A density functional theory study on the water aggregation behaviour of fatty acid-based anionic surface active ionic liquids

Structural Chemistry - The hydrogen bond interactions between methyl-imidazolium cation (MIM+) and fatty acid anions (CmHnCOO–, where m?=?1–6; n-3–13) of ionic liquids...     

Rhodopsin reconstituted into a planar-supported lipid bilayer retains photoactivity after cross-linking polymerization of lipid monomers

Transmembrane proteins (TMPs), particularly ion channels and receptors, play key roles in transport and signal transduction. Many of these proteins are pharmacologically important and therefore targets for drug discovery. TMPs can be reconstituted in planar-supported lipid bilayers (PSLBs), which has led to development of TMP-based biosensors and biochips. However, PSLBs composed of natural lipids lack the high stability desired for many technological applications. One strategy is to use synthetic lipid monomers that can be polymerized to form robust bilayers. A key question is how lipid polymerization affects TMP structure and activity. In this study, we have examined the effects of UV polymerization of bis-Sorbylphosphatidylcholine (bis-SorbPC) on the photoactivation of reconstituted bovine rhodopsin (Rho), a model G-protein-coupled receptor. Plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy (PWR) was used to compare the degree of Rho incorporation and activation in fluid and poly(lipid) PSLBs. The results show that reconstitution of Rho into a supported lipid bilayer composed only of bis-SorbPC, followed by photoinduced lipid cross-linking, does not measurably diminish protein function.     

Topochemical anion metathesis routes to the Zr2N2S phases and the Na2S and ACl derivatives (A = Na,K, Rb)

Anion metathesis reactions between ZrNCl and A(2)S (A = Na, K, Rb) in the solid state follow three different pathways depending on reaction temperature and reactant stoichiometry: (1) the reaction of ZrNCl with A(2)S in the 2:1 stoichiometry at 800 degrees C/72 h/in vacuo yields alpha-Zr(2)N(2)S with the expected layered structure of La(2)O(2)S. Above 850 degrees C, alpha-Zr(2)N(2)S (P3 macro m1; a = 3.605(1) A, c = 6.421(3) A) neatly transforms to beta-Zr(2)N(2)S (P6(3)/mmc: a = 3.602(1) A, c = 12.817(1) A). The structures of the alpha- and beta-forms are related by an a/2 shift of successive Zr(2)N(2) layers. (2) The same reaction at low temperatures (300-400 degrees C) yields ACl intercalated phases of the formula A(x)Zr(2)N(2)SCl(x) (0 < x < approximately 0.15), where alkali ions are inserted between the S/Cl.S/Cl van der Waals gap of a ZrNCl-type structure. The S and Cl ions are disordered and the c lattice parameters are alkali dependent (R3 macro m, a approximately 3.6 A, c approximately 28.4 (Na), 28.9 (K), and 30.5 A (Rb). A(x)Zr(2)N(2)SCl(x) phases are hygroscopic and reversibly absorb water to give monohydrates. (3) Reaction of ZrNCl with excess A(2)S at 400-1000 degrees C gives A(2)S intercalated phases of the formula A(2)(x)Zr(2)N(2)S(1+)(x) (0 < x < 0.5), where the alkali ions reside between the S.S van der Waals gap of a ZrNCl type structure (R3 macro m, a approximately 3.64 A, c approximately 29.48 A). Structural characterization of the new phases and implications of the results are described.     

A revised structure for hermonionic acid

Hermonionic acid and its decarboxylated product have been isolated from $\text{Garcinia}$$\text{quaesita}$. ¹³C NMR spectral and chemical evidence indicate that hermonionic acid is 2-0-[2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-3-methoxy- 4-hydroxy-5-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl]-4-methoxy-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl-6-hydroxybenzoic acid. The previously assigned dienone structure for this acid is incorrect.     

Dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy of primary and secondary alkoxy radicals

Dispersed fluorescence (DF) spectra of 1-propoxy, 1-butoxy, 2-propoxy, and 2-butoxy radicals have been observed under supersonic jet cooling conditions by pumping different vibronic bands of the B-X laser induced fluorescence excitation spectrum. The DF spectra were recorded for both conformers of 1-propoxy, three conformers of the possible five of 1-butoxy, the one possible conformer of 2-propoxy, and two conformers of the possible three of 2-butoxy. Analysis of the spectra yields the energy separations of the vibrationless levels of the ground X and low-lying A electronic state as well as their vibrational frequencies. In all cases, the vibrational structure of the DF spectra is dominated by a CO stretch progression yielding the nuCO stretching frequency for the X state and in most cases for the A state. In addition to the experimental work, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to aid the assignment of the vibrational levels of the X state and for some conformers the A state as well. Geometry optimizations of the different conformers of the isomers were performed and their energy differences in the ground states were determined. The results of the calculation of the energy separations of the close-lying X and A states of the different conformations are provided for comparison with the experimental observations.     

Synthesis,characterization and electrochemical studies of ruthenium(III) heterocyclic Schiff bases

A series of hexacoordinated Ru^III–PPh₃ complexes of general formula [RuCl(PPh₃)L] (L = tetradentate Schiff bases derived from the condensation of 2-furaldehyde or thiophene-2-carboxyaldehyde with alkyl and aryl diamines have been synthesized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric studies. All of the complexes were paramagnetic. Coordination of the Schiff base appears to occur through the two nitrogen and two heterocyclic oxygen/sulphur atoms.     

CO(2)-expanded solvents: unique and versatile media for performing homogeneous catalytic oxidations

The work summarized here demonstrates a new concept for exploiting dense phase CO(2), media considered to be "green" solvents, for homogeneous catalytic oxidation reactions. According to this concept, the conventional organic solvent medium used in catalytic chemical reactions is replaced substantially (up to 80 vol %) by CO(2), at moderate pressures (tens of bars), to create a continuum of CO(2)-expanded solvent media. A particular benefit is found for oxidation catalysis; the presence of CO(2) in the mixed medium increases the O(2) solubility by ca. 100 times compared to that in the neat organic solvent while the retained organic solvent serves an essential role by solubilizing the transition metal catalyst. We show that CO(2)-expanded solvents provide optimal properties for maximizing oxidation rates that are typically 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than those obtained with either the neat organic solvent or supercritical CO(2) as the reaction medium. These advantages are demonstrated with examples of homogeneous oxidations of a substituted phenol and of cyclohexene by molecular O(2) using transition metal catalysts, cobalt Schiff-base and iron porphyrin complexes, respectively, in CO(2)-expanded CH(3)CN.     

Mixed valency in the high-temperature phases of transition metal molybdates, A MoO4 ( A =Fe, Co, Ni)

Transition metal molybdates of the formulaAMoO₄ whereA=Fe, Co or Ni exhibit a first-order phase transition between 670K–970K. An investigation of the lowtemperature (lt) and high-temperature (ht) phases by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and other physical methods shows that the phase transition is associated with a valence change of the typeA ²⁺+Mo⁶⁺αA ³⁺+Mo⁵⁺ in the cases of iron and cobalt molybdates. Contribution No. 311 from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit.