Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene derivatives as ionophores for molecular recognition of dopamine, serotonin and phenylethylamine

The lower rim functionalized hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene derivatives cone-3 and cone-5 bearing three benzyl and three N,N-diethyl-2-aminoethoxy groups, respectively, were synthesized from triol 1. Their complexation with 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (dopamine), 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), and 2-phenylethylamine (phenethylamine), which have biologically important activities, has been studied by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. The chemical shifts of the aromatic protons of the host and guest molecules and the up-field shifts of the ethyl protons of the guest molecules strongly suggest the formation of inclusion complexes in solution. The formation of the host-guest complexes is assisted by a hydrogen bond and/or an electrostatic interaction between the host and ammonium ion (RNH(3)(+)) of the guest. The structures of receptors cone-3 and cone-5 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Water Structure Modification by Sugars and Its Consequence on Micellization Behavior of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide in Aqueous Solution

Water structure modification by sugars with a wide difference in stereoregular structures ranging from monosaccharide to trisaccharide and its consequence on the micellization behavior of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in aqueous medium have been investigated. The characteristic variation in water absorption peaks in the presence of d(?)fructose has been studied by near-infrared spectroscopy. The analyses show that the hydrogen bonding capability of d(+)glucose, d(?)fructose, sucrose, trehalose and raffinose is mainly responsible for the variation in water-additive interactions. The critical micelle concentration determined by specific conductivity measurement and aggregation number determined by steady state fluorescence quenching method show significant variations in presence of additives for CTAB in aqueous solution. The sugars interact with the water structure to varying extents owing to differences in hydrogen bonding capability depending on the stereoregularity of the structure. This induces differences in the microenvironment for competition between the hydrophobic interaction and degree of hydration of the hydrophilic group of the surfactant to ultimately influence the micellization behavior in aqueous solution.     

Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of conducting polythiophene/tin phosphate nano tetrapod composite cation-exchanger and its application as Hg(II) selective membrane electrode

Nano tetrapod based on conducting polythiophene (PTh) and tin-phosphate (SnP) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The morphology of the resulting polythiophene tinphosphate composite was characterized by elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The physico-chemical characterization carried out on the composite showed that SnP was modified by conducting PTh with an enhancement of various properties. On the basis of highest distribution coefficient values for Hg(II), the composite was also used for the preparation of Hg(II) selective membrane electrode. The electrode showed working concentration range of 1 × 10^?1 to 1 × 10^?7 with Nernstian slope of 29.29 mV per decade change in concentration and the electrode may be used for wide working pH range of 4–8 having quick response time about 23 s. The life of electrode is 4 months without any notable drift in potential.     

Multi-objective optimization on the machining parameters for bio-inspired nanocoolant

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The emphasis of this paper is to evaluate the thermophysical properties of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC)-based nanofluid and the optimized machining...     

Study of γ‐Fast Neutron Attenuation and Mechanical Characteristics of Modified Concretes for Shielding and Sheltering Purposes

The study of γ‐neutrons attenuation and mechanical characteristics of modified concrete are vital and crucial parameters for the construction of civilian radiological, nuclear shielding, and/or shelters. In this work, fifteen samples of ordinary concretes with five different additives; steel fibers, polypropylene, silica fume, and fly ash, with variation of cement percentages, were prepared and used for performing the mechanical and radiation attenuation investigations. The compressive strength, tensile strength, slump test, bulk density, and water permeability were also carried out for the prepared concrete mixes. Collimated coherent beams from ⁶⁰Co and Pu‐Be fast neutron sources were used to check the radiation penetrability through the syntheized mixed concrete‐additives. Very sensitive and well calibrated gamma‐neutron pulse shape discriminating spectrometer with its electronic componenets and stilbene organic detector and 3′′ × 3′′ NaI scintillation crystal was used to measure the radiation before and after attenuation and transmission. The integrated fast neutron removal macroscopic cross section (Σ_r) and linear attenuation coefficient of total gamma rays (μ) were calculated for all the analysed concrete mixes. The results of measurements, tests, analyses and calculations are given and explained. The investigated modified concrete mixes show good workability and properties from the view point of mechanical loads and γ‐fast neutrons penetrability and resistance. These results can be used for shielding and sheltering design.     

Stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-brevisamide

The stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-brevisamide, a novel marine cyclic ether alkaloid isolated from dinoflagellate karenia brevis is described. The key steps involved in this synthesis are the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation and regioselective ring opening of chiral epoxide by Gilman's reagent. The tetrahydropyran core has been constructed by an intramolecular S_N2 cyclisation.     

Liquid crystalline banana‐shaped monomers derived from 2,7‐naphthalene: synthesis and properties

Three banana‐shaped monomers, i.e. 2,7‐naphthalene bis[4‐(4‐allyloxyphenylazo)‐benzoate], 2,7‐naphthalene bis[4‐(4‐allyloxy‐3‐fluorophenylazo)benzoate] and 2,7‐naphthalene bis{4‐[4‐(10‐undecenyloxy)phenylazo]benzoate}, containing azobenzene as side arms, 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene as central units and terminal double bonds as polymerisable functional groups, were synthesised and their mesophase behaviour investigated. Polarizing optical microscopy and DSC measurements reveal that all compounds exhibit nematic mesophases. The absorption spectrum of the trans‐azobenzene groups displays a high‐intensity π–π* transition at about 365 nm and a low‐intensity n–π* transition at around 450 nm for all compounds. Hence, photochromism can be achieved by the introduction of the azo linkage to banana‐shaped liquid crystals molecules.