State-specific rotational energy transfer in OH (A 2Σ+, v′=0) by some combustion-relevant collision partners

State-to-state rotational energy transfer (RET) co-efficients were determined for inelastic collisions of OH (A ²⁺, v=0) with N₂, CO₂, and H₂O at 300 K. The experimental procedure described previously allows the direct evaluation of state-specific RET coefficients from time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements without any assumptions on the RET. The results show strikingly different RET behaviour for the three collision partners. The data can serve as a basis for a comparison with dynamic collision models.A. Jörg is now with IBM Corporation, Frankfurt, Fed. Rep. Germany     

Pharmacomodulation of a ligand targeting the HBV capsid hydrophobic pocket

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped retrotranscribing DNA virus and an important human pathogen. Its capsid-forming core protein (Cp) features a hydrophobic pocket proposed to be central notably in capsid envelopment. Indeed, mutations in and around this pocket can profoundly modulate, and even abolish, secretion of enveloped virions. We have recently shown that Triton X-100, a detergent used during Cp purification, binds to the hydrophobic pocket with micromolar affinity. We here performed pharmacomodulation of pocket binders through systematic modifications of the three distinct chemical moieties composing the Triton X-100 molecule. Using NMR and ITC, we found that the flat aromatic moiety is essential for binding, while the number of atoms of the aliphatic chain modulates binding affinity. The hydrophilic tail, in contrast, is highly tolerant to changes in both length and type. Our data provide essential information for designing a new class of HBV antivirals targeting capsid–envelope interactions.

Small-molecule binding to the Hepatitis B virus core protein hydrophobic pocket, a possible strategy for targeting viral particle assembly.     

Spiro[1,3-benzoxathiepin-4(5H),1′-cyclohexa[2,4]dien]-2,2′-dione,a Novel Heterocyclic Ring System

Abstract

Besides the common cyclisation reactions between divalent electrophiles such as Soc1₂, SC1₂, etc. and 2,2′-alkylidene-bisphenols 1 with selective attack by the two oxygens yielding dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxathiocines [1] we observed previously an unusual cyclisation of 1 with S₂CI₂ with a nucleophilic attack by the ortho- and para-carbon atoms (C(2) and C(4)) of bisphenol 1 [2]. We now report a new type of cyclocondensation reaction of 4,4′,6,6′-tetrasubstituted 2,2′-alkylidene-bisphenols 1 with ClSCOCl affording spiro[1,3-benzoxathiepin-4(5H),1′-cyclohexa[2,4]dien]-2,2′-diones 2 together with the cyclic carbonates 3. The structures of the products were elucidated mainly by ^l3C-NMR- and ¹H-NMR-spectroscopy. The mode of formation of the novel spiro thiocarbonates 2 resp. the known carbonates 3 [3] is discussed.     

Synthesis and inclusion properties of pillar[n]arenes

A detailed study of the reaction conditions revealed that a quantitative cyclocondensation of 1,4-dialkoxy-2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)-benzenes to pillar[n]arenes can be achieved by catalysis of p-toluenesulfonic acid in CH₂Cl₂. Major product of this new reaction is in each case a cyclopentamer (n = 5), but small amounts of the pillar[n]arenes with n = 6, 7 and 10 can be obtained as well. Different alkoxy groups in 1- and 4-position lead to regioisomers. All cyclooligomers exist in pillar structures as pair of enantiomers, which show a racemisation at room temperature, which is fast in terms of the NMR time scale. The racemisation process occurs by rotation of the 1,4-phenylene segments in the macrocyclic rings. Pillar[n]arenes exhibit novel host–guest behavior.     

Direct observation of nuclear spin diffusion in real space

Images directly visualizing the spatial spin-diffusion process are reported. The measurements were performed using a magnetic resonance force microscope. The field gradient associated with the force-detection experiment is large enough to affect the spin dynamics and a modified kinetics of the spin-diffusion process is observed. The effects of the gradient were compensated for by a pulse scheme and a pure Zeeman diffusion rate constant of D=(6.2+/-0.7)x10{-12} cm{2}/s in CaF2 was observed.     

Cycloaddition reactions of 2H-benzo[b]thiete and conjugated cyclic dienes

2H-Benzo[b]thiete 1 reacts with cyclopentadiene 3 in consecutive [8π + 2π]cycloadditions yielding the condensed heterocycles 6–8 . Tetracyclone 9 on the other hand gives only the monoadduct 10 . An [8π + 8π]cycloaddition can be observed for 1 and diphenylisobenzofuran 11 . The related π system 13 shows again consecutive [477π + 27π]processes ( 1 + 13 ← 14, 15 ).     

Modeling ExB drift transport in conceptual slot divertor configurations

At DIII-D, a slot divertor concept, called small-angle-slot (SAS), is under development, aiming to enable detachment at relatively low plasma edge density. We report on simulations using the SOLPS-ITER two-dimensional edge code to examine the performance of conceptual “SAS 2” slot configurations. The focus of the analysis is on E  ×  B drift effects on upstream density at detachment (UDD), with detachment marked by electron temperature T_e ≤ 3 eV at the outer strike point (OSP). With toroidal field such that radial E  ×  B drift carries particles from the OSP towards the private flux region (PFR), placing the OSP near the inner slot wall gives ≈20% lower UDD than having the OSP near the outer wall. The inner wall effectively traps the radial E  ×  B drift flux, resulting in low T_e and associated radial electric field in the PFR, and thus small losses from the slot to the inner target via poloidal E  ×  B drift flux. With toroidal field reversed such that radial E  ×  B drift is reversed, OSP placement near the inner wall gives ≈10% lower UDD than OSP placement near the outer wall. Although radial E  ×  B flux is from the OSP towards the outer wall, this flux largely escapes the slot, raising the UDD. A change in the slot shaping is suggested with the goal of eliminating such E  ×  B -driven particle losses from the slot.