60]Fullerene-based monolayers as neuroprotective biocompatible hybrid materials

Here we report on the surface immobilization of redox-active [60]fullerene derivatives and the consequent neuroprotective effects toward l-glutamate induced excitotoxicity in human derived undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells.     

Solid-phase synthesis and characterization of a novel fullerene-peptide derived from histone H3

A peptide analogue from a histone H3 protein containing the L-fulleropyrrolidino-glutamic acid has been prepared by a solid-phase approach and has been fully characterized. By molecular modelling it was verified that this peptide derivative is able to retain a binding capacity to the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecule similar to that of the cognate epitope.     

A new type of entanglement involving one-dimensional ribbons of rings catenated to a three-dimensional network in the nanoporous structure of [Co(bix)2(H2O)2](SO4).7H2O [bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene

Co(II) sulfate reacts with the flexible ligand 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (bix) to yield the coordination network [Co(bix)2(H2O)2](SO4).7H2O, containing polymeric ribbons of rings which penetrate and catenate a 3D single frame of the CdSO4 topology, to produce an open-channel entangled architecture with nanoporous behaviour.     

A simple geometrical model for emulsifier free polymer colloid formation

In this paper we propose a simple model for the formation of monodisperse polymer colloids, which provides a convenient set of synthetic parameters for given bead diameters. We provide experimental data in support of this model.     

Phenol transformation photosensitised by quinoid compounds

The phototransformation of phenol in aqueous solution was studied with different quinoid compounds, which are usually detected on atmospheric particulate matter: 2-ethylanthraquinone (EtAQ), benzanthracene-7,12-dione (BAD), 5,12-naphthacenequinone (NQ), 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ), and 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DAQ). All the studied quinones were able to sensitise the phototransformation of phenol. Under blue-light irradiation the approximated, polychromatic quantum yields for phenol photodegradation were in the order AQ > BAD > EtAQ > NQ > DAQ. Quantum mechanical calculations showed that AQ and DAQ have a very different spin distribution in the triplet state (largely located on the carbonyl oxygen and delocalised over the aromatic ring, respectively) that could account for the difference in reactivity. The spin distribution of EtAQ is similar to that of AQ. Under simulated sunlight, EtAQ induced the highest rate of phenol degradation. Radiation-excited EtAQ would oxidise both ground-state EtAQ and phenol; a kinetic model that excludes the ˙OH radical and singlet oxygen as reactive species is supported by the experimental data. Quinones were also able to oxidise nitrite to nitrogen dioxide, thereby inducing phenol nitration. Such a process is a potential source of nitrogen dioxide and nitrophenols in the atmospheric aerosols.     

On the route to mimic natural movements: synthesis and photophysical properties of a molecular arachnoid

The synthesis, photoswitchability and NIR emitting properties of a novel π-extended pyrene derivative, peripherally decorated with four azobenzenyl-ethynyl legs, are reported.     

Effect of infiltration material on a LSM15/CGO10 electrochemical reactor in the electrochemical oxidation of propene

The effect of infiltrating on a La_0.85Sr_0.15MnO₃/Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 11-layer electrochemical reactor with CeO₂ and Ce_0.8Pr_0.2O_2?δ was studied in propene oxidation at open-circuit voltage and under polarization as a function of reaction temperature. This work outlined the importance of catalytic and electrochemical properties of infiltrated material on the ability to increase propene conversion under polarization with good faradaic efficiency. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to study the effect of infiltration material on electrode properties. The infiltration of a mixed ionic and electronic conductor, like Ce_0.8Pr_0.2O_2?δ , increased the electrode performance at low temperature but decreased the lifetime of the oxygen ion promoters on the catalyst/electrode surface, reducing the faradaic efficiency of the reaction. The infiltration of CeO₂ provided high propene conversion at open circuit and high effect of polarization associated with good faradaic efficiency, especially at low temperature.     

Supramolecular Wiring of Benzo‐1,3‐chalcogenazoles through Programmed Chalcogen Bonding Interactions

The high‐yielding synthesis of 2‐substituted benzo‐1,3‐tellurazoles and benzo‐1,3‐selenazoles through a dehydrative cyclization reaction has been reported, giving access to a large variety of benzo‐1,3‐chalcogenazoles. Exceptionally, these aromatic heterocycles proved to be very stable and thus very handy to form controlled solid‐state organizations in which wire‐like polymeric structures are formed through secondary N???Y bonding interactions (SBIs) engaging the chalcogen (Y=Se or Te) and nitrogen atoms. In particular, it has been shown that the recognition properties of the chalcogen centre at the solid state could be programmed by selectively barring one of its σ‐holes through a combination of electronic and steric effects exerted by the substituent at the 2‐position. As predicted by the electrostatic potential surfaces calculated by quantum chemical modelling, the pyridyl groups revealed to be the stronger chalcogen bonding acceptors, and thus the best ligand candidate for programming the molecular organization at the solid state. In contrast, the thiophenyl group is an unsuitable substituent for establishing SBIs in this molecular system as it gives rise to chalcogen–chalcogen repulsion. The weaker chalcogen donor properties of the Se analogues trigger the formation of feeble N???Se contacts, which are manifested in similar solid‐state polymers featuring longer nitrogen–chalcogen distances.