Specific Intermolecular Interactions Research Articles

Mechanical and thermal properties of (acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylic)/(α‐methylstyrene‐acrylonitrile) binary blends

In this work, (acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylic)/(α‐methylstyrene‐acrylonitrile) copolymer (ASA/α‐MSAN) binary alloy was prepared with different composition ratios via melt blending. This work mainly focused on improving the heat resistance of ASA. According to the results of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, the binary blends exhibited three glass transition temperatures (Tgs) and the shift of the Tgs indicated the partial miscibility of binary blends. This partial miscibility maintained the high Tg of α‐MSAN, which led to the outstanding heat resistance of binary blends. Furthermore, heat distortion temperature also showed that the heat resistance of binary blends was significantly enhanced with the addition of α‐MSAN. However, the introduction of this highly rigid polymer also brought with it the sharp decrease of the impact strength and elongation at break, which is reflected in the morphologies of the blend system obtained via scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the incorporation of α‐MSAN increased the tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus. There were no new groups observed from Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, which means no strong specific intermolecular interactions existed between ASA and α‐MSAN. Moreover, the processibility of the blend system was obviously improved from the results of melt flow rate. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:156–162, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Metal-binding studies of linear rigid-axle [2]pseudorotaxanes with in situ generated anionic metal halide complexes

A systematic study of metal–pseudorotaxane binding, using the linear N,N′-bis(4-pyridyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium axle (PyBP2+) and aromatic crown ethers bis(1,5-naphtho)-32-crown-8 (BN32C8), bis(1,5-naphtho)-38-crown-10 (BN38C10) and bis-para-phenylene-34-crown-10 (BPP34C10), is presented. The three corresponding [2]pseudorotaxanes, including the novel, fully characterized (visible absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, association constant, electrochemistry, crystal structure) [PyBP/BPP34C10]2+ system, were each reacted with MX2 (M = Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+; X = Cl−, Br−, I−). Of the twenty-seven different pseudorotaxane/MX2 combinations explored, fifteen yielded single-crystals containing a pseudorotaxane unit, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction; in eight of those crystals metal–pseudorotaxane binding was observed. The results reflect the lower association constant of [PyBP/BPP34C10]2+ (170 M−1) than the corresponding ones of [PyBP/BN32C8]2+ (870 M−1) and [PyBP/BN38C10]2+ (420 M−1) in solution, where pseudorotaxanes are in equilibrium with the corresponding free axle and wheel components. In all cases, the isolated crystals contain anionic metal halide species, such as singly charged MX3− (M = Zn, Cd; X = Cl, Br, I) or doubly charged CdX42− (X = Br, I) and Hg2X62− (X = Cl, Br, I). Ordered 3D-arrays of perfectly aligned pseudorotaxane units are found in the dichroic mercury-based crystals. Our study demonstrates that although specific intermolecular interactions (collectively called crystal packing forces), may occasionally interfere with the crystallization of metal–pseudorotaxane complexes based on pseudorotaxanes with low association constants, the use of pseudorotaxanes instead of synthetically more challenging rotaxanes is a promising approach for the construction of metal–organic rotaxane frameworks (MORFs).

Catena-Poly[[di-chlorido-mercury(II)]-μ-1,4-bis-[2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyn-yl]benzene-κ(2) N:N'

In the polymeric title compound, [HgCl2(C20H12N2)]n, the HgII atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and the benzene ring of the bidentate bridging 1,4-bis­[2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyn­yl]benzene (L) ligand is located about a twofold rotation axis. The HgII atom is coordinated by two N atoms of two different L ligands and by two chloride ions in a distorted tetra­hedral geometry. The dihedral angle between the coordinating pyridine and the benzene ring is 12.8 (2)°. The result of the bridging is the formation of a zigzag chain running parallel to [102]. The chains pack with no specific inter­molecular inter­actions between them.

4-Phenyl-1,2,4-tri-aza-spiro-[4.6]undec-1-ene-3-thione.

In the title compound, C14H17N3S, the plane of the phenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 74.90 (4)° with that of the tri­aza­thione ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.001 Å), while the seven-membered ring adopts a twist-chair conformation. No specific intermolecular interactions are discerned in the crystal packing.

(2Z)-2-Benzyl-idene-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-2H-1,4-benzo-thia-zin-3(4H)-one.

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C18H13NOS, is build up from two fused six-membered rings, with the heterocyclic component linked to a benzyl­idene group and to a prop-2-yn-1-yl chain. The six-membered heterocycle adopts a distorted screw-boat conformation. The prop-2-yn-1-yl chain is almost perpendicular to the mean plane through benzo­thia­zine as indicated by the C—N—C—C torsion angle of 86.5 (2)°. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 47.53 (12)°. There are no specific inter­molecular inter­actions in the crystal packing.

Bis{μ-cis-1,3-bis-[(di-tert-butyl-phosphan-yl)-oxy]cyclo-hexane-κ(2) P:P'}bis-[carbonylnickel(0)] including an unknown solvent molecule.

The title compound, [Ni2(C22H46P2O2)2(CO)2], is located about a centre of inversion with the Ni0 atom within a distorted trigonal–planar geometry. The cyclo­hexyl rings are in the usual chair conformation with the 1,3-cis substituents equatorially oriented. No specific inter­molecular inter­actions are noted in the crystal packing. A region of disordered electron density, most probably a disordered deuterobenzene solvent molecule, was treated using the SQUEEZE routine in PLATON [Spek (2009 ▶). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155]. Its formula mass and unit-cell characteristics were not taken into account during refinement.

Controlling the Surface Environment of Heterogeneous Catalysts Using Self-Assembled Monolayers

Rationally designing and producing suitable catalysts to promote specific reaction pathways remains a major objective in heterogeneous catalysis. One approach involves using traditional catalytic materials modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to create a more favorable surface environment for specific product formation. A major advantage of SAM-based modifiers is their tendency to form consistent, highly ordered assembly structures on metal surfaces. In addition, both the attachment chemistry and tail structures can easily be tuned to facilitate specific interactions between reactants and the catalyst. In this Account, we summarize our recent modification approaches for tuning monolayer structure to improve catalytic performance for hydrogenation reactions on palladium and platinum catalysts. Each approach serves to direct selectivity by tuning a particular aspect of the system including the availability of specific active sites (active-site selection), intermolecular interactions between the reactants and modifiers (molecular recognition), and general steric or crowding effects. We have demonstrated that the tail moiety can be tuned to control the density of SAM modifiers on the surface. Infrared spectra of adsorbed CO probe molecules reveal that increasing the density of the thiols restricts the availability of contiguous active sites on catalyst terraces while maintaining accessibility to sites located at particle edges and steps. This technique was utilized to direct selectivity for the hydrogenation of furfural. Results obtained from SAM coatings with different surface densities indicated that, for this reaction, formation of the desirable products occurs primarily at particle edges and steps, whereas the undesired pathway occurs on particle terrace sites. As an alternative approach, the tail structure of the SAM precursor can be tuned to promote specific intermolecular interactions between the modifier and reactant in order to position reactant molecules in a desired orientation. This technique was utilized for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde, which contains an aromatic phenyl moiety. By using a phenyl-containing SAM modifier with an appropriate tether length, > 90% selectivity toward reaction of the aldehyde group was achieved. In contrast, employing a modifier where the phenyl moiety was closer to the catalyst surface biased selectivity toward the hydrogenation of the C═C bond due to reorienting the molecule to a more "lying down" conformation. In addition to approaches that target specific interactions between the reactant and modified catalyst, we have demonstrated the use of SAMs to impose a steric or blocking effect, for example, during the hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The SAMs facilitated hydrogenation of polyunsaturated to monounsaturated fatty acids but inhibited further hydrogenation to the completely saturated species due to the sterically hindered, single "kink" shape of the monounsaturated product. The recent contributions discussed in this Account demonstrate the significant potential for this approach to design improved catalysts and to develop a deeper understanding of mechanistic effects due to the near surface environment.

Expression, purification and characterization of human vacuolar-type H+-ATPase subunit d1 and d2 in Escherichia coli

Vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit proton pump. The proton pump is essential for the regulation of pH in various eukaryotic cellular processes. Among the 14 subunits that constitute V-ATPase, d subunit mediates coupling between cytosolic and membrane domains. Whereas d1 is expressed ubiquitously in various types of cells, its isoform d2 is only expressed in specific cells or tissues. To characterize these isoforms, we expressed and purified the isoforms of human V-ATPase d subunits using Escherichia coli over-expression system. Subunit d1 and d2 were purified as homogeneous monomers as demonstrated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Secondary structures of d subunits were estimated to be composed of 73% α-helix and 2% β-sheet, as analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) analysis. Although sequence identity and secondary structures of d subunits were highly similar, the relative stability against thermal stress was higher for d1 than d2. Efficient expression and purification of d subunits, together with biophysical and biochemical characterization, presented in this study is expected to facilitate further structural analysis to clarify specific inter-molecular interactions involved in multi-subunit assembly and regulation of H+ transporters.

Structure and Function of Steroid Receptor RNA Activator Protein, the Proposed Partner of SRA Noncoding RNA

In a widely accepted model, the steroid receptor RNA activator protein (SRA protein; SRAP) modulates the transcriptional regulatory activity of SRA RNA by binding a specific stem–loop of SRA. We first confirmed that SRAP is present in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, where it is expressed at the level of about 105 molecules per cell. However, our SRAP–RNA binding experiments, both in vitro with recombinant protein and in cultured cells with plasmid-expressed protein and RNA, did not reveal a specific interaction between SRAP and SRA. We determined the crystal structure of the carboxy-terminal domain of human SRAP and found that it does not have the postulated RRM (RNA recognition motif). The structure is a five-helix bundle that is distinct from known RNA-binding motifs and instead is similar to the carboxy-terminal domain of the yeast spliceosome protein PRP18, which stabilizes specific protein–protein interactions within a multisubunit mRNA splicing complex. SRA binding experiments with this domain gave negative results. Transcriptional regulation by SRA/SRAP was examined with siRNA knockdown. Effects on both specific estrogen-responsive genes and genes identified by RNA-seq as candidates for regulation were examined in MCF-7 cells. Only a small effect (~20% change) on one gene resulting from depletion of SRA/SRAP could be confirmed. We conclude that the current model for SRAP function must be reevaluated; we suggest that SRAP may function in a different context to stabilize specific intermolecular interactions in the nucleus.

1,3,5-Tris(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione.

The complete mol­ecule of the title compound, C24H21N3O6, is generated by the application of threefold rotation symmetry about an axis perpendicular to the central ring. The mol­ecule exhibits a propeller-like shape. The dihedral angle between each benzene ring and the heterocyclic ring is 74.0 (1)°. The mol­ecules pack with no specific inter­molecular inter­actions between them. The SQUEEZE procedure in PLATON [Spek (2009 ▶). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155] was used to model disordered solvent mol­ecules, presumed to be acetone; the calculated unit-cell data do not take into account the presence of these.

(5-Methyl-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-κ(2) N (1),O)bis-[2-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl-κN)-3,5-bis-(tri-fluoro-meth-yl)phenyl-κC (1)]iridium(III) chloro-form hemisolvate.

In the title complex, [Ir(C14H8F6N)2(C6H5N2O2)]·0.5CHCl3, the IrIII atom adopts a distorted octa­hedral geometry, being coordinated by three N atoms (arranged meridionally), two C atoms and one O atom of three bidentate ligands. The complex mol­ecules pack with no specific inter­molecular inter­actions between them. The SQUEEZE procedure in PLATON [Spek (2009 ▶). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155] was used to model a disordered chloro­form solvent mol­ecule; the calculated unit-cell data allow for the presence of half of this mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit.

Tailoring on-surface supramolecular architectures based on adenine directed self-assembly

From an interplay of high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging and density functional theory (DFT) calculations we demonstrate that by delicately choosing the parent molecule (adenine) we are able to tune the self-assembled nanostructures of adenine derivatives which are directed by the specific intermolecular interactions provided by the adenine moiety.

Azobenzene-based difunctional halogen-bond donor: towards the engineering of photoresponsive co-crystals

Halogen bonding is emerging as a powerful non-covalent interaction in the context of supramolecular photoresponsive materials design, particularly due to its high directionality. In order to obtain further insight into the solid-state features of halogen-bonded photoactive molecules, three halogen-bonded co-crystals containing an azobenzene-based difunctional halogen-bond donor molecule, (E)-bis(4-iodo-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)diazene, C12F8I2N2, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the non-iodinated homologue (E)-bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)diazene, C12H2F8N2, is also reported. It is demonstrated that the studied halogen-bond donor molecule is a reliable tecton for assembling halogen-bonded co-crystals with potential photoresponsive behaviour. The azo group is not involved in any specific intermolecular interactions in any of the co-crystals studied, which is an interesting feature in the context of enhanced photoisomerization behaviour and photoactive properties of the material systems.

Atomistic understanding of the C·T mismatched DNA base pair tautomerization via the DPT: QM and QTAIM computational approaches

It was established that the cytosine·thymine (C·T) mismatched DNA base pair with cis-oriented N1H glycosidic bonds has propeller-like structure (|N3C4C4N3| = 38.4°), which is stabilized by three specific intermolecular interactions-two antiparallel N4H…O4 (5.19 kcal mol(-1)) and N3H…N3 (6.33 kcal mol(-1)) H-bonds and a van der Waals (vdW) contact O2…O2 (0.32 kcal mol(-1)). The C·T base mispair is thermodynamically stable structure (ΔG(int) = -1.54 kcal mol(-1) ) and even slightly more stable than the A·T Watson-Crick DNA base pair (ΔG(int) = -1.43 kcal mol(-1)) at the room temperature. It was shown that the C·T ↔ C*·T* tautomerization via the double proton transfer (DPT) is assisted by the O2…O2 vdW contact along the entire range of the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC). The positive value of the Grunenberg's compliance constants (31.186, 30.265, and 22.166 Å/mdyn for the C·T, C*·T*, and TS(C·T ↔ C*·T*), respectively) proves that the O2…O2 vdW contact is a stabilizing interaction. Based on the sweeps of the H-bond energies, it was found that the N4H…O4/O4H…N4, and N3H…N3 H-bonds in the C·T and C*·T* base pairs are anticooperative and weaken each other, whereas the middle N3H…N3 H-bond and the O2…O2 vdW contact are cooperative and mutually reinforce each other. It was found that the tautomerization of the C·T base mispair through the DPT is concerted and asynchronous reaction that proceeds via the TS(C·T ↔ C*·T*) stabilized by the loosened N4-H-O4 covalent bridge, N3H…N3 H-bond (9.67 kcal mol(-1) ) and O2…O2 vdW contact (0.41 kcal mol(-1) ). The nine key points, describing the evolution of the C·T ↔ C*·T* tautomerization via the DPT, were detected and completely investigated along the IRC. The C*·T* mispair was revealed to be the dynamically unstable structure with a lifetime 2.13·× 10(-13) s. In this case, as for the A·T Watson-Crick DNA base pair, activates the mechanism of the quantum protection of the C·T DNA base mispair from its spontaneous mutagenic tautomerization through the DPT.

Quantum-chemical investigation of the spectral properties of fluorescent probes based on naphthalene derivatives (prodan, promen)

A study has been carried out of the prodan and promen molecules by ab initio methods. The geometrical structures of promen and prodan in the ground and excited states have been established. It has been shown that the absorption and fluorescence spectra of promen and prodan are formed by several conformations of the molecules. The contributions of universal and specific intermolecular interactions to the fluorescence spectrum of prodan in cyclohexane and water are identified.

4-Phenyl-1,2,4-triazaspiro[4.5]dec-1-ene-3-thione

In the title compound, C13H15N3S, the 4,5-di­hydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole ring is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.020 (1) Å], while the cyclo­hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the 4,5-di­hydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole ring and the phenyl ring is 74.68 (7)°. No specific inter­molecular inter­actions are discerned in the crystal packing.

Impact of Polymers on Crystal Growth Rate of Structurally Diverse Compounds from Aqueous Solution

The presence of an effective crystal growth inhibitor in solution is desirable to prolong supersaturation since residual crystalline material in an amorphous formulation resulting from the manufacturing process or formed during storage or dissolution can potentially have a significant impact on the extent and duration of supersaturation. In this study, the effectiveness of a group of chemically diverse polymers, including several recently synthesized cellulose derivatives, on solution crystal growth of three structurally diverse compounds (celecoxib, efavirenz, and ritonavir) was quantified at different extents of supersaturation and compared. Despite the different chemical properties and structures of the model compounds, nonspecific hydrophobic drug-polymer interactions appeared to be important in determining the impact of a given polymer on crystal growth for of all these drug compounds. Specific intermolecular interactions were also found to be important for crystal growth inhibition of celecoxib and efavirenz by the hydrophilic polymer, PVPVA. These interactive forces-hydrophobicity and specific intermolecular interactions-are likely to promote adsorption of the polymer onto the surface of the crystalline drugs, thus influencing crystal growth. The effectiveness of the polymers also depended on the rate of crystallization of the drug molecules. At a similar supersaturation ratio of ∼1.2, ritonavir and celecoxib had slower normalized crystal growth rates (0.20 and 0.91 mg min(-1) m(-2), respectively), while the normalized crystal growth rate of efavirenz was significantly higher (2.97 mg min(-1) m(-2)), resulting in lower levels of crystal growth inhibition by the polymers for efavirenz.

Polymorphism, Fluorescence, and Optoelectronic Properties of a Borazine Derivative

We have prepared a new borazine derivative that bears mesityl substituents at the boron centers and displays exceptional chemical stability. Detailed crystallographic and solid-state fluorescence characterizations revealed the existence of several polymorphs, each of which showed different emission profiles. In particular, a bathochromic shift is observed when going from the lower- to the higher-density crystal. Computational investigations of the conformational dynamics of borazine 1 in both the gas phase and in the solid state using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the conformation of the peripheral aryl groups significantly varies when going from an isolated molecule (in which the rings are able to flip over the 90° barrier at RT) to the crystals (in which the rotation is locked by packing effects), thus generating specific nonsymmetric intermolecular interactions in the different polymorphs. To investigate the optoelectronic properties of these materials by fabrication and characterization of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), borazine 1 was incorporated as the active material in the emissive layer. The current and radiance versus voltage characteristics, as well as the electroluminescence spectra reported here for the first time are encouraging prospects for the engineering of future borazine-based devices.

(1S,3R,8R,9S,11R)-10,10-Dibromo-2,2-dichloro-3,7,7,11-tetramethyltetracyclo[6.5.0.01,3.09,11]tridecane

The title compound, C17H24Br2Cl2, was synthesized from β-himachalene (3,5,5,9-tetra­methyl-2,4a,5,6,7,8-hexa­hydro-1H-benzo­cyclo­heptene), which was isolated from the essential oil of the Atlas cedar (Cedrus Atlantica). The asymmetric unit contains two independent mol­ecules. Each mol­ecule is built up from fused six-, seven- and two three-membered rings. In both mol­ecules, the six-membered ring has a half-chair conformation, whereas the seven-membered ring displays a boat conformation. No specific inter­molecular inter­actions are noted in the crystal packing.

Structural insights into the functional role of the Hcn sub-domain of the receptor-binding domain of the botulinum neurotoxin mosaic serotype C/D

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), the causative agent of the deadly neuroparalytic disease botulism, is the most poisonous protein known for humans. Produced by different strains of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum, BoNT effects cellular intoxication via a multistep mechanism executed by the three modules of the activated protein. Endocytosis, the first step of cellular intoxication, is triggered by the ~50 kDa, heavy-chain receptor-binding domain (HCR) that is specific for a ganglioside and a protein receptor on neuronal cell surfaces. This dual receptor recognition mechanism between BoNT and the host cell's membrane is well documented and occurs via specific intermolecular interactions with the C-terminal sub-domain, Hcc, of BoNT-HCR. The N-terminal sub-domain of BoNT-HCR, Hcn, comprises ~50% of BoNT-HCR and adopts a β-sheet jelly roll fold. While suspected in assisting cell surface recognition, no unambiguous function for the Hcn sub-domain in BoNT has been identified. To obtain insights into the potential function of the Hcn sub-domain in BoNT, the first crystal structure of a BoNT with an organic ligand bound to the Hcn sub-domain has been obtained. Here, we describe the crystal structure of BoNT/CD-HCR determined at 1.70 Å resolution with a tetraethylene glycol (PG4) moiety bound in a hydrophobic cleft between β-strands in the β-sheet jelly roll fold of the Hcn sub-domain. The PG4 moiety is completely engulfed in the cleft, making numerous hydrophilic (Y932, S959, W966, and D1042) and hydrophobic (S935, W977, L979, N1013, and I1066) contacts with the protein's side chain and backbone that may mimic in vivo interactions with the phospholipid membranes on neuronal cell surfaces. A sulfate ion was also observed bound to residues T1176, D1177, K1196, and R1243 in the Hcc sub-domain of BoNT/CD-HCR. In the crystal structure of a similar protein, BoNT/D-HCR, a sialic acid molecule was observed bound to the equivalent residues suggesting that residues T1176, D1177, K1196, and R1243 in BoNT/CD may play a role in ganglioside binding.