Third Generation ATP Sensor with Enzymatic Analyte Recycling

For the first time the direct electron transfer of an enzyme ‐ cellobiose dehydrogenase, CDH ‐ has been coupled with the hexokinase catalyzed competition for glucose in a sensor for ATP. To enhance the signal output for ATP, pyruvate kinase was coimmobilized to recycle ADP by the phosphoenolpyruvate driven reaction. The new sensor overcomes the limit of 1 : 1 stoichiometry of the sequential or competitive conversion of ATP by effective enzymatic recycling of the analyte. The anodic oxidation of the glucose converting CDH proceeds at electrode potentials below 0 mV vs. Ag|AgCl thus potentially interfering substances like ascorbic acid or catecholamines do not influence the measuring signal. The combination of direct electron transfer of CDH with the enzymatic recycling results in an interference‐free and oxygen‐independent measurement of ATP in the lower µmolar concentration range with a lower limit of detection of 63.3 nM (S/N=3).     

Formation of “Quasi” Contact or Solvent‐separated Ion Pairs in the Local Environment of Probe Molecules Dissolved in Ionic Liquids

The change from “quasi” contact to “quasi” solvent‐separated ion‐pair configuration in the local environment of a probe molecule in ionic liquids depends on the varying interaction strength of the chosen anions. The ion speciation in these Coulomb fluids could be shown by combining infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and natural bond orbital analysis using a low‐self‐clustering probe molecule.     

Ion Pairing in Protic Ionic Liquids Probed by Far‐Infrared Spectroscopy: Effects of Solvent Polarity and Temperature

The cation–anion and cation–solvent interactions in solutions of the protic ionic liquid (PIL) [Et₃NH][I] dissolved in solvents of different polarities are studied by means of far infrared vibrational (FIR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The dissociation of contact ion pairs (CIPs) and the resulting formation of solvent‐separated ion pairs (SIPs) can be observed and analyzed as a function of solvent concentration, solvent polarity, and temperature. In apolar environments, the CIPs dominate for all solvent concentrations and temperatures. At high concentrations of polar solvents, SIPs are favored over CIPs. For these PIL/solvent mixtures, CIPs are reformed by increasing the temperature due to the reduced polarity of the solvent. Overall, this approach provides equilibrium constants, free energies, enthalpies, and entropies for ion‐pair formation in trialkylammonium‐containing PILs. These results have important implications for the understanding of solvation chemistry and the reactivity of ionic liquids.     

Metal/Metal Redox Isomerism Governed by Configuration

A pair of diastereomeric dinuclear complexes, [Tp′(CO)BrW{μ-η²-C,C′-κ²-S,P-C₂(PPh₂)S}Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)], in which W and Ru are bridged by a phosphinyl(thiolato)alkyne in a side-on carbon P,S-chelate coordination mode, were synthesized, separated and fully characterized. Even though the isomers are similar in their spectroscopic properties and redox potentials, the like-isomer is oxidized at W while the unlike-isomer is oxidized at Ru, which is proven by IR, NIR and EPR-spectroscopy supported by spectro-electrochemistry and computational methods. The second oxidation of the complexes was shown to take place at the metal left unaffected in the first redox step. Finally, the tipping point could be realized in the unlike isomer of the electronically tuned thiophenolate congener [Tp′(CO)(PhS)W{μ-η²-C,C′-κ²-S,P-C₂(PPh₂)S}Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)-(PPh₃)], in which valence trapped W^III/Ru^II and W^II/Ru^III cationic species are at equilibrium.     

Crystal and molecular structure of 2.2′-dihydroxyazobenzene

C₁₂H₁₀N₂O₂; monoclinic, space group P1 2₁/c 1 (Z = 2), 826 observed independent reflexions, R = 0.043; lattice dimensions at 25 °C, a = 975.8(3) pm, b = 466.8(1) pm, c = 1186.8(2) pm, β = 108.51(1)°.     

Studies on main - chain liquid - crystalline model oligomers of defined length and structure

Oligomers of defined sequence and structure modelling main chain LC polymers were prepared a) by solution synthesis; b) by a novel liquid phase synthesis using two monomethoxy-poly (ethylene glycol) supports. Benzyl- and tert.butyl-groups were used as orthogonal pair of protecting groups for route a), and also as compatible anchor groups for carriers in route b). Depending on chain structure and end groups, at least ca. 3 mesogenic elements are required to allow for LC phase transitions. The phase behaviour of oligomers with free carboxylic ends can be explained by their association tendency.     

Comparative study of the thermal properties of related aromatic polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole)s

Studies were undertaken to ascertain the thermal behavior of several new types of aromatic polyhydrazides and poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole)s containing different functional groups. Results of thermal analysis investigations indicate that all the polyoxadiazoles are remarkably heat-resistant when heated in nitrogen at elevated temperature but somewhat less heat-resistant than fully aromatic polyoxadiazoles. Most of the new polyoxadiazoles decompose when heated to about 450°C. The incorporation of tetraphenyl silane, hexafluoroisopropylidene, phthalido or phenoxytherephthalic groups into the main chain decrease the glass transition temperature of aromatic poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole)s. In the case of the silicon-containing polymers the glass transition temperature is independent of the other groups incorporated in the same macromolecule. The cyclization process of all investigated polyhydrazides takes place in the range between 320 and 390°C.