Freezing and Hydrate Formation in Aqueous Sodium Perchlorate Solutions

The determination of the phase diagram of the binary system sodium perchlorate – water is reported. Beside the eutectic point, two polymorph crystal structures of sodium perchlorate dihydrate were determined. The two crystal structures are discussed, compared to each other and to other known sodiumhalide dihydrate crystal structures. The two polymorphs of the perchlorate dihydrate represent the two variants of connected octahedra in the layer structure found for sodium halide dihydrates.     

Synthesis of the Methyl, 1-Octyl,and D-Trifluoro-Acetamidophentlethyl α-Glycosides of 3,6-Di-O-(α-D-Galactopyranosyl)-D-Glucopyranose and an Acyclic Analogue Thereof

Abstract

The title trisaccharides were synthesized from a common trisaccharide thioglycoside derivative, which was, in turn, prepared from monosaccharide thioglycoside precursors. An acyclic analogue, methyl 3-O-(α-D-galacto-pyranosyl)-6-O-[(2′-hydroxyethyl)oxymethyl]-α-D-glucopyranoside, which carries a 2′-hydroxyethyloxymethyl group in place of the 6-O-galactosyl residue, was also synthesized.     

Nucleoside Analogues with a 1,3‐Diene?Fe(CO)3 Substructure: Stereoselective Synthesis,Configurational Assignment,and Apoptosis‐Inducing Activity

The synthesis and stereochemical assignment of two classes of iron‐containing nucleoside analogues, both of which contain a butadiene? Fe(CO)₃ substructure, is described. The first type of compounds are Fe(CO)₃‐complexed 3′‐alkenyl‐2′,3′‐dideoxy‐2′,3′‐dehydro nucleosides (2,5‐dihydrofuran derivatives), from which the second class of compounds is derived by formal replacement of the ring oxygen atom by a CH₂ group (carbocyclic nucleoside analogues). These compounds were prepared in a stereoselective manner through the metal‐assisted introduction of the nucleobase. Whilst the furanoid intermediates were prepared from carbohydrates (such as methyl‐glucopyranoside), the carbocyclic compounds were obtained by using an intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction. Stereochemical assignments based on NMR and CD spectroscopy were confirmed by X‐ray structural analysis. Biological investigations revealed that several of the complexes exhibited pronounced apoptosis‐inducing properties (through an unusual caspase 3‐independent but ROS‐dependent pathway). Furthermore, some structure–activity relationships were identified, also as a precondition for the design and synthesis of fluorescent and biotin‐labeled conjugates.     

Unprecedented Electron‐Poor Octahedral Ta6 Clusters in a Solid‐State Compound: Synthesis,Characterisations and Theoretical Investigations of Cs2BaTa6Br15O3

The crystal structure of Cs₂BaTa₆Br₁₅O₃ has been elucidated by using synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction and absorption experiments. It is built from edge‐bridged octahedral [(Ta₆${{\rm Br}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 9\hfill}}}$ ${{\rm O}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$ )${{\rm Br}{{{\rm a}\hfill \atop 6\hfill}}}$ ]^4? cluster units with a singular poor metallic electron (ME) count equal to thirteen. This leads to a paramagnetic behaviour related to one unpaired electron. The arrangement of the Ta₆ clusters is similar to that of Cs₂LaTa₆Br₁₅O₃ exhibiting 14‐MEs per [(Ta₆${{\rm Br}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 9\hfill}}}$ ${{\rm O}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$ )${{\rm Br}{{{\rm a}\hfill \atop 6\hfill}}}$ ]^5? motif. The poorer electron‐count cluster presents longer metal–metal distances as foreseen according to the electronic structure of edge‐bridged hexanuclear cluster. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on molecular models were used to rationalise the structural properties of 13‐ and 14‐ME clusters. Periodic DFT calculations demonstrate that the electronic structure of these solid‐state compounds is related to those of the discrete octahedral units. Oxygen–barium interactions seem to prevent the geometry of the octahedral cluster to strongly distort, allowing stabilisation of this unprecedented electron‐poor Ta₆ cluster in the solid state.     

Mechanistic Insights into Copper‐Catalyzed Sonogashira–Hagihara‐Type Cross‐Coupling Reactions: Sub‐Mol % Catalyst Loadings and Ligand Effects

An efficient catalytic system for Sonogashira–Hagihara‐type reactions displaying ligand acceleration in the copper‐catalyzed formation of C(sp²)? C(sp) bonds is described. The structure of the ligand plays a key role for the coupling efficiency. Various copper sources show excellent catalytic activity, even in sub‐mol % quantities. A wide variety of substituents is tolerated in the substrates. Mechanistic details have been revealed by kinetic measurements and DFT calculations.     

1,1′,1′′-(2,4,6-Trihydroxybenzene-1,3,5-triyl)triethanone tautomerism revisited

It has recently been suggested that 1,1′,1′′-(2,4,6-trihydroxybenzene-1,3,5-triyl)triethanone may be tautomeric. Using ¹³C NMR chemical shifts and deuterium isotope effects on ¹³C chemical shifts, it is demonstrated that this is not the case. This compound occurs as a strongly hydrogen bonded benzene structure with hydrogen bonds between OH groups and the acetyl groups in both non-polar and hydrogen donating solvents. Quantum-chemical calculations using MP2 and M06-2X methods show substantial preference for the phenol structure in both the gas phase, and in cyclohexane and methanol. In addition, conventional UV–vis spectroscopy data suggest not tautomeric, but aggregation behaviour of the molecule in methanol and acetonitrile.     

Characterization of TcCl4 and β-TcCl3 by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

Technetium tetrachloride and β-TcCl₃, synthesized from the reaction of Tc metal and Cl_2(g) in sealed tubes, were characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy measurements are in good agreement with the X-ray diffraction structures of the two compounds. For TcCl₄, the absorbing Tc atom is surrounded by Cl atoms at 2.34(2) Å and Tc atoms at 3.66(4) Å. For β-TcCl₃, the absorbing Tc atom is surrounded by Cl atoms at 2.40(2) Å and Tc atoms at 2.81(3), 3.66(4) and 5.71(6) Å. EXAFS spectroscopy indicates that the TcCl₄ and β-TcCl₃ samples obtained by sealed tube reactions are single phase. The X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra of TcCl₄ and β-TcCl₃ were recorded; the positions of the Tc K-edges of β-TcCl₃ (21,050.5 eV) and TcCl₄ (21,053.0 eV) are compared to the ones measured for α-TcCl₃ (21,051.0 eV) and TcCl₂ (21,048.8 eV). A correlation between the positions of the Tc K-edges and the oxidation state of the Tc atom in technetium binary chlorides was determined.     

Graphene-based sensors for detection of heavy metals in water: a review

Graphene (G) is attracting significant attention because of its unique physical and electronic properties. The production of graphene through the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) is a low-cost method. The reduction of GO can further lead to electrically conductive reduced GO. These graphene-based nanomaterials are attractive for high-performance water sensors due to their unique properties, such as high specific surface areas, high electron mobilities, and exceptionally low electronic noise. Because of potential risks to the environment and human health arising from heavy-metal pollution in water, G-/GO-based water sensors are being developed for rapid and sensitive detection of heavy-metal ions. In this review, a general introduction to graphene and GO properties, as well as their syntheses, is provided. Recent advances in optical, electrochemical, and electrical detection of heavy-metal ions using graphene or GO are then highlighted. Finally, challenges facing G/GO-based water sensor development and outlook for future research are discussed.