Mental health status of medical laboratory professionals.

Although job satisfaction remains high, Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) are experiencing increased levels of burnout and emotional exhaustion as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress levels have increased by nearly 10% since 2018, and emotional exhaustion has increased by 14%. We are seeing a rise in non-specific serious psychological distress contributing to a reduction in capacity to perform work. Staff capacity being critical as laboratory testing resumes normal operations in the wake of the global pandemic. Herein, we discuss our findings and efforts to address these challenges. We emphasize the need to increase domestic training program capacity, including clinical placements, and work to create sustainable programs for international, foreign-trained MLTs to join our workforce to ensure a manageable level of workload and reduction in stress.

Poly(3-alkyltellurophene)s are solution-processable polyheterocycles.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of poly(3-alkyltellurophene)s are described. Polymers are prepared by both electrochemical and Kumada catalyst transfer polymerization methods. These polymers have reasonably high molecular weights (M(n) = 5.4-11.3 kDa) and can be processed in a manner analogous to that of their lighter atom analogues. All examples exhibit red-shifted optical absorption, as well as solid-state organization, as evidenced by absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Overall, the synthesis and characterization of these materials open up a wide range of future studies involving tellurium-based polyheterocycles.

A highly electron-deficient analogue of aniline, soluble oligomers, and their redox properties.

The synthesis and electrochemical oxidative coupling of a highly electron-deficient analogue of aniline results in the formation of soluble electron-deficient oligomers. Oligomers undergo related oxidation and reduction processes that are separated by a wide potential range. The mechanism behind this behavior is examined by cyclic voltammetry, optical absorption spectroscopy, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Mesomeric isomerization of the oxidized oligomers leads to a very stable oxidized state that requires a large (2.8 V) overpotential to return to the neutral form.

Maximizing field-effect mobility and solid-state luminescence in organic semiconductors.

Conductive and emissive: organic transistors made from a simple styrylanthracene derivative have high charge mobility and high luminescence quantum yields. These properties are attributed to the lack of singlet fission, and challenge the idea that the efficient π interactions required for high mobility always lead to quenching of emission. The transistors emit blue electroluminescence and are stable during operation and storage.

π-Extended and six-coordinate iron(II) complexes: structures, magnetic properties, and the electrochemical synthesis of a conducting iron(II) metallopolymer.

Herein, we describe the preparation of three new bidentate π-extended derivatives of the ligand N-phenyl-2-pyridinalimine (ppi) containing a 3-thienyl (4) substituent at position 4 of the aniline ring or 2-thienyl (6) or phenyl (2) substituents at each of the 2,5 positions of the aniline rings. Three iron(2+) complexes (7-9) containing these ligands were prepared by combining two equivalents each of 2, 4, or 6 with Fe(NCS)(2), and the resulting neutral, six-coordinate complexes were fully characterized, including with single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments in the case of complexes 7 and 9. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer experiments confirm the presence of spin-crossover in complexes 7 and 8, and the unusual solid state variable temperature magnetic properties of complex 9 likely result from crystal packing forces. Electropolymerization of the 2,5-dithienyl-substituted complex (9) produces a conducting and electrochromic metallopolymer film (poly-9).

Persistent metal bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato) complexes featuring a 2,2'-bipyridine substituted triarylamminium radical cation.

Herein, we describe the preparation of a 2,2'-bipyridine derivative containing a redox-active N,N'-(4,4'-dimethoxydiphenylamino) substituent (1), which readily coordinates M(hfac)(2) salts [M = Mn (2), Ni (3), Cu (4)] to generate stable, neutral, and pseudo-octahedral coordination complexes, which have been fully characterized. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical measurements on complexes 2-4 indicate stable one-electron oxidation processes, and the formation of persistent radical cation complexes. The neutral complexes (M = Mn or Ni) were subject to one-electron oxidation with NOPF(6) in acetonitrile, and magnetic moments of the resulting solutions were obtained using the Evans method at different temperatures. Our experimental results suggest that the first reported ferromagnetically coupled metal-triarylamminum radical cation complex is obtained when M = Mn(2+), and antiferromagnetic coupling results when M = Ni(2+). These results are supported by results from density functional theory calculations, which indicate that a π spin polarization mechanism for magnetic exchange coupling is operative in singly oxidized complexes, 2-4.

A conducting metallopolymer featuring valence tautomerism.

A new cobalt bis(semiquinone) valence tautomer is reported featuring a terthienyl substituent, which undergoes electropolymerization to produce a valence tautomeric conducting metallopolymer.

Hybrid spin-crossover conductor exhibiting unusual variable-temperature electrical conductivity.

We describe the multistep synthesis of a new terthienyl-substituted QsalH ligand and an iron(3+) spin-crossover complex (1) containing this ligand, which electropolymerizes to produce a hybrid-conducting metallopolymer film (poly1). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate that spin-crossover is operative in the polymer film, and resistivity measurements on indium-tin oxide coated glass slides containing the polymer film exhibit intriguing temperature-dependent profiles.

Preparation and magnetic properties of iron(3+) spin-crossover complexes bearing a thiophene substituent: toward multifunctional metallopolymers.

The synthesis of a new 3-ethynylthienyl-substituted QsalH ligand (QsalH is the short form for N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine) (ThEQsalH 3), and the preparation, electronic, and magnetic properties of three homoleptic and cationic iron(3+) complexes containing this ligand with PF(6)(-) 4, SCN(-) 5, and ClO(4)(-) 6 counteranions are reported. In all three complexes a spin-crossover is observed in the solid state by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy, indicating that the synthetic modification of the QsalH ligand has not significantly altered the electronics at the metal center. This includes the observation of a very rare S = 5/2 to 3/2 spin-crossover in a non-porphyrin iron(3+) complex 5. The molecular structure and magnetic properties of an unusual iron(2+) complex 7 generated by reduction of complex 6 serendipitously during a recrystallization attempt in aerobic acetone solution is also reported. Complexes 4-6 feature iron(3+) reduction and oxidation of the thiophene ring at potentials of approximately -0.7 and +1.2 V (vs Fc), respectively.

Bimetallic iron(3+) spin-crossover complexes containing a 2,2'-bithienyl bridging bis-QsalH ligand.

We describe the synthesis of a new 3,3'-diethynyl-2,2'-bithienyl bridging bis-QsalH ligand (5), and the preparation of four bimetallic iron(3+) complexes containing 5 with Cl(-) (6), SCN(-) (7), PF(6)(-) (8), and ClO(4)(-) (9) counteranions. We show with variable temperature magnetic susceptibility, Mossbauer, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy that each complex undergoes a spin-crossover in the solid state. In all four complexes, we observe very gradual and incomplete S = 5/2, 5/2 to S = 1/2, 1/2 spin-crossover processes, with three of the four complexes exhibiting nearly identical magnetic properties. We investigated the electronic properties of the complexes by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, and attempted electropolymerization reactions with acetonitrile solutions of the complexes, which were not successful. Each complex features a single iron(3+) reduction wave at approximately -0.7 V (versus ferrocene), and the oxidation of the 2,2'-bithienyl substituent occurs at +1.1 V. These materials represent a new structural paradigm for the study of rare bimetallic iron(3+) spin-crossover complexes.

5,7-Di-2-pyridyl-2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine.

The title compound, C(16)H(12)N(2)O(2)S, was prepared by a Neigishi cross-coupling reaction to investigate the coordination chemistry of thio-phene-containing ligands. In the mol-ecule, the pyridine rings are twisted from the thio-phene ring by 20.6 (1) and 4.1 (2)°. The six-membered dihydro-dioxine ring is in a half-chair conformation.

N'-(3-Thienylmethyl-ene)pyridine-2-carbohydrazide.

The title compound, C(11)H(9)N(3)OS, was prepared to investigate the coordination chemistry of thio-phene-containing ligands as precursors to inter-esting metallopolymers. The mol-ecule is nearly planar. The angle between the thio-phene and pyridine rings is 8.63 (4)° and features the expected trans configuration about the imine bond. The structure is stabilized by a weak inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond. The distance between centroids of adjacent thio-phene rings [3.67 (8) Å] suggests the presence of π-π inter-actions.

Evolution of the electron mobility in polymer solar cells with different fullerene acceptors.

We investigate the evolution of the electron mobility of two different acceptors, [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and indene-C60 bisadduct (ICBA), in a poly(3-hexylthiophene) blend solar cell during a prolonged thermal aging process. High electron mobility does not correlate with the best device performance in our study of the P3HT:PC71BM and P3HT:ICBA systems. Very little changes are observed in the polymer crystallinity as a function of time. The evolution of the acceptor appears to be the dominant factor that leads to long-term changes in the device performance. The electron mobility evolves differently in PC71BM and ICBA systems, which highlights the importance of the fullerene molecular structure.

Unexpected formation of a cyclic vinylene sulfate in the synthesis of ethynyl-substituted acenes.

(E)-2-Styrylanthracene derivatives containing triisopropylsilylacetylene groups at the 9 and 10 positions were synthesized and characterized. The electronic properties have been studied by DFT calculations, spectroscopy and electrochemistry, revealing asymmetric resonance stabilization effects that result in the regioselective formation of an unusual cyclic vinylene sulfate.

Non-classical heteroacenes: synthesis and properties of anthra[2,3-c:6,7-c']dithiophene derivatives.

A new class of linear heteroacenes, anthra[2,3-c:6,7-c']dithiophenes, containing non-classical (non-Kekulé) thiophene in a 22-electron π-conjugated system have been prepared by electrochemical reduction. The electronic properties have been studied by DFT calculations and spectroelectrochemistry, supporting the formation of a triplet electronic structure.

A novel bis tridentate bipyridine carboxamide ligand and its complexation to copper(II): synthesis, structure, and magnetism.

A new bis tridentate ligand 2,2'-bipyridine-3,3'-[2-pyridinecarboxamide] H(2)L(1) which can bind transition metal ions has been synthesized via the condensation of 3,3'-diamino-2,2'-bipyridine together with 2-pyridine carbonyl chloride. Two copper(II) coordination compounds have been prepared and characterized: [Cu(2)(L(1))(hfac)(2)].3CH(3)CN.H(2)O (1) and [Cu(2)(L(1))Cl(2)].CH(3)CN (2). The single-crystal X-ray structures reveal that complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, with the unit cell parameters a = 12.7185(6) A, b = 17.3792(9) A, c = 19.4696(8) A, alpha = 110.827(2) degrees, beta = 99.890(3) degrees, gamma = 97.966(3) degrees, V = 3868.3(3) A3, Z = 4, R = 0.0321 and R(w) = 0.0826. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with the unit cell parameters a = 12.8622(12) A, b = 9.6100(10) A, c = 19.897(2) A, beta = 102.027(3) degrees, V = 2405.3(4) A(3), Z = 4, R = 0.0409 and R(w) = 0.1005. In both complexes the ligand is in the dianionic form and coordinates the divalent Cu(II) ions via one amido and two pyridine nitrogen donor atoms. In 1, the coordination geometry around both Cu(II) ions is best described as distorted trigonal bipyramidal where the remaining two coordination sites are satisfied by hexafluoroacetylacetonate counterions. In 2 both Cu(II )ions adopt a (4 + 1) distorted square pyramidal geometry. One copper forms a longer apical bond to an adjacent carbonyl oxygen atom, whereas the second copper is chelated to a neighboring Cu-Cl chloride ion to afford a mu-Cl-bridged dimerized [Cu(2)(L(1))Cl(2)](2) complex. The magnetic susceptibility data for 1 (2 -270 K), reveal the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) ions. In contrast, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for 2 reveal more complex magnetic properties, with the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic exchange (J = -10.1 K) between the copper ions in each dinuclear copper complex and a stronger ferromagnetic exchange interaction (J = 32.9 K) between the Cu(II) ions of the Cu(mu-Cl)(2)Cu dimeric bridging units.