Blue-shifting hydrogen bonds—are they improper or proper?

Effect of pH-Dependent Homo/Heteronuclear CAHB on Adsorption and Desorption Behaviors of Ionizable Organic Compounds on Carbonaceous Materials

Herein, the adsorption/desorption behaviors of benzoic acid (BA) and phthalic acid (PA) on three functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at various pH were investigated, and the charge-assisted H-bond (CAHB) was verified by DFT and FTIR analyses to play a key role. The results indicated that the adsorption order of BA and PA on CNTs was different from K_ow of that at pH 2.0, 4.0, and 7.0 caused by the CAHB interaction. The strength of homonuclear CAHB (≥78.96 kJ·mol^-1) formed by BA/PA on oxidized CNTs is stronger than that of heteronuclear CAHB formed between BA/PA and amino-functionalized CNTs (≤51.66 kJ·mol^-1). Compared with the heteronuclear CAHB (Hysteresis index, HI ≥ 1.47), the stronger homonuclear CAHB leads to clearly desorption hysteresis (HI ≥ 3.51). Additionally, the contribution of homonuclear CAHB (≥52.70%) was also greater than that of heteronuclear CAHB (≤45.79%) at pH 7.0. These conclusions were further confirmed by FTIR and DFT calculation, and the crucial evidence of CAHB formation in FTIR was found. The highlight of this work is the identification of the importance and difference of pH-dependent homonuclear/heteronuclear CAHB on the adsorption and desorption behaviors of ionizable organic compounds on carbonaceous materials, which can provide a deeper understanding for the removal of ionizable organic compounds by designed carbonaceous materials.

Direct Spectroscopic Evidence for Charge-Assisted Hydrogen-Bond Formation between Ionizable Organic Chemicals and Carbonaceous Materials

The direct evidence for the formation of charge-assisted hydrogen bond (CAHB) between the charged groups of ionizable organic chemicals (IOCs) and carbonaceous materials with similar proton affinity remains elusive. We therefore selected three pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) as representative IOCs to provide the direct evidence of CAHB formation between IOCs and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and its intensity/contribution to PC sorption on CNTs by NMR, FTIR, and DFT analyses. Sorption of PCs on functionalized CNTs resulted in the FTIR characteristic peak that appeared at a higher frequency (3787 cm^-1) and the ¹H NMR characteristic peak that emerged at an extremely low-field region (<18.0 ppm), which can be used as the direct spectroscopic evidence for CAHB formation. Both homonuclear CAHB (HM-CAHB, e.g., [O-H···O]^-) and heteronuclear CAHB (HT-CAHB, e.g., [N⁺-H···O^-]/[O-H···N]⁺) exhibited a much higher sorption energy (|E_ads| ≥ 56.24 kJ/mol) than ordinary hydrogen bond (OHB, |E_ads| ≤ 6.136 kJ/mol), leading to a greater sorption contribution (HM-/HT-CAHB ≥ 42.3%, OHB ≤ 36.5%) and irreversibility (hysteresis index: HM-/HT-CAHB ≥ 1.69, OHB ≤ 0.43) of PCs on CNTs. This work presents the direct evidence for CAHB formation between IOCs and CNTs, which is significant for understanding and predicting the environmental fate and risk of IOCs, thus providing new insights for controlling their pollution using specifically designed carbonaceous materials.

Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Characterization of the R3 N+ -C-H⋅⋅⋅X Interaction

As appreciation for nonclassical hydrogen bonds has progressively increased, so have efforts to characterize these interesting interactions. Whereas several kinds of C-H hydrogen bonds have been well-studied, much less is known about the R₃ N⁺ -C-H⋅⋅⋅X variety. Herein, we present crystallographic and spectroscopic evidence for the existence of these interactions, with special relevance to Selectfluor chemistry. Of particular note is the propensity for Lewis bases to engage in nonclassical hydrogen bonding over halogen bonding with the electrophilic F atom of Selectfluor. Further, the first examples of ¹ H NMR experiments detailing R₃ N⁺ -C-H⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, N) hydrogen bonds are described.

A plethora of isomerization processes and hydrogen scrambling in the fragmentation of the methanol dimer cation: a PEPICO study

The valence photoionization of light and deuterated methanol dimers was studied by imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy in the 10.00-10.35 eV photon energy range. Methanol clusters were generated in a rich methanol beam in nitrogen after expansion into vacuum. They generally photoionize dissociatively to protonated methanol cluster cations, (CH₃OH)_nH⁺. However, the stable dimer parent ion (CH₃OH)₂⁺ is readily detected below the dissociation threshold to yield the dominant CH₃OH₂⁺ fragment ion. In addition to protonated methanol, we could also detect the water- and methyl-loss fragment ions of the methanol dimer cation for the first time. These newly revealed fragmentation channels are slow and cannot compete with protonated methanol cation formation at higher internal energies. In fact, the water- and methyl-loss fragment ions appear together and disappear at a ca. 150 meV higher energy in the breakdown diagram. Experiments with selectively deuterated methanol samples showed H scrambling involving two hydroxyl and one methyl hydrogens prior to protonated methanol formation. These insights guided the potential energy surface exploration to rationalize the dissociative photoionization mechanism. The potential energy surface was further validated by a statistical model including isotope effects to fit the experiment for the light and the perdeuterated methanol dimers simultaneously. The (CH₃OH)₂⁺ parent ion dissociates via five parallel channels at low internal energies. The loss of both CH₂OH and CH₃O neutral fragments leads to protonated methanol. However, the latter, direct dissociation channel is energetically forbidden at low energies. Instead, an isomerization transition state is followed by proton transfer from a methyl group, which leads to the CH₃(H)OH⁺⋯CH₂OH ion, the precursor to the CH₂OH-, H₂O-, and CH₃-loss fragments after further isomerization steps, in part by a roaming mechanism. Water loss yields the ethanol cation, and two paths are proposed to account for m/z 49 fragment ions after CH₃ loss. The roaming pathways are quickly outcompeted by hydrogen bond breaking to yield CH₃OH₂⁺, which explains the dominance of the protonated methanol fragment ion in the mass spectrum.

Adsorption, desorption and coadsorption behaviors of sulfamerazine, Pb(II) and benzoic acid on carbon nanotubes and nano-silica

In this study, nano-silica (Nano-SiO₂), oxidized (O-CNTs) and graphitized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (G-CNTs) were applied as model adsorbents to study the adsorption, desorption and coadsorption behaviors of sulfamerazine (SMR), Pb(II) and benzoic acid (BA). The results showed that charge assisted H-bond (CAHB) formation played an important role in adsorption of SMR and BA on O-riched nanomaterials. The adsorption capacities of Pb(II) on CNTs were 21.46- 26.77 times higher than that on Nano-SiO₂, which was mainly attributed to surface complexation and cation-π interaction. The fraction of Pb²⁺ adsorbed in the inside channel of CNTs should not be ignored. In coexisting systems, the absolute sorption inhibition of the SMR (ΔQ_e^SMR) was compared with the amount of competitor adsorbed. Competitive sorption was observed as indicated by adding Pb(II) decreased adsorption of SMR on Nano-SiO₂ (ΔQ_e^SMR > 0), but hardly affected SMR adsorption on CNTs (ΔQ_e^SMR ≈ 0) which was attributed to cation-π interaction. In addition, CAHB formed between SMR and Nano-SiO₂ (ΔpK_a ≈ 4.34) was weaker than that formed between SMR and O-CNTs (ΔpK_a ≈ 3.15), which also consequently resulted in stronger competition of Pb(II) to SMR on Nano-SiO₂ than that on O-CNTs. Moreover, coexisting BA increased adsorption of SMR on Nano-SiO₂ and G-CNTs (ΔQ_e^SMR < 0), but did not result in an apparent competition on SMR adsorption by O-CNTs (ΔQ_e^SMR ≈ 0). These results emphasize that the environmental behaviors of a certain pollutant should be assessed carefully by considering the presence of other pollutants.

C-H···O Hydrogen Bonding. The Prototypical Methane-Formaldehyde System: A Critical Assessment

Distinguishing the functionality of C-H···O hydrogen bonds (HBs) remains challenging, because their properties are difficult to quantify reliably. Herein, we present a study of the model methane-formaldehyde complex (MFC). Six stationary points on the MFC potential energy surface (PES) were obtained at the CCSD(T)/ANO2 level. The CCSDT(Q)/CBS interaction energies of the conformers range from only -1.12 kcal mol^-1 to -0.33 kcal mol^-1, denoting a very flat PES. Notably, only the lowest energy stationary point (MFC1) corresponds to a genuine minimum, whereas all other stationary points-including the previously studied ideal case of a_e(C-H···O) = 180°-exhibit some degree of freedom that leads to MFC1. Despite the flat PES, we clearly see that the HB properties of MFC1 align with those of the prototypical water dimer O-H···O HB. Each HB property generally becomes less prominent in the higher-energy conformers. Only the MFC1 conformer prominently exhibits (1) elongated C-H donor bonds, (2) attractive C-H···O═C interactions, (3) n(O) → σ*(C-H) hyperconjugation, (4) critical points in the electron density from Bader's method and from the noncovalent interactions method, (5) positively charged donor hydrogen, and (6) downfield NMR chemical shifts and nonzero ²J(C_M-H_M···O_F) coupling constants. Based on this research, some issues merit further study. The flat PES hinders reliable determinations of the HB-induced shifts of the C-H stretches; a similarly difficult challenge is observed for the experiment. The role of charge transfer in HBs remains an intriguing open question, although our BLW and NBO computations suggest that it is relevant to the C-H···O HB geometries. These issues notwithstanding, the prominence of the HB properties in MFC1 serves as clear evidence that the MFC is predominantly bound by a C-H···O HB.

Fe3O4@zirconium phosphate core–shell nanoparticles for pH-sensitive and magnetically guided drug delivery applications

Fe₃O₄@zirconium phosphate core–shell nanoparticles with good biocompatibility have been synthesized for pH-sensitive and magnetically guided drug delivery applications.

Sonochemically synthesized biocompatible zirconium phosphate nanoparticles for pH sensitive drug delivery application

The present work reports the synthesis of biocompatible zirconium phosphate (ZP) nanoparticles as nanocarrier for drug delivery application. The ZP nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple sonochemical method in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and their efficacy for the delivery of drugs has been tested through various in-vitro experiments. The particle size and BET surface area of the nanoparticles were found to be ~48 nm and 206.51 m(2)/g respectively. The conventional MTT assay and cellular localization studies of the particles, performed on MDA-MB-231 cell lines, demonstrate their excellent biocompatibility and cellular internalization behavior. The loading of curcumin, an antitumor drug, onto the ZP nanoparticles shows the rapid drug uptake ability of the particles, while the drug release study, performed at two different pH values (at 7.4 and 5) depicts pH sensitive release-profile. The MTT assay and cellular localization studies revealed higher cellular inhibition and better bioavailability of the nanoformulated curcumin compared to free curcumin.

Probing zeolites by vibrational spectroscopies

This review addresses the most relevant aspects of vibrational spectroscopies (IR, Raman and INS) applied to zeolites and zeotype materials. Surface Brønsted and Lewis acidity and surface basicity are treated in detail. The role of probe molecules and the relevance of tuning both the proton affinity and the steric hindrance of the probe to fully understand and map the complex site population present inside microporous materials are critically discussed. A detailed description of the methods needed to precisely determine the IR absorption coefficients is given, making IR a quantitative technique. The thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process that can be extracted from a variable-temperature IR study are described. Finally, cutting-edge space- and time-resolved experiments are reviewed. All aspects are discussed by reporting relevant examples. When available, the theoretical literature related to the reviewed experimental results is reported to support the interpretation of the vibrational spectra on an atomic level.

CH-π hydrogen bonds in biological macromolecules

This is a sequel to the previous Perspective "The CH-π hydrogen bond in chemistry. Conformation, supramolecules, optical resolution and interactions involving carbohydrates", which featured in a PCCP themed issue on "Weak Hydrogen Bonds - Strong Effects?": Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 13873-13900. Evidence that weak hydrogen bonds play an enormously important role in chemistry and biochemistry has now accumulated to an extent that the rigid classical concept of hydrogen bonds formulated by Pauling needs to be seriously revised and extended. The concept of a more generalized hydrogen bond definition is indispensable for understanding the folding mechanisms of proteins. The CH-π hydrogen bond, a weak molecular force occurring between a soft acid CH and a soft base π-electron system, among all is one of the most important and plays a functional role in defining the conformation and stability of 3D structures as well as in many molecular recognition events. This concept is also valuable in structure-based drug design efforts. Despite their frequent occurrence in organic molecules and bio-molecules, the importance of CH-π hydrogen bonds is still largely unknown to many chemists and biochemists. Here we present a review that deals with the evidence, nature, characteristics and consequences of the CH-π hydrogen bond in biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and polysaccharides). It is hoped that the present Perspective will show the importance of CH-π hydrogen bonds and stimulate interest in the interactions of biological macromolecules, one of the most fascinating fields in bioorganic chemistry. Implication of this concept is enormous and valuable in the scientific community.

Evidence of blue-shifting N–H⋯N hydrogen bonding despite elongation of the N–H bond

N–H⋯N hydrogen bonding between pyrrole and N₂ results blue shift of ν_N–H accompanied by an increase in the N–H bond length.

Experimental and theoretical study of the intramolecular C-H···N and C-H···S hydrogen bonding effects in the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the 2-(alkylsulfanyl)-5-amino-1-vinylpyrroles: a particular state of amine nitrogen

In the (1)H NMR spectra of the 1-vinylpyrroles with amino- and alkylsulfanyl groups in 5 and 2 positions, an extraordinarily large difference between resonance positions of the HA and HB terminal methylene protons of the vinyl group is discovered. Also, the one-bond (1)J(C(β),H(B)) coupling constant is surprisingly greater than the (1)J(C(β),H(A)) coupling constant in pyrroles under investigation, while in all known cases, there was a reverse relationship between these coupling constants. These spectral anomalies are substantiated by quantum chemical calculations. The calculations show that the amine nitrogen lone pair is removed from the conjugation with the π-system of the pyrrole ring so that it is directed toward the HB hydrogen. These factors are favorable to the emergence of the intramolecular C-HB •••N hydrogen bonding in the s-cis(N) conformation. On the other hand, the spatial proximity of the sulfur to the HB hydrogen provides an opportunity of the intramolecular C-HB •••S hydrogen bonding in the s-cis(S) conformation. Presence of the hydrogen bond critical points as well as ring critical point for corresponding chelate ring revealed by a quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approach confirms the existence of the weak intramolecular C-H•••N and C-H•••S hydrogen bonding. Therefore, an unusual high-frequency shift of the HB signal and the increase in the (1)J(C(β),H(B)) coupling constant can be explained by the effects of hydrogen bonding.

Evidence of π-stacking interactions in the self-assembly of hIAPP(22-29)

The role aromatic amino acids play in the formation of amyloid is a subject of controversy. In an effort to clarify the contribution of aromaticity to the self-assembly of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP)22-29 , peptide analogs containing electron donating groups (EDGs) or electron withdrawing groups (EWGs) as substituents on the aromatic ring of Phe-23 at the para position have been synthesized and characterized using turbidity measurements in conjunction with Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicate the incorporation of EDGs on the aromatic ring of Phe-23 virtually abolish the ability of hIAPP22-29 to form amyloid. Peptides containing EWGs were still capable of forming aggregates. These aggregates were found to be rich in β-sheet secondary structure. Transmission electron microscopy images of the aggregates confirm the presence of amyloid fibrils. The observed difference in amyloidogenic propensity between peptides containing EDGs and those with EWGs appears not to be based on differences in peptide hydrophobicity. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal that the environment surrounding the aromatic ring becomes more hydrophobic and ordered upon aggregation. Furthermore, Raman measurements of peptide analogs containing EWGs, conclusively demonstrate a distinct downshift in the CC ring mode (ca. 1600 cm(-1) ) upon aggregation that has previously been shown to be indicative of π-stacking. While previous work has demonstrated that π-stacking is not an absolute requirement for fibrillization, our findings indicate that Phe-23 also contributes to fibril formation through π-stacking interactions and that it is not only the hydrophobic nature of this residue that is relevant in the self-assembly of hIAPP22-29 . © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stereospecificity of (1) H, (13) C and (15) N shielding constants in the isomers of methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazone: problem with configurational assignment based on (1) H chemical shifts

In the (13) C NMR spectra of methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazone, the (13) C-5 signal is shifted to higher frequencies, while the (13) C-6 signal is shifted to lower frequencies on going from the EE to ZE isomer following the trend found previously. Surprisingly, the (1) H-6 chemical shift and (1) J(C-6,H-6) coupling constant are noticeably larger in the ZE isomer than in the EE isomer, although the configuration around the -CH═N- bond does not change. This paradox can be rationalized by the C-H⋯N intramolecular hydrogen bond in the ZE isomer, which is found from the quantum-chemical calculations including Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis. This hydrogen bond results in the increase of δ((1) H-6) and (1) J(C-6,H-6) parameters. The effect of the C-H⋯N hydrogen bond on the (1) H shielding and one-bond (13) C-(1) H coupling complicates the configurational assignment of the considered compound because of these spectral parameters. The (1) H, (13) C and (15) N chemical shifts of the 2- and 8-(CH(3) )(2) N groups attached to the -C(CH(3) )═N- and -CH═N- moieties, respectively, reveal pronounced difference. The ab initio calculations show that the 8-(CH(3) )(2) N group conjugate effectively with the π-framework, and the 2-(CH(3) )(2) N group twisted out from the plane of the backbone and loses conjugation. As a result, the degree of charge transfer from the N-2- and N-8- nitrogen lone pairs to the π-framework varies, which affects the (1) H, (13) C and (15) N shieldings.

Bonding topology, hydrogen bond strength, and vibrational chemical shifts on hetero-ring hydrogen-bonded complexes — Theoretical insights revisited

This work presents a theoretical study about the interaction strength of the hydrogen-bonded complexes C2H4O···HF, C3H6O···HF, C2H4O···HCF3, and C3H6O···HCF3 at the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) level. The structures, hydrogen bond energies, charge transfers, and dipole moments of these complexes were analyzed in accordance with routine spectroscopy events, such as the red- and blue-shifts on the stretch frequencies of the proton donors (HF and HCF3). The ChelpG atomic charges were used to quantify the charge-transfer fluxes from electron donor (O) towards to acceptors (HF or HCF3). Moreover, the topological calculations on the basis of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approach were also used to unveil the hydrogen bond strength (O···H), mainly in the determination of their electronic densities and Laplacian shapes.