Tris[triphenylantimony(V)]hexa(μ-oxido)tellurium(VI): a molecular complex with six Te—O—Sb bridges

In the structure of the title compound [systematic name hexa-μ-oxido-1:2κ4 O:O;1:3κ4 O:O;1:4κ4 O:O-nonaphenyl-2κ3 C,3κ3 C,4κ3 C-triantimony(V)tellurium(VI)], [Sb3Te(C6H5)9O6], the hexaoxidotellurate(VI) ion is coordinated to three SbV ions via pairs of cis-positioned O atoms to form a discrete molecular unit. The TeVI and SbV central ions exhibit distorted octahedral [TeO6] and distorted trigonal–bipyramidal [SbC3O2] coordination geometries, respectively. The linking of these polyhedra, by sharing the dioxide edges, results in the Te-based octahedron having a mer-configuration. The packing of the molecules is dominated by C—H...O hydrogen bonding and weak dispersion forces, with a minor contribution from C—H...π bonds and π–π stacking interactions. According to the Hirshfeld surface analysis, the contributions of the H...H, H...C/C...H and H...O/O...H contacts are 58.0, 32.6 and 7.8%, respectively. The title structure provides a model for the bonding of triorganoantimony dications to octahedral oxoanions, and the observed doubly bridged motifs, Te(μ-O)2Sb, may find application in the functionalization of polyoxometalate species.

A robust molecular unit nanogrid servicing as network nodes via molecular installing technology

A nanogrid that consists of four fluorenes and two carbazoles has been synthesized by molecular installing technology from an L-shaped synthon.

Regulation of outer kinetochore Ndc80 complex-based microtubule attachments by the central kinetochore Mis12/MIND complex

Multiple protein subcomplexes of the kinetochore cooperate as a cohesive molecular unit that forms load-bearing microtubule attachments that drive mitotic chromosome movements. There is intriguing evidence suggesting that central kinetochore components influence kinetochore–microtubule attachment, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we find that the conserved Mis12/MIND (Mtw1, Nsl1, Nnf1, Dsn1) and Ndc80 (Ndc80, Nuf2, Spc24, Spc25) complexes are connected by an extensive network of contacts, each essential for viability in cells, and collectively able to withstand substantial tensile load. Using a single-molecule approach, we demonstrate that an individual MIND complex enhances the microtubule-binding affinity of a single Ndc80 complex by fourfold. MIND itself does not bind microtubules. Instead, MIND binds Ndc80 complex far from the microtubule-binding domain and confers increased microtubule interaction of the complex. In addition, MIND activation is redundant with the effects of a mutation in Ndc80 that might alter its ability to adopt a folded conformation. Together, our results suggest a previously unidentified mechanism for regulating microtubule binding of an outer kinetochore component by a central kinetochore complex.

A polyimide anode with high capacity and superior cyclability for aqueous Na-ion batteries

A redox-active and water-insoluble polyimide can reversibly bind 2 Na+ ions per molecular unit, demonstrating a high capacity of 130 mA h g−1, a strong rate capability at 10 C rate and excellent capacity retention of 91.2% over 1000 cycles, offering a low cost and environmentally benign anode for aqueous Na-ion batteries.