Gaussian and non-Gaussian fluctuations in pure classical fluids

Citation: Naleem, N., Ploetz, E. A., & Smith, P. E. (2017). Gaussian and non-Gaussian fluctuations in pure classical fluids. Journal of Chemical Physics, 146(9), 13. doi:10.1063/1.4977455The particle number, energy, and volume probability distributions in the canonical, isothermal-isobaric, grand canonical, and isobaric-isenthalpic ensembles are investigated. In particular, we consider Gaussian and non-Gaussian behavior and formulate the results in terms of a single expression valid for all the ensembles employing common, experimentally accessible, thermodynamic derivatives. This is achieved using Fluctuation Solution Theory to help manipulate derivatives of the entropy. The properties of the distributions are then investigated using available equations of state for fluid water and argon. Purely Gaussian behavior is not observed for any of the state points considered here. A set of simple measures, involving thermodynamic derivatives, indicating non-Gaussian behavior is proposed. Ageneral expression, valid in the high temperature limit, for small energy fluctuations in the canonical ensemble is provided. Published by AIP Publishing

Molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous ion solutions

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of ChemistryPaul Edward SmithThe activity and function of many macromolecules in cellular environments are coupled with the binding of ions such as alkaline earth metal ions and poly oxo anions. These ions are involved in the regulation of important processes such as protein crystallization, nucleic acid and protein stability, enzyme activity, and many others. The exact mechanism of ion specificity is still elusive. In principle, computer simulations can be used to help provide a molecular level understanding of the dynamics of hydrated ions and their interactions with the biomolecules. However, most of the force fields available today often fail to accurately reproduce the properties of ions in aqueous environments. Here we develop a classical non polarizable force field for aqueous alkaline earth metal halides (MX₂) where M = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺ and X = Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, and for some biologically important oxo anions which are NO₃⁻, ClO₄⁻, H₂PO₄⁻ and SO₄²⁻, for use in biomolecular simulations. The new force field parameters are developed to reproduce the experimental Kirkwood-Buff integrals. The Kirkwood-Buff integrals can be used to quantify the affinity between molecular species in solution. This helps to capture the fine balance between the interactions of ions and water. Since this new force field can reproduce the experimental Kirkwood-Buff integrals for most concentrations of the respective salts, they are capable of reproduce the experimental activity derivatives, partial molar volumes, and excess coordination numbers. Use of these new models in MD simulations also leads to reasonable diffusion constants and dielectric decrements. Attempts to develop force field parameters for CO₃²⁻, HPO₄²⁻ and PO₄³⁻ ions were unsuccessful due to an excessive aggregation behavior in the simulations. Therefore, in an effort to overcome this aggregation behavior in the simulations, we have investigated scaling the anion to water interaction strength, and also the possibility of using a high frequency permittivity in the simulations. The strategy of increasing relative permittivity of the system to mimic electronic screening effects are particularly promising for decreasing the excessive ion clustering observed in the MD simulations

Taming the topology of calix[4]arene-based 2D-covalent organic frameworks

A bowl-shaped calix[4]arene with its exciting host–guest chemistry is a versatile supramolecular building block for the synthesis of distinct coordination cages or metal–organic frameworks. However, its utility in the synthesis of crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs) remains challenging, presumably due to its conformational flexibility. Here, we report the synthesis of a periodic 2D extended organic network of calix[4]arenes joined by a linear benzidine linker via dynamic imine bonds. By tuning the interaction among neighboring calixarene units through varying the concentration in the reaction mixture, we show the selective formation of interpenetrated (CX4-BD-1) and non-interpenetrated (CX4-BD-2) frameworks. The cone-shaped calixarene moiety in the structural backbone allows for the interweaving of two neighboring layers in CX4-BD-1, making it a unique example of interpenetrated 2D layers. Due to the high negative surface charge from calixarene units, both COFs have shown high performance in charge-selective dye removal and an exceptional selectivity for cationic dyes irrespective of their molecular size. The charge distribution of the COFs and the resulting selectivity for the cationic dyes were further investigated using computational methods

Covalent organic framework based on azacalix[4]arene for the efficient capture of dialysis waste products

International audienceAzacalix[n]arenes (ACAs) are lesser-known cousins of calix[n]arenes that contain nitrogen bridges instead of methylene bridges, so they generally have higher flexibility due to enlarged cavities. Herein, we report a highly substituted cationic azacalix[4]arene-based covalent organic framework (ACA-COF) synthesized by the Zincke reaction under microwave irradiation. The current work is a rare example of a synthetic strategy that utilizes the chemical functionalization of an organic macrocycle to constrain its conformational flexibility and thereby produce an ordered material. Considering the ACA cavity dimensions, and the density and diversity of the polar groups in ACA-COF, we used it for adsorption of uric acid and creatinine, two major waste products generated during hemodialysis treatment in patients with renal failure. This type of application, which has the potential to save ~400 liters of water per patient per week, has only been recognized in the last decade, but could effectively address the problem of water scarcity in arid areas of the world. Rapid adsorption rates (up to k = 2191 g mg-1 min-1) were observed in our COF, exceeding reported values by several orders of magnitude