Microalgae to biodiesel: A novel green conversion method for high-quality lipids recovery and in-situ transesterification to fatty acid methyl esters.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to increasing energy demand have raised the need to identify effective solutions to produce clean and renewable energy. Biotechnologies are an effective platform to attain green transition objectives, especially when synergically integrated to promote health and environmental protection. In this context, microalgae-based biotechnologies are considered among the most effective tools for treating gaseous effluents and simultaneously capturing carbon sources for further biomass valorisation. The production of biodiesel is regarded as a promising avenue for harnessing value from residual algal biomass. Nonetheless, the existing techniques for extracting lipids still face certain limitations, primarily centred around the cost-effectiveness of the process.This study is dedicated to developing and optimising an innovative and cost-efficient technique for extracting lipids from algal biomass produced during gaseous emissions treatment based on algal-bacterial biotechnology. This integrated treatment technology combines a bio-scrubber for degrading gaseous contaminants and a photobioreactor for capturing the produced CO2 within valuable algal biomass. The cultivated biomass is then processed with the process newly designed to extract lipids simultaneously transesterificated in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via In Situ Transesterification (IST) with a Kumagawa-type extractor. The results of this study demonstrated the potential application of the optimised method to overcome the gap to green transition. Energy production was obtained from residuals produced during the necessary treatment of gaseous emissions. Using hexane-methanol (v/v = 19:1) mixture in the presence KOH in Kumagawa extractor lipids were extracted with extraction yield higher than 12% and converted in fatty acid methyl esters. The process showed the enhanced extraction of lipids converted in bio-sourced fuels with circular economy approach, broadening the applicability of biotechnologies as sustainable tools for energy source diversification.

Sustainable control of microplastics in wastewater using the electrochemically enhanced living membrane bioreactor.

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges are major contributors to the release of microplastics (MPs) into the environment. This research work aimed to assess the performance of the novel living membrane bioreactor (LMBR), which utilizes a biological layer as a membrane filter for the removal of polyethylene (PE) MPs from wastewater. The impact of an intermittently applied low current density (0.5 mA/cm2) on the reduction of MPs in the electrochemically enhanced LMBR (e-LMBR) has also been examined. The reactors were also compared to a conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR) and an electro-MBR (e-MBR). 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) was implemented for the MPs detection and quantification in terms of mass per volume of sample. The LMBR and MBR achieved comparable mean PE MPs reduction at 95% and 96%, respectively. The MPs mass reduction in the e-LMBR slightly decreased by 2% compared to that achieved in the LMBR. This potentially indicated the partial breakdown of the MPs due to electrochemical processes. Decreasing and inconsistent NH4-N and PO4-P removal efficiencies were observed over time due to the addition of PE MPs in the MBR and LMBR. In contrast, the integration of electric field in the e-MBR and e-LMBR resulted in consistently high values of conventional contaminant removals of COD (99.72-99.77 %), NH4-N (97.96-98.67%), and PO4-P (98.44-100.00%), despite the MPs accumulation. Integrating electrochemical processes in the e-LMBR led to the development of a stable living membrane (LM) layer, as manifested in the consistently low effluent turbidity 0.49 ± 0.33 NTU. Despite the increasing MPs concentration in the mixed liquor, applying electrochemical processes reduced the fouling rates in the e-LMBR. The e-LMBR achieved comparable efficiencies in contaminant reductions as those observed in the e-MBR, while using a low-cost membrane material.

A Novel [OSSO]-Type Chromium(III) Complex as a Versatile Catalyst for Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide with Epoxides.

A new chromium(III) complex, bearing a bis-thioether-diphenolate [OSSO]-type ligand, was found to be an efficient catalyst in the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides to achieve poly(propylene carbonate), poly(cyclohexene carbonate), poly(hexene carbonate) and poly(styrene carbonate), as well as poly(propylene carbonate)(cyclohexene carbonate) and poly(propylene carbonate)(hexene carbonate) terpolymers.

Cyclic(Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene (CAAC)-Supported Zn Alkyls: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity in Hydrosilylation Catalysis.

The reactivity of ZnII dialkyl species ZnMe2 with a cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene, 1-[2,6-bis(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-2-pyrrolidinylidene (CAAC, 1), was studied and extended to the preparation of robust CAAC-supported ZnII Lewis acidic organocations. CAAC adduct of ZnMe2 (2), formed from a 1:1 mixture of 1 and ZnMe2 , is unstable at room temperature and readily undergoes a CAAC carbene insertion into the Zn-Me bond to produce the ZnX2 -type species (CAAC-Me)ZnMe (3), a reactivity further supported by DFT calculations. Despite its limited stability, adduct 2 was cleanly ionized to robust two-coordinate (CAAC)ZnMe+ cation (5+ ) and derived into (CAAC)ZnC6 F5 + (7+ ), both isolated as B(C6 F5 )4 - salts, showing the ability of CAAC for the stabilization of reactive [ZnMe]+ and [ZnC6 F5 ]+ moieties. Due to the lability of the CAAC-ZnMe2 bond, the formation of bis(CAAC) adduct (CAAC)2 ZnMe+ cation (6+ ) was also observed and the corresponding salt [6][B(C6 F5 )4 ] was structurally characterized. As estimated from experimental and calculations data, cations 5+ and 7+ are highly Lewis acidic species and the stronger Lewis acid 7+ effectively mediates alkene, alkyne and CO2 hydrosilylation catalysis. All supporting data hints at Lewis acid type activation-functionalization processes. Despite a lower energy LUMO in 5+ and 7+ , their observed reactivity is comparable to those of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) analogues, in line with charge-controlled reactions for carbene-stabilized ZnII organocations.

Stereorigid OSSO-Type Group 4 Metal Complexes in the Ring-Opening Polymerization of rac-Lactide.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of group 4 metal complexes of general formula {OSSOX}M(OR)2 (X = R = tBu, M = Zr (1); X = cumyl, M = Zr, R = tBu (2); X = cumyl, M = Ti, R = iPr (4); X = cumyl, M = Hf, R = tBu (5)) and {OSSOX}2Zr (X = Cl (3)) supported by o-phenylene-bridged bis(phenolato) ligands (OSSOtBu-H = 6,6'-((1,2-phenylenebis(sulfanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-di-tert-butyphenol); OSSOCum-H = 6,6'-((1,2-phenylenebis(sulfanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-bis(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenol); OSSOCl-H = 6,6'-((1,2-phenylenebis(sulfanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-dichlorophenol)) are described herein. Complexes 1-5 were readily obtained by σ-bond metathesis reactions between the proligand and the appropriate homoleptic metal precursor. The reaction with OSSOCl yielded the bis-ligand complex{OSSOCl}2Zr (3) regardless of the OSSOCl-H/Zr(OtBu)4 molar ratio or experimental conditions. All complexes were characterized in solution using NMR spectroscopy and, in the case of 2, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. These complexes show a fac-fac ligand wrapping and a cis relationship between the other two monodentate ligands; zirconium and hafnium complexes 1-3 and 5 are configurationally stable, whereas titanium complex 4 is fluxional in solution at room temperature. The complexes tested in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic-lactide showed, except in the case of 3, moderate rates and good levels of polymerization control. Upon addition of an exogenous alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or tert-butyl alcohol) efficient binary catalytic systems were achieved. Polymerizations were well-controlled, as testified by the linear growth of the molecular weight as polymerization proceeded, narrow polydispersity indices, and molecular weights close to those expected on the basis of added alcohol amounts. Experimental and theoretical evidence is provided that ROP reactions operate according to an activated monomer mechanism.

Direct Synthesis of Telechelic Polyethylene by Selective Insertion Polymerization.

A single-step route to telechelic polyethylene (PE) is enabled by selective insertion polymerization. PdII -catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene and 2-vinylfuran (VF) generates α,ω-di-furan telechelic polyethylene. Orthogonally reactive exclusively in-chain anhydride groups are formed by terpolymerization with carbic anhydride. Combined experimental and theoretical DFT studies reveal the key for this direct approach to telechelics to be a match of the comonomers' different electronics and bulk. Identified essential features of the comonomer are that it is an electron-rich olefin that forms an insertion product stabilized by an additional interaction, namely a π-η3 interaction for the case of VF.

Thioether-triphenolate bimetallic iron(III) complexes as robust and highly efficient catalysts for cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides.

The selective and effective synthesis of organic carbonates under mild conditions, starting from carbon dioxide and oxiranes, catalyzed by metal complexes is currently a focus of interest for both industrial and academic researchers. We recently developed a novel thioether-triphenolate iron(III) catalyst (Ct-BU) that has proven to be highly active for the coupling of CO2 with epoxides, resulting in cyclic organic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. In the current work, the properties of this novel class of catalysts were extensively investigated. In particular, the steric properties of the ligand were modulated by changing the substituents of the aromatic rings in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the complex structure and catalytic performance/selectivity for these iron complexes. Notably, the less steric demanding iron(III) CH complex synthesized shows, when activated by n-tetrabutylammonium bromide, an impressive turnover frequency (TOF) of 3800 h(-1) for the formation of propylene carbonate and glycerol carbonate which are, by far, the highest reported for an iron based catalyst and compares well with the most active catalyst based on other metals.

Highly efficient direct aerobic oxidative esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with alkyl alcohols catalysed by gold nanoparticles incarcerated in a nanoporous polymer matrix: a tool for investigating the role of the polymer host.

The selective aerobic oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde, as well as direct oxidative esterification of this alcohol with primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols, were achieved with high chemoselectivity by using gold nanoparticles supported in a nanoporous semicrystalline multi-block copolymer matrix, which consisted of syndiotactic polystyrene-co-cis-1,4-polybutadiene. The cascade reaction that leads to the alkyl cinnamates occurs through two oxidation steps: the selective oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde, followed by oxidation of the hemiacetal that results from the base-catalysed reaction of cinnamaldehyde with an aliphatic alcohol. The rate constants for the two steps were evaluated in the temperature range 10-45 °C. The cinnamyl alcohol oxidation is faster than the oxidative esterification of cinnamaldehyde with methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol or 1-octanol. The rate constants of the latter reaction are pseudo-zero order with respect to the aliphatic alcohol and decrease as the bulkiness of the alcohol is increased. The activation energy (Ea) for the two oxidation steps was calculated for esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with 1-butanol (Ea = 57.8±11.5 and 62.7±16.7 kJ mol(-1) for the first and second step, respectively). The oxidative esterification of cinnamyl alcohol with 2-phenylethanol follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to 2-phenylethanol and is faster than observed for other alcohols because of fast diffusion of the aromatic alcohol in the crystalline phase of the support. The kinetic investigation allowed us to assess the role of the polymer support in the determination of both high activity and selectivity in the title reaction.

Thermo- and Photoresponsive Smart Nanomaterial Based on Poly(diethyl vinyl phosphonate)-Capped Gold Nanoparticles.

A new nanodevice based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with poly(diethylvinylphosphonate) (PDEVP) has been synthesized, showing interesting photophysical and thermoresponsive properties. The synthesis involves a properly designed Yttriocene catalyst coordinating the vinyl-lutidine (VL) initiator active in diethyl vinyl phosphonate polymerization. The unsaturated PDEVP chain ending was thioacetylated, deacetylated, and reacted with tetrachloroauric acid and sodium borohydride to form PDEVP-VL-capped AuNPs. The NMR, UV-Vis, and ESI-MS characterization of the metal nanoparticles confirmed the formation of the synthetic intermediates and the expected colloidal systems. AuNPs of subnanometric size were determined by WAXD and UV-Vis analysis. UV-Vis and fluorescence analysis confirmed the effective anchoring of the thiolated PDEVP to AuNPs. The formation of 50-200 nm globular structures was assessed by SEM and AFM microscopy in solid state and confirmed by DLS in aqueous dispersion. Hydrodynamic radius studies showed colloidal contraction with temperature, demonstrating thermoresponsive behavior. These properties suggest potential biomedical applications for the photoablation of malignant cells or controlled drug delivery induced by light or heat for the novel PDEVP-capped AuNP systems.

Micro(nano)plastics from synthetic oligomers persisting in Mediterranean seawater: Comprehensive NMR analysis, concerns and origins.

The presence in seawater of low-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), synthetic polymers with high chemical resistance, has been demonstrated in this study for the first time by developing a novel methodology for their recovery and quantification from surface seawater. These synthetic polymer debris (SPD) with very low molecular weights and sizes in the nano- and micro-metre range have escaped conventional analytical methods. SPD have been easily recovered from water samples (2 L) through filtration with a nitrocellulose membrane filter with a pore size of 0.45 µm. Dissolving the filter in acetone allowed the isolation of the particulates by centrifugation followed by drying. The isolated SPD were analysed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), identifying PE and PDMS. These polymers are thus persisting on seawater because of their low density and the ponderal concentrations were quantified in mg/m3. This method was used in an actual case study in which 120 surface seawater samples were collected during two sampling campaigns in the Mediterranean Sea (from the Gulf of Salerno to the Gulf of Policastro in South Italy). The developed analytical protocol allowed achieving unprecedented simplicity, rapidity and sensitivity. The 1H and 13C NMR structural analysis of the PE debris indicates the presence of oxidised polymer chains with very low molecular weights. Additionally, the origin of those low molecular weight polymers was investigated by analysing influents and effluents from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Salerno as a hot spot for the release of SPD: the analysis indicates the presence of low molecular weight polymers compatible with wax-PE, widely used for coating applications, food industry, cosmetics and detergents. Moreover, the origin of PDMS debris found in surface seawater can be ascribed to silicone-based antifoamers and emulsifiers.

Gold nanoparticles incarcerated in nanoporous syndiotactic polystyrene matrices as new and efficient catalysts for alcohol oxidations.

The controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), incarcerated in a semicrystalline nanoporous polymer matrix that consisted of a syndiotactic polystyrene-co-cis-1,4-polybutadiene multi-block copolymer is described. This catalyst was successfully tested in the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, in which we used dioxygen as the oxidant under mild conditions. Accordingly, (±)-1-phenylethanol was oxidised to acetophenone in high yields (96%) in 1 h, at 35 °C, whereas benzyl alcohol was quantitatively oxidised to benzaldehyde with a selectivity of 96% in 6 h. The specific rate constants calculated from the corresponding kinetic plots were among the highest found for polymer-incarcerated AuNPs. Similar values in terms of reactivity and selectivity were found in the oxidation of primary alcohols, such as cinnamyl alcohol and 2-thiophenemethanol, and secondary alcohols, such as indanol and α-tetralol. The remarkable catalytic properties of this system were attributed to the formation, under these reaction conditions, of the nanoporous ε crystalline form of syndiotactic polystyrene, which ensures facile and selective accessibility for the substrates to the gold catalyst incarcerated in the polymer matrix. Moreover, the polymeric crystalline domains produced reversible physical cross-links that resulted in reduced gold leaching and also allowed the recovery and reuse of the catalyst. A comparison of catalytic performance between AuNPs and annealed AuNPs suggested that multiple twinned defective nanoparticles of about 9 nm in diameter constituted the active catalyst in these oxidation reactions.

Heteroscorpionate-based Co2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ complexes: coordination behavior, aerobic oxidation, and hydrogen sulfide detection.

The coordination behavior and reactivity of the phenol-substituted bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligands, (3,5-(t)Bu(2)-2-phenol)bis(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (L1-H) and 2-phenol-bis(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (L2-H) have been investigated in the metal complexes (L1-H)CoCl(2) (1), (L1-H)ZnCl(2) (2), (L3)CuCl(2) (3), (L2)(2)Co(2)Cl(2) (4) (L2-H)ZnCl(2) (5), and (L2-H)CuCl(2)·H(2)O (6). The mononuclear tetrahedral cobalt complex 1 was isolated and fully characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction and (1)H NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry. The neutral L1-H is κ(2)-coordinated to the metal center whereas the not coordinated hydroxy-phenyl group is involved in extended intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Aerobic oxidation of L1-H was observed in the reaction of this ligand with CuCl(2) to yield the para-quinone derivative L3 (L3 = 2-(t)Bu-6-(bis(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione). Upon oxidation L3 resulted κ(2)-coordinated to the tetrahedral Cu(II) metal center, affording 3. The reaction of L2-H with CoCl(2)·6H(2)O produced the elimination of 1 equiv of hydrochloric acid and the formation of the binuclear complex 4 in which one cobalt is in an octahedral environment featuring two κ(3)-coordinated deprotonated ligands whereas the second cobalt center is detected in tetrahedral coordination geometry, bound to the octahedral cobalt via two phenoxo bridging moieties. Interestingly L2-H, (3-(t)Bu-2-phenol)bis(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (L4-H), or (5-(t)Bu-2-phenol)bis(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (L5-H) were not oxidized in the reaction with CuCl(2). The reaction of the ligand L2-H with ZnCl(2) and CuCl(2)·2H(2)O yielded the κ(2)-coordinated tetrahedral complex 5 and the square planar complex 6, respectively. The application of the cobalt complex 1 as molecular dosimeter for H(2)S was explored and compared to that of the zinc analogue 2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and NMR experiments to assess the possible mechanisms of H(2)S detection by both 1 and 2 are also described.

Interactions of volatile organic compounds with syndiotactic polystyrene crystalline nanocavities.

The interaction of some volatile organic compounds, namely, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, included in the δ crystalline phase of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) has been studied in terms of conformation, orientation, and dynamical behavior. By combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and solid-state (2)H NMR analyses, it has been shown that despite the differences in guest molecular properties (mass, boiling temperature, and volume), stable sPS/guest δ-clathrate cocrystals are formed since the nanoporous δ crystalline form has a flexible structure able to adapt itself to the guest molecule. As a consequence of inclusion, it has been shown that the guest diffusivity is strongly reduced and the dynamical processes are constrained, particularly when these guests are in trans conformation. This suggests the nanoporous sPS δ form to be an efficient tool for water and air purification through volatile organic compound absorption.

Structure and dynamics of catalytically competent but labile paramagnetic metal-hydrides: the Ti(iii)-H in homogeneous olefin polymerization.

Metal hydride complexes find widespread application in catalysis and their properties are often understood on the basis of the available crystal structures. However, some catalytically relevant metal hydrides are only spontaneously formed in situ, cannot be isolated in large quantities or crystallised and their structure is therefore ill defined. One such example is the paramagnetic Ti(iii)-hydride involved in homogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysis, formed upon activation of CpTi(iv)Cl3 with modified methylalumoxane (MMAO). In this contribution, through a combined use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopies we identify the nature of the ligands, their bonding interaction and the extent of the spin distribution. From the data, an atomistic and electronic model is proposed, which supports the presence of a self-assembled ion pair between a cationic terminal Ti-hydride and an aluminate anion, with a hydrodynamic radius of ca. 16 Å.

Cyclic Polyester Formation with an [OSSO]-Type Iron(III) Catalyst.

The efficient formation of cyclic polyesters from the ring-opening polymerization of lactide, ϵ-caprolactone, and ß-butyrolactone catalyzed by a 1,4-dithiabutanedyl-2,2'-bis(4,6-dicumylphenol) [OSSO]-FeCl complex activated with cyclohexene oxide was achieved. The catalyst was very active (initial turnover frequency up to 2718 h-1 ), robust, and worked with a monomer/Fe ratio up to 10 000. The formation of cyclic polymers was supported by using high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) MS, and the average ring size (≈5 kDa for cyclic polylactide) independent of the reaction conditions. A monometallic ring-opening polymerization/cyclization mechanism was proposed from the results of a kinetic investigation.

NIR multiphoton ablation of cancer cells, fluorescence quenching and cellular uptake of dansyl-glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles.

Theranostics based on two-photon excitation of therapeutics in the NIR region is an emerging and powerful tool in cancer therapy since this radiation deeply penetrates healthy biological tissues and produces selective cell death. Aggregates of gold nanoparticles coated with glutathione corona functionalized with the dansyl chromophore (a-DG-AuNPs) were synthesized and found efficient nanodevice for applications in photothermal therapy (PTT). Actually the nanoparticle aggregation enhances the quenching of radiative excitation and the consequent conversion into heat. The a-DG-AuNPs are readily internalized in Hep G2 where the chromophore acts as both antenna and transducer of the NIR radiation under two-photons excitation, determining efficient cell ablation via photothermal effect.

Phosphasalen group IV metal complexes: synthesis, characterization and ring opening polymerization of lactide.

We report the synthesis of a series of Zr and Ti complexes bearing phosphasalen which differs from salen by the incorporation of two P atoms in the ligand backbone. The reaction of phosphasalen proligands (1a-1c)H2 with Zr(CH2Ph)4 led to different products depending on the nature of the N,N-linker in the ligand. In the case of ethylene-linked phosphasalen, octahedral Zr complex 2a formed as a single stereoisomer in trans geometry. With the phenylene linker, it was shown by dynamic NMR spectroscopy that complex 2b exists as a mixture of trans and cis-ß isomers in solution, both enantiomers (Δ and Λ) of the cis-ß isomer being in fast equilibrium with respect to the NMR time-scale. The use of a propylene-linked phosphasalen proligand 1cH2 led to a mixture of complexes among which a binuclear Zr complex 2c bridged only by one phosphasalen ligand could be isolated and characterized. Addition of 2 equiv. of iPrOH to 2a and 2b afforded diisoproxy Zr complexes 3a and 3b as a mixture of trans and cis-ß isomers, the latter undergoing fast Δ/Λ isomerization in solution. Addition of B(C6F5)3 to 2a and 2b gave cationic monobenzyl Zr complexes 4a and 4b which have been further converted into cationic alkoxy Zr complexes 5a-b and 6a-b by alcoholysis with iPrOH and (S)-methyl-lactate, respectively. The reaction of the phosphasalen proligands with Ti(NMe2)4 proceeded diastereoselectively giving rise to Ti complexes 7a-c in octahedral geometry with cis-ß wrapping of the ligand. The complexes have been tested for the ROP of rac-lactide. The neutral phosphasalen Ti and Zr complexes showed only poor activity probably due to the encumbered and electron donating nature of the phosphasalen ligand. In contrast, the cationic Zr alkoxides 5a, 6a and 6b are effective initiators for the controlled and hetero-selective ROP of rac-lactide.

New zinc complexes bearing kappa2-heteroscorpionate ligands: influence of second-sphere bonding interactions on reactivity and properties.

New zinc complexes (LOMe)ZnCl(2) (1) and (LOH)ZnCl(2)(2) of the heteroscorpionate ligands 1-[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-methoxyphenyl)(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)]-3,5-dimethyl-pyrazole (LOMe) and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-[bis(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]phenol (LOH) have been synthesized. The X-ray molecular structure of 2 was reported and compared with the one of the iron(II) complex (LOH)FeI(2) (3). The complexes 2-3 adopt a tetrahedral structure in the solid state in which the LOH ligand is kappa(2)-coordinated to the metal via the imino nitrogens of the two pyrazolyl rings. The hydroxyl phenyl group is not coordinated to the metal but found to be involved in an intermolecular hydrogen bond. The solution structures of 1 and 2 are consistent with this tetrahedral C(S) symmetric geometry. Dilution and (1)H-(1)H Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments revealed that the free ligands LOMe and LOH are involved in intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. Coordination of LOMe and LOH to ZnCl(2) was investigated by NMR titration methods. Association constants (K(a)) of (8.6 +/- 0.4) x 10(2) M(-1) and (7.8 +/- 0.3) x 10(2) M(-1) were obtained in methanol/water solutions (95:5) for LOMe and LOH, respectively. Coordination of bis(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)methane (bpm) ligand to ZnCl(2) is weaker, as evidenced by the lower value of the association constant (5.3 +/- 0.3) x 10(2) M(-1). When bpm was added to solutions of 1 or 2, an equilibrium shifted toward the (bmp)ZnCl(2) species was observed. The thermodynamic parameters for this reaction were determined by VT NMR analysis. The optical properties of the ligands (LOMe, LOH) and of the corresponding zinc complexes 1 and 2 were also investigated by means of UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy to assess the potential use of these ligands as fluorescent sensors for Zn(2+) detection.

Aerobic Oxidation and Oxidative Esterification of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural by Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Nanoporous Polymer Host Matrix.

The aerobic oxidation and oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) catalyzed by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) supported on a semicrystalline nanoporous multiblock copolymer matrix consisting of syndiotactic poly(styrene)-cis-1,4-poly(butadiene) (sPSB) have been investigated. Depending on the reaction parameters (support nanoporosity, presence of water, solvent, temperature, cocatalyst, oxygen pressure), the conversion of HMF can be finely addressed to the formation of the desired oxidation product, such as 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), 5-formylfuran-2-carboxylic acid (FFCA), methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylate (MHMFC), dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFC), and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), under optimized reaction conditions. The AuNP-sPSB catalyst is highly effective and selective because the polymer support acts as a conveyor and concentrator of the reactants toward the catalytic sites.

Phenylene-Bridged OSSO-Type Titanium Complexes in the Polymerization of Ethylene and Propylene.

The dichloro titanium complexes (OSSO tBu)TiCl2 (1) and (OSSOCum)TiCl2 (2) bearing o-phenylene-bridged OSSO-type ligands [OSSO tBu-H = 6,6'-((1,2-phenylenebis(sulfanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-di-tert-butyphenol) and OSSOCum-H = 6,6'-((1,2-phenylenebis(sulfanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-bis(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenol)] were prepared and characterized. The X-ray structure of 1 revealed that Ti atom has an octahedral coordination geometry with an fac-fac wrapping of the [OSSO] ligand. In solution at 25 °C, 1 mainly retains the C 2 symmetric structure, whereas 2 shows an equilibrium between C 2- and C 1-symmetric stereoisomers. Activation of 2 with (Ph3C)[B(C6F5)4] led to a highly active catalytic system with an activity of 238 kgPE·molcat -1·bar-1·h-1; linear polyethylene with a T m of 122 °C and M w of 107 kDa were obtained under these conditions. Catalyst 1 displayed the moderate activity of 59 kgPE·molcat -1·bar-1·h-1. Gel permeation chromatography analysis revealed the formation of high-molecular-weight polyethylenes with very large distributions of the molecular weights, indicating a low control of the polymerization process, probably becaue of the presence of different active species in solution. Density functional theory investigation provides a rational for the relative high-molecular-weight polymers obtained with these complexes. The precatalyst 2 was also active in propylene polymerization producing atactic oligomers terminated with unsaturated end groups.