Conformational analysis, infrared/Raman spectral assignment, and electronic structural studies of 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone using quantum chemical calculations

Intercellular Matrix Infiltration Improves the Wet Strength of Delignified Wood Composites

Delignified wood (DW) represents a promising bio-based fibrous material as a reinforcing component in high-performance composites. These cellulose composites possess excellent strength and stiffness in the dry state, which are significantly higher than for natural wood. However, in the wet state, a penetrating water layer enters the intercellular regions and disrupts the stress transfer mechanisms between cell fibers in fully DW. This water layer initially facilitates complex shaping of the material but imparts DW composites with very low wet stiffness and strength. Therefore, a sufficient stress transfer in the wet state necessitates a resin impregnation of these intercellular regions, establishing bonding mechanisms between adjacent fibers. Here, we utilize a water-based dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea thermosetting matrix (DMDHEU) and compare it with a non-water-based epoxy matrix. We infiltrate these resins into DW and investigate their spatial distribution by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The water-based resin impregnates the intercellular areas and generates an artificial compound middle lamella, while the epoxy infiltrates only the cell lumina of the dry DW. Tensile tests in the dry and wet states show that the DMDHEU matrix infiltration of the intercellular areas and the cell wall results in a higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to the epoxy resin. Here, the artificial compound middle lamella made of DMDHEU bonds adjacent fibers together and substantially increases the composites' wet strength. This study elucidates the importance of the interaction and spatial distribution of the resin system within the DW structure to improve mechanical properties, particularly in the wet state.

Design, synthesis, structural and molecular characterization, toxicity, psychotropic activity and molecular docking evaluation of a novel phenytoin derivative: 3-decyl-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione

The hydantoin scaffold is of substantial importance and it is commonly used in drug discovery. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel phenytoine (a hydantoin derivative) with high yield by the reaction of phenytoin with 1-bromodecyl agent. Namely, 3-decyl-5,5- diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (3DDID). The optimized geometry of the compound was calculated using density functional theory (DFT) method by B3LYP with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. For this calculation, the X-ray data were used as initial values. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface and Frontier molecular orbitals (FOMs) were prepared for the compound. The crystal structure of the title compound contains intermolecular N-H···O, C-H···O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H···π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis and 2D fingerprint plots of the molecule aid comparison of intermolecular interactions and these analysis reveals that two close contacts are associated with intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The psychotropic activity evaluation of the synthesized compound was further explored using hole bored test for exploratory behaviors, dark//light box test for anxiolytic activity and Rota-road, traction, chimney testes were used to assess the myrelaxant effect. In addition, molecular modeling study was also conducted to rationalize the potential as neurotherapeutic drugs of our synthesized compound by predicting their binding modes, binding affinities and optimal orientation at the active site of the GABA-A receptor and Na⁺ channel. Finally, in silico ADMET predictions was also examined. HighlightsSynthesis, structural, and molecular characterization of a novel phenytoin derivative.DFT, XRD, and the Hirshfeld surface analysis of crystal structure was studied.Acute toxicity and psychotropic activity evaluation of 3-decyl-5,5 diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (3DDID).Molecular modeling studies have been conducted to rationalize the obtained data and to determine the probable binding mode.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.