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

The iodocyclisation of alkynes bearing tethered nucleophiles is a highly effective method for the construction and diversification of heterocycles. A key limitation to this methodology is the 5-endo-dig iodocyclisation of alkynes that have an unfavourable electronic bias for electrophilic cyclisation. These tend to direct electrophilic attack of the iodonium atom to the wrong carbon for cyclisation

Adsorption is recognised as an efficient method for the removal of contaminants from the water system. Cellulose is widely applied in the fabrication of new material because of its biodegradability, renewability, and abundance in nature. In particular, its adsorption performance to various adsorbates can be fine-tuned by chemical modification. A pyridone di-acid modified microcrystalline cellulose

The public–private interface is a vibrant and invigorating stage for drug discovery and can allow for relatively higher risk but more rewarding research. Although adequate resourcing is a perennial challenge, persistence, optimism, and flexibility will pay dividends and can allow for a thoroughly rewarding career. In this account of chronological research experiences, selected examples are used to

The interactions of two host–guest inclusion complexes comprised of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) with a derivative of toluidine blue O (TB) have been investigated using 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results revealed that the Q[7] host interacts with a TB molecule to form a 1 : 1 inclusion complex and the Q[8] host interacts with two TB guest molecules to

Nitroimidazoles and derivatives are a class of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) first introduced sixty years ago. As anti-infection agents, the structure–activity relationships of nitroimidazole compounds have been particularly difficult to study due to their low reduction potentials and unique electronic structures. In this study, we combine dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced solid-state

We report on two important advances in radical polymerization with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization). (1) Electrochemically initiated emulsion RAFT (eRAFT) polymerization provides rapid polymerization of styrene at ambient temperature. The electrolytes and mediators required for eRAFT are located in the aqueous continuous phase separate from the low-molar-mass-dispersity

An elegantly simple, facile, and robust approach to a scaffold of biological importance, 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones, is reported. A catalytic 1 % SnCl2/microwave-mediated approach afforded access to pure material, collected by cooling and filtration after 20-min microwave irradiation at 120°C. A total of 41 analogues were prepared in isolated yields of 17–99 %. This process was highly tolerant

A tetraalkyl ammonium cation and furoate anion based functionalised ionic liquid (FIL), N-methyl-N,N,N-trioctylammonium furoate ([MTOA]+[FA]–) has been synthesised and characterised using FT-IR, NMR, and UV spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesised FIL against two types of Gram-positive bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter faecalis as well as

The photochemical dimerisation of resveratrol analogues in the solid state to generate chiral phenyl substituted cyclobutanes is described. NMR spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods have confirmed that the dimerisation leads to the head to tail orientation of the phenyl group substituents in the cyclobutane derivative. Interestingly, the parent compound, resveratrol, in the solid state,

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), as a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose level signal recognition through its activation. The conformation changes during the activation pathway are of particular importance for its function. To investigate the activation mechanism of GLP-1R, the crystal structures of active and inactive

With the advent of medical cannabis usage globally, there has been a renewed interest in exploring the chemical diversity of this unique plant. Cannabis produces hundreds of unique phytocannabinoids, which not only have diverse chemical structures but also a range of cellular and molecular actions, interesting pharmacological properties, and biological actions. In addition, it produces other flavonoids

Diphenylphosphinothioic acid (HSP(=O)Ph2) and diphenylphosphinodithioic acid (HSP(=S)Ph2) have been used to synthesise four BiIII complexes: 1 [Bi(SP(=O)Ph2)3], 2 [BiPh(SP(=O)Ph2)2], 3 [BiPh2(SP(=O)Ph2)], and 4 [Bi(SP(=S)Ph2)3], using BiPh3 and [Bi(OtBu)3] as bismuth sources. The complexes have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction

Flexible supercapacitors are of great significance for the development of intelligent electronic products and wearable devices. Herein, through reasonable design, self-supporting flexible film composites that can be used as supercapacitor electrodes, are synthesised by vacuum filtration. The composites are composed of electrochemically exfoliated graphene nanosheets and MnO2 nanowires, in which the

Bis-thiosemicarbazones derived from the β-diketone benzoylacetone (H3banR, R = Me, Et, Ph) are potentially tetradentate N2S2 ligands whose coordination chemistry with copper is reported. In the absence of oxygen and in the presence of base they form anionic CuII complexes of the fully deprotonated ligands [CuII(banR)]–. Upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen they undergo a complex series of reactions

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) microarrays are expected to be developed as a new generation of gene detection tools. However, poor water solubility and the limitation of the sequence design of achiral PNA probes mainly hinder their application. Accordingly, (R)-diethylene glycol containing a chiral PNA (miniPEG-γPNA) has been developed to solve these problems. Light-directed synthesis is an effective method

Few comparisons have been made between low-aromaticity marine and lacustrine oil shales and their kerogens, because the reliability of structural analyses has been limited by a reliance on only one method of kerogen isolation, HCl-HF. Therefore, a detailed analysis by 13C NMR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was made for Attrat marine oil shale (Jordan) and Colorado (Green River) lacustrine

Lewis base catalysed halofunctionalisation reactions of alkenes are well established and allow access to, among others, various oxygen containing heterocycles. By exploiting the known conversion of N-heterocyclic carbenes into the corresponding thioureas it has been possible to prepare and study a range of chiral and non-chiral Lewis base catalysts for such reactions. Although all thiourea catalysts

The reversible diffusion controlled cyclic voltammetry for the reduction of TCNQF­n0/1–/2– (where n = 0, 1, 2, 4) changes significantly on addition of Co2+ and Ni2+ transition metal ions (M2+) because the kinetics associated with electrocrystallisation of the resulting coordination polymers [M(TCNQF2)2(H2O)2] and [M(TCNQF2)] are rapid on the voltammetric time scale. The voltammetry of solutions containing

Colloidal two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor nanocrystals are of great importance due to their remarkable optical and electronic properties. Herein, shape-controllable synthesis of 2D wurtzite CdTe nanoplatelets (NPLs) by simply tailoring the reactivity of a tellurium (Te) precursor is reported. Ribbon-, shield-, and bullet-like 2D CdTe NPLs were prepared by a stepwise conversion from CdTe magic-size

Rare earth (RE) complexes of 3-benzoylpropanoate (bp), [RE(bp)3(H2O)n] (RE = La, n = 2; RE = Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Yb, n = 1) and 3-phenylpropanoate (pp), [RE(pp)3] (RE = Y, La, Ce, Nd, Yb), have been prepared by metathesis reactions between the corresponding rare earth chloride and the appropriate sodium carboxylate. Analysis by single-crystal X-ray diffraction finds that both RE bp and pp complexes favour

A new ionic liquid was synthesised, and its chemical structure was elucidated by FT-IR, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and mass analyses. Some physical properties, thermal behaviour, and thermal stability of this ionic liquid were investigated. The formation of a two-protonic acid salt namely 4,4′-trimethylene-N,N′-dipiperidinium sulfate instead of 4,4′-trimethylene-N,N′-dipiperidinium hydrogensulfate was evidenced

The reactivity and synthesis of new analogues of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles have been explored. Twenty-three derivatives bearing phenoxy, thiophenoxy, aniline, and aryl groups at the 1-position were successfully synthesised in 25–91 % yield, via nucleophilic substitution, Buchwald–Hartwig amination, and Suzuki coupling type processes. Solvent free synthetic protocols were employed to achieve the nucleophilic

Quinacridone chemistry has been developed which provides a source of new compounds that have potential application in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Phosphoryl chloride is used for the conversion of carbonyl groups in N,N′-dialkylquinacridones, generating reactive intermediates that enable selective condensation with either one or two nucleophilic molecules under mild conditions.

In an ongoing study of the products formed on pyrolysis of chitin (4) under a range of conditions, we now detail the isolation and characterisation of the crystalline and hitherto undetected pyridine N-oxide 18 and enamide 19. Pathways for the formation of these products have been proposed and subjected to both experimental and computational assessment.

A synthetic method to prepare 1H-indenes and partially hydrogenated methanonaphtho[1,2-c]furan-1,3(4H)-diones from gold(i)-catalysed 1,4-enyne acetate cycloisomerisation and oxidation or Diels–Alder reaction with maleic anhydride is described. The proposed mechanism involves Rautenstrauch rearrangement of the 1,4-enyne motif to give an in situ formed 1,3-cyclopentadiene intermediate. This is followed

One new furoquinoline alkaloid, leptanoine D (1) and nine known alkaloids 2–10 were isolated from Pitaviaster haplophyllus. Leptanoine D (1) contains a typically unstable vinyl ether moiety and was structurally elucidated based on 2D NMR, (+)-HR-ESI-MS, and ECD data. The structures of the known furoquinoline alkaloids leptanoine A (11) and B (12) have also been revised. Compounds 1–10 were screened

Multi-responsive materials have received extensive interest in many areas due to their smart characteristics. This paper presents rationally designed multi-responsive spherical polyelectolyte brushes composed of a solid polystyrene (PS) core and a poly (2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) shell synthesized by photoemulsion polymerization. Based on dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential

We report on the synthesis and structural features of NMe2-modified β-diketiminate-supported boron difluoride compounds (LArBF2: LAr = [HC(NAr)2(CNMe2)2]–; LPh: Ar = Ph; LTol: Ar = p-tolyl; LXyl: Ar = m-xylyl). The title compounds were prepared in moderate yields (~65 %) by in situ deprotonation of the corresponding ligands LArH using KH, followed by the addition of BF3OEt2. According to solid-state

Biorefineries are a new concept in chemical manufacturing in which naturally occurring, sustainable biomass resources such as forestry and agricultural waste are converted to diverse fuel and chemical product streams, akin to the processing of non-renewable fossil fuels by petrochemical refineries. Biomass derived from waste agricultural and forestry materials or non-food crops offers the most easily

The utility of dendrimers as effective carriers for targeted drug delivery and imaging has been facilitated by a high degree of molecular uniformity, narrow molecular weight distribution, tunable size and shape characteristics, and multivalency. Dendrimer–quantum dot (QD) nanocomposites have traditionally been synthesised by electrostatic self-assembly of preformed dendrimers and QDs, but higher generations

The effect of TiCl4 concentration on the phase transformations among the TiO2 polymorphs was studied using in situ powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Interestingly, the primarily amorphous TiO2 solid obtained after thermolysis of TiCl4 at 80°C contained some anatase and rutile phases for low (≤18 mM) and high (≥27 mM) TiCl4 concentrations, respectively. These samples produced anatase

Therapeutic delivery of neuropeptides including oxytocin and somatostatin is associated with numerous difficulties including low stability, low oral bioavailability, and a short half-life in vivo. For delivery to the brain, these issues are exacerbated by difficulties in crossing the blood–brain barrier. Lipid-based nanomaterials may offer specific advantages for the delivery of therapeutic peptides

Protein-based materials are widely used in biomedical applications. Often the proteins need to be crosslinked in order to be stable for application. Here, we explored the use of 5,5′-bisvanillin as a potentially non-toxic crosslinker that can react with lysine residues on proteins. To demonstrate the success of the crosslinking reaction, polymer–protein conjugates based on bovine serum albumin (BSA)

A safer route than that previously published for the synthesis of [BeI2(OEt2)2] has been developed. Reactions of beryllium dihalide complexes [BeX2(OEt2)2] (X = Br or I) with either LiMe or LiBun lead to mixtures of products, which have been shown to act as sources of ‘BeR2’ (R = Me or Bun) in previous synthetic studies. Here, a titration method has been developed to determine the quantity of metal

In this work, we present novel kinds of γ-Fe2O3@SiO2-NH2-CMC/MOF5 and γ-Fe2O3@SiO2-NH2-CMC/IRMOF3 magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles which possess both magnetic characteristics and fluorescent properties. Here, [Zn4O(bdc)3] (MOF-5, bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) is a kind of shell. IRMOF3, a known MOF with a cubic topology prepared from Zn(NO3)24H2O and 2-amino-1,4-benzene dicarboxylic

On account of their efficacy as µ-opioid receptor agonists, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (‘fentanyls’) have fallen into favour within the illicit drug community. Consequently, there has been a significant public health crisis, unfolding across many countries, involving fentanyls and other synthetic opioids. Because of the potency of these opioids, even low-level contamination represents an immediate

A new metal-organic framework (MOF) based on CoII ions as nodes, [Co2(H2O)3(cada)](DMF)4, which has coordinated water molecules at the occupied CoII sites along with a suitable pore environment, was constructed by reaction of 5,5′-(9H-carbazole-2,7-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H4cada) and Co(NO3)2·6H2O in a water and DMF mixed solvent. The resulting activated MOF 1ais able to uptake considerable amounts

A new bis(rhodamine) B hydrazone L, bearing two rhodamine chromophores, has been designed and synthesised in 70 % yield. The chemical structure of the new ligand L was characterised using different spectroscopic techniques. The receptor L was utilised for rapid ‘naked eye’ detection of Fe3+, Bi3+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ in THF–H2O (1 : 1, v/v) by displaying significant colour changes. The mechanism of detection

A new ionic liquid containing a 1H,4H-piperazine-diium ring and chlorosulfonate as a 1,4-dicationic core and counter ion, respectively, was designed and synthesised. The structure elucidation of this ionic liquid was conducted by 1D and 2D NMR, FT-IR, Raman, and mass spectrum analysis. The physical properties of this ionic liquid were determined and reported. Furthermore, the dual solvent–catalyst