Themed collection Emerging Investigators 2013
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Contributors to the Emerging Investigators Issue 2013
Locked nucleic acid : tighter is different
This viewpoint briefly reviews the impact of Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) oligonucleotides, first described in a ChemComm paper in 1998. A number of unique applications in oligonucleotide biotechnology have been made possible by the high binding affinity and specificity of LNA, and these provide the main focus of the viewpoint.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 5618-5620
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC40340H
Shape-persistent H-bonded macrocyclic aromatic pentamers
The latest advances on the design, synthesis, structure and function of shape-persistent H-bonded macrocycles are summarized.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4127-4144
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36698C
Recent progress in research on anion-responsive pyrrole-based π-conjugated acyclic molecules
This article summarises recent progress in the study of acyclic oligopyrrole molecules that show anion-binding behaviours, focusing on dipyrrolyldiketone boron complexes.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4100-4113
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC35759C
Expanding coordination chemistry from protein to protein assembly
Unique chemical properties of typical protein assemblies such as cages, tubes, and crystals are described in this review.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4114-4126
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36935D
Ion-based materials comprising planar charged species
Materials comprising planar units have the propensity to form stacking assemblies with nanoscale architectures and intriguing properties.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4085-4099
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC34407F
Not a molecule, not a polymer , not a substrate… the many faces of graphene as a chemical platform
How graphene chemical properties can be exploited to develop original science, innovative materials and new technological applications.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 2848-2857
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC37474B
Dissociation and hierarchical assembly of chiral esters on metallic surfaces
Scanning tunnelling microscopy is used to investigate the reactivity of a chiral ester on metallic surfaces at the single molecule level.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 6477-6479
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC40805A
Anionic porphyrin -grafted porous silicon nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy
Non-toxic porous silicon nanoparticles carry porphyrin covalently attached to their surface inside breast cancer cells for a more efficient photodynamic effect.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4202-4204
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC38837A
Ligand discrimination of myoglobin in solution: an iron L-edge X-ray absorption study of the active centre
Iron L-edge X-ray absorption spectra of the active centre of myoglobin in the met-form, in the reduced form and upon ligation to O2, CO, NO and CN are presented.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4163-4165
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC37973F
Microwave synthesis of Au–Rh core–shell nanoparticles and implications of the shell thickness in hydrogenation catalysis
A microwave-assisted heating method allows for the convenient and reproducible synthesis of defined Au–Rh core–shell metallic nanoparticles with tuneable shell thicknesses.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4241-4243
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC40387D
A new two-dimensional oligothiophene end-capped with alkyl cyanoacetate groups for highly efficient solution-processed organic solar cells
A new two-dimensional molecule DCA3T(VT)BDT affords a highly efficient organic solar cell with a high power conversion efficiency of 4% and a high fill factor of up to 0.63.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4409-4411
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC38920K
Enantioselective trapping of phosphoramidate ammonium ylides with imino esters for synthesis of 2,3-diaminosuccinic acid derivatives
A highly enantioselective trapping of protic phosphoramidate ammonium ylides with α-imino esters has been developed to provide 2,3-diaminosuccinic acid derivatives.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4238-4240
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC36972B
The role of copper in catalytic performance of a Fe–Cu–Al–O catalyst for water gas shift reaction
Catalytic in situ studies using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested a strong Fe3O4–Cu interface interaction which promotes catalytic activity of water gas shift on Fe–Cu–Al–O catalyst upon pretreatment in H2 at 350 °C which exhibits an activity 40% higher than a physical mixture of Fe–Al–O and Cu–Al–O catalysts.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4385-4387
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37416A
Divergent reactivity of nitric oxide with metal–metal quintuple bonds
Reactions of NO with the quintuple bonded chromium and molybdenum amidinate dimers, respectively, gave dichromium nitrosyl nitrito amidinato complexes, and the quadruple bonded dimolybdenum nitrito amidinato species with a paddlewheel configuration.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4391-4393
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC37118B
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Serum albumin enhances the membrane activity of ZnO nanoparticles
Serum albumin stabilizes the nanoscale size distribution of ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous dispersions by forming a protein corona around the particles. This in turn enhances the impact of these nanoparticles on the structure and morphology of lipid membranes.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4172-4174
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3CC37871C
Exploration of biosynthetic access to the shared precursor of the fusicoccane diterpenoid family
The shared precursor of the fusicoccane family of diterpenoids was microbially synthesized on a preparative scale employing engineered yeast.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4337-4339
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37154E
Combinatorial ionic catch-and-release oligosaccharide synthesis (combi-ICROS)
A combinatorial ionic-liquid-supported “catch-and-release” strategy for oligosaccharide synthesis (combi-ICROS) is reported. A series of β-(1→6) glucan di-, tri- and tetra-saccharides were synthesized in one pot to showcase the versatility of the strategy.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4217-4219
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37164B
X-ray excitable luminescent polymer dots doped with an iridium(III) complex
Cyclometalated iridium(III) complex-doped polymer dots were synthesized and shown to emit luminescence upon X-ray irradiation.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4319-4321
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37169C
Orthogonal self-assembly and selective solvent vapour annealing : simplified processing of a photovoltaic blend
Orthogonal self-assembly was exploited to optimize the nanoscale arrangement of the poorly organized phase of an acceptor in a photovoltaic blend, without affecting the ordered structures formed by the donor.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4322-4324
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37909K
Bridging π-coordination of pyrrole and indole over a PdI–PdI bond
π-Coordination of pyrrole or indole to a dinuclear PdI–PdI center is revealed. The dinuclear sandwich PdI–PdI complexes of pyrrole, N-methylpyrrole, or indole were synthesized and structurally characterized. Indole employs the carbons of the six-membered ring in bridging π-coordination to a PdI–PdI center.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4310-4312
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37554K
Crystal structure and carrier transport properties of a new semiconducting 2D coordination polymer with a 3,5-dimethylpiperidine dithiocarbamate ligand
A new semiconducting coordination polymer having an infinite 2D structure has been prepared.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4316-4318
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37137E
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in TiNiSn-based half-Heuslers
Thermoelectric figures of merit, ZT > 0.5, have been obtained in arc-melted TiNiSn ingots containing excess Ni.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4184-4186
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37121A
Multicomponent self-sorting of a Pd7 molecular boat and its use in catalytic Knoevenagel condensation
A unique three-component self-assembly of a cis-blocked 90° Pd(II) acceptor with a mixture of tri- and tetra-imidazole donors led to the self-sorting of a Pd7 molecular boat, which was found to catalyse Knoevenagel condensations in aqueous media.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4307-4309
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37377G
Curcumin as an amyloid-indicator dye in E. coli
Curcumin is an amyloid-specific dye in E. coli and binds to curliated whole cells and isolated curli fibers.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4193-4195
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37792F
Biomimetic cell-mediated three-dimensional assembly of halloysite nanotubes
Biomimetic architectural assembly of clay nanotube shells on yeast cells was demonstrated producing viable artificial hybrid inorganic-cellular structures (armoured cells). These modified cells were preserved for one generation resulting in the intact second generation of cells with delayed germination.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4208-4210
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC38254G
Unraveling the local energetics of transport in a polymer ion conductor
Diffusion activation energy measurements provide sub-nm insights into water and proton transport dynamics in a hydrated conducting polymer.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4283-4285
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37173A
Multi-electron reduction facilitated by a trianionic pyridine(diimine) ligand
Reduction of Cp*2UI(THF) with KC8 in the presence of a pyridine(diimine) ligand (PDI) results in the formation of Cp*U(PDI)(THF), which features a triply reduced PDI ligand.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4169-4171
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37193F
Time-programmed helix inversion in phototunable liquid crystals
Helix inversion of cholesteric liquid crystals can be time-programmed by a judicious choice of molecular dopants.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4256-4258
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37161H
A family of simple benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) aromatic carboxylic acid hydrogels
Hydrogel forming family of benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives exhibiting consistent gel formation through a pH trigger.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4268-4270
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37428E
Donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with Lawesson's and Woollins' reagents: formation of bisthiophenes and unprecedented cage-like molecules
A method to convert furan-derived donor–acceptor cyclopropanes into bisthiophenes and unusual cage-like compounds by the action of Lawesson's reagent was developed.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4403-4405
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37631H
Controlled synthesis of non-epitaxially grown Pd@Ag core–shell nanocrystals of interesting optical performance
Pd@Ag core–shell nanocrystals are synthesized through a seed mediated method with Ag shells formed in a non-epitaxial growth manner.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4379-4381
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37825F
Controlled folding of a novel electroactive polyolefin via multiple sequential orthogonal intra-chain interactions
We report the synthesis of an electroactive polyolefin and demonstrate through SEC-MALS and DLS that this polymer can be folded in a controlled fashion using sequentially activated noncovalent and covalent intra-chain interactions.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4178-4180
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37157J
N-Propargyloxycarbamate monosaccharides as metabolic chemical reporters of carbohydrate salvage pathways and protein glycosylation
N-propargylcarbamate monosaccharides display altered metabolic preferences as metabolic chemical reporters of mammalian glycosylation.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4328-4330
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37963E
Cyclotetraazocarbazole – a multichromic molecule
A macrocyclic multiphotochromic cyclotetraazocarbazole is presented showing a distinct color change upon irradiation, pH-change or change of temperature.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4397-4399
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37956B
Divergent reaction pathways of tris(oxazolinyl)borato zinc and magnesium silyl compounds
A magnesium silyl and CO2 react to form a monomeric silanecarboxylate. The analogous reaction of a zinc silyl and CO2 affords a zinc formate, where the zinc silanecarboxylate is a kinetically plausible intermediate.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4334-4336
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36953B
Aerobic oxidative N-dealkylation of tertiary amines in aqueous solution catalyzed by rhodium porphyrins
Aerobic oxidative N-dealkylation of a variety of aliphatic tertiary amines and anilines catalyzed by (TSPP)Rh(III) is achieved in aqueous solution using dioxygen as the sole oxidant.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4214-4216
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37263K
Designer nanojunctions: orienting shaped nanoparticles within polymer thin-film nanocomposites
We demonstrate a new method for assembling plasmonic materials by tailoring nanocrystal shape and surface chemistry to design specific nanojunctions.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4382-4384
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37158H
Directed organization of gold nanoparticles in polymer coatings through infrared-assisted evaporative lithography
Infrared-assisted evaporative lithography (IRAEL) is presented as an emerging technology to direct the assembly of gold nanospheres (AuNSs) into large-scale superstructures within colloidal polymeric coatings.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4253-4255
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37844B
Redox active aluminium(III) complexes convert CO2 into MgCO3 or CaCO3 in a synthetic cycle using Mg or Ca metal
Using concomitant redox and acid–base reactivity, conversion of CO2 into MgCO3 or CaCO3, via regenerable (IP−)2Al(OH), is presented (IP = α-iminopyridine).
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4175-4177
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37208H
Surfactant controlled aggregation of conjugated polyelectrolytes
We investigate the interaction between conjugated polyelectrolytes and surfactants in solution and solid phases.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4235-4237
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37447A
Electric field-induced hole transport in copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) thin-films processed from solution at room temperature
Hole transport is observed in thin-film transistors based on copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) processed from solution at room temperature.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4154-4156
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37065D
Light-induced stereospecific intramolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition of atropisomeric 3,4-dihydro-2-pyridones
Atropisomeric 3,4-dihydro-2-pyridones undergo stereospecific [2+2]-photocycloaddition in solution with high stereoselectivity (ee >98% and de >96%) in the product.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4346-4348
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37123E
Four-electron reduction of dioxygen catalysed by dinuclear cobalt complexes bridged by bis(terpyridyl)anthracene
We have prepared dinuclear cobalt complexes 1 and 2 linked in a co-facial configuration by bis(terpyridyl)anthracene as catalysts for chemical and electrochemical four-electron reductions of dioxygen.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4394-4396
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36528F
Hydrometallation-asymmetric conjugate addition: application to complex molecule synthesis
This manuscript demonstrates that alkenes undergo hydrometallation-conjugate addition processes to give natural products and functionalized steroid derivatives.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4211-4213
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37155C
Artificial repressors for controlling gene expression in bacteria
Expression of transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) can be used to regulate Escherichia coli gene expression via inhibition of transcription events.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4325-4327
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37107C
π-Core tailoring for new high performance thieno(bis)imide based n-type molecular semiconductors
The synthesis and characterization of two thieno(bis)imide based n-type molecular semiconductors with electron mobilities of up to 0.3 cm2 V−1 s−1 are described.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4298-4300
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37053K
Intracellular nitric oxide delivery from stable NO-polymeric nanoparticle carriers
The encapsulation of S-nitrosoglutathione into polymeric nanoparticles substantially improves NO stability in aqueous media without affecting the efficacy of intracellular delivery.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4190-4192
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37181B
A gold(III) porphyrin complex as an anti-cancer candidate to inhibit growth of cancer-stem cells
A cytotoxic gold(III) complex of meso-tetraphenylporphyrin ([Au(TPP)]Cl, denoted gold-1a) blocks the self-renewal ability of cancer stem-like cells and shows appealing safety pharmacological profiles in rodents.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4364-4366
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37366A
Computational insights on the mechanism of the catalytic hydrogenation with BINAP–diamine–Ru complexes: the role of base and origin of selectivity
The catalytic features of the BINAP–diamine–Ru trio uncovered at the molecular level.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4277-4279
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37165K
Rhodium-catalyzed cysteine modification with diazo reagents
A simple rhodium(II) complex catalyzes cysteine modification with diazo reagents.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4166-4168
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37323H
The unexpected and facile molybdenum mediated formation of tri- and tetracyclic pentathiepins from pyrazine -alkynes and sulfur
Reported is a novel family of pentathiepino-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives formed by the reaction of alkynyl-substituted heterocyclic precursors with elemental sulfur in the presence of molybdenum oxo bis-tetrasulfide under very mild conditions.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4343-4345
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37025E
A multimodal, β-amyloid-targeted contrast agent
A multimodal, β-amyloid-targeted contrast agent was synthesized that interacts with β-amyloid aggregates producing changes in relaxation rate and fluorescence emission.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4148-4150
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36583A
A disulfide-linked conjugate of ferrocenyl chalcone and silicon(IV) phthalocyanine as an activatable photosensitiser
A novel disulfide-linked ferrocenyl phthalocyanine has been prepared which is activated by dithiothreitol resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission, singlet oxygen production and in vitro photocytotoxicity.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4274-4276
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37251G
Effective phosphorescence quenching in borylated PtII ppy-type phosphors and their application as I− ion sensors in aqueous medium
The first example of I− ion sensors using borylated-PtII phosphors was reported showing high sensitivity and selectivity in aqueous medium.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4406-4408
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37135A
Synthesis and structure of a hydrogenated zinc hemiporphyrazine
A zinc hemiporphyrazine exhibits reversible hydrogenation chemistry that may enable future applications in hemiporphyrazine-based catalysts and/or hydrogen storage devices.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4280-4282
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37151K
The tandem intermolecular hydroalkoxylation/claisen rearrangement
The Au(I)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkynes with allylic alcohols to provide allyl vinyl ethers that subsequently undergo Claisen rearrangement is reported.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4157-4159
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37166A
Stereoselective synthesis of aminoindanols via an efficient cascade aza-Michael–aldol reaction
An efficient organocatalyzed aza-Michael–aldol cascade strategy for the synthesis of a variety of 3-amino-1-indanols has been developed.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4361-4363
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37102B
Reactions of a tungsten–germylyne complex with alcohols and arylaldehydes
Germylyne complex Cp*(CO)2WGeC(SiMe3)3 reacted with two molecules of arylaldehydes to give base-stabilised alkoxy(germylene) complexes via C–H bond activation and hydrogermylation.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4232-4234
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37126J
Vibrational spectroscopic observation of ice dewetting on MgO(001)
Specific hydroxyl vibrations of the water monolayer on MgO(001) allowed the dewetting of ice to be probed by vibrational spectroscopies.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4355-4357
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37148K
Internal Lewis acid assisted ureas : tunable hydrogen bond donor catalysts
The strategic incorporation of Lewis acids on urea scaffolds yields tunable hydrogen bond donor catalysts benefiting from enhanced activity.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4289-4291
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37073E
Sulfidated TiO2 nanotubes : A potential 3D cathode material for Li-ion micro batteries
This work presents a novel approach for synthesizing self-supported TiOxSy nanotubes as a potential cathode material for 3D Li-ion microbatteries.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4205-4207
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36857A
Batch to flow deoxygenation using visible light photoredox catalysis
Mild and efficient deoxygenation protocol for primary and secondary alcohols with exceptional functional group tolerance.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4352-4354
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37206A
Formal γ-alkynylation of ketones via Pd-catalyzed C–C cleavage
A direct Pd-catalyzed coupling of tert-cyclobutanols and bromoacetylenes via C–C cleavage gives access to rather elusive γ-alkynylated ketones.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4286-4288
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37281A
A colorimetric logic gate based on free gold nanoparticles and the coordination strategy between melamine and mercury ions
A colorimetric logic gate based on free gold nanoparticles is presented with melamine and Hg2+, as well as its colorimetric detection of Hg2+ with good selectivity and sensitivity.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4196-4198
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36955A
Synthesis, structure and reactivity of cyclopropenyl-1-ylidene stabilized S(II), Se(II) and Te(II) mono- and dications
The syntheses and structural characterization of carbene-stabilized chalcogen centred mono- and dications employing a reverse electron demand onio-substitutent transfer strategy are reported.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4145-4147
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC36225B
Comparison of the predictive performance of the Bell–Evans, Taylor-expansion and statistical-mechanics models of mechanochemistry
Two simple models yield usefully accurate extrapolations of the kinetic stability of cyclobutene and cyclopropane moieties in a stretched polymer from strain-free parameters.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4187-4189
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37095F
Schischkiniin support studies: synthetic access to 1,1′-bisindoles
Diallylated hydrazobenzenes undergo two simultaneous Mori–Ban cyclizations, providing the first general synthetic route to 1,1′-bisindoles.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4349-4351
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37241J
A Ni@ZrO2 nanocomposite for ethanol steam reforming : enhanced stability via strong metal–oxide interaction
This communication describes the rational design of a highly active and stable Ni@ZrO2 nanocomposite for catalytic hydrogen production via steam reforming of ethanol.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4226-4228
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37109J
Rapid synthesis of oligomannosides with orthogonally protected monosaccharides
Synthesis of mannose building blocks with orthogonal protection leads to formation of linear/branched tri-, penta- and heptasaccharides.
Chem. Commun., 2013,49, 4265-4267
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CC37099A
About this collection
Welcome to the ChemComm Emerging Investigators Issue 2013. This is the third edition of this themed collection and is dedicated to internationally recognised, up-and-coming scientists from around the globe.