Reactivity of 3 isopropenyl-α,α-dimethyl-benzylisocyanate with amines, phenols, thiols and oximes in diluted aqueous–organic media: the water-promoted effect

Polyureas Versatile Polymers for New Academic and Technological Applications

Polyureas (PURs) are a competitive polymer to their analogs, polyurethanes (PUs). Whereas PUs' main functional group is carbamate (urethane), PURs contain urea. In this revision, a comprehensive overview of PUR properties, from synthesis to technical applications, is displayed. Preparative routes that can be used to obtain PURs using diisocianates or harmless reagents such as CO₂ and NH₃ are explained, and aterials, urea monomers and PURs are discussed; PUR copolymers are included in this discussion as well. Bulk to soft components of PUR, as well as porous materials and meso, micro or nanomaterials are evaluated. Topics of this paper include the general properties of aliphatic and aromatic PUR, followed by practical synthetic pathways, catalyst uses, aggregation, sol-gel formation and mechanical aspects.

A fluorescent dipyrrinone oxime for the detection of pesticides and other organophosphates

An N,N-carbonyl-bridged dipyrrinone oxime has been synthesized and studied as a potential sensor for organophosphates. The molecular sensor underwent a drastic colorimetric response upon formation of the adduct. The pesticide dimethoate was found to produce the biggest spectral response, with a limit of detection equal to 4.0 ppm using UV-visible spectroscopy. Minimal fluorescence "turn on" via a PET mechanism was seen, and molecular modeling studies were used to explain the lower than expected PET response. The X-ray crystal structure of the fluorescent dipyrrinone oxime was also obtained.

'Pseudo-star' Copolymers Formed by a Combination of RAFT Polymerization and Isocyanate-Coupling

We describe the formation of pseudo-star copolymers via incorporation of an isocyanate-bearing monomer, dimethyl meta-isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate (TMI) into a homopolymer of butyl acrylate (BA) using a one-pot, two-step synthesis. The resultant product maintains the functionality of the isocyanate moiety, which is used to attach poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether onto the copolymeric chain under benign reaction conditions. The resultant pseudo-star copolymers were isolated and their self-assembly in the presence of water studied.

Antibodies directed against L and D isovaline using a chemical derivatizing reagent for the measurement of their enantiomeric ratio in extraterrestrial samples: first step-production and characterization of antibodies

Determining the enantiomeric ratio of amino acids in meteorites requires very sensitive and precise measurements. In this study, an immunochemical approach, combined with new chemical derivatizing agents, was investigated for the measurement of the enantiomeric ratio of isovaline. In the initial step, L and D isovaline were derivatized with epsilon-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine-(t-butyl ester)-chloroethylnitrosourea (Z-L-Lys-(OtBu)-CENU). The Z group was hydrolyzed and the resulting isovaline derivatives (L-Lys(OtBu)-L-isovaline and L-Lys(OtBu)-D-isovaline) were conjugated with protein using glutaraldehyde and reduced with sodium borohydride. Rabbits were immunized with the immunogenic conjugates thus obtained. Antibodies were characterized using many compounds, both derivatized and underivatized, in competitive ELISA tests. These competition experiments performed enabled us to establish the following results: 1) unconjugated L-Lys(OtBu)-L-isovaline and L-Lys(OtBu)-D-isovaline were poorly recognized; 2) all related L-Lys(OtBu)-alpha-hydrogenated amino acids (L and D) were not recognized at all, which eliminates the possibility of the measurements being distorted by contamination; 3) only conjugated L-Lys(OtBu)-alpha-amino-isobutyric acid (AIB) was recognized by the antibody, 4) the enantiomeric discrimination of L and D isovaline through their derivatives (diastereoisomeric L-Lys(OtBu)-L-isovaline and L-Lys(OtBu)-D-isovaline) was in accordance with the measurement of their enantiomeric ratio. Immunopurification was shown to enhance antibody specificity. The strategy employed shows potential for the quantification of meteoritic amino acids.