Computer-Assisted Solution of Chemical Problems—The Historical Development and the Present State of the Art of a New Discipline of Chemistry

The topic of this article is the development and the present state of the art of computer chemistry, the computer-assisted solution of chemical problems. Initially the problems in computer chemistry were confined to structure elucidation on the basis of spectroscopic data, then programs for synthesis design based on libraries of reaction data for relatively narrow classes of target compounds were developed, and now computer programs for the solution of a great variety of chemical problems are available or are under development. Previously it was an achievement when any solution of a chemical problem could be generated by computer assistance. Today, the main task is the efficient, transparent, and non-arbitrary selection of meaningful results from the immense set of potential solutions—that also may contain innovative proposals. Chemistry has two aspects, constitutional chemistry and stereochemistry, which are interrelated, but still require different approaches. As a result, about twenty years ago, an algebraic model of the logical structure of chemistry was presented that consisted of two parts: the constitution-oriented algebra of be- and r-matrices, and the theory of the stereochemistry of the chemical identity group. New chemical definitions, concepts, and perspectives are characteristic of this logic-oriented model, as well as the direct mathematical representation of chemical processes. This model enables the implementation of formal reaction generators that can produce conceivable solutions to chemical problems—including unprecedented solutions—without detailed empirical chemical information. New formal selection procedures for computer-generated chemical information are also possible through the above model. It is expedient to combine these with interactive methods of selection. In this review, the Munich project is presented and discussed in detail. It encompasses the further development and implementation of the mathematical model of the logical structure of chemistry as well as the experimental verification of the computer-generated results. The article concludes with a review of new reactions, reagents, and reaction mechanisms that have been found with the PC-programs IGOR and RAIN.     

Simultaneous serum desalting and total protein determination by macroporous reversed-phase chromatography

Macroporous reversed-phase (mRP) chromatography was successfully used to develop an accurate and precise method for total protein in serum. The limits of detection (0.83 μg, LOD) and quantification (2.51 μg, LOQ) for the mRP method are comparable with those of the widely used micro BCA protein assay. The mRP method can be used to determine the total protein concentration across a wide dynamic range by detecting chromatographic peaks at 215 nm and 280 nm. The method has the added advantage of desalting and denaturing proteins, leading to more complete digestion by trypsin and to better LC–MS–MS identification in shotgun proteomics experiments.

Darstellung,Ramanspektren und Kristallstrukturen von V2O3(SO4)2, K[VO(SO4)2] und NH4[VO(SO4)2]

Preparation, Raman Spectra, and Crystal Structures of V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, K[VO(SO₄)₂], and NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] The oxo-sulfato-vanadates(V) V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, K[VO(SO₄)₂], and NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] have been prepared as crystals suitable for X-ray structure determination. In all structures sulfate acts as an unidentate ligand only toward a single vanadium atom. The structure of V₂O₃(SO₄)₂ consists of a threedimensional network of pairs of cornershared VO₆ octahedra with one terminal oxygen atom each, and SO₄ tetrahedra. All oxygen atoms of the sulfate ions are coordinated. NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂] and K[VO(SO₄)₂] are isostructural. VO₆ octahedra with one terminal oxygen atom and pairs of sulfate tetrahedra form infinite chains by corner sharing. The chains are weakly interlinked to layers. The sulfate ions are distorted towards planar SO₃ molecules and single oxygen atoms attached to vanadium. This structural detail gives an explanation for the mechanism of the reversible reaction K[VO(SO₄)₂] ? K[VO₂(SO₄)] + SO₃ at 400°C. Raman spectra of the compounds have been recorded and interpreted with respect to their structures. Crystal data: V₂O₃(SO₄)₂, monoclinic, space group P2₁/a, a = 947.2(4), b = 891.3(3), c? 989.1(4) pm, β = 104.56(3)°, Z = 4, 878 unique data, R(R_w) = 0.039(0,033); K[VO(SO₄)₂], orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 495.3(2), b = 869.6(9), c = 1 627(1)pm, Z = 4, 642 unique data, R(R_w) = 0,11(0,10); NH₄[VO(SO₄)₂], orthorhombic, space group P2₁2₁2₁, a = 495.3(1), b = 870.0(2), c = 1 676.7(4)pm, Z = 4, 768 unique data, R(R_w) = 0.088(0.083).     

Direct episulfidation of alkenes and allenes with elemental sulfur and thiiranes as sulfur sources,catalyzed by molybdenum oxo complexes

The molybdenum oxo complexes 1a and 1b catalyze efficiently the sulfur transfer to a series of alkenes 4 and allenes 6, for which elemental sulfur, phenylthiirane, or methylthiirane have been employed as sulfur sources to afford the corresponding episulfides 5 and 7. The most effective catalytic episulfidation system to date is the combination of the dithiophosphate-ligated oxo complex 1b and phenylthiirane (Ibeta). This metathesis process is efficient enough to convert usually reluctant alkenes (cyclopentene, cycloheptene, Z-cyclooctene, Z-cyclononene, E-cyclodecene, norbornene, and even bicyclopropylidene) to their episulfides in good yields under mild conditions. The direct catalytic sulfuration of allenes (cyclonona-1,2-diene, cyclonona-1,2,5-triene, cyclodeca-1,2-diene, and 2,4-dimethylpenta-2,3-diene) to their labile methylenethiiranes is unprecedented.     

Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of the New Iron Thioantimonates(III) [Fe(C6H18N4)]FeSbS4 and [Fe(C4H13N3)2]Fe2Sb4S10 Containing FeII and FeIII and Protein‐Analogous [2FeIII‐2S]2+ Clusters

The two new compounds [Fe(tren)]FeSbS₄ ( 1 ) (tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine) and [Fe(dien)₂]Fe₂Sb₄S₁₀ ( 2 ) (dien = diethylendiamine) were prepared under solvothermal conditions and represent the first thioantimonates(III) with iron cations integrated into the anionic network. In both compounds Fe³⁺ is part of a [2Fe^III‐2S] cluster which is often found in ferredoxines. In addition, Fe²⁺ ions are present which are surrounded by the organic ligands. In ( 1 ) the Fe²⁺ ion is also part of the thioantimonate(III) network whereas in ( 2 ) the Fe²⁺ ion is isolated. In both compounds the primary SbS₃ units are interconnected into one‐dimensional chains. The mixed‐valent character of [Fe(tren)]FeSbS₄ was unambiguously determined with Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both compounds exhibit paramagnetic behaviour and for ( 1 ) a deviation from linearity is observed due to a strong zero‐field splitting. Both compounds decompose in one single step.     

Positively Charged Nanoaggregates Based on Zwitterionic Pillar[5]arene that Combat Planktonic Bacteria and Disrupt Biofilms

Bacterial biofilms are difficult to eradicate because they are less susceptible to antibiotics and more easily develop resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new materials that can combat planktonic bacteria and disrupt established biofilms. To tackle this challenge, we design a multifunctional zwitterionic pillar[5]arene, which can self‐assemble into weakly positively charged nanoaggregates that exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (DH5α) and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (SH1000) bacterial strains in solution. In addition, the zwitterionic pillar[5]arene can efficiently disrupt pre‐existing Escherichia coli (DH5α) biofilms and kill the biofilm‐enclosed bacteria without rapid generation of resistance.