Jiri Dybal

Interaction of Hydrated Protons with Trioctylphosphine Oxide: NMR and Theoretical Study

Interaction of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) with fully ionized hydrated protons (HP) was studied in acetonitrile-d(3) and nitrobenzene-d(5) using (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR, PFG NMR, and magnetic relaxation, and the experimental results were confronted with high-precision ab initio DFT calculations. Relative chemical shifts of NMR signals of TOPO (0.02 mol/L) under the presence of HP in the molar ratio beta = 0-2.0 mol/mol show binding between TOPO and HP. Self-diffusion measurements using (1)H PFG NMR demonstrate that larger complexes with higher content of TOPO are generally formed at beta < 0.75. Analyzing the dependence of (31)P NMR chemical shifts on beta by the use of program LETAGROP, we obtained very good fitting for the assumed coexistence of three complexes (TOPO)(i).HP (named C(i)), where i = 1, 2, 3. The logarithms of the respective stabilization constants log K(i) were found to be 3.63, 4.67, and 7.23 in acetonitrile and 3.91, 6.04, and 7.92 in nitrobenzene. The (31)P NMR chemical shifts Deltadelta(i) corresponding to these complexes are 39.35, 29.51, and 19.72 ppm in acetonitrile and 38.37, 28.47, and 18.63 ppm in nitrobenzene. These values and the calculated values of alpha(i) =[C(i)]/[TOPO](0) were utilized in the analysis of the system dynamics. This was done by measuring the transverse (31)P NMR relaxation by the CPMG sequence with varying delays t(p) between the pi pulses in the mixtures with beta = 0.5, 1.25, and 1.5. Calculating the probabilities of imaginable exchange processes shows that only three of them can have significant influence on relaxation rate R(2), namely C(1) <--> TOPO, C(2) <--> C(1), and C(3) <--> C(2). Using the slopes of the R(2)-t(p)(-1) dependences in the above three mixtures, the following correlation times were obtained: tau(10) = 2.5 x 10(-6), tau(21) = 7.4 x 10(-5), tau(32) = 11.3 x 10(-5) s. The DFT calculations support the hypothesis that complexes C(1) to C(3) are the main species in the mixtures of TOPO with HP, with the only exception that additional water molecules are bound to the complexes in the case of C(1) and C(2). Schematically, the compositions of the three stable complexes is [3TOPO.H(3)O](+), [2TOPO.H(3)O.H(2)O](+), and [TOPO.H(3)O.2H(2)O](+). The relative (31)P NMR shifts calculated for the optimized structures of C(1), C(2), and C(3) are in very good agreement with the experimentally observed values.

Interaction of hydronium ion with dibenzo-18-crown-6: NMR, IR, and theoretical study.

Interaction of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DBC) with H 3O (+) (HP) in nitrobenzene- d 5 and dichloromethane- d 2 was studied by using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and relaxations, FTIR spectra, and quantum chemical DFT calculations. NMR shows that the DBC*HP complex is in a dynamic equilibrium with the reactants, the equilibrium constant K being 0.66 x 10 (3), 1.16 x 10 (4), and 1.03 x 10 (4) L x mol (-1) in CD 2Cl 2, nitrobenzene, and acetonitrile, respectively. The complex appears to have a C 2 v symmetry in NMR, but FTIR combined with DFT normal mode calculations suggest that such high symmetry is only apparent and due to exchange averaging of the structure. FTIR spectra as well as energy-optimized DFT calculations show that the most stable state of the complex in solution is that with three linear hydrogen bonds of HP with one CH 2-O-CH 2 and two Ar-O-Ar oxygen atoms. The structure is similar to that found in solid state but adopts a somewhat different conformation in solution. The dynamics of exchange between bound and free DBC was studied by NMR transverse relaxation. It was found to be too fast to give reproducible results when measured with the ordinary CPMG sequence or its variant DIFTRE removing residual static dipolar interaction, but it could be established by rotating-frame measurements with high intensity of the spin-lock field. The correlation time of exchange was found to be 5.6 x 10 (-6) and 3.8 x 10 (-6) s in dichloromethane and nitrobenzene, respectively. Such fast exchange can be explained by cooperative assistance of present water molecules.

Protonation of Tetrapropoxy-4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene: NMR Study of Interaction and Probable Structures of the Product

Using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, the interaction of tetrapropoxy-p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (1) with H3O+ ions produced by hydrogen bis(1,2-dicarbollyl) cobaltate (HDCC) and traces of water was studied in nitrobenzene-d 5. It was shown that 1 readily forms an equimolecular complex with H3O+. The equilibrium constant K of its formation is 2.6 at 296 K. Exchange between bound and free 1 is fast even under mild excess of HDCC, the correlation time τex being about 0.13 ms. NMR shows that H3O+ is bound to the aryl-oxygen atoms and this binding forces the calixarene cup to adopt a more open and symmetrical conformation. This conclusion is in full accord with high precision quantum DFT calculations which find one structure of the complex corresponding to a global energy minimum, in which the H3O+ ion is bound to three of the oxygen atoms by strong hydrogen bonds and to the remaining oxygen by two weaker hydrogen bonds. The calixarene part is forced into a C4 symmetrical opened form. When stored for weeks, the complex gradually transforms into other forms, most probably its hydrates, according to spectral evidence and DFT calculations.

Stability and Probable Structure of Protonatedp-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene-tetrakis(N,N-dimethylthioacetamide)

Abstract From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium H3O+(aq) + 1 · Na+(nb) ↔ 1 · H3O+ (nb) + Na+(aq) taking place in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (1 = p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-tetrakis(N,N-dimethylthioacetamide); aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as log Kex (H3O+,1 · Na+) = –0.4±0.1. Moreover, the stability constant of the 1 · H3O+ complex in water saturated nitrobenzene was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C as log βnb (1 · H3O+) = 5.5±0.1. Finally, by using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the 1 · H3O+ complex species was derived. In this complex, the hydroxonium ion H3O+ is bound partly to thiocarbonyl sulphur atoms and partly to phenoxy oxygens of 1 by strong hydrogen bonds and other electrostatic interactions.

Capillary affinity electrophoresis and ab initio calculation studies of valinomycin complexation with Na+ ion

In a combined experimental and theoretical approach, the interactions of valinomycin (Val), macrocyclic depsipeptide antibiotic ionophore, with sodium cation Na(+ )have been investigated. The strength of the Val-Na(+ )complex was evaluated experimentally by means of capillary affinity electrophoresis. From the dependence of valinomycin effective electrophoretic mobility on the sodium ion concentration in the BGE (methanolic solution of 20 mM chloroacetic acid, 10 mM Tris, 0-40 mM NaCl), the apparent binding (stability) constant (K(b)) of the Val-Na(+ )complex in methanol was evaluated as log K(b) = 1.71 +/- 0.16. Besides, using quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the most probable structures of the nonhydrated Val-Na(+) as well as hydrated Val-Na(+).H(2)O complex species were proposed. Compared to Val-Na(+), the optimized structure of Val-Na(+).H(2)O complex appears to be more realistic as follows from the substantially higher binding energy (118.4 kcal/mol) of the hydrated complex than that of the nonhydrated complex (102.8 kcal/mol). In the hydrated complex, the central Na(+) cation is bound by strong bonds to one oxygen atom of the respective water molecule and to four oxygens of the corresponding C=O groups of the parent valinomycin ligand.

Cooperative preassociation stages of PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers: NMR and theoretical study.

Using (1)H and (13)C 1D and 2D NMR spectra, pulsed field-gradient (PFG) diffusion measurements, and (13)C relaxations supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the temperature-dependent behavior of (EO)(m)(PO)(n)(EO)(m) block copolymers (m/n = 31/14, 31/72, and 17/1) in D(2)O below and at the critical micellar temperature (CMT) was investigated in order to understand the nature of primary self-association acts and their true driving force. It was shown that a conformation change of the PO block followed by mild and reversible association with other PO blocks and eventually with the inner parts of EO blocks starts at temperatures 10-12 K below the CMT. The primary process is the entropy-driven disintegration of the PPO hydration envelope based on cooperation of hydrophobic hydration and hydrogen bonding. The partial dehydration of PPO is followed by its conformation change. Both processes are cooperative and reversible with a correlation time of the order 0.01 s and an activation energy of 51.3 kJ/mol. The PPO chain in a staggered conformation is prone to self-association starting at temperatures 5-6 K below CMT. In (EO)(m)(PO)(n)(EO)(m) block copolymers, this process is complicated by the stripping of PEO chains of a part of hydrogen-bound water and entwining them with PPO. It is shown that only inner (PPO-near) parts of PEO take part in the process, the end-groups remaining free.

Potential and Limitations of 2D 1H-1H Spin-Exchange CRAMPS Experiments to Characterize Structures of Organic Solids

Summary. A brief overview of our recent results concerning the application of 2D CRAMPS experiments to investigate a wide range of materials is presented. The abilities of the 2D 1H–1H spin-exchange technique to characterize the structure of organic solids as well as the limitations resulting from segmental mobility and from undesired coherence transfer are discussed. Basic principles of 1H NMR line-narrowing and procedures for analysis of the spin-exchange process are introduced. We focused to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex spin-exchange process leading to the determination of domain sizes and morphology in heterogeneous multicomponent systems as well as the characterization of clustering of surface hydroxyl groups in polysiloxane networks. Particular attention is devoted to the determination of the 1H–1H interatomic distances in the presence of local molecular motion. Finally we discuss limitations of the 13C–13C correlation mediated by 1H–1H spin exchange to obtain structural constraints. The application of Lee-Goldburg cross-polarization to suppress undesired coherence transfer is proposed.

Experimental and DFT Study on the Complexation of Zn2+ with Valinomycin

Abstract From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Zn2+(aq) + 1 · Sr2+(nb) ⇌ 1 · Zn2+ (nb) + Sr2+(aq) taking place in the two–phase water–nitrobenzene system (1 = valinomycin; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as log Kex (Zn2+, 1 · Sr2+) = −0.2±0.1. Further, the stability constant of the valinomycin–zinc complex (abbrev. 1 · Zn2+) in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25oC: log βnb (1 · Zn2+) = 6.1±0.1. By using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the 1 · Zn2+ complex species was predicted. In this complex, the Zn2+ cation sits in the center of the coordination cavity formed by six ester carbonyls, which are oriented almost exactly in the “radial directions”. Finally, the calculated binding energy of the resulting complex 1 · Zn2+ is −359.5 kcal/mol confirming relatively high stability of the considered cationic complex species.

Quantification of structural changes of UHMWPE components in total joint replacements

BackgroundAt present time the number of implantations of joint replacements as well as their revisions increases. Higher demands are required on the quality and longevity of implants. The aim of this work was to determine the degree of oxidative degradation and the amount of free/residual radicals in selected ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components of the joint replacements and demonstrate that the measured values are closely connected with quality and lifetime of the polymer components.MethodsWe tested both new (4 samples) and explanted (4 samples) UHMWPE polymers for total joint replacements. The samples were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), electron spin resonance (ESR) and microhardness (MH) test. The IR measurements yielded the values of oxidation index and trans-vinylene index. The ESR measurements gave the free radicals concentration.ResultsIn the group of new polyethylene components, we found oxidation index values ranging from 0.00-0.03 to 0.24. The trans-vinylene index values ranged from 0.044 to 0.080. The value of free radical concentration was zero in virgin and also in sample of Beznoska Company and non-zero in the other samples. In the group of explanted components, the measured values were associated with their history, micromechanical properties and performance in vivo.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that measuring of oxidative damage may help the orthopaedic surgeon in estimating the quality of UHMWPE replacement component and thus radically to avoid early joint replacement failure due to worse polyethylene quality.

Hydration modes of an amphiphilic molecule: NMR, FTIR, and theoretical study of the interactions in the water-lutidine system.

Using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and relaxations, PFG NMR diffusion measurements, FTIR spectra, and quantum-chemical structure predictions and optimizations on the MP2/6-31G(d) level, we have studied interactions between water (W) and lutidine (2,6-dimethylpyridine, L) in a wide range of ratios. At low W content up to 35%, W was found to bind to L by an O-H***N hydrogen bond and form transient L-W aggregates containing two to four L molecules in cooperation with two to three other W molecules. At higher W content, these aggregates are gradually cleaved to single L molecules enwrapped by a hydration shell anchored in an O-H***N hydrogen bond. At all compositions of the mixture, the various hydrate forms are in fast mutual exchange with a correlation time on the order of 1 x 10(-5) s.