Kinetics of the reactions of four 2-benzylidene-indan-1,3-diones (1a-d) with carbanions (2a-I) have been studied photometrically in dimethyl sulfoxide solution at 20 degrees C, and the electrophilicity parameters E were determined by the linear free energy relationship log k(2)(20 degrees C) = s(N + E) (eqn (1)). The rate-determining step of these reactions is the nucleophilic attack of the carbon nucleophile at the double bond of the Michael acceptor. Comparisons with literature data show that the linear free energy relationship (eqn (1)) allows the semiquantitative prediction of the reactivities of 2-benzylidene-indan-1,3-diones towards various nucleophiles.

By using Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations we have simulated a mechanically induced redox reaction. Previous single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments demonstrated that the reduction of disulfide bonds in proteins with the weak reducing agent dithiothreitol depends on a mechanical destabilization of the breaking bond. With reactive molecular dynamics simulations the single steps of the reaction mechanism can be elucidated and the motion of the electrons can be monitored. The simulations show that the redox reaction consists of the heterolytic cleavage of the S--S bond followed by a sequence of proton transfers.

With Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations the elementary reaction steps of the electrolysis of bulk water are investigated. To simulate the reactions occurring near the anode and near the cathode, electrons are removed or added, respectively. The study focuses on the reactions in pure water. Effects depending on a particular electrode surface or a particular electrolyte are ignored. Under anodic conditions, the reaction continues till molecular oxygen is formed, under cathodic conditions the formation of molecular hydrogen is observed. In addition the formation of hydrogen peroxide is observed as an intermediate of the anodic reaction. The simulations demonstrate that the electrochemistry of oxygen formation without direct electrode contact can be explained by radical reactions in a solvent. These reactions may involve the intermediate formation of ions. The hydrogen formation is governed by rapid proton transfers between water molecules.

Use of the 7F EXOSEAL™ VCD was associated with short TTH and TTA, as well as low rates of procedural and 30-day access-related complications.

Previous single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments showed a change in the reactivity of a bimolecular substitution reaction with a definite force acting on a protein containing disulfide bonds. Using Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations, we analyse the relevant reaction pathways for the breaking of a disulfide bond in the presence of nucleophiles.