Copper-linked hexaniobate lindqvist clusters-variations on a theme

Four new one-dimensional materials and one dimer complex based on the linkage of [Nb6O19] clusters and [CuLx] (L=ethylenediamine (en), NH3, H2O) assemble under ambient conditions. These phases include the following: Rb4[Cu(en)2(H2O)2]3[(Nb6O19H2)2Cu(en)2].24H2O (1), space group P; [Cu(en)2(H2O)2]2[(Nb6O19H2)Cu(en)2].14H2O (2), space group P; Rb2[Cu(NH3)2(H2O)4][Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2{[Nb6O19][Cu(NH3)]2}(2).6H2O (3), space group P; {[Nb6O19][Cu(NH3)2(H2O)]2[Cu(H2O)4]2}.3H2O (4), space group P2/n; and {[Nb6O19][Cu(NH3)2(H2O)]2[Cu(H2O)4]2} (5), space group C2/m. All structures have been solved by single-crystal methods, and compounds 1-5 were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform IR, chemical analysis, and magnetic measurements. It has been demonstrated that the conformation, charge, and geometry of the [Nb6O19]-[CuLx] chains can be modulated by varying the type and amount of the [CuLx]2+ species. The charge balance is provided by mixed Rb+/[CuLx]2+ or [CuLx]2+ cations only for structures 1-3, whereas 4 and 5 are neutral chains with no counterions. There are weak antiferromagnetic Cu2+-Cu2+ interactions in all phases. Compounds 2-5 represent the first examples in which the [Nb6O19] Lindqvist ion forms extended solids rather than dimers or decorated monomers when reacted with transition-metal, cationic complexes.     

Polymerization of a Photocleavable Monomer Using Visible Light

The polymerization of the photocleavable monomer, o‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate (NBMA), is investigated using photoinduced electron/energy transfer reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The polymerizations under visible red (λ _max = 635 nm, 0.7 mW cm⁻²) and yellow (λ _max = 560 nm, 9.7 mW cm⁻²) light are performed and demonstrate rational evidence of a controlled/living radical polymerization process. Well‐defined poly(o‐nitrobenzyl methacrylate) (PNBMA) homopolymers with good control over the molecular weight and polymer dispersity are successfully synthesized by varying the irradiation time and/or targeted degree of polymerization. Chain extension of a poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) macro‐chain transfer agent with NBMA is carried out to fabricate photocleavable amphiphilic block copolymers (BCP). Finally, these self‐assembled BCP rapidly dissemble under UV light suggesting the photoresponsive character of NBMA is not altered during the polymerization under yellow or red light. Such photoresponsive polymers can be potentially used for the remote‐controlled delivery of therapeutic compounds.

     

Solid-state Structures and Solution Behavior of Alkali Salts of the [\hbox{Nb}_{6}\hbox{O}_{19}]^{8-} Lindqvist Ion

The hexaniobate Lindqvist ion has long been known as the dominant specie in alkaline niobium oxide solutions. Recent advances in heteropolyniobate chemistry continue to be greatly aided by use of alkali salts as soluble precursors; in particular, potassium, sodium and lithium hexaniobate salts. We report here the solid-state characterization and solution behavior of Li, K, Rb and Cs Lindqvist salts. Synthesis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data is reported for nine new hexaniobate salts. These structures differ in the number of charge-balancing alkali cations, protonation of the clusters, relative arrangement of the clusters and alkali metal cations, amount of lattice water and its mode of interaction with other lattice species. Trends of alkali-cluster bonding are observed as a function of alkali radius. Protonation of the clusters in the solid-state is influenced by the method of crystallization of the salt. Lability of the cluster oxygens is observed by solution ¹⁷O NMR experiments. Rates of isotopic enrichment of the bridging oxygen, terminal oxygen and bridging hydroxyl cluster sites are compared for aqueous solutions of Li, K, Rb and Cs hexaniobate salts. Parameters influencing the oxo-ligand exchange rates of the salts are discussed relative to their use as heteropolyniobate precursors.This paper is dedicated to Professor Michael T. Pope on the event of his retirement to acknowledge his fruitful career in polyoxometalate chemistry.     

Cyclic voltammetry of Th(IV) in the room-temperature ionic liquid [Me3NnBu][N(SO2CF3)2

A Th(IV) compound, [Th(TFSI)4(HTFSI)].2H2O [where TFSI = N(SO2CF3)2], has been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibrational spectroscopy. The analysis suggests that the TFSI anion coordinates to the metal center via the sulfonyl oxygens as well as provides evidence for the coordination of HTFSI. The voltammetric behavior of this compound has been studied in the room-temperature ionic liquid [Me3NnBu][TFSI], and results show that Th(IV) is reduced to Th(0) in this ionic liquid in a single reduction step. Analysis of cyclic voltammograms shows that an insoluble product is being formed at the electrode surface, which is attributed to the formation of ThO2 by reaction with water. The E0 value for the reduction of Th(IV) to Th(0) has been determined to be -2.20 V (vs Fc+/Fc; -1.80 V vs SHE). A comparison of this E0 value with those obtained for Th(IV) reduction in a LiCl-KCl eutectic (400 degrees C), water, and nonaqueous solvents shows that the reduction in [Me3NnBu][TFSI] is easier to accomplish than that in these other solvents.     

Surface microcracks decoration and disclination defects of wholly aromatic liquid crystalline copolyesters

An intensive study has been conducted to map the director fields of disclination of nematic liquid crystalline copolyesters. In this study, films of two wholly aromatic main-chain polyesters containing para- (ABA/MH/TFTA) and meta-linkages (ABA/MH/TFIA) (ABA, p-acetoxybenzoic acid; MH, maleic hydrazine; TFTA, tetrafluoroterephthalic acid; TFIA, tetrafluoroisophthalic acid) were synthesized to investigate the effects of kinks on liquid crystallinity, disclination strength (S), and surface microcracks decoration. These two copolyesters were prepared by in-situ thin film polymerization and characterized by polarizing light microscope, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, as well as "rotational isomeric states" (RIS) Metropolis Monte Carlo (RMMC) simulation. An optical microscope shows that the surface microcracks forms in the nematic-mosaic texture during a rapid quenching. The ABA/MH/TFTA film exhibits disclination strength with S = +1 and S = -(1)/(2); however, disclination strengths with S = +/-1 have been observed in the ABA/MH/TFIA system. To our best knowledge, this is the first paper reporting the effects and evidence of kink (meta and para moieties) on topological defect of disclination. In addition, the RMMC analysis supports the liquid crystal formation in both polyester films with a persistence ratio greater than 6.42.     

Methyl scanning: total synthesis of demethylasterriquinone B1 and derivatives for identification of sites of interaction with and isolation of its receptor(s)

The principle of methyl scanning is proposed for determination of the sites of interaction between biologically active small molecules and their macromolecular target(s). It involves the systematic preparation of a family of methylated derivatives of a compound and their biological testing. As a functional assay, the method can identify the regions of a molecule that are important (and unimportant) for biological activity against even unknown targets, and thus provides an excellent complement to structural biology. Methyl scanning was applied to demethylasterriquinone B1, a small-molecule mimetic of insulin. A new, optimal total synthesis of this natural product was developed that enables the family of methyl scan derivatives to be concisely prepared for evaluation in a cellular assay. The results of this experiment were used to design a biotin-demethylasterriquinone conjugate for use as an affinity reagent. This compound was prepared in tens of milligram quantities in a four-step synthesis.     

Structural characterization of a lanthanum bistriflimide complex, La(N(SO2CF3)2)3(H2O)3, and an investigation of La, Sm, and Eu electrochemistry in a room-temperature ionic liquid, [Me3N(n)Bu][N(SO2CF3)2

The reduction of selected lanthanide cations to the zerovalent state in the room-temperature ionic liquid [Me3N(n)Bu][TFSI] is reported (where TFSI = bistriflimide, [N(SO2CF3)2]-). The lanthanide cations were introduced to the melt as the TFSI hydrate complexes [Ln(TFSI)3(H2O)3] (where Ln = La(III), Sm(III) or Eu(III)). The lanthanum compound [La(TFSI)3(H2O)3] has been crystallographically characterized, revealing the first structurally characterized f-element TFSI complex. The lanthanide in all three complexes was shown to be reducible to the metallic state in [Me3N(n)Bu][TFSI]. For both the Eu and Sm complexes, reduction to the metallic state was achieved via divalent species, and there was an additional observation of the electrodeposition of Eu metal.