New strategy for controlling the oligothiophene aggregation mode utilizing the gel-to-sol phase transition induced by crown-alkali metal interactions

A new functional low molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) based on crown-appended quaterthiophene was synthesized and investigated as a new alkali metal cation responsive material with enhanced fluorescence emission upon gel-to-sol phase transition.     

Heat and light dual switching of a single-walled carbon nanotube/thermo-responsive helical polysaccharide complex: a new responsive system applicable to photodynamic therapy

A thermo- and light-responsive system consisting of single-walled carbon nanotube and helical polysaccharide modified with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) side-chains has been developed through supramolecular polymer wrapping. Coagulation of the complex can be induced by the external stimuli, which leads to a catch-and-release action of a porphyrin derivative.     

Conformational reduction of DOPA in the gas phase studied by laser desorption supersonic jet laser spectroscopy

The conformational reduction in catecholamine neurotransmitters was studied by resonance enhanced multi photon ionization (REMPI), ultraviolet-ultraviolet (UV-UV) hole burning and infrared (IR) dip spectroscopy with applying a laser desorption supersonic jet technique to DOPA, which is one of the catecholamine neurotransmitters and has one more phenolic OH group than tyrosine. It is concluded that DOPA has a single observable conformer in the gas phase at low temperature. Quantum chemical calculations at several levels with or without the dispersion correction were also carried out to study stable conformations. From the comparison between the computational IR spectra and the experimental ones, the most stable structure was determined. It is strongly suggested that the conformational reduction is caused by electrostatic interactions, such as a dipole-dipole interaction, between the chain and OH groups.     

Infrared intensities of ion-water interactions in aqueous electrolyte solutions

The i.r. absorption intensities have been measured of the fundamental vibrations of water molecules in metal halide aqueous solutions. Pseudo-isosbestic points were observed in the regions of both the stretching and bending vibrations and interpreted in terms of two states of water molecules in the solutions. The intensities of the stretching vibrations of water molecules coordinated to the dissolved ions have been estimated. The intensities become stronger in the order, Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ for the cations and F^- > Cl^- > Br^- > I^- for the anions. These orders are consistent with the strengths of the ion-water interactions, which are related to the dynamical behavior of the water molecules in the primary hydration shell.     

Band shapes and moment analysis of the far-infrared absorptions of dipolar molecules in solutions

The moment analyses were performed on the far-infrared absorption bands of CH₃CN, CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, and their deuterated compounds dissolved in nonpolar solvents. The values of torque acting on the solute molecules were estimated from the fourth moments. The band profiles were simulated by means of the continued-fraction representation of the time correlation function by Mori, using the moment values obtained. The third order long-time approximation of the correlation function yields essentially good simulations. The effective rotation angles of molecules between collisions were estimated from the first positive-to-negative turning points of the memory functions. The solvent effects on the torque and the rotation angle were consistent with each other.     

Optical absorption of Cu-centers in CdCl2 and CdBr2 single crystals

The absorption spectra of CdCl₂ and CdBr₂ single crystals doped with cuprous or cupric halides were measured. Optical bleaching of the absorption bands due to Cu⁺ gives rise to new absorption bands which suggest the conversion of Cu⁺→Cu²⁺. This was confirmed also by detecting the growth in ESR signals characteristic of Cu²⁺ centers.     

Asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted cycloalkanecarboxaldehydes. procedures for the highly stereoselective preparation of cis- and trans-isomer

Procedures for the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted cycloalkanecarboxaldehydes ($\text{7}$) having assymetric tertiary and quaternary carbon atoms in vicinal positions from the corresponding cycloalkenecarboxaldehydes ($\text{2}$) in high diastereomeric and enantiomeric purities are described.