ABSTRACT
The self-assembly of alpha,alpha'-linked sexithiophenes with chiral and achiral penta(ethylene glycol) chains attached at the alpha-positions of the terminal rings, that is, 2,2':5',2'':5'',2''':5''',2'''':5'''',2'''''-sexithiophene-5,5'''''-dicarboxylic acid-2S)-2-methyl-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxahexadecyl ester (1) and 2,2':5',2'':5'',2''':5'''',2''''':5''''',2'''''-sexithiophene-5,5'''''-dicarboxylic acid-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxahexadecyl ester (2), respectively is described. Analysis of the UV/vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and circular polarization of luminescence spectroscopic data shows that these compounds form chiral aggregates in polar solvents and in the solid state. In n-butanol aggregation occurs at temperatures below 30 degrees C, while above this threshold temperature the aggregates break up without an intermediate disordered state of aggregation, and the compounds are molecularly dissolved. The "melting temperature" of the aggregates depends on the concentration of sexithiophene, indicating that the optical changes observed are a result of intermolecular processes. Mass spectrometric measurements reveal that 1 and 2 can form mixed aggregates. Analysis of the optical spectra reveals that in these mixed aggregates, chiral 1 molecules act as "sergeants" to direct the packing of the "soldiers" 2, illustrating cooperativity within the columns. In water, the same type of chiral aggregates are formed as in n-butanol below 30 degrees C; however, these aggregates are still present, but the chirality is lost above 30 degrees C. In spin-coated films of 1 chiral aggregates are present. AFM studies show that 1 self-organizes into chiral fiberlike structures in the solid state. Furthermore both 1 and 2 display thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior between 180 and 200 degrees C.
ABSTRACT
Antisera specific for the basic peroxidase from horseradish (Amoracea rusticana) were used to examine homology among horseradish peroxidase isoenzymes and among basic peroxidases from root plants. The antisera cross-reacted with all tested isoperoxidases when measured by both agar diffusion and quantitative precipitin reactions. Precipitin analyses provided quantitative measurements of homology among these plant peroxidases. The basic radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Cherry Belle) peroxidase had a high degree of homology (73 to 81%) with the basic peroxidase from horseradish. Turnip (Brassica rapa L. cv. Purple White Top Globe) and carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Danvers) basic peroxidases showed less cross-reaction (49 to 54% and 41 to 46%, respectively). However, the cross-reactions of antisera with basic peroxidases from different plants were greater than were those observed with acidic horseradish isoenzymes (30 to 35%). These experiments suggest that basic peroxidase isoenzymes are strongly conserved during evolution and may indicate that the basic peroxidases catalyze reactions involved in specialized cellular functions. Anticatalytic assays were poor indicators of homology. Even though homology among isoperoxidases was detected by other immunological methods, antibodies inhibited only the catalytic activity of the basic peroxidase from radish.
