What is a protein crystal? Can we apply the terminology of classical industrial crystallization to them?

The nature of protein crystals is discussed. Since protein crystals contain not only proteins but also other substances the usage of conventional terms (of industrial crystallization) of naming such crystals is questioned. The proof that there are other components than the protein itself in a protein crystal is given. It is suggested to use a procedure like in biotechnology to guarantee the production of the right protein crystals according to the PAT concept. It is suggested not to use other established names like “hydrates”, “solvates”, “but crystals for proteins since the definitions do not fit the nature of the protein crystals.     

Synthesis of Highly Enantioenriched Sulfonimidoyl Fluorides and Sulfonimidamides by Stereospecific Sulfur–Fluorine Exchange (SuFEx) Reaction

Sulfonimidamides present exciting opportunities as chiral isosteres of sulfonamides, with potential for additional directional interactions. Here, we present the first modular enantioselective synthesis of sulfonimidamides, including the first stereoselective synthesis of enantioenriched sulfonimidoyl fluorides, and studies on their reactivity. A new route to sulfonimidoyl fluorides is presented from solid bench-stable, N-Boc-sulfinamide (Boc=tert-butyloxycarbonyl) salt building blocks. Enantioenriched arylsulfonimidoyl fluorides are shown to be readily racemised by fluoride ions. Conditions are developed, which trap fluoride and enable the stereospecific reaction of sulfonimidoyl fluorides with primary and secondary amines (100 % es, es=enantiospecificity) generating sulfonimidamides with up to 99 % ee. Aryl and alkyl sulfonimidoyl fluoride reagents are suitable for mild late stage functionalisation reactions, exemplified by coupling with a selection of complex amines in marketed drugs.     

The Effect of Different Inorganic Salts on the Growth Rate of NaCl Crystallized from Sea Water

A comprehensive experimental study on the effect of fourteen different inorganic salts on the growth rate of NaCl single crystals is presented. The fourteen different inorganic salts are chosen as they are present in Chinese sea water. The impurity content of each salt has been varied according to its presence in the natural sea water. The impurities are differentiated in groups related to their effect on the growth rate of NaCl. The examined impurities are: MgCl₂ · 6 H₂O, KCl, SrCl₂, NaBr, Nal, NaF, Na₂SO₄, NaBO₂ · 4 H₂O, Na₂CO₃, Na₂SiO₃ · 9 H₂O, ZnSO₄, CuSO₄ · 5 H₂O, PbCl₂, and K₄Fe(CN)₆.     

Synthesis and properties of alternating copolymers of acrylics and olefins

The free radical copolymerization and terpolymerization of acrylic monomers with olefins in the presence of Lewis acid complexing agent for the acrylic monomer has been investigated. The course of the polyreaction is in agreement with the features of a radical chain growth reaction, and the polymer properties can be varied by changing the composition of the reaction mixture and the reaction conditions. The alternating copolymers are usually amorphous materials, and only the alternating ethylene/acrylonitrile copolymer can be obtained as a material of relatively high crystallinity. The degree of crystallinity can be varied through terpolymerization of complexed acrylonitrile with ethylene/propylene comonomers. The basic features of the polyreaction and the polymer structures as well as some of the physical and material properties of the copolymers have been studied.     

Designing Crystal Morphology by a Simple Approach

In separation processes containing solids, mostly crystals, the interest in shape modifications of the solids has increased. The idea in it is the necessity to save energy, to achieve specific product requirements, e.g. purities, or to provide downstream processes with better feed material. For an organic crystal a simple way to select a growth inhibitor is presented here, in contrast to the concept of “tailor-made additives”. The additive selected is structurally different from the host molecule and modifies the habit in a desired manner. The procedure of additive selection involves the analysis of the molecular structure of the crystal to be modified and the orientation of the molecules at the surfaces of the morphological most important faces. Furthermore the problem is discussed if the chosen additive is incorporated into the crystal or not. Results are shown for the system caprolactam/ethanol.     

Australian Honeypot Ant (Camponotus inflatus) Honey—A Comprehensive Analysis of the Physiochemical Characteristics,Bioactivity, and HPTLC Profile of a Traditional Indigenous Australian Food

Despite its cultural and nutritional importance for local Aboriginal people, the unusual insect honey produced by Western Australian honeypot ant (Camponotus inflatus) has to date been rarely investigated. This study reports on the honey’s physicochemical properties, its total phenolic, major sugars and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural contents, and its antioxidant activities. The honey’s color value is 467.63 mAU/63.39 mm Pfund, it has a pH of 3.85, and its electric conductivity is 449.71 µSiemens/cm. Its Brix value is 67.00, corresponding to a 33% moisture content. The total phenolics content is 19.62 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g honey. Its antioxidant activity measured using the DPPH* (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing–antioxidant power) assays is 1367.67 µmol Trolox/kg and 3.52 mmol Fe⁺²/kg honey, respectively. Major sugars in the honey are glucose and fructose, with a fructose-to-glucose ratio of 0.85. Additionally, unidentified sugar was found in minor quantities.