Atomistic in situ investigation of the morphogenesis of grains during pressure-induced phase transitions: molecular dynamics simulations of the B1-B2 transformation of RbCl

The mechanistic details of the pressure-induced B1-B2 phase transition of rubidium chloride are investigated in a series of transition path sampling molecular dynamics simulations. The B2→B1 transformation proceeds by nucleation and growth involving several, initially separated, nucleation centers. We show how independent and partially correlated nucleation events can function within a global mechanism and explore the evolution of phase domains during the transition. From this, the mechanisms of grain boundary formation are elaborated. The atomic structure of the domain-domain interfaces fully support the concept of Bernal polyhedra. Indeed, the manifold of different grain morphologies obtained from our simulations may be rationalized on the basis of essentially only two different kinds of Bernal polyhedra. The latter also play a crucial role for the B1→B2 transformation and specific grain boundary motifs are identified as preferred nucleation centers for this transition.     

Thermoresponsive copolymer nanofilms for controlling cell adhesion, growth, and detachment

This study reports the development and use of a novel thermoresponsive polymeric nanofilm for controlling cell adhesion and growth at 37 °C, and then cell detachment for cell recovery by subsequent temperature drop to the ambient temperature, without enzymatic cleavage or mechanical scraping. A copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-hydroxypropyl methacrylate-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) (abbreviated PNIPAAm copolymer), was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The thermoresponses of the copolymer in aqueous solution were demonstrated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) through detecting the sensitive changes of copolymer aggregation against temperature. The DLS measurements revealed the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at approximately 30 °C. The PNIPAAm film stability and robustness was provided through silyl cross-linking within the film and with the hydroxyl groups on the substrate surface. Film thickness, stability, and reversibility with respect to temperature switches were examined by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. The results confirmed the high extent of thermosensitivity and structural restoration based on the alterations of film thickness and surface wettability. The effective control of adhesion, growth, and detachment of HeLa and HEK293 cells demonstrated the physical controllability and cellular compatibility of the copolymer nanofilms. These PNIPAAm copolymer nanofilms could open up a convenient interfacial mediation for cell film production and cell expansion by nonenzymatic and nonmechanical cell recovery.     

The analysis of C4–C11 hydrocarbons in naphtha and reformate with a new apolar fused silica column

This paper deals with the separation of alkanes, naphthenes, and aromatic compounds in naphtha and reformate, on a newly developed apolar high resolution GC column. The selectivity of this apolar phase has been compared with those of squalane, DB-1, and SE-30. A total of 95 hydrocarbons were reliably identified, mostly by GC-MS. Repeated measurements of Kováts retention indices are presented as evidence for the reproducible manufacture of fused silica columns coated with this phase.     

Der erste Polyiodokomplex – Triethylsulfoniumtriiodomercurat(II)-tris(diiod), (Et3S)[Hg2I6]1/2 · 3 I2

The First Polyiodo Complex – Triethylsulfoniumtriiodomercurate(II)-tris(diiodine), (Et₃S)[Hg₂I₆]_1/2 · 3 I₂ After Raman spectroscopic investigation of the system HgI₂/Et₃SI_x, x = 3, 5, 7, triethylsulfoniumtriiodomercuratetris(diiodine), (Et₃S)[Hg₂I₆]_1/2 · 3 I₂ was synthesized by reacting of HgI₂ and liquid Et₃SI₇. The compound crystallizes at room temperature triclinically in the space group P1 with a = 879.4(7), b = 1 209.1(5), c = 1 291.5(5) pm, α = 96.16(3)°, β = 103.82(6)°, γ = 99.05(5)° and Z = 2. The crystal structure is composed of disordered Et₃S⁺ cations, the centrosymmetric complex anion [HgI_2/2I₂]₂^2? and three connecting iodine molecules I₂.     

Funktionalisierte Alkinkomplexe von Wolfram(VI). Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [WCl4(Et?Se?CC?Se?Et)(THF)] und [WCl4(Et?Te?CC?Te?Et)(THF)]

Functionalized Alkyne Complexes of Tungsten(VI). Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [WCl₄(Et? Se? C?C? Se? Et)(THF)] and [WCl₄(Et? Te? C?C? Te? Et)(THF)] The title compounds have been prepared by reactions of [WCl₄(SEt₂)₂] with the alkynes Et? X? C?C? X? Et (X = Se, Te) in CCl₄ solution and subsequent addition of tetrahydrofurane. Both complexes were characterized by crystal structure determinations. [WCl₄(Et? Se? C?C? Se? Et)(THF)]: Space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, structure determination with 2942 unique reflections, R = 0.038. Lattice dimensions at 20°C: a = 934.2, b = 1639.5, c = 1189.5 pm, β = 96.497°. [WCl₄(Et? Te? C?C? Te? Et)(THF)]: Space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, structure determination with 4097 unique reflections, R = 0.067, Lattice dimensions at ?70°C: a = 899.2, b = 1691.9, c = 1213.3 pm, β = 96.82°. The complexes have monomeric molecular structures with the oxygen atom of the THF molecules in trans-position to the side-on bound alkyne ligands.     

Evidence for Pdx(CO)y compound formation on an alumina substrate

Although stable binary Pd carbonyls are unknown in the gas phase, we found strong evidence for a stable carbonyl-like Pd compound on an oxide surface: by in situ vapour deposition of Pd at a rate of 2 × 10¹³ atoms s⁻¹ cm⁻² onto an alumina substrate (90 K) at a pressure of 2 × 10⁻⁶ mbar CO, a binary compound of Pd and CO is formed which is stable up to 190 K. As substrate serves a well-ordered aluminium oxide film grown on a NiAl(110) single crystal surface. The system was characterized under UHV (ultrahigh vacuum) conditions by means of TDS, LEED, UPS and XPS in a coverage range between 1.4 × 10¹⁴ Pd atoms cm⁻² and 1.4 × 10¹⁶ Pd atoms cm⁻². The decomposition at 190 K results in the formation of metallic Pd particles and is accompanied by a sharp and dominant feature in the thermal desorption spectra.     

Diastereoselective Spirocyclization of C-(Alkyloxycarbonyl)formimines of 2-Substituted 1HIndole-3-ethanamines (= Tryptamines): Basic Studies. 5th Communication on Indoles,Indolenines, and Indolines

C-(Alkoxycarbonyl)formimines of type 15–18 were derived from the 2-substituted tryptamines 2 , 9 , 10 , and 11 and transformed with tosyl chloride into tricyclic 3-spiroindoles of types 19–22 (Scheme 3). The influence of the homochiral alkoxy moieties A–D on the stereochemical outcome of this reaction was studied. Good-to-excellent diastereoselectivities were observed with the (?)-8-(phenylmenth-3-yl)oxy group ( B ) as homochiral auxiliary. The structures of the tricycles 4 , (2′R,3S)- 19B , and (2′S,3R) 20C were established by X-ray analysis, the structures of the others by NOE and CD studies, and by chemical correlation. Possibilities to explain the steric course of the spirocyclizations are discussed.     

New aspects of the protonation of biliverdins

Biliverdins undergo appreciable self association in acidic solutions especially if solvents like benzene or chloroform are employed. The population of aggregates further depends on the concentration of both the acid and the solute. In chloroform and benzene solutions at high acidity a doubly protonated species is formed. This is concluded from a combinatory evaluation of the CD and electronic absorption spectra of chiral optically active biliverdins (1–6) in benzene, chloroform, and ethanol solutions containing trifluoroacetic acid or hydrochloric acid. The aggregates formed at medium acid concentrations exhibit largeCotton effects in the long-wavelength absorption bands and thus dominate the CD spectra. Similarly, agrregates are the main contributors to theCotton effects of achiral, protonated biliverdins in (S)-(–)-ethyl lactate (SICD) at usual concentrations. The consequence and relevance of these findings with regard to the recent literature is briefly discussed.Dedicated to Prof. Dr.Karl Schlögl on occasion of his 60^th birthday.     

Zur Stereochemie der Vitamin D3-Epoxide Röntgenstrukturanalyse einer 5,6-7,8-Diepoxidverbindung

Epoxidation of vitamin D₃ with benzonitrile ¦H₂O₂¦ KHCO₃ (Payne's reagent) yields exclusively the 5,6-mono-oxirane2. Further epoxidation with the same reagent gives the 5,6-7,8-bisepoxide3 a. Its stereochemistry and therefore the stereochemistry of2 was established by single crystal X-ray analysis of thep-Brbenzoate3b. Thereby for the first time a directive effect of a homoallylic hydroxyl group during thePayne-epoxidation was established.

Herrn Prof.Mihailovic (Universität Belgrad) mit den besten Wünschen zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.