Hydrazine reduction achieves efficient and selective recovery of Pd from an HNO₃ + HCl solution dissolving various elements from high-level radioactive wastes and borosilicate-based glass components which have been eluted from a simulated nuclear waste glass. Se and Te coexisting in this system play important roles to promote the deposition of Pd.

Existing computed results for formic acid (HCOOH) dehydration on Pt catalysts cannot explain the facile CO poisoning effect. By DFT calculations, this work studied HCOOH dehydration on a Pt(111) surface assisted by co-adsorbed HCOOH or H₂O molecules. The calculated results show that CO is formed via intermolecular dehydration pathways. The newly proposed mechanisms provide a valuable input to understand the degradation problem of Pt catalyst in HCOOH decomposition.

We synthesized Fe(II)-based metallo-supramolecular polymers with bisterpyridines bearing ethynylene, phenylene, and durene as spacer (polyFeL1–3) and investigated the effect of the spacer modification on the electrochromic properties. We revealed the redox potential and MLCT absorption of polymers were greatly influenced by the spacer alteration. PolyFeL1–3 exhibited different colors; blue, bluish purple, and purple, respectively. Blue- and purple-colored electrochromic devices were successfully fabricated using polyFeL1 and polyFeL3. The electrochromic color changes were observed upon applying +3 V for bleaching or −3 V for coloring.

Hydrothermal stability and productivity of zeolite are important concerns when considering its industrial applications. In this study, we used 1-butanol as an organic additive for the synthesis of ZSM-5, which resulted in rapid synthesis within 2 h. The fully crystalline product was proved to possess fewer structural defects, and higher hydrothermal stability.

An ester-containing a barbiturated π-conjugated molecule exhibits a kinetic supramolecular polymorph with outstanding morphological and fluorescent changes. Metastable supramolecular polymers with an orange emission spontaneously transform into thermodynamically stable crystalline phase exhibiting a green emission.

A sensitized thermal cell is a new thermal energy device based on a dye-sensitized solar cell; thermally excited carriers in a semiconductor are used instead of photon-excited carriers in a dye. In semiconductor-sensitized batteries, open-circuit voltage in thermal excitation is lower than in optical excitation, but the reason has been unclear. By changing the doping amount of the electron transport layer, we experimentally show that the voltage in thermal excitation is dependent on the Fermi level of the “entire” semiconductor electrode.

Small-angle X-ray and neutron scatterings can measure the structure factor of dispersed particles (macromolecules or colloidal particles), which can estimate the pair distribution function and the pair potential between the particles. However, the assumption of a model pair potential is usually necessary in the estimations. Especially when the system condition is complicated, one cannot prepare a plausible model pair potential. Hence, we propose a model-potential-free method. The new method does not require the assumptions of rigid particle surface and random phase approximation unlike the conventional model-potential-free method.

An addition of two equivalents of Lewis acid with Lewis basic 9,10-dicyanoanthracene enabled tuning of the spatial and electronic properties of the parent molecule. An investigation on optical properties in solid-state and solution revealed increases in quantum yield.

Two novel organogelators that incorporate sugar acetate segments have been identified. One contains a sugar acetate linked directly to an alkyl group, while the second includes an amide linker. We describe the syntheses of both organogelators, as well as their gelation properties in various hydrocarbon liquids. We also use molecular modeling with a generic classical force field and Kohn-Sham density functional theory to provide atomic scale insights and physical justification for gelation mechanisms.

The deracemization reaction of a racemic double-stranded spiroborate helicate containing a bisporphyrin unit in the middle assisted by optically-active guests efficiently proceeded even below room temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of strong acids that triggered the partial B–O bond cleavage/reformation of the spiroborate groups, affording an optically-active helicate with a high enantioselectivity up to 93% ee.

A method for p-methylbenzyl (MBn) protection of alcohols by using MBn 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate is described. The trichloroacetimidate can easily be prepared and isolated as a stable white powder without purification by silica gel chromatography. Catalytic use of zinc(II) triflate in diethyl ether activates the trichloroacetimidate to enable MBn protection of various alcohols.

Photoexcited states often exhibit otherwise impossible functions. One such example is a “photon storage prototype” that retains the absorbed photon energy for several days at room temperature due to its considerably long-lived photoexcited state. To clarify the mechanism and develop improved materials, new three related salts have been synthesized and the crystal structures have been determined. Based on extended Hückel and DFT calculations, strong cation-anion interactions involving various molecular orbitals were found to be the key feature for the effective design of such an energy storage material, based on the close interaction between the positively charged C and negatively charged Au atoms.

A hydrido(dihydrosilyl) platinum(II) complex having PMe₃ ligands, [cis-PtH(SiH₂Trip)(PMe₃)₂] (2) (Trip = 9-triptycyl) was prepared by the ligand-exchange reaction of [PtH(SiH₂Trip)(PMe₃)(PPh₃)] (1) with an excess amount of free PMe₃ in hexane. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 2 revealed that the platinum center adopts a twisted square-planar geometry; the dihedral angle between the P–Pt–P and Si–Pt–H planes is 10.43°. The complex displayed a fluxional NMR behavior in solution on the NMR time scale, where a η¹-Si–H structure was suggested as a transition state of the rate-controlling step by DFT calculation.

We report the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) covered with a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-7). The hybrid materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy, showing that Pt NPs were homogeneously distributed in ZIF-7 crystals without an obvious change in the NP size.

Two novel Ba-based coordination polymers bridged by a Ni-dithiooxalato (dto) complex, (TBA)₂[Ba{Ni(dto)₂}₂] (1, TBA = tetra-n-butylammonium) and (TPP)₂[Ba{Ni(dto)₂}₂(H₂O)] (2, TPP = tetraphenylphosphonium) were prepared. The structure of 1 consisted of two identical diamond-shaped coordination polymers and a 2-fold interpenetrated framework. On the other hand, the crystal structure of 2 showed a 2D square-shaped coordination polymer stacked along the [101] direction. These findings suggest that two different molecular structures were formed depending on the size of the cation.

The selective, Rh(I)-catalyzed ortho-C-H alkylation of biologically important aryl sulfonamides with maleimides with the aid of an 8-aminoquinoline directing group is reported. The reaction exhibits a good substrate scope.

Dual-functional Janus nanosheets were prepared by growing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide) chains on one face of individual negatively-charged nanosheets derived from K₄Nb₆O₁₇·3H₂O via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. They exhibited aggregation behavior in water upon heating based on the thermo-responsiveness of the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide) chains and the intrinsic cation exchangeability of the unmodified face.

A 2p-3d heterospin macrocyclic adduct from 5-t-butyl-1,3-phenylene bis(t-butyl nitroxide) and nickel(II) 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate with a molar ratio of 2/2 was practically diamagnetic below room temperature. Notably strong antiferromagnetic interaction is assigned to the 3d-2p exchange couplings through the severe torsion with the Ni-O-N-C(sp²) angles of 80.1(4)–89.8(3)°, being totally compatible with the density functional theory calculation.

The C-X bond dissociation of aryl/alkyl halides via electron transfer under ultraviolet or visible light irradiation has been developed rapidly. Among the methods accomplished, recent advances for the sulfonylation of aryl/alkyl halides with sulfur dioxide under photoinduced conditions are summarized in this report. The transformations usually proceed smoothly with the insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical processes under mild conditions. Under ultraviolet irradiation, no metal catalysts are needed for the photoinduced sulfonylation of aryl/alkyl halides with sulfur dioxide, while a photoredox catalyst is necessary for the sulfonylation of aryl/alkyl halides with sulfur dioxide under visible light irradiation. During the transformation, excellent chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity are observed for the final outcome.

Atomic configuration of La_2−xSr_xNiO_4+δ (x = 1/4) with a layered perovskite structure was investigated by a molecular dynamics simulation and a reverse Monte Carlo modelling using a Faber-Ziman structure factor in addition to a Bragg profile. It is confirmed that the Sr-substituted material conducts interstitial oxide ions through the rock-salt layer as in the case of La₂NiO_4+δ, and thus it is supposed that the conduction mechanism is not influenced significantly by the Sr substitution. However, a difference between local structures around La and Sr demonstrates that the interstitial oxide ions exist around not Sr but La, and this tendency can be considered to be due to electrostatic interaction among the cations and the oxide ions. Such a structural feature may be one of the reasons for inferior oxide-ion diffusion in the Sr-substituted material.

Nanoporous materials with anionic pentacoordinate organosilicon frameworks were prepared using organoalkoxysilanes, tris-catechol linkers (2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene, HHTP), and primary diamines as a cation source. The products have both microporous and mesoporous frameworks with some crystallinity. Design of novel catalysts, adsorbents, and ion-exchangers based on the charged frameworks and various organic substituents will be expected.

We report a facile approach for preparing hollow mesoporous silica nanoplates using layered double hydroxide (LDH). MgAl-LDH nanoplates with well-defined hexagonal morphology are synthesized with a basic amino acid (arginine) via a fast coprecipitation followed by controlled hydrothermal treatment. Such LDH nanoplates are used as a hard template to prepare novel hollow mesoporous silica nanoplates.

Using two types of liquid membranes having Na⁺- and Cl⁻-permselectivities, novel power generation devices were composed. Electric power was generated based on salinity gradient energy conversion. Since the electric resistance of the dilute solution of NaCl was reduced by the addition of NaCl, the power generation capability of the electrical generator was improved compared with that in the absence of NaCl in analogy with reverse electrodialysis using ion-exchange membranes.

Herein, we report the synthesis of various 9-hydroxytriptycenes bearing a functionalized substituent at the C-10 position through a one-pot triple cycloaddition reaction of ynolates with arynes, followed by their functional transformation. Ynolates bearing a functionalized substituent were generated through a double deprotonation method utilizing various readily available sterically hindered esters recently developed by our group. Upon transformation of 1,8,13-trisilyl- or trimethoxy triptycenes, not only the C-1, C-8, C-9, and C-13 (front-side) but also C-10 (back-side) positions of the triptycene products could be functionalized.

Intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules offers opportunities for molecular and materials design, based on an understanding of their chemical properties and their modes of cellular responses. Peptides are advantageous as a delivery tool because of their ease in functional design and synthesis. This review highlights our approaches for the intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules using peptides with distinct modes of action.

A superhydrophobic paper with excellent robustness was prepared by roll coating with micro/nano SiO₂ modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane as pigments and epoxy resin as adhesive. The coated surfaces exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, anti-fouling and self-cleaning performances. Furthermore, the mechanical wear-resisting of the superhydrophobic surface was greatly improved. The entire production process was operated in an appropriate environment, without complex instruments, and as such, has the possibility for large-scale production and application in industry.

1-D cobalt(II) complex of type [Co(pyterpy)(NO₃)₂] (1) (pyterpy = 4′-(4′′′-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′2′′-terpyridine) has been synthesized and its crystal structure and magnetic property discussed. 1 shows a magnetic anomaly caused by a structural change that reduces the distortion and alters the orbital angular momentum crossover to magnetic susceptibility. 1 also exhibits SMM behavior with derivation from the large magnetic anisotropy of the high-spin (HS) cobalt(II) center.

Substrate scope of the thiolate-mediated reductive cyclization of keto-enones was studied, revealing the applicability and novel mechanistic insights.

For highly sensitive analysis of anionic lipid membranes, we developed membrane surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with different sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The employed AuNPs did not disturb and retained native lipid membrane properties such as fluidity and polarity, and enhanced Raman signals of anionic lipid membrane. Furthermore, the enhanced part of lipid membrane was modulated by different size AuNPs. Thus, our method enables site specific analysis of anionic lipid membrane in high sensitive manner keeping native lipid membrane properties.

Near-infrared two-wavelength-selective responses of thermosensitive hydrogels consisting of acrylic acid/N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) copolymers coordinated with rare-earth ions Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺ were demonstrated. The transparency of the gels coordinated independently with Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺ was reversibly changed by on/off switching of 808- and 980-nm light irradiation, respectively, because of the volume phase transition of the gels induced by photothermal conversion.

The effectiveness of a catalytic amount of bromide ions for significantly accelerating the palladium-catalyzed allylation of carbonyl compounds with allylic carbonates is reported. In particular, the utilization of an ammonium–phosphine hybrid ligand bearing a bromide ion is uniquely effective for promoting allylation under mild, base-free conditions, thus obviating the need to use polar solvents and external strong Brønsted bases.