Infrared Spectroscopy of Size-Selected Hydrated Carbon Dioxide Radical Anions CO2.−(H2O)n (n=2–61) in the C−O Stretch Region

Understanding the intrinsic properties of the hydrated carbon dioxide radical anions CO₂^.−(H₂O)_n is relevant for electrochemical carbon dioxide functionalization. CO₂^.−(H₂O)_n (n=2–61) is investigated by using infrared action spectroscopy in the 1150–2220 cm⁻¹ region in an ICR (ion cyclotron resonance) cell cooled to T=80 K. The spectra show an absorption band around 1280 cm⁻¹, which is assigned to the symmetric C−O stretching vibration ν_s. It blueshifts with increasing cluster size, reaching the bulk value, within the experimental linewidth, for n=20. The antisymmetric C−O vibration ν_as is strongly coupled with the water bending mode ν₂, causing a broad feature at approximately 1650 cm⁻¹. For larger clusters, an additional broad and weak band appears above 1900 cm⁻¹ similar to bulk water, which is assigned to a combination band of water bending and libration modes. Quantum chemical calculations provide insight into the interaction of CO₂^.− with the hydrogen-bonding network.     

Explorative data analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis gels

Methods for classification of two-dimensional (2-DE) electrophoresis gels based on multivariate data analysis are demonstrated. Two-dimensional gels of ten wheat varieties are analyzed and it is demonstrated how to classify the wheat varieties in two qualities and a method for initial screening of gels is presented. First, an approach is demonstrated in which no prior knowledge of the separated proteins is used. Alignment of the gels followed by a simple transformation of data makes it possible to analyze the gels in an automated explorative manner by principal component analysis, to determine if the gels should be further analyzed. A more detailed approach is done by analyzing spot volume lists by principal components analysis and partial least square regression. The use of spot volume data offers a mean to investigate the spot pattern and link the classified protein patterns to distinct spots on the gels for further investigation. The explorative approach in analysis of 2-D gels makes it possible, in a fast and convenient way, to screen many gels in order to determine the protein patterns that form clusters and could be selected for further examination.     

Adiabatic triplet state tautomerization of p-hydroxyacetophenone in aqueous solution

The primary photophysical processes of p-hydroxyacetophenone (HA) and the ensuing proton transfer reactions in aqueous solution were investigated by picosecond pump-probe spectroscopy and nanosecond laser flash photolysis. Previous studies have led to mutually inconsistent conclusions. The combined data allow us to rationalize the excited-state proton transfer processes of HA in terms of a comprehensive, well-established reaction scheme. Following fast and quantitative ISC to the triplet state, (3)HA*, adiabatic proton transfer through solvent water simultaneously forms both the anion, (3)A(-)*, and the quinoid triplet enol tautomer, (3)Q*. The latter subsequently equilibrates with its anion (3)A(-)*. Ionization and tautomerization are likely to compete with the desired release reactions of p-hydroxyphenacyl photoremovable protecting groups.     

Ultrafast Decay of the Excited Singlet States of Thioxanthone by Internal Conversion and Intersystem Crossing

The experimental ultrafast photophysics of thioxanthone in several aprotic organic solvents at room temperature is presented, measured using femtosecond transient absorption together with high‐level ab initio CASPT2 calculations of the singlet‐ and triplet‐state manifolds in the gas phase, including computed state minima and conical intersections, transition energies, oscillator strengths, and spin–orbit coupling terms. The initially populated singlet ππ* state is shown to decay through internal conversion and intersystem crossing processes via intermediate nπ* singlet and triplet states, respectively. Two easily accessible conical intersections explain the favorable internal conversion rates and low fluorescence quantum yields in nonpolar media. The presence of a singlet–triplet crossing near the singlet ππ* minimum and the large spin–orbit coupling terms also rationalize the high intersystem crossing rates. A phenomenological kinetic scheme is proposed that accounts for the decrease in internal conversion and intersystem crossing (i.e. the very large experimental crescendo of the fluorescence quantum yield) with the increase of solvent polarity.     

Determination of phase transition points of ionic liquids by combination of thermal analysis and conductivity measurements at very low heating and cooling rates

The determination of phase transition points of nine different ionic liquids (ILs) was performed by thermal analysis with simultaneous recording of conductivity. Conductivity of electrolyte solutions and ILs drastically changes during phase transitions and thus is an additional and very sensitive indicator for measuring phase transition points. Evaluation of temperature–time functions and conductivity–time functions with our computer-coupled automated equipment enabled the determination of melting temperatures with high accuracy and reliability. This claim is based on large samples, low temperature change rates and by regularly repeated measurements, i.e. at least seven measurements per IL. The melting temperatures of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris(penta-fluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide were, to our knowledge, determined for the first time. The melting temperatures of the other 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium-, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium-, and trimethylsulfonium-based ILs showed either a very good accordance with values published in literature or were distinctly higher.     

Separation of amino alcohols using divalent dipeptides as counter ions in aqueous CE

Divalent dipeptides have been introduced as counter ions in aqueous CZE. The dipeptides form ion pairs with amino alcohols in the BGE and facilitate the separation of amino alcohols. High concentrations of dipeptide caused reversed effective mobility for the analytes. The net charge of the dipeptide can be controlled using a buffer or a strong base, and regulates the interaction between the dipeptide and the amino alcohol. A stronger interaction and higher selectivity of amino alcohols was observed when the dipeptides were used as divalent counter ions, than in monovalent or uncharged form. Association constants for ion pairs between divalent dipeptides and amino alcohols can be used to enhance selectivity for amino alcohols in CZE. No chiral separation of amino alcohols was observed when using the dipeptides as ion‐pairing chiral selectors in aqueous BGE, but addition of methanol to the BGE promoted enantioselectivity.     

Three Short Stories about Hexaarylbenzene–Porphyrin Scaffolds

A feasible two‐step synthesis and characterization of a full series of hexaarylbenzene (HAB) substituted porphyrins and tetrabenzoporphyrins is presented. Key steps represent the microwave‐assisted porphyrin condensation and the statistical Diels–Alder reaction to the desired HAB‐porphyrins. Regarding their applications, they proved to be easily accessible and effective high molecular mass calibrants for (MA)LDI mass spectrometry. The free‐base and zinc(II) porphyrin systems, as well as the respective tetrabenzoporphyrins, demonstrate in solid state experiments strong red‐ and near‐infrared‐light emission and are potentially interesting for the application in “truly organic” light‐emitting devices. Lastly, they represent facile precursors to large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) substituted porphyrins. We prepared the first tetra‐hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene substituted porphyrin, which represents the largest prepared PAH‐porphyrin conjugate to date.