical design: inhibition of bid-induced cell death by small organic molecules

Bid is a key member of the Bcl-2 family proteins involved in the control of the apoptotic cascade in cells, leading to cell death. Uncontrolled cell death is associated with several human pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic injuries. Therefore, Bid represents a potential yet unexplored and challenging target for strategies aimed at the development of therapeutic agents. Here we show that a multidisciplinary NMR-based approach that we named SAR by ILOEs (structure activity relationships by interligand nuclear Overhauser effect) allowed us to rationally design a series of 4-phenylsulfanyl-phenylamine derivatives that are capable of occupying a deep hydrophobic crevice on the surface of Bid. These compounds represent the first antiapoptotic small molecules targeting a Bcl-2 protein as shown by their ability to inhibit tBid-induced SMAC release, caspase-3 activation, and cell death.     

[2,6‐Bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐ylmethyl)pyridine]iodocopper(I) dichloromethane solvate

The title compound, [CuI(C₁₇H₂₁N₅)]·CH₂Cl₂, contains a tetracoordinate Cu^I centre with an unusual distorted tetrahedral stereochemistry, which has also been observed in other Cu^I complexes containing this tridentate ligand. This distortion is probably a result of intermolecular steric contacts between the I^? ligand and a neighbouring CH₂Cl₂ mol­ecule.     

Synthesis of trans‐disubstituted cyclam ligands appended with two 6‐hydroxymethylpyridin‐2‐ylmethyl sidearms: Crystal structures of the 1,8‐dimethyl‐4,ll‐di(6‐hydroxymethylpyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)cylam ligand and its Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes

Two new trans‐disubstituted cyclam ligands; 1,8‐di(6‐hydroxymethylpyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,4,8,11‐tetra‐azacyclotetradecane ( 5 ) and 1,8‐dimethyl‐4, 11‐di(6‐hydroxymethylpyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,4,8,11 ‐tetraaza‐cyclotetradecane ( 6 ); have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of ligand 6 and its Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes have been determined. Crystal data are given for 6 , space group, P2₁/c, a = 11.095 (6) Å, b = 9.467 (5) Å, c = 13.283 (8) Å; β = 106.95 (5)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0715; for [Ni 6 ](C10₄)₂, space group P2₁/c, a = 9.4848 (14) Å, b = 33.941(6) Å, c = 9.793(2) A, β = 95.264(14)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0567; for [Co 6 ](C10₄)₂, space group, P2₁/c, a = 9.440 (6) Å, b = 33.848 (13) Å, c = 9.820 (3) Å, β = 95.16(3)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0718. In both complexes, the metal atoms are six‐coordinate with only one of the pendants interacting with the central metal atom and the other pendant remaining uncoordinated.     

Thermotropic copolyesters. II. Synthesis and characterization of liquid-crystal copolyesters containing the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane ring system

The syntheses and characterizations of poly(oxy-trans-1,4-cyclohexyleneoxycarbonyl-1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylenecarbonyl) (I) and poly(oxy-trans-1,4-cyclohexyleneoxycarbonyl-1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylenecarbonyl-co-oxy-trans-1,4-cyclohexyleneoxysebacoyl) (II) are described. The polymer systems were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, solution viscosity, and differential scanning calorimetry. The random copolyester prepared from 1:0.65:0.35 mol of trans-1,4-cyclohexanediol, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarbonyl chloride, and sebacoyl chloride, respectively, formed a birefringent fluid state in the melt.     

Electron transfer reactions of cytochrome c at metal electrodes

The heterogeneous electron transfer reactions of cytochromec occurring at platinum, gold and mercury electrodes are shown to be quasi-reversible. In each case the electrodes have not been modified and the cytochromec samples are native. This work extends previous work and demonstrates that biological molecule electron transfer reactions can be studied at clean metal surfaces to gain fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of these reactions.     

SEASONAL TRENDS IN ERYTHEMAL and CARCINOGENIC ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AT MID-SOUTHERN LATITUDES1989–1991

A network of solar carcinogenic/erythemal ultraviolet radiometers has been established in New Zealand. Daily integrated irradiances of this biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation for 1989, 1990 and 1991 are reported from radiometers located at Wellington (41°S) and Christchurch (43.5°S) and for 1990 and 1991 from the Auckland (37°S) radiometer. Although the monitoring program has not been running sufficiently long to discern any long-term changes in levels of solar ultraviolet radiation, shorter term trends are apparent, which are attributed to a seasonal cycle in levels of ozone at midlatitudes and changes in atmospheric aerosols.