A new scaling procedure to correct semiempirical MEP and MEP-derived properties

Summary The MNDO, AM1, PM3, and ab initio 6–31G^* and 6–31+G^* MEPs for 21 neutral and 12 charged molecules were computed in layers ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 times the van der Waals radii of atoms. Semiempirical and ab initio MEPs for each layer and two groups of layers were compared to gain insight into the relationships between semiempirical and ab initio MEPs. A detailed statistical study allowed us to obtain a new set of scaling coefficients able to correct the semiempirical MEPs to provide better representations of the ab initio values. The corrected semiempirical MEPs were used to obtain electrostatic charges, whose quality was tested by the comparison between semiempirical Coulombic MEPs and ab initio quantum mechanical MEPs.     

Cascade configuration of logical gates processing information encoded in molecular potentials

We demonstrate that the outputs of two molecular devices encoding information as electrostatic potentials are able to trigger a third one and yield a correct truth table, thus demonstrating the possibility to successfully interconnect extremely low‐power consumption molecular devices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

New insights in quantum chemical topology studies using numerical grid-based analyses

New insights in Quantum Chemical Topology of one-electron density functions have been proposed here by using a recent grid-based algorithm (Tang et al., J Phys Condens Matter 2009, 21, 084204), initially designed for the decomposition of the electron density. Beyond the charge analysis, we show that this algorithm is suitable for different scalar functions showing a more complex topology, that is, the Laplacian of the electron density, the electron localization function (ELF), and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). This algorithm makes use of a robust methodology enabling to numerically assign the data points of three-dimensional grids to basin volumes, and it has the advantage of requiring only the values of the scalar function without details on the wave function used to build the grid. Our implementation is briefly outlined (program named TopChem), its capabilities are examined, and technical aspects in terms of CPU requirement and accuracy of the results are discussed. Illustrative examples for individual molecules and crystalline solids obtained with gaussian and plane-wave-based density functional theory calculations are presented. Special attention was given to the MEP because its topological analysis is complex and scarce.     

Assessing the MALDI-TOF MS sample preparation procedure to analyze the influence of thermo-oxidative ageing and thermo-mechanical degradation on poly (Lactide)

Multiple processing by means of successive injection cycles was used to simulate the thermo-mechanical degradation effects on the oligomeric distribution of PLA under mechanical recycling. Likewise, an accelerated thermal ageing over PLA glass transition was performed in order to simulate its service life. MALDI-TOF MS was used for the analysis and the sample preparation procedure was assessed by means of a statistical Design of Experiments (DoE). The quality effects in use for the analysis were signal-to-noise ratio and Resolution. Different matrixes, analyte/matrix proportions and the use of NaTFA as cationization agent were considered. A deep inspection of the statistical results provided a better understanding of the influence of the different factors, individually or in combination, to the signal. The application of DoE for the improvement of the MALDI measurement of PLA stated that the best combination of factors (levels) was the following: matrix (s-DHB), proportion analyte/matrix (1/5 V/V), and no use of cationization agent. Degradation primarily affected the initially predominant cyclic [LA_C]_n and linear H[LA_L]_nOH species, where LA stands for a PLA repeating unit. Intramolecular and intermolecular transesterifications as well as hydrolytic and homolytic reactions took place during the formation and disappearance of oligomeric species. In both degradation mechanisms induced by thermal ageing and thermo-mechanical degradation, the formation of H[LA_L]_nOCH₃ by intermolecular transesterifications was highlighted.     

Monte Carlo study of dipolar and quadrupolar hard prolate spherocylinders

Monte Carlo simulations of hard prolate spherocylinders (HPSs) with embedded dipole or quadrupole moment are reported for two elongations (L?=?0.5 and 1) and several values of the packing fraction. The MC values of the residual internal and Helmholtz energy and compressibility factor were determined. Our work represents the first simulation study of dipolar HPSs focused on the determination of the thermodynamic properties. In the case of quadrupolar HPSs, our results enlarge the range of state conditions for which the simulation data are available. The obtained MC data were used for a test of the perturbation theory of polar non-spherical molecule fluids. In order to evaluate the perturbation contributions containing the two-particle integrals, the values of the shape integrals (evaluated recently for dipolar and quadrupolar hard prolate spherocylinders) were employed and we were allowed to avoid the use of the similarity between Kihara and Gaussian overlap models. Fair agreement between the simulation data and the theoretical predictions was reached.     

Symmetric bifurcated halogen bonds: substituent and cooperative effects

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the geometries, interaction energies and bonding properties of the symmetrical bifurcated halogen bond interactions (BXBs) by means of ab initio calculations. For this purpose, the NCX (X = Cl, Br) molecule is paired with a series of N-formyl formamide (NFF) derivatives (NFF-Z, Z = H, CN, CCH, OH, CH₃ and Li), and the properties of the resulting complexes are studied by molecular electrostatic potential, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, noncovalent interaction index and natural bond orbital analyses. For a fixed NCX molecule, interaction energies increase in the order of Z = Li > CH₃ > H > OH > CCH > CN. We found a strong correlation between the interaction energies of NCX:NFF-Z complexes and molecular electrostatic potential minimum values associated with NFF-Z monomers. Moreover, cooperative effects between BXB and X???N halogen bond interactions are studied in the ternary NCX:NCX:NFF-Z systems. Our results indicate that the strength of BXB interactions in the ternary complexes is enhanced by the presence of X???N bonds. Besides, cooperativity effects tend to increase the covalency of BXBs in these systems.     

N-甲基-N-丁基吡咯烷溴化物和N-甲基-N-乙基吡咯烷溴化物在锌溴液流电池中应用

在锌溴液流电池中,作为溴络合剂在电解液中使用的季铵盐对电池性能及安全性具有重要作用.本文利用循环伏安法及线性扫描伏安法研究了N-甲基-N-丁基吡咯烷溴化物（N-methyl-N-butyl-pyrrolidinium bromide,MBP）和N-甲基-N-乙基吡咯烷溴化物（N-methyl-N-ethyl-pyrrolidinium bromide,MEP）分别加入到电解液后对电极反应的影响,通过交流阻抗（EIS）的方式测量了不同组成及浓度下的电解液电导率变化,测试了不同电解液对电池充放电性能的影响及溴络合能力,结果表明加入MBP的电解液具有更好的溴络合能力和电池性能.     

α,α-Difluorophosphonohydroxamic Acid Derivatives among the Best Antibacterial Fosmidomycin Analogues

Three α,α-difluorophosphonate derivatives of fosmidomycin were synthesized from diethyl 1,1-difluorobut-3-enylphosphonate and were evaluated on Escherichia coli. Two of them are among the best 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase inhibitors, with IC₅₀ in the nM range, much better than fosmidomycin, the reference compound. They also showed an enhanced antimicrobial activity against E. coli on Petri dishes in comparison with the corresponding phosphates and the non-fluorinated phosphonate.