Proton-Transfer Dynamics of Photoacidic Merocyanines in Aqueous Solution

Photoacids attract increasing scientific attention, as they are valuable tools to spatiotemporally control proton-release reactions and pH values of solutions. We present the first time-resolved spectroscopic study of the excited state and proton-release dynamics of prominent merocyanine representatives. Femtosecond transient absorption measurements of a pyridine merocyanine with two distinct protonation sites revealed dissimilar proton-release mechanisms: one site acts as a photoacid generator as its pK_a value is modulated in the ground state after photoisomerization, while the other functions as an excited state photoacid which releases its proton within 1.1 ps. With a pK_a drop of 8.7 units to −5.5 upon excitation, the latter phenolic site is regarded a super-photoacid. The 6-nitro derivative exhibits only a phenolic site with similar, yet slightly less photoacidic characteristics and both compounds transfer their proton to methanol and ethanol. In contrast, for the related 6,8-dinitro compound an intramolecular proton transfer to the ortho-nitro group is suggested that is involved in a rapid relaxation into the ground state.     

Optical wave propagation in a cholesteric liquid crystal using the finite element method

Bragg reflections of cholesteric liquid crystals at normal and oblique incidences were investigated using the finite element method (FEM). Detailed FEM derivations together with the consideration of boundary conditions are given. Two methods for achieving broadband Bragg reflection are analysed: one is to use high birefringence liquid crystal in the uniform pitch structure, the other is to use the gradient pitch structure. In each case, the number of cholesteric pitches required for establishing the Bragg reflection was simulated.     

Phospholipids Analysis by 31P NMR

Abstract

Cell membrane phospholipids can be identified and quantitated using ³¹P NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with an analytical reagent composed of chloroform-benzene(d6)/methanol-CsEDTA 2:l ml/ml. 3 ml of this reagent dissolves between 0.01–100 mg crude tissue lipids obtained by the Folch procedure. When the source phospholipids are strongly contaminated with cations, it is necessary to modify the extraction method, backwashing with K-EDTA, 0.6 M, pH 6, instead of KC1. Also if source tissues must be stored for long periods of time, acetone desication is recommended. Using a 500 MHz ³¹PNMR spectrophotometer (magnetic field ?11.75 T), the extracted phospholipids yield narrow Lorenzian signals (1.8–3.2 Hz at half-height), with these widths at half-height corresponding to their 1/πT₂ values. Chemical shifts (δ) at 24 °C, following the IUPAC shift convention and relative to 85% phosphoric acid, were determined as follows:CAEP,21.09;LPG,l,O9;LPA,0.83;LPE plas,0.53;PG,0.50;LPE,0.43; PA,0.25;CL,0.18;LPI,0.10;PE plas,0.07;PE,0.03;PS,?0.O5;SPH,?0.O9; DiMePE,?b.18;LPC plas,?0.20;LPC,?0.28;PI,?0.37; PAF, ?0.70;PC plas,?0.77; PC, ?0.84. This reagent permits assays of high precision and accuracy that use little spectrometer time and that are suitable for automated procedures.     

Simple technique for the simultaneous determination of solvent diffusion coefficient in polymer by Quantum Resistive Sensors and FT‐IR spectroscopy

A simple, quick and novel method for the determination of diffusion properties through polymer films, based on Quantum Resistive Sensors made of Conductive Polymer nanoComposites is presented. The integral time lag method is employed for the calculation of diffusion coefficient, and the results are compared simultaneously with that of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and sorption method. Two model polymers, a semi‐crystalline poly(lactic acid) and an amorphous poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene), are used to validate the study. A good correlation is established between the diffusion coefficient values derived from all techniques demonstrating the interest of such reliable, simple and cheap nanosensors for the quick determination (several minutes) of diffusion properties in polymer films. Our first results suggest that this technique is meaningful for the determination of barrier properties in nanocomposite membranes filled with platelets of graphene or clay. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Use of Derivative Thermogravimetry to Estimate Degree of Thermal Degradation

It is difficult to estimate the degree of thermal degradation which has taken place in complex parts composed of cellulosics and polymeric insulation unless complete failure has occurred. There is a definite need for a parameter which can quickly and easily measure the relative degree of thermal attack on organic insulation subjected to various known environmental and processing conditions. This paper reports preliminary work using derivative thermogravimetry to perform this function. Derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to produce a value, TGA Index, related to the peak height of the major TGA derivative signal. This TGA Index was found to correlate with the copper number of insulating paper measured after thermal degradation. The application of TGA Index to evaluation of polymer degradation after thermal shock, water absorption, and accelerated UV attack is also discussed. Finally, preliminary studies on the use of derivative TGA to evaluate coatings exposed to various outdoor environments around the country are reported.     

Structural Characterization of the Condensation Polymer of Dipyridine Manganese II Dichloride with 1,3-Di-4-piperidy I propane

The synthesis of polymers derived from the condensation of dipyridine manganese II dichloride with 1,3-di-4-piperidylpro-pane is described. Structural analysis of the polyamines is detailed utilizing results based on infrared, thermal, elemental and solution analyses.     

Type I Photosensitization of 2′‐deoxyadenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐dAMP) by Biopterin and its Photoproduct Formylpterin

Biopterin (Bip) and its photoproducts 6‐formylpterin (Fop) and 6‐carboxypterin (Cap) accumulate in the skin of patients suffering from vitiligo, a chronic depigmentation disorder where the protection against UV radiation fails because of the lack of melanin. These compounds absorb in the UV‐A inducing a potential photosensitizing action that can cause damage to DNA and other biomolecules. In this work, we have investigated the capability of these pterin derivatives (Pt) to act as photosensitizers under UV‐A irradiation for the degradation of 2′‐deoxyadenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐dAMP) in aqueous solutions, as model DNA target. Steady‐state and time‐resolved experiments were performed and the effect of pH was evaluated. The results showed that photosensitized degradation of 5′‐dAMP was only observed under acidic conditions, and a mechanistic analysis revealed the participation of the triplet excited state of the pterin derivatives (³Pt*) by electron transfer yielding the corresponding pair of radical ions (Pt^?? and 5′‐dAMP^?+), with successive photosensitizer recovery by electron transfer from Pt^?? to O₂. Finally, 5′‐dAMP^?+ participates in subsequent reactions to yield degradation products.