RUDN University chemist synthesized a coordination polymer iron with a derivative of nicotinic acid
Coordination polymers are compounds that consist of a metal atom and surrounding organic ligands. They are often more stable than pure organic substances. RUDN chemist Alexander Kirillov used a nicotinic acid derivative (H2cpna) as a building block in the synthesis, and iron atoms played the role of the metal center. Substituted nicotinic acid can act as a ligand — it contains one phenyl and one pyridine ring, which are linked by an ether functional group.
To synthesize the polymer, the reaction was performed under hydrothermal conditions between iron (II) sulfate in water and H2cpna at 160 ⁰C. The synthesis lasted three days. X-ray diffraction analysis and other methods were used to confirm the structure and characteristics of the obtained substance.
The catalytic activity of the substance for different reactions was studied. Alexander Kirillov from RUDN conducted the processes of oxidation and carboxylation of propane and cyclic alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons closed in a cycle) under mild conditions. The reaction yield was 23%. For comparison, in the industrial process of oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (products that are used in the production of plastics), the yield is only 5-10%.
The study of the catalytic activity of the polymer obtained by RUDN chemists showed that it can be used to catalyze the processes of oxidative functionalization of saturated hydrocarbons, and provide a greater yield for the reaction under mild conditions.
Article in Crystals magazine.
Biologists from RUDN University working together with their colleagues from the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Flax studied the genes that determine the fatty acid composition in flaxseed oil and identified polymorphisms in six of them. The team also found out what gene variations could extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil. This data can be used to improve the genetic selection of new flax breeds. The results were published in the BMC Plant Biology journal.
Individual characteristics of the shape and cross-section of the root canal are one of the main issues for dentists. When treating a root canal, a doctor needs to properly clean it, fill it, and carry out a rebuilding procedure so that a canal is sealed. The first stage of endodontic treatment requires detailed knowledge of root canal anatomy. A team of dentists from RUDN University studied and classified various changes in root canal shapes. The new classification will help doctors avoid diagnostic errors, better select their tools, and treat patients more efficiently.
Many production facilities (e.g. plastic manufacturers, pharma companies, and others) use nanocatalysts that contain palladium—an expensive component that is not sustainably produced. A chemist from RUDN University found a way to reduce palladium consumption and to make its manufacture more eco-friendly. He developed a catalyst based on a substance that comes from plant waste. Using his invention, manufacturers could cut palladium consumption in half. Moreover, new catalysts can be reused multiple times without any decrease in efficiency.
Biologists from RUDN University working together with their colleagues from the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Flax studied the genes that determine the fatty acid composition in flaxseed oil and identified polymorphisms in six of them. The team also found out what gene variations could extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil. This data can be used to improve the genetic selection of new flax breeds. The results were published in the BMC Plant Biology journal.
Individual characteristics of the shape and cross-section of the root canal are one of the main issues for dentists. When treating a root canal, a doctor needs to properly clean it, fill it, and carry out a rebuilding procedure so that a canal is sealed. The first stage of endodontic treatment requires detailed knowledge of root canal anatomy. A team of dentists from RUDN University studied and classified various changes in root canal shapes. The new classification will help doctors avoid diagnostic errors, better select their tools, and treat patients more efficiently.
Many production facilities (e.g. plastic manufacturers, pharma companies, and others) use nanocatalysts that contain palladium—an expensive component that is not sustainably produced. A chemist from RUDN University found a way to reduce palladium consumption and to make its manufacture more eco-friendly. He developed a catalyst based on a substance that comes from plant waste. Using his invention, manufacturers could cut palladium consumption in half. Moreover, new catalysts can be reused multiple times without any decrease in efficiency.