Application of a modified z-cosy experiment for the analysis of spectra of oriented molecules - the spectrum of cis,cis-mucanonitrile

NMR spectra of cis,cis-mucanonitrile oriented in a liquid crystal have been analysed using the connectivity information obtained from a modified Z-COSY experiment which provided crucial clues for the starting parameters for the iterative analysis. The proton spectra with and without C-13 satellites and the C-13 spectra have thus been interpreted. The indirect spin-spin couplings required for the analyses have been obtained from the corresponding isotropic spectra. The H-1-H-1 and C-13-H-1 dipolar couplings so obtained have been utilized to determine the relative internuclear distances. The results indicate that the molecule is planar. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.

Optimal pulse spacing for dynamical decoupling in the presence of a purely dephasing spin bath

Maintaining quantum coherence is a crucial requirement for quantum computation; hence protecting quantum systems against their irreversible corruption due to environmental noise is an important open problem. Dynamical decoupling (DD) is an effective method for reducing decoherence with a low control overhead. It also plays an important role in quantum metrology, where, for instance, it is employed in multiparameter estimation. While a sequence of equidistant control pulses the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequence] has been ubiquitously used for decoupling, Uhrig recently proposed that a nonequidistant pulse sequence the Uhrig dynamic decoupling (UDD) sequence] may enhance DD performance, especially for systems where the spectral density of the environment has a sharp frequency cutoff. On the other hand, equidistant sequences outperform UDD for soft cutoffs. The relative advantage provided by UDD for intermediate regimes is not clear. In this paper, we analyze the relative DD performance in this regime experimentally, using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. Our system qubits are C-13 nuclear spins and the environment consists of a H-1 nuclear spin bath whose spectral density is close to a normal (Gaussian) distribution. We find that in the presence of such a bath, the CPMG sequence outperforms the UDD sequence. An analogy between dynamical decoupling and interference effects in optics provides an intuitive explanation as to why the CPMG sequence performs better than any nonequidistant DD sequence in the presence of this kind of environmental noise.

Reactions of the hexachlorocyclodiphosphazane [MeNPCl3]2 with primary aromatic amines: formation of highly basic bisphosphinimines

Reactions of hexachlorocyclodiphosphazane [MeNPCl3]2 with primary aromatic amines afforded the bisphosphinimine hydrochlorides [(RNH)2(RN)PN(Me)P(NHMe)(NHR)2]+Cl- (R = Ph 1, C6H4Me-4 2 or C6H4OMe-4 3). Dehydrochlorination of 2 and 3 by methanolic KOH yielded highly basic bisphosphinimines [(RNH)2(RN)PN(Me)P(NMe)(NHR)2] (R = C6H4Me-4 4 or C6H4OMe-4 5). Compounds 1-5 have been characterised by elemental analysis and IR and NMR (H-1, C-13, P-31) spectroscopy. The structure of 2 has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The short P-N bond lengths and the conformations of the PN, units can be explained on the basis of cumulative negative hyperconjugative interactions between nitrogen lone pairs and adjacent P-N sigma* orbitals. Ab initio calculations on the model phosphinimine (H2N)3P=NH and its protonated form suggest that (amino)phosphinimines would be stronger bases compared to many organic bases such as guanidine.

Studies on pyridinium hexafluorostannate and its derivatives

Pyridinium hexafluorostannate, (C5H5NH)2SnF6, has been prepared by the reaction of stannous chloride or tin metal with pyridinium poly(hydrogen fluoride), PPHF, and identified by chemical analysis, IR and NMR (H-1, F-19, C-13). Making use of (C5H5NH)2SnF6 as a precursor, the following important hexafluorostannate salts have been synthesized in high yields at room temperature by ionic exchange: M2SnF6 (M = NH4, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and BaSnF6. These salts have been characterised by chemical analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Indexed powder X-ray diffraction data for Na2SnF6, Rb2SnF6 and Cs2SnF6 have been reported.

Carbon-13 and proton relaxation study of backbone dynamics of poly(vinyl acetate) in solution

The dynamics of poly(vinyl acetate) in toluene solution has been examined by C-13 and proton relaxation. C-13 spin-lattice relaxation time and nuclear Overhauser enhancement measurements were carried out as a function of temperature at 50.3 and 100.6 MHz. The spin-lattice relaxation times for backbone protons were measured at different temperatures at 200 MHz. The relaxation data have been analyzed using the Hall-Weber-Helfand (HWH) model, which describes backbone dynamics in terms of conformational transitions and the Dejean-Laupretre-Monnerie (DLM) model, which includes bond librations in addition to conformational transitions. The parameters obtained from the analysis of C-13 relaxation data were utilized to predict the proton relaxation data. The DLM model was found to be more successful in reproducing the experimental results. To study the influence of libration further, proton relaxation data for poly(vinyl acetate) over a wider range of temperature reported in the literature were analyzed by these two models. The DLM model could reproduce the experimental data at all temperatures whereas the HWH model was found to be successful only in accounting for the experimental data at high temperatures. The results demonstrate the importance of including the librational mode in the description of the backbone dynamics in polymers.

Carbon-13 relaxation study of chain segmental motion and side-chain internal rotations of poly(isobutyl methacrylate) in solution

The dynamics of poly(isobutyl methacrylate) in toluene solution has been examined by C-13 spin-lattice relaxation time and NOE measurements as a function of temperature. The experiments were performed at 50.3 and 100.6 MHz. The backbone carbon relaxation data have been analyzed using the Dejean-Laupretre-Monnerie (DLM) model, which describes the dynamical processes in the backbone in terms of conformational transitions and bond librations. The relaxation data of the side chain nuclei have been analyzed by assuming different motional models, namely, unrestricted rotational diffusion, three site jumps, and restricted rotational diffusion. The different models have been compared for their ability to reproduce the experimental spin-lattice relaxation times and also to predict the behavior of NOE as a function of temperature. Conformational energy calculations have been carried out on a model compound by using the semiempirical quantum chemical method, AM1, and the results confirm the validity of the motional models used to describe the side-chain motion.

Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Peptide-Based Ebselen Analogues

A series of di- and tripeptide-based ebselen analogues has been synthesized. The compounds were characterized by H-1, C-13, and Se-77 NMR spectroscopy and mass spectral techniques. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like antioxidant activity has been studied by using H2O2, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH), and cumene hydroperoxide (Cum-OOH) as substrates, and glutathione (GSH) as a co-substrate. Although all the peptide-based compounds have a selenazole ring similar to that of ebselen, the GPx activity of these compounds highly depends on the nature of the peptide moiety attached to the nitrogen atom of the selenazole ring. It was observed that the introduction of a phenylalanine (Phe) amino acid residue in the N-terminal reduces the activity in all three peroxide systems. On the other hand, the introduction of aliphatic amino acid residues such as valine (Val) significantly enhances the GPx activity of the ebselen analogues. The difference in the catalytic activity of dipeptide-based ebselen derivatives can be ascribed mainly to the change in the reactivity of these compounds toward GSH and peroxide. Although the presence of the Val-Ala-CO2Me moiety facilitates the formation of a catalytically active selenol species, the reaction of ebselen analogues that has a Phe-Ile-CO2Me residue with GSH does not generate the corresponding selenol. To understand the antioxidant activity of the peptide-based ebselen analogues in the absence of GSH, these compounds were studied for their ability to inhibit peroxynitrite (PN)-mediated nitration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123. In contrast to the GPx activity, the PN-scavenging activity of the Phe-based peptide analogues was found to be comparable to that of the Val-based compounds. However, the introduction of an additional Phe residue to the ebselen analogue that had a Val-Ala dipeptide significantly reduced the potency of the parent compound in PN-mediated nitration.

Polyethylene stibinite phosphate esters: Novel flame-retardant plasticizers for PVC

A new series of multielement flame-retardant plasticizers containing polyethylene stibinite phosphate esters have been prepared by bulk polymerization from ethylene glycol with various antimony (III) aryloxydichlorides and arylphosphorodichloridates possessing various combinations of substituent [Cl,Br,NO2]. All the polymers are pink-coloured viscous fluids. They were characterized by inherent viscosity, density, IR, H-1, C-13 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour of the polymers was compared by thermogravimetric analysis and correlated with their structures. The flammability studies were carried out by the limiting oxygen index test. The polymers containing P, Sb, N and Pr elements in their backbone show superior thermal-and flame-retardant characteristics than the other polymers. A comparative study was carried out with one of the synthesized polymers as a polymeric flame-retardant additive to plasticized PVC. The results showed improved LOI and mechanical properties to that of the conventional flame-retardant additive composition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Reaction of polyperoxides with triphenylphosphine

The triphenylphosphine deoxygenation of the polyperoxides, poly(styrene peroxide), poly(methyl methacrylate peroxide), and poly(alpha-methylstyrene peroxide) proceed via the phosphorane intermediates, which in the presence of moisture hydrolyze to give the respective diols. At higher temperatures and under dry conditions the phosphorane decomposes into epoxide and triphenylphosphine oxide. The reaction has been studied by H-1-, C-13-, and P-31-NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained are consistent with a concerted insertion of the biphile, triphenylphosphine, into the peroxy bond and this reaction pathway seems to be new as far as the chemistry of polyperoxides is concerned. Though the aim of this investigation was to test the selective deoxygenation of polyperoxide by triphenylphosphine as a method of preparing polyethers, it turned out to be a fruitful method of synthesis of stereospecific diols. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Synthesis and structures of oxyanion encapsulated copper(I)-dppm complexes (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino) methane)

Copper(I)-dppm complexes encapsulating the oxyanions ClO4-, NO3-, CH3C6H4CO2-, SO42-, and WO42- have been synthesized either by reduction of the corresponding Cu(II) salts and treatment with dppm, or by treating the complex [Cu-2(dppm)(2)(dmcn)(3)](BF4)(2) (1) (dmcn = dimethyl cyanamide) with the respective anion. The isolated complexes [Cu-2(dppm)(2)(dmcn)(2)(ClO4)] (ClO4) (2), [Cu-2(dppm)(2)(dmcn)(2)(NO3)] (NO3) (3), Cu-2(dppm)(2)(NO3)(2) (4), [Cu-2(dppm)(2)(CH3C6H4CO2)(2)]dmcn.2THF (5), Cu-2(dppm)(2)(SO4) (6), and [Cu-3(dppm)(3)(Cl)(WO4)] 0.5H(2)O (7) have been characterized by IR, H-1 and P-31{H-1} NMR, UV-vis, and emission spectroscopy. The solid-state molecular structure of complexes 1, 2, 4, and 7 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Pertinent crystal data are as follows: for 1, monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 11.376(10) Angstrom, b = 42.503(7) Angstrom, c = 13.530(6) Angstrom, beta = 108.08(2)degrees, V = 6219(3) Angstrom(3), Z = 4; for 2, monoclinic P2(1)/c, a = 21.600(3) Angstrom, b = 12.968(3) Angstrom, c = 23.050(3) Angstrom, beta = 115.97(2)degrees, V = 5804(17) Angstrom(3), Z = 4; for 4, triclinic , a = 10.560(4) Angstrom, b = 10.553(3) Angstrom, c = 22.698(3) Angstrom, alpha = 96.08(2)degrees, beta = 96.03(2)degrees, gamma = 108.31(2)degrees, V = 2362(12) Angstrom(3), Z = 2; and for 7, orthorhombic P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 14.407(4) Angstrom, b = 20.573(7) Angstrom, c = 24.176(6) Angstrom, V = 7166(4) Angstrom(3), Z = 4. Analyses of the crystallographic and spectroscopic data of these complexes reveal the nature of interactions between the Cu-I-dppm core and oxyanion. The anchoring of the oxyanion to the Cu-n(dppm)(n) unit is primarily through coordination to the metal, but the noncovalent C-H ... O interactions between the methylene and phenyl protons of the dppm and oxygen atoms of the oxyanion play a significant role. The solid-state emission spectra for complexes 1-6 are very similar but different from 7. In CDCl3 solution, addition of ClO4- or NO3- (as their tetrabutylammonium salts) to 1 establishes a rapid equilibrium between the anion-complexed and uncomplexed forms. The association constant values for ClO4- and NO3- have been estimated from the P-31{H-1} NMR spectra.

Fluorescence and visual sensing of nitroaromatic explosives using electron rich discrete fluorophores

Several pi-electron rich fluorescent aromatic compounds containing trimethylsilylethynyl functionality have been synthesized by employing Sonogashira coupling reaction and they were characterized fully by NMR (H-1, C-13)/IR spectroscopy. Incorporation of bulky trimethylsilylethynyl groups on the peripheral of the fluorophores prevents self-quenching of the initial intensity through pi-pi interaction and thereby maintains the spectroscopic stability in solution. These compounds showed fluorescence behavior in chloroform solution and were used as selective fluorescence sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics. All these fluorophores showed the largest quenching response with high selectivity for nitroaromatics among the various electron deficient aromatic compounds tested. Quantitative analysis of the fluorescence titration profile of 9,10-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl) anthracene with picric acid provided evidence that this particular fluorophore detects picric acid even at ppb level. A sharp visual detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene was observed upon subjecting 1,3,6,8-tetrakis (trimethylsilylethynyl) pyrene fluorophore to increasing quantities of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in chloroform. Furthermore, thin film of the fluorophores was made by spin coating of a solution of 1.0 x 10(-3) M in chloroform or dichloromethane on a quartz plate and was used for the detection of vapors of nitroaromatics at room temperature. The vapor-phase sensing experiments suggested that the sensing process is reproducible and quite selective for nitroaromatic compounds. Selective fluorescence quenching response including a sharp visual color change for nitroaromatics makes these fluorophores as promising fluorescence sensory materials for nitroaromatic compounds (NAC) with a detection limit of even ppb level as judged with picric acid.

Developments in quantum information processing by nuclear magnetic resonance: Use of quadrupolar and dipolar couplings

Use of dipolar and quadrupolar couplings for quantum information processing (QIP) by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is described. In these cases, instead of the individual spins being qubits, the 2(n) energy levels of the spin-system can be treated as an n-qubit system. It is demonstrated that QIP in such systems can be carried out using transition-selective pulses, in (CHCN)-C-3, (CH3CN)-C-13, Li-7 (I = 3/2) and Cs-133 (I = 7/2), oriented in liquid crystals yielding 2 and 3 qubit systems. Creation of pseudopure states, implementation of logic gates and arithmetic operations (half-adder and subtractor) have been carried out in these systems using transition-selective pulses.

Self-assembly of Ru-4 and Ru-8 assemblies by coordination using organometallic Ru(II)(2) precursors: Synthesis, characterization and properties

Coordination-driven self-assembly of binuclear half-sandwich p-cymene ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru-2(mu-eta(4)-C2O4)(MeOH)(2)(eta(6)-p-cymene)(2)](O3SCF3)(2) (1a) or [Ru-2(mu-eta(4)-N,N'-diphenyloxamidato)(MeOH)(2)(eta(6)-p-cymene)(2)]( O3SCF3)(2) (1b) separately with an imidazole-based tetratopic donor L in methanol affords two tetranuclear metallamacrocycles 2a and 2b, respectively. Conversely, the similar combination of L with 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinonato (dhbq) bridged binuclear complex [Ru-2(mu-eta(C6H2O4)-C-4)(MeOH)(2)(eta(6)-p-cymene)(2)](O3SCF3)(2) (1c) in 1:2 molar ratio resulted in an octanuclear macrocyclic cage 2c. All the self-assembled macrocycles 2a-2c were isolated as their triflate salts in high yields and were characterized fully by multinuclear (H-1, C-13 and F-19) NMR, infrared (IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS). In addition, the molecular structure of macrocycle 2a was established unequivocally by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and adopts a tetranuclear rectangular geometry with the dimensions of 5.53 angstrom x 12.39 angstrom. Furthermore, the photo-and electrochemical properties of these newly synthesized assemblies have been studied by using UV-vis absorption and cyclic voltammetry analysis.

Efficient sequential assignments in proteins with reduced dimensionality 3D HN(CA)NH

We present reduced dimensionality (RD) 3D HN(CA)NH for efficient sequential assignment in proteins. The experiment correlates the N-15 and H-1 chemical shift of a residue ('i') with those of its immediate N-terminal (i - 1) and C-terminal (i + 1) neighbors and provides four-dimensional chemical shift correlations rapidly with high resolution. An assignment strategy is presented which combines the correlations observed in this experiment with amino acid type information obtained from 3D CBCA(CO)NH. By classifying the 20 amino acid types into seven distinct categories based on C-13(beta) chemical shifts, it is observed that a stretch of five sequentially connected residues is sufficient to map uniquely on to the polypeptide for sequence specific resonance assignments. This method is exemplified by application to three different systems: maltose binding protein (42 kDa), intrinsically disordered domain of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 and Ubiquitin. Fast data acquisition is demonstrated using longitudinal H-1 relaxation optimization. Overall, 3D HN(CA)NH is a powerful tool for high throughput resonance assignment, in particular for unfolded or intrinsically disordered polypeptides.

Diffusion ordered spectroscopy for resolution of double bonded cis, trans-isomers

NMR spectroscopic separation of double bonded cis- and trans-isomers, that have different molecular shapes but identical mass have been carried out using Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY). The mixtures of fumaric acid and maleic acid, that have similar hydrodynamic radii, have resolved been on the basis of their diffusion coefficients arising due to their different tendencies to associate with micelles or reverse micelles. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) have been used as the media to mimic the chromatographic conditions, modify the average mobility and to achieve differential diffusion rates. The best separation of the components has been achieved by Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) in D2O solution. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.