Accurate molecular weight determination of small molecules via DOSY-NMR by using external calibration curves with normalized diffusion coefficients

Internally Referenced DOSY-NMR: A Novel Analytical Method in Revealing the Solution Structure of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes

A novel methodology is reported on the use of internally referenced diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (IR-DOSY) in divulging the solution structure of lithium-ion battery electrolytes. Toluene was utilized as the internal reference for ¹H-DOSY analysis due to its exceptionally low donor number and reasonable solubility in various electrolytes. With the introduction of the internal reference, the solvent coordination ratio of different species in the electrolytes can be easily determined by ¹H-DOSY or ⁷Li-DOSY. This new technique was applied to different carbonate electrolytes, and the results were consistent with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Compared to conventional vibrational spectroscopy, this IR-DOSY technique avoids the complicated deconvolution of the spectrum and allows determination of the solvent coordination ratio of different species in electrolyte systems with two or more organic solvents.

Donor-influenced Structure-Activity Correlations in Stoichiometric and Catalytic Reactions of Lithium Monoamido-Monohydrido-Dialkylaluminates

A series of heteroleptic monoamido‐monohydrido‐dialkylaluminate complexes of general formula [iBu₂AlTMPHLi⋅donor] were synthesized and characterised in solution and in the solid state. Applying these complexes in catalytic hydroboration reactions with representative aldehydes and ketones reveals that all are competent, however a definite donor substituent effect is discernible. The bifunctional nature of the complexes is also probed by assessing their performance in metallation of a triazole and phenylacetylene and addition across pyrazine. These results lead to an example of phenylacetylene hydroboration, which likely proceeds via deprotonation, rather than insertion as observed with the aldehydes and ketones. Collectively, the results emphasise that reactivity is strongly influenced by both the mixed‐metal constitution and mixed‐ligand constitution of the new aluminates.

Aggregated initiators: defining their role in the ROP of rac-lactide

Reported examples of aggregated initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of lactide often lack detailed investigations as to the nature of the active species, making it difficult to reconcile ligand design with performance. Here, we offer additional stability to the polynuclear titanium complexes, TiL(OiPr) (L = 9-14), through a bridging carboxylate anchored to the supporting amine bis(phenolate) ligands. An in-depth study of solution-state behaviour determined the process of assembly was driven by interactions between the carboxylate and a vacant site on a neighbouring titanium centre. Furthermore, we establish that mononuclear units form dynamic mixtures of polynuclear aggregates, with a clear relationship between nuclearity of the aggregates and the steric bulk on the ligand. Smaller aggregates displayed increased activity towards the ROP of rac-lactide. Furthermore, addition of a chiral centre, on the ligand framework, was investigated as a route to influence the selectivity of the polymerisation via easily-accessible initiators.

Carbohydrate/DBU Cocatalyzed Alkene Diboration: Mechanistic Insight Provides Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency and Substrate Scope

A mechanistic investigation of the carbohydrate/DBU cocatalyzed enantioselective diboration of alkenes is presented. These studies provide an understanding of the origin of stereoselectivity and also reveal a strategy for enhancing reactivity and broadening the substrate scope.

Improving the Interpretation of Small Molecule Diffusion Coefficients

Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) is increasingly widely used for the analysis of mixtures by NMR spectroscopy, dispersing the signals of different species according to their diffusion coefficients. DOSY is used primarily to distinguish between the signals of different species, with the interpretation of the diffusion coefficients observed usually being purely qualitative, for example to deduce whether one species is bigger or smaller than another. In principle, the actual values of diffusion coefficient obtained carry important information about the sizes of different species and on interactions between species, but the relationship between diffusion coefficient and molecular mass is in general a very complex one. Here a recently proposed analytical relationship between diffusion coefficient and molecular mass for the restricted case of small organic molecules is tested against a wide range of data from the scientific literature and generalized to cover a range of solvents and temperatures.

Triangles and Squares for a Unique Molecular Crystal Structure: Unsupported Two-Coordinate Lithium Cations and CC Agostic Interactions in Cyclopropyllithium Derivatives

Understanding and controlling the aggregation state is germane to alkyllithium chemistry. Lewis base-free alkyllithium compounds normally form tetrahedral tetramers or octahedral hexamers in the solid state with the lithium cations being three-coordinate. We report that the unsupported cyclopropyl derivative 1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropyllithium [{μ-c-C(SiMe₃ )C₂ H₄ }Li]₄ (1), synthesized by the reduction of 1-(phenylthio)-1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopropane, crystallizes as a tetramer in the space group I-4 with the two-coordinate lithium atoms forming a square. CC agostic interactions complete the coordination sphere around each lithium. The aggregate is preserved in hydrocarbon solution. Furthermore, CC agostic interactions compete intra- and intermolecularly with Lewis base donation as in the unsaturated dimer of 1-(phenylthio)cyclopropyllithium [Li(thf)₂ {μ-c-C(SPh)C₂ H₄ }₂ Li (thf)] (3) which is also fully characterized.

Altered Serum Metabolite Profiling and Relevant Pathway Analysis in Rats Stimulated by Honeybee Venom: New Insight into Allergy to Honeybee Venom

To improve our understanding of the disturbed metabolic pathways and cellular responses triggered by honeybee venom stimulation, we compared the changes in serum metabolites in rats, either stimulated or not by honeybee venom, by performing ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry-based metabonomics to identify potential biomarkers. In this study, 65 metabolites were structurally confirmed and quantified and the following results were obtained. First, by pattern recognition analysis, 14 metabolites were selected as potential biomarkers 3 h after venom stimulation. Second, metabolic pathway analysis showed that methane metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism were affected. Finally, the time-dependent metabolic modifications indicated that rats could recover without medical treatment 24 h after venom stimulation. In summary, this new insight into the changes in serum metabolites in rats after honeybee venom stimulation has enhanced our understanding of the response of an organism to honeybee venom.

Solution structures of alkali metal cyclopentadienides in THF estimated by ECC-DOSY NMR-spectroscopy (incl. software)

In this paper we present the aggregational motifs of the widely used alkali-metal cyclopentadienides (CpLi, CpNa, CpK, CpRb, CpCs) in THF-d₈ solution estimated by ECC-DOSY NMR spectroscopy. They form monomeric contact ion pairs (CIPs) in THF-d₈ solution, whereas in NH₃ solvent-separated ion pairs (SSIPs) are observed. The applicability of ECC-DOSY is further advanced by introducing ECC-MW estimation software.

Tetranuclear and dinuclear phenoxido bridged copper complexes based on unsymmetrical thiosemicarbazone ligands

Dinuclear and tetranuclear copper(ii) complexes based on N,S ligand systems in the solid state and in solution are described.

Spatially encoded diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy of reaction mixtures in organic solvents

Using a spatial encoding of the diffusion dimension, DOSY NMR data are acquired in less than one second for reaction mixtures in organic solvents.

A Water-Containing Organopotassium Compound Based on Bis(4,6-tBu-benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide and Its Unexpected Stability to Hydrolysis

The bulky bis(4,6-tBu-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane ligand system enabled the synthesis of the water-containing organometallic potassium complex [(18-crown-6)K{(4,6-tBu-OCNC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}⋅H₂ O] (2), which is an unprecedented example of a water-stable reactive organopotassium compound. Furthermore, 2 is a rare example of a bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide ligand displaying solely O-coordination to a metal ion. Compound 2 was fully characterized through its solid-state structure. Furthermore, its behavior in solution was investigated by NMR titration DOSY experiments. These revealed full protonation of the complex only after seven days and the addition of 114 equivalents of water.

Novel method for the determination of average molecular weight of natural polymers based on 2D DOSY NMR and chemometrics: Example of heparin

Apart from the characterization of impurities, the full characterization of heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) also requires the determination of average molecular weight, which is closely related to the pharmaceutical properties of anticoagulant drugs. To determine average molecular weight of these animal-derived polymer products, partial least squares regression (PLS) was utilized for modelling of diffused-ordered spectroscopy NMR data (DOSY) of a representative set of heparin (n=32) and LMWH (n=30) samples. The same sets of samples were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to obtain reference data. The application of PLS to the data led to calibration models with root mean square error of prediction of 498Da and 179Da for heparin and LMWH, respectively. The average coefficients of variation (CVs) did not exceed 2.1% excluding sample preparation (by successive measuring one solution, n=5) and 2.5% including sample preparation (by preparing and analyzing separate samples, n=5). An advantage of the method is that the sample after standard 1D NMR characterization can be used for the molecular weight determination without further manipulation. The accuracy of multivariate models is better than the previous results for other matrices employing internal standards. Therefore, DOSY experiment is recommended to be employed for the calculation of molecular weight of heparin products as a complementary measurement to standard 1D NMR quality control. The method can be easily transferred to other matrices as well.

Highly Active and Readily Accessible Proline-Based Dizinc Catalyst for CO2 /Epoxide Copolymerization

In the pursuit of CO₂ -based materials, the development of efficient catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of CO₂ and epoxides to give polycarbonates is receiving particular attention. Desirable attributes for such catalysts are high copolymerization activity at low CO₂ pressure, as well as chemo- and stereocontrol over the formed polymer. Here, we report a novel chiral zinc catalyst that can be isolated in 97 % yield from commercial sources, and that produces polycarbonates selectively from neat cyclohexene oxide under 1 bar of CO₂ pressure at temperatures above 50 °C. At 80 °C reaction temperature, TONs of 1684 and initial TOFs up to 149 h^-1 were measured, producing an isotactic-enriched polycarbonate with a probability P_m of 65 % for the formation of a meso diad. Insight into the dinuclear nature of the active species and the copolymerization progress has been gained from structural and spectroscopic studies.

Molecular weight prediction in polystyrene blends. Unprecedented use of a genetic algorithm in pulse field gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR

A genetic algorithm that uses boxcar functions (diffGA) has been applied for the first time in PGSE NMR. It reconstructs accurate diffusion coefficients for all the components of the mixture, and therefore predicts correct weight-average molecular weights for all of them. The results reported herein complement those obtained with established methods such as ITAMeD, CONTIN and TRAIn algorithms, and provide a detailed solution picture. Its robustness and limits have been stretched in order to ascertain the minimum separation within diffusion coefficients or relative proportion between components. In addition, the new genetic algorithm has been also applied to a mixture of small molecules, providing excellent results at very low computational times.

A Novel Bulky Heteroaromatic-Substituted Methanide Mimicking NacNac: Bis(4,6-tert-butylbenzoxazol-2-yl)methanide in s-Block Metal Coordination

A novel bulky bis(4,6-tBu-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane ligand was synthesized in a straightforward three-step synthesis. The corresponding complexes [Li{(4,6-tBu-NCOC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}THF], [K{η⁵ -(4,6-tBu-NCOC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}]_∞ , and [MgCl{(4,6-tBu-NCOC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}(THF)₂ ] were obtained upon metalation with alkaline or alkaline-earth-metal reagents. Reduction of [MgCl{(4,6-tBu-NCOC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}(THF)₂ ] with potassium metal or KC₈ led to the formation of the homoleptic compound [Mg{(4,6-tBu-NCOC₆ H₂ )₂ CH}₂ ]. All compounds were fully characterized. Their solid-state structures as well as their behavior in solution, which was analyzed with the help of advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques, are discussed in detail.

Six States Switching of Redox-Active Molecular Tweezers by Three Orthogonal Stimuli

A six level molecular switch based on terpyridine(Ni-salphen)₂ tweezers and addressable by three orthogonal stimuli (metal coordination, redox reaction, and guest binding) is reported. By a metal coordination stimulus, the tweezers can be mechanically switched from an open "W"-shaped conformation to a closed "U"-shaped form. Theses two states can each be reversibly oxidized by the redox stimulus and bind to a pyrazine guest resulting in four additional states. All six states are stable and accessible by the right combination of stimuli and were studied by NMR, XRD, EPR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. The combination of the supramolecular concepts of mechanical motion and guest binding with the redox noninnocent and valence tautomerism properties of Ni-salphen complexes added two new dimensions to a mechanical switch.

Ligand Binding Constants to Lithium Hexamethyldisilazide Determined by Diffusion-Ordered NMR Spectroscopy

We report the direct measurement of ligand-binding constants of organolithium complexes using a ¹H NMR/diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) titration technique. Lithium hexamethyldisilazide complexes with ethereal and ester donor ligands (THF, diethyl ether, MTBE, THP, tert-butyl acetate) are characterized using ¹H NMR and X-ray crystallography. Their aggregation and solvation states are confirmed using diffusion coefficient-formula weight correlation analysis, and the ¹H NMR/DOSY titration technique is applied to obtain their binding constants. Our work suggests that steric hindrance of ethereal ligands plays an important role in the aggregation, solvation, and reactivity of these complexes. It is noteworthy that diffusion methodology is utilized to obtain binding constants.

Applications of NMR diffusion methods with emphasis on ion pairing in inorganic chemistry: a mini-review

This mini-review provides a brief overview of the use of NMR diffusion methods in connection with estimating molecular weights in solution, recognizing hydrogen bonding and encapsulation processes and, primarily, identifying and estimating the varying degrees of ion pairing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Redox-Active N-Heterocyclic Germylenes and Stannylenes with a Ferrocene-1,1'-diyl Backbone

We describe ferrocene-based N-heterocyclic germylenes and stannylenes of the type [Fe{(η⁵ -C₅ H₄ )NR}₂ E:] (1 RE; E=Ge, Sn; R=neopentyl (Np), mesityl (Mes), trimethylsilyl (TMS)), which constitute the first examples of redox-functionalised N-heterocyclic tetrylenes (NHTs). These compounds are thermally stable and were structurally characterised by means of X-ray diffraction studies, except for the neopentyl-substituted stannylene 1 NpSn, the decomposition of which afforded the aminoiminoferrocene [fc(NHCH₂ tBu)(N=CHtBu)] (2) and the spiro tin(IV) compound (1 Np)₂ Sn (3). DFT calculations show that the HOMO of the NHTs of our study is localised on the ferrocenylene backbone. A one-electron oxidation process affords ions of the type 1 RE^+. . In contrast to the NHC system 1 RC, the localised ferrocenium-type nature of the oxidised form does not compromise the fundamental tetrylene character of 1 RE^+. .

Ligand-induced reactivity of β-diketiminate magnesium complexes for regioselective functionalization of fluoroarenes via C–H or C–F bond activations

Using β-diketiminate sheltered Mg manifolds with an alkyl or amido ligand enables fine-tuning of their reactivity for chemoselective functionalization of fluoroarenes via either Mg–H exchange or C–F bond activation.

Exploring the solid state and solution structural chemistry of the utility amide potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS)

The coordination chemistry of the important potassium amide KHMDS has been explored both in the solid state and in solution.

Pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance measurements (PFG NMR) for diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) mapping

The advent of Diffusion Ordered SpectroscopY (DOSY) NMR has enabled diffusion coefficients to be routinely measured and used to characterize chemical systems in solution. Indeed, DOSY NMR allows the separation of the chemical entities present in multicomponent systems and provides information on their intermolecular interactions as well as on their size and shape.

Tridentate Lewis-acids based on triphenylsilane

Triphenylsilanes are versatile propeller-shaped building blocks and have been used for the syntheses of several novel poly-Lewis-acids. The first solid-state structure of a bisma-silatriptycene as well as investigations in host–guest chemistry of a triple alane with a threefold amine are reported.

Lithium Dihydropyridine Dehydrogenation Catalysis: A Group 1 Approach to the Cyclization of Diamine Boranes

In reactions restricted previously to a ruthenium catalyst, a 1‐lithium‐2‐alkyl‐1,2‐dihydropyridine complex is shown to be a competitive alternative dehydrogenation catalyst for the transformation of diamine boranes into cyclic 1,3,2‐diazaborolidines, which can in turn be smoothly arylated in good yields. This study established the conditions and solvent dependence of the catalysis through NMR monitoring, with mechanistic insight provided by NMR (including DOSY) experiments and X‐ray crystallographic studies of several model lithio intermediates.

Conformational Polymorphism of Lithium Pinacolone Enolate

A metastable, polymorphic hexameric crystal structure of lithium pinacolone enolate (LiOPin) is reported along with three preparation methods. NMR-based structural characterization implies that the lithium pinacolate hexamer deaggregates to a tetramer in toluene but retains mainly the hexameric structure in nonaromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as cyclohexane. Moreover, the presence of a small amount of lithium aldolate (LiOA) dramatically influences the aggregation state of LiOPin by forming a mixed aggregate with a 3:1 ratio (LiOPin₃·LiOA).

Structural and Mechanistic Insights into s-Block Bimetallic Catalysis: Sodium Magnesiate-Catalyzed Guanylation of Amines

To advance the catalytic applications of s-block mixed-metal complexes, sodium magnesiate [NaMg(CH₂ SiMe₃ )₃ ] (1) is reported as an efficient precatalyst for the guanylation of a variety of anilines and secondary amines with carbodiimides. First examples of hydrophosphination of carbodiimides by using a Mg catalyst are also described. The catalytic ability of the mixed-metal system is much greater than that of its homometallic components [NaCH₂ SiMe₃ ] and [Mg(CH₂ SiMe₃ )₂ ]. Stoichiometric studies suggest that magnesiate amido and guanidinate complexes are intermediates in these catalytic routes. Reactivity and kinetic studies imply that these guanylation reactions occur via (tris)amide intermediates that react with carbodiiimides in insertion steps. The rate law for the guanylation of N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide with 4-tert-butylaniline catalyzed by 1 is first order with respect to [amine], [carbodiimide], and [catalyst], and the reaction shows a large kinetic isotopic effect, which is consistent with an amine-assisted rate-determining carbodiimide insertion transition state. Studies to assess the effect of sodium in these transformations denote a secondary role with little involvement in the catalytic cycle.

Structural Diversity in Alkali Metal and Alkali Metal Magnesiate Chemistry of the Bulky 2,6-Diisopropyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)anilino Ligand

Bulky amido ligands are precious in s-block chemistry, since they can implant complementary strong basic and weak nucleophilic properties within compounds. Recent work has shown the pivotal importance of the base structure with enhancement of basicity and extraordinary regioselectivities possible for cyclic alkali metal magnesiates containing mixed n-butyl/amido ligand sets. This work advances alkali metal and alkali metal magnesiate chemistry of the bulky arylsilyl amido ligand [N(SiMe3 )(Dipp)]- (Dipp=2,6-iPr2 -C6 H3 ). Infinite chain structures of the parent sodium and potassium amides are disclosed, adding to the few known crystallographically characterised unsolvated s-block metal amides. Solvation by N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) or N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) gives molecular variants of the lithium and sodium amides; whereas for potassium, PMDETA gives a molecular structure, TMEDA affords a novel, hemi-solvated infinite chain. Crystal structures of the first magnesiate examples of this amide in [MMg{N(SiMe3 )(Dipp)}2 (μ-nBu)]∞ (M=Na or K) are also revealed, though these breakdown to their homometallic components in donor solvents as revealed through NMR and DOSY studies.

Introducing a Hydrogen-Bond Donor into a Weakly Nucleophilic Brønsted Base: Alkali Metal Hexamethyldisilazides (MHMDS, M=Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs) with Ammonia

Alkali metal 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazide (MHMDSs) are one of the most utilised weakly nucleophilic Brønsted bases in synthetic chemistry and especially in natural product synthesis. Like lithium organics, they aggregate depending on the employed donor solvents. Thus, they show different reactivity and selectivity as a function of their aggregation and solvation state. To date, monomeric LiHMDS with monodentate donor bases was only characterised in solution. Since the first preparation of LiHMDS in 1959 by Wannagat and Niederprüm, all efforts to crystallise monomeric LiHMDS in the absence of chelating ligands failed. Herein, we present ammonia adducts of LiHMDS, NaHMDS, KHMDS, RbHMDS and CsHMDS with unprecedented aggregation motifs: 1) The hitherto missing monomeric key compound in the LiHMDS aggregation architectures. Monomeric crystal structures of trisolvated LiHMDS (1) and NaHMDS (2), showing unique intermolecular hydrogen bonds, 2) the unprecedented tetrasolvated KHMDS (3) and RbHMDS (4) dimers and 3) the disolvated CsHMDS (5) dimer with very close intermolecular Si-CH3 ⋅⋅⋅Cs s-block "agostic" interactions have been prepared and characterised by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis.

Highly selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) ions by using an acridine sensor

Fluorescence spectroscopy investigations of the new acridine derivative bis(N,N-dimethylaminemethylene)acridine (3) show remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) ions in methanol and for the latter even in water. Through the chelation of the metal ions the present PET effect is quenched, significantly enhancing the emission intensity of the fluorophore. In solution, the bonding situation is studied by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy, as well as ESI-TOF mass-spectrometry measurements. The solid state environment is investigated by X-ray diffraction and computational calculations. Here, we can show the complexation of the zinc and cadmium ions by the methylene bridged amine receptors as well as by the nitrogen atom of the acridine system.

Non-cyclic formylated dipyrromethanes as phosphate anion receptors

Tetrakis- and hexakis(1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde) anion receptors are described that undergo conformational reorganization in order to accommodate the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate anions.

New tetrakis- and hexakis(1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde) anion receptors are described. The anion binding properties of these receptors were studied in organic media and in the solid state. The receptors displayed good affinity for the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate anions (as the tetrabutylammonium salts) in chloroform even in the presence of a polar protic solvent, methanol. Solution phase spectroscopic analyses proved consistent with the binding mode seen in single crystal structural studies of the dihydrogenphosphate and pyrophosphate complexes and provided support for the contention that these receptors undergo conformational reorganization in order to accommodate the bound oxoanions both in chloroform solution and in the solid state.

Unprecedented Spectroscopic and Computational Evidence for Allenyl and Propargyl Titanocene(IV) Complexes: Electrophilic Quenching of Their Metallotropic Equilibrium

The synthesis and structural characterization of allenyl titanocene(IV) [TiClCp2 (CH=C=CH2 )] 3 and propargyl titanocene(IV) [TiClCp2 (CH2 -C≡C-(CH2 )4 CH3 )] 9 have been described for the first time. Advanced NMR methods including diffusion NMR methods (diffusion pulsed field gradient stimulated spin echo (PFG-STE) and DOSY) have been applied and established that these organometallics are monomers in THF solution with hydrodynamic radii (from the Stokes-Einstein equation) of 3.5 and 4.1 Å for 3 and 9, respectively. Full (1) H, (13) C, Δ(1) H, and Δ(13) C NMR data are given, and through the analysis of the Ramsey equation, the first electronic insights into these derivatives are provided. In solution, they are involved in their respective metallotropic allenyl-propargyl equilibria that, after quenching experiments with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, ketones, and protonating agents, always give the propargyl products P (when carbonyls are employed), or allenyl products A (when a proton source is added) as the major isomers. In all the cases assayed, the ratio of products suggests that the metallotropic equilibrium should be faster than the reactions of 3 and 9 with electrophiles. Indeed, DFT calculations predict lower Gibbs energy barriers for the metallotropic equilibrium, thus confirming dynamic kinetic resolution.