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Peter Mayer

Publications and source records attributed to Peter Mayer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cooperativity beyond caging: Generalized mode-coupling theory.

The validity of mode-coupling theory (MCT) is restricted by an uncontrolled factorization approximation of density correlations. The factorization can be delayed and ultimately avoided, however, by explicitly including higher order correlations. We explore this approach within a microscopically motivated schematic model. Analytic tractability allows us to discuss in great detail the impact of factorization at arbitrary order, including the limit of avoided factorization. Our results indicate a coherent picture for the capabilities as well as limitations of MCT. Moreover, including higher order correlations systematically defers the transition and ultimately restores ergodicity. Power-law divergence of the relaxation time is then replaced by continuous but exponential growth.

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PubMed2006

alpha- and beta-FOX-7, polymorphs of a high energy density material, studied by X-ray single crystal and powder investigations in the temperature range from 200 to 423 K.

The alpha-beta phase transition in the novel energetic material 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, C2H4N4O4 (FOX-7), has been studied by single-crystal X-ray investigations at five different temperatures over the 200-393 K range. In these investigations, the positions of the hydrogen atoms were experimentally determined without any geometric constraints. In addition, X-ray powder investigations using the Guinier technique have been performed to characterize the beta-phase up to 423 K. The alpha-beta phase transition at 389 K is first order, shows a discontinuous increase of the molar volume and entropy (DeltaV = 1.75 cm3/mol, X-ray investigation; DeltaS = 1.5 cal/K mol, DSC analysis), and can be classified as displacive. The hitherto unknown structure of beta-FOX-7 was solved at 393 K and showed simple structural relations to the alpha-polymorph. The characteristic bonding in wave-shaped layers is now found for beta-FOX-7 (P2(1)2(1)2(1), z = 4, a= 6.9738(7) A, b = 6.635(1) A, c = 11.648(2) A, 393 K), as well as for alpha-FOX-7 (P2(1)/n, z = 4, a = 6.9467(7) A, b = 6.6887(9) A, c = 11.350(1) A, beta = 90.143(13) degrees , 373 K). Interestingly, whereas the intramolecular C-C, C-N, N-O, and N-H bond distances remain nearly unchanged for both polymorphs over the whole temperature range from 200 to 393 K, the two nitro groups deviate strongly from the molecular plane formed by the two carbon and two amino nitrogen atoms. In alpha-FOX-7 at 373 K, the nitro groups are twisted -47 and +6 degrees with respect to the carbon-carbon bond, but in beta-FOX-7 at 393 K, these twist angles are changed to -36 and +20 degrees . Within the layers, the FOX-7 molecules show strong pi-conjugation and extensive intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. In this investigation, we have been able to show that alpha- and beta-FOX-7 build up different nets of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In alpha-FOX-7, each oxygen atom of the nitro groups is involved in two hydrogen bonds resulting in two intramolecular and six intermolecular hydrogen bonds. But in beta-FOX-7 this coordination changes, and half of the oxygen atoms build up two and the other half build up three hydrogen bonds leading to two intramolecular and eight intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The average intermolecular hydrogen bond distance increases slightly from 2.31 A in alpha-FOX-7 to 2.52 A in beta-FOX-7. The C-NO2 bonds are of particular interest because they are referred to as the detonation trigger. It has been suggested that these bonds could be strengthened by the extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding within the layers in both polymorphs. Such bond strengthening via cooperative effects was proposed in earlier DFT calculations on FOX-7 and may be one key to understanding its low sensitivity and high activation energy to impact.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

N-nitroso- and N-nitraminotetrazoles.

N-Nitroso- (5a,c) and N-nitraminotetrazoles (6a-c) were synthesized from the corresponding aminotetrazoles (3a-c) either by the direct nitration with acetic anhydride/HNO3 or by dehydration of the corresponding nitrates (4a-c) with concentrated sulfuric acid. The conversion of the N-nitrosoaminotetrazoles (5a,c) with peroxytrifluoroacetic acid (CF3CO3H) yielded the corresponding nitramines in high yield (6a (82%), 6c (80%)). The N-nitroso- (5a,c) and N-nitraminotetrazoles (6a-c) have been fully characterized by vibrational (IR, Raman) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (14N/15N, 1H, 13C), mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. A detailed discussion of the 15N chemical shifts and 1H-15N coupling constants is given. The molecular structures in the solid state were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (3a,c; 5a,c; 6a-c) and a detailed discussion of the molecular structures will be presented. Furthermore, the structure and bonding as well as N,N rotational barriers are discussed on the basis of theoretically obtained data (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), NBO analysis). In the case of two N-nitraminotetrazoles (6a,c) the physicochemical properties (e.g., D, P, delta(f)H degrees) were evaluated. The heat of formation was calculated to be positive for 6a and 6c (+2.8 and +85.2 kcal mol(-1), respectively) and the calculated detonation velocity with 5988 (6a) and 7181 (6c) m s(-1) reaches values of TNT and nitroglycerin.

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PubMed2006

Activated aging dynamics and negative fluctuation-dissipation ratios.

In glassy materials, aging proceeds at large times via thermal activation. We show that this can lead to negative dynamical response functions and novel and well-defined violations of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, in particular, negative fluctuation-dissipation ratios. Our analysis is based on detailed theoretical and numerical results for the activated aging regime of simple kinetically constrained models. The results are relevant to a variety of physical situations, such as aging in glass formers, thermally activated domain growth, and granular compaction.

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PubMed2006

Synthesis and characterization of novel oxo-centered phosphanylzincates of potassium and cesium with a central Zn6O2P4 double-heterocubane cage.

The hydrolysis reaction of K(2)(MeZn)(2)(PSitBu(3))(2) in THF/toluene solution yields the [(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)](4-) anions independent of the applied stoichiometry. If the applied molar ratio resembles the composition of the anion, [(thf)K](2)[(eta(6)-toluene)K](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (1) crystallizes from a mixture of THF and toluene. In the case with less water, a phosphanediylzincate moiety is bonded to this anion, and [Zn(PSitBu(3))(2)K(4)(thf)(6)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (2) crystallizes. However, again the major product is 1. The same anion is also observed with larger and softer cations, and [(thf)(3)Cs(2)](2)[(MeZn)(4)Zn(2)(mu(3)-PSitBu(3))(4)(mu(4)-O)(2)] (3) is obtained if the cesium zincate is used in this reaction. In all of these compounds, the anion is a slightly distorted Zn(6)O(2)P(4) double-heterocubane cage with a central Zn(2)O(2) ring having Zn-O bond lengths of approximately 207 pm.

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PubMed2006

Pharmacogenetics of opioid receptors and addiction.

It is generally assumed that combinations of polymorphic alleles of different genes contribute to polygenetic disorders. Variants of the opioid receptors are the obvious candidates underlying addiction. Most research has focused on the coding variation A118G of the mu opioid receptor (MOPr), which replaces asparagine at position 40 by aspartate (Asn40Asp). However, to date, no conclusive evidence exists regarding which physiological effects this mutation may cause. Other rare polymorphisms in the MOPr cause marked effects (e.g. impairment of G-protein coupling) but, due to their low frequency, their role in addiction is questionable. A large number of polymorphic sites have been found in the putative promoter region of the mu opioid receptor. These variations may alter the expression level of the receptors in neurones, but the functional relevance of promoter polymorphisms is hard to predict. In the delta opioid receptor, surprisingly few polymorphisms have been detected within the coding region, and a clear association with addiction has not been shown to date. The kappa opioid receptor contains mainly silent polymorphisms. Nevertheless, there are studies reporting positive associations of silent mutations in the three opioid receptors with drug addiction. The underlying mechanism remains unclear, but examples exist indicating that silent mutations affect mRNA stability. Taken together, the coding polymorphisms, which are rather frequent, reveal no convincing association. The vast number of non-coding, intronic or promoter polymorphisms in the opioid receptors may influence addictive behaviour, but these polymorphisms are far less studied, and their physiological significance remains to be demonstrated.

Alleles↗
PubMed2005

A novel low molecular weight inhibitor of dendritic cells and B cells blocks allergic inflammation.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: During allergic lung inflammation dendritic cells (DCs) direct the generation and function of effector T-helper type 2 cells. T-helper type 2 cells not only orchestrate the inflammatory processes in the tissue by inducing the accumulation and activation of proinflammatory cells but also induce IgE production by B cells. Thus, inhibitors of DC function should have therapeutic benefits in patients with allergies. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: VAF347, a novel low molecular weight immunomodulator, is described and acts as an antiinflammatory compound by a dual mode of action. RESULTS: VAF347 inhibited the function of human monocyte-derived DCs to induce T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Mechanistically, this effect may be due to reduced expression of CD86, HLA-DR, and interleukin 6 by DCs. In addition, the compound inhibited IgE synthesis in an isotype-specific fashion by human B lymphocytes. In a mouse model of antigen-induced eosinophilic inflammation, VAF347 blocked lung eosinophilia, mucus hyperplasia, and serum IgE levels, representing the hallmarks of allergic lung inflammation. The biological effects in vivo are most likely mediated by the immunoregulatory role of VAF347 on DCs because allergic lung inflammation was also inhibited in B-cell-deficient mice. CONCLUSION: VAF347 represents a novel type of immunomodulator by affecting two major pathways in allergic airway pathogenesis: dendritic cell-mediated T-helper-cell activation and induction of IgE production by human B lymphocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Dichroic, dinuclear mu2-(eta2-NO)-nitrosoaniline-bridged complexes of rhenium of the type [[(CO)3Re(mu-X)]2ONC6H4NR2] (X = Cl, Br, I; R = Me, Et).

A series of unusual dinuclear mu2-(eta2-NO)-nitrosoaniline-bridged complexes [[(CO)3Re(mu-X)]2ONC6H4NR2] (X = Cl, Br, I; R = Me, Et) with dichroic properties have been synthesised by reaction of pentacarbonylhalogenorhenium(I) [(CO)5ReX] (X = Cl, Br, I) with the corresponding nitrosoaniline derivatives R2NC6H4NO (R = Me, Et). The deeply coloured solutions in CH2Cl2 show broad UV/Vis absorptions from 595 to 620 nm depending on the halogen bridges and N substituents. Single crystals of all six compounds exhibit a pronounced linear dichroism. The molecular structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. All the compounds contain two face-shared octahedra, with two halogens and one NO ligand as bridges. The NO ligand coordinates in a nonsymmetrical eta2-like fashion with N or O coordination to each Re centre. Therefore, the C-nitroso group and the planar NC2 moiety of NR2 both lie almost exactly within the symmetry plane of the dinuclear complexes. These complexes belong to the novel and simple class of neutral dinuclear C-nitroso complexes that include the rare, non-assisted mu2-(eta2-NO) ligand function and have only single halogen atoms in bridging positions.

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PubMed2005

Structurally characterized ternary U-O-N compound, UN4O12: UO2(NO3)2.N2O4 or NO(+)UO2(NO3)3-?

The synthesis and characterization of the ternary U-O-N compound NO(+)UO2(NO3)3- (1) using IR and low-temperature and room-temperature Raman spectroscopy as well as 14N and 15N NMR spectroscopy are reported. In addition, solution Raman spectra of compound 1 recorded in various solvents are reported. The structure of compound 1 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.3992(4) angstroms, b = 9.9781(4) angstroms, c = 7.6455(2) angstroms, beta = 115.452(2) degrees, V = 922.98(5) angstroms3, Z = 4. Compound 1 is highly moisture-sensitive and must be handled under an inert atmosphere. It reacts with water with the liberation of NO2. For the first time, this important precursor for the synthesis of anhydrous uranyl nitrate could be unambiguously identified and has been shown to be an ionic nitrosonium salt and not an adduct between uranyl nitrate and dinitrogen tetroxide, UO2(NO3)2.N2O4, as is incorrectly and predominantly cited in the literature.

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PubMed2005

BTA copper complexes.

Cupric oxide is one of the most important additives used (a) to catalyze decomposition reactions in gas generators to obtain cooler reaction gases, (b) as burning enhancer for ammonium perchlorate-based composite propellants, and (c) as coloring agent in pyrotechnics. In this context, the reaction of Cu(2+) ions in aqueous ammonia solution with bis(tetrazolyl)amine (H(2)bta) was investigated. Depending on the reaction conditions three complexes were obtained: Cu(bta)(NH(3))(2) (1), Cu(bta)(NH(3))(2).H(2)O (2), and (NH(4))(2)Cu(bta)(2).2.5H(2)O (3). The crystal structures of 1 and 2 are discussed with respect to the coordination mode of the dianion of N,N-bis(1(2)H-tetrazol-5-yl)-amine (bta), which mediates in the case of 1 and 2 weak superexchange interactions between the adjacent magnetic transition-metal Cu(II) cations. These antiferromagnetic interactions result from 1D copper chains over an hidden azide end-to-end bridge. Interestingly, the structural arrangement of 1 completely changes in the presence of crystal-bound water. Moreover, some physicochemical properties (e.g., heat of formation, friction, and impact sensitivity, DSC) of these complexes with respect to high-energetic materials are discussed.

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PubMed2005

3,5-Dimethyl-1,3,5-oxadiazane-2,4,6-trione: short intermolecular contacts determining the crystal packing.

In the title compound, C5H6N2O4, the molecules lie across a crystallographic mirror plane. The compound lacks traditional hydrogen-bond donors, and hence crystals are held together by unusual C=O...O, O...C and weak C-H...O interactions, forming layers. Adjacent layers are arranged in an antiparallel manner, yielding an ABA layer sequence. The intermolecular contacts are quite short; a topological analysis of charge density based on density-functional-theory calculations was used for consideration of these short contacts and indicated a strong attractive bonding closed-shell interaction between these atoms in the crystal structure.

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PubMed2005

Synthesis, structural and computational investigations of UO2I42-: a structurally characterized U(VI)-I anion.

The synthesis and characterization of (Ph(4)P)(2)UO(2)I(4).2NCCH(3) is reported. The UO(2)I(4)(2-) anion is not only the first unambiguously characterized anion containing a uranium(VI)-iodine bond, but is also the last member of the UO(2)X(4)(2-) (X = Cl, Br, I) series to be unambiguously identified and structurally characterized, in contrast to salts of the UO(2)Cl(4)(2-) and UO(2)Br(4)(2-) anions, which have all been thoroughly investigated and structurally characterized. (Ph(4)P)(2)UO(2)I(4).2NCCH(3) was characterized using IR, Raman, (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. In addition, a computational investigation of the UO(2)I(4)(2-) anion was undertaken and compared with the experimentally observed structure.

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PubMed2005

The dianion of 5-cyanoiminotetrazoline: C2N62-.

Several salts (alkali, Pd(NH(3))(3), and (i)PrNH(2)) of 5-cyanoiminotetrazoline (C(2)N(6)(2-), 5-cyanoiminotetrazolinediide, CIT) were investigated. A full characterization by means of X-ray, Raman, NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis is presented for the (i)()PrNH(2) (4), Cs (5), and Pd(NH(3))(3) (6) salts. The CIT dianion represents a nitrogen-rich binary CN dianion, and 5 forms monoclinic crystals (a = 7.345(2) Angstroms, b = 9.505(2) Angstroms, c = 10.198(2) Angstroms, beta = 92.12(3) degrees, space group P2(1)/n, Z = 4). DSC and in situ temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction measurements of the cesium salt 5 revealed an astonishing thermal stability accompanied by a reversible phase transition from the low-temperature alpha modification to the metastable beta modification at 253 degrees C. Above the melting point (334 degrees C), the cesium salt decomposes yielding cesium azide and cesium dicyanamide, which decomposes under further heating under release of nitrogen. The reaction of Cs(2)CIT with SO(2) resulted in the surprising formation of a new cesium salt with the 5-cyaniminotetrazoline-1-sulfonate dianion (Cs(2)CITSO(3).SO(2) (7)). 7 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) with one SO(2) solvent molecule (a = 8.0080(2) Angstroms, b = 8.0183(2) Angstroms, c = 9.8986(3) Angstroms, beta = 108.619(1) degrees, Z = 2). The structure and bonding of the 10pi dianion are discussed on the basis B3LYP/aug-cc-pvTZ computations (MO, NBO), and the three-dimensional array of the cesium salts with respect to the Cs(delta) (+)-N(delta)(-) in 5 compared to the Cs(delta)(+)-N(delta)(-) and Cs(delta)(+)-O(delta)(-) in 7 is discussed. Due to the expected rich bonding modes of the CIT anions, the coordination chemistry with palladium was also studied, yielding monoclinic crystals of [Pd(CIT)(NH(3))(3)].H(2)O (6, a = 7.988(2) Angstroms, b = 8.375(2) Angstroms, c = 13.541(3) Angstroms, beta = 104.56 degrees, space group P2(1)/n, Z = 4). In the solid state, the complex is composed of dimers, showing two agostic interactions and an unusual close interplanar pi-pi stacking of the tetrazole moiety of the CIT ligand.

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