First C3v-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown

The first C(3v)-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown 8 has been obtained in five steps from X(6)H(3)Me(3) 3. The key-step introduction of the triple bridge at the small rim has been achieved through reaction of a tris-arylsulfonamide derivative of tren 1 and tris-tosylcalix[6]arene 6. A (1)H NMR study has shown that the tripodal cap rigidifies the whole edifice, preventing ring inversion and constraining the calixarene core in a straight cone conformation.     

A novel receptor based on a C3v-symmetrical PN3-calix[6]cryptand

A C3v-symmetrical PN3-calix[6]cryptand was prepared in six steps from the known 1,3,5-tris-methylated calix[6]arene through a remarkably efficient [1 + 1] macrocyclization reaction. A 1H NMR study showed that the P,N-crypto cap rigidifies the whole edifice in a cone conformation ideal for molecular recognition applications. The ability of this new receptor to perform selective endo-complexation is illustrated with ammonium guests.     

Electrochemical behavior of the tris(pyridine)-Cu funnel complexes: an overall induced-fit process involving an entatic state through a supramolecular stress

The electrochemical behavior of the tris(pyridine) calix[6]arene Cu adducts is unique as compared to that of most classical Cu complexes in a strain-free environment. The presence of MeCN buried inside the cavity is a prerequisite for a quasi-reversible behavior in a dynamic mode. The CV behavior assisted by simulation outlines that the coordination adaptability of the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox states is completely reversed, with a Td geometry enforced at either redox states. Hence, the supramolecular control of the Cu coordination by a protein-like pocket determines the dynamics of the electron transfer process, its thermodynamics, and the kinetics of the reorganizational barrier and generates a preorganized state for oxidation. This redox behavior corresponds to an overall induced-fit process generating a truly entatic highly oxidizing Cu(II) state through a protein-like strain by involvement of the secondary coordination sphere.     

Production of nisin by Lactococcus lactis in media with skimmed milk

Nisin is a bacteriocin that inhibits the germination and growth of Gram-positive bacteria. With nisin expression related to growth conditions of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, the effects of growth parameters, media components, and incubation time were studied to optimize expression. L. lactis ATCC 11454 was grown (100 rpm at 30°C for 36 h) in both M17 and MRS standard broth media (pH 6.0–7.0) supplemented with sucrose (1.0–12.5 g/L), potassium phosphate (0.13 g/L), asparagine (0.5 g/L), and sucrose (0.24 g/L), and diluted 1:1 with liquid nonfat milk. Liquid nonfat milk, undiluted, was also used as another medium (9% total solids, pH 6.5). Nisin production was assayed by agar diffusion using Lactobacillus sake ATCC 15521 (30°C for 24 h) as the sensitive test organism. The titers of nisin expressed and released in culture media were quantified and expressed in arbitrary units (AU/L of medium) and converted into known concentrations of “standard nisin” (Nisaplin®, g/L). The detection of nisin activity was <0.01 AU/L in M17 and MRS broths, and 7.5 AU/L in M17 with 0.14% sucrose or 0.13% other supplements, and the activity increased to 142.5 AU/L in M17 diluted with liquid nonfat milk (1:1). The 25% milk added to either 25% M17 or 25% MRS provided the highest levels of nisin assayed.     

Smart paper transformer: new insight for enhanced catalytic efficiency and reusability of noble metal nanocatalysts

Although noble metal nanocatalysts show superior performance to conventional catalysts, they can be problematic when balancing catalytic efficiency and reusability. In order to address this dilemma, we developed a smart paper transformer (s-PAT) to support nanocatalysts, based on easy phase conversion between paper and pulp, for the first time. The pulp phase was used to maintain the high catalytic efficiency of the nanocatalysts and the transformation to paper enabled their high reusability. Herein, as an example of smart paper transformers, a novel chromatography paper-supported Au nanosponge (AuNS/pulp) catalyst was developed through a simple water-based preparation process for the successful reduction of p-nitrophenol to demonstrate the high catalytic efficiency and reusability of the noble metal nanocatalyst/pulp system. The composition, structure, and morphology of the AuNS/pulp catalyst were characterized by XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, ICP, TEM, FT-IR, and XPS. The AuNS/pulp catalyst was transformed into the pulp phase during the catalytic reaction and into the paper phase to recover the catalysts after use. Owing to this smart switching of physical morphology, the AuNS/pulp catalyst was dispersed more evenly in the solution. Therefore, it exhibited excellent catalytic performance for p-nitrophenol reduction. Under optimal conditions, the conversion rate of p-nitrophenol reached nearly 100% within 6 min and the k value of AuNS/pulp (0.0106 s⁻¹) was more than twice that of a traditional chromatography paper-based catalyst (0.0048 s⁻¹). Additionally, it exhibited outstanding reusability and could maintain its high catalytic efficiency even after fifteen recycling runs. Accordingly, the unique phase switching of this smart paper transformer enables Au nanosponge to transform into a highly efficient and cost-effective multifunctional catalyst. The paper transformer can support various nanocatalysts for a wide range of applications, thus providing a new insight into maintaining both high catalytic efficiency and reusability of nanocatalysts in the fields of environmental catalysis and nanomaterials.

A smart paper transformer supported nanocatalyst platform is developed based on the facile phase conversion between paper and pulp for both high-efficiency and high-reusability catalysis, with wide applications demonstrated by using Au nanosponge.     

Synthesis and spectral properties of 11‐[(o‐; and p‐substituted)‐phenyl]‐8‐[(o‐; m‐;p‐methoxy)phenylthio]‐3,3‐dimethyl‐2,3,4,5,10,11‐hexahydro‐1h‐dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin‐1‐ones

The preparation of twelve novel 2,3,4,5,10,11‐hexahydro‐1H‐dibenzo[b,e] [1,4]diazepin‐l‐ones which have potentially useful pharmacological properties; by condensation and cyclization between 3‐{[4‐(o‐; m‐; p‐methoxy)phenylthio]‐1,2‐phenylenediamine}‐5,5‐dimethyl‐2‐cyclohexenone with (o‐; and p‐substi‐tuted)benzaldehyde. The structure of all final products were corroborated by ir, ¹H‐nmr, ¹³C‐nmr and ms.     

Copper-mediated peptide arylation selective for the N-terminus

Polypeptides present remarkable selectivity challenges for chemical methods. Amino groups are ubiquitous in polypeptide structure, yet few paradigms exist for reactivity and selectivity in arylation of amine groups. This communication describes the utilization of boronic acid reagents bearing certain o-electron withdrawing groups for copper-mediated amine arylation of the N-terminus under mild conditions and primarily aqueous solvent. The method adds to the toolkit of boronic acid reagents for polypeptide modification under mild conditions in water that shows complete selectivity for the N-terminus in the presence of lysine side chains.

The discovery of unique Chan-Lam coupling reactivity of arylboronic acids containing an ortho-sulfonamide group allows site-specific tailoring of peptide structure.     

A novel C3v-symmetrical calix[6](aza)cryptand with a remarkably high and selective affinity for small ammoniums

The three-step synthesis of a calix[6]arene capped with a TAC unit is presented. The novel C(3v)-symmetrical calix[6](aza)cryptand displayed an exceptionally high affinity for small ammoniums. NMR and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated the formation of endo-complexes. These complexes are stabilized thanks to (i) hydrogen bonding to both the aza cap and one phenolic unit of the calixarene and to (ii) cationic and CH-pi interactions between the ammonium and the aromatic walls of the host. Combined extraction and competitive binding experiments yielded the free energies of bindings DeltaG degrees in chloroform. The values are the highest ever obtained with a calixarene-type host. Calix[6]TAC displayed the best affinity for EtNH(3)(+). Comparison with other small ammoniums emphasizes the high selectivity of the recognition process.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of tricarbonyl 1-azahexa-1,3,5-triene iron(0) complexes

Transition Metal Chemistry -