pKas of P(1)-H deprotonation of all phosphole group compounds, phosphole (C4H4PH), 1,2 and 1,3-diphospholes (C3H3PPH), 1,2,3, and 1,2,4-triphospholes (C2H2P2PH), tetraphosphole (CHP3PH), and pentaphosphole (P4PH) are determined by DFT calculations. We have compared these to the pKas of the analogue azole group compounds and the factors that cause the differences of these values are discussed in terms

Oligonucleotide-based agents are versatile biomolecules that modulate gene expression. The last decade has seen the emergence of oligonucleotide-based tools for biochemical investigations. Importantly, several oligonucleotide-based drugs and vaccines are currently used for various therapeutic applications ranging from anti-inflammatory and anti-viral agents to those used in cardiovascular, ophthalmic

Adsorption using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) such as UiO-66 has shown great promise in remediating water sources contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as Pb2+, but detailed information about the adsorption process remains limited. In this article, we gained mechanistic insights into Pb2+ adsorption using both functionalised and defective UiO-66 by performing density functional theory calculations

A series of diarylacetylene (tolane) derivatives functionalised at the 4- and 4′-positions by thiolate, thioether, or amine groups capable of serving as anchor groups to secure the molecules within a molecular junction have been prepared and characterised. The series of compounds have a general form X-B-X, Y-B-Y, and X-B-Y where X and Y represent anchor groups and B the molecular bridge. The single-molecule

Tandem oxidative-dehydrogenation of primary alcohols to give α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in one pot are rare transformations in organic synthesis, with only two methods currently available. Reported herein is a novel method using the bench-stable salt methyltriphenylphosphonium perruthenate (MTP3), and a new co-oxidant NEMO·PF6 (NEMO = N-ethyl-N-hydroxymorpholinium) which provides unsaturated aldehydes

A series of zinc complexes of 2,7-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,8-naphthyridine (BPNP) has been synthesised and characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and solution state NMR spectroscopic studies. Reactions of BPNP with zinc acetate and zinc chloride were found to give mononuclear complexes of the form [Zn(BPNP)X2] (X = OAc, Cl), whereas reactions with zinc triflate led to a mixture of products. Several

The alignment of intended learning outcomes for chemistry graduates and the actualised outcomes has been called into question recently. Opportunities to address this lie in the integration of undergraduate learning experiences in which students develop real-world skills and engage with problems that they may encounter as graduates in contemporary workplaces or modern society more broadly. This Highlight

Certain cyclic sulfates (e.g. 23) together with various of their precursor sulfites (e.g. 21 and 22) have been prepared from the corresponding chiral, non-racemic bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,3-diols (e.g. 20). Such diols are obtained by engaging the corresponding enzymatically derived and enantiomerically enriched or homochiral cis-1,2-dihydrocatechol (e.g. 10) or certain derivatives in either inter- or

Gaussian basis sets dominate quantum chemistry but struggle to model near-core electron densities and thus nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral properties. Mixed ramp-Gaussian (RG) basis sets show significant promise for these core properties due to the inclusion of a ramp-function with a non-zero nuclear-electron cusp. To enable quicker testing of the potential of RG basis sets for core chemistry

We present a proof-of-concept study of the suitability of Kruse and Grimme’s geometric counterpoise correction (gCP) for basis set superposition errors (BSSEs) in double-hybrid density functional calculations with a double-ζ basis set. The gCP approach only requires geometrical information as an input and no orbital/density information is needed. Therefore, this correction is practically free of any

The assembly of hydrogen bonded cages using amidinium···carboxylate hydrogen bonding interactions was investigated. A new tris-amidinium hydrogen bond donor tecton based on a tetraphenylmethane scaffold was prepared and its self-assembly with the terephthalate anion studied, and a new tricarboxylate hydrogen bond acceptor tecton was synthesised and its assembly with the 1,3-benzenebis(amidinium) hydrogen

Accurate prediction of the separation conditions for a set of target analytes with no retention data available is fundamental for routine analytical assays but remains a very challenging task. In this paper, a quality by design (QbD) optimisation workflow capable of discovering the optimal chromatographic conditions for separation of new compounds in hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)

In this paper, diamine monomers with ether bonds in the main chain are selected for molecular structure design, and four polyamide-imide (PAI) materials are prepared by the acyl chloride method. A diamine monomer containing an ether group can reduce the friction coefficient and improve the wear performance of PAI material. The wear mechanism of PAI material can also change due to ether linkages. PAI

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are tuneable solvents with attractive properties for numerous applications. Their structure–property relationships are still under investigation, especially at the solid–liquid interface. Moreover, the influence of water on interfacial nanostructure must be understood for process optimization. Here, we employ a combination of atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics

The translation of nanoparticles to useful applications is often hindered by the reliability of synthetic methodologies to reproducibly generate larger particles of uniform size (diameter > 20 nm). The inability to precisely control nanoparticle crystallinity, size, and shape has significant implications on observed properties and therefore applications. A series of iron oxide particles have been synthesised

Micellar catalysis has been established for several decades although has recently been gaining attention as a method for enabling greener chemical synthesis. While the main reason underpinning the modern renaissance of micellar catalysis is the ability to perform reactions using water as a solvent, the use of micellar conditions influences reactivity in ways that do not occur in homogeneous solutions

Chiral coordination polymers constructed from mandelic acid have shown promise in enantioselective recognition and sensing, whereas its methoxy-protected derivative, α-methoxyphenyl acetic acid, is rarely used as a ligand in coordination polymers. In this study, mandelic acid, 3,5-difluoromandelic acid, and α-methoxyphenyl acetic acid were combined with divalent transition metals and bridging dipyridyl

The use of copper complexes to alleviate inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known. This study focuses on designing a new drug that could be used to increase the bioavailability of copper and hence be more effective. The ligand chosen was sarcosyl-l-lysyl-l-lysine (Sar-Lys-Lys). The thermodynamic stability of H+, CuII, NiII, and ZnII complexes of Sar-Lys-Lys was measured

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a part of the natural defence against pathogens, have been considered as alternative antibiotics to combat the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Given the advanced development of fluorescent probes, extensive research has been focussed on understanding the physiological processes of the interaction between AMPs and bacteria. To better guide the choice of suitable

This article describes the switchable fluorescence of a series of donor–acceptor type 2,2′-bipyridines. The original bipyridine molecules have four protonation sites – two on the amino donor sites and two on the pyridine acceptor cores. These nitrogen-containing sites are selectively protonated by suitable acids and the protonation influences the electronic conjugation and structure of the chromophores

Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized between aligned carbon nanotube films (ACNTFs) using a cross-stacking method without any purification and functionalization processes. Direct electron transfer of GOx was achieved on the ACNTFs with reversible redox peaks observed at the formal potential of –0.448 V. When applied to the determination of glucose by cyclic voltammetry, the prepared enzymatic electrode

A water-soluble and sensitive fluorescent probe N,N′-bis[tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTRIS) was synthesized and, in combination with polydopamine (PDA), utilised in the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. PDA is spontaneously polymerized from dopamine (DA) in aerobic and alkaline solutions. The excellent absorption of PDA results in the aggregation

A series of single surfactant systems, i.e, quaternary ammonium-based gemini surfactants with different spacers and alkyl chain lengths (m-n-m; m = 12, n = 2, 3, 4, 6; n = 3, m = 12, 14, 16), halogen-free surface-active ionic liquid (HF-SAILs) with different symmetries ([Cnmim][C12H25SO4]; n = 6, 8, 10, 12), and single-chain cationic surfactants including 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C12mim]Br)

In this paper, we developed a simply designed detection method for logic gates by using aptamers, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, together with melamine and cyromazine to control the aggregation and dispersion of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). First, either melamine or cyromazine can induce the aggregation of AuNPs, supporting an OR gate to detect whether they were present or not. Second, based on the

Frustration at the restrictions to access prescribed cannabinoids in New Zealand has resulted in a black market of home-made cannabis-based products for medicinal use. These products are being made, and marketed illegally, by individuals calling themselves ‘Green Fairies’. The products take many forms and are being used to treat a range of illnesses and symptoms including pain, insomnia, anxiety, and

There has been an expanding public interest towards the notion that modulation of the sophisticated endocannabinoid system can lead to various therapeutic benefits that are yet to be fully explored. In recent years, the drug discovery paradigm in this field has been largely based on the development of selective CB2 receptor agonists, avoiding the unwanted CB1 receptor-mediated psychoactive side effects

Pentazole having the molecular formula HN5 is an archetypical five-membered homocyclic inorganic aromatic molecule consisting of five nitrogen atoms. A hydrogen atom is bonded to one of the nitrogens. Even though the molecule does not contain a carbon it appears last in the series of the heterocyclic azole family; the family containing one to five nitrogen atoms. This series of heterocyclic azoles

Cannabis is a mostly dioecious multi-use flowering plant genus. Sexual dimorphism is an important characteristic in Cannabis-based commercial production systems, which has consequences for fibre, seed, and the yield of secondary metabolites, such as phytocannabinoid and terpenes for therapeutic uses. Beyond the obvious morphological differences between male and female plants, metabolic variation among

The practice of deploying and teaching retrosynthesis is on the cusp of considerable change, which in turn forces practitioners and educators to contemplate whether this impending change will advance or erode the efficiency and elegance of organic synthesis in the future. A short treatise is presented herein that covers the concept of retrosynthesis, along with exemplified methods and theories, and

The crystal structures of four pentakis-tert-butyl hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs), each with an additional sixth substituent namely iodide, methoxy, formyl, and nitro, are presented. We show that the additional substituent has a significant impact on the packing in the solid state and the data obtained can be utilised for crystal engineering. By introducing an electron accepting substituent it

The regio-isomeric alkynyl-substituted derivatives, 2 and 3, of the RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) transcription inhibitor CX-5461 (1) were prepared and the active one (compound 3) subjected to click reactions ([3 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions) with certain alkyl azides bearing biotin or fluorescent tags. Compounds 2 and 3, as well as four [3 + 2]-cycloadducts of the latter, were subjected to biological evaluation

In this study, the binding capacity of calcium ions of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), trisodium citrate (TSC), and potassium oxalate (PO) were evaluated, and the calcium distribution in the presence of STPP and TSPP in CaCl2 solutions (50 mmol L−1) were investigated. Under conditions simulating industrial toothpaste, the concentration of fluoride in calcium carbonate

Although cannabis has been used for several thousand years, the exact composition of the cannabinoids patients are administered for different symptoms has remained largely unknown. While this absence of catalogued information may be accepted in some cultures, the use of cannabis as a human product in the registered medicines setting requires knowing its composition so that doses can be standardised

A continuous-flow photo-bromination reaction on benzyl and phenyl groups was conducted using N-bromosuccinimide as the bromine source inside a preparatory-scale glass plate reactor. This flow reactor system was capable of independently controlling light intensity, wavelength, and reaction temperature, hence exerting an exceptional level of control over the reaction. A short optimisation study for the

Proton-conducting materials are a key component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and the advantage of clear structural information in crystal materials offers a pathway for the investigation of the proton-conducting mechanism and pathway. In this work, a new Cd2+ coordination polymer material (compound 1) with the formula {[Cd3(bipy)3(H2O)4][Fe(CN)6]2·2H2O·2(bipy)}n was successfully

Two types of long-chained pyridinium N-chloramines were designed and synthesised by covalent linking a N-chloramine unit and a long intact alkyl chain via varied alkylation of 3-hydroxypyridine. Preliminary antibacterial tests showed that both synthetic pyridinium N-chloramines exerted distinctively elevated biocidal efficacy in contrast to previously reported pyridinium N-chloramines that lack a long

The science of cannabis and cannabinoids encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines and can appear daunting to newcomers to the field. The encroachment of folklore and ‘cannabis culture’ into scientific discussions can cloud the situation further. This Primer Review is designed to give a succinct overview of the chemistry of cannabis and cannabinoids. It is hoped that it will provide a useful

Plocabulin (PM060184) is a promising new anticancer drug as a microtubule inhibitor. The conformational structure and properties of plocabulin have been studied theoretically. The initial structure was screened by the B3LYP/3-21G* method, and then 32 unique conformations were further optimised with the B3LYP/6-311G* method. The single-point energies were determined at the M06-L/6-311G(2df,p) level

A two-photon fluorescence labelling probe (LP) was synthesised, and LP-Ag was obtained by LP labelling the N-protein antigen (Ag) of COVID-19. LP-Ag was made into an immunochromatographic strip. When a blood sample was added to the sample hole of the test card, it would move forward along the nitrocellulose (NC) film. If the sample contained IgM, the IgM bound to LP-Ag and formed an M line with the

The use of self-assembled nanoparticles for drug delivery has received significant attention in recent years. However, the dynamic nature of self-assembled polymeric systems means there is a need to develop greater understanding of the inherent stability of these systems. In particular, understanding if these materials remain as discrete nanoparticles, or if there is dynamic exchange of material between

The electronic structures of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) imidazolinylidene, thiazolinylidene, imidazolylidene, thiazolylidene, and 1,2,4-triazolylidene and their complexes with cuprous halides (CuX, X = Cl, Br, I) were investigated theoretically at the B3LYP/def2-SVP level. In contrast to other NHCs, imidazolylidene and 1,2,4-triazolylidene do not dimerize owing to the negligible coefficient of the

We successfully radiolabelled a novel prospective cannabinoid type 2 receptor ligand with 18F and tested its biodistribution in animal models by positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. The radiolabelling process was conducted on an alkyl mesylate fragment of the main naphthyridine core, using highly efficient microfluidic technology. No preliminary protection was needed

The main objective of this research is to develop efficient and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalysts for synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazole and 2-arylbenzothiazoles derivatives by MnO2/MOF-199. For this purpose, a heterogeneous MnO2/MOF-199 catalyst was prepared by the solvothermal method, and the prepared catalyst was characterised by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning

Since the first detection of synthetic cannabinomimetics in herbal smoking blends in 2008 the clandestine production of these compounds, based on seizure data, increased in number every year until ~2012. In recent years there has been a decline in synthetic cannabinomimetic production both in number and diversity. The synthetic details of the first generation cannabinoids were documented in the scientific

Spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) encompasses a broad suite of electroanalytical techniques where electrochemistry is coupled with various spectroscopic methods. This powerful and versatile array of methods is characterised as in situ, where a fundamental property is measured in real time as the redox state is varied through an applied voltage. SEC has a long and rich history and has proved highly valuable

Two water soluble complexes with CoII and CuII ions were synthesized using a novel β-cyclodextrin based azo-functionalized Schiff base as a ligand. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were characterized by different physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. From the analyses of the experimental data, distorted octahedral geometry has been assigned for both the metal complexes. The binding interactions

Metal–organic frameworks (CDs@NH2-MOF(Ni)) with carbon dots as the core were synthesised successfully by a one-pot method. The synthesised CDs@NH2-MOF(Ni) contain a large number of amine functional groups and a large surface area for capturing CO2. The FT-IR spectra showed that there exists a large number of carboxylate and amine groups on the surface of the carbon dots, and analysis by scanning electron

A fluorescent imidazophenazine-based derivative (S) has been successfully synthesised, and can be used as a chemsensor for relay recognition of CN– in DMSO/H2O (7 : 3, v/v) solution, which exhibited external stimuli-responsiveness. The sensor immediately responded with obvious colour changes (from red to purple) and fluorescent quenching when CN– was added to the S solution. Its detection limit for

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) membranes were prepared by drop-casting with tetrahydrofuran (THF), and were then radiated by a low dose of gamma radiation without any other reagents. The apparent colour of the freshly prepared film was a semi-transparent white, which gradually darkened and finally turned black after 10.2 kGy gamma radiation. Meanwhile, the yield and

This paper proposes a colorimetric aptasensor for the detection of testosterone (TES) in environmental water, using TES-specific aptamer (apT5) as a sensing probe, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as indicator, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as inducer, respectively. Based on competition between TES and CTAB for apT5, the aptamer can form an aptamer–TES complex, leaving CTAB free to aggregate

The natural extract pyrethrum is an insecticidal oil derived from Tanacetum cinerariifolium that is commonly used in domestic and agricultural pesticides. The major constituents of the extract are the Pyrethrins, six esters that provide pyrethrum with its insecticidal properties. These Pyrethrins readily degrade through several environmental means and as such, there can be significant Pyrethrin losses

The cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) is an important therapeutic target for pain and inflammatory disorders. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are conventionally thought to signal exclusively at the plasma membrane; however, recently this has been challenged by the notion of intracellular signalling receptors. Better understanding of GPCR location requires tools that can differentiate cell surface

An N-heterocyclic carbene-based palladium complex was successfully immobilised on the inner surfaces of hollow silica nanospheres. The external surfaces of these spheres were functionalised with a corona-canopy to produce a Type I porous liquid. To confirm the successful immobilisation of the catalytic precursor, the porous liquid system was explored using the Heck reaction as a model reaction. This

The statistical characteristics of the dependences of the fluorescence signal of analytical systems as a function of the integral parameters of the structure of fluorescent reagents and cationic surfactants on their association in aqueous solutions has been investigated. Molecular weight, surface area, and their first-order molecular connectivity index have been taken as parameters of the structure

The one-pot reaction of tetra-substituted cyclopropyl benzyl bromide with tris(trimethylsilyl)methyllithium (TsiLi) and carbon disulfide resulted in 3-(4-((((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)thio)methyl)phenyl)cyclopropane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitrile (3) and 3-(4-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)phenyl)cyclopropane-1,2-dicarbonitrile (4) in excellent yield. The reaction in the absence of carbon disulfide yielded 3-(4-(2

Manganese-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) metalated with Rh were used as pre-catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. Activated in situ (80 % H2, 20 % CO2, 350°C), the resulting templated catalysts displayed CO2 conversion of up to 20 %, with CH4 as the main product. Used catalysts were compared with samples templated in 5 % H2/Ar at 350°C using powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, energy dispersive

The synthesis, characterisation, and isolation of 1,1′,2-tribromoferrocene and 1,1′,2,2′-tetrabromoferrocene, which are key synthons in ferrocene chemistry, are described. These compounds are prepared using α-halide assisted lithiation. The crystal structures of 1,1′,2-tribromoferrocene, 1,1′,2,2′-tetrabromoferrocene, 1,1′-dibromoruthenocene, and 1,1′,2,2′-tetrabromoruthenocene have been determined

The rich customary knowledge possessed by Indigenous people from around the world has provided intellectually stimulating academic research opportunities and has been a successful avenue for healthcare and drug discovery as well as commercial native foods, flavours, fragrances, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural products. When conducted with benefit sharing and reciprocity as core agenda,

The zwitterionic monomer, 1-(2-hydroxypropyl-sulfo)-acrylamide ethyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride (MeSA) was copolymerised with acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and a hydrophobic monomer N,N-diallyl oleamide (DNDA) to obtain the zwitterionic hydrophobic association polymer AM/AA/DNDA/MeSA. The structure of the hydrophobic association polymer was characterised by 1H NMR, FT-IR, and intrinsic viscosity

Waste coffee husks and spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are produced in large qualities worldwide. Characterisation of these waste streams from Australian commercial outlets in terms of lipid, caffeine, and polyphenol content was undertaken giving values up to 10 % lipids and 23 mg g−1 phenols from SCGs, consistent with reports from other parts of the world. Husks generally gave lower values. Caffeine residues