Synthesis and spectroscopic studies on the Schiff base ligand derived from condensation of 2-furaldehyde and 3,3'-diaminobenzidene, L and its complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II): comparative DNA binding studies of L and its Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

The Schiff base ligand, N,N'-bis-(2-furancarboxaldimine)-3,3'-diaminobenzidene (L) obtained by condensation of 2-furaldehyde and 3,3'-diaminobenzidene, was used to synthesize the mononuclear complexes of the type, [M(L)](NO3)2 [M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)]. The newly synthesized ligand, (L) and its complexes have been characterized on the basis of the results of the elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectroscopic studies viz, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass, UV-vis and EPR. EPR, UV-vis and magnetic moment data revealed a square planar geometry for the complexes with distortion in Cu(II) complex and conductivity data show a 1:2 electrolytic nature of the complexes. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies support that Schiff base ligand, L and its Cu(II) and Zn(II) complex exhibit significant binding to calf thymus DNA. The highest binding affinity in case of L may be due to the more open structure as compared to the metal coordinated complexes.     

Reactivity ofN-trimethylsilyl-imidazole and 2-methylimidazole; synthesis and physico-chemical studies on transition metal imidazolates and mixed ligand imidazolates

Summary N-trimethylsilylimidazole andN-trimethylsilyl-2-methylimidazole react with MCl₂ yield [ML₂] (M=Ni or Cu; L =imidazolate or 2-methylimidazolate). The complex [NiL₂] can also be prepared from [Ni(Ph₃P)₂Cl₂]; [Cu(Ph₃P)₃Cl] yields [Cu(Ph₃P)₂L]. The complexes are soluble in most non-polar organic solvents and experimentally determined molecular weights suggest they are monomers in solution. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and reflectance and electronic spectral studies at room temperature are commensurate with square-planar geometry for [CuL₂]. Although, the ligand field spectrum for [NiL₂] is compatible with a square-planar geometry, the anomalous _eff value suggests that the ground electronic state of Ni^II in [NiL₂] is near the magnetic cross-over point concomitant with the singlet-triplet spin state equilibrium. The i.r. spectra exhibit characteristic imidazolate and Ph₃P ring vibrations, andv(M–N) andv(M–P) stretching vibrations at the appropriate frequencies. The synthesis and characterization of a Cu^II complex, formulated as [Cu(Ph₃P)₂LCl], with tetrahedral structure is described.     

Template synthesis and physicochemical studies of 14-membered hexaazmacrocyclic complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II): a comparative spectroscopic approach on DNA binding with Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes

A new series of 14-membered pendant arm hexaazamacrocyclic complexes of the type [MLX₂] · [M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II) for X = Cl; Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) or Zn(II) for X = NO₃] has been synthesized by metal template condensation of 1,2-phenylenediamine and 1,4-phenylenediamine with formaldehyde in methanol. The mode of bonding and overall geometry of these complexes have been deduced by elemental analyses, molar conductance values, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, EPR, ESI-mass and UV–VIS along with magnetic measurement studies. The fluorescence and UV–VIS studies revealed a significant binding ability to DNA.     

Synthesis, characterization of complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with 12-membered Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand and the study of their antimicrobial and reducing power

Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic ligand, L (C(40)H(28)N(4)) and its complexes of types, [MLX(2)] and [CuL]X(2) (M=Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II); X=Cl(-), NO(3)(-)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, mass, (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance data. An octahedral geometry has been proposed for all the complexes except the copper(II) complexes which have a square planar environment. The reducing power of the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been checked and compared. The ligand (L) and its complexes have also been screened against different fungi and bacteria in vitro.     

Organic azo-dyes in quantitative analysis

Summary Eliamina blue FFL is used as indicator in the complexometric titration of thorium in the p_H range 2.5–3.5. The end-point is sensitive, sharp and obvious. Solutions containing from 20 g to 20 mg thorium — in the nitrate form — per 10 ml aliquot can be easily titrated. Fe³⁺, Zr, Cu²⁺, Ni and Al interfere while Sb⁵⁺, Sn⁴⁺, As⁵⁺, Ce⁴⁺, U⁶⁺, Ca, Pb, Cd Na, K, Co, Mn²⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ do not.     

Incorporation of peptide bonds in the synthesis of polyazamacrocyclic complexes

Summary A new series of 15- and 16-membered dioxotetraamine macrocyclic complexes, [ML¹X₂] and [ML²X₂] (M = Mn^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II or Zn^II; X = Cl or NO₃), respectively, were prepared by reacting o-aminobenzoic acid, diaminoethane or 1,3-diaminopropane with 2,4-pentanedione in the presence of metal ions. The complexes were identified by analytical data, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r., e.p.r. and u.v.-vis. spectroscopies, and by conductivity and magnetic moment measurements. They exhibit an octahedral geometry leaving the peptide oxygen uncoordinated. They are air stable and insoluble in water and most organic solvents, but soluble in DMSO and DMF. The low conductivity suggests that the complexes are non-ionic.     

Trace Analysis of Heavy Metals (Cd,Pb, Hg) Using Native and Modified 3D Printed Graphene/Poly(Lactic Acid) Composite Electrodes

Here we investigate the use of 3D printed graphene/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrodes for quantifying trace amounts of Hg, Pb, and Cd. We prepared cylindrical electrodes by sealing a 600 μm diameter graphene/PLA filament in a pipette tip filled with epoxy. We characterized the electrodes using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry in ferrocene methanol. The physical characterization showed a significant amount of disorder in the carbon structure and the electrochemical characterization showed quasi‐reversible behavior without any electrode pretreatment. We then used unmodified graphene/PLA electrode to quantify Hg, and Pb and Cd in 0.01 M HCl and 0.1 M acetate buffer using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. We were able to quantify Hg with a limit of detection (LOD) of 6.1 nM (1.2 ppb), but Pb and Cd did not present measurable peaks at concentrations below ～400 nM. We improved the LODs for Pb and Cd by depositing Bi microparticles on the graphene/PLA and, after optimization, achieved clear stripping peaks at the 20 nM level for both ions (4.1 and 2.2 ppb for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, respectively). The results obtained for all three metals allowed quantification below the US Environmental Protection Agency action limits in drinking water.     

Metal ion-directed synthesis of 16-membered tetraazamacrocyclic complexes and their physico-chemical studies

Complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) containing macrocyclic tetradentate nitrogen donor (N4) ligand have been synthesized from the template condensation reaction between o-phthalaldehyde and o-phenylenediamine. The newly synthesized ligand and its complexes have been characterized on the basis of results of elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, FT-IR, electronic, 1H FT NMR spectral data and Job's method. Their thermal behaviour has been studied by the thermogravimetric analysis. An octahedral geometry has been proposed for all of these complexes except the copper complexes, which show distorted octahedral geometry. The low conductivity data suggest their non-ionic nature. The biological activities of the metal complexes have also been studied against different bacteria.     

Roll-to-Roll Production of Spider Silk Nanofiber Nonwoven Meshes Using Centrifugal Electrospinning for Filtration Applications

Filtration systems used in technical and medical applications require components for fine particle deep filtration to be highly efficient and at the same time air permeable. In high efficiency filters, nonwoven meshes, which show increased performance based on small fiber diameters (e.g., using nanofibers), can be used as fine particle filter layers. Nanofiber nonwoven meshes made by electrospinning of spider silk proteins have been recently shown to exhibit required filter properties. Needle-based electrospinning, however, is limited regarding its productivity and scalability. Centrifugal electrospinning, in contrast, has been shown to allow manufacturing of ultrathin polymer nonwoven meshes in an efficient and scalable manner. Here, continuous roll-to-roll production of nonwoven meshes made of recombinant spider silk proteins is established using centrifugal electrospinning. The produced spider silk nanofiber meshes show high filter efficiency in the case of fine particulate matter below 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and a low pressure drop, resulting in excellent filter quality.     

Metal ion directed synthesis of 14–16 membered tetraimine macrocyclic complexes

A new series of 14–16 membered tetraazatetraimine macrocyclic complexes [ML1X2]-[ML3X2] [M=CoII, NiII and ZnII] and [CuL1]X2-[CuL3]X2 [X=Cl or NO3] have been synthesized by the template condensation of dibenzoylmethane with primary diamines in MeOH. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, i.r, 1H-n.m.r., e.p.r. and u.v-vis spectroscopy, as well as by conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The copper complexes exhibit square planar geometry, whereas an octahedral geometry is suggested for all other complexes.