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As a prospective alternative liquid propellant, 1,4,4-tetramethyl-2-tetrazene (TMTZ) possesses high enthalpy of formation and environment friendly decomposition products, and shows a promising application prospect in aerospace, munitions manufacturing, etc. An environment friendly and convenient synthesis of TMTZ through electrochemical oxidative coupling of undimethylhydrazine (UDMH) on commercially procured electrodes was carried out under mild conditions, in which the purity is up to 98.5% with a yield of over 45%. It is a simple, clean and suitable method for industrial production in contrast with the previously reported conventional chemical oxidation syntheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complicated synthesis procedure and limited preparation size of hydrogel inhibit its clinical application. Therefore, a facile preparation method for large-size hydrogel is required. In this study, a series of curcumin (Cur)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel in a large size with different Cur concentrations is prepared by a facile physical-chemical crosslinking. The physicochemical properties, antibacterial performance and accelerating wound healing ability are evaluated with the aim of attaining a novel and effective wound dressing. The results show that the as-prepared hydrogel with the optimal Cur to PVA volume ratio of 1:5 (20% Cur/PVA) exhibits the best antibacterial abilities toE. coli(85.6%) andS. aureus(97%) than other hydrogels. When the volume ratio of Cur to PVA is 1:10 (10% Cur/PVA), the hydrogel can significantly accelerate the wound healing in rats, and successfully reconstruct intact and thickened epidermis during 14 day of healing of impaired wounds after histological examination. In one word, the present approach can shed new light on designing new type of hydrogels with promising applications in wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass walnut shell was used to prepare activated carbon (AC) through a carbonization treatment and an activation procedure with potassium hydroxide (KOH). AC showed hierarchical pores: 0.6 nm micropores, 2.7 nm mesopores and macropores with average diameter of 50 nm, providing a large specific surface area of 2318 m 2 g −1 . This highly porous AC was tested as a host material to encapsulate sulfur via a vapor phase infusion process. The developed AC-S electrode showed a high initial specific capacity of 1350 mAh g −1 and good capacity retention over 100 cycles at 0.1 C for lithium–sulfur battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two zinc coordination polymers, namely {[Zn 6 (L) 6 ( p -BDC) 3 ]·4(H 2 O)} n ( 1 ) and {[Zn 2 (H 2 O) 3 (L)(1,2,3-BTC)]} n ( 2 ) {HL = 3,5-di(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzoic acid, H 2 p -BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic, 1,2,3-H 3 BTC = 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid}, were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that complex 1 exhibits two-dimensional (2D) double-layered 3,4L88 nets, which further generate a 2D → 3D supramolecular structure. Complex 1 , with H 2 p- BDC as the mixed ligand, owns a interpenetrated structure with the (6 3 )(6 6 ) 4 (6 9 ·8) topology built by π–π interactions. When the mixed ligand is changed from the dicarboxylate H 2 p- BDC to the tricarboxylate 1,2,3-H 3 BTC in complex 2 , each [L] − anion in 2 acts as a tridentate ligand, linking three Zn(II) ions, and each [1,2,3-BTC] 3− anion in 2 links four Zn(II) ions. Consequently, a different (3·4 2 )(3·4 3 ·5·6)(3 2 ·4 3 ·5 4 ·6 7 ·7 3 ·8 2 )(3 2 ·4 4 ·5 3 ·6 4 ·7 2 ) topological network is formed in complex 2 . The two complexes have also been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry measurements. It is also found that the fluorescence of complexes 1 and 2 could be quenched by nitroaromatics (NACs), indicating their potential application as sensory materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palladium-catalyzed three-component cycloaminocarbonylation of 2 -formylaryl tosylates with hydrazines and carbon monoxide has been established, which provides an efficient method for synthesis of substituted phthalazinones. In addition, by applying this protocol as the key step, Hydralazine can easily be synthesized in 65% yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three naphthol Schiff base-type fluorescent sensors, 1,3-Bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylideneamino)propane (L1) , 1,3-Bis(1-naphthylideneamino)-2-hydroxypropane (L2) and 1,3-Bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylideneamino)-2-hydroxypropane (L3) , have been synthesized. Their recognition abilities for Al 3 + are studied by fluorescence spectra. Coordination with Al 3 + inhibited the C N isomerization of Schiff base which intensely increase the fluorescence of L1 – L3 . Possessing a suitable space coordination structure, L3 is a best selective probe for Al 3 + over other metal ions in MeOH–HEPES buffer (3/7, V/V, pH = 6.6, 25 °C, λ em = 435 nm). A turn-on ratio over 140-fold is triggered with the addition of 1.0 equiv. Al 3 + to L3 . The binding constant K a of L3- Al 3 + is found to be 1.01 × 10 6.5 M − 1 in a 1:1 complex mode. The detection limit for Al 3 + is 0.05 μM. Theoretical calculations have also been included in support of the configuration of the L3- Al 3 + complex. Importantly, the probe L3 has been successfully used for fluorescence imaging in colon cancer SW480 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a kind of fluorinated copolyfluorene, named poly[(4-(octyloxy)-9,9-diphenylfluorene-2,7-diyl)- alt-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-1,4-phenylene)] (PODPF-TFP), is synthesized by facile palladium-based direct aromatization. Compared to the non-fluorinated counterpart, poly[(4-(octyloxy)-9,9-diphenylfluorene-2,7-diyl)- alt-( p-phenylene)] (PODPF-P), deeper HOMO/LUMO energy level combined with steric hindrance effect endow PODPF-TFP with excellent spectra and morphology stability. Finally, organic field-effect transistor (OFET) memory devices are fabricated with PODPF-P/PODPFTFP as the dielectric layers, and they both exhibit flash type storage characteristic. Owing to the electronegativity of fluorine atom, the device based on PODPF-TFP exhibits larger memory window and more stable I / I ratio during a retention time of 10 s as well as a better aging stability. The present study suggests that fluorinated p- n copolyfluorene electrets could enhance the capabilities of charge trapping and storage, which are promising for OFET memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel inorganic–organic hybrid compounds based on different types of isopolymolybdates and CuII(bbx) complexes, namely, [Cu2II(bbx)2(β-Mo8O26)]·2H2O (1), [Cu2II(bbx)4(γ-Mo8O26)] (2) and H2[Cu2I(bbx)2(Mo2O8)] (3) (bbx = 1,3-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene), have been successfully synthesized by adjusting the pH value under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1, which was hydrothermally prepared at pH = 3.5, exhibits a unique 3D (2,5,6)-connected net with a (43·64·82·10)2(44·68·83)(4)2 topology, constructed by sexadentate Mo8O26)4− anions coordinated to CuII ions of one-dimensional [CuII(bbx)]n chains. When the pH value was adjusted to 4.5, a structurally different complex 2 was obtained. Compound 2 shows a 3D (2,5)-connected framework with an (86·124)2(8)5 topology, constructed by bidentate γ-(Mo8O26)4− polyanions linking 2D layers composed of [CuII(bbx)2]n. Moreover, when the pH value was adjusted to 7.5, an interesting complex 3 was obtained. Compound 3 shows a 2D (4)-connected framework with a (44·62) topology, constructed by bidentate (Mo2O8)4− polyanions linking [Cu2I(bbx)2]n ladder-like double-chains. The (Mo2O8)4− unit has never been observed before, which is composed of two rare distorted {MoO5} tetragonal pyramids connected via edge-sharing. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, TG analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and solid diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In addition, the electrochemical properties of compounds 1–3 have been investigated in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous solution. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3 have definite catalytic activities to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in the reduction of methylene blue (MB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-step synthesis of 4,6-dimethoxyaurone derivatives was carried out from phloroglucinol and chloroacetonitrile, and the products were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The preliminary bioassays showed that some products exhibited herbicidal activity against dicotyledonous plant Brassica campestris L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new three-dimensional cobalt(II) coordination polymers [Co 2 (cptpy) 2 (ox)] n ( 1 ) and [Co 3 (cptpy) 2 (suc) 2 (H 2 O)] n ( 2 ) (Hcptpy = 4′-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine, H 2 ox = oxalic acid, H 2 suc = succinic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows a 2-nodal (3,8)-connected tfz-d net with the Point symbol of (4 3 ) 2 (4 6 ·6 18 ·8 4 ). Compound 2 is a 2-nodal (3,6)-connected 3D rtl -net built up by linear Co 3 (COO) 6 trinuclear cluster with the Point symbol of (4·6 2 ) 2 (4 2 ·6 10 ·8 3 ). Magnetic studies reveal that compounds 1 and 2 both exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of a series of biphenyl-derived binuclear ruthenium complexes with terminal {RuCl(CO)(PMe3)3} moieties and different structural arrangements of the phenyl rings are reported. Electrochemical studies revealed that the two metal centers of the binuclear ruthenium complexes interact with each other through the biphenyl bridge, and the redox splittings Δ E1/2 show a strong linear correlation with cos2 ϕ, where ϕ is the torsion angle between the two phenyl rings. A combination of electrochemical, UV/Vis/NIR, and in situ IR differential spectroelectrochemical analysis clearly showed that: 1) the intramolecular electronic couplings in the binuclear ruthenium complexes could be modulated by changing ϕ; 2) the electronic ground state of the mixed-valent cations changes from delocalized to localized through the biphenyl bridge with increasing torsion angle ϕ, that is, the redox processes of these complexes change from significant involvement of the bridging ligand to an oxidation behavior with less participation of the bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with traditional one-photon fluorescence imaging, two-photon fluorescence imaging techniques have shown advantages such as increased penetration depth, lower tissue autofluorescence, and reduced photo­damage, and therefore are particularly useful for imaging tissues and animals. In this work, the design and synthesis of two novel DPP-based compounds with large two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections ( σ ≥ 8100 GM) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties are reported. The new compounds are red/NIR emissive and show large Stokes shifts (Δ λ ≥ 3571 cm−1). 1,2-Distearoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanol amine- N-[maleimide(polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG-Mal) is used as the encapsulation matrix to encapsulate DPP-2, followed by surface functionalization with cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to yield DPP-2-CPP nanoparticles with high brightness, good water dispersibility, and excellent biocompatibility. DPP-2 nanoparticles have been used for cell imaging and two-photon imaging with clear visualization of blood vasculature inside mouse ear skin with a depth up to 80 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarification of the solvent effects of bulky π-conjugated polymers on the conformation behavior and morphology evolution of the chain from solution to thin film is the main prerequisite for the molecular design of printable polymer light-emitting materials. Here, three bulky poly(9,9-diarylfluorene)s (PFs) with the steric hindrance effect are synthesized to examine gelation behaviors, β-phase conformation, film morphology, and electroluminescence (EL) spectra in three solvents. Their gelation behaviors occur in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) of high concentrations, featuring emission bands of ≈470 nm as well as the β-phase conformation. Bulky PFs also exhibit different solvent effects on the morphology and green emission bands. Compared with other bulky PFs, poly(spirofluorenexanthene)s have obvious advantages in terms of the solvent-independent emission, high quantum yield, and air-stable photoluminescence, as well as the EL spectra. Poly(SFX) will be potential components for the formula of optical inks in printed electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conjugate addition of bromoform with 2-aryliene-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolizin-1-ones in the presence of magnesium afforded novel 2,2-dibromo-3-arylspiro[cyclopropane-1,2′-pyrrolizin]-1′(3′ H)-ones in moderate yield. The structures of all the products were characterized thoroughly by H NMR, C NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(methacrylic acid)–MnO(OH) 2 /SiO 2 core–shell microspheres were prepared by sol–gel hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of poly(methacrylic acid)–Mn(II) (PMAA–Mn 2+ ) as template with ammonium hydroxide anion as catalyst and n -octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C 18 TMS) as pore-directing reagent. The PMAA–Mn 2+ core was prepared by incubation of Mn 2+ cations with PMAA microspheres via the coordination between carboxylate anion group on PMAA microsphere and Mn 2+ cations. During this process, the Mn(II) species were formed as white Mn(OH) 2 precipitates at first, which were subsequently oxidized into brown MnO(OH) 2 in air. The Mn 2 O 3 /mesoporous silica (Mn 2 O 3 / m -SiO 2 ) double-shelled hollow microspheres (DSHMs) were prepared through calcination of the PMAA–MnO(OH) 2 /SiO 2 core–shell microspheres at 600 °C for the selective removal of PMAA template and pore-directing organic component from C 18 TMS, during which the crystalline structure of DSHM was developed into Braunite-1Q via the reaction between Mn 2 O 3 inner-shell and silica outer-shell by annealing the DSHMs under higher temperatures of 800 and 900 °C. The Mn 2 O 3 hollow microspheres (HMs) were prepared through the selective removal of the silica layer from the DSHMs by sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, which exhibited structure integrity and good ethanol dispersity due to the presence of mesoporous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) have gain great research interest during the past decades. The incorporation of phosphorescent transition-metal complexes into CPEs backbones could yield organometallic CPEs (OMCPEs), which exhibit unique physical and chemical properties, enabling their applications in electroluminescence device, sensing, bioimaging and photodynamic therapy fields. This review begins with a brief introduction of synthetic approaches towards OMCPEs, followed by summary of the recent advances for applications. Some outlooks are also highlighted at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six salts, ([(H2L1)(ZnCl4)] (1) (L1 = 1,1′-bis(benzimidazolyl)methane), [(H2L1)(CuCl4)]·H2O (2), [(H2L2)(ZnCl4)] (3) (L2 = 1-(3-(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)propyl)-1H-benzimidazole), [( H2L2)(CuCl4)] (4), [(H2L3)(CuCl4)]·H2O (5) (L3 = 1- (4-(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)butyl)-1H-benzimidazole), and [(H2L4)(ZnCl4)]·H2O (6) (L4 = 3,6-bis(imidazol-1-yl)pyridazine)), derived from bis(benzimidazole)/bis(imidazole) and metal(II) chloride dihydrate (zinc(II) chloride and copper(II) chloride dihydrate) were prepared and characterized by IR, X-ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, and TG analysis. The aromatic rings of the cations in all of the compounds are planar. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that all the complexes have 3-D layer network structures built from hydrogen bonds between the cations and chlorometallate anions. Water molecules also play an important role in structure extension in2,5,and6. The arrangements of the anions and cations in their solid state are dominated not only by size and symmetry of the cations, but also by the non-covalent interactions existing in the crystal structures. Due to the weak interactions, the compound displays 3-D layer structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel extended architecture based on unprecedented decamolybdate unit and Cu 3 cluster, (NH 4 ) 2 n [Cu 3 (atrz) 6 Mo 10 O 34 ] n (1) (atrz = 4H-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole), has been synthesized under the hydrothermal conditions. The decamolybdate unit in 1 represents an unprecedented type {Mo 10 O 34 } skeleton and is composed of γ-octamolybdate subunit capped two {MoO 6 } octahedra at corners by sharing three oxygen atoms. The capped {MoO 6 } octahedra of decamolybdates and the external copper ions of the linear trinuclear cation [Cu 3 (atrz) 6 ] 6 + further connect alternately to form a 1D chain. Magnetic measurement reveals the antiferromagnetic interactions among the Cu 3 cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, Fe3O4/carbon nanocomposites as anode materials of Li-ion batteries were synthesized through heating hierarchically porous Fe-based xerogels under N2 atmosphere. The pyrolysis of amorphous Fe-xerogel base materials resulted in the simultaneous formation of Fe3O4/C composites, in which Fe3O4 particles of less than 50nm were uniformly dispersed and embedded in a porous carbon matrix. Due to the favorable nanostructure, the synthesized Fe3O4/C composites with a proper carbon content of 18.8wt.% exhibited good electrochemical performance including high capacity and rate capability as well as much enhanced cyclic stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two coordination polymers, [Mn2(btc)(phen)4] n ·7 nH2O ( 1) and [Co2(btc)(phen)(H2O)2] n · nH2O ( 2) (H4btc = biphenyl-3, 3′,4, 4′-tetracarboxylic acid, phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 has a 1D chain structure in which the dinuclear Mn2 units are linked through (btc)4- ligands. Magnetic measurements revealed weak antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic exchange coupling interactions between MnII and CoII ions in 1 and 2, respectively. Moreover, both compounds have good thermal stabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ni(OH)2·0.75H2O flowerlike architectures are synthesized by a hydrothermal process. [•] NiO flowerlike architectures are obtained by annealing Ni(OH)2·0.75H2O precursors. [•] NiO flowerlike architectures are constructured with ultrathin nanoflakes. [•] NiO flowerlike architectures show excellent adsorbent ability to Malachite green. [•] The adsorption capacity depends on structures of adsorbent and dye molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CO-releasing molecules M(CO)5 L (M = Mo, W and Cr), (1-3, L = glycine methyl ester; 4-6, N-methylimidazole; 7-9, 2-aminopyridine; 10-12, 3-aminopyridine; 13-15, 4-aminopyridine), were synthesized. All complexes have been characterized by NMR, IR and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy; the octahedral structures of 14 and 15 were also established by X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, all complexes were evaluated for toxicity, pharmacokinetics and metabolic processes. Cytotoxic effects on the proliferation of fibroblast cell line were assayed by MTT. Among the complexes, Mo complex 1 showed the lowest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 597 µmol l−1) and W complex 2 showed a remarkable toxic effect, with IC50 = 52 µmol l−1. With the same ligand, the toxic effects of the complexes increase in the order of metal element W < Cr < Mo. For the same central metal element, the complexes containing imidazole showed lower toxic effects than those containing amino acid ester or aminopyridine. In accordance with the results from cytotoxicity, the complexes also showed corresponding toxic effects in animal models. The biodistributions of the complexes were established by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, measuring metal in tissues and organs. The results show that the complexes were gradually absorbed and unevenly distributed in vivo. The complexes containing imidazole entered tissues and organs faster than those containing amino acid ester. The complexes containing W atom were absorbed and distributed more slowly than those containing Mo or Cr atoms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel binary promoter NiCoMo layered molybdate was synthesized as potential hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalyst precursor by chemical precipitation from a solution containing nickel nitrate, cobalt nitrate and ammonium heptamolybdate. NiMo and CoMo layered molybdates were also prepared for comparison by the same method. The NiCoMo, NiMo and CoMo layered molybdates were characterized by means of N physisorption, XRD, FT-IR, TG-DSC-MS, SEM and HRTEM, and catalytic properties were evaluated in the continuous HDS of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and straight-run gas oil. The characterization results indicated the three precursors were endowed with the same structure of ammonium nickel molybdate, and catalytic results showed that the NiCoMo catalyst exhibited higher HDS activity towards DBT and straight-run gas oil, which might be more attractive for industrial applications. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isostructural heterometallic diruthenium carbonates KM(H2O)6[M(H2O)2Ru2(CO3)4Cl2]·4H2O [M = Zn (1) and Mn (2)] were synthesized from the reaction of the precursors [Ru2(CO3)4Cl2]5− and transitional metal ions in aqueous solution. Complexes 1 and 2 show layered structures in which Ru2(ii,iii) units are linked by four octahedral environment M(H2O)22+ ions in a cross fashion and vice versa giving a negative bimetallic square grid layer {M(H2O)2Ru2(CO3)4Cl2}n3n−. M(H2O)62+ ions, linked by K+ forming zigzag chain {KM(H2O)6}n3+, are located in the void spaces between the layers. The adjacent bimetallic carbonate layers are connected with K–O and K–Cl bonds, and hydrogen bonding, forming a supramolecular 3D framework structure. Their magnetic properties were characterized in detail, and intralayer ferromagnetic coupling between the Ru2 dimer and Mn2+ ion, as well as long-range ordering (Tc = 5.2 K) coexistence of domain movement behavior were observed for complex 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Three PASiC were prepared with the dominant fractions of Ala, Alb and Alc. [•] Turbidity, UV254, DOC removal and floc structure characteristics were investigated. [•] The turbidity and DOC removal efficiency were highest treated by PASiCb. [•] Regarding the UV254 removal, PASiCc performed most efficiently. [•] The strength factors and recovery factors of PASiCc were highest in all pH range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monodisperse NiO octahedrons have been synthesized by heating NiCl2 solutions on the Si substrates at 400–500°C for 1h. The NiO octahedrons are single-crystalline with the body-centered cubic structure and have controllable sizes in the range of 166–257nm. Control over the size of NiO octahedrons was achieved by adjusting the heating temperature. The formation of NiO octahedrons results from the selective adsorption of Cl– ions on unsaturated Ni(II) sites of NiO (111) surface. The NiO octahedrons with exposed {111} facets show higher intrinsic photocatalytic activity than Degussa P25 TiO2, and the photocatalytic activity was enhanced with a decrease on the size of NiO octahedrons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Uniform spherical flowerlike SnO2 architectures with the diameters of 1.7–2.0μm were synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction of SnCl4 with NaOH and H2O in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). These flowerlike architectures are assembled from submicron rods with the diameters of 300–600nm. The constituent submicron rods are single crystalline SnO2 with the tetragonal structure, and grow along the direction perpendicular to (101) facet. The spherical flowerlike architectures constructed with SnO2 submicron rods are formed via the oriented attachment process. The response performance of the sensors based on the SnO2 spherical flowerlike architectures toward ethanol and triethylamine is better than that of SnO2 powders and can be further enhanced by improving their crystallinity. The sensor response is 3.65 and 2.97 when the concentration of ethanol and triethylamine is 105 and 45ppm, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel complex of cadmium(II) picrate with V-shaped ligand 1,3-bis(1-ethylbenzimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxopropane (Etobb), with the composition [Cd(Etobb)2](pic)2·2(DMF) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and electrical conductivity, and IR and UV/visible spectra. The crystal structure of the complex has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the complex, the Cd(II) ion is six-coordinated with a N4O2 ligand set, resulting in a distorted octahedron, where the four nitrogen atoms are not in the same plane and the distances of Cd-N are different [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A convenient method was developed to synthesize potassium borohydride by a mechano-chemical reaction of saline hydrides with dehydrated borates with a planetary ball mill. Among the tested saline hydrides, MgH2 was the most effective reactant for borohydride formation. In order to improve the borohydride yield, it was necessary to add an excessive amount of MgH2. When a 35% excess of MgH2 was added, potassium borohydride yield reached 100%. The borohydride formation was strongly dependent on the water content in reactants. When the water content in KBO2 samples was over 24.8 wt.% (equivalent to KBO2·1.5H2O), no borate was converted into borohydride by the mechano-chemical reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

C17H11ClMn0.50N3O2, monoclinic, P21/ c (no. 14), a = 8.542(1) Å, b = 16.186(2) Å, c = 11.652(2) Å, β = 103.160(3)°, V = 1568.6 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt (F) = 0.0415, wRref (F2 ) = 0.1069, T = 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C42H28CuF6N8O8, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.093(5) Å, b = 10.419(5) Å, c = 11.371(5) Å, α = 75.944(12)°, β = 74.708(11)°, γ = 82.717(10)°, V = 1005.8(9) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt (F) = 0.0666, wRref (F2 ) = 0.1798, T = 293 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Kristallographie / New Crystal Structures is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Kristallographie / New Crystal Structures is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Review: 158 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new title compounds are synthesized by solid state reactions of Ba, Ga2S9, Ge (Si), and S in a molar ratio of 2:4:1:4 (quartz tubes, 300 °C for 5 h, 650 °C for 10 h, and 980 °C for 5 d) and characterized by single crystal XRD, IR and UV/VIS/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, second harmonic generation measurements, laser-induced damage threshold measurements, and DFT electronic band structure calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Unexpected Synthesis of 1,3,5-Triaryl-1,5-diketones from Aryl Ketones via Di-Enamine Mechanism" by Bin Liu is presented.

The article presents chemical equations related to an article on enantioselective addition reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to nitroalkenes catalyzed by Chiral BINOL-Quinine-Squaramide by authors B. Liu and others, published in the 2013 issue of the journal "Tetrahedron: Asymmetry."

Cu2MgSiS4 (I), Cu2MgGeS4 (II), and Cu2MgSiSe4 (III) are synthesized by solid state reactions of stoichiometric mixtures of the elements (quartz tube, 950 °C, 5 d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel near ultraviolet (NUV) emitter, PIBCz, was designed and synthesized by attaching C3-position of the weak electron-donating N-phenylcarbazole group to C6- and C9-positions of phenanthroimidazole (PI) unit for limiting the molecular conjugation and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process. The new emitter exhibits strong NUV emission both in solution and thin film as well as good thermal and morphological stability. The PIBCz-based non-doped device shows a perfect color purity of CIE (0.15, 0.05), a very low turn-on voltage of 2.7 V and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), current efficiency (CE) and power efficiency (PE) of 2.74%, 1.28 cd A −1 and 1.12 lm W −1 , respectively, which is comparable to state-of-the-art non-doped OLEDs in similar color gamut. This work demonstrates that effective management of ICT process is a valuable strategy to develop high efficiency NUV emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ag 3 PO 4 /polyvinyl alcohol (Ag 3 PO 4 /PVA) hybrid photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using a coprecipitation method using AgNO 3 , Na 2 HPO 4 ·12H 2 O and PVA as starting materials. The products emerged in a cubic (p-43n) structure. The photocatalytic performances for the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) under the blue light irradiation strongly depended on PVA content. The excellent photocatalytic activity may be due to the enhanced photo-induced charge separation brought on by the strong interaction of PVA with Ag 3 PO 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phase in the MnII–SeIV–MoVI–O system, Mn(MoO3)(SeO3)(H2O) (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized with a high yield (82%), and characterized by IR, TG-DSC, magnetism measurement and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of Mn(MoO3)(SeO3)(H2O) features a complicated 3D network composed of the 1D molybdenum(VI) oxide chains and the 1D manganese(II) selenite chains interconnected via Se–O–Mo and Mn–O–Mo bridges. It is stable up to approximately 340 °C, and losses water molecule at 340 °C, then release SeO2 at about 420 °C. The result of magnetic property measurements has indicated that there exist antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn(II) centers. Photocatalysis experimental result illustrates that the compound exhibits good photocatalytic performance for degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nd3+-doped gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet (Nd:GSAG) precursors were obtained from a mixed nitrate solution with precipitant of ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The precursors were sintered at different temperatures and the phase developments in heat treatments were investigated through methods of XRD and IR, showing the precursors transformed to pure-GSAG phase with no intermediate phases appeared at 900°C. The TEM observation revealed that the powders sintered at 900–1000°C were well-dispersed with average crystalline sizes of 30–80nm. Photoluminescence analysis of the Nd:GSAG nano-powders showed that the PL intensities changing significantly with the Nd3+ doping concentration, and the concentration quenching was observed as the Nd3+ concentration reached to 1.5at.%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pyridone compounds, such as pirfenidone (PFD) and fluorofenidone (AKF-PD), are multi-target anti-fibrotic agents. Using PFD and AKF-PD as the leading compounds, two series of novel (5-substituent)-2(1H)-pyridone compounds were synthesized with the purpose of maintaining multi-targeting property and overcoming the drawbacks of fast metabolism. These derivatives demonstrated good proliferation inhibiting activity against NIH3T3 cells by MTT assay with AKF-PD as the positive control. Compound 5b exhibited a high potent of anti-fibrosis with a IC50 of 0.08mmol/L about 34 times of AKF-PD. The SAR of pyridone derivatives as anti-fibrosis agents was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The worldwide use of chromium(III) picolinate Cr(pic) 3 as nutrition additives has aroused more and more controversies. To reevaluate the safety and validity of Cr(pic) 3 , seven new derivatives Cr(R-pic) 3 (pic = picolinic acid, R = H ( 1 ), 5-Br ( 2 ), 5-CF 3 ( 3 ), 4-Cl ( 4 ), 5-COOH ( 5 ), 3-CH 3 ( 6 ), 5-OH ( 7 ), 3-OH ( 8 )) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystal diffraction, ESI-MS, IR and elemental analysis. It was found that different substituent group affected physicochemical activities of the complex such as the Fenton-like reaction and oxidation reaction. Especially, –OH group derivatives lose their hydroxyl radical-generation and Cr(VI)-generation abilities comparing with halogen group in tube experiment. Even so, these differences in chemistry properties may be ignored in live cells and animal tests: no obvious cellular damage (MTT assay) and tissue injury (acute toxicity study) were observed for both Cr(pic) 3 and its derivatives. In addition, hypoglycemic activity study indicated that these Cr(III) complexes have no significant influence than CrCl 3 salt on the blood glucose, serum insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein of diabetic mice through two months’ study. Therefore, these substituent group is unable to improve the biological activities of Cr(pic) 3 obviously and the validity of Cr(pic) 3 used as a nutrition additives is doubted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3-dimensional hierarchical ZnO flower-like architectures have been synthesized in a Zn(Ac) 2 ·2H 2 O-Na 2 SeO 3 -KBH 4 -pyridine solvothermal system at 100 °C for 24 h. The flower-like architecture is assembled from ZnO nanosheets with a thickness of ∼1.5 nm, and the flower-like architecture specific surface area is 132 m 2 /g. When the ZnO flower-like architecture is used as the adsorbent for acid fuschin (AF), malachite green (MG), basic fuchsin (BF), congo red (CR) and acid red (AR) in water, the adsorption capacities for AF, MG, BF, CR and AR are 7154.9, 2587.0, 1377.9, 85.0 and 38.0 mg/g, respectively. Evidently, the as-obtained ZnO flower-like architectures show excellent adsorption performances for triphenylmethane dyes, and the adsorption capacity of 7154.9 mg/g for AF is the highest of all adsorbents for dyes. The adsorption mechanism can be attributed to the electrostatic attraction and the formation of ion-association complex between triphenylmethane dyes and ZnO hierarchical flower-like architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TEMPO-oxidized Konjac glucomannan (OKGM) was developed as new material for preparing vegetarian hard capsules. OKGM of different degrees of oxidation: DO30%, DO50%, and DO80% were prepared to select optimum DO for capsule formation. FT-IR results proved that the primary alcohol groups on KGM were oxidized into carboxyl groups. XRD analysis suggested that TEMPO-oxidation decreased the crystallinity of KGM. DO80% was considered as the optimum candidate for capsule preparation owing to its superior solubility, transparency and reduced viscosity. The hydrophilicity of OKGM films, measured by contact angle measurement, increased with increasing DO. The elongation at break and tensile strength of the OKGM films enhanced with increasing DO. In vitro drug dissolution profile of OKGM capsules showed that the shell rupture time of DO80% capsule is about 5–10 min, and 80% of the drugs were released within 30–45 min. Thus DO80% OKGM was qualified to be used for gastric soluble hard capsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of 4,4-dimethylcurcumin (DMCU), a synthesized analog of curcumin, with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was investigated using fluorescence, absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, coupled with viscosity measurements and molecular docking techniques. DMCU was found to bind to ct-DNA with moderate binding affinity through groove binding as evidenced by a decrease in the absorption intensity in combination with no obvious change in the relative specific viscosity of ct-DNA and the CD spectrum. Thermodynamic analysis of the fluorescence data obtained at different temperatures suggested that the binding process was spontaneous and was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. Furthermore, competitive binding experiments with ethidium bromide and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole as probes showed that DMCU could preferentially bind in the minor groove of double-stranded DNA. The results obtained from the molecular docking studies were consistent with these experimental results. This study explored the potential applicability of the spectroscopic properties of DMCU for studying its interactions with relevant biological or biomimicking targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method of in-situ catalytic site (CoN x ) construction in macroporous carbon (MPC) is developed. The nitrogen-containing MPC-supported cobalt (Co/N–MPC) catalysts are synthesized via the pyrolysis of a mixture of glucose-urea resin, nano-CaCO 3 , and cobalt nitrate. The nano-CaCO 3 functions as a template to fabricate MPC that provides high electric conductivity and large specific surface area. The catalytic CoN x sites are simultaneously created during the formation of N–MPC. The use of glucose-urea resin as the carbon and nitrogen sources significantly increases the nitrogen content as high as 8.8 at% in the MPC. The synthesized Co/N–MPC demonstrates superb catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction. The direct borohydride fuel cell using the Co/N–MPC shows a power density as high as 170 mW cm −2 which is much higher than the cell using 10 wt.% Pt/C but slightly lower than the cell using 20 wt.% Pt/C as the cathode catalyst at ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary NiCo 2 O 4 synthesized via annealing NiCo-precursor has been extensively studied as an advanced electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. In this work, we demonstrate a facile hydrothermal synthesis of NiCo 2 S 4 nanotube arrays (NTAs) by simply treating the NiCo-precursor with Na 2 S solution based on the Kirkendall effect. The NiCo 2 S 4 NTAs grown on nickel foam substrate are directly evaluated as binder-free electrode for supercapacitors. Impressively, the NiCo 2 S 4 NTA electrode delivers an ultrahigh capacitance of 15.58 F cm −2 at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 , which is much higher than 3.63 F cm −2 of the mesoporous NiCo 2 O 4 nanowire array (NWA) electrode. In addition, the NiCo 2 S 4 NTA electrode also exhibits good cycling stability with 79.3% capacitance retention at high current density of 60 mA cm −2 after 2000 cycles. In view of the excellent electrochemical performance and the facile and cost-effective synthesis, such NiCo 2 S 4 NTA electrode would hold great promise for high-performance supercapacitor applications in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Cr,Nd:GSAG powders were synthesized by co-precipitation method using NH 4 OH as the precipitant. XRD, TG/DTA, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the structural properties of the precursor and the powders sintered at different temperatures. It was found that pure GSAG polycrystalline phase was obtained by sintering the precursor at 900 °C. The structure of the Cr,Nd:GSAG powder sintered at 1000 °C was refined using the Rietveld method. The lattice parameters are a = b = c = 12.4370(4) Å, with α = β = γ = 90°. The highest photoluminescence intensity was achieved for the powder sintered at 1100 °C and optical properties of powders of different Cr 3+ ions concentration were characterized by using photoluminescence spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]