Fe3O4@Au@mSiO2 as an enhancing nanoplatform for Rose Bengal photodynamic activity

A novel nanoplatform composed of three types of materials with different functionalities, specifically core-shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles encapsulated near the outer surface of mesoporous silica (mSiO2) nanoparticles, has been successfully synthesised and used to enhance the efficiency of a photosensitiser, namely Rose Bengal, in singlet oxygen generation. Fe3O4 is responsible for the unusual location of the Fe3O4@Au nanoparticle, while the plasmonic shell acts as an optical antenna. In addition, the mesoporous silica matrix firmly encapsulates Rose Bengal by chemical bonding inside the pores, thus guaranteeing its photostability, and in turn making the nanosystem biocompatible. Moreover, th…

Gold nanoclusters for ratiometric sensing of pH in extremely acidic media.

AuNCs capped with β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate exhibit an outstanding performance as fluorescent pH sensors; specifically they exhibit a high emission in strongly acidic media and linear dependence on pH in extremely acidic media (0.6–2.7) as well as in the 7.0–9.2 pH range, while they are unresponsive at intermediate pH values. Remarkably, these AuNCs make ratiometric sensing possible in extremely acidic media with a single fluorophore, specifically the nanocluster itself.

A tailor-made nucleoside-based colourimetric probe of formic acid

A ratiometric, specific probe of formic acid has been developed. It is based on intermolecular nucleobase-pairing of inosine-capped plasmonic nanoparticles to form nucleoside channels, which are destabilised by the analyte.

Blue-luminescent organic lead bromide perovskites: highly dispersible and photostable materials

The preparation of a blue-luminescent and photostable organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite with an X-ray powder diffraction spectrum consistent with a two-dimensional inorganic framework is reported. This perovskite can be produced with a high reaction yield and valuable optical properties, such as luminescence quantum yield over 20%, radiative rate constant of up to 80 × 106 s−1, and high photostability under UV light. This material remains stable as a solid, is toluene-dispersible, and can be reverted reversibly into its precursors by using dimethylformamide (DMF). Moreover, the DMF dispersion can be injected into toluene to produce a nanomaterial or be used to prepare films by spin-coatin…

Influence of the Nature of the Ligand on Dirhodium(II) Carbene Species: A Theoretical Analysis

The influence of three prototypic families of bridging ligands (carboxylate, carboxamidate, and ortho-metalated arylphosphines) on the electronic structure of dirhodium(II) carbene complexes was theoretically analyzed. The calculations indicated that the electron donation of the ligand to the Rh atom, rather than the chelating ability or the metal−ligand orbital mixing, was responsible for tuning carbene charge via back-donation, which can influence the reactivity and selectivity of the dirhodium complexes in catalytic carbene transfer reactions.

Ruddlesden-Popper Hybrid Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanosheets of Phase Pure n=2: Stabilized Colloids Stored in the Solid State.

Ruddlesden-Popper lead halide perovskite (RP-LHP) nano-nanostructures can be regarded as self-assembled quantum wells or superlattices of 3D perovskites with an intrinsic quantum well thickness of a single or a few (n=2-4) lead halide layers; the quantum wells are separated by organic layers. They can be scaled down to a single quantum well dimension. Here, the preparation of highly (photo)chemical and colloidal stable hybrid LHP nanosheets (NSs) of ca. 7.4 μm lateral size and 2.5 nm quantum well height (thereby presenting a deep blue emission at ca. 440 nm), is reported for the first time. The NSs are close-lying and they even interconnect when deposited on a substrate. Their synthesis is …

In Situ Colorimetric Quantification of Silver Cations in the Presence of Silver Nanoparticles

Silver ions (Ag(+)) can be quantified in situ in the presence of AgNPs by using a colorimetric sensing probe (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine). Interestingly, it also enables detection of the Ag(+) adsorbed on the AgNP surface. This is relevant to design new methods to make AgNPs while ensuring the total reduction of Ag(+).

Acid-Promoted Rearrangement of the Metalated Thienyl Rings in Dirhodium(II) Complexes with Thienyl Phosphines as Ligands

Several mono- and bis-cyclometalated compounds have been prepared and characterized from the thermal reaction of dirhodium(II) tetraacetate and tris(2-thienyl)phosphine, P(2-C4H3S)3 (1), in toluene/acetic acid mixtures. In refluxing acetic acid, the mono-cyclometalated compound Rh2(O2CCH3)3[(2-C4H2S)P(2-C4H3S)2] (CH3CO2H)2 (2A) isomerizes to Rh2(O2CCH3)3[(3-C4H2S)P(2-C4H3S)2](CH3CO2H)2 (2B), which results from the selective rearrangement of the metalated ring from a 2-thienyl to a 3-thienyl structure. In the same conditions, the bis-cyclometalated compounds of formula Rh2(O2CCH3)2[(2-C4H2S)P(2-C4H3S)2]2(CH3CO2H)2 and with head-to-tail (3AA) or head-to-head (4AA) configuration of the phosphi…

Photocatalytic coalescence of functionalized gold nanoparticles.

A novel strategy for the synthesis of chromophore-functionalized AuNPs with a narrow size distribution is reported. It consists of increasing the size of preprepared NPs by means of a fast (second scale) and clean (light and an organic photocatalyst) method. The results agree with thiolate ligand liberation from the NP surface promoted by photogenerated radicals. This lets gold cores come together and finally coalesce.

Maximizing the emissive properties of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles

Highly luminescent and photostable CH3NH3PbBr3 nanoparticles have been prepared by fine-tuning the molar ratio between CH3NH3Br, PbBr2, a medium-size alkyl-chain ammonium salt, and 1-octadecene. The nanoparticles exhibit an excellent photoluminescence quantum yield (ca. 83%) and average recombination lifetime (ca. 600 ns) in toluene dispersion.

Highly fluorescent and photostable organic- and water-soluble CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots capped with thiols

Highly fluorescent organic- and water-soluble CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) with thiol ligands chemisorbed on the QD surface were synthesized by the replacement of amine ligands by alkyl thiols under very mild conditions. The QDs exhibited an even greater photostability than the initial core-shell amine capped QDs.

Direct observation and thermal transformations of dications derived from dibenzotropylium ions

Abstract Carboxylic acid 1 and its derivatives 2 , 3 treated with triflic acid below −20°C afford the dications 1H 2+2- 3H 2+2. Cyclodehydration above 20°C (or in the gas-phase, CIMS of 3 ) leads to the diprotonated ketone 4H 2+2.

Part II. Chiral dirhodium (II) catalysts with ortho-metalated arylphosphane ligands in the enantioselective intramolecular cyclopropanation of a racemic α-diazo ketone

Abstract In this report, chiral dirhodium (II) with ortho -metalated phosphane ligands, namely ( M )-Rh 2 (O 2 CR) 2 (PC) 2 [PC =  ortho -metalated aryl phosphane, O 2 CR = carboxylate bridging ligands) ( 1a–g ), have been used for the intramolecular cyclopropanation of racemic1-diazo-6-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)-5-hepten-2-one ( 2 ), containing both a tri- and monosubstituted carbon–carbon double bond, in pentane. The highest level of regiocontrol has been obtained with chiral catalyst Rh 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 2 [( p -MeC 6 H 3 )P( p -MeC 6 H 4 ) 2 ] 2 ( M )- 1c , affording favorably trisubstituted cyclopropane 3 versus monosubstituted cyclopropane 4 in 74:26 ratio. An exceptional diastereoselectivity…

Critical Role of Ligands on the Photoluminescence and Morphology of Colloidal Perovskite Nanocrystals

Photochemistry of 1,N-Diiodoalkanes

This article reviews the photochemistry of 1,n-diiodoalkanes, with special emphasis on the involved intermediates. Photolysis of 1,1-diiodomethane produces homolytic cleavage of the C–I bond to give the α-iodo radical, which in solid matrix cannot dissociate but collapses to isodiiodomethane. However, in solution subsequent electron-transfer produces the α-iodo cation, which is able to achieve cyclo-propanation of olefins. In the case of 1,2-diiodides, their photolysis gives rise to β-iodoalkyl radicals which usually lose iodine very rapidly, forming a carbon-carbon double bond. Homolytic cleavage of 1,n-diiodoalkanes (n>2) affords n-iodo radicals which are stabilized by participation o…

Symbiosis between photoactive nanoparticles and their organic ligands.

Photoactive spherical metal and semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) are smart systems that exhibit unique properties, such as a high surface-to-volume ratio, a broad absorption spectrum and size-dependent properties. They are capped with a considerable number of ligands required to give rise to stable organic and aqueous NP colloidal solutions. In addition, the ligands can also be used to introduce functionality at the NP periphery. In this case, the NP could act as a 3D-scaffold, which would make a high local concentration of a functional moiety at the NP periphery possible, moreover, the photophysical properties of the NP could be tuned. The combined action of the organic capping and the in…

Photobinding of Tiaprofenic Acid and Subprofen to Proteins and Cells: A Combined Study Using Radiolabeling, Antibodies and Laser Flash Photolysis of Model Bichromophores

Drug photoallergy is a matter of current concern. It involves the formation of drug-protein photoadducts (photoantigens) that may ultimately trigger an immunological response. Tyrosine residues appear to be key binding sites in proteins. The present work has investigated the photobinding of tiaprofenic and (TPA) and the closely related isomer suprofen (SUP) to proteins and cells by means of radioactive labeling and drug-directed antibodies. To ascertain whether preassociation with the protein may play a role in photoreactivity, two model bichromophoric compounds (TPA-Tyr and SUP-Tyr) have been prepared and studied by laser flash photolysis. The results of this work show that (a) TPA and SUP…

CO2 switchable nanoparticles: reversible water/organic-phase exchange of gold nanoparticles by gas bubbling

Gold nanoparticles capped with oleylamine can be effectively transferred from an organic solvent to water in the presence of an acetamidine surfactant by CO2 bubbling and then effectively reverted back to the organic phase by N2 bubbling.

Unconventional Fluorescence Quenching in Naphthalimide-Capped CdSe/ZnS Nanoparticles

Core–shell (CS) CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD) capped with ligands that possess a mercapto or an amino group and a naphthalimide (NI) as chromophore unit, linked by a short ethylene chain (CS@S–NI and CS@H2N–NI, respectively), have been synthesized and fully characterized by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and voltammetry as well as by steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopies. The organic ligands HS–NI and H2N–NI act as bidentate ligands, thereby causing a drastic decrease in the QD emission. This was particularly evident in the case of CS@S–NI. This behavior has been compared with that of commercially availabl…

Part 2. Synthesis, characterization and X-ray structure of a new enantiomerically pure bis-equatorial dirhodium(II) compound

Abstract The UV irradiation of an acetone solution of Rh2(O2CCF3)4 and the chiral phosphane (1S, 2S, 5R)-(2-hydroxy-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-cyclohexyl)diphenylphosphane, (+)PPh2(CHR*OH) leads to the formation of two diastereoisomeric bis-equatorial compounds of formula Rh2(μ-O2CCF3)2(η1-O2CCF3)2(η2-(+)PPh2(CHR*OH))2 P(+)2 and M(+)2 in a 1.5:1 ratio, respectively. Both compounds have been separated by standard column chromatography. The characterization of the enantiomer M(+)2 has been accomplished by X-ray crystallography. The molecular structure consists of an Rh2 4+ unit bridged by two trifluoroacetate ligands. The coordination of each metal center is fulfilled by one phosphine acting …

Upconversion luminescent nanoparticles in physical sensing and in monitoring physical processes in biological samples.

The most frequently used strategy for sensing is based on the emission variation of a photoactive system and it can be classified as chemical or physical depending on its response to either a chemical or a physical stimulus. There are a large number of luminescent nanomaterials that respond to chemical species, but comparatively, with the exception of temperature sensing, to date there are few examples showing the capacity of photoactive nanosystems responsive to physical stimuli, such as magnetic and electric fields, high radiation energy, tension/pressure, viscosity, etc, and very few of them comprise upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). These nanomaterials consist of an inorganic matrix d…

Enhanced catalytic electrochemical reduction of dissolved oxygen with ultracleancucurbituril[7]-capped gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles capped with cucurbituril[7] have been prepared in the absence of metallic cations and organic ligands. Remarkably, these nanohybrids encapsulate dissolved oxygen and are highly active in electrochemical reduction. The effect of the presence of sodium and ammonium salts on this catalysed process is also analysed.

Lengthening the Lifetime of Common Emissive Probes to Microseconds by a Jigsaw‐Like Construction of NIR‐Responsive Nanohybrids

Chiral synthetic pseudopeptidic derivatives as triplet excited state quenchers

The behavior of 6 pseudopeptidic models, synthesized by connecting different protected amino acids (Trp, Tyr, Phe, and Lys) with various diamino spacers, as quenchers of the triplet excited state of tiaprofenic acid (and its methyl ester), has been investigated. A series of quenching constants have been determined, which depend on the nature of the quencher and on the stereochemistry of the excited drug. A significant degree of stereodifferentiation has been found for the peptidomimetic synthesized with Phe and Tyr linked by a piperazine bridge. The obtained results support the utility of laser flash photolysis (LFP) as a tool to investigate the interactions between photoexcited drugs and s…

Reversible pH-induced fluorescence colour change of gold nanoclusters based on pH-regulated surface interactions.

To prepare water-dispersible, biocompatible, ratiometric pH nanosensors is challenging. We report here for the first time that the emission colour of NAD+-capped AuNCs responds to the mono-/bidentate anchoring of the phosphoric groups of the ligand. The AuNCs exhibit a high luminescence (21% quantum yield) and an outstanding performance as fluorescent ratiometric pH sensors over a broad pH range.

Photochemical Size Reduction of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS Semiconductor Nanoparticles Assisted by nπ* Aromatic Ketones

A novel effect of n pi* aromatic ketones on the quantum dots optical properties is reported. By controlling experimental conditions such as time of irradiation, presence of air in the media, hydrogen donor capacity of the solvent, and irradiation wavelength, core and core-shell CdSe QDs can be resized as convenient.

Dirhodium(II) compounds with bridging thienylphosphines: studies on reversible P,C/P,S coordination.

Monocyclometalated compound [Rh(2){(C(8)H(4)S)P(C(8)H(5)S)(2)}(CH(3)CO(2)H)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(3)] (1 a) and bis-cyclometalated compound [Rh(2){(C(8)H(4)S)P(C(8)H(5)S)(2)}(2)(CH(3)CO(2)H)(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)] (2 a) have been isolated from the reaction of dirhodium tetraacetate and tris(2-benzo[b]thienyl)phosphine (2 BTP) using low acidic solutions. By contrast, in pure acetic acid the reaction of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) with 2 BTP and tris(2-thienyl)phosphine (2 TP), followed by replacement of the axial acetate ligands by chlorides, led to [Rh(2){(2-C(8)H(5)S)P(2-C(8)H(5)S)(2)}(2)Cl(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)] (3 b) and [Rh(2){(2-C(4)H(3)S)P(C(4)H(3)S)(2)}(2)Cl(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)] (5 b), respectively. These n…

ChemInform Abstract: Enantiocontrol in the Intermolecular Cyclopropanation Reaction Catalyzed by Dirhodium(II) Complexes with ortho-Metalated Aryl Phosphine Ligands.

(P) and (M) dirhodium(II) complexes with ortho-metalated aryl phosphines are assessed as chiral catalysts in the enantioselective cyclopropanation of styrenes by ethyl diazoacetate; enantioselectivities up to 91% and up to 87%, respectively, for cis- and trans-2-arylcyclopropanecarboxylates are observed.

Colloids of naked CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 Perovskite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Ssability, and thin solid film deposition

A novel preparation of lead halide, CH3NH3PbBr3, perovskite nanoparticle solid films from colloidal "naked" nanoparticles, that is, dispersible nanoparticles without any surfactant, is reported. The colloids are obtained by simply adding potassium ions, whose counterions are both more lipophilic and less coordinating than bromide ions, to the perovskite precursor solutions (CH3NH3Br/PbBr2 in dimethylformamide) following the reprecipitation strategy. The naked nanoparticles exhibit a low tendency to aggregate in solution, and they effectively self-assembled on a substrate by centrifugation of the colloid, leading to homogeneous nanoparticle solid films with arbitrary thickness. These results…

Aromatic Ketones as Photocatalysts: Combined Action as Triplet Photosensitiser and Ground State Electron Acceptor

Photoreaction Between Benzoylthiophenes and N-BOC-Tryptophan Methyl Ester‡

Drug-induced photoallergy requires as the first step formation of covalent drug-protein photoadducts. One of the key amino acids involved in this process is tryptophan (Trp). In this context, several diaryl ketones, including 2-benzoylthiophene (BT), [2-(5-benzoyl-5-thienyl)]-2-methylpropanoic methyl ester (TPA methyl ester) and 4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)phenyl]-2-methylpropanoic methyl ester (SUP methyl ester) have been irradiated in the presence of N-BOC-(L)-tryptophan methyl ester. Laser flash photolysis has allowed to detect three neutral radicals (ketyl, indolyl and skatolyl radicals) resulting from formal hydrogen-atom abstraction. This correlates well with the isolation of homodimers, as …

Insight into the mechanism of diazocompounds transformation catalyzed by hetero cuboidal clusters [Mo3CuQ4(MeBPE)3X4]+, (Q=S, Se; X=Cl, Br): The catalytically active species

Abstract Two enantiomerically pure trinuclear compounds of formula (P)-[Mo3S4{(R,R)-Me–BPE}3Br3]Br and (P)-[Mo3Se4{(R,R)-Me–BPE}3Cl3]Cl, (P)-1b.Br and (P)-1c.Cl, respectively, have been synthesized in a good yield and a stereospecific manner by excision of polymeric [Mo3Q7X4]n (Q = S or Se, X = Cl or Br) phases with (R,R)-Me–BPE{1,2-bis[(2R,5R)-2,5-(dimethylphospholan-1-yl)]ethane}. They have been transformed into chiral hetereo cuboidal compounds [Mo3S4{(R,R)-Me–BPE}3Br3]PF6, (P)-2b.PF6, and [Mo3Se4{(R,R)-Me–BPE}3Cl3]PF6, (P)-2c.PF6, by reaction with copper salts. All these compounds have been characterized by 31P NMR, IR, UV–Vis, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and chiral dichroism…

Triplet exciplexes as energy transfer photosensitisers

Experimental evidence is provided for the occurrence of triplet–triplet energy transfer from benzoylthiophene–indole exciplexes to naphthalenes with a remarkable stereodifferentiation; chiral recognition is also observed in the decay of the generated naphthalene triplets. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es ; Galian, Raquel Eugenia, Raquel.Galian@uv.es ; Morant Miñana, Maria Carmen, Maica.Morant@uv.es

Nitroanilines as Quenchers of Pyrene Fluorescence

The quenching of pyrene and 1‐methylpyrene fluorescence by nitroanilines (NAs), such as 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐nitroaniline (2‐NA, 3‐NA, and 4‐NA, respectively), 4‐methyl‐3‐nitroaniline (4‐M‐3‐NA), 2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (2‐M‐4‐NA), and 4‐methyl‐3,5‐dinitroaniline (4‐M‐3,5‐DNA), are studied in toluene and 1,4‐dioxane. Steady‐state fluorescence data show the higher efficiency of the 4‐NAs as quenchers and fit with a sphere‐of‐action model. This suggests a 4‐NA tendency of being in close proximity to the fluorophore, which could be connected with their high polarity/hyperpolarizability. In addition, emission and excitation spectra evidence the formation of emissive pyrene—NA ground‐state complexes in…

Photoluminescence Enhancement of CdSe Quantum Dots: A Case of Organogel–Nanoparticle Symbiosis

Highly fluorescent organogels (QD-organogel), prepared by combining a pseudopeptidic macrocycle and different types of CdSe quantum dots (QDs), have been characterized using a battery of optical and microscopic techniques. The results indicate that the presence of the QDs not only does not disrupt the supramolecular organization of the internal fibrillar network of the organogel to a significant extent, but it also decreases the critical concentration of gelator needed to form stable and thermoreversible organogels. Regarding the photophysical properties of the QDs, different trends were observed depending on the presence of a ZnS inorganic shell around the CdSe core. Thus, while the core-s…

Creation and Annihilation of Nonradiative Recombination Centers in Polycrystalline Metal Halide Perovskites by Alternating Electric Field and Light

Metal halide perovskites are promising optoelectronic materials. Their electronic properties however are rather unstable which is often assigned to ion migration. Ion migration can be readily influenced by an electric field (EF). Here, the response of photoluminescence (PL) of individual MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3, X = I, Br) sub-micrometer-sized polycrystals to EF is studied. Alternating EF with frequency higher than 10 Hz is found to reversibly quench PL. It is proposed that an alternating EF when applied together with light increases ion migration. This leads to a shift in the equilibrium between creation and annihilation of defects toward higher concentration of nonradiative recombination cent…

Adenosine monophosphate-capped gold(i) nanoclusters: synthesis and lanthanide ion-induced enhancement of their luminescence

Reduction of Au3+ in the presence of just adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) and a zwitterionic organic chemical buffering agent, specifically 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), combined with light exposure, gives rise to luminescent, water-soluble Au+ nanoclusters (Au+ NCs). The photoluminescence of these NCs is considerably enhanced by adding Y3+ or the chemically similar Yb3+ lanthanide that leads to Au+/Y3+ and Au+/Yb3+ NCs, respectively. These NCs are characterised by absorption (steady-state), photoluminescence (steady-state and time-resolved), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and X-Ray Structure of Metalated Rhodium(II) Catalysts with a Chiral Phospholane.

The reaction of Rh2(O2CR)4 (R = CH3, CF3) with the chiral phosphane (2S,5S)-2,5-dimethyl-1-phenylphospholane (PC*H), results in the formation of two diastereoisomers of Rh2(O2CCR)2(PC*)2, with (P) and (M) configuration. These can easily be isolated by chromatographic methods to obtain enantiomerically pure RhII compounds. Preliminary catalytic studies have shown that they induce moderate asymmetry in the cyclization of 5-aryl-1-diazo-2-pentanones and 1-diazo-5-hexen-2-one. X-ray analysis of the (M) diastereoisomer with formula Rh2(O2CCCH3)2(PC*)2 is reported. The crystallographic parameters are as follows: space group P21212 (orthorhombic) with a = 12.1347(11) A, b = 14.5870(13) A, c = 9.81…

Application of the Generalized Molar-Ratio Method to the Determination of the Stoichiometry and Apparent Binding Constant of Nanoparticle-Organic Capping Systems

A generalization of the molar-ratio method is applied to the determination of the stoichiometry and apparent binding constant of metal nanoparticle-organic capping complexes (MmLx) using voltammetric data for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air-saturated aqueous phosphate buffer solutions. The method is applied to the formation of binary nanohybrids consisting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with a rigid spacer, cucurbit[7]uril (CB), termed AuNP@CB, as well as to the formation of their ternary complexes (MmLxBz) with methylene blue (MB), termed AuNP@CB@MB. The obtained stoichiometries correspond to binding of four Au surface atoms for each CB unit.

Stereodifferentiation in the formation and decay of the encounter complex in bimolecular electron transfer with photoactivated acceptors.

Experimental evidence has been obtained for the involvement of encounter complexes between both enantiomers of a π,π* triplet excited ketone and a chiral phenol or indole. Determination of the pre-equilibrium constants (KEC) and the intrinsic decay rate constants (kd) indicates a significant stereodifferentiation in both steps of the quenching process. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es ; Galian, Raquel Eugenia, Raquel.Galian@uv.es ; Morant Miñana, Maria Carmen, Maica.Morant@uv.es

Organic-inorganic and all-inorganic lead halide nanoparticles [Invited]

Organic-inorganic (hybrid) and all-inorganic lead halide perovskites, in particular APbX(3) where A is an organic cation (methylammonium or formamidinium) or cesium cation and X = Cl, Br, I, respectively, are of great interest in photovoltaic devices and as luminescent materials for light-emitting devices. It has recently been demonstrated that they can be prepared not only as nanoparticulate material by using the pores of mesoporous films, but also as colloidal nanoparticles, which exhibit enhanced optical properties with respect to the bulk material. We summarize here the methods reported for their preparation as well as their optical features. Experimental and theoretical studies on this…

A new forum for upconversion research: The UPCON conference

International audience; The Conference and Spring School on Properties, Design and Applications of Upconversion Nanomaterials (UPCON) provides a new forum for all experts and newcomers in the field of upconversion research. On the occasion of the second UPCON 2018 in Valencia (Spain), we are pleased to present a collection of 12 reviews and research articles that reflect recent advances in upconversion materials, their unique luminescent properties and many applications spanning from nanoscale thermometry to biomedicine.

A broadening temperature sensitivity range with a core-shell YbEr@YbNd double ratiometric optical nanothermometer.

The chemical architecture of lanthanide doped core–shell up-converting nanoparticles can be engineered to purposely design the properties of luminescent nanomaterials, which are typically inaccessible to their homogeneous counterparts. Such an approach allowed to shift the up-conversion excitation wavelength from ∼980 to the more relevant ∼808 nm or enable Tb or Eu up-conversion emission, which was previously impossible to obtain or inefficient. Here, we address the issue of limited temperature sensitivity range of optical lanthanide based nano-thermometers. By covering Yb–Er co-doped core nanoparticles with the Yb–Nd co-doped shell, we have intentionally combined temperature dependent Er u…

Nontemplate Synthesis of CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Nanoparticles

To date, there is no example in the literature of free, nanometer-sized, organolead halide CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskites. We report here the preparation of 6 nm-sized nanoparticles of this type by a simple and fast method based on the use of an ammonium bromide with a medium-sized chain that keeps the nanoparticles dispersed in a wide range of organic solvents. These nanoparticles can be maintained stable in the solid state as well as in concentrated solutions for more than three months, without requiring a mesoporous material. This makes it possible to prepare homogeneous thin films of these nanoparticles by spin-coating on a quartz substrate. Both the colloidal solution and the thin film emit l…

Synergistic assembly of hyperbranched polyethylenimine and fatty acids leading to unusual supramolecular nanocapsules

Self-assembly of hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) and fatty acids leads to supramolecular inverted micellar structures that are able to irreversibly transfer water-soluble guest molecules into organic solvents. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es ; Stiriba, Salah Eddine, Salah.Stiriba@uv.es

Linear assembly of lead bromide-based nanoparticles inside lead(ii) polymers prepared by mixing the precursors of both the nanoparticle and the polymer

Mixing precursors of lead(ii) polymers with those of lead bromide-based nanoparticles (CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskites or PbBr2), at room temperature and in the presence of cyclohexanemethylammonium bromide, generated colloidal nanocomposites which, when deposited on a hydrophobic surface led to long, one-dimensional, ordered and well-defined architectures. ispartof: CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS vol:55 issue:20 pages:2968-2971 ispartof: location:England status: published

Thin Amphiphilic Polymer-Capped Upconversion Nanoparticles: Enhanced Emission and Thermoresponsive Properties

Upconversion nanoparticles (ß-NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+, UCNPs) were capped with a thin polymer shell by replacing the oleate ligand of hydrophobic UCNPs by multidentate thiolate-grafting of P(MEO2MA-co-SEMA) copolymers. The presence of the 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl side chains of MEO2MA extending out of the nanohybrid made them water-dispersible. The UCNP@P(MEO2MA-co-SEMA) nanohybrids exhibited an enhanced emission by up to a factor of 10, as compared with that of their hydrophobic precursor in dichloromethane and even in water (a factor of 2). Moreover, their thermoresponsiveness was modulated by the pH; this is consistent with the presence of some thiol groups at the nanohybrid periphery. Remarkab…

Highly photoluminescent, dense solid films from organic-capped CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite colloids

The preparation of densely-packed films from hybrid lead halide perovskite nanocrystals is not trivial, as during assembly into the solid state both the charge transport and photoluminescence can be substantially altered. The objective of the present study was to retain the pre-engineered confined morphologies of hybrid lead halide perovskite nanocrystals in densely-packed solid films by using short organic ligands. Therefore, the roles of the organic ligands would be to provide stable colloids and a good passivation of the nanoparticle surface, as well as to enable the efficient assembly of the nanoparticles in the solid state. We report here an effective and reproducible process to deposi…

Synthesis and reactivity of the novel hydride derivative RhHCl(TIMP3) (HTIMP3 = tris[1-(diphenylphosphino)-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl]methane)

The reaction of HTIMP(3) (HTIMP(3) = tris[1-(diphenylphosphino)-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl]methane) with [RhCl(COD)](2) and Rh(acac)(CO)(2) produces RhHCl(TIMP(3)) (1H) and Rh(TIMP(3))(CO) (2), respectively, both exhibiting tetradentate kappaC,kappa(3)P-coordination of the TIMP(3) moiety. The reaction of RhHCl(TIMP(3)) with nucleophiles (L) in the presence of AgBF(4) or AgPF(6) produces different compounds depending on the nature of L. Indeed, cationic Lewis adducts of formula [RhH(L)(TIMP(3))](+) ((2H+)-(5H+)) are obtained when L is CO, CNCH(2)Ph, pyridine or CH(2)CHCN. On the other hand, when the incoming nucleophile is CH(3)COOH the hydride-free complex [Rh(CH(3)COO)(TIMP(3))](+) ((6+)) is o…

Pyrene-functionalized nanoparticles: two independent sensors, the excimer and the monomer.

The high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles has been used to obtain a high local concentration of pyrene units on their periphery, making the formation of both pyrene emissive species possible using amazingly small pyrene concentrations. The sensing properties of model pyrene-functionalized nanoparticles was investigated by using different nitroaromatic compounds [m-nitroaniline and p-nitroaniline] and nitrobenzenes [nitrobenzene, p-nitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and 2,6-dinitrotoluene]. The hybrid system acts as a dual-fluorescence sensor, in which the decrease of the pyrene emission, induced by the quencher, is hardly reflected in the pyrene excimer emission. The encapsulation ca…

Size Reduction of CdSe/ZnS Core−Shell Quantum Dots Photosensitized by Benzophenone: Where Does the Cd(0) Go?

The size of core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots can be decreased by using the combined action of an n,π* aromatic ketone and UVA light. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques gave information on the photosensitization mechanism and the eventual destiny of Cd(2+) and Se(2-) core ions. Our data support the electron transfer from the BP ketyl radical to Cd(2+), leading to Cd(0) and H(+), as well as to the recovery of benzophenone. Elemental Cd remains on the core and, eventually, can be oxidized to CdO. In addition, Se(2-) counterions disperse inside the solution mainly attached to protonated amine ligands. The Se(2-) combines with H(+), leadin…

Breaking the Nd3+-sensitized upconversion nanoparticles myth about the need of onion-layered structures

Up to now, most strategies to build efficient 800 nm-light responsive upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have included onion-layered structures, in which Nd3+ is confined within the inorganic crystal structure of at least one layer. We report here an easy room-temperature modular preparation of core-shell UCNPs consisting of NaYF4:Yb,Er(Tm)/NaYF4 (UCCS) with Nd3+ anchored at the organic capping by using cucurbituril[7] (CB[7]) as an adhesive. Strikingly, excitation at 800 nm effectively triggers the upconversion emission of UCCS@CB[7]@Nd nanohybrids.

Controlled UV-C light-induced fusion of thiol-passivated gold nanoparticles.

Thiol-passivated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of a relatively small size, either decorated with chromophoric groups, such as a phthalimide (Au@PH) and benzophenone (Au@BP), or capped with octadecanethiol (Au@ODCN) have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These NPs were irradiated in chloroform at different UV-wavelengths using either a nanosecond laser (266 and 355 nm, ca. 12 mJ/pulse, 10 ns pulse) or conventional lamps (300 nmλ400 nm and ca. 240 nmλ280 nm) and the new AuNPs were characterized by X-ray and UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as by TEM. Laser irradiation at 355 nm led to NP aggregation and precipitation,…

High Enantiocontrol in the Intramolecular Cyclopropanation of Diazo Ketones Catalyzed by Dirhodium(II) Complexes with Ortho-Metalated Aryl Phosphine Ligands

[reaction: see text]. Chiral dirhodium(II) complexes, Rh2(O2CCF3)2(PC)2, [PCH = (p-CH3C6H4)3P, (m-CH3C6H4)3P], provide an excellent yield and a high enantiocontrol in the cyclopropanation of alpha-diazo ketones with gamma and delta double bonds. The ee values are significantly dependent on the solvent used; the best results are obtained using pentane.

Ligand Effects on the Chemoselectivity of Ortho-Metalated Rhodium(II) Catalyzed α-Diazo Ketone Transformations

Rh2(OOCR)2(PC)2 complexes (PC = orthometalated phosphines, OOCR = carboxylates) with very polarizable ligands, such as aromatic rings directly joined to the rhodium atoms, control chemoselectivity in competitive metal carbene transformations of α-diazo ketones. These catalysts have a mixed set of ligands that allows choosing among a big selection of ligands to gradually affect the electronic and steric properties of the catalyst. Their selectivity depends on the electrophilicity of the ligands and the polarizability of the metalated aromatic rings. Thus, Rh2(OOCR)2(PC)2 compounds [PC = (C6H4)P(CH3)(C6H5), (p-CH3C6H3)P(p-CH3C6H4)2, (C6H4)P(C6H5)2; R = C3F7 or CF3] exhibit an exceptional sele…

Pyrene-benzoylthiophene Bichromophores as Selective Triplet Photosensitizers.

Combination of the pyrene and benzoylthiophene units constitutes an interesting approach to design bichromophoric photosensitizers with increased intersystem crossing quantum yield and enhanced selectivity. The potential of this strategy has been illustrated in the present work by using a model photoisomerization reaction.

Exploring two-state reaction pathways in the photodimerization of cyclohexadiene.

The ground- (S0) and lowest triplet-state (T1) pathways associated with dimerization of cyclohexadiene to give [2+2] and [4+2] cycloadducts have been theoretically studied at the UBLYP and UB3LYP levels of theory with the 6-31G* basis set. The DFT energies were validated by CCSD(T) single-point energy calculations. These cycloaddition reactions follow stepwise mechanisms with formation of bis-allylic biradical (BB) intermediates. In the S0 ground state, the interaction between two cyclohexadiene molecules with formation of BB intermediate IN(S0) has a large activation enthalpy of 32.0 kcal mol(-1). On the other hand, C-C bond-formation in the lowest triplet state (T1) leading to BB intermed…

Upconversion Nanoparticles for Bioimaging and Regenerative Medicine.

Nanomaterials are proving useful for regenerative medicine in combination with stem cell therapy. Nanoparticles can be administrated and targeted to desired tissues or organs and subsequently, be used in non-invasive real-time visualization and tracking of cells by means of different imaging techniques, they can act as therapeutic agent nanocarriers, and can also serve as scaffolds to guide the growth of new tissue. Nanoparticles can be of different chemical nature, such as gold, iron oxide, cadmium selenide, and carbon, and have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. However, there are still many issues to be solved, such as toxicity, stability, and resident time. Upconversion …

Nanohybrid for Photodynamic Therapy and Fluorescence Imaging Tracking without Therapy

Theranostic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are ideal candidates for personalized medicine. We present a smart, easy-to-prepare nanohybrid (NH) suitable for NIR-theragnosis and imaging tracking without triggering therapy simultaneously. The photophysical features of each component have been carefully selected in order to maximize the capabilities for theragnosis, in particular, the upconversion emission and the photosensitizer absorption. In addition, NH presents a fluorescent marker with one-photon absorption in the green and two-photon absorption cross-section at NIR wavelengths where the UCNP does not absorb, thus enabling innocuous tracking. Thus, the NH consists of NaYF4:Yb, Er, Tm …

Alkoxy-styryl DCDHF fluorophores

A photostable dicyanomethylenedihydrofuran fluorophore which contains electron-donating alkoxy groups is described. This chromophore is highly environmentally-sensitive, which is a remarkable property for a fluorescent reporter. Its light excitation also enables, in low viscous solvents, the formation of dark states whose radical or triplet nature is ruled out.

Mechanistic studies on the photogeneration of o- and p-xylylenes from α,α′-dichloroxylenes

Two-colour two-laser techniques have unambiguously proved that photolysis of the o-/p-(chloromethyl)benzyl radical leads to the sequential two-photon generation of o-/pxylylene from α,α'-dichloro-o-/p-xylene. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es

Novel unsymmetrical ortho-metalated dirhodium (II) catalysts: trans influence of the axial ligand

Inductive effects of an X axial group which are transmitted through the RhRh bond influence the reactivity of ortho-metalated dirhodium complexes 3 in the cyclization of 1-diazo-5-penten-2-one (4).

Synthesis of a New C3-Symmetric Tripodal P4-Tetradentate Ligand and Its Application to the Formation of Chiral Metal Complexes

A novel C3-symmetric tetradentate tripodal ligand with phosphorus as coordinating atoms has been synthesized in good yields. Its coordination ability through the four phosphorus atoms, three at the...

ChemInform Abstract: Reactivity and Selectivity of ortho-Metalated Rhodium(II) Complexes in C-H Insertion Reactions of α-Diazo Compounds.

Regioselective intramolecular C−H insertion reactions of α-diazo β-keto esters and α-diazo ketones are mediated by Rh2[OOCR]4-x[PC]x (x = 1, 2; PC = ortho-metalated phosphine; R = CH3, C3F7). In particular, the intramolecular transformation of 1-diazo-5-methyl-3-propyl-2-hexanone catalyzed by Rh2[OOCCH3]2[PC]2 (PC = (C6H4)P(C6H5)2, head-to-tail (H−T) configuration) afforded only the tertiary C−H insertion product. By comparison, no C−H insertion reaction was promoted by doubly metalated complexes with a head-to-head (H−H) configuration. Rh2[OOCR]3[PC] compounds were found to be less suited for these type of reactions.

State of the art and prospects for halide perovskite nanocrystals

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG Metal-halide perovskites have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising materials of the 21st century, with many exciting properties and great potential for a broad range of applications, from photovoltaics to optoelectronics and photocatalysis. The ease with which metal-halide perovskites can be synthesized in the form of brightly luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, as well as their tunable and intriguing optical and electronic properties, has attracted researchers from different disciplines of science and technology. In the last few years, there has been a significant progress in the shape-controlled synthesis of …

NIR excitation of upconversion nanohybrids containing a surface grafted Bodipy induces oxygen-mediated cancer cell death

We report the preparation of water-dispersible, ca. 30 nm-sized nanohybrids containing NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+ up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), capped with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative and highly loaded with a singlet oxygen photosensitizer, specifically a diiodo-substituted Bodipy (IBDP). The photosensitizer, bearing a carboxylic group, was anchored to the UCNP surface and, at the same time, embedded in the PEG capping; the combined action of the UCNP surface and PEG facilitated the loading for an effective energy transfer and, additionally, avoided photosensitizer leaching from the nanohybrid (UCNP-IBDP@PEG). The effectiveness of the nanohybrids in generating singlet oxygen after n…

Synthesis of Dirhodium(II) Complexes with Several Cyclometalated Thienylphosphines

The thermal reaction of dirhodium tetraacetate with tris(3-thienyl)phosphine (3TP), diphenyl(3-thienyl)phosphine (3TPPh2), and diphenyl(2-thienyl)phosphine (2TPPh2) gives rise to mono-cyclometalated and bis-cyclometalated compounds; the latter can have a head-to-head (H−H) or head-to-tail (H−T) configuration. Bis-cyclometalated compounds with H−T configuration can be prepared in high yield under photochemical conditions or by combining irradiation with subsequent thermal treatment in acetic acid. The reactivity order of aromatic ring C−H activation is phenyl < 2-thienyl ≪ 3-thienyl, which leads to a selective activation of the thienyl ring. Thus, only one mono-cyclometalated compound is obt…

Chiroptical Induction and Molecular Recognition in Optically Active Hyperbranched Polyethers with Inherently Chiral Benzophenone Core

Tuning Charge Carrier Dynamics and Surface Passivation in Organolead Halide Perovskites with Capping Ligands and Metal Oxide Interfaces

Organolead halide perovskites have emerged as exciting optoelectronic materials but a complete understanding of their photophysical properties is still lacking. Here, a morphological series of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr 3 ) perovskites are studied by transient optical spectroscopies over eight orders of magnitude in timescale to investigate the effect of nanostructuring and surface states on the charge carrier dynamics. The sample preparation route and corresponding morphology changes influence the position of the optical features, recombination dynamics, excitation fluence dependence, and dramatically impact surface trap passivation. Growth of the perovskite layer in the presence …

A study on the aminomercuration-nucleophilic demercuration of --1,5-cyclooctadiene; stereoselective synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted-9-aza bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes

Abstract The aminomercuration of cis - cis -1,5-Cyclooctadiene with a series of mercury(II) salts followed by nucleophilic displacement of mercury by aromatic amines, water and nitrate ion has been studied. As a result, bicyclic triamines, aminoalcohols and nitrate esters have been obtained respectively in clean processes which occur under total stereoelectronic control by involvement of a tricyclic aziridium ion to afford a single stereoisomer in each case. The influence of the counter ion and the basicity of the amine on the tandem aminomercuration-demercuration is discussed.

Enantiocontrol in the intermolecular cyclopropanation reaction catalyzed by dirhodium(II) complexes with ortho-metalated aryl phosphine ligands

(P) and (M) dirhodium(II) complexes with ortho-metalated aryl phosphines are assessed as chiral catalysts in the enantioselective cyclopropanation of styrenes by ethyl diazoacetate; enantioselectivities up to 91% and up to 87%, respectively, for cis- and trans-2-arylcyclopropanecarboxylates are observed. Barberis, Mario, Mario.Barberis@uv.es ; Lahuerta Peña, Pascual, Pascual.lahuerta@uv.es ; Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es ; Sanau Torrecilla, Mercedes, Mercedes.Sanau@uv.es

Synergism at the Nanoscale

Photoactive nanoparticles are smart systems that exhibit unique optical properties. In general, their intrinsic properties are size dependent. The degree and type of response to size are both related to their composition. Nanoparticles usually require to be capped with organic ligands in order to be dispersible in an aqueous or organic media, thus leading to nanoparticle colloidal dispersions and enhancing the processability of the material. The organic ligand also plays a key role in their preparation. In addition, the high surface-to-volume ratio of the nanoparticles combined with the affinity of the ligands for the nanoparticle surface can be used to place a large number of functional mo…

Mechanism of triplet photosensitized Diels-Alder Reaction between indoles and cyclohexadienes: theoretical support for an adiabatic pathway.

Diels-Alder reactions between indoles (InHs) and 1,3-cyclohexadienes (CHDs) were achieved by using aromatic ketones as photosensitizers. For instance, irradiation of deaerated dichloromethane solutions containing benzoylthiophene (BT, 1 mM), indole (20 mM), and phellandrene (40 mM), in the presence of an acylating agent, led to the N-acetylated Diels-Alder cycloadduct in 46% yield (endo:exo ratio of 1.8:1). Energy transfer from the BT triplet to the CHD gave rise to diene dimers as byproducts. Several combinations of CHDs, InHs, and aromatic ketones were tested; the Diels-Alder reaction was found to be a general process, except when the indole nucleus was substituted at position 2 or 7 and …

Reactivity and Selectivity of Ortho-Metalated Rhodium(II) Complexes in C−H Insertion Reactions of α-Diazo Compounds

Regioselective intramolecular C−H insertion reactions of α-diazo β-keto esters and α-diazo ketones are mediated by Rh2[OOCR]4-x[PC]x (x = 1, 2; PC = ortho-metalated phosphine; R = CH3, C3F7). In particular, the intramolecular transformation of 1-diazo-5-methyl-3-propyl-2-hexanone catalyzed by Rh2[OOCCH3]2[PC]2 (PC = (C6H4)P(C6H5)2, head-to-tail (H−T) configuration) afforded only the tertiary C−H insertion product. By comparison, no C−H insertion reaction was promoted by doubly metalated complexes with a head-to-head (H−H) configuration. Rh2[OOCR]3[PC] compounds were found to be less suited for these type of reactions.

Efficient ultraviolet-light energy dissipation by an aromatic ketone.

Experimental evidence on the efficiency of 2,2'4,4'-tetramethoxybenzil for UV-light energy dissipation is provided. This non-phenolic aromatic ketone has a low energy triplet which quickly decays to the ketone ground state, thus avoiding the generation of undesirable reactive species. El Moncef, Abdelkarim, elmonab@alumni.uv.es ; Cuquerella Alabort, Maria Consuelo, Chelo.Cuquerella@uv.es ; Zaballos Garcia, Elena, Elena.Zaballos@uv.es ; Ramirez de Arellano Sanchez, Maria del Carmen, Carmen.Ramirezdearellano@uv.es ; Stiriba, Salah Eddine, Salah.Stiriba@uv.es ; Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es

The synergy between the CsPbBr3 nanoparticle surface and the organic ligand becomes manifest in a demanding carbon–carbon coupling reaction

We demonstrate here the suitability of CsPbBr3nanoparticles as photosensitizers for a demanding photoredox catalytic homo- and cross-coupling of alkyl bromides at room temperature by merely using visible light and an electron donor, thanks to the cooperative action between the nanoparticle surface and organic capping. Fil: Rosa-Pardo, Ignacio. Instituto de Ciencia Molecular; España. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Casadevall, Carla. Barcelona Institute Of Science And Technology. Institut Català D'investigació Química.; España Fil: Schmidt, Luciana Carina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigac…

Pyrene-benzoylthiophene exciplexes as selective catalysts for the [2+2] cycloaddition between cyclohexadiene and styrenes.

Efficient intramolecular fluorescence quenching in pyrene−benzoylthiophene systems leads to formation of exciplexes. These species interact with 1,3-cyclohexadiene (or styrenes), leading to reactive excited triplexes. The overall process affords [2+2] cross-cycloadducts with an average yield of 57%.

New Dinuclear Catalysts Rh2(N−O)2[(C6H4)P(C6H5)2]2 with Imidate Ligands:  Synthesis and Isomerization from Head-to-Tail to Head-to-Head Configuration of the Imidate Ligands

Two new dirhodium(II) catalysts of general formula Rh(2)(N-O)(2)[(C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2)](2) (N-O = C(4)H(4)NO(2)) are prepared, starting from Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2)L(2) [PC = (C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2) (head-to-tail arrangement); L = HO(2)CCH(3)]. The thermal reaction of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2).L(2) with the neutral succinimide stereoselectively gives one compound that according to the X-ray structure determination has the formula Rh(2)(C(4)H(4)NO(2))(2)[(C(6)H(4))P(C(6)H(5))(2)](2) (1). It corresponds to the polar isomer with two bridging imidate ligands in a head-to-head configuration. However, stepwise reaction of Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(PC)(2).L(2) with (CH(3))(3)SiCl and potassiu…

Initial Biological Assessment of Upconversion Nanohybrids

Nanoparticles for medical use should be non-cytotoxic and free of bacterial contamination. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) coated with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) made by combining UCNPs free of oleic acid, here termed bare UCNPs (UCn), and CB[7], i.e., UC@CB[7] nanohybrids, could be used as photoactive inorganic-organic hybrid scaffolds for biological applications. UCNPs, in general, are not considered to be highly toxic materials, but the release of fluorides and lanthanides upon their dissolution may cause cytotoxicity. To identify potential adverse effects of the nanoparticles, dehydrogenase activity of endothelial cells, exposed to various concentrations of the UCNPs, was determined. Da…

NIR laser scanning microscopy for photophysical characterization of upconversion nanoparticles and nanohybrids

Photophysical characterization of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and nanohybrids (UCNHs) is more challenging than that of down-conversion nanomaterials. Moreover, it is still difficult to gain knowledge about the homogeneity of the sample and colocalization of emissive chromophores and nanoparticles in nanohybrids. Near infrared laser scanning microscopy (NIR-LSM) is a well-known and useful imaging technique, which enables excitation in the NIR region and has been extensively applied to optical fluorescence imaging of organic fluorophores and nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, which exhibit a short-lived emission. NIR-LSM has recently been used to determine the empirical emission life…

Reaction of Tris(2-thienyl)phosphine with Dirhodium(II) Acetate. Orthometalation of a Heteroaromatic π-System and an Unusual Ring Rearrangement

The reaction of tris (2-thienyl)phosphine (1) with dirhodium(II) acetate in a 9:1 refluxing toluene/ acetic acid mixture for 2 h leads to the formation of two metalated compounds. The structure of one of them contained two new orthometalated phosphines in a head-to-head arrangement, and, surprisingly, the metalated thiophene rings, but not the nonmetalated ones, were rearranged to a 3-thienyl structure. Both types of dirhodium compounds were assessed in a catalytic α-diazo ester transformation.

A tetramethoxybenzophenone as efficient triplet photocatalyst for the transformation of diazo compounds.

The aromatic ketone 2,2',4,4'-tetramethoxybenzophenone has a strong absorption band between 300 and 375 nm, and its pi,pi* triplet excited-state is selectively populated in methanol. Both facts make this aromatic ketone a versatile and efficient triplet photocatalyst for the transformation of alpha-diazo carbonyl compounds into mainly the cyclopropanation product.

Polysulfonate Cappings on Upconversion Nanoparticles Prevent Their Disintegration in Water and Provide Superior Stability in a Highly Acidic Medium

The stability of organic cappings on hexagonal NaYF4:Ln3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is crucial for their luminescence efficiency in aqueous solutions. The capping removal quickens as the acidity of the medium increases. We demonstrate here that polysulfonates, namely poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate) (PAMPS) and poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), remain anchored to the surface of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+/Tm3 UCNPs even at a pH as low as 2 due to strong acidity of the sulfonate anchoring groups (pKa of ca. −3). Bare UCNPs progressively disintegrate into their compositional F–, Na+, Y3+, and Ln3+ ions. Their disintegration is particularly worrying in highly diluted dispersio…

Further insight into the photostability of the pyrene fluorophore in halogenated solvents.

Pyrene fluorophores of pyrene-functionalized CdSe quantum dots (QD@Py), as well as alkylpyrene and pyrene itself (Py), undergo fast degradation in aerated chloroform under ultraviolet-A (UV-A, 316<λ<400 nm) illumination. Steady-state fluorescence studies of irradiated chloroform solutions of QD@Py show formation of new bands, red-shifted compared to that of the pyrene moiety. Similar behaviour is observed for pyrene and the alkylpyrene system. Column chromatography of the pyrene photolysate in chloroform allowed us to isolate photoproducts arising from pyrene degradation, and to obtain information on the structure of the photoproducts responsible for the emission bands. The most predominant…

Cancer phototherapy in living cells by multiphoton release of doxorubicin from gold nanospheres

Doxorubicin is a widely used but toxic cancer chemotherapeutic agent. In order to localize its therapeutic action and minimize side effects, it was covalently conjugated to peptide-encapsulated gold nanospheres by click-chemistry and then photo-released in a controlled fashion by a multiphoton process. Selective treatment of a chosen region in a 2D layer of U2Os cancer cells is shown by driving photorelease with 561 nm irradiation at mu W power. These results show promising directions for the development of practical applications based on nanocarriers that can ensure drug delivery with high spatial and temporal control.

Isolation of cross-coupling products in model studies on the photochemical modification of proteins by tiaprofenic acid

To gain insight into the chemical nature of drug-induced photoallergy, model studies have been carried out on the photochemical modification of proteins by tiaprofenic acid. Irradiation of decarboxylated tiaprofenic acid (DTPA) in the presence of p-cresol leads to C–C- and C–O-connected p-cresol “dimers”, together with DTPA hydrodimers. The p-cresol–DTPA cross-coupling product was not detected in this reaction. However, a product of this type is formed using a more hindered phenol, such as 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol. Similar results are obtained when tiaprofenic acid (TPA) or its methyl ester are used as photosensitizers. The observed formation of “dimers” can be related to protein photo-cross…

Sensitive and selective plasmonic assay for spermine as biomarker in human urine.

A simple, fast, and highly selective and sensitive colorimetric assay to detect nanomolar levels of spermine in human urine (healthy donors, cancer patients) is reported. This assay is based on the absence of a competitive organic capping on the gold nanoparticles together with the high affinity of the amine groups of the analyte for the nanoparticle surface.

Structure and Photochemical Behavior of the Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes of the Benzoylthiophene-Derived Drugs Tiaprofenic Acid (=5-Benzoyl-α-methylthiophene-2-acetic Acid) and Suprofen (=α-Methyl-4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)benzeneacetic Acid)

The effect of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) on the excited-state reactivity of the two benzoylthiophene derivatives, tiaprofenic acid (TPA; 2) and suprofen (SPF; 3) in their carboxylate forms is studied. The presence of β-cyclodextrin does not affect the nature of the photoproduced transients and the photoproducts, but increases the photodegradation quantum yields of both drugs. The efficiency of the photodecarboxylation process is enhanced. This effect is rationalized in the light of the inclusion of 2 and 3 in the β-CD cavity, affecting the energy of the lowest excited states of the drugs. The structure of the complexes is determined by induced circular dichroism, and molecular-mechanics and dyna…

Quantum dot/cyclodextrin supramolecular systems based on efficient molecular recognition and their use for sensing.

A supramolecular system based on ketoprofen functionalised CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles and pyrene-modified β-CD was prepared and successfully used for molecular sensing of different analytes. In addition, a strategy for the individual recovery of all the components of the sensing assay is reported.

Determination of equilibrium constants and computational interaction energies for adducts of [Rh2(RCO2)(4-n)(PC)n] (n = 0-2) with Lewis bases.

Properties of dirhodium catalysts with cyclometalated aryl phosphine ligands have been studied. We report here the study of the acid−base reaction of Rh2(RCO2)2(PC)2(H2O)2 catalysts (PC = cyclometalated aryl phosphine) with different Lewis bases. The determination of the equilibrium constants of these reactions can be used to study to which extent the properties of the axial coordination site of the catalyst, considered the active site, are affected by modification of the metalated phosphines, the carboxylate ligands, or the incoming axial ligand. The trends in the computational density functional theory interaction energies show good agreement with the major trends in the equilibrium const…

Photocatalysis within Hyperbranched Polyethers with a Benzophenone Core

Quenching and product studies have been performed to demonstrate the suitability of hyperbranched polyethers with a tetrafunctionalized benzophenone core as photocatalysts. The triplet photosensitized transformation of an unsaturated diazo compound has been used as the model reaction. The polymer with highest molecular weight led to a similar product distribution even after several catalytic cycles, which evidences its excellent photostability under prolonged irradiation time. We attribute this to the stabilizing effect of the hyperbranched polymer shell.

Upconversion nanoparticles with a strong acid-resistant capping

Water-dispersible upconversion nanoparticles (β-NaYF:Yb,Er, UCNP) coated with a thin shell of a biocompatible copolymer comprising 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonsulphonic acid (AMPS), which we will term COP, have been prepared by multidentate grafting. This capping is remarkably resistant to strong acidic conditions as low as pH 2. The additional functionality of the smart UCNP@COP nanosystem has been proved by its association to a well-known photosensitizer (namely, methylene blue, MB). The green-to-red emission ratio of the UC@COP@MB nanohybrid exhibits excellent linear dependence in the 7 to 2 pH range as a consequence of the release of the d…

Antibodies directed to drug epitopes to investigate the structure of drug-protein photoadducts. Recognition of a common photobound substructure in tiaprofenic acid/ketoprofen cross-photoreactivity.

Drug-induced photoallergy is an immune adverse reaction to the combined effect of drugs and light. From the mechanistic point of view, it first involves covalent binding of drug to protein resulting in the formation of a photoantigen. Hence, determination of the structures of drug-protein photoadducts is of great relevance to understand the molecular basis of photoallergy and cross-immunoreactivity among drugs. Looking for new strategies to investigate the covalent photobinding of drugs to proteins, we generated highly specific antibodies to drug chemical substructures. The availability of such antibodies has allowed us to discriminate between the different modes by which tiaprofenic acid (…

The Luminescence of CH3NH3PbBr3Perovskite Nanoparticles Crests the Summit and Their Photostability under Wet Conditions is Enhanced

CH3 NH3 PbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles (PAD ) are prepared with a photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈100% in air atmosphere by using the quasi-spherical shaped 2-adamantylammonium bromide (ADBr) as the only capping ligand. The photostability under wet conditions of this kind of nanoparticles is enhanced by using cucurbit[7]uril-adamantylammonium (AD@CB) host-guest complexes as the capping ligand.

Ultrathin lead bromide perovskite platelets spotted with europium(ii) bromide dots

We describe here the preparation of a novel nanohybrid comprising a two-layer cesium lead bromide nanoplatelet, [CsPbBr3]PbBr4 NPL, containing europium(II) bromide (EuBr2) nanodots, by ultrasound/heating treatment of toluene dispersions of the CsPbBr3 nanomaterial in the presence of EuBr2 nanodots. The hybrid nanoplatelets exhibit strong excitonic and narrow emission peaks characteristic of ultrathin NPLs at 430 and 436 nm, respectively.

Understanding light-driven H2 evolution through the electronic tuning of aminopyridine cobalt complexes† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 1578284–1578289. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c7sc04328g

Electronic effects provide a general mechanistic scenario for rationalizing photocatalytic water reduction activity with aminopyridine cobalt complexes.

Linear Coassembly of Upconversion and Perovskite Nanoparticles: Sensitized Upconversion Emission of Perovskites by Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles

Sensitized emission of lead halide perovskite nanoparticles (LHPNPs) can be achieved by near‐infrared (NIR) excitation of nearby lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by using a low‐cost diode laser. Here, the first preparation of linear assemblies of core and core–shell NPs, as well as linear coassemblies of LHPNPs and UCNPs, within an open peapod‐like lead sulfate shell are reported. UCNPs with a NaYF4 matrix doped with ytterbium and thulium or erbium, and with an inert shell of NaYF4 in the case of core‐shell, and all‐inorganic CsPbX3 NPs (X = halide) are chosen for these studies. Interestingly, the lead sulfate shell enhances the luminescence of the core/core– shell UCNPs …

Texture and Phase Recognition Analysis of beta-NaYF4 Nanocrystals

Texture and phase recognition analysis (TPRA) based on electron nanodiffraction technique is used to characterize the geometry of up-conversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) synthesized by the common thermal-decomposition protocol in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of NH4F. Here, we confirmed experimentally that despite the apparently different shapes of samples (hexagons, rods, and cubes), all the nanocrystals are actually beta-phase hexagonal prisms. This is of relevance since many biological features of nanostructures, such as cellular internalization and cytotoxicity, are governed by their geometry. In addition, reproducibility in biological experiments is paramount.

Water-Soluble Naked Gold Nanoclusters Are Not Luminescent.

We report here the synthesis of water-dispersible naked gold nanoclusters (AuNCnaked) by a simple reduction of HAuCl4 with NaOH at room temperature and show that they are non-luminescent. They were then easily passivated with different thiols and adenosine monophosphate to lead to luminescent NCs. This is an important finding as the photoluminescence of the passivated NCs can now be clearly attributed to the ligand-AuNC surface interaction. These results are also highly relevant from the point of view of the preparation of luminescent NCs from the same NC batch. This strategy can be valuable for the preparation of a broad range of nano(bio)composites.

Fluorescence enhancement of amine-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots by thiol addition

The present communication reports that while addition of alkyl thiols drastically reduces the fluorescence of CdSe core quantum dots, it actually enhances the emission properties of already highly fluorescent amine-capped CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots.

ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Aminomercuration of Olefins in a Tandem Aminomercuration-Deoxymercuration; One-Step Synthesis of Secondary N-Arylallylamines from Allylalcohols.

Abstract Allyl alcohols react with primary aromatic amines and stoichiometric amounts of mercury(II) tetrafluoroborate to give mixtures of mono- and diallyl anilines. However, the use of the tandem aminomercuration-deoxymercuration promoted by catalytic mercury(II) tetrafluoroborate allows to perform regiospecifically the monoallylation reaction with very high yields. A mechanism is proposed to account for the observed results.

Interaction between nitroxyl radicals and CdTe quantum dots: Determination of fluorescence-quenching mechanisms in aqueous solution

Abstract The present work characterizes the optical properties of CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) after interaction with nitroxyl radicals based on steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy studies. QDs of different sizes were exposed to 2 different nitroxyl radicals, i.e., TEMPO and 4-amino-TEMPO radicals. A clear dependence of dynamic and static Stern-Volmer constants values, KD and KS, respectively, was observed as a function of the size of QDs used, with a change from a mostly static mechanism (for smaller QD sizes) to a dynamic mechanism predominating as the nanoparticles increase in size. All observed effects are dependent on both the concentration of the radical and the s…

Photosensitised Seeding of Thiolate-Stabilised Gold Nanoparticles

Catalytic aminomercuration of olefins in a tandem aminomercuration-deoxymercuration; One-step synthesis of secondary n-arylallylamines from allylalcohols

Abstract Allyl alcohols react with primary aromatic amines and stoichiometric amounts of mercury(II) tetrafluoroborate to give mixtures of mono- and diallyl anilines. However, the use of the tandem aminomercuration-deoxymercuration promoted by catalytic mercury(II) tetrafluoroborate allows to perform regiospecifically the monoallylation reaction with very high yields. A mechanism is proposed to account for the observed results.

Three independent channel nanohybrids as fluorescent probes

A properly designed pyrene-capped CdSe/ZnS nanohybrid can act as a three-channel fluorescent sensor due to the independent emission of the pyrene monomer and excimer as well as that of the nanoparticle. As proof of principle, it was tested for a simple and rapid quantification of TNT in the presence of interferents of the same chemical family.

Sensing Chiral Drugs by Using CdSe/ZnS Nanoparticles Capped withN-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Methyl Ester

Chiral quantum dots (QDs), differing in their core or shell size and, consequently, in their optical properties, were synthesized by the treatment of commercially available amine-capped quantum dots with methyl ester N-acetyl-L-cysteine (CysP). Interestingly, their colloidal methanol solutions remain stable for several months. Their NMR and IR spectra were in accordance with CysP binding to the QD surface through two anchoring groups; its thiolate (strongly bound) and the carbonyl group of its ester (weaker bound) group, whereas their circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed a new broad redshifted band, suggesting that the attachment to the QD surface modified the conformational equilibrium t…

Supramolecular Antioxidant Assemblies of Hyperbranched Polyglycerols and Phenols

Enantioselective synthesis of sabina ketone

Both enantiomers of sabina ketone were efficiently prepared via an easy synthesis of 1-diazo-5-methylene-6-methylheptan-2-one, starting from succinic anhydride, followed by its highly enantioselective cyclization catalyzed by chiral dirhodium(II) compounds having ortho-metalated phosphines as ligands.

Cucurbit[n]uril-capped upconversion nanoparticles as highly emissive scaffolds for energy acceptors.

Spontaneous adsorption of cucurbit[n]uril CB[n] (n = 6, 7, and 8) on the surface of naked upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), in particular, NaYF4:Er3+(2%),Yb3+(18%) gave rise to UCNP@CB[n] exclusion complexes. These complexes proved to be highly stable as well as highly emissive under near-infrared excitation. By using two tricyclic basic dyes (specifically, methylene blue and pyronin Y) as a proof of concept, we demonstrate that the UCNP@CB[n] (n = 6, 7) nanohybrids can form exclusion complexes with this type of dyes via the CB carbonyl free portal, i.e., UCNP@CB@dye hybrids, thus making it possible to locate a high concentration of the dyes close to the UCNP and, consequently, leading to…

Regio- and stereo-selectivity in the intramolecular quenching of the excited benzoylthiophene chromophore by tryptophan

Laser flash photolysis studies on the photobehaviour of a series of bichromophoric derivatives bearing benzoylthiophene and tryptophan groups have shown that the efficiency of the intramolecular quenching process depends on both the stereochemistry of the chiral centers and the relative ketone versus tryptophan orientation. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es

Isomerization versus decarboxylation of protonated oxetanone: Comparison between experimental results and theoretical calculations

Pyrene-Capped CdSe@ZnS Nanoparticles as Sensitive Flexible Oxygen Sensors in Non-Aqueous Media**

A flexible, highly sensitive sensor of oxygen in non-aqueous solvents is described. It consists of CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles decorated with a considerable number of pyrene units, thus making the formation of the pyrene excimer possible. The emission of the pyrene excimer and that of the nanoparticle are suitably separated from each other and also from the excitation wavelength. This sensor can be applied as a ratiometric oxygen sensor by using the linear response of the pyrene excimer lifetime combined with the linear response of the nanoparticle excited state lifetime. This nanohybrid has been assayed in seven media with different dielectric constants and viscosities over the whole oxygen con…

Formation of Six-Membered (and Larger) Rings

Selective chiral inhibition of Ca2+ entry promoted by bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinolines in rat uterus.

Abstract The effects of diltiazem and six bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids (antioquine, 7-O-methylantioquine, dimethylantioquine, monterine, granjine and cordobimine) were studied in rat isolated uterus in order to clarify the mechanisms of their relaxant actions. All the compounds tested completely relaxed KCl-induced contractions and totally or partially inhibited oxytocin-induced rhythmic contractions. Only alkaloids with absolute configurations (1R,1′S or 1R,1′R) acted intracellularly, promoting relaxation of contractile responses induced by oxytocin in a Ca2+-free medium, as does papaverine. Alkaloids of the antioquine series (1S,1′R) selectively inhibited Ca2+ entry. The grea…

Diastereospecific control in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure bis-equatorial rhodium(II) catalysts by chiral phosphanes

The reaction of Rh2(O2CR)4 [R = CH3, CF3] with the chiral phosphane (1S,2S,5R)-(2-hydroxy-5-isopropenyl-2-methylcyclohexyl)(diphenyl)phosphane, (+)PPh2(CH−R*−OH) or its enantiomer (1R,2R,5S)-(2-hydroxy-5-isopropenyl-2-methylcyclohexyl)(diphenyl)phosphane, (−)-PPh2(CH−R*−OH), results in the specific formation of the products (P)-Rh2(μ-O2CR)2(η1-O2CR)2{η2-(+)PPh2(CH−R*−OH)}2 [P(+)1, R = CH3; P(+)2 R = CF3] and (M)-Rh2(μ-O2CR)2(η1-O2CR)2{η2-(−)-PPh2(CH−R*−OH)}2 [M(−)1, R = CH3; M(−)2, R = CF3] in a high yield. Their synthesis, characterisation and catalytic behaviour in metal−carbenoid reactions are reported. X-ray analysis of P(+)2 and M(−)2 shows, in each case, a Rh24+ unit supported by two …

Understanding light-driven H 2 evolution through the electronic tuning of aminopyridine cobalt complexes

A new family of cobalt complexes with the general formula [CoII(OTf)2(Y,XPyMetacn)] (1R,Y,XPyMetacn ¼ 1-[(4-X-3,5-Y-2-pyridyl)methyl]-4,7-dimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, (X ¼ CN (1CN), CO2Et (1CO2Et), Cl (1Cl), H(1H), NMe2 (1NMe2)) where (Y ¼ H, and X ¼ OMe when Y ¼ Me (1DMM)) is reported. We found that the electronic tuning of the Y,XPyMetacn ligand not only has an impact on the electronic and structural properties of the metal center, but also allows for a systematic water-reduction-catalytic control. In particular, the increase of the electron-withdrawing character of the pyridine moiety promotes a 20-fold enhancement of the catalytic outcome. By UV-Vis spectroscopy, luminescence quenc…

Intramolecular Electron Transfer between Tyrosine and Tryptophan Photosensitized by a Chiral π,π* Aromatic Ketone

The photochemical reaction of Trp and Tyr and related peptides with Suprofen (SUP) as sensitizer in H2O/CH3CN (28:1 v/v) solutions has been studied by time-resolved spectroscopy. The results show that SUP induces oxidation of both Trp and Tyr, as well as intramolecular-ET reactions in the related peptides. The influence of photosensitizer configuration on the involved processes has been studied by using the enantiomerically pure compounds. A significant chiral recognition is observed in which the concentration of the radicals formed after triplet quenching depends on the configuration of the chiral center; the quenching process is higher when using the (R)-SUP enantiomer.

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of the First Enantiomerically Pure Ortho-Metalated Rhodium(II) Dimer

A Metal-Free, Nonconjugated Polymer for Solar Photocatalysis

Heterogeneous catalysts that can absorb light over the solar range are ideal for green photocatalysis. Recently, attention has been directed towards the generation of novel solar-light photocatalysts, in particular, metal-free polymers. Herein, it is demonstrated that a metal-free, nonconjugated, anthraquinone-based copolymer (poly[1,4-diamine-9,10-dioxoanthracene-alt-(benzene-1,4-dioic acid)] (COP)) with a strong absorption in the visible region is effective as a sunlight heterogeneous photocatalyst. As a proof of concept, it has been used to mineralize 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) in water under air and sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency of COP compares well with that of …

Organometal Halide Perovskites: Bulk Low-Dimension Materials and Nanoparticles

Organometal halide perovskites (hybrid perovskites) contain an anionic metal–halogen-semiconducting framework and charge-compensating organic cations. As hybrid materials, they combine useful properties of both organic and inorganic materials, such as plastic mechanical properties and good electronic mobility related to organic and inorganic material, respectively. They are prepared from abundant and low cost starting compounds. The perovskite stoichiometry is associated with the dimensionality of its inorganic framework, which can vary from three to zero, 3D consisting of corner-sharing MX6 octahedra, and 0D consisting of isolated octahedra. Small-sized organic cations can fit into the MX6…

Unzipping Nucleoside Channels by Means of Alcohol Disassembly

Gold nanoparticles capped with simple adenosine derivatives can form colloidal aggregates in nonpolar solvents. Theoretical calculations indicate the formation of organic channels by the supramolecular assembly of the nanoparticles by means of hydrogen bonds between the adenine moieties. The aggregates were only negligibly sensitive to nPrOH, iPrOH, and tBuOH, whereas some showed a similar response to MeOH and EtOH, and others showed high selectivity toward MeOH. DNA nucleoside derivatives (1-(2-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil and 2′,3′-O-isopropylideneadenosine) as well as thymine and other aromatic compounds such as pyrene derivatives (pyrene, 1-chloropyrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, (1-p…

Photo Induced Radical Reactions

This article discusses a number of reactions of potential synthetic interest occurring through photochemically generated organic radicals. Emphasis is placed on the nature of the resulting photoproducts, whose formation is discussed on a mechanistic basis. If available, experimental evidence (obtained by laser flash photolysis or related time-resolved techniques) is provided. The material is organized according to the reaction types, for instance, homolytic cleavage, mesolytic cleavage, radical addition, and oxidative or reductive electron transfer. In addition to the classical carboncarbon or carbonhydrogen bond breaking processes, such as the Norrish type I reaction, the hydrogen abstract…

Efficient Cementing of CH3NH3PbBr3Nanoparticles to Upconversion Nanoparticles Visualized by Confocal Microscopy

Upconversion-perovskite nanohybrids are prepared by assembling CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite nanoparticles (PK) with naked NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles (UCn) via an innovative strategy consisting of using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) to anchor the perovskite nanoparticles firmly and closely to the upconversion nanoparticles, thus leading to UCn@PKCB nanohybrids. A commercial multiphoton laser scanning confocal microscope is used to demonstrate the successful assembly. This technique proves to be useful to evaluate luminescence lifetime in the range of several tens of μs and allows visualization of the extraordinarily efficient nontrivial resonance energy transfer from the upconversion nanoparticle to …

AC3-Symmetric Palladium Catalyst with a Phosphorus-Based Tripodal Ligand

Delayed Luminescence in Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

The mechanism responsible for the extremely long photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes observed in many lead halide perovskites is still under debate. While the presence of trap states is widely accepted, the process of electron detrapping back to the emissive state has been mostly ignored, especially from deep traps as these are typically associated with nonradiative recombination. Here, we study the photophysics of methylammonium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) with a photoluminescence quantum yield close to unity. We show that the lifetime of the spontaneous radiative recombination in PNCs is as short as 2 ns, which is expected considering the direct bandgap character of perovskit…

Energy transfer in diiodoBodipy-grafted upconversion nanohybrids.

Steady-state and time-resolved emission studies on nanohybrids consisting of NaYF4:Yb,Er and a diiodo-substituted Bodipy (UCNP-IBDP) show that the Yb(3+) metastable state, formed after absorption of a near-infrared (NIR) photon, can decay via two competitive energy transfer processes: sensitization of IBDP after absorption of a second NIR photon and population of Er(3+) excited states.

Catalytic processes activated by light

Light-driven catalytic strategies are of great interest for the synthesis of useful products causing minimal environmental impact. Nature provides many examples of systems working in processes activated by light, and understanding them has been and, in the future, will be useful in the design of artificial catalysts.

Unprecedented Stereoselective Synthesis of Catalytically Active Chiral Mo3CuS4 Clusters

Cluster excision of polymeric {Mo3S7Cl4}n phases with chiral phosphane (+)-1,2-bis[(2R,5R)-2,5-(dimethylphospholan-1-yl)]ethane ((R,R)-Me-BPE) or with its enantiomer ((S,S)-Me-BPE) yields the stereoselective formation of the trinuclear cluster complexes [Mo3S4{(R,R)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(P)-1]+) and [Mo3S4{(S,S)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(M)-1]+), respectively. These complexes possess an incomplete cuboidal structure with the metal atoms defining an equilateral triangle and one capping and three bridging sulfur atoms. The P and M symbols refer to the rotation of the chlorine atoms around the C3 axis, with the capping sulphur atom pointing towards the viewer. Incorporation of copper into these trinuclear c…

An Unprecedented Iridium(III) Catalyst for Stereoselective Dimerisation of Terminal Alkynes

A novel iridium(III) hydride complex, IrHCl(TIMP 3 ) {HTIMP 3 = tris[1-(diphenylphosphino)-3-methyl-lH-indol-2-yl]methane) was prepared and fully characterized in both the solid state and in solution. Chloride abstraction by silver cations provides a more reactive compound, [IrH-(TIMP 3 )][BF 4 ], which can react with pyridine (py) and phenylacetylene to yield the complexes [IrH-(TIMP 3 )(py)][BF 4 ] and [Ir(PhCH=C-CH=CHPh)-(TIMP 3 )][BF 4 ], respectively. Interestingly, IrH-(TIMP 3 )(py)][BF 4 ] efficiently catalyses the stereoselective dimerisation of model terminal alkynes to the 1,4-disubstituted (E)-but-1-en-3-yne only.

Triggering the generation of an iron(IV)-oxo compound and its reactivity toward sulfides by RuII photocatalysis

The preparation of [FeIV(O)(MePy2tacn)]2+ (2, MePy2tacn = N-methyl-N,N-bis(2-picolyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) by reaction of [FeII(MePy2tacn)(solvent)]2+ (1) and PhIO in CH3CN and its full characterization are described. This compound can also be prepared photochemically from its iron(II) precursor by irradiation at 447 nm in the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ru II(bpy)3]2+ as photosensitizer and a sacrificial electron acceptor (Na2S2O8). Remarkably, the rate of the reaction of the photochemically prepared compound 2 toward sulfides increases 150-fold under irradiation, and 2 is partially regenerated after the sulfide has been consumed; hence, the process can be repeated several times.…

Synthesis and X-ray structure of metalated Rhodium(II) catalysts with a chiral phospholane

The reaction of Rh2(O2CR)4 (R = CH3, CF3) with the chiral phosphane (2S,5S)-2,5-dimethyl-1-phenylphospholane (PC*H), results in the formation of two diastereoisomers of Rh2(O2CCR)2(PC*)2, with (P) and (M) configuration. These can easily be isolated by chromatographic methods to obtain enantiomerically pure RhII compounds. Preliminary catalytic studies have shown that they induce moderate asymmetry in the cyclization of 5-aryl-1-diazo-2-pentanones and 1-diazo-5-hexen-2-one. X-ray analysis of the (M) diastereoisomer with formula Rh2(O2CCCH3)2(PC*)2 is reported. The crystallographic parameters are as follows: space group P21212 (orthorhombic) with a = 12.1347(11) A, b = 14.5870(13) A, c = 9.81…

Synergistic photo-release of drugs by non-linear excitation

ABSTRACTNanomaterials engineered in novel multi-modular systems in which every component works in a synergistic way with others could potentially lead to a completely new type of tools for nanomedicine. The development of nanostructures able to release drugs directly within the target after a stimulus can drastically improve the therapeutics efficiency by reducing side effects. Gold nanoparticles offer one of the most suitable platforms for the development of modular nano-devices. On the one hand, their surface properties enable effective coating by peptides containing at least one cysteine, thus yielding stable and non-cytotoxic systems. On the other, their intriguing photophysics, charact…

Kinetic solvent effects on the reaction of an aromatic ketone pi,pi* triplet with phenol. rate-retarding and rate-accelerating effects of hydrogen-bond acceptor solvents.

Quenching of the 2-benzoylthiophene π,π* triplet, 3BT*, by phenol yields the corresponding ketyl and phenoxyl radicals. Reaction rates were measured in 10 solvents having a range of hydrogen-bond acceptor strengths (β2H values). There appear to be two mechanisms:  (i) a bimolecular reaction of 3BT* with “free” (i.e., not H-bonded) phenol in which the 3BT* accepts both a proton and an electron from the phenol, the rate decreasing as β2H increases; (ii) a trimolecular reaction of 3BT* with phenol that is H-bonded to a solvent molecule, PhO−H···S, in which the proton goes to the S and the electron to the 3BT*, the rate increasing as β2H increases.

ChemInform Abstract: Novel Unsymmetrical ortho-Metalated Dirhodium(II) Catalysts: trans Influence of the Axial Ligand.

Inductive effects of an X axial group which are transmitted through the RhRh bond influence the reactivity of ortho-metalated dirhodium complexes 3 in the cyclization of 1-diazo-5-penten-2-one (4).

A Highly Regio-, Diastereo- and Enantioselective Intramolecular Cyclopropanation Reaction of a Racemic α-Diazo Ketone Catalyzed by Chiral ortho-Metalated Dirhodium(II) Compounds.

Abstract A series of racemic dirhodium(II) compounds with two ortho-metalated aryl phosphine ligands in a head-to-tail arrangement Rh2(O2CR)2(pc)2 (pc=ortho-metalated aryl phosphine) (1a–k) were tested in the regio- and stereoselective cyclopropanation of racemic 1-diazo-6-methyl-3-(2-propenyl)-5-hepten-2-one 2, which possesses two different reactive CC double bonds for a five-membered-ring formation. The complexes Rh2(O2CCH3)2(pc)2 {pc=[(C6H4)P(C6H5)2], [(p-CH3C6H3)P(p-CH3C6H4)2], and [(C6H4)P(C6H5)(C6F5)]} (1a–d) successfully enhanced the cyclopropanation of trisubstituted versus monosubstituted CC bonds to give an 80:20 selectivity ratio. The reaction occurred with excellent diastereos…

Functional Nanohybrids Based on Dyes and Upconversion Nanoparticles

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and dyes are combined to make nanohybrid systems, which take advantage of the synergic relationship between lanthanide (Ln)-based UCNPs and dyes. Ln-UCNPs are inorganic nanophosphors which absorb NIR light and emit narrow emission bands in the UV-NIR region with long luminescence lifetimes. These unique properties, when coordinated properly with dyes of the appropriate photophysical features, produce nanosystems with new photophysical properties. In this context, the UCNP-dye nanohybrids are very promising for potential sensing (ions and biomolecules) and theragnosis (imaging and therapy, e.g. photodynamic therapy).

Data used in article 'Tuning Charge Carrier Dynamics and Surface Passivation in Organolead Halide Perovskites with Capping Ligands and Metal Oxide Interfaces'

Data underlying the article &#39;Tuning Charge Carrier Dynamics and Surface Passivation in Organolead Halide Perovskites with Capping Ligands and Metal Oxide Interfaces&#39; published in Advanced Optical Materials.

CCDC 1578287: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G

CCDC 1578289: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G

CCDC 743200: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Abdelkarim El Moncef, M. Consuelo Cuquerella, Elena Zaballos, Carmen Ramírez de Arellano, Abdeslem Ben-Tama, Salah-Eddine Stiriba and Julia Pérez-Prieto|2010|Chem.Commun.|46|800|doi:10.1039/B915792A

CCDC 1578286: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G

CCDC 1003098: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Anna Company , Gerard Sabenya , María González-Béjar , Laura Gómez , Martin Clémancey , Geneviève Blondin , Andrew J. Jasniewski , Mayank Puri , Wesley R. Browne , Jean-Marc Latour , Lawrence Que Junior, Miquel Costas , Julia Pérez-Prieto, and Julio Lloret-Fillol|2014|J.Am.Chem.Soc.|136|4624|doi:10.1021/ja412059c

CCDC 1578285: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G

CCDC 1578284: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G

CCDC 1578288: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Arnau Call, Federico Franco, Noufal Kandoth, Sergio Fernández, María González-Béjar, Julia Pérez-Prieto, Josep M. Luis, Julio Lloret-Fillol|2018|Chemical Science|9|2609|doi:10.1039/C7SC04328G