Mechanochemical Reactions from Individual Impacts to Global Transformation Kinetics.

Typically induced by the mechanical processing of powders in ball mills, mechanochemical transformations are considered to result from the application of mechanical force to solid reactants. However, the undeniable deep connection between the dynamic compaction of powders during impacts and the overall transformation degree has yet to be disclosed. In the present work, we show that the square planar bis(dibenzoylmethanato)NiII coordination compound undergoes trimerization when its powder experiences even a single ball impact. Based on systematic experiments with individual ball impacts and analysis by Raman spectroscopy, we provide here quantitative mapping of the transformation in the powder compact and deduce bulk reaction kinetics from multiple individual impacts.

Protonation and Anion Binding Properties of Aromatic Bis-Urea Derivatives-Comprehending the Proton Transfer.

A series of aromatic bis-urea derivatives was prepared and their proton dissociation, as well as anion binding properties in DMSO were investigated. To this end, UV/Vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopies and computational methods were employed. The synthesized molecules differed in the relative position of the urea moieties (ortho- and meta-derivatives) and in the functional groups (-H, -CH3 , -OCH3 , -NO2 ) in the para-position of the pendant phenyl groups. Remarkably high acidities of the compounds (logK1 H ≈14), were ascribed primarily to the stabilizing effect of the aromatic subunits. Quantum chemical calculations corroborated the conclusions drawn from experimental data and provided information from the structural point of view. Knowledge regarding protonation properties proved to be essential for reliable quantitative determination of anion binding affinities. Studied receptors were selective for acetate and dihydrogen phosphate among several anions. Formation of their complexes of 1:1 and 1:2 (ligand/anion) stoichiometries was quantitatively characterized. Proton transfer was taken into account in the course of data analysis, which was especially important in the case of AcO- . ortho-Receptors were proven to be more efficient acetate binders, achieving coordination with all four NH groups. The meta-analogues preferred dihydrogen phosphate, which acted as both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor. Cooperative binding was detected in the case of 1:2 H2 PO4 - complexes, which was assigned to formation of interanionic hydrogen bonds.

Solvent-free copper-catalyzed click chemistry for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic hybrids based on quinoline and 1,2,3-triazole.

Copper-catalyzed mechanochemical click reactions using Cu(II), Cu(I) and Cu(0) catalysts have been successfully implemented to provide novel 6-phenyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)quinolines with a phenyl-1,2,3-triazole moiety at O-4 of the quinoline core. Milling procedures proved to be significantly more efficient than the corresponding solution reactions, with up to a 15-fold gain in yield. Efficiency of both solution and milling procedures depended on the p-substituent in the azide reactant, resulting in H < Cl < Br < I reactivity bias. Solid-state catalysis using Cu(II) and Cu(I) catalysts entailed the direct involvement of the copper species in the reaction and generation of highly luminescent compounds which hindered in situ monitoring by Raman spectroscopy. However, in situ monitoring of the milling processes was enabled by using Cu(0) catalysts in the form of brass milling media which offered a direct insight into the reaction pathway of mechanochemical CuAAC reactions, indicating that the catalysis is most likely conducted on the surface of milling balls. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the oxidation and spin states of the respective copper catalysts in bulk products obtained by milling procedures.

Vapour-induced solid-state C-H bond activation for the clean synthesis of an organopalladium biothiol sensor.

Room-temperature accelerated aging in the solid state has been applied for atom- and energy-efficient activation of either one or two C-H bonds of azobenzene and methyl orange by palladium(ii) acetate. Organopalladium complexes are prepared in quantitative reactions without potentially harmful side products. Dicyclopalladated methyl orange is water-soluble and is a selective chromogenic biothiol sensor at physiologically-relevant micromolar concentrations in buffered aqueous media.