Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome reveals the molecular mechanism regulating cotton boll abscission under low light intensity.

BACKGROUND: Cotton boll shedding is one of the main factors adversely affecting the cotton yield. During the cotton plant growth period, low light conditions can cause cotton bolls to fall off prematurely. In this study, we clarified the regulatory effects of low light intensity on cotton boll abscission by comprehensively analyzing the transcriptome and metabolome. RESULTS: When the fruiting branch leaves were shaded after pollination, all of the cotton bolls fell off within 5 days. Additionally, H2O2 accumulated during the formation of the abscission zone. Moreover, 10,172 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 81 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified. A KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the identified DEGs and DAMs were associated with plant hormone signal transduction and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The results of the transcriptome analysis suggested that the expression of ethylene (ETH) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling-related genes was induced, which was in contrast to the decrease in the expression of most of the IAA signaling-related genes. A combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that flavonoids may help regulate plant organ abscission. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis detected two gene modules significantly related to abscission. The genes in these modules were mainly related to exosome, flavonoid biosynthesis, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and cytoskeleton proteins. Furthermore, TIP1;1, UGT71C4, KMD3, TRFL6, REV, and FRA1 were identified as the hub genes in these two modules. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying cotton boll abscission induced by shading on the basis of comprehensive transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses of the boll abscission process. The study findings have clarified the molecular basis of cotton boll abscission under low light intensity, and suggested that H2O2, phytohormone, and flavonoid have the potential to affect the shedding process of cotton bolls under low light stress.

OsbHLH92, in the noncanonical brassinosteroid signaling pathway, positively regulates leaf angle and grain weight in rice.

Modifications of plant architecture can increase planting density, regulate photosynthesis, and improve crop yields. Many basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors participate in the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway and are critical for plant architecture morphogenesis in rice. However, the number of identified bHLH genes suitable for improving production value is still limited. In this study, we cloned Lam1, encoding the typical bHLH transcription factor OsbHLH92. OsbHLH92 knockout (KO) lines exhibit erect leaves. Decreases in the number and size of parenchyma cell layers on the adaxial side of the lamina joint in KO lines were the main reason for the decreased leaf angle. Genetic experiments verify that OsBU1 and its homologs are downstream of OsbHLH92, which is involved in the noncanonical RGA1-mediated BR signaling pathway. OsbHLH91, an OsbHLH92 homolog, plays both conserved and differentiated roles relative to OsbHLH92. Notably, OsbHLH92-KO lines show erect leaves without the acquisition of adverse agronomic traits. Moreover, by driving a specific panicle promoter, OsbHLH92 can greatly increase productivity by at least 10%. This study identifies new components of the BR signaling pathway, demonstrates the importance of OsbHLH92 in improving planting density and crop productivity, and broadens our knowledge of typical and atypical bHLH family members in rice.

A chloroplast-localized pentatricopeptide repeat protein involved in RNA editing and splicing and its effects on chloroplast development in rice.

BACKGROUND: The chloroplast is the organelle responsible for photosynthesis in higher plants. The generation of functional chloroplasts depends on the precise coordination of gene expression in the nucleus and chloroplasts and is essential for the development of plants. However, little is known about nuclear-plastid regulatory mechanisms at the early stage of chloroplast generation in rice. RESULTS: In this study, we identified a rice (Oryza sativa) mutant that exhibited albino and seedling-lethal phenotypes and named it ssa1(seedling stage albino1). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that the chloroplasts of ssa1 did not have organized thylakoid lamellae and that the chloroplast structure was destroyed. Genetic analysis revealed that the albino phenotypes of ssa1 were controlled by a pair of recessive nuclear genes. Map-based cloning experiments found that SSA1 encoded a pentapeptide repeat (PPR) protein that was allelic to OSOTP51,which was previously reported to participate in Photosystem I (PSI) assembly. The albino phenotype was reversed to the wild type (WT) phenotype when the normal SSA1 sequence was expressed in ssa1 under the drive of the actin promoter. Knockout experiments further created mutants ssa1-2/1-9, which had a phenotype similar to that of ssa1. SSA1 consisted of 7 pentatricopeptide repeat domains and two C-terminal LAGLIDADG tandem sequence motifs and was located in the chloroplast. GUS staining and qRT-PCR analysis showed that SSA1 was mainly expressed in young leaves and stems. In the ssa1 mutants, plastid genes transcribed by plastid-encoded RNA polymerase decreased, while those transcribed by nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase increased at the mRNA level. Loss-of-function SSA1 destroys RNA editing of ndhB-737 and intron splicing of atpF and ycf3-2 in the plastid genome. Yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays revealed that SSA1 physically interacted with two new RNA editing partners, OsMORF8 and OsTRXz, which have potential functions in RNA editing and chloroplast biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Rice SSA1 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat protein, which is targeted to the chloroplast. SSA1 regulates early chloroplast development and plays a critical role in RNA editing and intron splicing in rice. These data will facilitate efforts to further elucidate the molecular mechanism of chloroplast biogenesis.

RLM1, Encoding an R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor, Regulates the Development of Secondary Cell Wall in Rice.

Leaf morphology is an important component of rice ideal plant type. To date, many regulatory genes influencing leaf morphology in rice have been cloned, and their underlying molecular regulatory mechanism has been preliminarily clarified. However, the fine regulation relationship of leaf morphogenesis and plant type remains largely elusive. In this study, a rolling-leaf mutant, named rlm1-D, was obtained and controlled by a pair of dominant nuclear genes. Cytological observations revealed that the rlm1 was mainly caused by abnormal deposition of secondary cell walls. Molecular evidence showed ectopic expression of a MYB-type transcription factor LOC_Os05g46610 was responsible for the phenotype of rlm1-D. A series of experiments, including the transcription factor-centered technology, DNA-binding assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, verified that RLM1 can bind to the promoter of OsCAD2, a key gene responsible for lignin biosynthesis in rice. An interacting partner of RLM1, OsMAPK10, was identified. Multiple biochemical assays confirmed that OsMAPK10 interacted with RLM1. OsMAPK10 positively regulated the lignin content in the leaves and stems of rice. Moreover, OsMAPK10 contributes to RLM1 activation of downstream target genes. In particular, RLM1 is exclusively expressed in the stems at the mature plant stage. The yield of RLM1 knockdown lines increased by over 11% without other adverse agricultural trait penalties, indicating great practical application value. A MAPK-MYB-OsCAD2 genetic regulatory network controlling SCW was proposed, providing a theoretical significance and practical value for shaping the ideal plant type and improving rice yield.

Identification of the Powdery Mildew Resistance in Chinese Wheat Cultivar Heng 4568 and its Evaluation in Marker-Assisted Selection.

Powdery mildew induced by Blumeria graminis f. sp. Tritici (Bgt) has a devastating impact on global wheat yield and quality. Host resistance is the most effective and economical means to control this disease. In this study, Heng 4568, an elite wheat cultivar, shows high resistance to 12 Bgt isolates from different regions in China at the seedling stage. Genetic analysis demonstrates that the powdery mildew resistance in Heng 4568 is conferred by a single dominant locus, temporarily designated PmH4568. Furthermore, PmH4568 is mapped to the reported Pm2 interval on chromosome 5DS with five Pm2 linked markers and flanked by the markers Bwm20 and Bwm21 with a genetic distance of 0.3 and 0.6 cM, respectively. To further investigate the relationship between PmH4568 and Pm2, the diagnostic marker Pm2b-map-3 of Pm2 is used to genotype the F2:3 population derived from the cross Heng 4568 × Daimai 2173. Notably, there is no recombination found, indicating that PmH4568 is also probably a Pm2 allele. In addition, five closely linked markers as well as one diagnostic marker are successfully developed and tested in 16 wheat cultivars from different agro-ecological areas in China, which have potential applications in molecular breeding by marker-assisted selection.

OsRELA Regulates Leaf Inclination by Repressing the Transcriptional Activity of OsLIC in Rice.

Leaf angle is one of the most important agronomic traits in rice, and changes in leaf angle can alter plant architecture to affect photosynthetic efficiency and thus determine grain yield. Therefore, it is important to identify key genes controlling leaf angle and elucidate the molecular mechanisms to improve rice yield. We obtained a mutant rela (regulator of leaf angle) with reduced leaf angle in rice by EMS mutagenesis, and map-based cloning revealed that OsRELA encodes a protein of unknown function. Coincidentally, DENSE AND ERECT PANICLE 2 (DEP2) was reported in a previous study with the same gene locus. RNA-seq analysis revealed that OsRELA is involved in regulating the expression of ILI and Expansin family genes. Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed that OsRELA is able to interact with OsLIC, a negative regulator of BR signaling, through its conserved C-terminal domain, which is essential for OsRELA function in rice. The binding of OsRELA can activate the expression of downstream genes repressed by OsLIC, such as OsILI1, a positive regulator of leaf inclination in rice. Therefore, our results suggest that OsRELA can act as a transcriptional regulator and is involved in the regulation of leaf inclination by regulating the transcriptional activity of OsLIC.

HD-ZIP IV gene Roc8 regulates the size of bulliform cells and lignin content in rice.

The morphology of bulliform cells located on the upper epidermis of leaves is one of the most important cell structures affecting leaf shape. Although many mechanisms regulating the development of bulliform cells have been reported, the fine regulatory mechanisms governing this process have rarely been described. To identify novel components regulating rice leaf morphology, a mutant showing a constitutively rolling phenotype from the seedling stage to flowering, known as crm1-D, was selected for further analysis. Anatomical analyses in crm1-D were attributable to the size reduction of bulliform cells. The crm1-D was controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene. Map-based cloning revealed that Roc8, an HD zipper class IV family member, was responsible for the crm1-D phenotype. Notably, the 50-bp sequence in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the Roc8 gene represses Roc8 at the translational level. Moreover, the roc8 knockdown lines notably increased the size of bulliform cells. A series of assays revealed that Roc8 negatively regulates the size of bulliform cells. Unexpectedly, Roc8 was also observed to positively mediate lignin biosynthesis without incurring a production penalty. The above results show that Roc8 may have a practical application in cultivating materials with high photosynthetic efficiency and low lignin content.

Linear CuI2 Pd0 , CuI Pd02 , and AgI2 Pd0 Metal Chains Supported by Rigid N,N'-Diphosphanyl N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Metallophilic Interactions.

Selective copper(I) to palladium(0) transmetallation of P-donors from the rigid N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene C3 H2 [NP(tBu)2 ]2 (PCNHC P) was observed when known [Cu3 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 was reacted with [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]. When 1.2 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ] was used, the product [Cu2 Pd(µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (2(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which features a CuI -CuI -Pd0 chain and appears to be the first linear heterotrinuclear complex with d10 -d10 interactions between Pd0 and CuI . When the Cu3 precursor was reacted with 3.0 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3 )4 ], the complex [CuPd2 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (3(OTf)2 ) was obtained, which, on the basis of magnetic measurements, DFT calculations, and computed nuclear shieldings, was formulated as containing a Pd0 -CuI -Pd0 chain with an electron hole delocalized over the whole cation, including the metal chain. Similarly, selective transmetallation of the P-donors in [Ag3 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)3 from silver to palladium (originating from [Pd(PPh3 )4 ]) gave the linear chain [Ag2 Pd(µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (5(OTf)2 ), which on the basis of NMR spectroscopy comprises an AgI -AgI -Pd0 metal core. However, X-ray diffraction data collected on various samples of 5(OTf)2 were modeled with 50:50 metal disorder at the terminal positions, corresponding to a (AgI /Pd0 )-AgI -(AgI /Pd0 ) formulation. Upon standing in solution, 5(OTf)2 transformed to 6(OTf)2 , the regioisomer of 5(OTf)2 in which the Pd center has migrated to the central position of an AgI -Pd0 -AgI chain. Prolonged standing in CH2 Cl2 or by reaction with [PtCl2 (NCMe)2 ] converts complex 6(OTf)2 to the AgI /PdII complex [Ag2 PdCl2 (µ3 -PCNHC P,κP,κCNHC ,κP)2 ](OTf)2 (7(OTf)2 ). The structural data of 2(OTf)2 , 3(OTf)2 , and 7(OTf)2 establish significant heterometallophilic interactions.

Identification of genes regulating ovary differentiation after pollination in hazel by comparative transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hazel (Corylus spp.) exhibits ovary differentiation and development that is initiated from the ovary primordium after pollination, conferring the plant with a unique delayed fertilization. Failure of development of the ovary and ovule after pollination can lead to ovary abortion and blank fruit formation, respectively, with consequent yield loss. However, the genes involved in ovary and ovule differentiation and development are largely unknown. RESULTS: In unpollinated pistillate inflorescences (stage F), the stigma shows an extension growth pattern. After pollination, a rudimentary ovary begins to form (stage S), followed by ovule differentiation (stage T) and growth (stage FO). Total RNA was obtained from pistillate inflorescences or young ovaries at stage F, S, T and FO, and sequencing was carried out on a HiSeq 4000 system. De novo assembly of sequencing data yielded 62.58 Gb of nucleotides and 90,726 unigenes; 5524, 3468, and 8714 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in F-vs-S, S-vs-T, and T-vs-FO paired comparisons, respectively. An analysis of F-vs-S, S-vs-T, and T-vs-FO paired comparisons based on annotations in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed six pathways that were significantly enriched during ovary differentiation, including ko04075 (Plant hormone signal transduction). Auxin level increased after pollination, and an immunohistochemical analysis indicated that auxin was enriched at the growth center of pistillate inflorescences and young ovaries. These results indicate that genes related to auxin biosynthesis, transport, signaling, the floral quartet model, and flower development may regulate ovary and ovule differentiation and development in hazel. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of ovary differentiation and development after pollination in this economically valuable plant.

Total Flavonoid Extract from Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic Flowers Attenuates d-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mouse Liver Through the Nrf2 Pathway.

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic is an edible hibiscus that is rich in flavonoids, and its use as Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of diseases and health maintenance dates back to ancient times. The chemical compositions of total flavonoid of A. manihot (L.) Medic flower extract (TFAE) were identified and determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of TFAE on antioxidative activities in a d-galactose (d-gal)-induced mouse model and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses were evaluated. Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, d-gal aging model group, d-gal+ascorbic acid group that served as a positive control, and d-gal+TFAE (40, 80, and 160 mg TFAE/kg) group. After 42 days, the antioxidant effects of these treatments were determined by biochemical studies, Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and histological analysis. The results showed that the groups administered TFAE exhibited significant elevation in liver activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) production in a dose-dependent manner compared with the d-gal-induced model group. Expression of Nrf2 and its target antioxidants (HO-1 and NQO1) was manifestly increased by TFAE treatment. TFAE also increased mRNA expression of GPx, SOD, and CAT and decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß). Furthermore, the microstructure of livers in TFAE-administered mice was obviously improved as compared with the d-gal model group. These results suggest that TFAE protects mice against d-gal-induced oxidative stress, and the effect is related to the activation of Nrf2 signaling.

Bonding, Luminescence, Metallophilicity in Linear Au3 and Au2Ag Chains Stabilized by Rigid Diphosphanyl NHC Ligands.

The heterofunctional and rigid ligand N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene (PCNHCP; P = P(t-Bu)2), through its phosphorus and two N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donors, stabilizes trinuclear chain complexes, with either Au3 or AgAu2 cores, and dinuclear Au2 complexes. The two oppositely situated PCNHCP (L) ligands that "sandwich" the metal chain can support linear and rigid structures, as found in the known tricationic Au(I) complex [Au3(µ3-PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)3 (OTf = CF3SO3; [Au3L2](OTf)3; Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 103-105) now also obtained by transmetalation from [Ag3(µ3-PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)3 ([Ag3L2](OTf)3), or in the mixed-metal tricationic [Au2Ag(µ3-PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)3 ([Au2AgL2](OTf)3). The latter was obtained stepwise by the addition of AgOTf to the digold(I) complex [Au2(µ2-PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC)2](OTf)2 ([Au2L2](OTf)2). The latter contains two dangling P donors and displays fluxional behavior in solution, and the Au···Au separation of 2.8320(6) Å in the solid state is consistent with metallophilic interactions. In the solvento complex [Au3Cl2(tht)(µ3-PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)](OTf)·MeCN ([Au3Cl2(tht)L](OTf)·MeCN), which contains only one L and one tht ligand (tht = tetrahydrothiophene), the metal chain is bent (148.94(2)°), and the longer Au···Au separation (2.9710(4) Å) is in line with relaxation of the rigidity due to a more "open" structure. Similar features were observed in [Au3Cl2(SMe2)L](OTf)·2MeCN. A detailed study of the emission properties of [Au3L2](OTf)3, [Au3Cl2(tht)L](OTf)·MeCN, [Au2L2](OTf)2, and [Au2AgL2](OTf)3 was performed by means of steady state and time-resolved photophysical techniques. The complex [Au3L2](OTf)3 displays a bright (photoluminescence quantum yield = 80%) and narrow emission band centered at 446 nm with a relatively small Stokes' shift and long-lived excited-state lifetime on the microsecond timescale, both in solution and in the solid state. In line with the very narrow emission profile centered in the violet-blue region, fabrication of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) comprising the [Au3L2](OTf)3 complex demonstrated its usefulness as a deep-blue emitter in solution-processed OLEDs. Electrochemical and Raman spectroscopic studies were also performed on [Au3L2](OTf)3. Experimental results were rationalized by means of Wave-Function Theory (WFT) and Density Functional Theory (DFT). MP2 calculations gave a satisfactory description of the structures of the cationic complexes [Au3L2](3+) and [Au2L2](2+) and pointed to Au···Au interactions having an electrostatic component owing to the dissimilar charge distribution in the chain caused by the heterofunctional ligand. The nature of the emitting states and their geometric distortions relative to the ground states in [Au3L2](3+) and [Au2L2](2+) was studied by DFT, revealing contraction of the Au···Au distances and coordination geometry changes by association of the dangling P donor, respectively.

Transition metal (Rh and Fe) complexes and main-group (Se and B) adducts with N,N'-diphosphanyl NHC ligands: a study of stereoelectronic properties.

Attempts to evaluate experimentally the donor characteristics of the N,N'-bis(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-imidazole-2-ylidene (PC(NHC)P) hybrid ligand are described. Thus, reactions of PC(NHC)P with [Rh(µ-Cl)(COD)]2 and [Rh(µ-Cl)(CO)2]2 led to the formation of the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, [Rh(PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC))2]Cl (PC(NHC)P-RhCl) and [Rh(CO)(PC(NHC),κP,κC(NHC),κN)]2 (PC(NHC)-RhCO), respectively, the latter resulting after in situ cleavage of one (t-Bu)2P-Nimid bond of PC(NHC)P. With ligands acting as a P,C-chelate, a straightforward evaluation of the Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) of the C(NHC) donor is problematical; the viability of dangling P- and bound C(NHC)-donors (i.e.κC(NHC)) has been observed in the trinuclear Fe(ii) chain complex [Fe3Cl2(µ-Cl)4(THF)2(PC(NHC)P,κC(NHC))2] (PC(NHC)P-Fe), obtained by the reaction of PC(NHC)P with [Fe4Cl8(THF)6] and, recently, established on Cr(II), Co(II) and Au(I) centres. Evaluation of the π-accepting properties of the PC(NHC)P (and the related Dipp-PC(NHC)) was based on the (77)Se NMR chemical shifts of the corresponding NHC-Se adducts, PC(NHC)P-Se (and Dipp-PC(NHC)-Se), which were prepared from the free PC(NHC)P (and Dipp-PC(NHC)) and Se. The π-acidity of PC(NHC)P is found to be higher than that of Dipp-PC(NHC) but lower than that of SIPr. The donor ability of the C(NHC) in PC(NHC)P was explored by its reaction with the Lewis acids tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3) and tris(pentafluorophenyl)boroxine ([(C6F5)BO]3), which resulted in stable donor-acceptor adducts with no FLP reactivity. The steric properties of PC(NHC)P and Dipp-PC(NHC) are conformation dependent, with the percent buried volume (%Vbur) of PC(NHC)P in the structurally characterised conformer calculated at 67.6, the largest value currently reported for NHC ligands.

A Bis(Diphosphanyl N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Gold Complex: A Synthon for Luminescent Rigid AuAg2 Arrays and Au5 and Cu6 Double Arrays.

A mononuclear bis(NHC)/Au(I) (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) cationic complex with a rigid bis(phosphane)-functionalized NHC ligand (PC(NHC)P) was used to construct linear Au3 and Ag2 Au arrays, a Au5 cluster with two intersecting crosslike Au3 arrays, and an unprecedented Cu6 complex with two parallel Cu3 arrays. The impact of metallophilic interactions on photoluminescence was studied experimentally.

Novel Di- and Trinuclear Palladium Complexes Supported by N,N'-Diphosphanyl NHC Ligands and N,N'-Diphosphanylimidazolium Palladium, Gold, and Mixed-Metal Copper-Gold Complexes.

The reaction of the trinuclear complex [Ag3(µ3-PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC),κP)2](OTf)3 (Ag3; PC(NHC)P = N,N'-bis(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) with [Pd(dba)2] afforded the trinuclear palladium complex [Pd3(µ3-PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC),κP)2](OTf)2 (Pd3) and the dinuclear palladium(I) complex [Pd2(µ2-PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC),κP)2](OTf)2 (Pd2). The assignment of the oxidation state of the metals in the mixed-valence Pd3 chain as Pd(0)-Pd(II)-Pd(0) was based on the reactivity of the complex with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide and density functional theory calculations. Reaction of PCNHCP with [PdMe2(tmeda)] afforded the palladium(II) complex [PdMe2(PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC))] (Pd-Me2), with PC(NHC)P acting as a bidentate ligand. The reaction of PC(NHC)P with [Pd(dba)2] led to a dinuclear palladium(0) complex [Pd2(µ2-PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC),κP)](dba) (Pd2-dba); attempted replacement of the remaining dba by PC(NHC)P failed. The imidazolium triflate PCHP, precursor to PC(NHC)P, was reacted with [Pd2(dba)3]·CHCl3 to give the (2 + 2) metalla-mesocyclic cationic palladium(0) complex [Pd2(µ2-PCHP,κP,κP)2] (PCHP-Pd2), which resisted further deprotonation of the imidazolium cation. In contrast, PCHP reacted with [AuCl(tht)] to give [Au2Cl2(µ2-PCHP,κP,κP)] (PCHP-Au2), in which one Au-Cl moiety is bound to each P donor. Further reaction of PCHP-Au2 with [Au{N(SiMe3)2}(PPh3)] afforded a mixture of the trinuclear [Au3(µ3-PC(NHC)P,κP,κC(NHC),κP)2](OTf)3 (Au3) and [AuCl(PPh3)], while reaction with [CuMes]5, where Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, resulted in a novel, centrosymmetric, heterometallic complex [Au2Mes2(Cu4Cl4)(PCHP,κP,κP)2] (PCHP-AuCu) featuring a new PCHP-AuMes metalloligand bridging a Cu···Cu diagonal of a Cu4Cl4 cubane via the P and AuMes functionalities.

Aurophilicity-triggered assembly of novel cyclic penta- and hexanuclear gold(I) complexes with rigid anionic NHC-type ligands.

The products of the reaction between N,N'-diphosphanylimidazol-2-ylidene (P-C-P) and gold(I) precursors depend on the nature of the anions associated with the latter. In contrast to the reported reaction with [Au(tht)2(OTf)], the use of [AuCl(tht)] led to the new hexanuclear complex 1, which features a Au6(µ3-P-C,κC,κN,κP)3 skeleton. The reaction of lithium imidazolide (P-C-Li) and [AuCl(tht)] also afforded 1, together with an unusual salt of the general formula [Au5Cl(µ3-P-C-κP,κC,κN)3]2[AuCl2]2 (2), which contains [Au5(µ3-P-C-κP,κC,κN)](+) subunits. In the solid state, one of these Au5 cations is associated with an [AuCl2](-) anion, while two other cations interact through their unique dicoordinated N-Au-N center with a [AuCl2](-) anion, with the charge of the resulting monocation being compensated for by another [AuCl2](-) anion to give a Au12 salt. Remarkably, the latter displays seven different bonding types at Au(I): C-Au-C, N-Au-N, P-Au-P, Cl-Au-Cl, C-Au-N, P-Au-Cl, and Au···Au.

A novel, rigid diphosphine with an active NHC spacer; di- and trinuclear complexes of d10 coinage metals.

A novel N,N'-diphosphanyl-imidazol-2-ylidene acts as a stable, hybrid PC(NHC)P ligand for M2 or linear M3 (M = Cu, Ag, Au) arrays with metallophilic interactions.

Non-symmetric diphosphines based on the imidazole scaffold: an unusual group interchange involving Pd-CH3 and (imidazole)P-Ph cleavage.

Two regioisomeric, non-symmetric P(C2)P(N)-imidazoles, t-Bu2PNCH=CHNC(PPh2) (L1, P(C2) = PPh2, P(N) = P(t-Bu)2) and Ph2PNCH=CHNC[P(t-Bu)2] (L2, P(C2) = P(t-Bu)2, P(N) = PPh2), respectively, show dramatic differences in the reactivity of the N-bound phosphine group; the L2 isomer is extremely sensitive to P-N bond cleavage by nucleophiles, and when coordinated to the PdCl(Me) fragment it undergoes facile interchange of one P(N) phenyl with the methyl originating from Pd.

Highly active and stereospecific polymerization of 1,3-butadiene catalyzed by dinuclear cobalt(II) complexes bearing 3-aryliminomethyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehydes.

A series of cobalt(II) complexes bearing 3-aryliminomethyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehydes (tridentate [NOO] ligands) was prepared and characterized by FT-IR and elemental analysis along with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that a dinuclear centrosymmetrical structure formed, in which each cobalt atom is surrounded by two bridged ligands and two acetate groups as a distorted octahedron. These dinuclear cobalt complexes displayed high catalytic activities for the polymerization of 1,3-butdiene on activation with organoaluminum cocatalysts to yield cis-1,4-polybutadiene with high selectivity. Ethylaluminum sesquichloride (EASC) was found to be the most efficient cocatalyst resulting in high conversion of butadiene and cis-1,4 content in the polymers with moderate molecular weight. The high catalytic activity and stereoselectivity could be achieved in a wide range of reaction conditions. All the dinuclear cobalt complexes (C1-C6) yielded predominantly cis-1,4-polybutadienes (> 96%) with negligible amounts of trans-1,4 (< 2.4%) and 1,2-vinyl (< 1.5%) products under the Al/Co molar ratio of 80 at 25 °C. The ligand modification by varying the substituents at the 4-position of phenol and on the imino-N aryl ring showed slight influence on the catalytic activity and microstructure of the resulting polymers.

Synthesis of Y2O2S:Eu3+, Mg2+, Ti4+ hollow microspheres via homogeneous precipitation route.

A phosphorescent material in the form of Y2O2S:Eu3+, Mg2+, Ti4+ hollow microspheres was prepared by homogeneous precipitation using monodispersed carbon spheres as hard templates. Y2O3:Eu3+ hollow microspheres were first synthesized to serve as the precursor. Y2O2S:Eu3+, Mg2+, Ti4+ powders were obtained by calcinating the precursor in a CS2 atmosphere. The crystal structure, morphology and optical properties of the composites were characterized. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the purity of the Y2O2S phase. Electron microscopy observations revealed that the Y2O2S:Eu3+, Mg2+, Ti4+ particles inherited the hollow spherical shape from the precursor after being calcined in a CS2 atmosphere and that they had a diameter of 350-450 nm and a wall thickness of about 50-80 nm. After ultraviolet radiation at 265 or 325 nm for 5 min, the particles emitted strong red long-lifetime phosphorescence originating from Eu3+ ions. This phosphorescence is associated with the trapping of charge carriers by Ti4+ and Mg2+ ions.

Synthesis of monodisperse spherical core-shell SiO2-SrAl2Si2O8: Eu2+ phosphors by hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation method.

Nanocrystalline SrAl2Si2O8 :Eu2+ phosphor layers were coated on nonaggregated, monodisperse and spherical SiO2 particles using a hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation. After annealing at 1100 °C, core-shell SiO2@SrAl2Si2O8 :Eu2+ particles were obtained. They were characterized with x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence techniques. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of SiO2 @SrAl2Si2O8 :Eu2+ particles; it indicated that the SrAl2Si2O8 :Eu2+ shells on SiO2 particles consisted of hexagonal crystallites. The core-shell phosphors obtained are well-dispersed submicron spherical particles with a narrow size distribution. The thickness of the coated layer is approximately 20-40 nm. Under ultraviolet excitation (361 nm), the particles emit blue light at about 440 nm due to the Eu2+ ions in their shells.