Aryl ether-free polymer electrolytes for electrochemical and energy devices

Anion exchange polymers (AEPs) play a crucial role in green hydrogen production through anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. The chemical stability of AEPs is paramount for stable system operation in electrolysers and other electrochemical devices. Given the instability of aryl ether-containing AEPs under high pH conditions, recent research has focused on quaternized aryl ether-free variants. The primary goal of this review is to provide a greater depth of knowledge on the synthesis of aryl ether-free AEPs targeted for electrochemical devices. Synthetic pathways that yield polyaromatic AEPs include acid-catalysed polyhydroxyalkylation, metal-promoted coupling reactions, ionene synthesis via nucleophilic substitution, alkylation of polybenzimidazole, and Diels-Alder polymerization. Polyolefinic AEPs are prepared through addition polymerization, ring-opening metathesis, radiation grafting reactions, and anionic polymerization. Discussions cover structure-property-performance relationships of AEPs in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, and water and CO2 electrolysers, along with the current status of scale-up synthesis and commercialization.

Fabrication of imidazoline-linked cationic covalent triazine framework for enrichment of environmental estrogens

Imidazoline-linked cationic covalent triazine framework (IM-iCTF) was facilely prepared through the Debus-Radziszewski reaction, involving 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)trianiline, formaldehyde and methylglyoxal. The IM-iCTF was applied as a sorbent for cartridge solid-phase extraction (SPE). It provided good adsorption performance for estrogen and estrogen mimics including bisphenol F, bisphenol A, 7β-estradiol, bisphenol B and estrone. The adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetic model, thermodynamic calculations and adsorption mechanism were investigated to reveal the adsorption behavior. The IM-iCTF was employed for the extraction of the estrogens and estrogen mimics from water, fish and shrimp (fish and shrimp samples were extracted with acetonitrile before the SPE). The analytes were then determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The limits of detection were 0.008-0.05 ng mL-1 for water, 0.015-0.11 μg g-1 for fish, and 0.012-0.10 μg g-1 for shrimp samples. This research not only offers a new approach to construct cationic covalent triazine framework, but also provides a reliable strategy for the adsorption/enrichment trace level of organic pollutants.

Synthesis of Competitive and Noncompetitive Inhibitors of Alpha-Glucosidase and Anticancer Agents

Imidazoles and phenylthiazoles are an important class of heterocycles that demonstrate a wide range of biological activities against various types of cancers, diabetes mellitus and pathogenic microorganisms. The heterocyclic structure having oxothiazolidine moiety is an important scaffold present in various drugs, with potential for enzyme inhibition. In an effort to discover new heterocyclic compounds, we synthesized 26 new 4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole, phenylthiazole, and oxothiazolidine heterocyclic analogues that demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition and anticancer activities. Majority of the compounds noncompetitively inhibited α-glucosidase except for two that exhibited competitive inhibition of the enzyme. Docking results suggested that the noncompetitive inhibitors bind to an apparent allosteric site on the enzyme located in the vicinity of the active site. Additionally, the analogues also exhibited significant activity against various types of cancers including non-small lung cancer. Since tubulin protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of non-small lung cancer, molecular docking with one of the target compounds provided important clues to its binding mode. The current work on imidazoles and phenylthiazole derivatives bears importance for designing of new antidiabetic and anticancer drugs.

Imidazolium-Containing Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials for the Conversion of CO2: Unveiling the Key Role of the Ionic Template

A straightforward synthesis of a series of hybrid organic-inorganic materials (HOIMs) containing imidazolium moieties was achieved. The preparation of the imidazolium acetate precursor was performed in a single-step procedure using the Debus-Radziszewski reaction. The as-synthesized alkoxysilane was employed in combination with tetraethyl orthosilicate to generate an HOIM presenting a high specific surface area. Two different structure-directing agents (SDAs), an anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) or a cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) surfactant, were used to investigate the role played by the SDA on the distribution of the imidazolium-based active sites within the silica structure. After the synthesis, the acetate ion was replaced with Cl- and Br- via a simple acid treatment. This procedure favors also the removal of the surfactant, thus releasing the porosity of the solids. The HOIMs synthesized were fully characterized via low-angle X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, 13C and 29Si MAS NMR, combustion chemical analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and CO2 physisorption to assess their physicochemical and structural features, as well as the successful incorporation of imidazolium salts. Their catalytic activity in the conversion of CO2 was tested over different epoxides to produce the corresponding cyclic carbonates. The key role of the SDS (anionic surfactant) as a templating agent was proved. The best material was stable under the selected reaction conditions, reusable over multiple cycles, and active on a series of different epoxides, thus proving its versatility.

Construction of Covalent Organic Frameworks via Multicomponent Reactions

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) combine at least three reactants to afford the desired product in a highly atom-economic way and are therefore viewed as efficient one-pot combinatorial synthesis tools allowing one to significantly boost molecular complexity and diversity. Nowadays, MCRs are no longer confined to organic synthesis and have found applications in materials chemistry. In particular, MCRs can be used to prepare covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which are crystalline porous materials assembled from organic monomers and exhibit a broad range of properties and applications. This synthetic approach retains the advantages of small-molecule MCRs, not only strengthening the skeletal robustness of COFs, but also providing additional driving forces for their crystallization, and has been used to prepare a series of robust COFs with diverse applications. The present perspective article provides the general background for MCRs, discusses the types of MCRs employed for COF synthesis to date, and addresses the related critical challenges and future perspectives to inspire the MCR-based design of new robust COFs and promote further progress in this emerging field.

Impact of Heterocycle Annulation on NIR Absorbance in Quinoid Thioacene Derivatives

The synthesis and characterisation of a homologous series of quinoid sulfur‐containing imidazolyl‐substituted heteroacenes is described. The optoelectronic and magnetic properties were investigated by UV/vis, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy as well as quantum‐chemical calculations, and were compared to those of the corresponding benzo congener. The room‐temperature and atmospherically stable quinoids display strong absorption in the NIR region between 678 and 819 nm. The dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene and the thieno[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene derivatives were EPR active at room temperature. For the latter, variable‐temperature EPR spectroscopy revealed the presence of a thermally accessible triplet state, with a singlet‐triplet separation of 14.1 kJ mol⁻¹.

Photoluminescent polymer micelles with thermo-/pH-/metal responsibility and their features in selective optical sensing of Pd(ii) cations

Photoluminescent polymers can be divided into two types of structures: one is the well-known conventional π-conjugated rigid chain polymers bearing π-conjugated chromophores in their side chains, and the other is the common flexible polymers without π-conjugated chromophores in their main or side chains but with a feature of clustering electron-rich and/or dipole groups in their main and/or side chains. In this work, we found a new photoluminescent polymer comprising theophylline (T) and imidazole (I) residues in a suitable ratio in the side chains on the common polystyrenic block (PVB-T/I). We synthesized a block copolymer (denoted as P2) consisting of hydrophobic PVB-T/I and hydrophilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and we investigated its self-assembly into micelles and their micellar features, such as thermo-responsibility, fluorescence emission, pH, and metal ion-dependent photoluminescence, in detail. Especially, the micelles self-assembled from P2 showed intrinsic blue emission which was emitted from the charge transfer association between T and I residues in the intra-chains. Weakening the association by adjustment of the pH or addition of metal ions could evidently reduce the photoluminescence in the micellar state. Very interestingly, among many metal cations, only Pd2+, which can chelate strongly with theophylline, strongly quenched the photoluminescence from the micelles. Therefore, the polymer micelles functioned as an optical sensor for Pd(ii) ion not only by spectroscopy but also with the naked eye.

Recent development of imidazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Cancer, one of the key health problems globally, is a group of related diseases that share a number of characteristics primarily the uncontrolled growth and invasive to surrounding tissues. Chemotherapy is one of the ways for the treatment of cancer which uses one or more anticancer agents as per chemotherapy regimen. Limitations of most anticancer drugs due to a variety of reasons such as serious side effects, drug resistance, lack of sensitivity and efficacy etc. generate the necessity towards the designing of novel anticancer lead molecules. In this regard, the synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic molecules is an appealing research area. Among heterocyclic compounds, nitrogen containing heterocyclic molecules has fascinated tremendous consideration due to broad range of pharmaceutical activity. Imidazoles, extensively present in natural products as well as synthetic molecules, have two nitrogen atoms, and are five membered heterocyclic rings. Because of their countless physiological and pharmacological characteristics, medicinal chemists are enthused to design and synthesize new imidazole derivatives with improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. The aim of this present chapter is to discuss the synthesis, chemistry, pharmacological activity, and scope of imidazole-based molecules in anticancer drug development. Finally, we have discussed the current challenges and future perspectives of imidazole-based derivatives in anticancer drug development.

Recent Advances on Fabrication of Polymeric Composites Based on Multicomponent Reactions for Bioimaging and Environmental Pollutant Removal

As the core of polymer chemistry, manufacture of functional polymers is one of research hotspots over the past several decades. Various polymers are developed for diverse applications due to their tunable structures and unique properties. However, traditional step-by-step preparation strategies inevitably involve some problems, such as separation, purification, and time-consuming. The multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are emerging as environmentally benign synthetic strategies to construct multifunctional polymers or composites with pendant groups and designed structures because of their features, such as efficient, fast, green, and atom economy. This mini review summarizes the latest advances about fabrication of multifunctional fluorescent polymers or adsorptive polymeric composites through different MCRs, including Kabachnik-Fields reaction, Biginelli reaction, mercaptoacetic acid locking imine reaction, Debus-Radziszewski reaction, and Mannich reaction. The potential applications of these polymeric composites in biomedical and environmental remediation are also highlighted. It is expected that this mini-review will promote the development preparation and applications of functional polymers through MCRs.

A life cycle approach to solvent design: challenges and opportunities for ionic liquids – application to CO2 capture

CO₂ capture and storage is widely anticipated to play a key role in combatting climate change, however the solvents proposed for use have embedded environmental concerns.

Multicomponent Radziszewski Emulsion Polymerization toward Macroporous Poly(ionic liquid) Catalysts

Interconnected macroporous imidazolium-based monoliths are produced via the modified Radziszewski multicomponent reaction (MCR) applied to triamines under high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) conditions. This straightforward one-pot synthesis combines the efficiency and versatility of MCRs with the ease of implementation of the emulsion templating polymerization process. The characterization of the chemical structure and morphology of the resulting materials confirms the formation of the expected macroporous poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) networks. The promising catalytic activity and recyclability of these porous PIL monoliths are illustrated for the transesterification reaction and the decarboxylation of caffeic acid. In these cases, almost complete conversion is reached while benefiting from the advantages associated with a heterogeneous catalyst.

Mixed donor, phenanthroline photoactive MOFs with favourable CO2 selectivity

Mixed donor phenanthroline-carboxylate linkers were combined with Mn^II or Zn^II to form photoactive MOFs with large pore apertures.

A Multifunctional Imidazolium-Based Silicone Material with Conductivity, Self-Healing, Fluorescence, and Stretching Sensitivity

Wearable devices have gained substantial interest for a wide range of applications, including biomonitoring and entertainment. They are basically composed of sensors and substrate materials. Recently, silicone materials have been extensively used in wearable devices because of their unique properties. Silicone materials, which possess remarkable insulation, predominantly serve as a substrate instead of a signaling material due to the indispensable electrical conductivity in wearable devices. Herein, a novel kind of silicone material, with both good conductivity and excellent self-healing efficiency, is designed by introducing imidazolium into the silicone polymer in one step. The free ions afford an ionic conductivity as high as 2.79 × 10^-4 S m^-1 , representing a significant improvement over traditional silicone materials. Because of the good conductivity, the silicone material is sensitive to stretching and can be applied as a flexible sensor. On the other hand, the material exhibits a high healing efficiency, reaching 89% in 6 h, due to the dynamic supramolecular interaction of the ion crosslink sites at the crack surface. Furthermore, the silicone material emits a yellow-green fluorescence under UV light.

Imidazolium-Catalyzed Synthesis of an Imidazolium Catalyst

The chemistry of imidazolium-catalyzed imidazolium synthesis was studied as part of an effort to develop a plausible prebiotic synthesis of a small catalytic molecule capable of catalyzing its own synthesis. Specifically, we investigated the one-pot 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM-Ac) catalyzed synthesis of 1,3-dibutyl-4,5-difuryl-imidazolium acetate (DBDFIM-Ac) from furfural, n-butylamine, formaldehyde, and acetic acid at 80 °C. Liu et al. (2012) had previously demonstrated the first reaction of the synthetic process, the EMIM-Ac catalyzed benzoin condensation of furfural that yields furoin. Our early studies established the second reaction of the synthetic process, the multicomponent reaction of furoin, n-butylamine, formaldehyde, and acetic acid that yields the imidazolium salt, DBDFIM-Ac. Studies of the complete two-reaction process that uses furfural for the synthesis of DBDFIM-Ac showed that the highest yield of DBDFIM-Ac was obtained when the mole ratio of n-butylamine, formaldehyde, and acetic acid relative to furfural was respectively (0.5:0.25:0.25:1.0-furfural), or one-half of the stoichiometric ratio (1.0:0.5:0.5:1.0-furfural). A time course study of the process showed transient formation of furoin, the obligatory reaction intermediate. DBDFIM-Ac and the imidazolium side product, 1,3-dibutyl-4,5-trifuryl-imidazolium acetate (DBTFIM-Ac), were stable under the reaction conditions. Imidazolium products (DBDFIM and DBTFIM) and the furoin intermediate were not formed in control reactions (80 °C, 24 h) in which EMIM catalyst was either absent or replaced with an equal volume of acetonitrile or DMF. The imidazolium product, DBDFIM-Ac, was shown to catalyze the synthesis of structurally similar 1,3-dipentyl-4,5-difuryl-imidazolium acetate (DPDFIM-Ac) from furfural, n-pentylamine, formaldehyde, and acetic acid at 80 °C.

Polymers for Fluorescence Imaging of Formaldehyde in Living Systems via the Hantzsch Reaction

Formaldehyde (FA) has been detected via the Hantzsch reaction for many decades. However, the Hantzsch reaction has been rarely used to detect FA in biological systems due to the disadvantages of small-molecule probes (including toxicity and poor water solubility). In this study, polymeric fluorescent probes were developed to resolve these issues associated with small molecules, and FA in living systems was successfully detected via the Hantzsch reaction. These water-soluble polymers were easily scaled-up (∼25 g) by radical polymerization using commercial monomers. These polymers exhibited similar, albeit better, sensitivity to FA compared to water-soluble small molecules, primarily indicative of the advantages of polymers for the detection of FA via the Hantzsch reaction. The polymer structures were highly biocompatible with the probes; thus, these polymers can effectively detect endogenous FA in cells or zebrafish in a safe manner. This result confirmed the superiority of polymers in safety as biocompatible materials. This study highlights a straightforward method for exploring probes for the detection of FA in living systems. It offers functional polymers for bioimaging and extends the application scope of the Hantzsch reaction, reflecting the utility of a broad study of organic reactions in interdisciplinary fields as well as possible key implications in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and polymer chemistry.