Search Results (48)

Towards the efforts to expand the bioactivity and to reduce toxic and adverse properties of known metal-based drugs, various multinuclear complexes have recently been studied. They have shown enhancement of target specificity and selectivity. Different from small organic compounds and traditional metal-based complexes with anticancer activity, iridium(III) multinuclear or heteronuclear metallodrugs have confirmed potential advantages due to their unique biological and chemical diversities, better activity and different anticancer mechanisms. Ir(III) coordination compounds, similar to most Pt group compounds, are of excessive interest because of their potential cytotoxic activity, effective cellular uptake and tolerance by healthy cells. Although mononuclear Ir(III) complex compounds have been extensively studied as promising candidates for antitumor application, the research on the antineoplastic potential of homo- or hetero-multinuclear iridium(III) complexes is not as abundant; nevertheless, intensive investigations have been conducted in the recent years towards developing complexes that are anticipated to have improved therapeutic potential and biotarget selectivity. Multimetallic iridium(III) frameworks have offered interesting possibilities for designing new antitumor agents by exploiting the action of different metal cations at the same time. This method was very successful in the design of homo- and hetero-multinuclear cyclometalated and half-sandwich organometallic Ir(III) compounds. In the described background, many homonuclear and heteronuclear Ir(III) complexes have been estimated and have exposed promising advantages in cancer therapy. This review intends to summarize newly reported innovative and promising multinuclear Ir(III)-based complexes and to afford a wide-ranging overview of current development and perspectives for the practical impact of these complexes in the tumor therapy field. It is anticipated that this analysis will provide significant direction for the further progress of active homonuclear and heteronuclear iridium-based anticancer agents. Full article

This report discusses the synthesis of a biosourced divanillin derivative obtained by Knoevenagel condensation. The compound was fully characterized by proton (¹H), carbon (¹³C), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), homonuclear correlation spectroscopy (COSY), and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) NMR, as well as high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). We also investigated the optical properties through UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. At last, the thermal properties of this divanillin derivative were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Full article

With the rise in global temperatures, it is of great significance to achieve rapid and accurate detection of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Raman spectroscopy not only overcomes the weakness of absorption spectroscopy in simultaneously measuring homonuclear diatomic molecules but also enables the simultaneous detection of multiple gases using a single-wavelength laser. However, due to the small Raman scattering cross-section and weak intensity of molecules, its application in gas detection is limited. To enhance the intensity of Raman scattering, this paper designs and constructs a multi-pass enhanced Raman spectroscopy setup. This study focuses on the effects of Raman scattering collection geometry, laser multi-pass patterns, and laser polarization relative to the Raman collection direction on signal intensity. Investigations into Raman scattering collection angles of 30°, 60°, and 90° reveal that the Raman scattering signal intensity increases as the collection angle decreases. Different laser multi-pass patterns also impact the signal, with the near-concentric linear multi-pass pattern found to collect more signals. To minimize the influence of excitation light on the signal, a side collection system is employed. Experiments show that the Raman scattering signal is stronger when the laser polarization is perpendicular to the collection direction. This study achieves overall system performance enhancement through coordinated optimization of multiple physical mechanisms, including Raman scattering collection geometry, laser multi-pass patterns, and laser polarization characteristics. The optimized setup was employed to characterize the laser power dependence for nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide detection. The results showed that the Raman scattering intensity varied linearly with the laser power of the gases, with linear fitting goodness R² values of 0.9902, 0.9848, and 0.9969, respectively. Finally, by configuring different concentrations of carbon dioxide gas using nitrogen, it was found that the Raman scattering intensity varied linearly with the concentration of carbon dioxide, with a linear fitting goodness R² of 0.9812. The system achieves a CO₂ detection limit of 500 ppm at 200 s integration time, meeting the requirements for greenhouse gas emission monitoring applications. Full article

The electronic structures of the first- and second-row homonuclear diatomics, XeF₂, and the weakly bound dimers of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide molecules in their ground states are discussed in terms of molecular orbital (MO) theory and, where possible, valence bond theories. The current work is extended and supported by restricted and unrestricted Hartree–Fock (RHF and UHF) self-consistent field (SCF), complete active space SCF (CASSCF), multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI), coupled cluster CCSD(T), and unrestricted Kohn–Sham (UKS) density functional calculations using a polarized triple-zeta basis. The dicarbon (C₂) molecule is especially poorly described by RHF theory, and it is argued that the current MO theories taught in most undergraduate courses should be extended in recognition of the fact that the molecule requires at least a two-configuration treatment. Full article

The structural aspects of homo-chromophores in Cu(I)(XXX) complexes, where X₃ = N₃, C₃, Cl₃, S₃, P₃, Br₃, or I₃, are analyzed in this study. These copper(I) derivatives crystallize in five distinct crystal systems as follows: rhombohedral (1 example), trigonal (1 example), orthorhombic (4 examples), triclinic (5 examples), and monoclinic (15 examples). The angular distortion from regular trigonal geometry increases in the following order: Cu(ClClCl) < Cu(NNN) < Cu(PPP) < Cu(BrBrBr) < Cu(III) < Cu(CCC) < Cu(SSS). For Cu(I)(XX) complexes, the deviation from linear geometry increases in the order: Cu(SeSe) < Cu(SS) < Cu(OO) < Cu(ClCl) < Cu(NN) < Cu(CC) < Cu(PP) < Cu(BrBr). The structural parameters of Cu(I)(XXX) are examined, discussed, and compared with those of homonuclear Cu(I)(XX) complexes. Full article

Owing to their endocrine disruption effect, the hormone levels in animal-source food and medicines need to be efficiently and accurately quantified by a reliable analytical method. In the current study, by using a homonuclear decoupling and heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC) experiment, coupled with non-uniform sampling (NUS) that was used to shorten the experimental time, we developed a method to quantify 10 hormone residues in animal-source products. This method was validated following the guidelines of USP–NF 2022. The application of the homonuclear decoupling (HD) technique to conventional HSQC yielded 2D spectra that exhibited excellent signal separation and specificity. For all the tested hormones, good linearity with correlation coefficients of more than 0.99 was observed in the linear range of 0.2–6 mg/0.6 mL. Satisfactory precision and recoveries of spiked animal samples were also obtained. Finally, the method was applied in residue determination of 10 hormones in real animal-source samples at the ug/g level. Full article

The goal of this study is to synthesize, determine the structure, and examine the antimicrobial properties of novel Cu(II) and Au(III) complexes of 2,4-dithiouracil and its derivatives. These complexes were obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of the corresponding metal salts with the ligand dissolved in DMSO and aqueous NaOH, using a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:4:2. The structures of the new compounds were analyzed by melting point determination, microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) for Cu and Au, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for S, attenuated total reflection (ATR), solution and solid-state NMR, and Raman spectroscopy. The data for 2,4-dithiouracil obtained from the ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer spectrum (DEPT-135), proton–proton homonuclear correlation spectrum (¹H-¹H COSY), long-range ¹H-¹³C heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiment (HMBC), and heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra (HSQC) aided the interpretation of the NMR data for the gold and copper complexes. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of the free ligands and their complexes was assessed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts. Full article

The design and synthesis of analogs of natural products can be a valuable source of medicinal preparations for the pharmaceutical industry. In the present study, the structural elucidation of eleven derivatives of 2,4-dihalogeno substituted synthetic analogues of the natural compound carvacrol was carried out by means of NMR experiments, and of another thirteen by DFT calculations. By selective NOE experiments and the irradiation of CH signals of the isopropyl group, individual conformers were assigned as syn and anti. By comparing GIAO/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)-calculated and experimentally measured vicinal ³J_CH spin-spin constants, this assignment was confirmed. An unusual relationship is reported for proton-carbon vicinal couplings: ³J_CH (180°) < ³J_CH (0°). The conformational mobility of carvacrols was studied by 2D EXSY spectra. The application of homonuclear decoupling technique (HOBS) to these spectra simplifies the spectra, improves resolution without reducing the sensitivity, and allows a systematic examination of the rotational barrier of all compounds via their CH signals of the isopropyl group in a wider temperature interval. The rate constants of the isopropyl rotation between syn and anti conformers were determined and the corresponding energy barriers (14–17 kcal/mol) were calculated. DFT calculations of the energy barriers in carvacrol derivatives allowed the determination of the steric origin of the restricted isopropyl rotation. The barrier height depends on the size of the 2- and 4-position substituents, and is independent of the derivatization of the OH group. Full article

Photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) are membrane proteins converting photonic excitations into electric gradients. The heliobacterial RCs (HbRCs) are assumed to be the precursors of all known RCs, making them a compelling subject for investigating structural and functional relationships. A comprehensive picture of the electronic structure of the HbRCs is still missing. In this work, the combination of selective isotope labelling of ¹³C and ¹⁵N nuclei and the utilization of photo-CIDNP MAS NMR (photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) allows for highly enhanced signals from the radical-pair-forming cofactors. The remarkable magnetic-field dependence of the solid-state photo-CIDNP effect allows for observation of positive signals of the electron donor cofactor at 4.7 T, which is interpreted in terms of a dominant contribution of the differential relaxation (DR) mechanism. Conversely, at 9.4 T, the emissive signals mainly originate from the electron acceptor, due to the strong activation of the three-spin mixing (TSM) mechanism. Consequently, we have utilized two-dimensional homonuclear photo-CIDNP MAS NMR at both 4.7 T and 9.4 T. These findings from experimental investigations are corroborated by calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). This allows us to present a comprehensive investigation of the electronic structure of the cofactors involved in electron transfer (ET). Full article

We report on DFT-TDDFT studies of the structural, electronic and vibrational properties of ${\mathrm{B}}_{24}{\mathrm{N}}_{24}$ nanocapsules and the effect of encapsulation of homonuclear diatomic halogens ($\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{l}}_2$, $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{r}}_2$ and ${\mathrm{I}}_2$) and chalcogens (${\mathrm{S}}_2$ and $\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_2$) on the interaction of the ${\mathrm{B}}_{24}{\mathrm{N}}_{24}$ nanocapsules with the divalent magnesium cation. In particular, to foretell whether these BN nanostructures could be proper negative electrodes for magnesium-ion batteries, the structural, vibrational and electronic properties, as well as the interaction energy and the cell voltage, which is important for applications, have been computed for each system, highlighting their differences and similarities. The encapsulation of halogen and chalcogen diatomic molecules increases the cell voltage, with an effect enhanced down groups 16 and 17 of the periodic table, leading to better performing anodes and fulfilling a remarkable cell voltage of 3.61 V for the iodine-encapsulated system. Full article

We analyze schemes of high-fidelity multi-qubit CNOT${}^{\mathrm{N}}$ and C${}_2$NOT${}^2$ gates for alkali metal neutral atoms used as qubits. These schemes are based on the electromagnetically induced transparency and Rydberg blockade. The fidelity of homonuclear multi-qubit CNOT${}^{\mathrm{N}}$ gate based on Rydberg blockade was limited by the undesirable interaction between the target atoms and by the coupling laser intensity. We propose overcoming these limits by using strong heteronuclear dipole–dipole interactions via Förster resonances for control and target atoms, while the target atoms are coupled by a weaker van der Waals interaction. We optimized the gate performance in order to achieve higher fidelity, while keeping the coupling laser intensity as small as possible in order to improve the experimental feasibility of the gate schemes. We also considered the optimization of the schemes of the C${}_2$NOT${}^2$ gates, where the fidelity is affected by the relation between the control–control, control–target and target–target interaction energies. Our numeric simulations confirm that the fidelity of the CNOT${}^4$ gate (single control and four target atoms) can be up to 99.3% and the fidelity of the C${}_2$NOT${}^2$ (two control and two target atoms) is up to 99.7% for the conditions which are experimentally feasible. Full article

This review summarizes developments in the synthesis and catalytic applications of those heterobimetallic carbene complexes in which at least two different metals are bound to the same ligand by at least one M-C(carbene) bond each. Several new synthetic methods for such complexes yielding well-defined and thoroughly characterized compounds are presented. The new complexes were found to be catalytically active in several (most often tandem) reactions. In certain cases, the incorporation of two different metals into the same imidazole- or triazol-based NHC-carbene complex resulted in the substantially higher catalytic activity of the heterobimetallic complex compared either to its homobimetallic analogs or to mixtures of comparable mononuclear complex fragments containing the two metals independently. This is a clear demonstration of advantageous metal–metal cooperation within the catalyst. Opposite examples are also discussed, where the heterobimetallic carbene complex proved inferior in relation to its homobimetallic analogs or to mixtures of homonuclear fragments. Full article

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is known for being a rich source of phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins. This study aims to show how the combination of extraction/chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR offers an efficient way to profile metabolites in the extracts of beetroot. Such combination may lead to the identification of more nutritional or medicinal compounds in natural products, and it is essential for our ongoing investigation to study the selective adsorption/desorption of these metabolites’ on/off nanoparticles. The aqueous and organic extracts underwent analyses using UV-vis spectroscopy; GC-MS; LC-MS; ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, TOCSY, HSQC, and selective TOCSY NMR experiments. Polar Extract: The two forms of betalain pigment were identified by UV-vis and LC MS. Fourteen amino acids, sucrose, and other compounds, among which is riboflavin, were identified by LC-MS. Two-dimensional TOCSY showed the spin coupling correlations corresponding to some of these compounds. The HSQC spectrum showed ¹H/¹³C spin correlation in sucrose, confirming its high abundance in beetroot. Organic Extract: GC-MS data enabled the identification of several compounds including six fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) with higher than, on average, 90% similarity score. Selective TOCSY NMR data showed the spin coupling pattern corresponding to oleic, linoleic, and linolenic fatty acids. ³¹P NMR spectra indicate that phospholipids exist in both the organic and aqueous phase. Full article

A theoretical analysis of the rotational dynamics induced by off-axis binary collisions of quantum droplets constituted by ultracold atoms is reported. We focus on quantum droplets formed by degenerate dilute Bose gases made from binary mixtures of alkaline atoms under feasible experimental conditions. The stability of the ground state is known to be longer for the chosen heteronuclear gases than for the homonuclear ones. In both cases, we find that the dynamics seem to privilege high similarity of the density of each atomic species. However, the evolution of the phase of the corresponding order parameter differs significantly for heteronuclear admixtures. We evaluate the fidelity as a figure of merit for the overlap between the order parameters of each atomic species. Dynamical evidence of the differences between the phases of the order parameters is predicted to manifest in their corresponding linear and angular momenta. We numerically verify that the total angular and linear momenta are both conserved during the collision. Some direct correlations between the Weber number and the impact parameter with the distribution of the dynamical variables are established. Full article

Despite its growing importance in the energy generation and storage industry, the detection of hydrogen in trace concentrations remains challenging, as established optical absorption methods are ineffective in probing homonuclear diatomics. Besides indirect detection approaches using, e.g., chemically sensitized microdevices, Raman scattering has shown promise as an alternative direct method of unambiguous hydrogen chemical fingerprinting. We investigated the suitability of feedback-assisted multipass spontaneous Raman scattering for this task and examined the precision with which hydrogen can be sensed at concentrations below 2 parts per million. A limit of detection of 60, 30, and 20 parts per billion was obtained at a pressure of 0.2 MPa in a 10-min-long, 120-min-long, and 720-min-long measurement, respectively, with the lowest concentration probed being 75 parts per billion. Various methods of signal extraction were compared, including asymmetric multi-peak fitting, which allowed the resolution of concentration steps of 50 parts per billion, determining the ambient air hydrogen concentration with an uncertainty level of 20 parts per billion. Full article