Molecular Recognition of Carbonyl Compounds by Uranyl-salophen Based Neutral Receptors Driven by Van Der Waals Forces

The complexation of the salophen-uranyl metallocleft 2 and of its half-cleft analogue 3 with enones and other carbonyl compounds was assessed in chloroform by UV-Vis titration and, occasionally, by FT-IR measurements. Complexes with receptors 2 and 3 are in all cases more stable than those with the control unsubstituted uranyl-salophen 1 , showing that in addition to the primary binding force provided by coordination of the carbonyl oxygen to the uranium, a significant driving force for complexation, typically in the range of 2-3 kcal/mol, results from van der Waals interactions of the guest with the aromatic walls. Replacement of the phenyl group in 3 with larger aromatic residues to give 4 and 5 , led to enhanced complex stabilities, due to more extended contact surfaces between host and guest.     

Perthamides C-F, potent human antipsoriatic cyclopeptides

Two new cyclopeptides, perthamides E and F were isolated from the polar extracts of the sponge Theonella swinhoei. The new structures, featuring an unprecedented β-amino acid unit (AHMOA), were determined by interpretation of NMR and MS data. The absolute configuration of the AHMOA residue was proposed on the basis of quantum chemical calculation of NMR chemical shifts. Perthamides were proved to inhibit TNF-α and IL-8 release in primary human keratinocytes cells and therefore could represent potentially leads for the treatment of psoriasis.     

Surface and volume non-invasive methods for the structural monitoring of the bass-relief ‘Madonna con Bambino’ (Gorizia,Northern Italy)

Abstract

Structural analysis of marble statues, carried out by non-invasive and in situ methods, is crucial to define the state of conservation of the artworks and to identify the deterioration phenomena that can affect them. In this work, we combined in situ non-destructive techniques, ultrasonic tomography (US), ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UV-IF) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to study the bass-relief ‘Madonna con Bambino’ (Gorizia, Italy). The US revealed the presence of some metallic pivots, associated with areas of high sound velocity; moreover, a more degraded area has been identified in the lower part of the bass-relief. The acquired UV-IF image confirmed the presence of surface degradation, allowing a preliminary evaluation of the extension of a fracture, from surface to bulk. In addition, the different materials (both original and/or integrations) that compose the studied surface have been identified. The XRF has contributed to define the nature of the inorganic materials applied during undocumented previous restoration works on the surface as filler for lacunae.     

Covalently functionalized hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets by nitrene addition

The covalent functionalization of exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets by nitrene addition is described. Integration of functionalized h-BN nanosheets within a polycarbonate matrix is demonstrated and was found to afford significant increases in mechanical properties. This integration methodology was further extended by the covalent modification of the h-BN nanosheets with polymer chains of a polycarbonate analogue, and the integration of the polymer modified h-BN within the polymer matrix.     

An Automatic Molecular Dispenser of Chloride

The combined activity of the 1.1.1‐cryptand and of a dicopper(II) bistren cryptate complex including chloride makes the Cl^? ion be continuously and slowly delivered to the solution, without any external intervention. The 1.1.1‐cryptand slowly releases OH^? ions, according to a defined kinetics, and each OH^? ion displaces a Cl^? ion from the cryptate. Chloride displacement induces a sharp colour change from bright yellow to aquamarine and can be conveniently monitored spectrophotometrically, even in diluted solutions. The 1.1.1‐cryptand is the motor of a molecular dispenser (the dicopper(II) cryptate) delivering chloride ion automatically, from the inside of the solution.     

Nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of organic substrates using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane in the presence of a fluoride anion II. A convenient route to aryltrifluoromethyl-sulfides, -sulfoxides and -sulfones

Aryltrifluoromethyl-sulfides, -sulfoxides and -sulfones can be prepared by trifluoromethylation of the corresponding arylsulfenyl, -sulfinyl and -sulfonyl halides using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane in the presence of fluoride sources, such as TASF [tris(dimethylamino)sulfonium difluorotrimethylsilicate].     

Synthesis and electro‐optical properties of polyfluorene modified with randomly distributed electron‐donor and rotaxane electron‐acceptor structural units in the main chain

Polyfluorene PF?γCD rotaxane copolymer, composed of randomly distributed 9,9‐dioctylfluorene, methyltriphenylamine (electron‐donating) and 9‐dicyanomethylenefluorene complexed with γ‐cyclodextrin (γCD) (electron‐accepting) structural units, has been synthesized by Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction. The chemical structures were proved by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The surface morphology, thermal, optical, electrochemical behavior, and adhesion characteristics of the obtained rotaxane copolymer have been investigated and compared with those of the nonrotaxane counterpart ( PF ). Relatively high fluorescence efficiency, almost identical normalized absorbance maximum in solution and solid‐state of PF?γCD rotaxane copolymer, and a more uniform and smoother surface with lower adhesion forces provides the role of γCD encapsulation on the lower aggregation propensity. PF?γCD and PF copolymers exhibit n‐ and p‐doping processes and blue‐light emission in the film state. The optical and electrochemical band gaps (ΔE_g), as well as the highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital positions in an energetic diagram indicate that both copolymers are promising blue‐emitting electroluminescent materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013