Synthesis, structural elucidation, and application of a pyrazolylpyridine-molybdenum oxide composite as a heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation

The reaction of [MoO(2)Cl(2)(pypzEA)] (1) (pypzEA = ethyl[3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]acetate) with water in a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave (100 °C) or in an open reflux system leads to the isolation of the molybdenum oxide/pyrazolylpyridine composite material [Mo(2)O(6)(HpypzA)] (2; HpypzA = [3-(pyridinium-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]acetate). The solid state structure of 2 was solved through single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses in conjunction with information derived from FT-IR and (13)C CP MAS NMR spectroscopies and elemental analyses. In the asymmetric unit of 2, two crystallographically distinct Mo(6+) centers are bridged by a syn,syn-carboxylate group of HpypzA. The periodic repetition of these units along the a axis of the unit cell leads to the formation of a one-dimensional composite polymer, (∞)(1)[Mo(2)O(6)(HpypzA)]. The outstretched pyrazolylpyridine groups of adjacent polymers interdigitate to form a zipper-like motif, generating strong onset π-π contacts between adjacent rings of coordinated HpypzA molecules. The composite oxide 2 is a stable heterogeneous catalyst for liquid-phase olefin epoxidation.     

Energy efficiency of drilling granite and travertine with a CO2 laser and 980 nm diode laser

Using lasers to drill hard rock presents potential advantages compared to conventional mechanical drilling, such as higher penetration rates and reduced vibration. Before realistic drilling tools can be proposed, the influence of important parameters and the mechanisms involved in drilling different rocks with different lasers must be understood. In this work, we investigate the efficiency of laser drilling of granite and travertine with a CO₂ laser and a 980 nm fiber coupled diode laser. At the drilling surface, the maximum CW power delivered by the CO₂ laser was 140 W, while the diode laser delivered up to 215 W. Even at these modest power levels, it was possible to drill holes with diameters of the order of 8 mm at efficiencies varying from 40 kJ/cm³ to 150 kJ/cm³. The optimum laser exposure period of time was also investigated. Finally, x-ray diffraction and fluorescence analysis, as well as Tg (Thermogravimetry) and DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis) measurements, were performed on the rocks samples used.     

Auslander–Buchweitz Approximation Theory for Triangulated Categories

We introduce and develop an analogous of the Auslander–Buchweitz approximation theory (see Auslander and Buchweitz, Societe Mathematique de France 38:5–37, 1989) in the context of triangulated categories, by using a version of relative homology in this setting. We also prove several results concerning relative homological algebra in a triangulated category $\mathcal{T},$ which are based on the behavior of certain subcategories under finiteness of resolutions and vanishing of Hom-spaces. For example: we establish the existence of preenvelopes (and precovers) in certain triangulated subcategories of $\mathcal{T}.$ The results resemble various constructions and results of Auslander and Buchweitz, and are concentrated in exploring the structure of a triangulated category $\mathcal{T}$ equipped with a pair $(\mathcal{X},\omega),$ where $\mathcal{X}$ is closed under extensions and ω is a weak-cogenerator in $\mathcal{X},$ usually under additional conditions. This reduces, among other things, to the existence of distinguished triangles enjoying special properties, and the behavior of (suitably defined) (co)resolutions, projective or injective dimension of objects of $\mathcal{T}$ and the formation of orthogonal subcategories. Finally, some relationships with the Rouquier’s dimension in triangulated categories is discussed.     

Positive cooperativity in the template-directed synthesis of monodisperse macromolecules

Two series of oligorotaxanes R and R' that contain -CH(2)NH(2)(+)CH(2)- recognition sites in their dumbbell components have been synthesized employing template-directed protocols. [24]Crown-8 rings self-assemble by a clipping strategy around each and every recognition site using equimolar amounts of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde and tetraethyleneglycol bis(2-aminophenyl) ether to efficiently provide up to a [20]rotaxane. In the R series, the -NH(2)(+)- recognition sites are separated by trismethylene bridges, whereas in the R' series the spacers are p-phenylene linkers. The underpinning idea here is that in the former series, the recognition sites are strategically positioned 3.5 ? apart from one another so as to facilitate efficient [π···π] stacking between the aromatic residues in contiguous rings in the rotaxanes and consequently, a discrete rigid and rod-like conformation is realized; these noncovalent interactions are absent in the latter series rendering them conformationally flexible/nondiscrete. Although in the R' series, the [3]-, [4]-, [8]-, and [12]rotaxanes were isolated after reaction times of <5-30 min in yields of 72-85%, in the R series, the [3]-, [4]-, [5]-, [8]-, [12]-, [16]-, and [20]rotaxanes were isolated in <5 min to 14 h in 88-98% yields. It follows that while in the R' series the higher order oligorotaxanes are formed in lower yields more rapidly, in the R series, the higher order oligorotaxanes are formed in higher yields more slowly. In the R series, the high percentage yields are sustained throughout, despite the fact that up to 39 components are participating in the template-directed self-assembly process. Simple arithmetic reveals that the conversion efficiency for each imine bond formation peaks at 99.9% in the R series and 99.3% in the R' series. This maintenance of reaction efficiency in the R series can be ascribed to positive cooperativity, that is, when one ring is formed it aids and abets the formation of subsequent rings presumably because of stabilizing extended [π···π] stacking interactions between the arene units. Experiments have been performed wherein the dumbbell is starved of the macrocyclic components, and up to five times more of the fully saturated rotaxane is formed than is predicted based on a purely statistical outcome, providing a clear indication that positive cooperativity is operative. Moreover, it would appear that as the R series is traversed from the [3]- to the [4]- to the [5]rotaxane, the cooperativity becomes increasingly positive. This kind of cooperative behavior is not observed for the analogous oligorotaxanes in the R' series. The conventional bevy of analytical techniques (e.g., HR-MS (ESI) and both (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy) help establish the fact that all the oligorotaxanes are pure and monodisperse. Evidence of efficient [π···π] stacking between contiguous arene units in the rings in the R series is revealed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Ion-mobility mass spectrometry performed on the R and R' series yielded the collisional cross sections (CCSs), confirming the rigidity of the R oligorotaxanes and the flexibility of the R' ones. The extended [π···π] stacking interactions are found to be present in the solid-state structures of the [3]- and [4]rotaxanes in the R series and also on the basis of molecular mechanics calculations performed on the entire series of oligomers. The collective data presented herein supports our original design in that the extended [π···π] stacking between contiguous arene units in the rings of the R series of oligorotaxanes facilitate an essentially rigid rod-like conformation with evidence that positive cooperativity improves the efficiency of their formation. This situation stands in sharp contrast to the conformationally flexible R' series where the oligorotaxanes form with no cooperativity.     

Preparation of size-controlled nanoparticles of magnetite

Samples of ferrofluids containing chemically stabilized nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) were prepared by a direct reduction–precipitation method. The influences of aging time and temperature on the size and monodispersion characteristics of the produced nanoparticles were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, and magnetization measurements with applied magnetic field up to 2 T were used to characterize the synthesized iron oxides. Raising the temperature of the synthesized material in autoclave affects positively the monodispersion of the nanoparticles, but it was not found to significantly influence the size itself of individual particles.     

Experimental study of high energy electron interactions in a superconducting aluminum alloy resonant bar

Peak amplitude measurements of the fundamental mode of oscillation of a suspended aluminum alloy bar hit by an electron beam show that the amplitude is enhanced by a factor ∼3.5 when the material is in the superconducting state. This result is consistent with the cosmic ray observations performed by the resonant gravitational wave detector NAUTILUS, made of the same alloy, when operated in the superconducting state. A comparison of the experimental data with the predictions of the model describing the underlying physical process is also presented.     

Catalytic Chain Transfer (co‐)Polymerization: Unprecedented Polyisoprene CCG and a New Concept to Tune the Composition of a Statistical Copolymer

Borohydrido‐halflanthanidocene/dialkylmagnesium combinations are found to be powerful catalytic systems for the chain transfer polymerization of isoprene and its copolymerization with styrene. A behavior close to a lanthanide catalyzed polyisoprene chain growth on magnesium is reported. Transmetalation is further shown to occur in the course of the statistical copolymerization of isoprene and styrene. For the same monomer feed, the amount of styrene inserted in the copolymer can be increased by a factor 3 using 10 equiv. dialkylmagnesium versus 1 in the range of our experimental conditions. Chain transfer in the course of a metal catalyzed statistical copolymerization may thus be viewed as a new and original way for the control of the composition of a copolymer.

     

Thermo- and pH-Responsive Gelatin/Polyphenolic Tannin/Graphene Oxide Hydrogels for Efficient Methylene Blue Delivery

Gelatin (GE), amino-functionalized polyphenolic tannin derivative (TN), and graphene oxide (GO) were associated to yield thermo- and pH-responsive hydrogels for the first time. Durable hydrogel assemblies for drug delivery purposes were developed using the photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) as a drug model. The cooling GE/TN blends provide brittle physical assemblies. To overcome this disadvantage, different GO contents (between 0.31% and 1.02% wt/wt) were added to the GE/TN blend at 89.7/10.3 wt/wt. FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy analyses characterized the materials, indicating GO presence in the hydrogels. Incorporation studies revealed a total MB (0.50 mg/mL) incorporation into the GE/TN-GO hydrogel matrices. Additionally, the proposed systems present a mechanical behavior similar to gel. The GO presence in the hydrogel matrices increased the elastic modulus from 516 to 1650 Pa. SEM revealed that hydrogels containing MB present higher porosity with interconnected pores. Dissolution and swelling degree studies revealed less stability of the GE/TN-GO-MB hydrogels in SGF medium (pH 1.2) than SIF (pH 6.8). The degradation increased in SIF with the GO content, making the polymeric matrices more hydrophilic. MB release studies revealed a process controlled by Fickian diffusion. Our results point out the pH-responsible behavior of mechanically reinforced GE/TN-GO-MB hydrogels for drug delivery systems purposes.     

Subjective scaling of spatial room acoustic parameters influenced by visual environmental cues

Although there have been numerous studies investigating subjective spatial impression in rooms, only a few of those studies have addressed the influence of visual cues on the judgment of auditory measures. In the psychophysical study presented here, video footage of five solo music/speech performers was shown for four different listening positions within a general-purpose space. The videos were presented in addition to the acoustic signals, which were auralized using binaural room impulse responses (BRIR) that were recorded in the same general-purpose space. The participants were asked to adjust the direct-to-reverberant energy ratio (D/R ratio) of the BRIR according to their expectation considering the visual cues. They were also directed to rate the apparent source width (ASW) and listener envelopment (LEV) for each condition. Visual cues generated by changing the sound-source position in the multi-purpose space, as well as the makeup of the sound stimuli affected the judgment of spatial impression. Participants also scaled the direct-to-reverberant energy ratio with greater direct sound energy than was measured in the acoustical environment.     

Structures of Eight Thio(semi)carbazones Derived from 2-Acetylpyrazine, 2-Acetythiazole and Acetophenone

Abstract  The structures of eight related thio(semi)carbazones are described. These are syn,1E-2-acetylpyrazine-3-thiosemicarbazone (1), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetylpyrazine-4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, (2) and syn,1Z-2-acetylpyrazine-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (3), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetylthiazole-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (4), syn,1Z-phenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (5), syn,1E,4Z-phenyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (6), syn,1E,4Z-phenyl-4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (7), syn,1E,4Z-2-acetophenone-5-(N-aminothionyl)-3-thiocarbazone (8). Crystal data: for 1: triclinic, P-1, a = 5.4053(10) ?, b = 7.435(3) ?, c = 11.772(4) ?, α = 81.70(3)°, β = 82.59(2)°, γ = 77.38(2)°, and Z = 2: for 2: triclinic, P-1, a = 7.322(3) ?, b = 7.8239(16) ?, c = 9.783(4) ?, α = 87.73(2)°, β = 79.46(3)°, γ = 80.41(2)°, and Z = 2; for 3: orthorhombic, Pnma, a = 13.5210(15) ?, b = 6.6914(5) ?, c = 11.7214(10) ?, and Z = 4; for 4: triclinic, P-1, a = 5.7058(7) ?, b = 9.8776(15) ?, c = 11.869(2) ?, α = 76.389(12)°, β = 86.364(13)°, γ = 88.322(12)°, and Z = 2; for 5: triclinic, P-1, a = 7.5362(3) ?, b = 8.6331(4) ?, c = 9.8753(4) ?, α = 91.401(4)°, β = 102.532(4)°, γ = 110.540(4)°, and Z = 2; for 6: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.7178(4) ?, b = 5.5866(2) ?, c = 18.7647(9) ?, β = 104.392(5)°, and Z = 4; for 7: monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 8.9557(3) ?, b = 9.7418(4) ?, c = 13.6864(5) ?, β = 94.044(4)°, and Z = 4; for 8: triclinic, P-1, a = 9.8091(5) ?, b = 10.6173(4) ?, c = 16.4691(7) ?, α = 75.540(4)°, β = 80.305(4)°, γ = 65.192(4)°, and Z = 4. Structures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 form intramolecular N4–H···N1 hydrogen-bonds. Structures 3 and 5 exist in the tautomeric form in which N1 is protonated. Graphical Abstract  Structures of thio(semi)carbazones were found to fall into two categories: those with intramolecular N4-H…N1 hydrogen-bonds, and those which show a tautomeric form in which N1 is protonated.