Hydrothermal synthesis, structure characterization and catalytic property of a new 1-D chain built on bi-capped Keggin type mix-valence molybdenum compound: (NH4)[Mo6Mo6O36(AsO4)Mo(MoO)]

The synthesis and structure of a new 1-D molybdenum-arsenic compound based on the bi-capped Keggin anion [Mo^VI₆Mo^V₆O₃₆(AsO₄)(Mo^VO)₂]⁻ have been reported, and its catalytic property has been examined. The title compound was characterized by IR, TG and X-ray diffraction analysis. Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that it crystallizes in cubic crystal system, space group Pn-3m with cell dimension: a = 11.749(2) Å, V = 1622.0(5) Å³, Z = 2. Its structure has a 1-D infinite chain, in which the bi-capped Keggin anions are connected by sharing one terminal oxygen atom from the caps. The compound shows a moderate styrene conversion (48%), the major product for the oxidation of styrene is benzaldehyde (85.2%).     

Insights into the nature of Mo(V) species in solution: Modeling catalytic cycles for molybdenum enzymes

The tris(pyrazolyl)borate and related tripodal N-donor ligands originally developed by Trofimenko stabilize mononuclear compounds containing Mo^VIO₂, Mo^VIO, Mo^VO, and Mo^IVO units and effectively inhibit their polynucleation in organic solvents. Dioxo-Mo(VI) complexes of the type LMoO₂(SPh), where L = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp^∗), hydrotris(3-isopropylpyrazol-1-yl)borate (Tp^iPr), and hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)borate (Tz) and related derivatives are the only model systems that mimic the complete reaction sequence of sulfite oxidase, in which oxygen from water is ultimately incorporated into product. The quasi-reversible, one-electron reduction of Tp^∗MoO₂(SPh) in acetonitrile exhibits a positive potential shift upon addition of a hydroxylic proton donor, and the magnitude of the shift correlates with the acidity of the proton donor. These reductions produce two Mo(V) species, [Tp^∗Mo^VO₂(SPh)]⁻ and Tp^∗Mo^VO(OH)(SPh), that are related by protonation. Measurement of the relative amounts of these two Mo(V) species by EPR spectroscopy enabled the pK_a of the Mo^V(OH) unit in acetonitrile to be determined and showed it to be several pK_a units smaller than that for water in acetonitrile. Similar electrochemical-EPR experiments for Tp^iPrMoO₂(SPh) indicated that the pK_a for its Mo^V(OH) unit was ∼1.7 units smaller than that for Tp^∗Mo^VO(OH)(SPh). Density functional theory calculations also predict a smaller pK_a for Tp^iPrMo^VO(OH)(SPh) compared to Tp^∗Mo^VO(OH)(SPh). Analysis of these results indicates that coupled electron-proton transfer (CEPT) is thermodynamically favored over the indirect process of metal reduction followed by protonation. The crystal structure of Tp^iPrMoO₂(SPh) is also presented.     

Two dumbbell-like polyoxometalates constructed from capped molybdovanadate and transition metal complexes

Self assembly of NaVO₃, Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O and NiCl₂·6H₂O with the assistance of organic liginds under hydrothermal conditions results in two molybdovanadates [Ni(enMe)₂]₄{[Ni(enMe)₂(H₂O)]₂[Ni(enMe)₂][(V^VMo^VI₈V₄^IVO₄₀)(V^IVO)₂]₂}·10H₂O (1) and [Ni(enMe)₂]₅{[Ni(enMe)₂]₂[(V^VMo^VI₄Mo^V₄V₄^IVO₄₀)(V^IVO)₄]₂}·2H₂O (2), (enMe = 1,2-diaminopropane), which have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Both of the two compounds exhibit dumbbell-like structures constructed from capped polyoxomolybdovanadates and [Ni(enMe)₂]²⁺ complexes. Polyoxoxanion 1 is composed of two bicapped Keggin-type anions [(V^VMo₈V₄^IVO₄₀)(V^IVO)₂]⁷⁻, one [Ni(enMe)₂]²⁺ bridging fragment and two decorated nickel(II) complexes. Polyxoxanion 2 consists of two tetracapped molybdenum-vanadium polyoxoanions [(V^VMo^VI₄Mo^V₄V₄^IVO₄₀)(V^IVO)₄]⁷⁻, one [Ni(enMe)₂]²⁺ bridging fragment and a nickel(II) decorated fragment. Polyxoxanions 1 and 2 are further linked to form three-dimensional supramolecular networks through extensive hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, photocatalysis properties of these two compounds have been investigated.     

On the interaction of compounds of chromium(VI) with hydrogen peroxide. A study of chromium(VI) and (V) peroxides in the acid-basic pH range

A computational study of chromium(VI) and (V) peroxides, which exhibit important genotoxic and mutagenic activity, is reported. Energies and equilibrium geometries for [Cr^VI(O)(O₂)₂(OH)]⁻, [Cr^VI(O)(O₂)₂(OH₂)], [Cr^VI(O)(O₂)₂(py)], [Cr^VI(OH)(O₂)₂(OH₂)]⁺, [Cr^V(O)(O₂)₂(OH₂)]⁻ and species were calculated using molecular mechanics calculations (MMFF94 and MM⁺), quantum calculations with semi-empirical methods (RHF and UHF/PM3) and density functional theory (pBP86/DN* or pBP/DN* and B3LYP/6-31G(d). Equilibrium geometries for the compounds [Cr^V(O₂)₃(OH)]²⁻ and [Cr^V(O₂)₄]³⁻ were determined by molecular mechanics. Vibrational frequencies, standard thermodynamic quantities and electronic spectra were calculated using B3LYP/6-31G(d). The structural relationship between all these species and an explanation of the formation of peroxo species in the acid-basic pH range are given. An experimental study of peroxo species in basic medium was also performed (synthesis, X-ray powder diffraction patterns and infrared spectra of the peroxo complexes isolated) but did not confirm the existence of a tri-peroxo complex in the solid phase.     

Trimethylsilyloxo complexes of oxomolybdenum(V)

The complexes LMo^VIO₂X [L?=?hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate; X?=?Cl, Br, NCS, OPh, SPh, SCH₂Ph] are converted to air-stable complexes LMo^VO(OSiMe₃)X by one-electron coupled electron-electrophile transfer (CEET) reactions involving cobaltocene and the electrophilic reagent Me₃SiCl. These complexes may also be obtained from LMo^VO(OH)X by reaction with Me₃SiCl in the presence of base. LMo^VO(OSiMe₃)(SCH₂Ph) crystallises in space group P2₁/n, with a?=?8.526 (1) Å, b?=?23.141 (3) Å, c?=?16.499 (2) Å, β?=?103.75 (12)° and Z?=?4. The complex exhibits a distorted octahedral structure with a facially tridentate L ligand and mutually cis oxo [Mo=O?=?1.675 (4) Å], silyloxo [Mo–O?=?1.932 (4) Å] and thiolato [Mo–S?=?2.398 (2) Å] ligands. The detailed redox properties of LMo^VO(OR)X (R?=?SiMe₃, alkyl, aryl) differ from those of LMo^VO(OH)X. Centres [Mo^VO(OR)] are candidates for the stable "inhibited" forms of certain molybdenum enzymes formed under conditions which apparently disfavour the catalytically active [Mo^VO(OH)] centres. In the coordinating solvent pyridine (py), both LMo^VIO₂(SPh) and LMo^VO(OSiMe₃)(SPh) are reduced in one-electron steps to stable LMo^IVO(py)(SPh). LMo^IVO(py)(SR) complexes are also obtained from LMo^VIO₂(SR) (R?=?Ph, CH₂Ph, CHMe₂) via a two-electron oxygen atom transfer reaction with tertiary phosphines in pyridine. Consequently, the Mo(IV) product is accessible via a concerted two-electron step or via two one-electron steps.     

Long-term effects of SO2 on plants,SO2 metabolism and regulation of intracellular pH

The impact of SO₂ on the ionic balance of plants and its implications for intracellular pH regulation was studied to find explanations for long-term effects of SO₂. When sulphur, taken up as SO₂ by the shoots of plants, is not assimilated in organic compounds, but stored as sulphate, an equivalent amount of H⁺ is produced. These H⁺ ions are not buffered chemically, but removed by metabolic processes.On the basis of knowledge on metabolic buffering mechanisms a conceptual model is proposed for the removal of shoot-generated H⁺ by (i) OH^- ions, produced in the leaves when sulphate and nitrate are assimilated in organic compounds and/or by (ii) OH^- ions produced by decarboxylation of organic anions (a biochemical pH stat mechanism). The form in which nitrogen is supplied largely determines the potential of the plant to neutralize H⁺ in the leaves during SO₂ uptake by the proposed mechanisms.In field experiments with N₂ fixing Vicia faba L. crops, the increase of sulphate in the shoots of SO₂-exposed plants was equivalent in charge to the decrease of organic anion content, calculated as the difference between inorganic cation content (C) and inorganic anion content (A), indicating that H⁺ ions produced in the leaves following SO₂ uptake were partly removed by OH^- from sulphate reduction and partly by decarboxylation of organic anions.The appearance of chronic SO₂ injury (leaf damage) in the field experiment at the end of the growing period is discussed in relation to the impact of SO₂ on the processes involved in regulation of intracellular pH. It is proposed that the metabolic buffering capacity of leaf cells is related to the rates of sulphate and nitrate reduction and the import rate of organic anions, rather than to the organic anion content in the vacuoles of the leaf cells.     

A realistic in silico model for structure/function studies of molybdenum–copper CO dehydrogenase

CO dehydrogenase (CODH) is an environmentally crucial bacterial enzyme that oxidizes CO to CO₂ at a Mo–Cu active site. Despite the close to atomic resolution structure (1.1 Å), significant uncertainties have remained with regard to the protonation state of the water-derived equatorial ligand coordinated at the Mo-center, as well as the nature of intermediates formed during the catalytic cycle. To address the protonation state of the equatorial ligand, we have developed a realistic in silico QM model (~179 atoms) containing structurally essential residues surrounding the active site. Using our QM model, we examined each plausible combination of redox states (Mo^VI–Cu^I, Mo^V–Cu^II, Mo^V–Cu^I, and Mo^IV–Cu^I) and Mo-coordinated equatorial ligands (O^2?, OH^?, H₂O), as well as the effects of second-sphere residues surrounding the active site. Herein, we present a refined computational model for the Mo(VI) state in which Glu763 acts as an active site base, leading to a MoO₂-like core and a protonated Glu763. Calculated structural and spectroscopic data (hyperfine couplings) are in support of a MoO₂-like core in agreement with XRD data. The calculated two-electron reduction potential (E = ?467 mV vs. SHE) is in reasonable agreement with the experimental value (E = ?558 mV vs. SHE) for the redox couple comprising an equatorial oxo ligand and protonated Glu763 in the Mo^VI–Cu^I state and an equatorial water in the Mo^IV–Cu^I state. We also suggest a potential role of second-sphere residues (e.g., Glu763, Phe390) based on geometric changes observed upon exclusion of these residues in the most plausible oxidized states.     

Active ion uptake and maintenance of cation-anion balance: A critical examination of their role in regulating rhizosphere pH

The processes responsible for maintenance of cation-anion balance in plants and their relation to active ion accumulation and changes in rhizosphere pH are outlined and discussed. The major processes involved are: (1) accumulation and degradation of organic acids which occur in the plant mainly as organic acid anions (and their transfer within the plant) and (2) extrusion of H⁺ or OH^– into the rhizosphere. The relative importance of the two processes is determined by the size of the excess anion or cation uptake. Indeed, plants typically absorb unequal quantities of nutritive cations (NH₄ ⁺+Ca²⁺+ Mg²⁺+K⁺+Na⁺) and anions (NO₃ ^–+Cl^–+SO₄ ^2–+H₂PO₄ ^–) and charge balance is maintained by excretion of an amount of H⁺ or OH^– which is stoichiometrically equal to the respective excess cation or anion uptake. The mechanisms and processes by which H⁺ and in particular OH^– ions are excreted in response to unequal cation-anion uptake are, however, poorly understood.The contemporary view is that primary active extrusion of H⁺, catalyzed by a membrane-located ATPase, is the major driving force for secondary transport of cations and anions across the plasma membrane. However, the fact that net OH^– extrusion often occurs (since excess anion absorption commonly takes place) implies there is a yet-to-be characterized OH^– ion efflux mechanism at the plasma membrane that is associated with anion uptake. There is, therefore, a need for future studies of the uptake mechanisms and stoichiometry of anion uptake; particularly that of NO₃ ^– which is often the predominant anion absorbed. Another related phenonenon which requires detailed study in terms of cation-anion balance is localized rhizosphere acidification which can occur in response to deficiencies of Fe and P.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of Fe(III) complexation by lipophilic 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1(γ-stearoamidopropyl)-4-pyridinone (HMSP)

 The kinetics of Fe(III) complexation by lipophilic 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-l(γ-stearoamidopropyl)-4-pyridinone (HMSP) were studied when [Fe(III)] > [HMSP] in MeOH/H₂O mixed solvent and [Fe(III)] < [HMSP] in MeOH, respectively. When Fe(III) was in excess, the observed rate constants depend on [Fe(III)]² _tot and on the reciprocal of [H⁺] and decrease with increasing pressure. ΔV ^‡ values are around +8.0 cm³ mol^–1. A mechanism consisting of the complexations of the hydrolyzed monomer Fe(H₂O)₅OH²⁺ and dimer species Fe₂(H₂O)₇ (μ-OH)₂OH³⁺ by HMSP is proposed. This mechanism is supported by the solvent effect and the work of other researchers. When HMSP is in excess, Fe(HMSP)₃ is formed and three kinetic steps on different time-scales are observed. An "intermolecular chelate ring-closure" mechanism is proposed, differing from the "intramolecular chelate ring-closure" complexation reported for the formation of ferrioxamine B. Received: 14 February 1997 / Accepted: 1 September 1997     

Effects of N source on pH and nutrient exchange of extramatrical mycelium in a mycorrhizal Ri T-DNA transformed root system

 The influence of different N sources on medium pH variation and the effect of the external mycelium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on nutrient dynamics were studied using a two-compartment, aseptic Petri plate system. VA mycorrhizal, transformed roots of carrot (Daucus carota L.) were cultured in the proximal compartment and external mycorrhizal mycelium in the distal compartment. The medium in the distal compartament contained N either as NO₃ ^– or as NH₄ ⁺. The pH and the anion and cation concentrations were measured every 15 days in filtrates prepared from the distal compartments. Thirteen weeks after colonization, there was a significant basification or a light acidification of the NO₃ ^– and NH₄ ⁺ medium, respectively. There was no change in NO₃ ^– concentration but a significant decrease in NH₄ ⁺ concentration. Treatments containing N as NO₃ ^– showed no variation in cations such asCa²⁺ and Mg²⁺ or anions such as PO₄ ^2–, and SO₄ ^2– but showed significant increases in the concentration of K⁺. Treatments containing N as NH₄ ⁺ showed no variation in cations or anions, except for increases in the concentrations of K⁺ and Cl^–. Accepted: 7 March 1996     

Structural and vibrational characteristics of the tetrasulfatodimolybdenum ions with MoMo bond orders of 3.5 and 4.0

The compound K₄[Mo₂(SO₄)₄]Br·4H₂O has been made and its crystal structure determined. Space group P4/mnc; unit cell dimensions, a = 11.903(2), c = 8.021(1) Å, V = 1136(1) ų. The compound is isomorphous with the analogous chloride whose structure has been reported. The MoMo and MoBr distances are 2.169(2) and 2.926(1) Å, respectively and the [Mo₂(SO₄)₄] ³⁻ ions reside on crystallographic special positions with 4/m symmetry. The Raman spectra of both the bromo and chloro compounds have been measured and the MoMo stretching frequency is 370 ± 1.5 cm⁻¹ in each, for the compounds containing the natural isotopic distribution of molybdenum. The chloro compound has been prepared containing the pure isotope ⁹²Mo as well, and the Raman spectra recorded. The v(MoMo) band is shifted by 6.8 ± 0.5 cm⁻¹. The compound K₄[Mo₂(SO₄)₄]·2H₂O has also been prepared with Mo at natural abundance and with the pure isotope ¹⁰⁰Mo, whereby a shift of 8.5 ± 0.5 cm⁻¹ was found. These and other results will be discussed with regard to the similarity of the Raman spectra of the Mo₂(S0₄)₄³⁻ and M0₂(S0₄)₄⁴⁻ species.     

X-ray absorption spectroscopy of dimethylsulfoxide reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus

Mo K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has been used to probe the environment of Mo in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) reductase from Rhodobacter capsulatus in concert with protein crystallographic studies. The oxidised (Mo^VI) protein has been investigated in solution at 77?K; the Mo K-edge position (20006.4?eV) is consistent with the presence of Mo^VI and, in agreement with the protein crystallographic results, the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is also consistent with a seven-coordinate site. The site is composed of one oxo-group (Mo=O 1.71?Å), four S atoms (considered to arise from the dithiolene groups of the two molybdopterins, two at 2.32?Å and two at 2.47?Å, and two O atoms, one at 1.92?Å (considered to be H-bonded to Trp 116) and one at 2.27?Å (considered to arise from Ser 147). The Mo K-edge XAS recorded for single crystals of oxidised (Mo^VI) DMSO reductase at 77?K showed a close correspondence to the data for the frozen solution but had an inferior signal:noise ratio. The dithionite-reduced form of the enzyme and a unique form of the enzyme produced by the addition of dimethylsulfide (DMS) to the oxidised (Mo^VI) enzyme have essentially identical energies for the Mo K-edge, at 20004.4?eV and 20004.5?eV, respectively; these values, together with the lack of a significant presence of Mo^V in the samples as monitored by EPR spectroscopy, are taken to indicate the presence of Mo^IV. For the dithionite-reduced sample, the Mo K-edge EXAFS indicates a coordination environment for Mo of two O atoms, one at 2.05?Å and one at 2.51?Å, and four S atoms at 2.36?Å. The coordination environment of the Mo in the DMS-reduced form of the enzyme involves three O atoms, one at 1.69?Å, one at 1.91?Å and one at 2.11?Å, plus four S atoms, two at 2.28?Å and two at 2.37?Å. The EXAFS and the protein crystallographic results for the DMS-reduced form of the enzyme are consistent with the formation of the substrate, DMSO, bound to Mo^IV with an Mo-O bond of length 1.92?Å.     

Electronic structure and surface properties of the mixed-valence doughnut shaped polyoxomolybdate nanocapsule Mo57V6

We report a detailed analysis of the electronic structure and results of molecular dynamics simulations for the large polyoxomolybdate [H₃Mo₅₇V₆(NO)₆O₁₈₃(H₂O)₁₈]²¹⁻ (Mo₅₇V₆) which is a highly symmetric anion with a complex electronic structure and exhibiting a unique variety of multifunctionality. The six vanadium centres are reduced with one electron each, the six Mo centres are bonded to non-innocent NO ligands and the additional six 4d electrons are mostly delocalised over the rest of molybdenum atoms. DFT calculations carried out with the solvent - modelled by a continuum approach - suggest that despite the large charge of the anion, the Mo₅₇V₆ framework can be easily reduced in polar solvents. Furthermore, the Mo₅₇V₆ cluster has 18 water molecules trapped in its internal cavity. Molecular dynamics simulations carried out with different solvent conditions suggest that the water molecules inside the cavity have a high ordered structure over a wide range of temperatures and give important information about the cluster anion interactions with the cations present in solution. The obtained results allow a better understanding of related properties of the giant ball-shaped polyoxometalates/Keplerates as the present cluster contains similar building blocks - like the (metal)₆O₆ type pores with crown ether-like structure.     

Effects of Anions on the Capacity and Affinity of Copper Adsorption in Two Variable Charge Soils

Effects of nitrate,(NO₃⁻) chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄^2-, and acetate (Ac⁻) on Cu²⁺ adsorption and affinity of the adsorbed Cu²⁺ were evaluated in two Fe and Al enriched variable charge soils from Southern China. The maximum adsorption of Cu²⁺ (M, a parameter from the Langmuir isotherm model) in the presence of different anions decreased in the order Cl⁻ > Ac⁻ > NO₃⁻ > SO₄^2- for both soils. The clayey loamy soil (mixed siliceous thermic Typic Dystrochrept, TTD), developed on the Arenaceous rock, adsorbed less Cu²⁺ than the clayey soil (kaolinitic thermic Plinthudults, KTP), derived from the Quaternary red earths, regardless of anion type present in the medium. The affinity of adsorbed Cu²⁺ to both soils could be characterized by the Kd (distribution coefficient) values and successive extraction of the adsorbed Cu²⁺ with 1-mol NH₄Ac L⁻¹. The log₁₀Kd value was smaller for the TTD soil than for the KTP soil and decreased in the order of Cl⁻ > NO₃⁻ > SO₄^2- > Ac⁻ at low initial Cu²⁺ concentrations (≤40 mg Cu²⁺L⁻¹), whereas at 80 mg Cu²⁺L⁻¹, the log₁₀Kd value was similar for NO₃⁻, SO₄^2-, and Ac⁻, but was slightly higher for Cl⁻. Complete extraction of Cu²⁺ adsorbed in the presence of Ac⁻ was achieved. Influence of NO₃⁻ and SO₄^2- on the affinity of adsorbed Cu²⁺ was similar, but the effects of Cl⁻ depended on the initial Cu²⁺ concentrations. The extracted percentage of the adsorbed Cu²⁺ in the presence of NO₃⁻ or SO₄^2- increased with increasing Cu²⁺ adsorption saturation. The presence of Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, or SO₄^2- markedly decreased the equilibrium solution pH for both soils with increasing initial Cu²⁺ concentrations, and the delta pH values at the highest Cu²⁺ level were 0.5, 0.63, and 0.55 U for the TTD soil and 0.79, 0.84, and 0.93 U for the KTP soil, respectively for the three anions. The presence of Ac⁻ had a minimal influence on the equilibrium solution pH because of the buffering nature of the NaAc/HAc medium which buffered the released protons. The effects of anions on Cu²⁺ adsorption and affinity of the adsorbed Cu²⁺ were dependent on anion types and were apparently related to the altered surface properties caused by anion adsorption and/or the formation of anion– Cu²⁺ complexes.     

Anion effects on the structural organization of spinach thylakoid membranes

Changes in the conformation of spinach thylakoid membranes were monitored in 5-doxyl stearic acid (SAL)-treated thylakoid membranes in the presence of various anions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NO₂ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, PO₄ ³⁻). The presence of anions made the thylakoid membrane more fluid. The extent of change in membrane fluidity differed with different anion and was reversible.     

Insights into Ionic Transport and Structural Changes in Magnetite during Multiple‐Electron Transfer Reactions

Metal oxides, such as Fe₃O₄, hold promise for future battery applications due to their abundance, low cost, and opportunity for high lithium storage capacity. In order to better understand the mechanisms of multiple‐electron transfer reactions leading to high capacity in Fe₃O₄, a comprehensive investigation on local ionic transport and ordering is made by probing site occupancies of anions (O^2?) and cations (Li⁺, Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺) using multiple synchrotron X‐ray and electron‐beam techniques, in combination with ab‐initio calculations. Results from this study provide the first experimental evidence that the cubic‐close‐packed (ccp) O‐anion array in Fe₃O₄ is sustained throughout the lithiation and delithiation processes, thereby enabling multiple lithium intercalation and conversion reactions. Cation displacement/reordering occurs within the ccp O‐anion framework, which leads to a series of phase transformations, starting from the inverse spinel phase and turning into intermediate rock‐salt‐like phases (Li_xFe₃O₄; 0 < x < 2), then into a cation‐segregated phase (Li₂O?FeO), and finally converting into metallic Fe and Li₂O. Subsequent delithiation and lithiation processes involve interconversion between metallic Fe and FeO‐like phases. These results may offer new insights into the structure‐determined ionic transport and electrochemical reactions in metal oxides, and those of other compounds sharing a ccp anion framework, reminiscent of magnetite.     

Influence of Nitrate and Ammonium Nutrition on the Uptake, Assimilation, and Distribution of Nutrients in Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis L. plants were grown in nutrient solutions in which N was supplied as NO₃⁻ or NH₄⁺, the solutions being maintained at pH 5.5. In NO₃⁻-fed plants excess nutrient anion over cation uptake was equivalent to net OH⁻ efflux, and the total charge from NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ reduction equated to the sum of organic anion accumulation plus net OH⁻ efflux. In NH₄⁺-fed plants a large H⁺ efflux was recorded in close agreement with excess cation over anion uptake. This H⁺ efflux equated to the sum of net cation (NH₄⁺ minus SO₄²⁻) assimilation plus organic anion accumulation. In vivo nitrate reductase assays revealed that the roots may have the capacity to reduce just under half of the total NO₃⁻ that is taken up and reduced in NO₃⁻-fed plants. Organic anion concentration in these plants was much higher in the shoots than in the roots. In NH₄⁺-fed plants absorbed NH₄⁺ was almost exclusively assimilated in the roots. These plants were considerably lower in organic anions than NO₃⁻-fed plants, but had equal concentrations in shoots and roots. Xylem and phloem saps were collected from plants exposed to both N sources and analyzed for all major contributing ionic and nitrogenous compounds. The results obtained were used to assist in interpreting the ion uptake, assimilation, and accumulation data in terms of shoot/root pH regulation and cycling of nutrients.     

Purification and properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-adenosylmethionine synthetase expressed in recombinant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pichia pastoris</Emphasis>

An intracellular S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAM-s) was purified from the fermentation broth of Pichia pastoris GS115 by a sequence chromatography column. It was purified to apparent homogeneity by (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionation (30–60%), anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. HPLC showed the purity of purified SAM-s was 91.2%. The enzyme was purified up to 49.5-fold with a final yield of 20.3%. The molecular weight of the homogeneous enzyme was 43.6 KDa, as determined by electro-spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Its isoelectric point was approximately 4.7, indicating an acidic character. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme reaction were 8.5 and 35 °C, respectively. The enzyme was stable at pH 7.0–9.0 and was easy to inactivate in acid solution (pH ≤ 5.0). The temperature stability was up to 45 °C. Metal ions, such as, Mn²⁺ and K⁺ at the concentration of 5 mM had a slight activation effect on the enzyme activity and the Mg²⁺ activated the enzyme significantly. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺ and Ag²⁺) and EDTA. The purified enzyme from the transformed Pichia pastoris synthesized S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) from ATP and l-methionine in vitro with a K _m of 120 and 330 μM and V _max of 8.1 and 23.2 μmol/mg/min for l-methionine and ATP, respectively.     

Relationship of Cell Sap pH to Organic Acid Change During Ion Uptake

Excised roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare, var. Campana) were incubated in KCl, K₂SO₄, CaCl₂, and NaCl solutions at concentrations of 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻² n. Changes in substrate solution pH, cell sap pH, and organic acid content of the roots were related to differences in cation and anion absorption. The pH of expressed sap of roots increased when cations were absorbed in excess of anions and decreased when anions were absorbed in excess of cations. The pH of the cell sap shifted in response to imbalances in cation and anion uptake in salt solutions as dilute as 10⁻⁵ n. Changes in cell sap pH were detectable within 15 minutes after the roots were placed in 10⁻³ n K₂SO₄. Organic acid changes in the roots were proportional to expressed sap pH changes induced by unbalanced ion uptake. Changes in organic acid content in response to differential cation and anion uptake appear to be associated with the low-salt component of ion uptake.     

Syntheses, redox and UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical properties of mono- and dinuclear tris(pyrazolyl)borato-oxomolybdenum(IV) complexes with pyridine ligands

Reaction of [Mo^VI(Tp^Me,Me)(O)₂Cl] with a variety of pyridine-based ligands [pyridine (py), 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy), 4-phenylpyridine (phpy) and 1,2′-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe)] in toluene in the presence of Ph₃P affords the mononuclear oxo-Mo(IV) complexes [Mo(Tp^Me,Me)(O)Cl(L)] (L=py, phpy or monodentate bpy; abbreviated as Mo(py), Mo(phpy) and Mo(bpy), respectively) and the dinuclear complexes [{Mo(Tp^Me,Me)(O)Cl}₂(μ-L)] (L=bpy, bpe; abbreviated as Mo₂(bpy), Mo₂(bpe), respectively). The complex Mo₂(bpy), together with the by-product [{Mo(Tp^Me,Me)(O)Cl}₂(μ-O)], have been crystallographically characterised. Electrochemical studies on the oxo-Mo(IV) complexes reveal the presence of reversible Mo(IV)/Mo(V) couples at around −0.3 V versus ferrocene/ferrocenium in every case. For the dinuclear complexes Mo₂(bpy) and Mo₂(bpe) these redox processes are coincident, indicating that they are largely metal-centred and not significantly delocalised across the bridging ligand. In contrast, Mo₂(bpe) alone shows two reversible reductions, separated by 320 mV; these could be described as ligand-centred reductions of the bpe bridge, or as Mo(IV)/Mo(III) couples which—because of their separation—are substantially delocalised onto the bridging ligand. UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical studies using an OTTLE cell at 243 K revealed that oxidation of the complexes results in spectral changes (collapse of the Mo(IV) d-d transitions, loss in intensity of the Mo→pyridine MLCT transition) consistent with the formation of a Mo(V) state following metal-centred oxidation, but that one-electron reduction of Mo₂(bpe) results in appearance of numerous intense transitions more characteristic of a ligand radical following ligand-centred reduction.