Self-assembly of 4-ferrocene thiophenol capped electroactive gold nanoparticles onto gold electrode

Gold nanoparticles capped by 4-ferrocene thiophenol with an average core size of 2.5 nm and surface plasmon absorbance at 522 nm were place-exchanged with 1,8-octanedithiol, and then self-assembled onto the gold electrode via tail SH group. The self-assembly was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammograms examined the coverage fraction of the self-assembled monolayers of the electroactive gold nanoparticles and the formal potential of the indicated SAMs. Further experiments exhibited that the electrode process was controlled by surface confined faradic reactions.

Anion coordination and molecular assembly in C2-substituted thiamine-anion systems: effects of the anion and molecular conformation

The compounds (het)(PtCl6)2H(2)O 1, (het)(HgI4).H2O 2 (het = 2-(alpha-hydroxyethyl)thiamine) and (hpt)(Hg2Br6) 3 (hpt = 2-(alpha-hydroxypropyl)thiamine) have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography in order to study the influence of the anion and molecular conformation on the formation of supramolecular architectures that adsorb anionic species. Both het and hpt molecules adopt the usual S conformation for C2-substituted thiamine but differ from the F conformation for C2-free thiamine derivatives. Two types of characteristic ligand-anion complexation are observed, being of the forms C(6')-H...anion...thiazolium-ring (in 1 and 2) and N(4'1)-H...anion...thiazolium-ring (in 3). The reaction of het with PtCl62- or HgI42- gives a 1-D double-chain in 1, consisting of two hydrogen-bonded het chains, which are cross-linked by anions through hydrogen bonding and anion...aromatic-ring interactions, or a cationic 3-D framework in 2 formed by the stacking of hydrogen-bonded sheets with anion-and-water-filled channels. In the case of 3, hydrogen-bonded hpt dimers and HgBr62- anions form alternate cation-anion columns. A comparison with the cases of C2-free thiamine-anion complexes indicates that the change in molecular conformation results in novel supramolecular assemblies in 1 and 2 and an analogous architecture in 3, which also depends on the nature of the anions.

New high-dimensional networks based on polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks

Three novel supramolecular assemblies constructed from polyoxometalate and crown ether building blocks, [(DB18C6)Na(H2O)(1.5)](2)Mo6O19.CH3CN, 1, and [{Na(DB18C6)(H2O)(2)}(3)(H2O)(2)]XMo12O40.6DMF.CH3CN (X = P, 2, and As, 3; DB18C6 = dibenzo-18-crown-6; DMF = N,N-dimethylfomamide), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, EPR, TG, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/mbm with a = 16.9701(6) Angstrom, c = 14.2676(4) Angstrom, and Z = 2. Compound 2 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15,7435(17) Angstrom, c = 30.042(7) Angstrom, gamma = 120degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 3 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m with a = 15.6882(5) Angstrom, c = 29.9778(18) Angstrom, gamma = 120degrees, and Z = 2. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual three-dimensional network with one-dimensional sandglasslike channels based on the extensive weak forces between the oxygen atoms on the [Mo6O19](2-) polyoxoanions and the CH2 groups of crown ether molecules, Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural, and both contain a novel semiopen cagelike trimeric cation [{Na(DB18C6)(H2O)(2)}(3)(H2O)(2)](3+). In their packing arrangement, an interesting 2-D "honeycomblike" "host" network is formed, in which the [XMo12O40](3-) (X = As and P) polyoxoanion "guests" resided.

The synthesis and crystal structure of vanadium complexes: [(VO2)-O-IV(phen)(2)]center dot 6H(2)O and [2,2 '-(bipy)(2)(VO2)-O-V](H2BO3)center dot 3H(2)O

The organic-inorganic hybrid materials vanadium oxide [(VO2)-O-IV(phen)(2)](.)6H(2)O (1) and [(2,2'-bipy)(2)(VO2)-O-V](H2BO3)(.)3H(2)O (2) have been conventional and hydrothermal synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, respectively. Although the method and the ligand had been used in the syntheses of the compounds (1) and (2) are different, they almost possess similar structure. They all exhibit the distorted octahedral [VO2N4] unit with organonitrogen donors of the phen and 2,2'-bipy ligands, respectively, which coordinated directly to the vanadium oxide framework. And they are both non-mixed-valence complexes. But the compound (1) is isolated, and the compound (2) consists of a cation of [(2,2'-bipy)(2)(VO2)-O-V](+) and an anion of (H2BO3)(-). So the valence of vanadium of (1) and (2) are tetravalence and pentavalence, respectively. Meanwhile it is noteworthy that pi-pi stacking interaction between adjacent phen and 2,2'-bipy groups in compounds I and 2 also play a significant role in stabilization of the structure. Thus, the structure Of [(VO2)-O-IV(phen)(2)](.)6H(2)O and [(2,2'-bipy)(2)(VO2)-O-V](H2BO3)(.)3H(2)O are both further extended into interesting three-dimensional supramolecular.

Relationship between the continually expanded interlayer distance of layered silicates and excess intercalation of cationic surfactants

Excess intercalation of cationic surfactants into Na-montmorillonites (MMTs) was investigated in organically modified silicates (OMSs), synthesized with MMTs and octadecylammonium chloride (OAC) by systematically varying the surfactant loading level from 0.625 to 1, 1.25, 1.56, 2, and 2.5 with respect to the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of MMTs. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that the continuous increase of interlayer distances came from the entering of surfactants into the interlayer of MMTs. Excess surfactants were extracted with a Soxhlet apparatus, which showed two kinds of intercalation states of surfactants in the interlayer when the surfactant loading level was beyond the CEC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to explore the microstructures of OMSs. It was found that the surfactants arranged more orderly as the loading level increased and the excess surfactants piled up in the interlayer together with counterions, forming a sandwiched surfactant layer. On the basis of the results, the layer structures of OMSs and the mechanism by which the surfactants entered the interlayer were expounded: surfactant cations entered the interlayer through cation exchange reactions and were tightly attracted to the silicate platelet surfaces when the surfactant loading level was below the CEC;

Effects of surfactant loadings on the dispersion of clays in maleated polypropylene

A series of organically modified clays (OMCs) with a surfactant loading range from 0.625 to 2.5 times the cation exchange capacity (CEC) were melt-mixed with maleated polypropylene (PPMA). Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results of these narrocomposites show that dispersion of clays becomes unfavorable in the PPMA matrix during melt intercalation as the surfactant loading increases in the process of modifying clays, though larger interlayer distances are obtained in their corresponding OMCs. It is even important that clays uniformly disperse at the nanoscale level in the PPMA matrix when the surfactant loadings are below the CEC, which implies that incomplete exchange of inorganic cations in the process of modifying clay benefits the dispersion of clays in the PPMA matrix.

Geometries and electronic properties of AunPdm (n=1-4, m =-1, 0, 1) clusters

Possible conformers for AunPdm (n = 1-4, m = -1, 0, 1) clusters have been presented and studied by use of density functional theory. The results indicate that for n = 2, linear conformer with C-infinityv symmetry is the most stable for anion species, while for cation and neutral species, conformer with C-2v symmetry is the most stable. For n = 3, 4, conformers with C-2v symmetry (kite-shape) are energetically favored. The calculated electron affinities (EAs) and vertical detachment energies (VDEs) are in good agreement with experiments for n = 1-4. It is also interesting to note that for even n (n = 2, 4), the most stable conformers do not give the best agreement between calculated and experimental EA and VDE values, while for odd n (n = 3), the lowest energy conformer also gives the best agreement. The ionization potentials (IPs) of AunPd clusters are calculated as well.

Synthesis of Sr2CeO4: Eu-3 by citrate-gel method and its luminescence properties

A novel phosphor Sr2CeO4 was synthesized by the citrate-gel method. The results of XRD show that the temperature at which the crystallization starting is lowered and the soak time for complete crystallization is decreased. The values of pH of the precursor and the ratio( R) between the citrate and cation ions have an effect on the crystallization process. The host can transfer its exciting energy to rare earth ion Eu3+. The doped compound emits strong white light when the concentration of the doped Eu3+ is low. When that of Eu3+ is increased, it emits strong red light. The fluorescence from the higher excited states can be observed because the multiphonon relaxation probability between Eu3+ ions is low.

Effect of alkyl group length on the conductivity in the 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis(alkyl-thio)tetraazaporphyrins and redox properties of the metallooctakis(hexyl-thio)tetraazaporphyrins

A series of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis(alkyl-thio)tetraazaporphyrins (H(2)OATTAP) with different alkyl chain lengths have been synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry have been used to investigate the effect of the controlled lengths of the eight peripheral thioether tails on the redox behavior of the molecules. The electrochemical reduction of octakis(hexyl-thio)tetraazaporphyrins, MOHTTAP (where M = Cu, Ni), was studied in 1,2-dichloroethane at a platinum electrode. The Cu derivative was oxidized in one single-electron-transfer step to yield a pi-cation radical and reduced in three single-electron-transfer steps to yield a pi-anion radical, dianion and trianion, respectively. For the Ni derivative, electron transfer reactions involving both the central metal atom and the macrocyclic ring were observed. Electron transfer pathways are proposed based upon voltammetric and in situ spectroelectrochemical results.

[H2N (C2H4)(2)NH2](4) (H3O) [(PMo2Mo6V4O40)-Mo-V-V-VI-O-IV ((VO)-O-IV)(2)] center dot H2O: A new highly reduced, bicapped pseudo-Keggin vanadylpoly-molybdophosphate

A new vandylpolymolybdophosphate, [H2N(C2H4)(2)NH2](4)-(H3O)[(PMo2Mo6V4O40)-Mo-V-V-VI-O-IV((VO)-O-IV)(2)].H2O, was hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, XPS, ESR spectra, mid singe crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound contains an unusual highly reduced pseudo-Keggin type polyoxoanion with nine negative charges and exhibits an interesting phosphorus-centered alternate layer arrangement of molybdenum and vanadium oxides.

Capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection of procyclidine in human urine pretreated by ion-exchange cartridge

This paper describe a Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method to detect procyclidine in human urine following separation by capillary electrophoresis (CE). An ECL detection cell was designed for post-column addition of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+). Parameters affecting separation and detection were optimized, leading to a detection limit of 1 x 10(-9) mol/l in an on-capillary stacking mode. For application in urine, a cartridge packed with slightly acidic cation-exchange resin was used to eliminate the matrix effects of urine and improve the detection sensitivity. Extraction recovery was nearly 90%.

Synthesis and structure of iron complex with 1,2-dithiolate-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane [Li(THF)(4)][Fe(S2C2B10H10)(2)(THF)]

The crystal of complex [Li(THF)(4)][Fe(S2C2B10H10)(2)(THF)] 3 belongs to monoclinic, space group P2(1) with a = 11.964(2), b = 16.527(3), c = 12.554(3) Angstrom,beta = 108.70(3)degrees, V= 2351.3(8) Angstrom(3), Z = 2, M-r = 835.95, D-c = 1.181 g/cm(3), mu (MoKalpha) = 5.30 cm(-1), f(000) = '874, R = 0.0622 and Rw 0.1538 for 1641 observed reflections with I > 2sigma(I). The ionic complex,of 3 contains the square pyramidal anion of [Fe(S2C2B10H10)(2)(THF)](-) and the tetrahedral cation of [Li(THF)(4)](+). The iron is 5-coordinated and located in the square pyramidal configuration. The iron atom and the four sulfur atoms are almost coplanar. The Lithium atom is coordinated with four oxygen atoms of four THF molecules and located in a tetrahedral configuration.

Liquid-phase hydrogenation of furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol catalyzed by polymer resin supported palladium catalysts

Three kinds of polymer resin supported Pd catalysts were prepared by mixing PdCl2, with alkaline styrene anion exchange resins[D392 -NH2, D382, -NHCH3, D301R, -NH(CH3)(2)], strongly alkaline styrene anion exchanged resin [201 X 7DVB, -NH+ (CH3)(3)] and alkaline epoxy exchange resin (701, -NH2), and hydrogenating in liquid phase at 1.013 X 10(5) Pa. The hydrogenation of furfural was studied under the reaction conditions such as solvent, temperature. Pd content in the supported catalyst and the amount of the catalyst. The yield of hydrogenation reaction of furfural markedly increased to 100% and the selectivity to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol increased to over 98% by polymer (alkaline styrene anion exchange resins D392, -NH2, D382, -NHCH3) supported palladium catalysts comparing with the yield over 70% and selectivity over 97% by palladium catalyst, in 50% alcohol-50% water or pure water solution at 1.013 X 10(5) Pa. The relationship between hydrogenation and the structures of functional group in the supporting resin was examined by XPS method.

Interactions of thiamine monophosphate (TMP) with one- and two-dimensional polymeric halogenomercurate anions. Crystal structures of (TMP)(Hg2Br5)center dot 0.5H(2)O and (TMP)(2)(Hg3I8)

An investigation into the interactions between thiamine monophosphate (TMP) and anions has resulted in the preparation and X-ray characterization of the compounds (TMP)(Hg2Br5).0.5H(2)O (1) and (TMP)(2)(Hg3I8) (2). In each compound the TMP molecule exists as a monovalent cation in the usual F conformation. The halogenomercurate anions occur in two-dimensional (2-D) network in 1 or one-dimensional (1-D) chain in 2. In both 1 and 2, the structures consist of alternating cationic sheets of the hydrogen-bonded TMP molecules and anionic sheets of the polymeric halogenomercurate anions. The TMP molecule binds to the polymeric anions through the characteristic 'anion bridge I', C(2)-H..X...pyrimidinium (X = Br in 1 and 1 in 2), and electrostatic interactions between electropositive S(1) and halogen atoms. The 'anion bridge II' of the type N(4'1)-H...X...thiazolium (X = phosphate group) plays a role in stabilizing the molecular conformation. The biological implication of the host-guest-like complexation between TMP and polymeric anions is discussed.

Construction and control of plasmid DNA network

The influences of different cations on plasmid DNA network structures on a mica substrate were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interactions between the DNA strands and mica substrate, and between the DNA strands themselves were more strongly influenced by the complex cations (Fe(phen)(3)(2+), Ni(phen)(3)(2+), and Co(phen)(3)(3+)) than by the simple cations (Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Co3+). The mesh height of the plasmid DNA network was higher when the complex cations were added to DNA samples. The mesh size decreased with increasing DNA concentration and increased with decreasing DNA concentration in the same cation solution sample. Hence, plasmid DNA network height can be controlled by selecting different cations, and the mesh size can be controlled by adjusting plasmid DNA concentration.