Fe(III)-Anchored Porphyrin-Based Nanoporous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Green Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO2 under Atmospheric Pressure Conditions.

The utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a C1 source coupled with olefins, readily accessible feedstocks, offers dual advantages of mitigating atmospheric carbon dioxide and green synthesis of valuable chemicals. In this regard, herein we demonstrate the application of Fe(III)-anchored porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (P-COF) as a promising recyclable catalyst for one-step generation of cyclic carbonates (CCs), value-added commodity chemicals from olefins and CO2, under mild atmospheric pressure conditions. Moreover, this one-pot synthesis was applied to transform various olefins (aliphatic and aromatic) into the corresponding CCs in good yield and selectivity. In addition, the Fe(III)@P-COF showed good recyclability and durability for multiple reuse cycles without losing its catalytic activity. Notably, this one-step synthesis strategy presents an eco-friendly, atom-economic alternative to the conventional two-step process requiring epoxides. This work represents a rare demonstration of porphyrin COF-catalyzed one-pot CC synthesis by utilizing readily available olefins at atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide.

Highly Efficient Fixation of Carbon Dioxide at RT and Atmospheric Pressure Conditions: Influence of Polar Functionality on Selective Capture and Conversion of CO2.

The rapid increase in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has resulted in undesirable environmental issues. Hence, selective CO2 capture and utilization as C1 feedstock for the preparation of high-value chemicals and fuels has been considered as a promising step toward mitigating the growing concentration of atmospheric CO2. In this direction, herein we report rational construction of a Ag(I)-anchored sulfonate-functionalized UiO-66 MOF named as MOF-SO3Ag composed of CO2-philic sulfonate functionality and catalytically active alkynophilic Ag(I) sites for chemical fixation of carbon dioxide. The MOF-SO3Ag exhibits selective as well as recyclable adsorption of CO2 with a high heat of adsorption energy (Qst) of 37.8 kJ/mol. On the other hand, the analogous MOF, UiO-66 doped with Ag(I), showed a lower Qst value of 30 kJ/mol, highlighting the importance of the sulfonate group for stronger interaction with CO2. Furthermore, the MOF-SO3Ag acts as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for cyclic carboxylation of propargylic alcohols to generate α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates in >99% yield at mild conditions of RT and 1 bar CO2. More importantly, one-pot synthesis of oxazolidinones by a three-component reaction between CO2, propargylic alcohol, and primary amine has also been achieved using MOF-SO3Ag catalyst under the mild conditions. The MOF is highly recyclable and retains its superior catalytic activity even after several cycles. To the best of our knowledge, MOF-SO3Ag is the first example of MOF reported for RT chemical fixation of CO2 to oxazolidinones by aminolysis of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates under the environment-friendly mild conditions.

Acylation of oxindoles using methyl/phenyl esters via the mixed Claisen condensation - an access to 3-alkylideneoxindoles.

Predominantly, aggressive acid chlorides and stoichiometric coupling reagents are employed in the acylating process for synthesizing carbonyl tethered heterocycles. Herein, we report simple acyl sources, viz. methyl and phenyl esters, which acylate oxindoles via the mixed Claisen condensation. This straightforward protocol is mediated by LiHMDS and KOtBu and successfully applied to a wide range of substrates. It is a noteworthy transformation that skips the stepwise generation of enolates and acylation, and the reaction is performed at a moderate temperature with no side reactions. This protocol produces the first examples of ortho-substituents in an aryl ring flanked with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substrates. Interestingly, robust organometallic ferrocenyl methyl ester cleaved under these conditions with ease. Furthermore, biologically important Tenidap's analog was synthesized by this protocol.

Molecular Basis of Water Sorption Behavior of Rivaroxaban-Malonic Acid Cocrystal.

The present study aims to investigate the molecular basis of water sorption behavior of rivaroxaban-malonic acid cocrystal (RIV-MAL). It was hypothesized, that the amount of water sorbed by a crystalline solid is governed by the surface molecular environment of different crystal facets and their relative abundance to crystal surface. Water sorption behavior was measured using a dynamic vapor sorption analyzer. The surface molecular environment of different crystal facets and their relative contribution were determined using single crystal structure evaluation and face indexation analysis, respectively. The surface area-normalized water sorption for rivaroxaban (RIV), malonic acid (MAL), and RIV-MAL at 90% RH/25 °C was 0.28, 92.6, and 11.1% w/w, respectively. The crystal surface of MAL had a larger contribution (58.7%) of hydrophilic (Hphi) functional groups and showed the "highest" water sorption (92.6% w/w). On the contrary, RIV had a larger surface contribution (65.2%) of hydrophobic (Hpho) functional groups, and the smaller contribution (34.8%) of Hphi+Hpho groups exhibited the "lowest" water sorption (0.28% w/w). The "intermediate" water sorption (11.1% w/w) by RIV-MAL, as compared to RIV, was ascribed to the increased surface contribution of Hphi+Hpho groups (from 34.8 to 42.1%) and reduced hydrophobic surface contribution (from 65.2 to 57.9%). However, the significantly higher water gained (∼39-fold) by the cocrystal as compared to RIV, despite the nominal change in the surface contributions, was further attributed to the relatively stronger hydrogen bonding interactions between the surface-exposed carboxyl groups and water molecules. The study highlights that the amount of water sorbed by the cocrystal is governed by the surface molecular environment and additionally by the strength of hydrogen bonding. This investigation has implications on designing materials with a desired moisture-sorption property.

Environmentally Friendly, Co-catalyst-Free Chemical Fixation of CO2 at Mild Conditions Using Dual-Walled Nitrogen-Rich Three-Dimensional Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Highly porous, polyhedral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of Co(II)/Ni(II), {[M6(TATAB)4(DABCO)3(H2O)3]·12DMF·9H2O} n (where M = Co(II) (1)/Ni(II) (2), H3TATAB = 4,4',4″- s-triazine-1,3,5-triyl-tri- p-aminobenzoic acid, and DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) have been synthesized solvothermally. Both MOFs 1 and 2 show a 2-fold interpenetrated 3D framework structure composed of dual-walled cages of dimension ∼ 30 Å functionalized with a high density of Lewis acidic Co(II)/Ni(II) metal sites and basic -NH- groups. Interestingly, MOF 1 shows selective adsorption of CO2 with high heat of adsorption ( Qst) value of 39.7 kJ/mol that is further supported by theoretical studies with computed binding energy (BE) of 41.17 kJ/mol. The presence of the high density of both Lewis acidic and basic sites make MOFs 1/2 ideal candidate materials to carry out co-catalyst-free cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides. Consequently, MOFs 1/2 act as excellent recyclable catalysts for cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides for high-yield synthesis of cyclic carbonates under co-catalyst-free mild conditions of 1 bar of CO2. Further, MOF 1 was recycled for five successive cycles without substantial loss in catalytic activity. Herein, rational design of rare examples of 3D polyhedral MOFs composed of Lewis acidic and basic sites exhibiting efficient co-catalyst-free conversion of CO2 has been demonstrated.

Rational Design of a Bifunctional, Two-Fold Interpenetrated ZnII -Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Adsorption of CO2 and Efficient Aqueous Phase Sensing of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol.

A bifunctional, microporous ZnII metal-organic framework, [Zn2 (NH2 BDC)2 (dpNDI)]n (MOF1) (where, NH2 BDC=2-aminoterephthalic acid, dpNDI=N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide) has been synthesized solvothermally. MOF1 shows an interesting two-fold interpenetrated, 3D pillar-layered framework structure composed of two types of 1D channels with dimensions of approximately 2.99×3.58 Šand 4.58×5.38 Šdecorated with pendent -NH2 groups. Owing to the presence of a basic functionalized pore surface, MOF1 exhibits selective adsorption of CO2 with high value of heat of adsorption (Qst =46.5 kJ mol-1 ) which is further supported by theoretically calculated binding energy of 48.4 kJ mol-1 . Interestingly, the value of Qst observed for MOF1 is about 10 kJ mol-1 higher than that of analogues MOF with the benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (BDC) ligand, which establishes the critical role of the -NH2 group for CO2 capture. Moreover, MOF1 exhibits highly selective and sensitive sensing of the nitroaromatic compound (NAC), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) over other competing NACs through a luminescence quenching mechanism. The observed selectivity for TNP over other nitrophenols has been correlated to stronger hydrogen bonding interaction of TNP with the basic -NH2 group of MOF1, which is revealed from DFT calculations. To the best of our knowledge, MOF1 is the first example of an interpenetrated ZnII -MOF exhibiting selective adsorption of CO2 as well as efficient aqueous-phase sensing of TNP; investigated through combined experimental and theoretical studies.

Correlating Single Crystal Structure, Nanomechanical, and Bulk Compaction Behavior of Febuxostat Polymorphs.

Febuxostat exhibits unprecedented solid forms with a total of 40 polymorphs and pseudopolymorphs reported. Polymorphs differ in molecular arrangement and conformation, intermolecular interactions, and various physicochemical properties, including mechanical properties. Febuxostat Form Q (FXT Q) and Form H1 (FXT H1) were investigated for crystal structure, nanomechanical parameters, and bulk deformation behavior. FXT Q showed greater compressibility, densification, and plastic deformation as compared to FXT H1 at a given compaction pressure. Lower mechanical hardness of FXT Q (0.214 GPa) as compared to FXT H1 (0.310 GPa) was found to be consistent with greater compressibility and lower mean yield pressure (38 MPa) of FXT Q. Superior compaction behavior of FXT Q was attributed to the presence of active slip systems in crystals which offered greater plastic deformation. By virtue of greater compressibility and densification, FXT Q showed higher tabletability over FXT H1. Significant correlation was found with anticipation that the preferred orientation of molecular planes into a crystal lattice translated nanomechanical parameters to a bulk compaction process. Moreover, prediction of compactibility of materials based on true density or molecular packing should be carefully evaluated, as slip-planes may cause deviation in the structure-property relationship. This study supported how molecular level crystal structure confers a bridge between particle level nanomechanical parameters and bulk level deformation behavior.

Construction of 3-Fold-Interpenetrated Three-Dimensional Metal-Organic Frameworks of Nickel(II) for Highly Efficient Capture and Conversion of Carbon Dioxide.

A series of three new isostructural metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of nickel(II), [{Ni(muco)(bpa)(2H2O)}·2H2O] (1), [{Ni(muco)(bpe)(2H2O)}·2.5H2O] (2), and [{Ni(muco)(azopy)(2H2O)}·2H2O] (3) [where muco = trans,trans-muconate dianion, bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, and azopy = 4,4'-bis(azobipyridine)], have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and other physicochemical methods. Compounds 1-3 exhibit an interesting 3-fold-interpenetrated three-dimensional pillar-layered framework structure constituted of 4-coordinating (4-c) NiII nodes with {66}-neb net topology. Remarkably, in spite of 3-fold interpenetration, the structures possess one-dimensional channels with dimensions of ∼8.05 × 5.25 Å2. Gas (N2, Ar, H2, and CO2) adsorption studies of compounds 2 and 3 revealed selective adsorption properties for CO2 over other gases. In all three structures, the 4-c NiII node has two coordinated H2O molecules that can be reversibly removed by high-temperature treatment to generate a dehydrated framework composed of highly unsaturated, Lewis acidic NiII ions. Further, the activated compounds of 1-3 act as efficient recyclable catalysts for heterogeneous cycloaddition of CO2 with styrene oxide, resulting in cyclic carbonate with high conversion and selectivity. Interestingly, the cycloaddition reactions of CO2 with bulky epoxides show a decrease in the activity with an increase in the alkyl chain length of the substrate due to confinement of the pore size of the MOF. The high catalytic efficiency and size-dependent selectivity for smaller epoxides show the potential utility of 1 as a promising heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2. Furthermore, the catalyst can be easily separated and reused for several cycles without significant reduction in the catalytic activity as well as structural rigidity. Compounds 1-3 represent rare examples of interpenetrated MOFs exhibiting selective storage and conversion of CO2 at mild conditions.

Visible-Light-Assisted Photocatalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatics by Recyclable Ni(II)-Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) at RT.

A microporous Ni(II)-porphyrin metal-organic framework (MOF), [Ni3(Ni-HTCPP)2(µ2-H2O)2(H2O)4(DMF)2]·2DMF, (MOF1) (where, Ni-HTCPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-benzoate) porphyrinato-Ni(II)) has been synthesized by the solvothermal route. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1 reveals a 2D network structure constituted by Ni3 cluster and [Ni-HTCPP](3-) metalloligand having (3, 6)-connected binodal net with {4(3)}2{4(6)·6(6)·8(3)}-kgd net topology. The 2D layers are further stacked together through π-π interactions between the porphyrin linkers to generate a 3D supramolecular framework which houses 1D channels with dimension of ∼5.0 × 9.0 Å(2) running along the crystallographic a-axis. Visible-light-assisted photocatalytic investigation of MOF1 for heterogeneous reduction of various nitroaromatics at room temperature resulted in the corresponding amines with high yield and selectivity. On the contrary, the Ni(II)-centered porphyrin tetracarboxylic acid [Ni-H4TCPP] metalloligand does not show the photocatalytic activity under similar conditions. The remarkably high catalytic performance of MOF1 over [Ni-H4TCPP] metalloligand has been attributed due to cooperative catalysis involving the Ni-centered porphyrin secendary building units (SBUs) and the Ni3-oxo node. Further, the MOF1 was recycled and reused up to three cycles without any significant loss of catalytic activity as well as structural rigidity. To the best of our knowledge, MOF1 represents the first example of MOF based on 3d metal ion exhibiting visible-light-assisted reduction of nitroaromatics under mild conditions without the assistance of noble metal cocatalysts.

Synthesis and photophysics of extended π-conjugated systems of substituted 10-aryl-pyrenoimidazoles.

The synthesis of π-extended 10-aryl-pyrenoimidazoles having different substituents was realised via Ru(ii)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 10-aryl-pyrenoimidazole with diphenylacetylene. The single crystal X-ray structure of trifluoromethyl and carboxylate substituted annulated-10-aryl-pyrenoimidazoles confirms the near coplanarity of the pyrene and imidazole moieties and the presence of twisted conformation resulting in intermolecular C-Hπ interactions. The lowest energy absorption maximum becomes red-shifted characteristic to the nature of the substituent owing to the extended π-conjugation, and specifically the nitro substituent shows intense absorption in the visible region with the maximum at 440 nm. All the molecules were found to show intense fluorescence both in solution and solid states. Strikingly, 170 nm red-shifted fluorescence with a large Stokes shift ca. 7000 cm-1 for the nitro derivative, a value nearly two-fold higher than the parent compound despite its rigid polyaromatic skeleton was observed. The combination of electron rich π-conjugated aromatic systems with electron deficient substituents induces the intramolecular charge transfer interactions, which has been corroborated with the theoretical calculations.

Pyrene-Based Nanoporous Covalent Organic Framework for Carboxylation of C-H Bonds with CO2 and Value-Added 2-Oxazolidinones Synthesis under Ambient Conditions.

The selective carbon capture and utilization (CCU) as a one-carbon (C1) feedstock offers dual advantages for mitigating the rising atmospheric CO2 content and producing fine chemicals/fuels. In this context, herein, we report the application of a porous bipyridine-functionalized, pyrene-based covalent organic framework (Pybpy-COF) for the stable anchoring of catalytic Ag(0) nanoparticles (NPs) and its catalytic investigation for fixation of CO2 to commodity chemicals at ambient conditions. Notably, Ag@Pybpy-COF showed excellent catalytic activity for the carboxylation of various terminal alkynes to corresponding alkynyl carboxylic acids/phenylpropiolic acids via C-H bond activation under atmospheric pressure conditions. Besides, carboxylative cyclization of various propargylic amines with CO2 to generate 2-oxazolidinones, an important class of antibiotics, has also been achieved under mild conditions. This significant catalytic activity of Ag@Pybpy-COF with wide functional group tolerance is rendered by the presence of highly exposed, alkynophilic Ag(0) catalytic sites decorated on the pore walls of high surface area (787 m2 g-1) Pybpy-COF. Further, density functional theory calculations unveiled the detailed mechanistic path of the Ag@Pybpy-COF-catalyzed transformation of CO2 to alkynyl carboxylic acids and 2-oxazolidinones. Moreover, the catalyst showed high recyclability for several cycles of reuse without significant loss in its catalytic activity and structural rigidity. This work demonstrates the promising application of Pybpy-COF for stable anchoring of Ag NPs for successful transformation of CO2 to valuable commodity chemicals at ambient conditions.

Design of porphyrin-based frameworks for efficient visible light-promoted reduction of CO2 from dilute gas: Combined experimental and theoretical investigation.

The photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) coupled with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) constitutes a promising step for a sustainable generation of syngas (CO + H2), an essential feedstock for the preparation of several commodity chemicals. Herein, visible light/sunlight-promoted catalytic reduction of CO2 and protons to syngas using rationally designed porphyrin-based 2D porous organic frameworks, POF(Co/Zn) is demonstrated. Indeed, POF(Co) showed superior catalytic performance over the Zn counterpart with CO and H2 generation rates of 1104 and 3981 µmol g-1h-1, respectively. The excellent catalytic performance of Co-based POF is aided by the favorable transfer of photo-excited electrons from Ru-sensitizer to the CoII catalytic site, which is not feasible in the case of POF(Zn), revealed from the theoretical investigation. More importantly, the POF(Co) catalyzes the reduction of CO2 even from dilute gas (13% CO2), surpassing most reported framework-based photocatalytic systems. Significantly, the catalytic performance of POF(Co) was increased under natural sunlight conditions suggesting sunlight-promoted enhancement in syngas generation. The in-depth theoretical investigation further unveiled the comprehensive mechanistic pathway of the light-promoted concurrent CO and H2 generation. This work showcases the advantages of porphyrin-based frameworks for visible light/sunlight-promoted syngas generation by utilizing greenhouse gas (CO2) and protons under mild eco-friendly conditions.

Design of noble metal-free NiTiO3/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction photocatalyst for efficient visible-light-assisted production of H2 and selective synthesis of 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan.

In this work, the development of noble metal-free NiTiO3/ZnIn2S4 (1:0.25 (S1), 1:0.5 (S2), 1:1 (S3), and 1:2 (S4)) heterojunction photocatalysts possessing optimal band edge positions suitable for efficient production of H2 from water and in situ reduction of biomass derivative, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to value-added 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) in the absence of any external reducing agent is presented. The electron microscopy analysis of these heterojunctions revealed that ZnIn2S4 nanosheets are decorated uniformly over the surface of NiTiO3 microrods. Interestingly, heterojunction, S3 having NiTiO3/ZnIn2S4 (1:1) showed the best photocatalytic activity with a high H2 generation rate of 4.43 mmol g-1h-1 which is about eight times higher than that of pure ZnIn2S4. Further, the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity of S3 was coupled with in situ reduction of biomass derivative, HMF to obtain value-added chemical, BHMF with > 99% yield along with 100% selectivity. This high photocatalytic activity of S3 is aided by the Z-scheme heterojunction between NiTiO3 and ZnIn2S4. Moreover, photocatalyst, S3, showed excellent photostability and retained the catalytic activity for several cycles of reuse. Overall, this work represents a unique demonstration of H2 generation and high yield production of an important commodity chemical, BHMF from biomass-derivative and provides a greener path for harvesting solar energy and its conversion to chemical energy.

Design of noble metal-free CoTiO3/Zn0.5Cd0.5S heterostructure photocatalyst for selective synthesis offurfuraldehyde combined withH2production.

The development of photocatalytic systems composed of earth-abundant metal-based catalysts for efficient production of clean fuel, H2 as well as value-added chemicals is of significant importance towards sustainable generation of energy resources. Consequently, herein we report rational construction of Z-scheme CoTiO3/xZn0.5Cd0.5S (x = 5 (S1), 10 (S2), 15 (S3) and 20 wt% (S4)) heterostructures featuring suitable band structure for efficient photocatalytic reduction of protons of water to H2 combined with selective oxidation of furfuryl alcohol (biomass derivative) to a value-added product, furfuraldehyde. Electron microscopy analysis of heterostructure S2 revealed that Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanoparticles are decorated over the surface of CoTiO3 microrods. The photocatalytic studies showed higher catalytic performance by S2, for selective oxidation of furfuryl alcohol to furfuraldehyde with 95% yield coupled with a H2 generation rate of 1929 µmol g-1h-1 which is about 4-fold higher than that of pristine Zn0.5Cd0.5S. The enhanced catalytic performance of heterostructure S2 has been ascribed to synergistic interaction aided by the Z-scheme heterojunction formation between CoTiO3 and Zn0.5Cd0.5S. Overall, this work demonstrates the application of noble metal-free photocatalyst for simultaneous production of H2 and value-added chemical under mild and environment-friendly conditions.

Strategic Design of Mg-Centered Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Visible Light-Promoted Fixation of CO2 under Ambient Conditions: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation.

The sunlight-driven fixation of CO2 into valuable chemicals constitutes a promising approach toward environmental remediation and energy sustainability over traditional thermal-driven fixation. Consequently, in this article, we report a strategic design and utilization of Mg-centered porphyrin-based metal-organic framework (MOFs) having relevance to chlorophyll in green plants as a visible light-promoted highly recyclable catalyst for the effective fixation of CO2 into value-added cyclic carbonates under ambient conditions. Indeed, the Mg-centered porphyrin MOF showed good CO2 capture ability with a high heat of adsorption (44.5 kJ/mol) and superior catalytic activity under visible light irradiation in comparison to thermal-driven conditions. The excellent light-promoted catalytic activity of Mg-porphyrin MOF has been attributed to facile ligand-to-metal charge transfer transition from the photoexcited Mg-porphyrin unit (SBU) to the Zr6 cluster which in turn activates CO2, thereby lowering the activation barrier for its cycloaddition with epoxides. The in-depth theoretical studies further unveiled the detailed mechanistic path of the light-promoted conversion of CO2 into high-value cyclic carbonates. This study represents a rare demonstration of sunlight-promoted sustainable fixation of CO2, a greenhouse gas into value-added chemicals.

Hydrodefluorination and other hydrodehalogenation of aliphatic carbon-halogen bonds using silylium catalysis.

Trialkylsilylium cation equivalents partnered with halogenated carborane anions (such as Et(3)Si[HCB(11)H(5)Cl(6)]) function as efficient and long-lived catalysts for hydrodehalogenation of C-F, C-Cl, and C-Br bonds with trialkylsilanes as stoichiometric reagents. Only C(sp(3))-halogen bonds undergo this reaction. The range of C-F bond-containing substrates that participate in this reaction is quite broad and includes simple alkyl fluorides, benzotrifluorides, and compounds with perfluoroalkyl groups attached to an aliphatic chain. However, CF(4) has proven immune to this reaction. Hydrodechlorination was carried out with a series of alkyl chlorides and benzotrichlorides, and hydrodebromination was studied only with primary alkyl bromide substrates. Competitive experiments established a pronounced kinetic preference of the catalytic system for activation of a carbon-halogen bond of a lighter halide in primary alkyl halides. On the contrary, hydrodechlorination of C(6)F(5)CCl(3) proceeded much faster than hydrodefluorination of C(6)F(5)CF(3) in one-pot experiments. A solid-state structure of Et(3)Si[HCB(11)H(5)Cl(6)] was determined by X-ray diffraction methods.

Co-Catalyst-Free Chemical Fixation of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates by using Metal-Organic Frameworks as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts.

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in the atmosphere is increasing at an alarming rate resulting in undesirable environmental issues. To mitigate this growing concentration of CO2 , selective carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) are being investigated intensively. However, CCS technology is considered as an expensive and energy-intensive process. In this context, selective carbon capture and utilization (CCU) as a C1 feedstock to synthesize value-added chemicals and fuels is a promising step towards lowering the concentration of the atmospheric CO2 and for the production of high-value chemicals. Towards this direction, several strategies have been developed to convert CO2 , a Greenhouse gas (GHG) into useful chemicals by forming C-N, C-O, C-C, and C-H bonds. Among the various CO2 functionalization processes known, the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides has gained considerable interest owing to its 100% atom-economic nature producing cyclic carbonates or polycarbonates in high yield and selectivity. Among the various classes of catalysts studied for cycloaddition of CO2 to cyclic carbonates, porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained a special interest due to their modular nature facilitating the introduction of a high density of Lewis acidic (LA) and CO2 -philic Lewis basic (LB) functionalities. However, most of the MOF-based catalysts reported for cycloaddition of CO2 to respective cyclic carbonates in high yields require additional co-catalyst, say tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB). On the contrary, the co-catalyst-free conversion of CO2 using rationally designed MOFs composed of both LA and LB sites is relatively less studied. In this review, we provide a comprehensive account of the research progress in the design of MOF based catalysts for environment-friendly, co-catalyst-free fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates.

Ruthenium(ii) arene NSAID complexes: inhibition of cyclooxygenase and antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of molecules which have been found to be active against cancer cells with chemopreventive properties by targeting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), commonly upregulated (particularly COX-2) in malignant tumors. Arene ruthenium(ii) complexes with a pseudo-octahedral coordination environment containing different ancillary ligands have shown remarkable activity against primary and metastatic tumors as reported earlier. This work describes the synthesis of four novel ruthenium(ii)-arene complexes viz. [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(nap)Cl] 1 [Hnap = naproxen or (S)-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid], [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(diclo)Cl] 2 [Hdiclo = diclofenac or 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino] benzeneacetic acid, [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(ibu)Cl] 3 [Hibu = ibuprofen or 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid] and [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(asp)Cl] 4 [Hasp = aspirin or 2-acetoxy benzoic acid] using different NSAIDs as chelating ligands. Complexes 1-3 have shown promising antiproliferative activity against three different cell lines with GI50 (concentration of drug causing 50% inhibition of cell growth) values comparable to adriamycin. At the concentration of 50 µM, complex 3 is more effective in the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase enzymes, followed by complex 2 and complex 1 in comparison to their respective free NSAID ligands indicating a possible correlation between the inhibition of COX and/or LOX and anticancer properties. Molecular docking studies with COX-2 reveal that complexes 1 and 2 having naproxen and diclofenac ligands exhibit stronger interactions with COX-2 than their respective free NSAIDs and these results are in good agreement with their relative experimentally observed COX inhibition as well as anti-proliferative activities.

Substrate-Independent Epitaxial Growth of the Metal-Organic Framework MOF-508a.

Plasmachemical deposition is a substrate-independent method for the conformal surface functionalization of solid substrates. Structurally well-defined pulsed plasma deposited poly(1-allylimidazole) layers provide surface imidazole linker groups for the directed liquid-phase epitaxial (layer-by-layer) growth of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) at room temperature. For the case of microporous [Zn (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate)-(4,4'-bipyridine)0.5] (MOF-508), the MOF-508a polymorph containing two interpenetrating crystal lattice frameworks undergoes orientated Volmer-Weber growth and displays CO2 gas capture behavior at atmospheric concentrations in proportion to the number of epitaxially grown MOF-508 layers.

Effect of differential surface anisotropy on performance of two plate shaped crystals of aspirin form I.

Differential surface anisotropy of different crystals of the same API can have a significant impact on their pharmaceutical performance. The present work investigated the impact of differential surface anisotropy of two plate-shaped crystals of aspirin (form I) on their hygroscopicity, stability and compaction behavior. These crystals differed in their predominant facets (100) and (001) and were coded as AE-100 & E-001. (100) facets exposed polar carbonyl groups which provided hydrophilicity to the facets. In contrast, (001) facets possessed hydrophobicity as they exposed non-polar aryl and methyl groups. Both the samples showed different degradation behavior, at various stability conditions (i.e. 40°C/75%RH, 30°C/90%RH and 30°C/60%RH) and different time intervals. Polar groups of aspirin have been reported to be prone to hydrolysis due to which AE-100 was less stable than E-001. Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis at different simulated stability conditions also supported this observation, wherein AE-100 showed higher moisture sorption than E-001. Both the samples having similar particle size, shape, surface area and hardness value, showed differences in their compactibility. However, milling narrowed down the predominance of facets and both the milled samples showed similar stability and compaction behavior. This study was also supported by surface free energy determination, molecular modeling and face indexation of unmilled and milled samples.