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For the investigation of small sample volumes, the use of an acoustic levitator was tested as a `sample holder' for hovering droplets in a synchrotron beam. It might be advantageous to use levitated droplets instead of samples confined in solid holders, especially for the study of crystallization processes where the influence of containing walls has to be minimized. In a first experiment, the crystallization of sodium chloride in a small droplet of aqueous solution has been followed with a time resolution of 30 s. The collected diffraction peaks are compared with data in the ICSD database.
Crystal structures of four different di-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazole compounds (aryl = 2-pyridyl-, 3-pyridyl-, 2-aminophenyl-, 3-aminophenyl-) are determined. Crystallization of di(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole yielded monoclinic and triclinic polymorphs. The structures are characterized by the occurrence of ππ interactions. Additionally, in case of the aminophenyl compounds intra- as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonds are found that influence the packing motif as well. Since these molecules are often used as ligands in metalorganic complexes similarities and differences of the molecular conformation between the molecules in the pure crystals and that of the ligands in the complexes are discussed.
The molecular and crystal structures of the hydrochlorides of d-nebivolol, dl-nebivolol, and seven nebivolol isomers have been determined by X-ray structure analysis. The absolute configuration of all the compounds could be determined unambiguously using anomal dispersion effects. Two compounds, dl-nebivolol (NEB-1d,l) and the (S,R,S,R) nebivolol isomer (NEB-6), crystallize as racemic mixtures in the centrosymmetric space group P-1. d-Nebivolol and six nebivolol isomers crystallize in space group P212121. The d- and l-nebivolol molecules in NEB-1d and NEB-1d,l adopt a conformation which is significantly different compared with that of all nebivolol isomers. With the exception of dl-nebivolol (NEB-1d,l) numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds connect the molecules forming molecular layers.
Bromotricarbonyl{15-[2-(methylsulfanyl)ethylsulfanyl]pentadecanoic acid-kappa2S,S'}rhenium(I)
(2006)
The title compound, [ReBr(C18H36O2S2)(CO)3], was synthesized and characterized as a non-radioactive surrogate of a novel Tc-containing fatty acid derivative prepared according to the tricarbonyl/dithioether design with the objective of developing new Tc-based radiopharmaceuticals for the non-invasive diagnosis of myocardial metabolism. The Re chelate contains the metal in the oxidation state +1 and is attached to the terminal position of a fatty acid. The complex formation was accomplished by a ligand exchange reaction using [NBu4]2[Re(CO)3Br3] as starting material.
The Keggin type polyoxotungstate [Ti2W10PO40]7- forms stable associates with the biopolymer chitosan in the nanometer size range. The cluster compound crystallizes from aqueous solution as K4H3[Ti2W10PO40] · 15H2O having a tetragonal structure. Both, the cluster compound and the chitosan/[Ti2W10PO40] associates show a high hydrolytic stability at pH 7.4. The associates formed between the cluster anion [Ti2W10PO40]7- with the polyaminosaccharide chitosan have been characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, filtration, centrifugation and zeta potential measurements. The size of the associates formed is in the range of ca. 5×101 to 5×102 nm. These particles have a defined stoichiometry with 56 cluster anions bound per molecule chitosan. The isoelectric point determined by zeta potential measurements was found for a cluster anion to chitosan molar ratio of 5.5, indicating the charge neutralization between protonated chitosan and [Ti2W10PO40]7- anions. Cellular uptake studies with [Ti2W10PO40]7- using tumor cell lines FaDu (human squamous carcinoma) and HT-29 (human adenocarcinoma) showed that the tungsten amount inside the cells is remarkably enhanced in the presence of chitosan.
The CuII complex of H4TETP (H4TETP = 1,4,8,11-tetraazatetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetrapropionic acid) is five-coordinate with a distorted square-pyramidal structure (τ = 0.45; i.e. the geometry is nearly half-way between square-pyramidal and trigonal-bipyramidal) and a relatively long Cu–N and a short Cu–O bond; the comparison between powder and solution electronic spectroscopy, the frozen solution EPR spectrum and ligand-field-based calculations (angular overlap model, AOM) indicate that the solution and solid state structures are very similar, i.e. the complex has a relatively low 'in-plane' and a significant axial ligand field with a dx²-y² ground state. The ligand-enforced structure is therefore shown to lead to a partially quenched Jahn–Teller distortion and to a relatively low complex stability, lower than with the corresponding acetate-derived ligand H4TETA. This is confirmed by potentiometric titration and by the biodistribution with 64Cu-labeled ligands which show that the uptake in the liver is significantly increased with the H4TETP-based system.
Polyoxometalates (POMs) are inorganic cluster compounds that have been shown to possess a number of pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral and anticancer activities. Their molecular mechanism of action is largely unknown. However, several studies indicate that many of their activities may be due to the inhibition of enzymes, in particular, of those enzymes that are accessible from the extracellular space and do not require the penetration of cell membranes. In this review, we describe the recent progress in the preparation and optimization of POMs, and an evaluation of their use as inhibitors of different families of enzymes. The next important steps in this area of research will be to gain a better understanding of the interactions of POMs with enzymes on a structural level through an X-ray crystallographic study of enzyme–POM complexes and the analysis of structure–activity relationships. Furthermore, POMs with increased stability and in vivo half-lives have to be prepared. Surface modification may allow the targeting of POM drugs at their sites of action.
The unusually fast crystallization of the organic compound nifedipine has been investigated in detail using different solutions as precursors for the formation of the initial glassy nifedipine films. Starting from these amorphous films the crystallization process was investigated by time-resolved light microscopy at different temperatures around Tg of nifedipine. In all studied cases (acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran) the measured mean crystallization rates are, on average, 10000 times higher than rates reported in previous studies. Such high rates cannot be explained by a classical diffusional crystal growth mechanism of nifedipine. Instead, nifedipine shows a strong propensity for diffusionless growth. Solvent assisted or solvent induced preordering of the glassy modification is suggested to be the most probable driving force behind these fast crystallization processes. The nifedipine crystallization rates can be controlled not only by specific solvent–molecule interactions but also by temperature. Below 40 °C, the temperature dependence of the rates is generally small. Above 40 °C, a slowing down of the crystallization rates with increasing temperatures indicates a kinetic competition between different polymorphs. The molecular dynamics of nifedipine molecules in the amorphous phase as well as the relaxation times are studied by dielectric measurements. The dielectric data corroborate the inherently strong propensity of nifedipine to crystallize diffusionlessly under all conditions.
Hydrated actinide(IV) ions undergo hydrolysis and further polymerization and precipitation with increasing pH. The resulting amorphous and partly crystalline oxydydroxides AnOn(OH)4-2n·xH2O can usually be observed as colloids above the An(IV) solubility limit. The aging process of such colloids results in crystalline AnO2. The presence of carboxylates in the solution prevents the occurrence of such colloids by formation of polynuclear complexes through a competing reaction between hydrolysis and ligation. The majority of recently described carboxylates reveals a hexanuclear core of [An6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4]12+ terminated by 12 carboxylate ligands. We found that the An(IV) carboxylate solution species remain often preserved in crystalline state. The An(IV) carboxylates show An–An distances which are ~ 0.03 Å shorter than the An–An distances in AnO2 like colloids. The difference in the distances could be used to identify such species in solution.
The compound MOF-14 (Cu3(BTB)2, BTB = 4,4',4''-benzenetribenzoate) was synthesized by ball milling and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The raw material was activated using an efficient single washing step to ensure a free pore access. Nitrogen adsorption measurements were carried out to determine the specific areas of the samples before and after activation. To interpret the activation process in terms of blocking effects in the micropore channels, NLDFT evaluations (Nonlocal Density Functional Theory) of the MOF-14 nitrogen isotherms were carried out. In connection with the appearance of additional hysteresis loops in the nitrogen isotherms, calculations of the mesopore size distribution were performed using the method of Barret, Joyner, and Halenda (BJH). The results are compared to those of a structurally analogue MOF, namely HKUST-1 (Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate). This comparison showed notable differences regarding the impact of the activation step on the formation of mesopores and their size distribution.
The formation and growth of hydroxylamine reduced silver nanoparticles were investigated by simultaneous Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopy coupled to an acoustic levitator as a sample holder. Based on the UV/Vis spectra, a two step particle formation mechanism with fast initial formation and adjacent coalescence can be proposed for the reduction of silver nitrate with hydroxylamine. The presence of the analyte adenine during particle formation resulted in differences in the adenine SERS signature compared to experiments, where adenine was added after particle synthesis. It was possible to monitor the adenine and sodium chloride induced aggregation of the nanoparticles and its dynamics based on both the extinction spectra and the SERS data. Correlating the information from the extinction spectra with the SERS intensity, the maximum SERS signals were observed at maximum extinction of the aggregated nanoparticle solution at the Raman excitation wavelength.
The formation of magnesium fluoride sols and xerogels according to the fluorolytic sol–gel synthesis based on the reaction of Mg(OMe)2 with non-aqueous HF has been thoroughly investigated by X-ray scattering (WAXS/XRD), TEM, SAXS, DLS and 19F MAS NMR spectroscopy. Mechanistic insights were gained by following the reaction progress and formation of intermediate phases of the fluorination of magnesium alkoxides. For F:Mg ratios of 0.3 and 0.4 the formation of two crystalline phases was observed containing the recently obtained compound [Mg6F2(OCH3)10(CH3OH)14] hexanuclear dicubane units. The stoichiometric reaction yields magnesium fluoride nanoparticles with crystallite sizes below 5 nm, which show broad reflections in the X-ray diffraction pattern. Metal fluoride sols prepared by this way undergo tremendous changes over the first several weeks after synthesis. Immediately after the fluorination, particles of about 120 nm—probably agglomerates—are formed, which break apart in the course of about one month of ageing and low-viscous, transparent sols with particles of about 12 nm are obtained. At the same time structural re-organisation processes within the magnesium fluoride particles are observed by an increase of the (110) reflection in WAXS.
Quinaldine (2-methyl quinoline) is a liquid at room temperature, which can be supercooled to reach finally the glassy state. By heating the glass above the glass transition temperature Tg = 180 K the sample performs two subsequent transitions into, likewise, dielectrically active phases. Thus, the reorientational relaxations of these phases as well as the kinetics of the phase transitions can be tracked in a highly resolved way by dielectric spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis clearly shows two structurally different crystalline phases in addition to the supercooled liquid. Calorimetric measurements support the notion of first order phase transitions, occurring irreversibly in the supercooled regime, and suggest that the intermediate crystalline phase is metastable, too. Analyzing the quite distinct dielectric relaxation strengths, we discuss the possible nature of the two crystalline phases. Additionally, a very similar behavior to quinaldine is observed for 3-methyl quinoline, indicating a broad field of polymorphism among the quinoline derivatives.
Monodisperse, citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles of sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm were synthesized and characterized by small angle X-ray scattering and UV-vis experiments. Identical surface properties of nanoparticles of different sizes to avoid variation in the chemical surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement, as well as selection of experimental conditions so that no aggregation took place, enabled the investigation of enhancement of individual nanospheres. Enhancement factors (EFs) for SERS were determined using the dye crystal violet (CV). EFs for individual gold nanospheres ranged from 102 to 103, in agreement with theoretical predictions. An increase of the EFs of individual spheres with size can be correlated to changes in the extinction spectra of nanoparticle solutions. This confirms that the increase in enhancement with increasing size results from an increase in electromagnetic enhancement. Beyond this dependence of EFs of isolated gold spheres on their size, EFs were shown to vary with analyte concentration as a result of analyte-induced aggregation. This has implications for the application of nanoparticle solutions as SERS substrates in quantitative analytical tasks.
Fractionation of a 70% ethanolic extract from twigs of Lindera obtusiloba BLUME (Japanese spicebush, Tohaku) yielded fi ve fractions of different polarity. The antifi brotic activity within the chloroform phase was best assessed by an in vitro bioassay using rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation and their autocrine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression as sensitive fibrosis-associated read out. Chromatography of the chloroform extract on Sephadex LH-20 or liquid-liquid extractions yielded a crystalline compound as an active principle, which was identifi ed from NMR and ESI-MS analyses, its melting point, and its optical rotation as (7S,7'S,8S,8'S)-3,4:3',4'-bis(methylenedioxy) -7,9':7',9-diepoxy-lignane [(+)-episesamin]. X-Ray diffraction confirmed the structure and provided, for the fi rst time, directly its absolute confi guration. (+)-Episesamin blocked proliferation and the profi brotic autocrine TGF-β expression HSC without signifi cant cytotoxicity.
The impact of the ovo proteins ovalbumin and lysozyme—present in the first stage of egg shell formation—on the homogeneous formation of the liquid amorphous calcium carbonate (LACC) precursor, was studied by a combination of complementing methods: in situ WAXS, SANS, XANES, TEM, and immunogold labeling. Lysozyme (pI = 9.3) destabilizes the LACC emulsion whereas the glycoprotein ovalbumin (pI = 4.7) extends the lifespan of the emulsified state remarkably. In the light of the presented data: (a) Ovalbumin is shown to behave commensurable to the 'polymer-induced liquid precursor' (PILP) process proposed by Gower et al. Ovalbumin can be assumed to take a key role during eggshell formation where it serves as an effective stabilization agent for transient precursors and prevents undirected mineralization of the eggshell. (b) It is further shown that the emulsified LACC carries a negative surface charge and is electrostatically stabilized. (c) We propose that the liquid amorphous calcium carbonate is affected by polymers by depletion stabilization and de-emulsification rather than 'induced' by acidic proteins and polymers during a so-called polymer-induced liquid-precursor process. The original PILP coating effect, first reported by Gower et al., appears to be a result of a de-emulsification process of a stabilized LACC phase. The behavior of the liquid amorphous carbonate phase and the polymer-induced liquid-precursor phase itself can be well described by colloid chemical terms: electrostatic and depletion stabilization and de-emulsification by depletion destabilization.
Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an important treatment procedure in IgE-mediated allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis or insect toxin allergies. A reduction in the clinical reaction to the allergens to which the patient is known to be sensitized is intended by means of antigen-specific influence on the immune system. The allergenspecific immunotherapy can be applied by subcutaneous injections, and for selected allergens by means of sublingual application of the appropriate allergen. Occasionally, the injection of aluminium hydroxide-adsorbed sera induces a usually transient formation of granulomas. We are reporting on a rare case of cutaneous-subcutaneous pseudolymphoma in the injection area of both upper arms, probably induced by subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy.
A new proton-transfer organic salt, quinolinium hydrogensquarate (C13H9NO4), has been synthesized and fully characterized by single crystal x-ray diffraction. The salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with the parameters:
a = 3.8290(12) Å, b = 20.960(6) Å, c = 13.802(4) Å, β = 95.452(5)°, V = 1102.7(6) Å3, Z = 4 formula units. The structure consists of uncommon supramolecular neutral dimers which pile up parallel to [100] forming infinite sheets. These centrosymmetric dimers are held together by lateral hydrogen-bonds whereby two neighboring coplanar hydrogensquarate anions act as a bridge between two terminal quinolinium cations and C-H...O bridgings interlink next neighboring sheets. The bulk structure of this salt is consolidated by weak ππ interactions within the sheets which are neatly ordered side-by-side relative to one another.
Cementitious materials, in particular concrete, are durable materials if prepared appropriately and the Service life of concrete structures is now often required to last 120 years or more. Concrete durability depends strongly on intrinsic (e.g. composition, porosity) and exterior factors (e.g. moisture condition and composition, frost cycles, load pattem). Deleterious actions leading to concrete degradation are often created by the environment. Extemal sulfate attack is one of the more spectacular damage scenarios for concrete structures caused by the ingress of sulfate ions into the pore System of the material and successive formation of expanding phases. Though in recent years well studied there are still many questions remaining conceming the mechanisms of sulfate attack. In particular over the last ten years, with the increased utilization of blended cements, new questions arose concerning the sulfate resistance of those binder Systems. In the presented study therefore a method was developed to analyze the changes of the phase composition within the micro structure due to sulfate attack. The analytical method was based on pX-Ray diffraction (pXRD) using Synchrotron radiation in Debye-Scherrer (transmission) geometry. The spatial resolution of the method is ca. 10 pm and allows the characterization of phase transformations in the wake of damaging processes in more detail compared to other techniques. Furthermore, the experimental setup provides the possibility for analyzing the phase assemblage of a given sample without destroying the micro structure. This is possible because the specimens for phase analysis consists of thick sections, which can be used for further microscopic analysis of the micro structure and micro chemistry (e.g. by SEM-EDX). Samples containing supplementary cementitious materials were measured in comparison and to reconstruct the influence of the degradation process in detail. Additionally, reaction ffonts within the samples were localized by micro x-ray fluorescence analysis (MXRF).
The title compound, {2-[(2-carbamoylethyl)amino]-3-methylpentanoic acid}, C9H18N2O3, is of interest with respect to its biological activity. It was formed during an addition reaction between acrylamide and the amino acid isoleucine. The crystal structure is a three-dimensional network built up by intermolecular N–H···O and O–H···N hydrogen bonds.
rac-2,3-Dibromopropionamide
(2013)
The racemic title compound, C3H5Br2NO, was crystallized from methanol. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are linked through N–H···O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the c-axis direction. These chains are linked through N–H···O hydrogen bonds, forming an undulating two-dimensional network lying parallel to the bc plane. There are also short Br···Br contacts present [3.514 (3) Å].
The title compound [systematic name: (2R,3R,4S,5R,6R) 2-(acetoxymethyl)-6-propoxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triyl triacetate], C17H26O10, was formed by a Koenigs-Knorr reaction of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide and n-propanol. The central ring adopts a chair conformation. The crystal does not contain any significant interactions such as hydrogen bonds.
In any given matrix control over the final particle size distribution requires a constitutive understanding of the mechanisms and kinetics of the particle evolution. In this contribution we report on the formation mechanism of silver nanoparticles embedded in a soda-lime silicate glass matrix. For the silver ion-exchanged glass it is shown that at temperatures below 410 °C only molecular clusters (diameter <1 nm) are forming which are most likely silver dimers. These clusters grow to nanoparticles (diameter >1 nm) by annealing above this threshold temperature of 410 °C. It is evidenced that the growth and thus the final silver nanoparticle size are determined by matrix-assisted reduction mechanisms. As a consequence, particle growth proceeds after the initial formation of stable clusters by addition of silver monomers which diffuse from the glass matrix. This is in contrast to the widely accepted concept of particle growth in metal–glass systems, in which it is assumed that the nanoparticle formation is predominantly governed by Ostwald ripening processes.
Thermal decomposition of Zr(C2O4)2·4H2O within an autoclave or in a conventional tube furnace at temperatures below 380 °C resulted in nano- and micron-sized ZrO2, respectively. Reactions under autogenic pressure yielded monodisperse monoclinic (m) and tetragonal (t) ZrO2 nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~8 nm and interconnected t-ZrO2 nanoparticles with diameters of ~4 nm, depending on the synthesis temperature. Samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) associated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman microspectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Nanostructured zirconia materials exhibited high specific areas of 276–385 m2 g-1 which make them promising candidates as catalysts and catalyst supports. Co-existence of m- and t-ZrO2 nanoparticles with diameters of 6–9 nm, i.e. above the critical particle size of 6 nm for the formation of t-ZrO2, demonstrated that the particle size is not the only factor for stabilisation of the t-ZrO2 modification at room temperature.
An unusually fast crystallization of the organic glass former nifedipine has been observed. The crystallization process, starting from an amorphous film to crystalline material, was investigated by time resolved Raman microspectroscopy. The crystallization rates of the initially crystallizing metastable β-form are four orders of magnitude higher than those of previous studies.
Ergotaminine
(2012)
The title compound {systematic name: (6aR,9S)-N-[(2R,5S,10aS,10bS)-5-benzyl-10b-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxooctahydro-8H-oxazolo[3,2-a]pyrrolo[2,1-c]pyrazin-2-yl]-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide}, C33H35N5O5, was formed by an epimerization reaction of ergotamine. The non-aromatic ring (ring C of the ergoline skeleton) directly fused to the aromatic rings is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.317 (4) Å] and shows an envelope conformation, whereas ring D, involved in an intramolecular N–H···N hydrogen bond exhibits a slightly distorted chair conformation. The structure displays chains running approximately parallel to the diagonal of bc plane that are formed through N–H···O hydrogen bonds.
A systematic crystal morphology study on the pharmaceutical model compound caffeine has been conducted on different surfaces: silicon, silver, soda lime glass, and silver subsurface ion-exchanged soda-lime silicate (SIMO) glasses. The morphology of the solid caffeine deposits has been investigated using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Needle-shaped caffeine crystals have been observed by drop-casting and also by applying the rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS) technique using supercritical carbon dioxide. The aspect ratio of the crystalline needles typically vary between 10 and 100, but have been observed as large as 500. The XRD data of the RESS products indicate unambiguously the presence of the thermodynamically most stable polymorph of caffeine known as the β-form. Under defined conditions we observe a unique, surface-mediated morphology for caffeine crystals with nearly perfect hexagonal shape. The relative fraction of the hexagons was seen to strongly increase especially when SIMO glasses were used. These hexagons have a distinct upper size limit depending on the solvent and substrate being used. The size distribution analysis of the hexagons yielded an average perimeter of typically 10 µm. The mechanism of the formation process of this new hexagonal motif is explained in terms of the spinodal dewetting of the thin film of caffeine solution on the surface.
The title compound, also known as cis-zearalenone (cis-ZEN), C18H22O5, has already been reported elsewhere [Griffin et al. (1981). ACA Ser. 29, 35], but no atomic coordinates are publicly available. The molecule is of interest with respect to its toxicity. In the crystal, intramolecular O—H···O hydrogen bonds stabilize the molecular conformation, while intermolecular O—H···O hydrogen bonds link the molecules to form infinite chains along the [110] and [1¯10] directions. The absolute configuration has been assigned by reference to an unchanging chiral centre in the synthetic procedure.
Acoustic levitation represents the physical background of trapping a sample in a standing acoustic wave with no contact to the wave generating device. For the last three decades, sample holders based on this effect have been commonly used for contact free handling of samples coupled with a number of analytical techniques. In this study, a wall-free climate unit is presented, which allows the control of the environmental conditions of suspended samples. The insulation is based on a continuous cold/hot gas flow around the sample and thus does not require any additional isolation material. This provides a direct access to the levitated sample and circumvents any influence of the climate unit material to the running analyses.
Höchst dynamische Hydratationsprozesse in den ersten Sekunden bei der Entstehung eines Bauwerkes lassen sich mithilfe von Synchrotron-Röntgenbeugung mit einer sehr hohen Zeitauflösung nachverfolgen. Der Schwerpunkt lag dabei auf der Beeinflussung der Bildung erster kristalliner Hydratationsprodukte während des Frühstadiums der Zementhydratation.
The use of Automated electron Diffraction Tomography (ADT) is presented as a novel approach for crystallization studies at the nanometer scale for nonequilibrium phases. Here, ADT was applied to elucidate the structural identity of the recently reported hexagonal morphology of caffeine crystals, which grow only on specific surfaces. Caffeine was crystallized from solution on a specially treated TEM carbon grid. The analysis of ADT data revealed that the lattice parameters of these hexagons match those of the high temperature α-form of caffeine. Furthermore, it was observed that in this hexagonal morphology, the α-form remained stable for a prolonged period of time. The stabilization of hexagons can be interpreted in terms of enhanced interactions with the supporting surfaces.
Setting cement: Highly dynamic hydration processes that occur during the first seconds of cement hydration were studied by time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Polycarboxylate ether additives were found to influence the formation of the initial crystalline hydration products on a molecular level.
The synthesis and properties of a series of new structure-directing triblock copolymers with PEO-PB-PEO structure (PEO = poly(ethylene oxide) and PB = polybutadiene) and their application as superior pore-templates for the preparation of mesoporous titania coatings are reported. Starting from either TiCl4 or from preformed TiO2 nanocrystalline building blocks, mesoporous crystalline titanium oxide films with a significant degree of mesoscopic ordered pores are derived, and the pore size can be controlled by the molecular mass of the template polymer. Moreover, the triblock copolymers form stable micelles already at very low concentration, i.e., prior to solvent evaporation during the evaporation-induced self-assembly process (EISA). Consequently, the thickness of pore walls can be controlled independently of pore size by changing the polymer-to-precursor ratio. Thus, unprecedented control of wall thickness in the structure of mesoporous oxide coatings is achieved. In addition, the micelle formation of the new template polymers is sufficiently distinct from that of typical commercial PPO-PEO-PPO polymers (Pluronics; PPO = poly(propylene oxide)), so that a combination of both polymers facilitates bimodal porosity via dual micelle templating.
A unique direct electrodeposition technique involving very high current densities, high voltages and high electrolyte concentrations is applied for highly selective mass synthesis of stable, isolable, surfactant-free, single-crystalline Bi hexagons on a Cu wire at room temperature. A formation mechanism of the hexagons is proposed. The morphology, phase purity, and crystallinity of the material are well characterized by FESEM, AFM, TEM, SAED, EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the material under intense electron beam and intense laser light irradiation is studied. The chemical stability of elemental Bi in nitric acid shows different dissolution rates for different morphologies. This effect enables a second way for the selective fabrication of Bi hexagons. Bi hexagons can be oxidized exclusively to α-Bi2O3 hexagons. The Bi hexagons are found to be promising for thermoelectric applications. They are also catalytically active, inducing the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. This electrodeposition methodology has also been demonstrated to be applicable for synthesis of bismuth-based bimetallic hybrid composites for advanced applications.
New horizons of the structural characterization of stainless steel slags by X-ray powder diffraction
(2007)
High-pressure studies on molecular crystals - relations between structure and high-pressure behavior
(2008)
This paper summarizes attempts to understand structureproperty relationships for a large class of aromatic diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole molecules. Starting from the investigation of the crystal structure several common packing motifs as well as characteristic differences are derived. Many different molecules show a rather planar conformation in the solid state. A stronger intermolecular twist is only observed for compounds with substituents occupying the ortho-positions of the phenyl rings. Most crystal structures are characterized by the formation of stacks leading to intense ππ acceptordonor interactions between oxadiazole and phenyl rings. High-pressure investigations result in a soft compression behavior typical for organic molecular crystals. The bulk behavior may be described by the Murnaghan equation of state with similar coefficients (bulk modulus and its pressure derivative) for nearly all investigated compounds but also for related substances. The compression shows a strong anisotropy resulting from the specific features and packing motifs of the crystal structure. This is clearly indicated by a corresponding strain analysis. Additionally to the crystal structure the Raman spectrum was also investigated under increasing pressure. The different pressure behavior of external and internal modes reflects the difference between intra- and intermolecular interactions.
Delta-Hexabromocyclododecane
(2007)
A new instrument for simultaneous microbeam small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray fluorescence (SAXS/WAXS/XRF) is presented. The instrument is installed at the microfocus beamline at BESSY II and provides a beam of 10 µm size with a flux of about 109 photons s-1. A SAXS resolution up to 500 Å d-spacing and a range of scattering vectors of almost three orders of magnitude are reached by using a large-area high-resolution CCD-based detector for simultaneous SAXS/WAXS. The instrument is particularly suited for scanning SAXS/WAXS/XRF experiments on hierarchically structured biological tissues. The necessary infrastructure, such as a cryo-stream facility and an on-site preparation laboratory for biological specimens, are available.
The title compound [systematic name: 6-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-7-yl)hexanoic acid monohydrate, CAS 61444-23-3], C13H18N4O4·H2O, was synthesized and crystallized from ethyl acetate. Hydrogen bonds between xanthine and water molecules contribute to the formation of layers parallel to (10).
Structure determination of two asymmetrically substituted oxadiazoles from powder diffraction data
(2008)
The crystal structures of the 1,3,4 oxadiazole compounds N,N-dimethyl-N-[4-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]amine (1) and 2-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (2) have been determined. In case of 1 no adequate crystals were available; therefore the structure was solved at room temperature from X-ray powder diffraction data using the method of simulated annealing. This solution is compared to a second one obtained by applying the molecular replacement method. Subsequent Rietveld refinements combined with the so called two stage method based on the data collected to 1.6 Å resolution yielded an Rwp value of 7.27% for 1. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with lattice parameters of a = 7.599(4) Å, b = 6.004(2) Å, c = 21.736(3) Å. The crystal structure of 2 was solved by means of single crystal structure analysis (monoclinic space group P21/c, a = 8.010(3) Å, b = 10.783(4) Å, c = 19.234(7) Å, β = 90.794(9)°).
A systematic structural investigation of R-phenyl-substituted 2,2':6',2"-terpyridines, a family of mono- and bifunctional charge transfer (CT)-operated fluorescent reporters for protons and metal ions, is presented. These molecules are equipped with non-binding and analyte coordinating donor substituents R (R = CF3, H, OMe, OH, DMA, A15C5 equaling monoaza-15-crown-5) of various donor strength and display CT-controlled spectroscopic properties and communication of analytereceptor interactions. The crystal structures of the neutral fluorescent probes are compared to the structures of their terpyridine-alkylated or -protonated counterparts that represent model systems for acceptor protonation or cation coordination. The aim is here a better understanding of the complexation-induced structural and spectroscopic changes and the identification of common packing motifs of bpb-R thereby taking into account the importance of terpyridine building blocks for the construction of supramolecular systems and coordination arrays revealing ππ interactions.
Kristallstruktur von Tris(oxamiddioxim-k2N,N')nickel(II) L(+)-Tartrat, [Ni(H2oxado)3][L(+)-(C4H406)]
(2007)
Decabromodiphenylethane
(2007)
Decabromodiphenylethane [systematic name: 1,1'-ethane-1,2-diylbis(pentabromobenzene)], C14H4Br10 (DBDPE), was crystallized from toluene. The molecule shows crystallographic inversion symmetry. The CBr distances are in the range 1.873 (7)1.891 (6) Å; intermolecular BrBr contacts contribute to the formation of ribbons.
Three new compounds have been synthesized based on the molecular motif 2-[2,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole, with subsequent CF3-substitution in the ortho-positions of the phenylene ring. The crystal structures of the compounds have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds have a monoclinic structure. The solid state structure of the compounds is influenced by the electronic properties of the fluorine atoms, leading to the occurrence of CH...F, and CF...ϖ interactions, partly replacing ϖϖ interactions usually observed in the crystal structures of 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives. Other significant interactions than those involving fluorine appear only in rare cases. The strong impact of the fluorine atoms on the intra- and intermolecular interactions, and the molecular conformation lead to novel inputs for the understanding of molecular recognition, supramolecular assembly, and crystal packing of fluorine containing compounds.
1,2,5,6,9,10-Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used flame retardant, which tends to persist in the environment and accumulates in biota. The six stereoisomers (three racemates named α-, β-, and γ-HBCD) of the technical mixture were isolated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Direct separations were performed on a chiral stationary phase containing permethylated -cyclodextrin (NUCLEODEX -PM column) and the pure enantiomers of α-, β-, and γ-HBCD were physically characterized for the first time. The absolute configurations of all six isomers were determined by anomalous dispersion using single crystal X-ray crystallography. Optical rotations αD in tetrahydrofuran were +4.2/-4.0 (α-HBCD), +26.1/-27.5 (β-HBCD), and +68.0/-66.3 (γ-HBCD). The sense of rotation could be correlated with the absolute configurations of α-, β-, and γ-HBCD enantiomers and their order of elution on a chiral permethylated β-cyclodextrin-bonded stationary phase. The diastereomers α-, β-, and γ-HBCD displayed distinctly different melting points as well as 1H-, 13C NMR, and IR spectra.
Uranium(IV) sulfate in an aqueous solution and the solid state has been investigated with extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coordination polyhedron comprises monodentate sulfate, bidentate sulfate, and water molecules. The coordination modes of sulfate in solution have been determined from the U-S distances with EXAFS. The U-S distance of 3.67 ± 0.02 Å indicates monodentate sulfate, and the U-S distance of 3.08 ± 0.02 Å indicates bidentate coordination. The obtained sulfur coordination numbers of a solution with a [SO42-]/[U4+] ratio of 40 suggest species with compositions of [U(SO4,bid)2(SO4,mon)2·nH2O]4- and [U(SO4,bid)3 (SO4,mon)2·mH2O]6-. Charge-compensating countercations or ion pairing with Na+ and NH4+ could not be detected with EXAFS. One of the solution species, [U(SO4)5H2O]6-, has been conserved in a crystal. The corresponding crystal structure of Na1.5(NH4)4.5[U(SO4)5·H2O]·H2O [space group P1, a = 9.4995(16) Å, b = 9.8903(16) Å, c = 12.744(2) Å, α = 93.669(2)°, β = 103.846(2)°, γ = 109.339(2)°] has been determined by single-crystal XRD. Two monomeric uranium(IV) sulfate complexes and three sodium units are linked in alternating rows and form a one-dimensoinal ribbon structure parallel to the a axis.
We report on the online coupling of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for the detection of nanoparticles. The A4F was used to fractionate superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles, which were prepared continuously with a micromixer. The outlet of the A4F was directly coupled to a flow capillary of a SAXSess instrument (Kratky type of camera). SAXS curves were recorded in a 1 s time interval. This was possible by using intense synchrotron radiation. The radii of gyration of the nanoparticles, as determined from Guinier plots, increased from 2 to 6 nm with increasing fractionation time of the A4F. A more detailed analysis of the scattering curves revealed that the particles were cylindrical in shape (nanorods), which we attributed to the micromixing preparation technique. The radii of the nanorods increased only slightly from 1.2 to 1.7 nm with increasing fractionation time, while the lengths increased strongly from 7.0 to 30.0 nm. The volume distribution of the nanorods was determined and described by Schultz-Zimm and log-normal distributions. Nanorod volumes increased from 45 to 263 nm³, corresponding to molar masses of 140 × 10³ to 820 × 10³ g mol-1. We propose A4F-SAXS coupling as a new method for analysis of nanoparticles of complex composition in solution. It allows precise online determination of the particles shape and size distributions. This method can be applied to mixtures of nanoparticles of arbitrary shapes and sizes (1-100 nm). Moreover, the total time needed for fractionation and online SAXS data recording is usually only 20 min.
Crystallization processes under different conditions are of fundamental interest in chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine. Therefore, we have studied the formation of micro- and nanosized crystals using water-caffeine (1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione) solutions under ambient conditions as a relevant model system. When droplets of an aqueous caffeine solution evaporate and eventually dry on surfaces (glass, polystyrene, and polyester), stable coffee tabletop rings with a perimeter of typically 3 mm are formed after 20 to 50 min. Using a micro focus X-ray beam available at the BESSY µSpot-beamline, the fine structure of different caffeine needles can be distinguished. Unexpectedly, both crystal modifications (α- and β-caffeine) are present, but locally separated in these rings. Furthermore, AFM studies reveal the presence of even smaller particles on a nanometer length scale. To eliminate influences of surface irregularities from the crystallization process, acoustic levitation of liquid samples was employed. Such levitated droplets are trapped in a stable position and only surrounded by air. The solvent in an ultrasonically levitated drop evaporates completely, and the resulting crystallization of caffeine was followed in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. In this case, the diffraction pattern is in accordance with pure α-caffeine and does not indicate the formation of the room temperature polymorph β-caffeine. Hence, our investigations open new vistas that may lead to a controlled formation of cocrystals and novel polymorphs of micro- and nanocrystalline materials, which are of relevance for fundamental studies as well as for pharmaceutical and medical applications.
The supermolecular mechanism of the template-mediated oxidative polymerization of pyrrole is investigated in detail. It is shown for the first time that 2,5-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)pyrrolidyl complexes with aromatic sulfonic acids such as %#946;-naphtalenesulfonic acid or para-toluenesulfonic acid are formed in the early polymerization step. The crystalline acidbase complexes are isolated and their crystal structures are analyzed. A 2,5-bis(pyrrol-2-yl)pyrrolidyl cation is common to both complexes and forms an inner salt with the sulfonic acid anion. As concluded from NMR investigations the synthesis using sulfonic acids results in a high stereo selectivity with respect to the trans conformation of the pyrrolidyl ring compared with the classical synthesis routine of this compound using hydrochloric acid. The needle-like crystals of the complexes act as hard templates during the next step of the polymerization and result in tubular morphologies of the polypyrrole.
The title compounds Zn2[S2CN(n-C4H9)2]4 1 and Zn2[(S(SO)CN(n-C4H9)2)(S2CN(n-C4H9)2)]2 3 build mixed crystals in the ratio 0.42: 0.58. Each compound forms dimers, in which the monomer moieties are related via a two-fold axis, coinciding with that of the monoclinic space group C2/c. The lattice parameters are a = 23.581(9), b = 17.112(5), c = 16.372(9) Å, and β = 128.33(3)°.
Spatially resolved analysis of complex multi-phase systems can be validated through different analytical methods. This study compares investigations by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis and high resolution X-ray diffraction. The studied sulfate attacked cement paste containing fly ashes consists of different interacting crystalline and amorphous phases. The complementary methods revealed in detail changes in phase composition due to the chemical attack. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed and suggestions are given for combining them with additional methods to maximize the information content.
Catalysis, energy storage, and light harvesting require functional materials with tailored porosity and nanostructure. However, common synthesis methods that employ polymer micelles as structure-directing agents fail for zinc oxide, for cobalt oxide, and for metal carbonates in general. We report the synthesis of the oxides and carbonates of zinc, cobalt, and aluminum with micelle-templated structure. The synthesis relies on poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(butadiene)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers and a new type of precursor formed by chemical complexation of a metal nitrate with citric acid. A general synthesis mechanism is deduced. Mechanistic insights allow for the prediction of optimal processing conditions for different oxides and carbonates based on simple thermogravimetric analysis. Employing this synthesis, films of ZnO and Co3O4 with micelle-controlled mesoporosity become accessible for the first time. It is the only soft-templating method reported so far that also yields mesoporous metal carbonates. The developed synthesis is generic in nature and can be applied to many other metal oxides and carbonates.
The rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes [M(Cl){ArN=C(H)C(H)=NAr}(CNtBu)] (1: M = Rh, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3; 2: M = Rh, Ar = Mes; 3: M = Ir, Ar = Mes; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) have been prepared by the reaction of [M(µ-Cl)(coe)2]2 (M = Rh, Ir; coe = cyclooctene) with the α-dialdimines ArN=C(H)C(H)=NAr (Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3, Mes) in thf, followed by the addition of CNtBu. XANES spectra and DFT calculations on 2 and 3 suggest an oxidation state +I at the metal centers. Treatment of the complexes 2 and 3 with O2 or 18O2 gave the peroxido complexes [M(Cl)(O2){MesN=C(H)C(H)=NMes}(CNtBu)] (4a: M = Rh; 5a: M = Ir) and [M(Cl)(18O2){MesN=C(H)C(H)=NMes}(CNtBu)] (4b: M = Rh; 5b: M = Ir). The reaction of 3 with dihydrogen resulted in the formation of the iridium dihydrido complex [Ir(Cl)(H)2{MesN=C(H)C(H)=NMes}(CNtBu)] (6a). Two isomeric α-imine-amine complexes [Ir(Cl)(H)2{MesN(H)CH2C(H)=NMe}(CNtBu)] (7/7') were obtained after prolonged reaction under H2. All of the complexes were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy. In addition, complexes 2, 3,and 7 were characterized by X-ray crystallography.
A successful mechanochemical synthesis of strontium terephthalate trihydrate is described for the first time. The dehydration of Sr(C8H4O4)·3H2O occurs at about 100 °C and results in a well-defined strontium terephtalate, Sr(C8H4O4), thermally stable up to 550 °C. Both compounds are not described so far in the literature. Their structures were solved by ab initio structure determination and subsequent Rietveld refinement of the powder diffraction data. Further methods like DTA-TG, MAS NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, and BET measurements were used to characterize these compounds.
The Goldschmidt reaction (2Al+α-Fe2O3) was investigated both under mechanical and thermal activation by employing a combination of analytical methods such as ESR and Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermal analysis (TA). Both the mechanical treatment and the TA runs under air caused the reaction conditions of 'quiet redox reactions' due to a retarding effect and enabled a reaction study in a 'slow motion mode'. This allowed to establish distinct partial steps of the integral reaction process depending on the intensity of the mechanical impact, the educt composition, the gas phase composition, and, finally, the thermal excitation in the TA runs. Particular attention was payed to the role of the gas phase and to the reaction of aluminum with differently activated oxygen species. The phlegmatizing effect was traced back to the formation of Al2O3 coverages of the Al particles.
A new setup is presented which enables simultaneous wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS) and Raman spectroscopic experiments during the synthesis of Mo-based mixed oxide catalyst precursors at the µ-spot beamline at the Berliner Elektronenspeicherring-Gesellschaft für Synchrotronstrahlung (BESSY). Furthermore, we report about the separate monitoring of the same reactions under comparable conditions by simultaneous combined ATR/UVvis/Raman spectroscopic measurements. For testing the performance of both experimental setups two syntheses were described comprising the precipitation of metal molybdates by mixing solutions of metal nitrates and ammonium heptamolybdate. Additionally, the effect of H3PO4 admixture on precipitation was investigated. The combined evaluation of spectroscopic and WAXS/SAXS data allows the discrimination between different molybdate species appearing in solution and precipitate. Furthermore, these molybdate species could be assigned to separate phases of different crystallinity.
The spherical gold nanoparticle reference materials RM 8011, RM 8012, and RM 8013, with a nominal radius of 5, 15, and 30 nm, respectively, have been available since 2008 from NIST. These materials are recommended as standards for nanoparticle size measurements and for the study of the biological effects of nanoparticles, e.g., in pre-clinical biomedical research. We report on determination of the size distributions of these gold nanoparticles using different small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instruments. Measurements with a classical Kratky type SAXS instrument are compared with a synchrotron SAXS technique. Samples were investigated in situ, positioned in capillaries and in levitated droplets. The number-weighted size distributions were determined applying model scattering functions based on (a) Gaussian, (b) log-normal, and (c) Schulz distributions. The mean radii are 4.36 ± 0.04 nm (RM 8011), 12.20 ± 0.03 nm (RM 8012), and 25.74 ± 0.27 nm (RM 8013). Low polydispersities, defined as relative width of the distributions, were detected with values of 0.067 ± 0.006 (RM 8011), 0.103 ± 0.003, (RM 8012), and 0.10 ± 0.01 (RM 8013). The results are in agreement with integral values determined from classical evaluation procedures, such as the radius of gyration (Guinier) and particle volume (Kratky). No indications of particle aggregation and particle interactions-repulsive or attractive-were found. We recommend SAXS as a standard method for a fast and precise determination of size distributions of nanoparticles.
Ergometrinine
(2010)
The absolute configuration of ergometrinine, C19H23N3O2 {systematic name: (6aR,9S)-N-[(S)-1-hydroxypropan-2-yl]-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide}, was established based on epimerization reaction of ergometrine, which was followed by preparative HPLC. The non-aromatic ring (ring C of the ergoline skeleton) directly fused to the aromatic rings is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.271 (3) Å] and shows an envelope conformation, whereas ring D, involved in an intramolecular N-HN hydrogen bond, exibits a slightly distorted chair conformation. The structure displays undulating layers in the ac plane formed by O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds.
A facile approach for the synthesis of monodisperse gold nanoparticles with radii in the range of 7 to 20 nm is presented. Starting from monodisperse seeds with radii of 7 nm, produced in the first step, the addition of a defined amount of additional precursor material permits distinct size regulation and the realization of predicted nanoparticle sizes. These information were derived from ex- and in situ investigations by comprehensive small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and UV-Vis data to obtain information on the physicochemical mechanisms. The obtained mechanisms can be transferred to other seeded growth processes. Compared to similar approaches, the presented synthesis route circumvents the use of different reducing or stabilizing agents. The size of resulting nanoparticles can be varied over a large size range presented for the first time without a measurable change in the shape, polydispersity or surface chemistry. Thus, the resulting nanoparticles are ideal candidates for size dependence investigations.
Amelogenin nanoparticles in suspension: Deviations from spherical shape and pH-dependent aggregation
(2010)
It is well-known that amelogenin self-assembles to form nanoparticles, usually referred to as amelogenin nanospheres, despite the fact that not much is known about their actual shape in solution. In the current paper, we combine SAXS and DLS to study the three-dimensional shape of the recombinant amelogenins rP172 and rM179. Our results show for the first time that amelogenins build oblate nanoparticles in suspension using experimental approaches that do not require the proteins to be in contact with a support material surface. The SAXS studies give evidence for the existence of isolated amelogenin nano-oblates with aspect ratios in the range of 0.45-0.5 at pH values higher than pH 7.2 and show an aggregation of these nano-oblates at lower pH values. The role of the observed oblate shape in the formation of chain-like structures at physiological conditions is discussed as a key factor in the biomineralization of dental enamel.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were prepared by the homogeneous mixing of continuous flows of an aqueous tetrachloroauric acid solution and a sodium borohydride solution applying a microstructured static mixer. The online characterization and screening of this fast process (~2 s) was enabled by coupling a micromixer operating in continuous-flow mode with a conventional in-house small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) setup. This online characterization technique enables the time-resolved investigation of the growth process of the nanoparticles from an average radius of ca. 0.8 nm to about 2 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a continuous-flow SAXS setup for time-resolved studies of nanoparticle formation mechanisms that does not require the use of synchrotron facilities. In combination with X-ray absorption near edge structure microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy the obtained data allow the deduction of a two-step mechanism of gold nanoparticle formation. The first step is a rapid conversion of the ionic gold precursor into metallic gold nuclei, followed by particle growth via coalescence of smaller entities. Consequently it could be shown that the studied synthesis serves as a model system for growth driven only by coalescence processes.
A great challenge in the production of nanoparticles with defined sizes and properties is to control their growth in situ. We developed a dedicated combined small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) setup to monitor nanoparticle formation in solution. The capabilities of simultaneously deriving particle sizes and oxidation states of atoms/ions are illustrated for the formation of spherical gold nanoparticles by the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaureate (HAuCl4). Particles with initial radii of 4.60 ± 0.10 nm and final radii of 5.67 ± 0.10 nm were produced in a levitated droplet with a volume of 4 µL. An ethylene oxide/propylene oxide triblock copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO (Pluronic F-127) functions as reducing agent and colloidal stabilizer. XANES shows in situ how the gold was reduced in the droplet from Au(III) to Au(0), and simultaneously SAXS recorded the size distribution of the formed nanoparticles. It is shown that the final particle number is reached quickly. Thereafter, only the particles sizes increase. Comparison of XANES and SAXS shows that the quantity of Au(0) is higher than the quantity of gold located in the nanoparticles while the particles are growing. Finally, all the Au(0) is found in the nanoparticles. We tentatively attribute this finding to the pseudo crown ether effect of the polymer surfactant that kinetically stabilizes gold atoms when formed from gold ions within their protecting cavity. A simple burst mechanism for the gold nanoparticle formation is the consequence. The possibility of an inhomogeneous particles structure with an enhanced density near the particle surface is discussed.
The chemistry of caffeine
(2012)
The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C18H26O5, which is known as α-zearalanol, contains two molecules having the same conformation, with a r.m.s. deviation of less than 0.03 Å for all non-H atoms. In each independent molecule, an intramolecular O—H···O hydrogen bond stabilizes the molecular conformation. In the crystal, O—H···O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming infinite chains along [110] and [1¯10].
The molecular dynamics of the discotic liquid crystal pyrene-1,3,6,8-tetracarboxylic tetra(2-ethylhexyl)ester is studied by dielectric relaxation and specific heat spectroscopy. Dielectric spectroscopy shows 3 processes: a β-relaxation at low temperatures and an α-relaxation in the temperature range of the mesophases followed by conductivity. The dielectric α-relaxation is assigned to a restricted glassy dynamics in the plastic crystal as well as in the liquid crystalline phase. The obtained different Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann laws (different Vogel temperatures and fragility) are related to the different restrictions of the dipolar fluctuations in the corresponding phases. By means of specific heat spectroscopy glassy dynamics is also detected in the plastic crystalline phase but with quite a different temperature dependence of the relaxation times. This is discussed considering the different probes involved and how they are influenced by the structure. In the frame of the fluctuation approach a correlation length of glassy dynamics is calculated to 0.78 nm which corresponds to the core–core distance estimated by X-ray scattering.
The calcitic prisms of Pinna nobilis (Pinnidae, Linnaeus 1758) are shown to be perfect examples of a mesocrystalline material. Based on their ultrastructure and on the occurrence of an amorphous transient precursor during the early stages of prism formation, we provide evidence for the pathway of mesocrystallisation proposed by Seto et al. (2012), which proceeds not by self-organized oriented attachment of crystalline nano-bricks but by aggregation of initially amorphous nanogranules which later transform by epitaxial nucleation to a three-dimensional array of well aligned nanocrystals. We further fathom the role of a liquid amorphous calcium carbonate in biomineralisation processes and provide strong evidence for the occurrence of PILP-like intermediates during prism formation. We develop a new scenario of prism formation based on the presented findings presented findings and discuss the implications of a speculative liquid amorphous calcium carbonate (LACC) intermediate in vivo.
The helical coiled coil is a well-studied folding motif that can be used for the design of nanometer-sized bioinspired fibrous structures with potential applications as functional materials. A two-component system of coiled coil based model peptides is investigated, which forms, under acidic conditions, uniform, hundreds of nanometers long, and ~2.6 nm thick trimeric α-helical fibers. In the absence of the other component and under the same solvent conditions, one model peptide forms β-sheet-rich amyloid fibrils and the other forms stable trimeric α-helical coiled coils, respectively. These observations reveal that the complementary interactions driving helical folding are much stronger here than those promoting the intermolecular β-sheet formation. The results of this study are important in the context of amyloid inhibition but also open up new avenues for the design of novel fibrous peptidic materials.
The class of 2,5 disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles containing a biphenyl unit on one side is intensively used as electron transport materials to enhance the performance of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). In contrast to the ongoing research on these materials insights in their structure-property relationships are still incomplete. To overcome the structural tentativeness and ambiguities the crystal structures of 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, that of the related compound 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole and of 2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole are determined. A comparison with the results of GAUSSIAN03 calculations and similar compounds in the Cambridge Structural Database leads to a profound characterization.
A hexanuclear Th(IV)–glycine complex was observed by Th L3-edge EXAFS measurements in an aqueous solution. Within the stability range of this complex the positively charged hexanuclear species [Th6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4(H2O)6(Gly)6(HGly)6]6+ was preserved in a crystal with the composition [Th6(µ3-O)4(µ3-OH)4(H2O)6(Gly)6(HGly)6]·(NO3)3(ClO4)3(H2O)3. This complex appears as a result of a competing reaction between hydrolysis and ligation by glycine. At a pH value below the stability range of the hexanuclear complex, crystals with the composition [Th(H2O)3(HGly)3]·(ClO4)4H2O were obtained from the solution. Three water molecules in the thorium coordination sphere indicate that this complex occurs prior to the onset of Th(IV) hydrolysis.
Lysergol monohydrate
(2012)
In the title compound [systematic name: (7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3,2-fg]quinoline-9-yl)methanol monohydrate], C16H18N2O·H2O, the non-aromatic ring (ring C of the ergoline skeleton) directly fused to the aromatic rings is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.659 (3) Å, and shows an envelope conformation. In the crystal, hydrogen bonds between the lysergol and water molecules contribute to the formation of layers parallel to (10-2).
The fungus Claviceps purpurea grows on grasses
and cereal grains and produces six predominant ergot
alkaloids. These toxic substances undergo different transformation
reactions during storage and cereal processing. One
of these reactions is the addition of water to a double bond in
the ergoline skeleton. Since light is required for this process,
the substances formed were named lumi-ergot alkaloids.
From these, a new asymmetric carbon and consequently two
epimers with different polarities are formed. For investigations
of lumi-ergot alkaloids, ergometrine was used exemplarily
as it represents one of the six ergot alkaloids
predominantly formed by Claviceps purpurea. The main
reaction product, the less polar compound of the two lumiergometrine
epimers, was separated by HPLC and unambiguously
identified as 10-(S)-lumi-ergometrine using X-ray
structural analysis. A HPLC-MS/MS method was developed
for the detection of this substance in sclerotia extracts. Using
this method, the existence of both epimeric forms of lumiergometrine
could be proved in the sclerotia. This is the first
time that the existence of a lumi-transformation product of
ergot alkaloids was proved in naturally grown samples.