X-ray Structure Analysis Research Articles

Characterization of Ambroxol and Its Hydrochloride Salt Crystals by Bromine K-Edge X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure Spectroscopy and X-Ray Crystal Structure Analysis.

Polymorphic crystals of ambroxol, forms I and II, and form A ambroxol hydrochloride crystals were characterized with bromine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. The XANES spectra had unique shapes depending on the crystal forms. Refined single-crystal structures revealed different interatomic interactions around bromine atoms, such as C-H…Br and N-H…Br hydrogen bonds, Br…O halogen bonds, and N-H…π interactions. Differences in these weak interactions could affect the electronic states of the bromines, resulting in differences in the XANES spectra. The results demonstrated that weak non-conventional interatomic interactions could alter the shape of XANES spectra. Hence, the spectra could be used for evaluating polymorphs of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Noncovalent Modification of Cycloparaphenylene by Catenane Formation Using an Active Metal Template Strategy.

The active metal template (AMT) strategy is a powerful tool for the formation of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes, allowing the synthesis of a variety of MIMs, including π-conjugated and multicomponent macrocycles. Cycloparaphenylene (CPP) is an emerging molecule characterized by its cyclic π-conjugated structure and unique properties. Therefore, diverse modifications of CPPs are necessary for its wide application. However, most CPP modifications require early stage functionalization and the direct modification of CPPs is very limited. Herein, we report the synthesis of a catenane consisting of [9]CPP and a 2,2'-bipyridine macrocycle as a new CPP analogue that contains a reliable synthetic scaffold enabling diverse and concise post-modification. Following the AMT strategy, the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane was successfully synthesized through Ni-mediated aryl-aryl coupling. Catalytic C-H borylation/cross-coupling and metal complexation of the bipyridine macrocycle moiety, an effective post-functionalization method, were also demonstrated with the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis revealed that the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane forms a tridentated complex with an Ag ion inside the CPP ring. This interaction significantly enhances the phosphorescence lifetime through improved intermolecular interactions.

Dicarboxylic Acids Induced Tandem Transformation of Silver Nanocluster.

Structural transformation of metal nanoclusters (NCs) is of great ongoing interest regarding their synthesis, stability, and reactivity. Although sporadic examples of cluster transformations have been reported, neither the underlying transformation mechanism nor the intermediates are unambiguous. Herein, we have synthesized a flexible 54-nuclei silver cluster (Ag54) by combining soft (tBuC≡C-) and hard (nPrCOO-) ligands. The existence of weakly coordinated nPrCOO- enhances the reactivity of Ag54, thus facilitating the dicarboxylic acid to induce structural transformation. X-ray structural analyses reveal that Ag54 transforms to Ag28 cluster-based 2D networks (Ag28a and Ag28b) induced by H2suc (succinic acid) and H2glu (glutaric acid), whereas with H2pda (2,2'-(1,2-phenylene)diacetic acid), a discrete Ag28 cluster (Ag28c) is isolated. The key intermediate Ag17 that emerges during the self-dissociation of Ag54 was isolated by using cryogenic recrystallization and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The "tandem transformation" mechanism for the structure evolution from Ag54 to Ag28a is established by time-dependent electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and UV-vis spectroscopy. In addition, the catalytic activity in the 4-nitrophenol reduction follows the sequence Ag28c > Ag28b > Ag28a > Ag54 due to more bare silver sites on the surface of the Ag28 cluster unit. Our findings not only open new avenues to the synthesis of silver NCs but also shed light on a better understanding of the structural transformation mechanism from one cluster to another or cluster-based metal-organic networks induced by dicarboxylates.

Synthesis, X-ray Structure, and Hirshfeld Analysis of [Ag(3-amino-5,6-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazine)(NO3)]n: A Potent Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agent

The [Ag(3ADMT)(NO3)]n complex was synthesized by the self-assembly of 3-amino-5,6-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazine (3ADMT) and AgNO3. Its molecular structure was analyzed utilizing FTIR spectra, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). There is one crystallographically independent Ag atom, which is tetra-coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from two 3ADMT and two oxygen atoms from two nitrate anions where all ligand groups are acting as connectors between the Ag1 sites. The geometry around the Ag(I) center is a distorted tetrahedron with a AgN2O2 coordination sphere augmented by strong argentophilic interactions between Ag atoms, which assist the aggregation of the complex units in a wavy-like and coplanar pattern to form a one-dimensional polymeric chain. The O...H (37.2%) and N...H (18.8%) intermolecular interactions contributed significantly to the molecular packing based on Hirshfeld surface analysis. The [Ag(3ADMT)(NO3)]n complex demonstrates promising cytotoxicity against lung (IC50 = 2.96 ± 0.31 μg/mL) and breast (IC50 = 1.97 ± 0.18 μg/mL) carcinoma. This remarkable cytotoxicity exceeds those of 3ADMT, AgNO3, and the anticancer medication cis-platin towards the tested cancer cell lines. In addition, the complex has a wide-spectrum antimicrobial action where the high antibacterial potency of the [Ag(3ADMT)(NO3)]n complex against P. vulgaris (MIC = 6.1 µg/mL) and B. subtilis (MIC = 17.2 µg/mL) could be comparable to the commonly used drug Gentamycin (MIC = 4.8 µg/mL). These results confirm that the components of the [Ag(3ADMT)(NO3)]n complex work together synergistically, forming a powerful multifunctional agent that could be exploited as an effective antimicrobial and anticancer agent.

Novel hybrid motifs of 4-nitroimidazole-piperazinyl tagged 1,2,3-triazoles: Synthesis, crystal structure, anticancer evaluations, and molecular docking study

4-((4-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-5-yl)piperazine-1-yl)methyl)-1-substituted-1H-1,2,3-triazole motifs are designed and synthesized via click chemistry. The reaction of 1-(N1-benzyl- 2-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole- 5-yl)-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yl) piperazine 5 as new scaffold with diverse primary azides to selectively produce 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles 9a–k, 10a–c and 11a–q. Physicochemical methods: when 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS are utilized to fully characterize all synthesized compounds. X-ray structural determination and analysis for compound 9a is also performed. The newly designed chromophores are assessed for their anti-proliferative potency against three selected human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, and PC3), and one normal cell line (Dermal/Fibroblast). Compounds 9g and 9k have shown potent activities against the MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values of (2.00 ± 0.03 μM) and (5.00 ± 0.01 μM) respectively. ADMET studies and Molecular docking investigations are performed on the most active hybrid nitroimidazole derivatives 9g and 9k with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) at the human estrogen receptor alpha (hER) during binding active sites to study the ligand–protein interactions and free binding energies at atomic levels. The triazole ring in the 9g derivative forms a hydrogen bond with Asp58 with distance 3.2 Å. And it is found that polar contact with His231 amino acid residue.In silico assessment of the compounds showed very good pharmacokinetic properties based on their physicochemical values, also the ADMET criteria of the most active hybrid systems are within the acceptable range.

Treatment of Substandard Rocket Fuel 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine via Its Methylene Derivative into Heterocycles Based on Pyrrolo-[3,4c]Quinolines, Cyclododeca[b]piran and Pyrrole.

1,1-Dimethylhydrazine (Heptil, rocket fuel (UDMH)) is characterized by extremely high toxicity, teratogenicity and the ability to constantly absorb water from the atmosphere, losing its energy characteristics. In this regard, as well as due to the alternative fuel ("Angara") transition, there is a need for UDMH utilization in huge amounts. A more benign approach involves its immediate reaction with a formalin solution to form 1,1-dimethyl-2-methylene hydrazone (MDH), which is significantly less toxic by an order of magnitude. MDH can then be polymerized under acidic conditions, and the resulting product can be burned, yielding a substantial amount of nitrogen oxides. We propose an alternative to incineration by involving MDH in organic synthesis. We studied the reactions of MDH and its analog N,N-dimethyl-2-(methylenamino)ethane-1-amine (MDEA) with available CH-acids: tetracyanoethylated ketones (TCEKs) based on cyclohexanone, 4-propylcyclohexanone, 2-methylcyclohexanone, cyclododecanone and tetracyanoethane. The structures synthesized were confirmed by IR, 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy methods. MDH-based adducts were also identified by X-ray structural analysis. TCEKs and MDH, as well as TCEK based on cyclohexanone and MDEA, form bi- and tricyclic structures: pyrrolo [3,4c]-quinolines (using TCEKs based on cyclohexanone and 4-propylcyclohexanone), epiminomethanoquinoline-3,4-dicarbonitrile (using TCEK based on 2-methylcyclohexanone) and cyclododec[b]pyran-3,4-dicarbonitrile (using TCEK based on cyclododecanone). MDH and TCNEH2 formed a pyrrole derivative. Thus, we synthesized the structures that are of interest for molecular design and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Cg…Cg interactions driven 1D polymeric chains bridged by lattice solvents in N3-(2-pyridoyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamidrazone Pb(II) complex

This study will shed light on the non-covalent interactions present in the N3-(2-pyridoyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamidrazone Pb(II) complex [(L)Pb(CH3OH)(H2O)2] and their significance in the context of crystal packing and material properties. The complex was synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray structural analysis, providing valuable insights into its molecular structure. Our focus was on analyzing the non-covalent interactions in the crystal structure, where these interactions played a crucial role in the formation of one-dimensional network chains observed in the crystal. To quantitatively analyze these interactions, we employed Hirshfeld surfaces analysis. Furthermore, we performed density functional theory computational studies to calculate the molecular geometry and global reactive parameters, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the properties of the novel molecule. The molecular electrostatic potential was plotted to visualize the charge distribution and identify the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites in the molecule. Finally, we explored the non-covalent interactions and electron charge density distribution using the QTAM and NCI models, providing further insights into the complex's behavior. This study contributes to the understanding of non-covalent interactions in the context of crystal growth and design, and expands the knowledge of the structural and electronic properties of the N3-(2-pyridoyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamidrazone Pb(II) complex.

Alkyne as a Latent Warhead to Covalently Target SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease.

There is an urgent need for improved therapy to better control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main protease Mpro plays a pivotal role in SARS-CoV-2 replications, thereby representing an attractive target for antiviral development. We seek to identify novel electrophilic warheads for efficient, covalent inhibition of Mpro. By comparing the efficacy of a panel of warheads installed on a common scaffold against Mpro, we discovered that the terminal alkyne could covalently modify Mpro as a latent warhead. Our biochemical and X-ray structural analyses revealed the irreversible formation of the vinyl-sulfide linkage between the alkyne and the catalytic cysteine of Mpro. Clickable probes based on the alkyne inhibitors were developed to measure target engagement, drug residence time, and off-target effects. The best alkyne-containing inhibitors potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell infection models. Our findings highlight great potentials of alkyne as a latent warhead to target cystine proteases in viruses and beyond.

Rare coordination behavior of triethanolamine ligand in [Cu(H3tea)2](3,4-dimethoxycinnamate)2·2H2O: Synthesis, characterization, single crystal X-ray structure determination, Hirshfeld calculation and molecular docking studies

Herein, unusual and rare coordination behavior of triethanolamine (H3tea) ligand in copper(II) carboxylate complex; [Cu(H3tea)2](3,4-DMC)2·2H2O; DMC = 3,4-dimethoxycinnamate, has been explored and structurally reported for the first time. Synthesis and crystallization of the complex has been achieved at ambient conditions using methanol-water (4:1 v/v) as a solvent mixture after very slow evaporation. Furthermore, the complex is characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic methods (UV–Visible, FT-IR) and structure elucidation has been carried out by single crystal X-ray structure analyses. X-ray structure determination of the complex revealed the presence of [Cu(H3tea)2]2+ as a cation and two moieties of 3,4-dimethoxycinnamate as anions forming a second sphere coordination complex. Various weak (non-covalent) interactions such as CH∙∙∙O, and OH∙∙∙O impart an important role in the lattice stabilization of a second sphere coordination complex. Hirshfeld surface calculations clearly revealed the existence of interplay of non-covalent interactions in lattice stabilization. The theoretical calculation also suggested the total interaction energies in this complex, i.e. 32.6 kj.mol−1. In addition, molecular docking investigations of this complex clearly showed that there is substantial protein-ligand interaction with best binding scores of -7.2, -7.3, -7.9 kcal/mol against 4GKU, 3W4P, 5CGX and -5.8, -7.8 kcal/mol against 4HFZ, 1D5R proteins lesser than parent acid i.e. 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid indicating the potential of this complex; [Cu(H3tea)2](3,4-DMC)2·2H2O as antibacterial and anticancer agent respectively.

Re-evaluating the Magnesium-ion Storage Capability of Vanadium Dioxide, VO2 (B): Uncovering the Influence of Water Content on the Previously Overestimated High Capacity.

Magnesium batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their theoretical high energy density and abundant magnesium resources. Vanadium dioxide, VO2 (B), has been reported as a high-capacity cathode material for magnesium batteries. However, the electrochemical intercalation mechanism requires further elucidation due to a limited understanding of the structure-property relationship. In this study, we re-evaluated the magnesium storage capability of the material, with a particular focus on the influence of water content in nonaqueous electrolytes. The higher discharge capacity of 250 mAh g-1 is achieved exclusively in the wet electrolyte with 650 ppm water content. A significantly lower capacity of 51 mAh g-1 was observed in the dry electrolyte solution containing 40 ppm water content. Through X-ray structural and elemental analyses, as well as magnesium-ion diffusion pathway analysis using bond-valence-energy-landscape calculations, the restricted capacity was clarified by examining the reaction mechanism. According to this study, the impressive capacity of magnesium-ion battery cathodes may be exaggerated due to the involvement of non-magnesium-ion insertion unless the electrolytes' water content is appropriately regulated.

Halo-bridged Cu(II) complexes with pyridine–pyrazole ligands: Influence of halogen and ligand lipophilicity on antimicrobial activity

A series of five coordinated, doubly halo bridged Cu(II) complexes [Cu2(μ-X)2(Ln)2×2] (X=Cl and Br; n = 1, 2 and 3), CuL1Cl, CuL1Br, CuL2Cl, CuL2Br, CuL3Cl and CuL3Br (where L1 = 2-((1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine, L2 = 2-((3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine, L3 = 2-((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized using FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis. Moreover, CuL1Cl, CuL1Br and CuL3Cl structures have also been confirmed by single crystal X-ray structural analysis. Copper ion in CuL1Cl, CuL1Br and CuL3Cl displayed distorted squared pyramidal geometry and formed dimers via bridged μ‑chloro/μ‑bromo coordination in the crystal lattice. The intermolecular C–H···Cl hydrogen bonding interaction further connected the dimers of CuL1Cl and CuL3Cl with four neighboring dinuclear complex units. Copper complexes were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, copper complexes exhibited selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Further the increasing ligand lipophilicity showed the increase of antibacterial activity of copper complexes. The lipophilicity of ligands was regulated by number of methyl substituents on the ligands. The chloro bridged copper complexes exhibited relatively higher antibacterial activity compared to the bromo bridged copper complexes. Thus, the present structure-activity of simple copper complexes might provide insight on the structural design of new antimicrobial agents based on coordination complexes.

Structure–Phase Transitions in the Friction Contact Zone of High-Nitrogen Chromium–Manganese Austenitic Steel

The influence of contact stresses on the phase and concentration composition of thin surface layers and wear products in the tribological contact zone of high-nitrogen FeMn22Cr18N0.83 steel was studied using Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray structural analysis, and electron microscopy. It was shown that contact compressive stresses developing under the conditions of dry sliding friction in the surface layers (20–25 microns) resulted in the strain-induced dissolution of cellular precipitation products (nitrides Cr2N) and increased the average content of nitrogen in austenite. Antiferromagnetic ordering in austenite caused by the precipitation of secondary nitrides with low chromium and nitrogen content was observed in tiny external layers (~0.1 microns) of the friction surface and products of steel adhesive wear. The effect of tension stresses in the friction contact zone on the formation of strain-induced martensite and nitrides with α″-Fe16N2 structures was established in the wear products.

Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes with s-Triazine Hydrazone Ligand

The two group IIB complexes [Cd(DMPT)Cl2] (6) and [Zn(DMPT)Cl2] (7) of the tridentate ligand (DMPT), 2,4-bis(morpholin-4-yl)-6-[(E)-2-[1-(pyridin-2-yl) ethylidene]hydrazin-1-yl]-1,3,5-triazine were synthesized, and their structural aspects were elucidated with the aid of X-ray crystallography. Both complexes crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system, with P21/n as a space group. The unit cell parameters for 6 are a = 14.1563(9) Å, b = 9.4389(6) Å, c = 16.5381(11) Å and β = 91.589(5)° while the respective values for 7 are 11.3735(14), 13.8707(13), 14.9956(16), and 111.646(2)°. The unit cell volume is slightly less (2198.9(4) Å3) in complex 7 compared to complex 6 (2209.0(2) Å3). Both complexes have a penta-coordination environment around the metal ion, where the DMPT ligand acts as a neutral tridentate NNN-chelate via the pyridine, hydrazone, and one of the s-triazine N-atoms. The penta-coordination environment of the Cd(II) in complex 6 is close to a square pyramidal configuration with some distortion. On the other hand, the ZnN3Cl2 coordination environment is highly distorted and located intermediately between the trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramids. Supramolecular structure analysis of 6 with the aid of Hirshfeld calculations indicated the importance of the Cl…H, O…H, and C…H interactions. Their percentages were calculated to be 20.9, 9.1, and 8.7%, respectively. For 7, the Cl…H, O…H, C…H, and N…H contacts are the most important. Their percentages are 20.3, 9.0, 7.0, and 8.4%, respectively. In both complexes, the major intermolecular interaction is the hydrogen–hydrogen interactions which contributed 45.5 and 46.6%, respectively.

Blue-emitting monochlorothiophenyl-pyridine-carbonitriles: Synthesis, structural analysis, and fluorescence properties

Three new pyridine-carbonitrile derivatives, namely, 6-(5-chlorothiophen-3-yl)-2-methyl-4-p-tolylpyridine-3-carbonitrile (1), 6-(5-chlorothiophen-3-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpyridine-3-carbonitrile (2), and 6-(5-chlorothiophen-3-yl)-2-methyl-4-(naphthalen-4-yl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile (3), have been synthesized. The compounds were characterized using IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and HRMAS. The structures were confirmed by X-ray structural analysis for all three derivatives. The molecular structure consists of the central pyridine ring bearing four substituents: a monochlorothiophene ring, a methyl group, a carbonitrile group and an aryl group. The crystal structure is dominated by aryl-aryl offset-face-to-face π···π stacking interactions. In addition, C—H···Cl [in (1)], C—H···N/F [in (2)], and C—H···N [in (3)] interactions are found as shape-complementary motifs. All interactions consolidate crystal supramolecularity. Photophysical measurements show fluorescence properties for derivatives (1)–(3). The derivatives were found to possess a blue emission in the range of λ = 366–390 nm. These findings can be useful for designing new compounds with improved properties for various applications, including optoelectronics, materials science, and chemical sensing.

A novel mixed azido/phenoxido bridged 1D CuII coordination polymer containing o-vanillin-based compartmental ligand: Synthesis, magnetism, phenoxazinone synthase and catalytic activity in epoxidation of alkenes

A novel 1-D coordination polymer, formulated as [Cu2(L)(N3)3]·H2O (1), has been synthesized by reacting the Schiff base ligand, 2-methoxy-6-((2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino) methyl)-phenol (HL), with copper(II) chloride dihydrate in the presence of sodium azide. The X-ray structural analysis shows that compound 1 consists of tetranuclear [Cu2(L)(N3)3]2 units bearing a central double asymmetric μ1,1-N3 bridge and terminal mixed µ1,1-N3/phenoxido bridges that are linked via a double µ1,1,3-N3 bridge forming a 1-D network. The magnetic properties of 1 show the presence of ferromagnetic Cu···Cu interactions through the central double μ1,1-N3 bridge (J1 = 81.7(3) cm−1) coexisting with antiferromagnetic Cu···Cu interactions through the double µ1,1-N3/phenoxido bridge (J2 = –62.3(4)cm−1). Additionally, there is a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction (zJ = –0.12(2) cm−1) through the asymmetric µ1,1,3-N3 bridge connecting the tetranuclear units. Using o-aminophenol (OAP) as a substrate, the phenoxazinone synthase-like catalytic activity of the CuII coordination polymer 1 has been studied. The compound efficiently catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of o-aminophenol in DMF medium with a turnover number Kcat = 31.69 h−1. Moreover, 1 has been used as an active catalyst for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene, as a model alkene, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), showing an excellent epoxide yield and selectivity in CHCl3 under reflux conditions. To enlarge the scope of the reaction, the efficacy of the catalytic method has also been investigated in the epoxidation of some other substituted alkenes.

Design of an Antigen-Triggered Nanobody-Based Fluorescence Probe for PET Immunoassay to Detect Quinalphos in Food Samples.

Photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) immunoassay based on a fluorescence site-specifically labeled nanobody, also called mini Quenchbody (Q-body), exhibits extraordinary sensitivity and saves much time in the homogeneous noncompetitive mode and is therefore regarded as a valuable method. However, limited by the efficiency of both quenching and dequenching of the fluorescence signal before and after antigen binding associated with the PET principle, not all original nanobodies can be used as candidates for mini Q-bodies. Herein, with the anti-quinalphos nanobody 11A (Nb-11A) as the model, we, for the first time, adopt a strategy by combining X-ray structural analysis with site-directed mutagenesis to design and produce a mutant Nb-R29W, and then successfully generate a mini Q-body by labeling with ATTO520 fluorescein. Based on this, a novel PET immunoassay is established, which exhibits a limit of detection of 0.007 μg/mL with a detection time of only 15 min, 25-fold improved sensitivity, and faster by 5-fold compared to the competitive immunoassay. Meanwhile, the recovery test of vegetable samples and validation by the standard ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) both demonstrated that the established PET immunoassay is a novel, sensitive, and accurate detection method for quinalphos. Ultimately, the findings of this work will provide valuable insights into the development of triggered PET fluorescence probes by using existing antibody resources.

PEPPSI-Type Pd(II)—NHC Complexes on the Base of p-tert-Butylthiacalix[4]arene: Synthesis and Catalytic Activities

The creation of effective catalytic systems for cross-coupling reactions, reduction, etc., capable of working in water-organic or pure aqueous media is in great demand. The article presents the synthesis of NHC-palladium complexes of the PEPPSI type based on monoimidazolium derivatives of thiacalix[4]arene. The structure of the imidazolium precursors, obtained in 81–88% yields and the complexes themselves, obtained in 40–50% yields, is established using modern methods, including X-ray structural analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. It is shown that the obtained complex with bulk substituents near the palladium atom is not inferior to the well-known PEPPSI-type Organ’s catalyst in the catalysis of Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and is four times superior to the latter in the p-nitrophenol reduction reaction. Given the presence of free phenolic hydroxyl groups in the macrocycle, the obtained complexes are of interest for further post-modification or for immobilization on a carrier.

On the reasons for the premature failure of safety valve springs in the equipment of the primary oil refining

The reasons for the premature failure of a spring made of steel 50KhFA used in the safety valve of the column head part of the flare facility were analyzed. The failure of the spring occurred after 7 years of operation at a temperature below 90°C in a working environment of light oil products (sulfurous gasoline). Visual and measurement control, chemical analysis of the steel composition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of metal in local areas, macro- and microstructural analysis, macro- and electron fractography, phase chemical and X-ray structural analysis, hardness and microhardness tests and reductive heat treatment were used in the research. The data on the characteristic external signs, typical micro damages, and the mechanism of destruction under low-temperature hydrogen sulfide corrosion of steel 50KhFA with hydrogenation, the most dangerous accompanying process, were gained in the study. According to the results obtained, the chemical composition and hardness of the spring metal meet the requirements of the standards for steel 50KhFA. The microstructure of the studied metal is tempered martensite with a decarburized layer up to 0.158 mm in thickness present on the surface. The analysis of the results showed that the premature failure of the spring is attributed both to technological heredity and contact with the working environment unauthorized by the project. An ulcerative damage of the metal surface and penetrating of corrosion products into the depth of metal due to violation of the integrity of the spring coating were revealed, which indicates a low resistance of 50KhFA steel to low-temperature hydrogen sulfide corrosion. The failure occurs predominantly near non-metallic inclusions along the boundaries of primary austenitic grains, where the largest precipitates of chromium carbides are located, as well as along the interphase boundaries of oriented carbide plates.

Structural variation in lead(II) dithiocarbamates and effect of synthesis temperature on lead sulfide nanoparticles

Three lead(II) dithiocarbamate complexes of the type, [Pb(RR'dtc)2] (where RR'dtc = N-isoprpyl-N-(4-dimethylaminobenzyl)dithiocarbamate, N‑butyl‑N-(4-dimethylaminobenzyl)dithiocarbamate and N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-N-tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)dithiocarbamate for 1, 2 and 3, respectively) were prepared and characterized by FT-IR and NMR (1H and 13C{1H}) spectroscopic methods and X-ray structural analysis. As shown by X- ray crystallography, the coordination number of lead(II) in 1, 2 and 3 are five, six, and four, respectively. The theoretical study with density functional theory (DFT) has been utilized to optimize the structures of complexes 1–3 for HOMO-LUMO energy calculation. Various electronic properties, known as global reactive descriptors, have been calculated from HOMO-LUMO energies. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most significant contacts in packing are H…H, followed by S…H and C…H. Lead sulfide nanoparticles, PbS1 and PbS2 were prepared from complex 1 using solvothermal method under two different temperatures 60 °C and 100 °C, respectively. Morphology, composition, structure and optical properties were studied using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy- Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS). In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis temperature has influence on morphologies, chemical composition and structural features. Both lead sulfide nanoparticles show good photocatalytic degradation capabilities toward methylene blue dye under UV light irradiation.

Negative Thermal Expansion in the Polymorphic Modification of Double Sulfate β-AEu(SO4)2 (A-Rb+, Cs+).

New polymorphic modifications of double sulfates β-AEu(SO4)2 (A-Rb+, Cs+) were obtained by the hydrothermal method, the structure of which differs significantly from the monoclinic modifications obtained earlier by solid-state methods. According to single-crystal diffraction data, it was found that the compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space group Pnna, with parameters β-RbEu(SO4)2: a = 9.4667(4) Å, b = 13.0786(5) Å, c = 5.3760(2) Å, V = 665.61(5) Å3; β-CsEu(SO4)2: a = 9.5278(5) Å, b = 13.8385(7) Å, c = 5.3783(3) Å, V = 709.13(7) Å3. The asymmetric part of the unit cell contains one-half Rb+/Cs+ ion, one-half Eu3+ ion, both in special sites, and one SO42- ion. Both compounds exhibit nonlinear negative thermal expansion. According to the X-ray structural analysis and theoretical calculations, the polarizing effect of the alkali metal ion has a decisive influence on the demonstration of this phenomenon. Experimental indirect band gaps of β-Rb and β-Cs are 4.05 and 4.11 eV, respectively, while the direct band gaps are 4.48 and 4.54 eV, respectively. The best agreement with theoretical calculations is obtained using the ABINIT package employing PAW pseudopotentials with hybrid PBE0 functional, while norm-conserving pseudopotentials used in the frame of CASTEP code and LCAO approach in the Crystal package gave worse agreement. The properties of alkali ions also significantly affect the luminescent properties of the compounds, which leads to a strong temperature dependence of the intensity of the 5D0 → 7F4 transition in β-CsEu(SO4)2 in contrast to much weaker dependence of this kind in β-RbEu(SO4)2.