Refine
Year of publication
- 2015 (200) (remove)
Document Type
- Article (151)
- Postprint (32)
- Doctoral Thesis (8)
- Review (3)
- Conference Proceeding (2)
- Preprint (2)
- Habilitation Thesis (1)
- Other (1)
Language
- English (200) (remove)
Keywords
- biomaterials (4)
- Arenes (3)
- Cross-coupling (3)
- Palladium (3)
- click chemistry (3)
- peptides (3)
- polymers (3)
- self-assembly (3)
- Anisotropy effect (2)
- Confocal microscopy (2)
Institute
- Institut für Chemie (200) (remove)
The application of electrospray ionization (ESI) ion mobility (IM) spectrometry on the detection end of a high-performance liquid chromatograph has been a subject of study for some time. So far, this method has been limited to low flow rates or has required splitting of the liquid flow. This work presents a novel concept of an ESI source facilitating the stable operation of the spectrometer at flow rates between 10 mu L min(-1) and 1500 mu L min(-1) without flow splitting, advancing the T-cylinder design developed by Kurnin and co-workers. Flow rates eight times faster than previously reported were achieved because of a more efficient dispersion of the liquid at increased electrospray voltages combined with nebulization by a sheath gas. Imaging revealed the spray operation to be in a rotationally symmetric multijet-mode. The novel ESI-IM spectrometer tolerates high water contents (<= 90%) and electrolyte concentrations up to 10 mM, meeting another condition required of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detectors. Limits of detection of 50 nM for promazine in the positive mode and 1 mu M for 1,3-dinitrobenzene in the negative mode were established. Three mixtures of reduced complexity (five surfactants, four neuroleptics, and two isomers) were separated in the millisecond regime in stand-alone operation of the spectrometer. Separations of two more complex mixtures (five neuroleptics and 13 pesticides) demonstrate the application of the spectrometer as an HPLC detector. The examples illustrate the advantages of the spectrometer over the established diode array detector, in terms of additional IM separation of substances not fully separated in the retention time domain as well as identification of substances based on their characteristic IMs.
This article presents a simple and facile method to fabricate thermoresponsive polymer-grafted silica particles by direct surface-initiated photopolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM). This method is based on silica particles bearing thiol functionalities, which are transformed into thiyl radicals by irradiation with UV light to initiate the polymerization of NIPAM in aqueous media at room temperature. The photopolymerization of NIPAM could be applied to smaller thiol-functionalized particles (approximate to 48 nm) as well as to larger particles (approximate to 692 nm). Hollow poly(NIPAM) capsules could be formed after etching away the silica cores from the composite particles. It is possible to produce tailor-made composite particles or capsules for particular applications by extending this approach to other vinyl monomers. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 2015, 53, 1260-1267
The rehydration of thermoresponsive poly(monomethoxydiethylene glycol acrylate) (PMDEGA) films exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type demixing phase transition in aqueous environments, induced by a decrease in temperature, is investigated in situ with real-time neutron reflectivity. Two different starting conditions (collapsed versus partially swollen chain conformation) are compared. In one experiment, the temperature is reduced from above the demixing temperature to well below the demixing temperature. In a second experiment, the starting temperature is below the demixing temperature, but within the transition regime, and reduced to the same final temperature. In both cases, the observed rehydration process can be divided into three stages: first condensation of water from the surrounding atmosphere, then absorption of water by the PMDEGA film and evaporation of excess water, and finally, rearrangement of the PMDEGA chains. The final rehydrated film is thicker and contains more absorbed water as compared with the initially swollen film at the same temperature well below the demixing temperature.
Shape-Memory Capability of Copolyetheresterurethane Microparticles Prepared via Electrospraying
(2015)
Multifunctional thermo-responsive and degradable microparticles exhibiting a shapememory effect (SME) have attracted widespread interest in biomedicine as switchable delivery vehicles or microactuators. In this work almost spherical solid microparticles with an average diameter of 3.9 +/- 0.9 mm are prepared via electrospraying of a copolyetheresterurethane named PDC, which is composed of crystallizable oligo(p-dioxanone) (OPDO) hard and oligo(e-caprolactone) (OCL) switching segments. The PDC microparticles are programmed via compression at different pressures and their shapememory capability is explored by off-line and online heating experiments. When a low programming pressure of 0.2 MPa is applied a pronounced thermally-induced shape-memory effect is achieved with a shape recovery ratio about 80%, while a high programming pressure of 100 MPa resulted in a weak shape-memory performance. Finally, it is demonstrated that an array of PDC microparticles deposited on a polypropylene (PP) substrate can be successfully programmed into a smart temporary film, which disintegrates upon heating to 60 degrees C.
Swelling of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: The Relation Between, Surface and Bulk Characteristics
(2015)
The odd even effect, i.e., the influence of the outermost layer of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) on their swelling behavior, is investigated. For that purpose poly(styrene sodium sulfonate) (PSS)/poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) polyelectrolyte multilayers are studied in air with 1% relative humidity (RH), 30% RH, 95% RH, and in liquid water by ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray reflectometry (XRR). Since the total amount of water uptake in swollen PEMs is divided into two fractions, the void water and the swelling water, a correct evaluation of the odd even effect is only possible if both fractions are examined separately. In order to allow measuring samples over a larger thickness regime the investigation of a larger amount of samples is required. Therefore, the concept of separating void water from swelling water using neutron reflectometry is for the first time transferred to ellipsometry. The subsequent analysis of swelling water, void water, and roughness revealed the existence of two types of odd even effects: an odd even effect which addresses only the surface of the PEM (surface-odd even effect) and an odd even effect which addresses also the bulk of the PEM (bulk-odd even effect). The appearance of both effects is dependent on the environment; the surface-odd even effect is only detectable in humid air while the bulk-odd even effect is only detectable in liquid water. The bulk-odd even effect is related to the osmotic pressure between the PEM and the surrounding water. A correlation between the amount of void water and both odd even effects is not found. The amount of void water is independent of the terminated layer and the thickness of PEMs.
Poly(Ionic Liquid)s
(2015)
A multiblock copolymer termed as PCL-PIBMD, consisting of crystallizable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) segments and crystallizable poly(3S-isobutyl-morpholine-2,5-dione) (PIBMD) segments, has been reported as a material showing a thermally-induced shape-memory effect. While PIBMD crystalline domains act as netpoints to determine the permanent shape, both PCL crystalline domains and PIBMD amorphous domains, which have similar transition temperatures (T-trans) can act as switching domains. In this work, the influence of the deformation temperature (T-deform = 50 or 20 degrees C), which was above or below T-trans, on the structural changes of PCL-PIBMD during uniaxial deformation and the shapememory properties were investigated. Furthermore, the relative contribution of crystalline PCL and PIBMD amorphous phases to the fixation of the temporary shape were distinguished by a toluene vapor treatment approach. The results indicated that at 50 degrees C, both PCL and PIBMD amorphous phases can be orientated during deformation, resulting in thermally-induced crystals of PCL domains and joint contribution to the switching domains. In contrast at 20 degrees C, the temporary shape was mainly fixed by PCL crystals generated via strain-induced crystallization.
In recent years, core/shell nanohybrids containing a nanoparticle core and a distinct surrounding shell of polymer brushes have received extensive attention in nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, catalysis, nanopatterning, drug delivery, biosensing, and many others. From the large variety of existing polymerization methods on the one hand and strategies for grafting onto nanoparticle surfaces on the other hand, the combination of grafting-from with controlled radical polymerization (CRP) techniques has turned out to be the best suited for synthesizing these well-defined core/shell nanohybrids and is known as surface-initiated CRP. Most common among these are surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and surface-initiated nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP). This review highlights the state of the art of growing polymers from nanoparticles using surface-initiated CRP techniques. We focus on mechanistic aspects, synthetic procedures, and the formation of complex architectures as well as novel properties. From the vast number of examples of nanoparticle/polymer hybrids formed by surface-initiated CRP techniques, we present nanohybrid formation from the particularly important and most studied silica nanoparticles, gold nanocrystals, and proteins which can be regarded as bionanoparticles.
Diarylethene derivatives are photochromic molecular switches, undergoing a ring-opening/-closing reaction by illumination with light. The symmetry of the closed form is determined by the WoodWard Hoffinann rules according to which the reaction proceeds by corirotatory rotation -in that case. Here, we show by a cOrnbined approach of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations that the Open isomer of 4,4'-(4,4'-(perfluorocydopent-1-ene-1,2-diyl)bis(5-methyl-thiophent-4,2,4-dipyridine) (PDTE) retains its open form upon adsorption on a Ag(111) surface. It caribe switched into a closed form, which we identify as the digrotatOly cydization product, by controlled manipulation 'With the STM tip, Evidence of an electric-field dependent switching-process 'is interpreted on the basis of a Simple electroStatic Model, which suggests that the reaction proceedS via an "upright" intermediate state. This pathway thus strongly differs from the switching reaction in solution.
We developed a new type of molecular rods consisting of two (or more) rigid units linked by a flexible joint. Consequently we called these constructs articulated rods (ARs). The syntheses of ARs were carried out by a flexible and modular approach providing access to a number of compounds with various functionalizations in terminal positions. First applications were presented with pyrene, cinnamoyl and anthracenyl labelled ARs.
The development of novel dendrimers containing oligospiroketal (OSK) rods as building blocks is described. The linkage between the core unit (CU), branching units (BU), and OSK rods relies on the CuAAC reaction between terminal alkynes and azides. Two different strategies of dendrimer synthesis were investigated and it was found that the convergent approach is clearly superior to the divergent one. SAXS measurements and MD simulations indicate that the obtained dendrimer features a globular structure with very low density. Obviously, the OSK rods stabilize a rather loose mass-fractal structure.
Previously unknown, vertically linked heterocycles comprised of benzofuran and iminocoumarin moieties have been synthesized directly from 1,5-dibenzoyloxyanthraquinone and arylacetonitriles via double Knoevenagel condensation followed by formal HCN elimination. The structural assembly of fully conjugated, electron-rich benzofuran and electron-deficient iminocoumarin is responsible for the strongly polarized nature of these heterocycles which translates into their polarity-sensitive fluorescence.
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a high-performance, thermoplastic implant material entered the field of medical applications due to its structural function and commercial availability. In bone tissue engineering, the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with PEEK implants may accelerate the bone formation and promote the osseointegration between the implant and the adjacent bone tissue. In this concept the question how PEEK influences the behaviour and functions of MSCs is of great interest. Here the cellular response of human adipose-derived MSCs to PEEK was evaluated and compared to tissue culture plate (TCP) as the reference material. Viability and morphology of cells were not altered when cultured on the PEEK film. The cells on PEEK presented a high proliferation activity in spite of a relatively lower initial cell adhesion rate. There was no significant difference on cell apoptosis and senescence between the cells on PEEK and TCP. The inflammatory cytokines and VEGF secreted by the cells on these two surfaces were at similar levels. The cells on PEEK showed up-regulated BMP2 and down-regulated BMP4 and BMP6 gene expression, whereas no conspicuous differences were observed in the committed osteoblast markers (BGLAP, COL1A1 and Runx2). With osteoinduction the cells on PEEK and TCP exhibited a similar osteogenic differentiation potential. Our results demonstrate the biofunctionality of PEEK for human MSC cultivation and differentiation. Its clinical benefits in bone tissue engineering may be achieved by combining MSCs with PEEK implants. These data may also provide useful information for further modification of PEEK with chemical or physical methods to regulate the cellular processes of MSCs and to consequently improve the efficacy of MSC-PEEK based therapies.
A versatile strategy to integrate multiple functions in a polymer based material is the formation of polymer networks with defined nanostructures. Here, we present synthesis and comprehensive characterization of covalently surface functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) comprising a bi-layer oligomeric shell, using Sn(Oct)(2) as catalyst for a two-step functionalization. These hydroxy-terminated precursors for degradable magneto-and thermo-sensitive polymer networks were prepared via two subsequent surfaceinitiated ring-opening polymerizations (ROPs) with omega-pentadecalactone and e-caprolactone. A two-step mass loss obtained in thermogravimetric analysis and two distinct melting transitions around 50 and 85 degrees C observed in differential scanning calorimetry experiments, which are attributed to the melting of OPDL and OCL crystallites, confirmed a successful preparation of the modified MNPs. The oligomeric coating of the nanoparticles could be visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The investigation of degrafted oligomeric coatings by gel permeation chromatography and H-1-NMR spectroscopy showed an increase in number average molecular weight as well as the presence of signals related to both of oligo(omega-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) and oligo(e-caprolactone) (OCL) after the second ROP. A more detailed analysis of the NMR results revealed that only a few.-pentadecalactone repeating units are present in the degrafted oligomeric bi-layers, whereby a considerable degree of transesterification could be observed when OPDL was polymerized in the 2nd ROP step. These findings are supported by a low degree of crystallinity for OPDL in the degrafted oligomeric bi-layers obtained in wide angle X-ray scattering experiments. Based on these findings it can be concluded that Sn(Oct)(2) was suitable as catalyst for the preparation of nanosized bi-layered coated MNP precursors by a two-step ROP.
Triggering the release of cargo from a polymer network by ultrasonication as an external, non-invasive stimulus can be an interesting concept for on-demand release. Here, it is shown that, in pH-and thermosensitive microgels, the ultrasound sensitivity of the polymer network depends on the external conditions. Crosslinked poly[(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(vinyl imidazole)] microgels showed a volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of 25-50 degrees C, which increases with decreasing pH. Above the VPTT the polymer chains are collapsed, while below VPTT they are extended. Only in the case of maximum observed swelling, where the polymer chains are expanded, the microgels are mechanically fragmented through ultrasonication. In contrast, when the polymer chains are partially collapsed it is not possible to manipulate the microgels by ultrasound. Additionally, the ultrasound-induced on-demand release of wheat germ lipase from the microgels could be demonstrated successfully. The principle of conditional ultrasound sensitivity is likely to be general and can be used for selection of matrix-cargo combinations.
We have characterized ultraviolet (UV) photon-induced DNA strand break processes by determination of absolute cross sections for photoabsorption and for sequence-specific DNA single strand breakage induced by photons in an energy range from 6.50 to 8.94 eV. These represent the lowest-energy photons able to induce DNA strand breaks. Oligonudeotide targets are immobilized on a UV transparent substrate in controlled quantities through attachment to DNA origami templates. Photon-induced dissociation of single DNA strands is visualized and quantified using atomic force microscopy. The obtained quantum yields for strand breakage vary between 0.06 and 0.5, indicating highly efficient DNA strand breakage by UV photons, which is clearly dependent on the photon energy. Above the ionization threshold strand breakage becomes clearly the dominant form of DNA radiation damage, which is then also dependent on the nucleotide sequence.
The importance of carbohydrate chemistry in biological and medicinal chemistry has led to enormous developments in the synthesis of carbohydrate mimics. In this context, the synthesis of branched sugars in general and of 2-C-branched carbohydrates in particular, as well as the synthesis of 1,2-annulated sugars, have received immense attention. They serve not only as carbohydrate mimics in the form of stand-alone molecules, but also as useful intermediates in the synthesis of many natural products, their analogues, and glycosidase inhibitors. This microreview covers the recent synthetic efforts in this area and puts the subject matter into proper perspective for future developments.
Polypeptides having secondary structures often undergo self-assembly which can extend over multiple length scales. Poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG), for example, folds into α-helices and forms physical organogels, whereas poly(L-glutamic acid) (PLGA at acidic pH) or poly(L-glutamate) (PLG at neutral/basic pH) do not form hydrogels. We explored the gelation of modified PBLG and investigated the deprotection of the carboxylic acid moieties in such gels to yield unique hydrogels. This was accomplished through photo-crosslinking gelation of poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate-co-allylglycine) statistical copolymers in toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,4-dioxane. Unlike most polymer-based chemical gels, our gels were prepared from dilute solutions (<20 g L−1, i.e., <2% w/v) of low molar mass polymers. Despite such low concentrations and molar masses, our dioxane gels showed high mechanical stability and little shrinkage; remarkably, they also exhibited a porous fibrillar network. Deprotection of the carboxylic acid moieties in dioxane gels yielded pH responsive and highly absorbent PLGA/PLG-based hydrogels (swelling ratio of up to 87), while preserving the network structure, which is an unprecedented feature in the context of crosslinked PLGA gels. These outstanding properties are highly attractive for biomedical materials.
Polypeptides having secondary structures often undergo self-assembly which can extend over multiple length scales. Poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG), for example, folds into a-helices and forms physical organogels, whereas poly(L-glutamic acid) (PLGA at acidic pH) or poly(L-glutamate) (PLG at neutral/basic pH) do not form hydrogels. We explored the gelation of modified PBLG and investigated the deprotection of the carboxylic acid moieties in such gels to yield unique hydrogels. This was accomplished through photo-crosslinking gelation of poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate-co-allylglycine) statistical copolymers in toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,4-dioxane. Unlike most polymer-based chemical gels, our gels were prepared from dilute solutions (<20 g L-1, i.e., <2% w/v) of low molar mass polymers. Despite such low concentrations and molar masses, our dioxane gels showed high mechanical stability and little shrinkage; remarkably, they also exhibited a porous fibrillar network. Deprotection of the carboxylic acid moieties in dioxane gels yielded pH responsive and highly absorbent PLGA/PLG-based hydrogels (swelling ratio of up to 87), while preserving the network structure, which is an unprecedented feature in the context of crosslinked PLGA gels. These outstanding properties are highly attractive for biomedical materials.
Conformationally fixed carbohydrate analogues are promising small-molecule inhibitors for hydrolases like O-GlcNAcase (OGA); however, their synthesis usually requires many steps. Herein we describe cycloadditions of dichloroketene to various glycals and subsequent Beckmann rearrangements, which offer an easy and stereoselective entry to glycosamine derivatives in good yields. The reactions are applicable for hexoses, pentoses, and disaccharides, and transformations to the corresponding imidates proceed smoothly. First biological tests reveal that such imidates indeed inhibit human OGA.
Bio-inspired V2O5-polymer hybrid films were prepared following a one-step self-organization procedure based on liquid crystal formation of organic and inorganic components. These materials were previously reported to exhibit advantageous mechanical properties, comparable to biomaterials, such as human bone and dentin. Here, we show that these hybrid films prepared via a fast and simple synthesis procedure have an additional function as an electrochromic material, exhibiting a long-term cycle stability under alternating potentials. The structures were found to remain intact without visible changes after more than hundred switching cycles and storing the devices for several weeks. Consequently, this multifunctional V2O5-polymer hybrid system shows great promise for various technical applications.
In this contribution, we provide a detailed dynamical analysis of the interfacial hydrogen migration mediated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Contributions from the STM-current and from the non-adiabatic couplings are taken into account using only first principle models. The slight asymmetry of the tunnelling rates with respect to the potential bias sign inferred from experimental observations is reproduced by weighting the contributions of the metal acceptor–donor states for the propagation of the impinging electrons. The quasi-thermal inelastic collision mechanism is treated perturbatively. The influence of hydrogen pre-coverage is also investigated using new potential energy surfaces obtained from periodic density functional theory calculations. Fully quantum dynamical simulations of the system evolution are performed by solving the Pauli master equation, providing insight into the reaction mechanism of STM manipulation of subsurface hydrogens. It is observed that the hydrogen impurity favors resurfacing over occupation of the bulk and subsurface sites whenever possible. The present simulations give strong indication that the experimentally observed protuberances after STM-excitation are due to hydrogen accumulating in the vicinity of the surface.
The present study deals with the adsorption performance of fixed bed columns using powdered sulphoxide modified poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) (d(10) < 13 mu m, d(50) < 30 mu m, d(90) < 50 mu m) for the separation of platinum and ruthenium from hydrochloric acidic solutions containing both metals (c(Pt) = 20 mg/L, c(Ru) = 10 mg/L). The influence of hydrochloric acid concentration, temperature, flow rate, flow direction, redox potential and bed height on the breakthrough characteristics was examined. Platinum was separately adsorbed mainly induced by hydrochloric acid concentration and redox potential keeping platinum as Pt-IV and ruthenium as Ru-III. Ruthenium was separately adsorbed to 90% essentially induced by hydrochloric acid concentration, temperature and redox potential keeping platinum as Pt-IV and ruthenium predominantly as Ru-IV. Experimental data at optimised separation conditions were fitted to different kinetic models (Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, Bohart-Adams, Wolborska) to characterise the fixed bed column behaviour. Adsorption of both metals was well described by Thomas and Yoon-Nelson model with correlation coefficients R-2 >= 0.95 whereas Bohart-Adams and Wolborska model were less suitable. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Oxide/water interfaces are ubiquitous in a wide variety of applications and the environment. Despite this ubiquity, and attendant decades of study, gaining molecular level insight into water/oxide interaction has proven challenging. In part, this challenge springs from a lack of tools to concurrently characterize changes in surface structure (i.e., water/oxide interaction from the perspective of the solid) and O-H population and local environment (i.e., water/oxide interaction from the water perspective). Here, we demonstrate the application of surface specific vibrational spectroscopy to the characterization of the interaction of the paradigmatic alpha-Al2O3(0001) surface and water. By probing both the interfacial Al-O (surface phonon) and O-H spectral response, we characterize this interaction from both perspectives. Through electronic structure calculation, we assign the interfacial Al-O response and rationalize its changes on surface dehydroxylation and reconstruction. Because our technique is all-optical and interface specific, it is equally applicable to oxide surfaces in vacuum, ambient atmospheres and at the solid/liquid interface. Application of this approach to additional alumina surfaces and other oxides thus seems likely to significantly expand our understanding of how water meets oxide surfaces and thus the wide variety of phenomena this interaction controls. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.
Ionogels (IGs), also termed ion gels, are functional hybrid materials based on an ionic liquid (IL) and a polymeric, hybrid, or inorganic matrix. IGs combine the properties of the matrix such as mechanical strength with IL properties like high ionic conductivity, high thermal stability, or catalytic activity. IGs are thus attractive for many applications, but the vast majority of IGs made and published so far are bulk materials or dense films. Applications like sensing or catalysis, however, would benefit from IGs with high surface areas or defined surface morphologies or architectures. In spite of this, only relatively few examples of high-surface-area IGs have been made so far; this has mostly been achieved by electrospinning, which has proven to be a promising strategy towards advanced IGs. The current review discusses first developments and outlines the future potential of electrospun ionogels, predominantly from a materials and inorganic chemistry perspective.
New V-shaped non-centrosymmetric dyes, possessing a strongly electron-deficient azacyanine core, have been synthesized based on a straightforward two-step approach. The key step in this synthesis involves palladium-catalysed cross-coupling of dibromo-N,N′-methylene-2,2′-azapyridinocyanines with arylacetylenes. The resulting strongly polarized π-expanded heterocycles exhibit green to orange fluorescence and they strongly respond to changes in solvent polarity. We demonstrate that differently electron-donating peripheral groups have a significant influence on the internal charge transfer, hence on the solvent effect and fluorescence quantum yield. TD-DFT calculations confirm that, in contrast to the previously studied bis(styryl)azacyanines, the proximity of S1 and T2 states calculated for compounds bearing two 4-N,N-dimethylaminophenylethynyl moieties establishes good conditions for efficient intersystem crossing and is responsible for its low fluorescence quantum yield. Non-linear properties have also been determined for new azacyanines and the results show that depending on peripheral groups, the synthesized dyes exhibit small to large two-photon absorption cross sections reaching 4000 GM.
In situ X-ray diffraction studies of structural evolution of colloidal crystal films formed by polystyrene spherical particles upon incremental heating are reported. The Bragg peak parameters, such as peak position, integrated intensity, and radial and azimuthal widths were analyzed as a function of temperature. A quantitative study of colloidal crystal lattice distortions and mosaic spread as a function of temperature was carried out using Williamson-Hall plots based on mosaic block model. The temperature dependence of the diameter of polystyrene particles was obtained from the analysis of Bragg peaks, and the form factor contribution extracted from the diffraction patterns. Four stages of structural evolution in a colloidal crystal upon heating were identified. Based on this analysis, a model of the heating and melting process in the colloidal crystal film is suggested.
1,2-Dithiosquaratonickelates are available by direct synthesis from metal salts with dipotassium-1,2-dithiosquarate and the appropriate counter cations. The synthesis and characterization, including mass spectrometry, of a series 1,2-dithiosquaratonickelates(II), [Ni(dtsq)(2)](2-), with several "onium" cations is reported and the X-ray structures of two diamagnetic complexes, (HexPh(3)P)(2)[Ni(dtsq)(2)] and (BuPh3P)(2)[Ni(dtsq)(2)] with sterically demanding counter ions are presented. The diamagnetic nickel complexes have been doped as host lattices with traces of Cu(II) to measure EPR for additional structural information. The thermal behavior of this series is studied by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The thermolysis in air as well as under nitrogen atmosphere of these complexes results in nickel oxide nano-particles in all cases, which are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction.
In this thesis we investigate the evaporation behaviour of sessile droplets of aqueous saline solutions on planar inert and metallic surfaces and characterise the corrosion phenomenon for iron surfaces. First we study the evaporation behaviour of sessile salty droplets on inert surfaces for a wide range of salt concentrations, relative humidities, droplet sizes and contact angles. Our study reveals the range of validity of the well-accepted diffusion-controlled evaporation model and highlights the impact of salt concentration (surface tension) gradients driven Marangoni flows on the evaporation behaviour and the subsequent salty deposit patterns. Furthermore we study the spatial-temporal evolution of sessile droplets from saline solutions on metallic surfaces. In contrast to the simple, generally accepted Evans droplet model, we show that the corrosion spreads ahead of the macroscopic contact line with a peripheral film. The three-phase contact line is destabilized by surface tension gradients induced by ionic composition changes during the course of the corrosion process and migration of cations towards the droplet perimeter. Finally we investigate the corrosion behaviour under drying salty sessile droplets on metallic surfaces. The corrosion process, in particular the location of anodic and cathodic activities over the footprint droplet area is correlated to the spatial distribution of the salt inside the drying droplet.
The molecular structure and conformational behavior of 3-methyl-3-phenyl-3-silatetrahydropyran 1 was studied by gas-phase electron diffraction (GED-MS), low temperature C-13 NMR spectroscopy (LT NMR) and theoretical calculations. The 1-Ph-eq and 1-Ph-ax conformers were located on the potential energy surface. Rotation about the Si-C-ph bond revealed the phenyl ring orthogonal to the averaged plane of the silatetrahydropyran ring for 1-Ph-eq and a twisted orientation for 1-Ph-ax. Theoretical calculations and GED analysis indicate the predominance of 1-Ph-ax in the gas phase with the ratio of conformers (GED) 1-Ph-eq:1-Ph-ax=38:62 (Delta G degrees(307)=-0.29 kcal/mol). In solution, LT NMR spectroscopy gives almost the opposite ratio Ph-eq:1-Ph-ax=68:32 (Delta G degrees(103)=0.16 kcal/mol). Simulation of solvent effects using the PCM continuum model or by calculation of the solvent-solute complexes allowed us to rationalize the experimentally observed opposite conformational predominance of the conformers of compound 1 in the gas phase and in solution. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular structure and conformational behavior of 3-isopropoxy-3-methyl-3-oxasilinane is studied by low temperature C-13 NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations (DFT, MP2). Two conformers, 1-ROax and 1-ROeq, were found experimentally and located on the potential energy surface. LT C-13 NMR spectroscopy gives almost equal population of the two conformers at 98 K with Delta G(98K)degrees=0.02 kcal/mol in favor of 1-ROax and Delta G(98K)(#)=4.5 kcal/mol. The corresponding DFT calculated values (Delta G(98K)degrees=0.03 kcal/mol, Delta G(98K)(#)=5.1 kcal/mol) are in excellent agreement with the experiment. Detailed DFT and MP2 calculations of the solvent effect on the conformational equilibrium were performed and highlighted the leveling out of the two conformers when transferred from gas to solution. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
3-Methyl-3-silatetrahydropyran 1 was synthesized and its molecular structure and conformational behavior was studied by gas-phase electron diffraction (GED), FTIR, low temperature H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, and by theoretical calculations (DFT, MP2). Two conformers; 1-ax and 1-eq; were located on the potential energy Surface. In the gas phase; a slight predominance of the axial conformer was determined, with the ratio 1-ax:1-eq = 54(9):46(9) (from GED) or 53:47 or 61;39 (from IR). In solution, LT NMR spectroscopy at 103 K gives the ratio 1-ax:1-eq = 35:65 (-Delta G(103)degrees = 0.13 kcal/mol). Simulation of solvent effects using the PCM continuum model or by calculation of the corresponding solvent-solute complexes allowed us to rationalize the experimentally observed opposite conformational predominance of the conformers of 3-methyl-3-silatettahydropyran in the gas phase and in solution. Comparative analysis of the effect of heteroatom in 1-hetero-3-methyl-3-silacyclohexanes on the structure, stereoelectronic interactions, and relative energies of the conformers is done.
Porphyrin substituent regiochemistry, conformation and packing - the case of 5,10-diphenylporphyrin
(2015)
5,10-Disubstituted porphyrins are more recent additions to the family of meso-substituted porphyrins. A crystallographic comparison of 5,10-diphenylporphyrin with the regioisomeric 5,15-disubstituted system reveals striking differences in their conformation. In the free base porphyrins the former uses mainly out-of-plane distortion to alleviate steric strain while in-plane core elongation predominates in the latter. In contrast, the structure of the Cu(II) complex is planar and forms strong p-p aggregates with very small lateral shifts. Macroscopically, the packing is similar to that of porphyrin sponges of the 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin type.
Poly(N-propargyl glycine) (PNPG) can be readily prepared by ring-opening polymerization of N-propargyl glycine N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) and modified using various addition reactions such as copper catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of azide, radical (photo-)addition of thiol, nucleophilic addition of ethylene oxide, and thermal induced cross-linking. It is demonstrated that PNPG can serve as a modular platform to produce a bibliography of novel functional polypeptoid or pseudopeptide materials, including polypeptoid ionic liquids and graft copolymers.
Polypeptoids have been of great interest in the polymer science community since the early half of the last century; however, they had been basically forgotten materials until the last decades in which they have enjoyed an exciting revival. In this mini-review, we focus on the recent developments in polypeptoid chemistry, with particular focus on polymers synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). Specifically, we will review traditional monomer synthesis (such as Leuchs, Katchalski, and Kricheldorf) and recent advances in polymerization methods to yield both linear, cyclic, and functional polymers, solution and bulk thermal properties, and preliminary results on the use of polypeptoids as biomaterials (i.e immunogenicity, biodistribution, degradability, and drug delivery).
As polypeptoids become increasingly popular, they present a more soluble and processable alternative to natural and synthetic polypeptides; the breadth of their potential functionality slowly comes into focus. This report analyzes the ability of an alkyne-functionalized polypeptoid, poly(N-propargyl glycine), to crosslink upon heating. The crosslinking process is analyzed by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis), Fourier-transform infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. While a precise mechanism cannot be confidently assigned, it is clear that the reaction proceeds by a radical mechanism that exclusively involves the alkyne functionality, which, upon crosslinking, yields alkene and aromatic products.
Three oligo[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] based polyesterurethanes (OLGA-PUs) containing different diurethane linkers are investigated by the Langmuir monolayer technique and compared to poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) to elucidate the influence of the diurethane junction units on hydrophilicity and packing motifs of these polymers at the air-water interface. The presence of diurethane linkers does not manifest itself in the Langmuir layer behavior both in compression and expansion experiments when monomolecular films of OLGA-PUs are spread on the water surface. However, the linker retard the evolution of morphological structures at intermediate compression level under isobaric conditions (with a surface pressure greater than 11 mN m(-1)) compared to the PLGA, independent on the chemical structure of the diurethane moiety. The layer thicknesses of both OLGA-PU and PLGA films decrease in the high compression state with decreasing surface pressure, as deduced from ellipsometric data. All films must be described with the effective medium approximation as water swollen layers.
A highly K+-selective two-photon fluorescent probe for the in vitro monitoring of physiological K+ levels in the range of 1-100 mM is reported. The two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) probe shows a fluorescence enhancement (FE) by a factor of about three in the presence of 160 mM K+, independently of one-photon (OP, 430 nm) or two-photon (TP, 860 nm) excitation and comparable K+-induced FEs in the presence of competitive Na+ ions. The estimated dissociation constant (K-d) values in Na+-free solutions (K-d(OP)=(28 +/- 5) mM and K-d(TP)=(36 +/- 6) mM) and in combined K+/Na+ solutions (K-d(OP)=(38 +/- 8) mM and K-d(TP)=(46 +/- 25) mM) reflecting the high K+/Na+ selectivity of the fluorescent probe. The TP absorption cross-section (sigma(2PA)) of the TPEF probe+160 mMK(+) is 26 GM at 860 nm. Therefore, the TPEF probe is a suitable tool for the in vitro determination of K+.
Nonlinear optical response of photochromic azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers
(2015)
The combination of photochromic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) constitutes an intriguing step towards novel photonic and optoelectronic devices. By utilizing the second-order NLO process of second harmonic generation (SHG), supported by density-functional theory and correlated wave function method calculations, we demonstrate that the photochromic interface provides the necessary prerequisites en route towards possible future technical applications: we find a high NLO contrast on the order of 16% between the switching states. These are furthermore accessible reversibly and with high efficiencies in terms of cross sections on the order of 10−18 cm2 for both photoisomerization reactions, i.e., drivable by means of low-power LED light sources. Finally, both photostationary states (PSSs) are thermally stable at ambient conditions.
Nonlinear optical response of photochromic azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers
(2015)
The combination of photochromic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) constitutes an intriguing step towards novel photonic and optoelectronic devices. By utilizing the second-order NLO process of second harmonic generation (SHG), supported by density-functional theory and correlated wave function method calculations, we demonstrate that the photochromic interface provides the necessary prerequisites en route towards possible future technical applications: we find a high NLO contrast on the order of 16% between the switching states. These are furthermore accessible reversibly and with high efficiencies in terms of cross sections on the order of 10(-18) cm(2) for both photoisomerization reactions, i.e., drivable by means of low-power LED light sources. Finally, both photostationary states (PSSs) are thermally stable at ambient conditions.
Nonlinear optical response of photochromic azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers
(2015)
The combination of photochromic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of azobenzene-functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) constitutes an intriguing step towards novel photonic and optoelectronic devices. By utilizing the second-order NLO process of second harmonic generation (SHG), supported by density-functional theory and correlated wave function method calculations, we demonstrate that the photochromic interface provides the necessary prerequisites en route towards possible future technical applications: we find a high NLO contrast on the order of 16% between the switching states. These are furthermore accessible reversibly and with high efficiencies in terms of cross sections on the order of 10−18 cm2 for both photoisomerization reactions, i.e., drivable by means of low-power LED light sources. Finally, both photostationary states (PSSs) are thermally stable at ambient conditions.
Incorporating photochromic molecules into organic/inorganic hybrid materials may lead to photoresponsive systems. In such systems, the second-order nonlinear properties can be controlled via external stimulation with light at an appropriate wavelength. By creating photochromic molecular switches containing self-assembled monolayers on Si(111), we can demonstrate efficient reversible switching, which is accompanied by a pronounced modulation of the nonlinear optical (NLO) response of the system. The concept of utilizing functionalized photoswitchable Si surfaces could be a way for the generation of two-dimensional NLO switching materials, which are promising for applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices.
Protein metal coordination interactions were recently found to function as crucial mechanical cross-links in certain biological materials. Mussels, for example, use Fe ions from the local environment coordinated to DOPA-rich proteins to stiffen the protective cuticle of their anchoring byssal attachment threads. Bioavailability of metal ions in ocean habitats varies significantly owing to natural and anthropogenic inputs on both short and geological spatio-temporal scales leading to large variations in byssal thread metal composition; however, it is not clear how or if this affects thread performance. Here, we demonstrate that in natural environments mussels can opportunistically replace Fe ions in the DOPA coordination complex with V and Al. In vitro removal of the native DOPA metal complexes with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and replacement with either Fe or V does not lead to statistically significant changes in cuticle performance, indicating that each metal ion is equally sufficient as a DOPA cross-linking agent, able to account for nearly 85% of the stiffness and hardness of the material. Notably, replacement with Al ions also leads to full recovery of stiffness, but only 82% recovery of hardness. These findings have important implications for the adaptability of this biological material in a dynamically changing and unpredictable habitat.
Tandem Claisen Rearrangement/6-endo Cyclization Approach to Allylated and Prenylated Chromones
(2015)
Allyl, dimethylallyl and prenyl ethers derived from o-acyl-phenols reacted upon microwave irradiation to form C-allylated or -prenylated chromone derivatives, depending on the substitution pattern of the arene and the allyl substituent. The reaction proceeds through a tandem Claisen rearrangement and 6-endo-trig or 6-endo-dig cyclization sequence. For prenyl ethers, the tandem sequence can be extended by a Cope rearrangement to furnish 6-prenylchromones. The method is potentially useful for the synthesis of natural products and drugs.
Magnaldehydes B and E along with their 4'-methylated derivatives are naturally occurring 2,4'-biphenols that have been isolated from the Magnoliaceae. Herein, these natural products have been synthesized from a common intermediate, which was obtained by a microwave-promoted, hetero-geneously catalyzed, and protecting-group-free Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction in an aqueous medium. These reaction conditions were also successfully applied to a one-step synthesis of the slime mold metabolite dictyobiphenyl B.
The acetamide group enables regioselective oxidative ortho-C-H activation reactions, such as Pd-catalyzed acylation. The synthetic utility of these transformations can be significantly enhanced by using the acetamide as a quasi-leaving group in a subsequent conventional Pd-catalyzed coupling or cross-coupling reaction. The concept is illustrated herein for the synthesis of o-alkenyl- and o-arylphenones, which have potential for the synthesis of arylated aromatic heterocycles.