Longer Spacer Research Articles

A new series of cross-linked (meth)acrylate polymer electrolytes for energy storage

A series of methacrylate-crosslinked polymers were investigated as potential polymer electrolytes for energy storage application. Methacrylate ester crosslinkers (25–50mol.%) with different spacer lengths and MMA as comonomer were polymerised into thin films. Mixtures of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate (EC/PC) or alternatively the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIM TFSI), both doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI), fulfilled the role of electrolyte and porogen simultaneously. Ionic conductivity increased with increasing porogen content, Li ion concentration, and decreasing amounts of crosslinker (maximum values: 0.5mS/cm (EC/PC) and 4.5mS/cm (EMIM TFSI)). Thin films with permanent porosity were obtained for both electrolyte systems. The flexibility of the films increased with a lower concentration of crosslinker or the choice of a crosslinker with a longer spacer. The relationship between pore size, pore morphology, glass transition temperature and ionic conductivity on the other hand was complex and did not exhibit distinct trends. High thermal stability, ionic conductivity and tunable mechanical properties make these polymer thin films attractive candidates as in situ filled Li ion battery separator films either preformed or directly printed.

Synthesis, Photophysics, and Photovoltaic Studies of Ruthenium Cyclometalated Complexes as Sensitizers for p-Type NiO Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

We report the first application of cyclometalated ruthenium complexes of the type Ru[(N∧N)2(C∧N)]+ as sensitizers for p-type NiO dye-sensitized solar cells (NiO p-DSCs). These dyes exhibit broad absorption in the visible region. The carboxylic anchoring group is attached to the phenylpyridine ligand, which results in efficient hole injection. Moreover, the distance between the Ru[(N∧N)2(C∧N)]+ core and the carboxylic anchoring group is systematically varied by inserting rigid phenylene linkers. Femtosecond transient absorption (TA) studies reveal that the interfacial charge recombination rate between reduced sensitizers and holes in the valence band of NiO decreases as the number of phenylene linkers increases across the series. As a result, the solar cell made of the dye with the longest spacer (O12) exhibits the highest efficiency with both increased short-circuit current (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc). The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) spectra match well with the absorpt...

Photoinduced Dewetting in Thin Films of Liquid Crystalline Dendritic Azobenzene Derivatives

We report in this paper photoinduced-dewetting phenomena observed for thin films (thickness < 100 nm) of a series of dendritic liquid crystalline materials with different spacer length (carbon number changing from n = 6 to 12) at their azobenzene units in the periphery. Spincast films of these dendrimers were prepared and exposed to UV light (365 nm) at various photon doses at room temperature. Atomic force microscopic observations of the dewetting forming process were performed step by step with increasing the UV illumination time for the dendrimer with the shortest spacer (n = 6). We observed how the dewetting bumps appeared from an initially flat spincast film and finally reached ca. eightfold of the initial film thickness. The dendrimer with n = 8 exhibited dewetting but the mass migration distance was significantly limited than that of n = 6. Dendrimers with longer spacer lengths (n = 10 and 12) did not exhibit dewetting behavior in the same conditions. These differences were discussed in terms of thermophysical properties of the materials.

A Novel Nuclear Trafficking Module Regulates the Nucleocytoplasmic Localization of the Rabies Virus Interferon Antagonist, P Protein

Regulated nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins is central to cellular function and dysfunction during processes such as viral infection. Active protein trafficking into and out of the nucleus is dependent on the presence within cargo proteins of intrinsic specific modular signals for nuclear import (nuclear localization signals, NLSs) and export (nuclear export signals, NESs). Rabies virus (RabV) phospho (P) protein, which is largely responsible for antagonising the host anti-viral response, is expressed as five isoforms (P1-P5). The subcellular trafficking of these isoforms is thought to depend on a balance between the activities of a dominant N-terminal NES (N-NES) and a distinct C-terminal NLS (C-NLS). Specifically, the N-NES-containing isoforms P1 and P2 are cytoplasmic, whereas the shorter P3-P5 isoforms, which lack the N-NES, are believed to be nuclear through the activity of the C-NLS. Here, we show for the first time that RabV P contains an additional strong NLS in the N-terminal region (N-NLS), which, intriguingly, overlaps with the N-NES. This arrangement represents a novel nuclear trafficking module where the N-NLS is inactive in P1 but becomes activated in P3, concomitant with truncation of the N-NES, to become the principal targeting signal conferring nuclear accumulation. Understanding this unique switch arrangement of overlapping, co-regulated NES/NLS sequences is vital to delineating the critical role of RabV P protein in viral infection.

Characterization of Carbon Nanotube-CdSe Hybrid Nanomaterials

MWNT-CdSe hybrid nanomaterials were prepared with carboxylic acid-treated CdSe nanoparticles and amino-functionalized MWNTs. The hybridization of MWNT-CdSe nanomaterials was performed by the formation of covalent bond between MWNT and CdSe. Their covalent bond lengths were varied with changing the linking spacers. Amino-functionalized MWNTs were reacted with CdSe nanoparticles which were functionalized with carboxylic acid groups. Their detailed structures were characterized by FT-IR, XPS, and small angle X-ray scattering. Through small angle X-ray scattering experiments, it was found that the structures of CdSe nanoparticles were not regular, and their sizes were broadly distributed in solution. The longer amino-functionalized MWNTs were thermally decomposed at lower temperature. The photoluminescence (PL) of chemically-linked MWNT-CdSe hybrid nanomaterials were weaker than that of CdSe nanoparticles. In addition, their PL intensities more weakened on the MWNT-CdSe with the longer spacers.

The study of Sunset Yellow anionic dye interaction with gemini and conventional cationic surfactants in aqueous solution

In the present study, the interaction of an anionic azo dye , Sunset Yellow, with two cationic gemini surfactants with different spacer lengths ( s = 3, 6 methylene groups) and their monomeric counterpart, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB), was investigated by surface tension, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements . The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined from plots of the surface tension ( γ ) as a function of the logarithm of total surfactant concentration. Moreover, the values of binding constants ( K b ) of dye-surfactant complexes were calculated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The UV–Vis spectra showed that the dye–surfactant interaction occurred in the solution at concentrations far below the CMC of each surfactant. The gemini surfactant with a shorter spacer showed stronger interaction with dye in comparison to DTAB and the gemini with longer spacer. The effect of surfactant chemical structure on solubilization of dye-surfactant aggregates at surfactant concentration above CMC was investigated by zeta potential . ► The interaction between Sunset Yellow dye and the studied surfactants is electrostatic interaction. ► The zeta potential data show that the solubilization capacity for the Gemini surfactants aggregates is larger. ► The maximum colloid stability is attributed to be at SSY/12-3-12 system.

Block Copolymer Micelles with Pendant Bifunctional Chelator for Platinum Drugs: Effect of Spacer Length on the Viability of Tumor Cells

Three monomers with 1,3-dicarboxylate functional groups but varying spacer lengths were synthesized via carbon Michael addition using malonate esters and ethylene- (MAETC), butylene- (MABTC), and hexylene (MAHTC) glycol dimethacrylate, respectively. Poly[oligo-(ethylene glycol) methylether methacrylate] (POEGMEMA) was prepared in the presence of a RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) agent, followed by chain extension with the prepared monomers to generate three different block copolymers (BP-E80, BP-B82, and BP-H79) with similar numbers of repeating units, but various spacer lengths as distinguishing features. Conjugation with platinum drugs created macromolecular platinum drugs resembling carboplatin. The amphiphilic natures of these Pt-containing block copolymers led to the formation micelles in solution. The rate of drug release of all micelles was similar, but a noticeable difference was the increasing stability of the micelle against dissociation with increasing spacer length. The platinum conjugated polymer showed high activity against A549, OVCAR3, and SKOV3 cancer cell lines exceeding the activity of carboplatin, but only the micelle based on the longest spacer had IC(50) values as low as cisplatin. Cellular uptake studies identified a better micelle uptake with increasing micelle stability as a possible reason for lower IC(50) values. The clonogenic assay revealed that micelles loaded with platinum drugs, in contrast to low molecular weight carboplatin, have not only better activity within the frame of a 72 h cell viability study, but also display a longer lasting effect by preventing the colony formation A549 for more than 10 days.

The microstructure of DNA-egg yolk phosphatidylcholine-gemini surfactants complexes: effect of the spacer length

The length of spacer of gemini surfactants affects the DNA packing in DNA-neutral phospholipid-gemini surfactant complexes. The microstructure of complexes DNA-egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC)-alkane-α,ω-diyl-bis(dodecyl­dimethylammonium bromides) (CnGS, spacer n=2-12, n is even) was studied using small angle X-ray diffraction. At EYPC:CnGS=1:1 mol/mol, the condensed lamellar phase was identified in complexes with CnGS, n=2-4, whereas longer spacer (n≥6) induced a hexagonal phase. The condensed lamellar phase Lαc was observed in the range 2\≤ EYPC:GnGS≤10 (mol/mol) in all complexes. The distance between adjacent DNA strands increases linearly with decreasing surface charge density of EYPC-CnGS vesicles. We determined the increase in dDNA 0.40±0.03 nm/1 mol of EYPC from the slope of dDNA=f (molEYPC/molCnGS) in the range of molar ratios 2≤EYPC:CnGS≤5. At lower surface charge density, EYPC:CnGS>5 mol/mol, the length of CnGS spacer (n=6-10) modulates the DNA-DNA distance. Both the short spacer of CnGS and the low molar ratio EYPC:CnGS result in the closest DNA-DNA packing. A high surface charge density of membrane was reported as a key parameter for transfection efficiency of Lαc phase-forming complexes.

Thermal stability and enzymatic activity of RNase A in the presence of cationic gemini surfactants

The thermal stability and enzymatic activity of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) have been investigated in the presence of a homologous series of cationic gemini surfactants (alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(hydroxyethyl methyl hexadecyl ammonium bromide)). UV, circular dichorism and fluorescence spectroscopies have been used for this study. The denaturation curves at various surfactant concentrations were analyzed on basis of a two-transition model to obtain values of Tm (temperature at the midpoint of denaturation) and ΔHm (enthalpy change at Tm) of each transition. The main conclusion of this study is that these cationic gemini surfactants slightly activate and stabilize RNase A below their critical micelle concentrations at pH 5.0. The cationic gemini surfactant with the shorter spacer interacts more efficiently with RNase A than those with longer spacers.

Cyclic bis(β-diketonate)- and bis(β-ketoesterate)-bridged titanium and zirconium alkoxide derivatives

Reaction of Ti(OiPr)(4) with various bis(β-diketones) and bis(β-ketoesters) (LH(2)) results in the formation of dimeric complexes [Ti(OiPr)(2)L](2), where each metal centre is coordinated by two terminal OiPr ligands and two bridging β-diketonate or β-ketoesterate groups (L). Macrocycles containing two M(OiPr)(2) moieties are thus formed. Reaction of Zr(OiPr)(4) with the same bis(β-diketones) and bis(β-ketoesters) results in different compounds, depending on the organic spacer connecting the two functional groups. With shorter spacers, the compounds [ZrL(OiPr)(2)](2)·2iPrOH are obtained, with the same structures as the corresponding titanium complexes. With longer spacers, however, complexes with a higher degree of substitution are formed, such as (ZrL(2))(2) and Zr(2)L(3)(OiPr)(2)·2iPrOH. The molecular weight and structure of all compounds was elucidated by ESI-MS. MS/MS of the corresponding [M+Na](+) precursor ions confirmed the proposed structures based on structure-specific product ions. Solution NMR experiments and DFT calculations additionally supported the proposed structures.

Chemical structure and catalytic activity of quaternary onium salt-type triphase catalysts based on CPS microspheres

In this work, diversified quaternary onium salt-type triphase catalysts (TPC) were prepared based on crosslinked polystyrene (CPS) microspheres, and the relationship between their chemical structures and catalytic activities in liquid-solid-liquid reaction system were investigated in depth by using the esterification reaction of benzyl chloride with sodium acetate as a model system. The experimental results indicate that the chemical structures of the TPC affect their catalytic activity greatly and there are four basic points: (1) the quaternary phosphonium-type TPC have higher activity than quaternary ammonium-type catalyst; (2) the TPC with more lipophilic substitutes at N atom have higher catalytic activity; (3) the TPC with longer spacer arm, which links quaternary onium salt group to the matrix microsphere, have higher catalytic activity; (4) the bonding density of quaternary onium salt group on the polymeric carrier affects the hydrophilic and hydrophobic property of the TPC, and consequently, influences the catalytic activity significantly. For a given triphase catalysis system, there is an optimal bonding density of quaternary onium salt group on the solid catalysts. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

A novel liquid crystals photoalignment layer-by-layer self-assembled film fabricated with long side-chain cinnamate polyelectrolyte

A novel photoalignment film for liquid crystals (LC) was prepared based on layer-by-layer self-assembly of photosensitive long side-chain cinnamate polyelectrolyte. A series of self-assembled films with different methylene spacer groups was prepared and used as alignment film. The film became anisotropic, and could induce uniform alignment of LC after irradiation by linearly polarised ultraviolet light (LPUVL). The effects of spacer chain lengths of the cinnamoyl polycations on the structure and photoalignment properties of the self-assembled film were studied. The polycation films with longer spacer chain obtained a larger dichroic ratio after LPUVL irradiation. The contrast ratio (T max/T min) of the LC cell increased with spacer chain length increase. However, it was found that the thermal stability of PSS/PACPYn films decreased with increasing chain length of polycation.

Toward an Understanding of Ligand Selectivity in Nanocluster Synthesis

We performed scalar relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the projector augmented wave scheme (PAW) to examine the reactivity and selectivity of diphosphine ligands LM, with the formula PH2(CH2)MPH2 (spacer M = 3, 5), toward small-sized cationic Aun (n = 7–11) nanoclusters. By isolating the ligand-induced contribution to the stability condition, we show that such interaction selectively stabilizes the cationic Au11 cluster. Furthermore, we find that L5 with the longer spacer is more capable than L3 of relieving the strain imposed on the spacer by bidentate binding to gold clusters, which have relatively small Au–Au bond lengths. Thus L5 can interact effectively with gold clusters of various sizes, but L3 can do so only with a selected few. This result demonstrates the size-selecting power of L3 toward small gold clusters such as Au113+. To further test the validity of our results we have extended the calculation to a larger cluster, Au13, and also considered the case of a ligand ...

Stimuli Responsive Size Control of Hyperbranched Polymers

AbstractThe synthesis of stimuli–responsive hyperbranched polymers is reported. Through polymer‐analogous amidation of polyethylenimine (PEI) with 5‐hexynoic acid and 10‐undecynoic acid two polymers were obtained, with different spacer lengths between the hyperbranched PEI‐ and the triple bond. In a further step, these triple bonds were clicked with mono‐(6‐azido‐6‐desoxy)‐β‐cyclodextrin (CD‐N3). The resulting polymers PEI‐(CH2)3‐CD and PEI‐(CH2)8‐CD show stimuli–responsive contractions and expansions, which was observed by use of dynamic light scattering (DLS). These size effects depend on the formation of inter‐ and intramolecular aggregates due to the different spacer length between the triazol and the CD. Furthermore, the size of the polymer with the longer spacer (PEI‐(CH2)8‐CD) could be influenced with adamantyl carboxylate through host–guest‐complexation resulting in a reassemble of the aggregates. Moreover, the pH dependent size control was studied by adding sodium hydroxide. The deprotonation of the ammonium groups from the PEI scaffold leads to a further decrease in the hydrodynamic diameters of PEI‐(CH2)3‐CD and PEI‐(CH2)8‐CD. Thus, the different polymer systems exhibit a wide range (4–170 nm) of mean size. Furthermore, successful complexation experiments of the obtained polymer with phenolphthalein were carried out. magnified image

Role of spacer lengths of gemini surfactants in the synthesis of silver nanorods in micellar media

In this work, we have prepared Ag-nanorods using biscationic gemini surfactant micelles as the media by a seed-mediated wet synthesis method. Towards this end, we first synthesized Ag-nanoseeds of diameter ~7 nm stabilized by trisodium citrate (as the capping agent). Then these Ag-nanoseeds were used to synthesize Ag-nanorods of different aspect ratios. With decreasing Ag-nanoseed concentration, the aspect ratios of the Ag-nanorods stabilized by these gemini surfactants increased gradually. Various Ag-nanoseeds and Ag-nanospecies were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy (to know the surface plasmon bands), transmission electron microscopy (to find out their particle sizes and distribution), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. When we used micelles derived from gemini surfactants of shorter spacer -(CH(2))(n)- (n = 2 or 4) to stabilize the Ag-nanorods, the λ(max) of the longitudinal band shifted more towards the blue region compared to that of the gemini surfactant micelles with a longer spacer -(CH(2))(n)- (n = 5, 12) at a given amount of the Ag-nanoseed solution. So, the growth of Ag-nanorods in the gemini micellar solutions depends on the spacer-chain length of gemini surfactants employed.

1,2-Bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)]ethane salts: a new class of organic ionic plastic crystals

A new class of organic ionic plastic crystals was discovered. A series of alkylene 1,2-bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)] salts with Br− and PF6− anions was prepared and most of the ethylene (C2) linked compounds undergo multiple solid–solid phase transitions as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The salts with longer spacers (C3 or C4) between the imidazolium units do not display any solid–solid transitions. The PF6− salts with terminal C10 and C12n-alkyl moieties are “classical” organic ionic plastic crystals by Timmermans' definition; they have low ΔSf (11 J K−1 mol−1 for C10 and 12 J K−1 mol−1 for C12). Additionally, the C2 linked bis-imidazolium salts with n-butyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl and n-octyl termini all undergo two, three or four solid state transitions and exhibit ΔSf values in the range of 36–49 J K−1 mol−1, which are similar to those of other known ionic plastic crystalline materials. These materials were additionally characterized via ionic conductivity and solid state NMR. These ionic plastic crystals are presumably single-ion conductors, but the ionic conductivities appear to be too low for practical applications. The activation energy for conduction decreases as these compounds are heated through each solid–solid transition. The lack of any change in solid state 2H NMR spectra with temperature indicates that there is no change in phenyl ring flipping, suggesting no change in the imidazolium local environment. A resolution of this apparent dichotomy is perhaps that the counterions reside with the ethylene spacers between imidazolium moieties.

RAFT polymerization of diacrylate derivatives having different spacers in dilute conditions

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of four divinyl monomers, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA) and three poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates (PEGDAs), were investigated under dilute conditions ([M] = 0.2–0.05 mol/L). RAFT polymerization of BDDA using a dithiocarbamate-type chain transfer agent (CTA) afforded soluble polymers, whereas a cross-linked product was obtained by conventional radical polymerization. The monomer concentration, the nature of the CTA, and the CTA/initiator ratio were found to affect the polymerization behavior and structure of the resulting polymers, which is attributed to the relative propensities for intermolecular propagating/cross-linking reactions and intramolecular cyclization. RAFT polymerizations of three PEGDAs (PEG258DA, average M n = 258; PEG575DA, average M n = 575; PEG700DA, average M n = 700) having different lengths of PEG spacers ( n = 3, 10, 13, respectively) were also conducted under dilute conditions. Water-soluble polymers were synthesized by one-step RAFT polymerization of PEGDAs having longer spacers ( n = 10 and 13), whereas RAFT polymerization of PEGDA ( n = 3) afforded polymers soluble in organic solvents. The product obtained by RAFT polymerization of PEGDA ( n = 10) showed a characteristic thermoresponsive property, lower critical solution temperature (LCST), in aqueous solution.

From smectic to columnar phase of polypedal liquid crystals based on tetrathiafulvalene/1,3-dithiol-2-thione and cholesterol

Bipedal 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones attached two cholesteryl through a ω-thioalkanoyloxy spacer of varying length were synthesized. The bipedals were easily transformed to the appropriate tetrapedal tetrathiafulvalene derivatives by self-coupling reaction in net triethyl phosphite. All the synthesized compounds exhibit mesogenic phases in a wide temperature region, no crystallization but vitrifying to form glassy mesogens during cooling from the isotropic melt. The liquid crystals with shorter spacer ( n=2–6) exhibited only a smectic A phase and those with the longest spacer ( n=7) exhibited only a hexagonal columnar. In these series, the molecular packing depended on the length of spacers.

Design, Synthesis, and Operation of Small Molecules That Walk along Tracks

The synthesis and system dynamics of a series of small-molecule walker-track conjugates, 3,4-C(n) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8), based on dynamic covalent linkages between the "feet" of the walkers and the "footholds" of the track, is described. Each walker has one acyl hydrazide and one sulfur-based foot separated by a spacer chain of "n" methylene groups, while the track consists of four footholds of alternating complementary functionalities (aldehydes and masked thiols). Upon repeatedly switching between acid and base, the walker moiety can be exchanged between the footholds on the track, primarily through a "passing-leg gait" mechanism, until a steady state, minimum energy, distribution is reached. The introduction of a kinetically controlled step in the reaction sequence (redox-mediated breaking and reforming of the disulfide linkages) can cause a directional bias in the distribution of the walker on the track. The different length walker molecules exhibit very different walking behaviors: Systems n = 2 and 3 cannot actually "walk" along the track because their stride lengths are too short to bridge the internal footholds. The walkers with longer spacers (n = 4, 5, and 8) do step up and down the track repeatedly, but a directional bias under the acid-redox conditions is only achieved for the C(4) and C(5) systems, interestingly in opposite directions (the C(8) walker has insufficient ring strain with the track). Although they are extremely rudimentary systems, the C(4) and C(5) walker-track conjugates exhibit four of the essential characteristics of linear molecular motor dynamics: processive, directional, repetitive, and progressive migration of a molecular unit up and down a molecular track.

Evaluation of 1‐arylpiperazine derivative of hydroxybenzamides as 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT7 serotonin receptor ligands: An experimental and molecular modeling approach

AbstractThe synthesis and evaluation as 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT7 serotonin receptor ligands of the two sets of O‐substituted hydroxybenzamides, structurally related to 2‐{3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]propoxy}benzamide (1), (Ki 5‐HT1A = 21 nM, 5‐HT7 = 234 nM) are reported. To affect the affinity for 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT7 receptors, an amide moiety (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and a hydrocarbon chain length (7, 8, 9, 10) were modified. The serotonergic activity of compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 was generally higher in the case of 5‐HT1A receptors compared with 5‐HT7 ones; the most active 5‐HT1A ligands being meta‐isomer 2 (Ki = 7 nM) and both analogs of 1 with the longest spacer, i.e., penta‐ and hexa‐methylene derivatives 9 and 10 (Ki = 4 and 3 nM, respectively). The observed biological properties of compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 were elucidated using molecular modeling procedures. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).