We have analyzed the structure and bonding of gas-phase Cl-X and [HCl-X](+) complexes for X(+)= H(+), CH3 (+), Li(+), and Na(+), using relativistic density functional theory (DFT). We wish to establish a quantitative trend in affinities of the anionic and neutral Lewis bases Cl(-) and HCl for the various cations. The Cl-X bond becomes longer and weaker along X(+) = H(+), CH3 (+), Li(+), and Na(...

We report the first direct solution NMR detection of the alkali metal cations (23Na+, 39K+, and 87Rb+) residing inside G-quadruplex channel structures formed by guanosine 5'-monophosphate and a DNA oligomer, d(TG4T). In solution, these channel alkali metal cations are tightly bound to the G-quadruplex structure and have been considered to be "invisible" to NMR spectroscopy for many years. Our f...

The binding affinity and selectivity of a new ionophore, [1(8)]starand (1), toward alkali metal cations in methanol were examined through NMR titration experiments and free energy perturbation (FEP) and molecular dynamics simulations. The preference was determined to be K(+) > Rb(+) > Cs(+) > Na(+) >> Li(+) in both FEP simulations and NMR experiments. The FEP simulation results were able to pre...

This paper reports on solvent-extraction studies of Ni(II) from sulfate solutions with LIX 84I (2-hydroxy-5-nonylacetophenoneoxime) as the extractant. The extraction of metal depends on the equilibrium pH of the aqueous phase and the extractant concentration. The transfer of metal follows a cation exchange-type mechanism: Ni2+ + 2HA --> NiA2 + 2H+. Extraction varies with the nature of the dilue...

Following a previous study by de Courcy et al. (Interdiscip. Sci. Comput. Life Sci. 2009, 1, 55-60), we demonstrate in this contribution, using quantum chemistry, that metal cations exhibit a specific topological signature in the electron localization of their density interacting with ligands according to their “soft” or “hard” character. Introducing the concept of metal cation subvalence, we s...

The challenge in preparation of ionic liquids containing a strong alkaline anion is to identify a suitable cation which can tolerate the harsh conditions induced by the anion. In this study, a commercial quaternary ammonium compound (quat) benzalkonium [ADBA] (alkyldimethylbenzylammonium) was used as a cation in the synthesis of different alkaline ionic liquids. In fact, the precursor, benzalko...

A BASIC program is presented which facilitates the formulation of biologically relevant chemical solutions containing specified free concentrations of as many as three divalent metal cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and the choice of a third divalent cation) at any pH in the presence of as many as three ligands (EGTA, ATP and GTP). The program uses the law of mass action and the absolute stability (associat...

Catenanes - molecules consisting of interlocked macrocyclic rings - have been prepared by templation strategies for some thirty years. The utilization of Cu(I) cation, aromatic donor-acceptor interactions and hydrogen bonding assisted self-assembly strategies has led to the construction of numerous examples of these aesthetically pleasing species. This review seeks to discuss key developments i...

Transition metals such as Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are essential minerals for normal plant growth and development, although they can be toxic when present in excess. Thus, for healthy plant growth, a range of transition metals must be acquired from the soil, distributed around the plant, and their concentrations carefully regulated within different cells and organelles. Membrane transport systems are...

Nematic liquid crystals make promising chemoresponsive systems, but their development is currently limited by extensive experimental screening. Here we report a computational model to understand and predict orientational changes of surface-anchored nematic liquid crystals in response to chemical stimuli. In particular, we use first-principles calculations to evaluate the binding energies of ben...