Shifts Of Protons Research Articles

Utilizing the Hofmeister Effect to Induce Hydrogelation of Nonionic Supramolecular Polymers into a Therapeutic Depot

AbstractNonionic hydrogels are of particular interest for long‐term therapeutic implantation due to their minimal immunogenicity relative to their charged counterparts. However, in situ formation of nonionic supramolecular hydrogels under physiological conditions has been a challenging task. In this context, we report on our discovery of salt‐triggered hydrogelation of nonionic supramolecular polymers (SPs) formed by self‐assembling prodrug hydrogelators (SAPHs) through the Hofmeister effect. The designed SAPHs consist of two SN‐38 units, which is an active metabolite of the anticancer drug irinotecan, and a short peptide grafted with two or four oligoethylene glycol (OEG) segments. Upon self‐assembly in water, the resultant nonionic SPs can be triggered to gel upon addition of phosphate salts. Our 1H NMR studies revealed that the added phosphates led to a change in the chemical shift of the methylene protons, suggestive of a disruption of the water‐ether hydrogen bonds and consequent reorganization of the hydration shell surrounding the SPs. This deshielding effect, commensurate with the amount of salt added, likely promoted associative interactions among the SAPH filaments to percolate into a 3D network. The formed hydrogels exhibited a sustained release profile of SN‐38 hydrogelator that acted potently against cancer cells.

Utilizing the Hofmeister Effect to Induce Hydrogelation of Nonionic Supramolecular Polymers into a Therapeutic Depot.

Nonionic hydrogels are of particular interest for long-term therapeutic implantation due to their minimal immunogenicity relative to their charged counterparts. However, in situ formation of nonionic supramolecular hydrogels under physiological conditions has been a challenging task. In this context, we report on our discovery of salt-triggered hydrogelation of nonionic supramolecular polymers (SPs) formed by self-assembling prodrug hydrogelators (SAPHs) through the Hofmeister effect. The designed SAPHs consist of two SN-38 units, which is an active metabolite of the anticancer drug irinotecan, and a short peptide grafted with two or four oligoethylene glycol (OEG) segments. Upon self-assembly in water, the resultant nonionic SPs can be triggered to gel upon addition of phosphate salts. Our 1 H NMR studies revealed that the added phosphates led to a change in the chemical shift of the methylene protons, suggestive of a disruption of the water-ether hydrogen bonds and consequent reorganization of the hydration shell surrounding the SPs. This deshielding effect, commensurate with the amount of salt added, likely promoted associative interactions among the SAPH filaments to percolate into a 3D network. The formed hydrogels exhibited a sustained release profile of SN-38 hydrogelator that acted potently against cancer cells.

Constructing tungsten doping RuP2@Carbon dots for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic and alkaline media

Hydrogen, a carbon-neutral and renewable energy resource, is alternative to the diminishing conventional fossil fuels energy. However, developing pollution-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is desirable but remains a challenge. Herein, a novel nanohybrid consisting of tungsten doped RuP2 nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on the carbon dots (W0.15-RuP2@CDs1.0) has been developed for wide-pH HER. Due to the strong coordination interactions between the metal ions and the surface functional groups of CDs, the dispersion improvement of W doping RuP2 NPs is achieved. Meanwhile, CDs form the N-rich self-crosslinking structures that accelerates electron transfer during the reaction. Moreover, the W dopant optimizes the electronic configuration, leading to faster proton shift and hydrogen diffusion. Beneficially, the optimized W0.15-RuP2@CDs1.0 achieves 10 mA cm at low overpotentials of 19 mV (0.5 M H2SO4) and 28 mV (1.0 M KOH) with an excellent stability. This study provides an innovative idea to design the high-performance non-platinum catalysts.

Chiral recognition mechanism studies of Tyr-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 tetrapeptide on crown ether-based chiral stationary phase.

Even though chiral recognition for crown-ether CSPs is generally understood, on a molecular level, exact mechanisms for the resolution are still unclear. Furthermore, short peptide analytes often contain multiple amino moieties capable of binding to the crown ether selector. In order to extend the understanding in chiral recognition mechanisms, polar organic mode separation of Tyr-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 tetrapeptide llll/dddd enantiomers on S- and R-(3,3'-diphenyl-1,1'-binaphthyl)-20-crown-6 stationary phases was studied with 50-mM perchloric acid in methanol as mobile phase. Deviation from the generally acceptable 1:1 stoichiometry was supported by mass spectroscopy analysis of the formed complexes between tetrapeptide enantiomer and crown ether selectors, which revealed adducts possessing 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 stoichiometry. Further investigation of complexation induced shifts by NMR indicated on different binding mechanisms between llll/dddd enantiomers of Tyr-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 and crown ether selectors. Enantioselective proton shifts were observed in studied tetrapeptide tyrosine and phenylalanine residues exclusively for llll enantiomer upon binding with S-(3,3'-diphenyl-1,1'-binaphthyl)-20-crown-6 selector (and dddd enantiomer with R-(3,3'-diphenyl-1,1'-binaphthyl)-20-crown-6 selector), indicating that these two amino acid residues contribute to chiral recognition. The obtained results were in agreement with the LC data.

Molecular structure of 3,3-pentamethylenediaziridine in gas and solution phases

The equilibrium molecular structure of the 3,3-penta-methylenediaziridine (PMDA) molecule in the gas phase was determined by gas-phase electron diffraction in combination with quantum chemical calculations up to the CCSD(T)-AE/cc-pwCVQZ level and estimation of the mean amplitudes and anharmonic vibrational corrections using quadratic and cubic force fields. 1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR spectra of PMDA in a CDCl3 solution recorded at different temperatures revealed the temperature dependence of the chemical shifts of NH protons. Nonempirical simulations of small PMDA clusters, carried out at the DFT-B3LYP/6-31++G(2d,p) level, enabled us to suggest an interpretation of the NMR data

δ-Acetoxy Allenoate as a 5C-Synthon in Domino-Annulation with Sulfamidate Imines: Ready Access to Coumarins.

A DMAP-catalyzed sequential benzannulation and lactonization strategy in which δ-acetoxy allenoate functions as a 5C-synthon in its reaction with cyclic sulfamidate imines is reported. This platform delivers π-extended coumarin frameworks under metal-free conditions via allylic elimination followed by Mannich coupling, proton shifts, C-N bond cleavage, and lactonization as key steps. The driving force for this domino reaction is the formation of the diene-ammonium intermediate and O-S bond cleavage. ESI-HRMS has been useful in gaining insights into the reaction pathway.

Elusive Active Intermediates and Reaction Mechanisms of ortho-/ipso-Hydroxylation of Benzoic Acid by Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated by Bioinspired Iron(II) Catalysts.

Aromatic hydroxylation of benzoic acids (BzOH) to salicylates and phenolates is fundamentally interesting in industrial chemistry. However, key mechanistic uncertainties and dichotomies remain after decades of effort. Herein, the elusive mechanism of the competitive ortho-/ipso-hydroxylation of BzOH by H2O2 mediated by a nonheme iron(II) catalyst was comprehensively investigated using density functional theory calculations. Results revealed that the long-postulated FeV(O)(anti-BzO) oxidant is an FeIV(O)(anti-BzO•) species 2 (anti- and syn- are defined by the orientation of the carboxyl oxygen of BzO to the oxo), which rules out the noted two-oxidant mechanism proposed previously. We propose a new mechanism in which, following the formation of an FeV(O)(syn-BzO) species (3) and its electromer FeIV(O)(syn-BzO•) (3'), 3/3' either converts to salicylate and phenolate via intramolecular self-hydroxylation (route A) or acts as an oxidant to oxygenate another BzOH to generate the same products (route B). In route A, the rotation of the BzO group along the C-O bond forms 2, in which the BzO group is orientated by π-π stacking interactions. An electrophilic ipso-addition forms a phenolate by concomitant decarboxylation or an ortho-attack forms a cationic complex, which readily undergoes an NIH shift and a BzOH-assisted proton shift to form a salicylate. In route B, 3 oxidizes an additional BzOH molecule directed by hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. In both routes, selectivity is determined by the chemical property of the BzO ring. These mechanistic findings provide a clear mechanistic scenario and enrich the knowledge of hydroxylation of aromatic acids.

Structural Studies of Monounsaturated and ω-3 Polyunsaturated Free Fatty Acids in Solution with the Combined Use οf NMR and DFT Calculations-Comparison with the Liquid State.

Molecular structures, in chloroform and DMSO solution, of the free fatty acids (FFAs) caproleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are reported with the combined use of NMR and DFT calculations. Variable temperature and concentration chemical shifts of the COOH protons, transient 1D NOE experiments and DFT calculations demonstrate the major contribution of low molecular weight aggregates of dimerized fatty acids through intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions of the carboxylic groups, with parallel and antiparallel interdigitated structures even at the low concentration of 20 mM in CDCl3. For the dimeric DHA, a structural model of an intermolecular hydrogen bond through carboxylic groups and an intermolecular hydrogen bond between the carboxylic group of one molecule and the ω-3 double bond of a second molecule is shown to play a role. In DMSO-d6 solution, NMR and DFT studies show that the carboxylic groups form strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions with a single discrete solvation molecule of DMSO. These solvation species form parallel and antiparallel interdigitated structures of low molecular weight, as in chloroform solution. This structural motif, therefore, is an intrinsic property of the FFAs, which is not strongly affected by the length and degree of unsaturation of the chain and the hydrogen bond ability of the solvent.

Asymmetric catalysis by l-prolinamide based small molecules: synthesis, characterization and first principle studies on their enantioselectivity

This paper delineates the stepwise synthesis of l-prolinamide organocatalysts and their comparative NMR studies to investigate the effect of the position and electronic nature of groups attached to the aryl ring, on the chemical shifts of l-proline's protons, particularly H7 and amide protons (-CH7CONH). The catalytic activity of these catalysts has been explored and compared for Michael and oxa-Michael-Henry reactions. This catalytic system displayed excellent catalytic efficiency for both the reactions and provided the corresponding products in high yields. The enantioselectivity of the products was found to be affected by the structure of reactants. The mechanistic routes of these reaction have also been explored by performing density functional calculations that explained the (R,R)- and (S)-enantiomer preferences for the Michael addition and oxa-Michael Henry reactions, respectively, via transition state optimization studies.

To measure in-plane conductivity of Nafion membrane with general electrochemical approach

It is important to measure in-plane conductivity of Nafion membrane for fuel cell, but this target is generally inhibited by measuring system with heterogeneous interfaces and immature electrochemical measurements. This paper simply used water media to establish stable measuring system with metal electrode and Nafion membrane, representing system as equivalent circuit. Our equivalent circuit was validated by both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, also clarified connection and difference in two measurements. This electrochemistry breakthrough helps realize measuring system completely and reliably even under successive temperature cycles, providing circuit elements for kinetic analysis in contact resistance, in-plane conductivity, inactive and active proton. We also clarified that the inactive and active proton shift can dictate low frequency inductance, which is an important sign for active and stable operation in fuel cell, secondary battery and materials. All these results can induce enormous progress in multi-disciplines, making our work have great significance and broad impact for future studies.

Synthesis, separation, and characterization of spiro-fused cycloalkyl-embedded 5,15-porphodimethenes

The synthesis of cycloalkyl-fused porphodimethenes from a mixture of products was investigated. Each product was separated via silica gel column chromatography and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV-visible absorption spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed their gable-like bent conformations bearing perpendicular cycloalkyl rings in which the dipyrrin pairs contacted closely so that the neighboring pyrrole rings formed circular hydrogen bonding networks, such as those in porphyrins. Such configurations also caused extreme downfield shifts of the methylene protons of the cycloalkyl rings in the 1H NMR spectra.

Synthesis, characterization and DFT studies of Schiff bases of p-methoxysalicylaldehyde

ABSTRACT. Five new Schiff bases synthesized by the reaction between 2-(methylthio)aniline derivatives and p-methoxysalicylaldehyde are presented as MtH-1 (R = H), MtH-2 (R = CH3), MtH-3 (R = OCH3), MtH-4 (R = Cl) and MtH-5 (R = Br). They were characterized by CHNS analyses, NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT135, COSY and HSQC), FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques. FT-IR, elemental analyses and NMR data supported the formation of the Schiff bases, with the chemical shifts of azomethine and phenol protons showing sensitivity to ring substitution. The crystal structure of MtH-1 featured the alignment of the phenyl rings to each other and to the C=N group with dihedral angles >170o. The DFT calculations corroborated the bond lengths and angles of MtH-1. The HOMO-LUMO energies, dipole moments and other reactivity parameters were calculated. The methyl-substituted MtH-2 was the least polar of the compounds. With calculated energy band gaps of almost 4 eV, the compounds may have applications in the semiconductors field.
 
 KEY WORDS: Schiff bases, p-methoxysalicylaldehyde, Crystal structure, Spectroscopic properties, DFT calculations
 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(3), 675-688. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i3.11

Multistep sequence-controlled supramolecular polymerization by the combination of multiple self-assembly motifs

The precise sequence control of polymer chain is an important research topic of polymer chemistry. Although some methods such as iterative synthesis and supramolecular polymerization have been developed to fabricate sequence-controllable polymer, it is still a great challenge to consecutively prepare multiple supramolecular polymers with different sequence structures. In this work, through the reasonable utilization of assembly motifs, we integrated multiple host-guest recognitions and metal coordination interactions to prepare different sequence-controlled supramolecular polymers by a multistep assembly strategy. This research provides inspiration for the design and preparation of supramolecular polymers with different sequence structures.

Induction and rationalization of supramolecular chirality in a Zn(II)porphyrin dimer using chiral substrates: Role of substrates in the architectural selectivity

A flexible Zn(II)porphyrin dimer has been utilized as an efficient host for the selective binding of several diols and diamines as substrates. Stepwise formation of a 1:1 host-guest polymer and 1:2 host-guest monomer via intermolecular self-assembling and disassembling processes, has been demonstrated with a series of diamine/diols. Transfer of chirality from the molecular to the supramolecular level has been rationalized with structural elucidation. The formation of the 1:1 host-guest polymer displays a bisignate CD couplet. X-ray structure demonstrates the presence of both clockwise and anticlockwise conformers, however, the conformer formed as per pre-organization in the substrate chirality contributes more towards the overall CD couplet in solution. The addition of the substrate in excess leads to the inversion of the CD couplet due to the formation of the monomeric complex. Architectural selectivity has been illustrated for the 1:1 host-guest complexation by simply tuning the length of the substrates. Crystallographic characterizations revealed linear 1D polymeric structures for the 1:1 host-guest complexes with longer diamines while shorter substrates stabilize cyclic dimer via intermolecular H-bonding between the urea bridge (cis-NH-CO-) of the two porphyrin dimers. Interestingly, the molecular structure of 1:1 host-guest complexes with diols displays a linear polymer despite the shorter length of the substrates. Along with weaker coordination of the alcoholic oxygen towards the Zn(II) ion, the presence of bulky substituents at the coordinating sites of the diols renders the formation of intermolecular H-bonding interactions. Thus, the nature of metal ion and their binding affinity towards the substrate, host-guest size complementarity, and the bulk of the substituents contribute cumulatively towards the architectural selectivity. The cyclic dimers display larger upfield shifts of the substrate protons in the 1H NMR spectra as compared to the linear polymers. Moreover, the computational calculations further substantiate the experimental observations.

Rapid prediction of full spin systems using uncertainty-aware machine learning.

Accurate simulation of solution NMR spectra requires knowledge of all chemical shift and scalar coupling parameters, traditionally accomplished by heuristic-based techniques or ab initio computational chemistry methods. Here we present a novel machine learning technique which combines uncertainty-aware deep learning with rapid estimates of conformational geometries to generate Full Spin System Predictions with UnCertainty (FullSSPrUCe). We improve on previous state of the art in accuracy on chemical shift values, predicting protons to within 0.209 ppm and carbons to within 1.213 ppm. Further, we are able to predict all scalar coupling values, unlike previous GNN models, achieving 3JHH accuracies between 0.838 Hz and 1.392 Hz on small experimental datasets. Our uncertainty quantification shows a strong, useful correlation with accuracy, with the most confident predictions having significantly reduced error, including our top-80% most confident proton shift predictions having an average error of only 0.140 ppm. We also properly handle stereoisomerism and intelligently augment experimental data with ab initio data through disagreement regularization to account for deficiencies in training data.

Preparation, Characterization and Transdermal Permeation of Losartan-Amlodipine Molecular Salt

Drug molecular salt composed of the antihypertensive compound losartan (LOS) as the anion and the antihypertensive drug amlodipine (AMLO) was prepared. The prepared salt (LOS-AMLO) was characterized by measurement of purity, water content, solubility, partition coefficient, and melting behavior in addition to common spectroscopic techniques (UV, FTIR and NMR). NMR spectral shifts of particular protons of LOS in particular were quite useful in explaining the points of interaction and association between the two ionic species so that a 3D structure could be proposed. LOS-AMLO exhibited a significantly lower melting point than its parent compounds (65 oC) which places the salt within the ionic liquids category, in a broad sense of the definition. LOS-AMLO was found to have much lower solubility than LOS with a substantially higher apparent partition coefficient. The high partition coefficient together with lower melting temperature is favorable properties for the transdermal permeation of pharmaceuticals. However, diffusion studies through the human stratum corneum, from an aqueous solution based on propylene glycol revealed a vast decrease in the permeation of both drugs from the molecular (ionic liquid) salt form. Interestingly the experiment demonstrated that the salt structure might be maintained during permeation but with indications of strong chemical interaction between the salt and the constituents of the barrier.

Spectrometric study on the hydrophobic hydration in the formation of Tween-60 micelles with curcumin

The hydrophobic hydration in the formation of Tween-60 micelles upon entrapping bioactive curcumin has been observed and studied. The atypically increased values of pyrene polarity index suggest that Tween-60/curcumin complexes with bigger bulk hydrophobic part have stronger hydrophobic hydration than curcumin alone. The low-field shifts of water proton by 1H NMR method can also confirm the formation of stronger hydrogen bond network of water molecules surrounding Tween-60/curcumin complexes. However, the hydrophobic aggregation of surfactant alkyl chains into Tween-60 premicelles and micelles may destroy the hydrophobic hydration of Tween-60/curcumin complexes, which is indicated by the decreasing change of pyrene polarity index with increasing Tween-60 concentration. The fluorescence anisotropy of curcumin is observed to have sharply decreased values for Tween-60/curcumin complexes, which correlates positively with the hydrogen bonding strength of water molecules around curcumin. The fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence spectroscopy and stability of curcumin cooperatively suggest that there is gradually weakened contact of curcumin with water in the order of curcumin alone, Tween-60/curcumin complexes, curcumin with Tween-60 premicelles and micelles. This work demonstrates that the hydrophobic hydration plays an important role in the entrapment of curcumin from a polar medium of water to surfactant micelles.

Chemoselective carbene insertion into the N-H bonds of NH3·H2O.

The conversion of inexpensive aqueous ammonia (NH3·H2O) into value-added primary amines by N-H insertion persists as a longstanding challenge in chemistry because of the tendency of Lewis basic ammonia (NH3) to bind and inhibit metal catalysts. Herein, we report a chemoselective carbene N-H insertion of NH3·H2O using a TpBr3Ag-catalyzed two-phase system. Coordination by a homoscorpionate TpBr3 ligand renders silver compatible with NH3 and H2O and enables the generation of electrophilic silver carbene. Water promotes subsequent [1,2]-proton shift to generate N-H insertion products with high chemoselectivity. The result of the reaction is the coupling of an inorganic nitrogen source with either diazo compounds or N-triftosylhydrazones to produce useful primary amines. Further investigations elucidate the reaction mechanism and the origin of chemoselectivity.

Synthesis and Studies of Di(p-Benzi)Decaphyrin and Di(9,10-Anthracenyl)Decaphyrin.

Two novel macrocycles, di(p-benzi)decaphyrin and di(9,10-anthracenyl)decaphyrin have been synthesized by condensing appropriate p-phenylene based pentapyrrane or 9,10-anthracenyl based pentapyrrane with pentafluorobenzaldehyde under acid catalyzed conditions. The pentapyrrane precursors were synthesized over sequence of steps starting with commercially available 1,4-dibromobenzene and 9,10-dibromoanthracene. The decaphyrin macrocycles were freely soluble in common organic solvents and characterized and studied by HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, absorption, cyclic voltammetry and computational techniques. The 1 H NMR spectra of both decaphyrins were almost similar with very few resonances, indicating their symmetrical nature in solution and the position of chemical shifts of various protons supports nonaromatic nature of decaphyrins. The DFT optimized structures revealed that both decaphyrins showed a doubly twisted figure of eight conformation and the p-phenylene rings in di(p-benzi)decaphyrin and anthracenyl rings in di(9,10-anthracenyl)decaphyrin did not participate in π-delocalization with rest of the respective decaphyrin macrocycle. Both decaphyrins showed sharp intense band in the region of 400-500 nm and a broad band in the region of 600-900 nm. The absorption bands of di(p-benzi)decaphyrin were significantly red shifted compared to di(9,10-anthracenyl)decaphyrin. The protonated derivatives of decaphyrins generated by addition of TFA to the toluene solution of decaphyrins showed distinct changes in colour and absorption spectral bands. The redox studies indicated that both decaphyrins are electron rich and undergo easier oxidations. The electrochemical and computational studies revealed that HOMO-LUMO energy gap was less in di(p-benzi)decaphyrin compared to di(9,10-anthracenyl)decaphyrin supporting the bathochromic shifts of absorption bands in di(p-benzi)decaphyrin. TD-DFT studies were in agreement with the experimental observations.

Effect of solvent change on chemical shifts of 4-benzyl-4-hydroxypiperidines

4-Benzyl-4-hydroxypiperidines 1-8 have been synthesized through Mannich reaction and were characterized through high resolution 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra in CDCl 3 .The conformational studies of the above eight compounds have been thoroughly done by using proton and 13 C spectral data and the assigned conformations were also supported by Hybrid HF/DFT B3LYP/6-3G* calculations. These results are published earlier by us. In order to study the effect of solvent on the chemical shifts of these piperidines, 1 H NMR spectra were recorded in C 6 D 6 and DMSO- d 6. The effect of change of solvents results appreciable change in the chemical shifts of various protons in the title compounds.