Core-exciton spectra of AlxGa1−xAs studied with synchrotron radiation

Core-exciton spectra of Al_xGa_1?xAs have been measured in the photon-energy region from 19 to 27 eV by use of synchrotron radiation. The core-excitons associated with the Ga 3d core-hole and the conduction electron around the lowest L₆ and X₆ symmetry points are found to be coupled with each other through intervalley electron-hole interactions. Quantitative analyses have elucidated that intervalley Coulomb term is playing a dominant role for this coupling. Another higher energy doublet structure is interpreted as due to the transition from the Ga 3d core-levels to the rather flat region in the second lowest conduction band around the L₆ and L_{4, 5} symmetry points.     

Heat capacities of copper(II) formate tetrahydrate and tetradeuterate: A comparative study of phase transitions in layer hydrate crystals

The heat capacities of copper(II) formate tetrahydrate and tetradeuterate have been measured from 12 to 300 K with an adiabatic calorimeter. They have sigmoidal temperature dependence except near the antiferroelectric-paraelectric transition temperatures, 235.78 ± 0.05 K and 245.64 ± 0.05 K, respectively. The corresponding enthalpy changes are 836.0 ± 1.0 J mol^?1 and 936.9 ± 0.5 J mor^?1. The entropy changes are 3.546 ± 0.005 JK^?1mol^?1 and 3.814 ± 0.002 JK^?1 mol^?1. The heat capacities are larger in the high temperature phase than in the low temperature phase, the difference amounting to 5.74 JK^?1 mol^?1 and 7.15 JK^?1 mol^?1 for the hydrate and the deuterate, respectively. The heat capacity anomaly is compared with those in tin(II) chloride dihydrate and potassium hexacyanoferrate trihydrate and discussed in relation to the structure of the hydrogen bond networks in these substances. The discussion is extended to include possible properties of the hydrogen bond frameworks in ices I_h and II.     

Synthesis of a New NIR Fluorescent Nd Complex Labeling Agent

Fluorescent analysis has been widely used in biological, chemical and analytical research. A useful fluorescent labeling agent should include NIR emission, a large Stoke’s shift, and good labeling ability without interfering with the pharmacological profile of the labeled compound. Thus, we planned to develop an M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) derivative composed of an NIR fluorescent moiety and a maleimide conjugating moiety as a new NIR fluorescent labeling agent which fulfills these requirements. M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) was synthesized from 4-amino-fluorescein and was conjugated with an avidin molecule (Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd)) through Lys-side chains by reaction with 2-iminothiolane. The fluorescent features of M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) and Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd) were comparatively evaluated. A binding assay of Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd) with D-biotin and a tumor cell-uptake study were performed to estimate the effects of conjugation on the biological and physicochemical features of the protein. M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) was obtained in 22% overall yield. M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) had a typical NIR fluorescence from the Nd ion (880 nm and 900 nm from 488 nm excitation). Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd) was easily synthesized and also had typical NIR fluorescence from the Nd ion without loss of fluorescent intensity. The binding affinity of Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd) to D-biotin was equivalent to naive avidin. Avidin-AMF-DOTA(Nd) was taken up by tumor cells in the same manner as avidin conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate, an established, widely used fluorescent avidin. Results from this study indicate that M-AMF-DOTA(Nd) is a potential labeling agent for routine NIR fluorescent analysis.     

Complexability of o-bisguanidinobenzenes with arsenic and phosphoric acids in solution and solid states, and the potential use of their immobilized derivatives as solid base ligands for metal salts and arsenic acid

The role of o-bisguanidinobenzenes (BGBs) as new Brønsted base ligands for arsenic and phosphoric acids was examined. In solution state, complexation was evaluated by Job’s plot in ¹H NMR experiment, indicating a 1:1 complex formation, whereas in solid state crystalline structures of complexes obtained were addressed by X-ray crystallographic analysis and/or solid state ¹³C NMR experiment, in which 1:2 complexes between the BGB and the acid components were normally formed. Based on these results, Merrifield and Hypogel^® resin-anchored BGBs were designed and prepared as the corresponding polymer-supported host ligands. Evaluation of their coordination ability with metal salts (ZnCl₂ and CoCl₂) and arsenic acid in aqueous media by ICP-MS showed that the latter Hypogel^® resin-anchored BGBs acted as effective immobilized base ligands.     

Lithium secondary batteries using modified-imidazolium room-temperature ionic liquid

Highly reversible, safe lithium secondary batteries that use imidazolium-cation-based room-temperature ionic liquid as an electrolyte and lithium metal as an anode material were realized by the molecular design. To achieve higher reduction stability, an electron-donating substituent was introduced to promote charge delocalization in the imidazolium cation of room-temperature ionic liquids.