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At least 703 records · Page 39

Theoretical Prediction and Interpretation of 237 Np Mössbauer Isomer Shifts

Different theoretical approaches for the calculation of 237 Np Mössbauer isomer shifts are investigated. The traditional contact density route is compared to a previously proposed alternative approach that uses energy derivatives with respect to the nuclear radius. Both approaches yield similar results as long as suitable basis sets augmented with large exponents and relativistic methods are used. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations do not show a strong dependency of the 237 Np isomer shift on the chosen functional. Wavefunction calculations show that dynamic electron correlation can be important when covalent bonding influences the isomer shift. Effects from spin–orbit coupling are small. The isomer shifts of ionic solids and Np(III) organometallic complexes are largely governed by the oxidation state of Np. Isomer shifts of organometallic Np(IV) complexes are strongly affected by donation bonding. Furthermore, detailed analysis of the wavefunction results with different active spaces demonstrates that correlation among the outer core Np and occupied ligand frontier orbitals contributes significantly to isomer shifts of Np(IV) compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Screening Ionic Liquids Based on Ionic Volume and Electrostatic Potential Analyses

Ionic liquids are known to have tunable solvation properties, based on the pairing of different anions and cations, but the compositional landscape is vast and challenging to navigate efficiently. Some computational screening protocols are available, but they can be either time-consuming or difficult to implement. Herein, we perform a detailed investigation of the fundamental role of electrostatic interactions in these systems. We effectively develop a bridge between the previous volume-based approach (VBA) with a quantum structure–property relationship (QSPR) approach to create fast, simple screening guidelines. We propose a new parameter that is applicable to both monovalent and multivalent ions, the ionic polarity index (IPI), which is defined as the ratio of the average electrostatic surface potential ($\bar{V}$) of the ion to the net charge of the ion (q). The IPI correlation has been tested on a diverse dataset of 121 ions and reliable predictions can be obtained within a homologous series of ionic liquid compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Expression of macromolecular organic nitrogen degrading enzymes identifies potential mediators of soil organic N availability to an annual grass

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is frequently limiting to plant growth, in part because most soil N is present as polymeric organic compounds that are not readily taken up by plants. Microbial depolymerization of these large macromolecular N-substrates gradually releases available inorganic N. While many studies have researched and modeled controls on soil organic matter formation and bulk N mineralization, the ecological—spatial, temporal and phylogenetic—patterns underlying organic N degradation remain unclear. We analyzed 48 time-resolved metatranscriptomes and quantified N-depolymerization gene expression to resolve differential expression by soil habitat and time in specific taxonomic groups and gene-based guilds. We observed much higher expression of extracellular serine-type proteases than other extracellular N-degrading enzymes, with protease expression of predatory bacteria declining with time and other taxonomic patterns driven by the presence (Gammaproteobacteria) or absence (Thermoproteota) of live roots and root detritus (Deltaproteobacteria and Fungi). The primary chitinase chit1 gene was more highly expressed by eukaryotes near root detritus, suggesting predation of fungi. In some lineages, increased gene expression over time suggests increased competitiveness with rhizosphere age (Chloroflexi). Phylotypes from some genera had protease expression patterns that could benefit plant N nutrition, for example, we identified a Janthinobacterium phylotype and two Burkholderiales that depolymerize organic N near young roots and a Rhizobacter with elevated protease levels near mature roots. These taxon-resolved gene expression results provide an ecological read-out of microbial interactions and controls on N dynamics in specific soil microhabitats and could be used to target potential plant N bioaugmentation strategies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Discovery of chalcogenides structures and compositions using mixed fluxes

Advancements in many modern technologies rely on the continuous need for materials discovery. However, the design of synthesis routes leading to new and targeted solid-state materials requires understanding of reactivity patterns. Advances in synthesis science are necessary to increase efficiency and accelerate materials discovery. We present a highly effective methodology for the rational discovery of materials using high-temperature solutions or fluxes having tunable solubility. This methodology facilitates product selection by projecting the free-energy landscape into real synthetic variables: temperature and flux ratio. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by synthesizing compounds in the chalcogenide system of A(Ba)-Cu-Q(O) (Q = S or Se; A = Na, K or Rb) using mixed AOH/AX (A = Li, Na, K or Rb; X = Cl or I) fluxes. We present 30 unreported compounds or compositions, including more than ten unique structural types, by systematically varying the temperature and flux ratios without requiring changing the proportions of starting materials. Additionally, we found that the structural dimensionality of the compounds decreases with increasing reactant solubility and temperature. This methodology serves as an effective general strategy for the rational discovery of inorganic solids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Identification of the U(v) complex (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U V I(=NSiMe 3 ) in the reaction of (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U III I(THF) with N 3 SiMe 3

The U(V) imido complex (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U V I(=NSiMe 3 ), 1, was crystallographically characterized from the reaction of (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U III I(THF) with N 3 SiMe 3 which demonstrates that it can be an intermediate in the reaction which ultimately forms (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U VI (=NSiMe 3 ) 2 and (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U IV I 2 . U(V) intermediates have been proposed in such reactions, but have not been previously observed. The direct observation of 1 provides insight into the reaction mechanisms of U(III) compounds with azide reagents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Experimental equation of state of 11 lanthanide nitrides (NdN to LuN) and pressure induced phase transitions in NdN, SmN, EuN, and GdN

Through an extensive data analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data obtained at pressures up to at least 78 GPa, we report the experimental equations of state for all lanthanide nitrides between NdN and LuN, excluding the radioactive Pm. By fitting the obtained unit cell volumes as a function of pressure with the third order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state, we find that the bulk modulus increases with an increasing lanthanide number from K 0 = 146(12) GPa for NdN to 182(7) GPa in EuN. Hereafter, the bulk modulus reaches a plateau for the rest of the series except for TmN which has a lower bulk modulus. We find that the first derivative of the bulk modulus is around 4 for all compounds except TbN, which displays a significantly different compression behavior. In addition, we find a B1 to B10 pressure-induced phase transition in NdN, SmN, EuN, and GdN at increasingly higher pressures. In fact, we observe that the onset pressure of the phase transition increases linearly with Ln atomic number. From TbN and onwards, we do not observe any sign of a B1 to B10 transition indicating that the transition pressure exceeds the studied pressure range. Therefore, we believe that, for the heavier lanthanides, the linear relationship between the onset pressure and the lanthanide number does not hold and even higher pressures are needed to observe the transition. This coherent study of the series of lanthanide nitrides offers a unique opportunity for benchmark studies of computational methods applied to compounds with 4f electrons.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reproducible growth of Brachypodium in EcoFAB 2.0 reveals that nitrogen form and starvation modulate root exudation

Understanding plant-microbe interactions requires examination of root exudation under nutrient stress using standardized and reproducible experimental systems. We grew Brachypodium distachyon hydroponically in fabricated ecosystem devices (EcoFAB 2.0) under three inorganic nitrogen forms (nitrate, ammonium, and ammonium nitrate), followed by nitrogen starvation. Analyses of exudates with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, biomass, medium pH, and nitrogen uptake showed EcoFAB 2.0’s low intratreatment data variability. Furthermore, the three inorganic nitrogen forms caused differential exudation, generalized by abundant amino acids–peptides and alkaloids. Comparatively, nitrogen deficiency decreased nitrogen-containing compounds but increased shikimates-phenylpropanoids. Subsequent bioassays with two shikimates-phenylpropanoids (shikimic and p-coumaric acids) on soil bacteria or Brachypodium seedlings revealed their distinct capacity to regulate both bacterial and plant growth. Our results suggest that (i) Brachypodium alters exudation in response to nitrogen status, which can affect rhizobacterial growth, and (ii) EcoFAB 2.0 is a valuable standardized plant research tool.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Mid-day photomixotrophy by Roseiflexus spp. and implications for the 13 C content of hot spring cyanobacterial mats

Microbial mats inhabiting extreme environments have been studied as modern analogs of stromatolites. Mats in Octopus Spring and Mushroom Spring, Yellowstone National Park, are predominated by unicellular photoautotrophic cyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.), which are thought to cross-feed filamentous photoheterotrophic bacteria (mainly Roseiflexus spp.), except under early morning anoxic conditions when Roseiflexus spp. have been shown to fix dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Transcription patterns, however, suggest that Roseiflexus spp. may perform photomixotrophy, in which DIC is incorporated together with organic compounds during the daytime. We investigated the roles played by Synechococcus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. in DIC and organic matter uptake in mid-day light and oxic mats. Mass spectrometry was used to show that 13 C-bicarbonate uptake under infrared (IR) light (utilized by anoxygenic phototrophs) or visible-minus-blue light (V-B) (used by cyanobacteria) was about two-thirds and one-third, respectively, of that incorporated in full light. Laser-ablation mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that 13 C incorporation under V-B light was restricted to the uppermost portion of the mat, whereas 13 C incorporation under IR light was maximal in deeper mat layers. 13 C-acetate, -propionate, -lactate, and -glycolate were incorporated to an equal or greater extent under IR and full light. Incorporation of 13 C into peptides showed that both Synechococcus spp. and Roseiflexus spp. were active in DIC uptake, whereas Roseiflexus spp. exhibited greater uptake of 13 C-organic acids, especially glycolate and lactate, into peptides. Peptides of proteins of the 3-hydroxypropionate pathway were labeled. Thus, Roseiflexus spp. appears to exhibit photomixotrophy throughout the day.

Roseiflexus↗

Hybrid Metal Halides: Advancing Optoelectronic Materials (Final Technical Report)

Hybrid metal halides, particularly main group halide perovskites, are a unique class of materials that offer exceptional optoelectronic properties along with a remarkable materials design space. Initial research on this class of materials was driven by the ability of the prototype hybrid 3D perovskite-structured compound methylammonium lead iodide to function as the active layer in thin film solar cells. It is now known that this class of materials comprise a large family with tunable band gaps, relatively high charge carrier mobilities in both single crystal and polycrystalline forms, and relatively low concentrations of (deleterious) electrically active states within the band gap. Beyond applications in solar cells, the potential of these materials has been extended to emitters in light emitting diodes, and active components of radiation detectors. Complementing new functionality, the design space for hybrid metal halides continues to increase with discovery of new structural motifs. In this project, the combination of organic and inorganic functionalities has been employed to open pathways to the design and synthesis new, functional hybrid metal halides. Beyond the simple perovskites, Ruddlesden-Popper and Dion-Jacobsen compounds, and other variants, such as the newly advanced “hollow” perovskites have been studied. The materials have provided routes to understanding the unique electronic properties of hybrid metal halides because of their natural quantum well structures as well as other means of controlling band gaps and band dispersions. Understanding these materials, including the design rules for their formation, their structures and compositions in bulk and in thin films form, and the role of local (non-crystallographic) structure has an important aspect of this endeavor. The goal of advancing new materials and new fundamental understanding within this deceptively simple, yet fascinating class of compounds, so richly endowed with interesting and useful functionality, has been fulfilled.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemical Differences between Phenolic Secondary Organic Aerosol Formed through Gas-Phase and Aqueous-Phase Reactions

Phenolic compounds, which are significant emissions from biomass burning (BB), undergo rapid photochemical reactions in both gas and aqueous phases to form secondary organic aerosol, namely, gasSOA and aqSOA, respectively. The formation of gasSOA and aqSOA involves different reaction mechanisms, leading to different product distributions. In this study, we investigate the gaseous and aqueous reactions of guaiacol a representative BB phenol to elucidate the compositional differences between phenolic aqSOA and gasSOA. Aqueous-phase reactions of guaiacol produce higher SOA yields than gas-phase reactions (e.g., roughly 60 vs 30% at one half-life of guaiacol). These aqueous reactions involve more complex reaction mechanisms and exhibit a more gradual SOA evolution than their gaseous counterparts. Initially, gasSOA forms with high oxidation levels (O/C > 0.82), while aqSOA starts with lower O/C (0.55–0.75). However, prolonged aqueous-phase reactions substantially increase the oxidation state of aqSOA, making its bulk chemical composition closer to that of gasSOA. Additionally, aqueous reactions form a greater abundance of oligomers and high-molecular-weight compounds, alongside a more sustained production of carboxylic acids. AMS spectral signatures representative of phenolic gasSOA have been identified, which, together with tracer ions of aqSOA, can aid in the interpretation of field observation data on aerosol aging within BB smoke. The notable chemical differences between phenolic gasSOA and aqSOA highlighted in this study also underscore the importance of accurately representing both pathways in atmospheric models to better predict the aerosol properties and their environmental impacts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhanced ZIF-8-enabled colorimetric CO 2 sensing through dye-precursor synthesis

The accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) within enclosed spaces, along with volatile organic compounds, under certain humidity, temperature, and ventilation conditions is associated with detrimental human health symptoms such as fatigue. Color-based chemical sensing is a promising approach to detect CO 2 levels relevant to indoor air quality through producing fast, quantifiable output visible to the naked eye. In a prior work, a colorimetric gas sensor was fabricated through synthesizing the metal-organic framework, ZIF-8, as the adsorbent, followed by post-synthetic mixing with a dye, phenol red (PSP), and primary amine, ethylenediamine (ED). While this sensor (termed PSP-ED/ZIF-8) maintained its structural integrity in atmospheric conditions and exhibited an increasing fuchsia-to-yellow color change with increasing CO 2 levels in dry environment, the colorimetric response greatly suffered in the presence of humid CO 2 . Here in this work, a significantly improved colorimetric CO 2 sensor (referred to as ED/PSP:ZIF-8) is accomplished through directly incorporating phenol red in the ZIF-8 metal and linker precursor solutions and then blending with ethylenediamine. MATLAB-generated color distributions and in-situ ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic studies quantitatively demonstrate an enhanced colorimetric gas response of ED/PSP:ZIF-8 compared to that of PSP-ED/ZIF-8 across an important range of CO 2 for indoor air quality monitoring (500 – 3500 ppm) and across a range of humidity. The new sensor also exhibits high selectivity to CO 2 compared to select volatile organic compounds, such as acetone and ethanol, which contribute to human health symptoms experienced indoors. The enhanced performance is attributed to the proposed incorporation of phenol red within ZIF-8, while maintaining the chemical stability of the MOF.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stabilization Of The CN 3 5− Anion In Recoverable High‐pressure Ln 3 O 2 (CN 3 ) (Ln=La, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Yb) Oxoguanidinates

Abstract A series of isostructural Ln 3 O 2 (CN 3 ) (Ln=La, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Yb) oxoguanidinates was synthesized under high‐pressure (25–54 GPa) high‐temperature (2000–3000 K) conditions in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells. The crystal structure of this novel class of compounds was determined via synchrotron single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) as well as corroborated by X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The Ln 3 O 2 (CN 3 ) solids are composed of the hitherto unknown CN 3 5− guanidinate anion—deprotonated guanidine. Changes in unit cell volumes and compressibility of Ln 3 O 2 (CN 3 ) (Ln=La, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Yb) compounds are found to be dictated by the lanthanide contraction phenomenon. Decompression experiments show that Ln 3 O 2 (CN 3 ) compounds are recoverable to ambient conditions. The stabilization of the CN 3 5− guanidinate anion at ambient conditions provides new opportunities in inorganic and organic synthetic chemistry.

Chemistry↗

Lewis Acid Supported Nickel Nitrenoids

Metalation of the polynucleating ligand F,tbs LH 6 (1,3,5-C 6 H 9 (NC 6 H 3 −4-F−2-NSiMe 2 t Bu) 3 ) with two equivalents of Zn(N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ) 2 affords the dinuclear product ( F,tbs LH 2 )Zn 2 (1), which can be further deprotonated to yield ( F,tbs L)Zn 2 Li 2 (OEt 2 ) 4 (2). Transmetalation of 2 with NiCl 2 (py) 2 yields the heterometallic, trinuclear cluster ( F,tbs L)Zn 2 Ni(py) (3). Reduction of 3 with KC 8 affords [KC 222 ][( F,tbs L)Zn 2 Ni] (4) which features a monovalent Ni centre. Addition of 1-adamantyl azide to 4 generates the bridging μ 3 -nitrenoid adduct [K(THF) 3 ][( F,tbs L)Zn 2 Ni(μ 3 -NAd)] (5). EPR spectroscopy reveals that the anionic cluster possesses a doublet ground state (S = 1/2). Cyclic voltammetry of 5 reveals two fully reversible redox events. The dianionic nitrenoid [K 2 (THF) 9 ][( F,tbs L)Zn 2 Ni(μ 3 -NAd)] (6) was isolated and characterized while the neutral redox isomer was observed to undergo both intra- and intermolecular H-atom abstraction processes. Here, Ni K-edge XAS studies suggest a divalent oxidation state for the Ni centres in both the monoanionic and dianionic [Zn 2 Ni] nitrenoid complexes. However, DFT analysis suggests Ni-borne oxidation for 5.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

E ‐selective Semi‐hydrogenation of Alkynes under Mild Conditions by a Diruthenium Hydride Complex

Abstract The synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of a new class of diruthenium hydrido carbonyl complexes bound to the t Bu PNNP expanded pincer ligand is described. Reacting t Bu PNNP with two equiv of RuHCl(PPh 3 ) 3 (CO) at 140 °C produces an insoluble air‐stable complex, which was structurally characterized as [Ru 2 ( t Bu PNNP)H(μ‐H)Cl(μ‐Cl)(CO) 2 ] ( 1 ) using solid‐state NMR, IR and X‐ray absorption spectroscopies and follow‐up reactivity. A reaction with KO t Bu results in deprotonation of a methylene linker to produce [Ru 2 ( t Bu PNNP * )H(μ‐H)(μ‐O t Bu)(CO) 2 ] ( 3 ) featuring a partially dearomatized naphthyridine core. This enables metal‐ligand cooperative activation of H 2 analogous to the mononuclear analogue, [Ru( t Bu PNP*)H(CO)]. In contrast to the mononuclear system, the bimetallic analogue 3 catalyzes the E ‐selective semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes at ambient temperature and atmospheric H 2 pressure with good functional group tolerance. Monitoring the semi‐hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene by 1 H NMR spectroscopy shows the intermediacy of Z ‐stilbene, which is subsequently isomerized to the E ‐isomer. Initial findings into the mode of action of this system are provided, including the spectroscopic characterization of a polyhydride intermediate and the isolation of a deactivated species with a partially hydrogenated naphthyridine backbone.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Improved Annotation of Untargeted Metabolomics Data through Buffer Modifications That Shift Adduct Mass and Intensity

Annotation of untargeted high-resolution full-scan LC-MS metabolomics data remains challenging due to individual metabolites generating multiple LC-MS peaks arising from isotopes, adducts and fragments. Adduct annotation is a particular challenge, as the same mass difference between peaks can arise from adduct formation, fragmentation, or different biological species. To address this, here we describe a Buffer Modification Workflow (BMW), in which the same sample is run by LC-MS in both liquid chromatography solvent with 14 NH 3 -acetate buffer, and in solvent with the buffer modified with 15 NH 3 -formate. Buffer switching results in characteristic mass and signal intensity changes for adduct peaks, facilitating their annotation. This relatively simple and convenient chromatography modification annotated yeast metabolomics data with similar effectiveness to growing the yeast in isotope-labeled media. Application to mouse liver data annotated both known metabolite and known adduct peaks with 95% accuracy. Altogether, it identified 26% of ~ 27,000 liver LC-MS features as putative metabolites, of which ~ 2600 showed HMDB or KEGG database formula match. This workflow is well-suited to biological samples that cannot be readily isotope labeled, including plants, mammalian tissues, and tumors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Intramolecular Electrostatic Effects on O 2 , CO 2 , and Acetate Binding to a Cationic Iron Porphyrin

Noncovalent electrostatic interactions are important in many biological and chemical reactions, especially those that involve charged intermediates. There has been a growing interest in using electrostatic ligand designs—placing charges in the second coordination sphere—to improve molecular reactivity, catalysis, and electrocatalysis. For instance, an iron porphyrin bearing four cationic ortho -trimethylanilinium groups, Fe( o -TMA), has been reported to be an exceptional electrocatalyst for both the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). These reactions involve many different steps, and it is not evident which steps are affected by the four positive charges, or why. By comparing Fe( o -TMA) with the related iron-tetraphenylporphyrin, this work examines how covalently positioned charged groups affect substrate binding and other key pre-equilibria of both the ORR and CO 2 RR, specifically acetate, dioxygen, and carbon dioxide binding. This study is among the first to directly measure the effects of electrostatics on ligand-binding. The results show that adding electrostatic groups to a catalyst design often results in a complex interplay of multiple effects, including changes in pre-equilibria prior to substrate binding, combinations of through-space and inductive contributions, and effects of ionic strength and solution dielectric. The inverse half-order dependence of binding constant on ionic strength is proposed as a clear marker for an electrostatic effect. Overall, the conclusions provide guidance for the increasingly popular electrostatic ligand designs in catalysis and other reactivity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Investigating Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectral Heterogeneity of Rhodamines Using High-Throughput Single-Molecule Spectroscopy

We experimentally investigated several intra-molecular coordinate and environmental changes as potential causes of single-molecule fluorescence spectral heterogeneities (smFSH). Here, we developed a high-throughput single-molecule spectroscopy technique to analyze more than 5,000 single-molecule emission spectra from each of nine commonly used fluorophores with different structural rigidities deposited on substrates with different polarities. We observed an unexpected high smFSH from structurally rigid Rhodamine B compared with a structurally flexible Cyanine dye - Alexa Fluor 647. Based on experimentally measured smFSH, we ruled out the system’s noise uncertainty, single-molecule spectral diffusion, and environmental polarity as the primary causes of the high smFSH. We found that the rotational flexibility of N, N-dialkylated groups contributed to the smFSH. With the high smFSH observed in structurally more rigid model fluorophores, we speculated that other intra-molecular coordinate and environmental changes might also contribute to the high smFSH in Rhodamines.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗