..

!IEditorial Board'::""'~'ir<

Syed Rafia. A (III UG)

Rini Ravindranath (III UG)

Rati Sharma (III UG)

Abilasha. R (III UG)

Dr. Rukmani Srinivasan,Head, UG,

Department of Chemistry

Ms. B. Avila Josephine,Faculty,

Department of Chemistry

Ms. V. Mary Teresita,Faculty,

Department of Chemistry

COVER PAGE DESIGNby Syed Rafia. A (III UG)

Free Radical reaction in the DNA: At every instant one million free radicalsare created when one free radical hits another and these new radicals

spread off in different directions to create many more.

From the Principal's Desk ...

Chemistry as a science unravels the mysteries of nature and 'Radicals 2007' takes

us into that fascinating world. Life in itself develops through a biochemical

process and every living organism is a huge chemical system. The science of

chemistry has revolutionized the world, lending its equations and formulae to be

translated into objects of awe and beauty and with its mysterious combinations and

reactions making one wonder at the complexity and immensity of creation.

Chemistry is thus a key science in this century and this magazine aims to help

ensure that interest and enthusiasm for the pure sciences is aroused among young

people. As Lord Byron observes "words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling

like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions,

think." This departmental magazine will thus serve as the arena where the budding

scientists of our century unravel their thoughts and inspirations.

Congratulations to my colleagues and students of the Department of Chemistry in

this our endeavour and look forward to the publication. which will carry forward

the creative thoughts of our department.

Dr. Sr. ANNAMMA PHILIP, fmm,Principal & Head, PG Department of Chemistry

"In Einstein's theory of relativity the observer is a man who sets out in questof truth armed with a measuring rod. In quantum theory he sets out with a sieve. "

-SirArthur Eddington

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow. "

-Edward Teller.

"It is disconcerting to reflect on the number of students we haveflunked in chemistry for not knowing what we later found to be untrue."

- Quoted in Robert L. Weber,Science Witha Smile (1992).

The changing face of science needs new creative minds with different scales,techniques, to have a fresh look at the theories for different dimensions and bring forthinnovations. The fourth issue of "RADICALS 2007" propagates this belief andprovides an outlet for young talents, reinforcing the need for such brains to be in breedall the time. This could happen only in educational institutions, certainly in activitiesoutside the class rooms!

Science manifests itself at every point in our lives. Knowledge of new discoveriesand inventions springing up every nano second, reminds us that imagining, readingand writing, are small beginnings which might lead to newer and bigger ventures."RADICALS" has been one such endeavour initiated in 2004. This magazinewith the aim of patronizing hidden creative talents of young minds, hasover the years grown under the leadership of Dr. (Sr.) Annamma Philip, fmm,Principaland Head, PG Department of Chemistry, Stella Maris College.

The vision and interest of chemists have grown from study of pure chemistry tovarious other interdisciplinary, trans disciplinary and multidisciplinary branches ofscience; however it is important to recognize that CHEMISTRY is the language ofsciences.

The editorial board in "RADICALS 2007" has tried to showcase the exciting linkbetween chemistry and the other younger disciplines of science with articles, humour,short stories, and puzzles! Compiling and editing "RADICALS 2007" has been anenriching and enlightening learning experience for us. We hope our readers will alsoread, enjoy and appreciate our effort in this direction!

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

CONTENTS1. Chemical Chalice - Calixarene

2. Defense Mechanism 33. Old Me Donalds had a farm. Enol.ynol.olol OH!!! 5

4. Pat Padaar! Chat Chuddaar!! 6

5. Electrophilic Addition (A Molecular Drama) 7

6. A Princely Role 87. Crossword 9

8. Chemunity 10

9. Arranon - The New Cancer Drug II

10. Chewed up Polymers 1211. Funny Molecules 1312. Chemicals and Today's Woman 15

13. Switchable Lotus Effect 17

14. Green Chemistry 1815. Tryptophan and Turkey 1916. How Gullible are We? 19

17. Citius .. Altius .. Fortius .. 2018. Memory Metal 21

J9. Nobel Laureates of the decade 2320. Cupid's Chemistry 2521. Gene Mediator 26

22. Nanotechnology-Effective in killing Cancer cells 28

23. Glowstick Chemistry 2924. Molecular Wonders in Space 3025. National workshop on Nanostructured materials and

Applications - A Report 3126. Crossword Solution 32

A calixarene is a macrocycle or cyclic oligomer based on a hydroxyalkylation product ofa phenol and an aldehyde. The word calixarene is derived from calix or chalice becausethis type of molecule resembles a vase and from the word arene that refers to the aromaticbuilding block. Calixarenes have hydrophobic cavities that can hold smaller molecules orions and belong to the class of cavitands known in host-guest chemistry.

Structure

Calixarenes are characterised by a three-dimensional basket, cup or bucket shape. Incalixl-llarenes the internal volume is around 10 cubic nanometers. Calixarenes arecharacterised by a wide upper rim and a narrow lower rim and a central annulus.

,--"-- .... - ,.-- ----- ..- ..._ .. ,--- ._--,--.- ---,,--.- • • "._-, •..._.- --- ....• --.---- ••--._, ,...,._.-i

;Calix[41arene with para-tert-butyl i3D representation of a cone.substiruents ' [conformation

Host guest interactions

Calixarenes are efficient sodium ionophores and are applied as such in chemical sensors.With the right chemistry these molecules exhibit great selectivity towards other cations.Calixarenes are used in commercial applications as sodium selective electrodes for themeasurement of sodium levels in blood. Calixarenes also form complexes with cadmium,lead, lanthanides and actinides. Calix[5]arene and the C70 fullerene in p-xylene form aball-and-socket supramolecular complex. Calixarenes also form exo-calix ammoniumsalts with aliphatic amines such as piperidine.

Applications

~ Calixarenes are applied in enzyme mimetics, ion sensitive electrodes or sensors,selective membranes, non-linear optics and in HPLC stationary phase.

~ A tetrathia[4]arene is found to mimic aquaporin proteins. Aquaporins are channelproteins, which facilitate diffusion of water through the lipid bilayer. Thiscalixarene adopts a 1,3-alternate conformation (methoxy groups populate thelower ring) and water is not contained in the basket but grabbed by two opposingtert-butyl groups on the outer rim in a pincer. The nonporous and hydrophobiccrystals are soaked in water for 8 hours in which time the calixarene:water rationevertheless acquires the value of one.

~ Calixarenes are able to accelerate reactions taking place inside the concavity by acombination of local concentration effect and polar stabilization of the transitionstate. An extended resorcin[4]arene cavitand is found to accelerate the reactionrate of a Menshutkin reaction between quinuclidine and butylbromide by a factorof 1600. The Menshutkin reaction in organic chemistry converts a tertiary amineto a quaternary ammonium salt by reaction with an alkyl halide:

R4---I"~ N+R3

R( 'R2x-

~ In heterocalixarenes the phenolic units are replaced by heterocycles, for instanceby furans in calix[n]furanes and by pyridines in calix[n]pyridines.

RATI SHARMA, III UG

What is Prince <!harles'lavourite element~Polonium

What is a car dealer's lavourite elernenr?~elenium

What are a doctor's lavourite elements~'ijelium c curium

What is robber's least tavourire elernentv<!opper.

What is a stage perfcr-mcr'a lavourite elerncntvffctinium

2

BOMBARDIER BEETLE

Survival techniques of insects and small animals in a fiercely competitive environmenttake many forms. For example, chameleons have developed the abilityto change color to match the surroundings and the butterfly Limenitishas evolved into a form that mimics the poisonous and unpleasant tastingMonarch butterfly (Danaus). A less passive defense mechanism isemployed by bombardier beetles (Brachinus), which repels predatorswith a "chemical spray".

";&--/~

The bombardier beetle has a pair of glands at the tip of its abdomen. Each gland consistsof two compartments. The inner compartment contains an aqueous solution ofhydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, and the outer compartment holds a mixture ofenzymes. When threatened the beetle squeezes some fluid from the inner compartmentinto the outer compartment, where in the presence of enzymes an exothermic reactiontakes place:

+ HO-OHhydrogen peroxide

hydroquinone

The enthalpy of the reaction is -204 KJ.quinone

The large amount of heat generated is sufficient to bring the mixture to its boiling point.By rotating the tip of the abdomen, the beetle can quickly discharge the vapor in the formof a fine mist towards an unsuspecting predator. In addition to the thermal effect, thequinones also act as repellent to other animals and insects. One bombardier beetle carriesenough reagents to produce 20 to 30 discharges in quick succession, each with an audibledetonation.

WHIP SCORPION

Whip scorpion often called a vinegarone sprays its enemies with a fine mist i.e. 85%acetic acid. This is same as in common vinegar but vinegar contains only about 3 to 5%acetic acid so the scorpion uses super vinegar. The scorpion also contains n-octanoicacid.

3

In sprayed prey

'Z_ • ~-- •~ ~ • ~,/ • .'-/"'/•., • -Acetic acid

/ e/Vy -1 •<,

~• / • • ~ ~. - octanoic acid)

---1 Insect exoskeleton ~- '. ,.-.(

< « "

The structure of acetic acid does not allow it to interact with the waxy exoskeleton ofanother insect. However, the long carbon chain of n-octanoic acid, which is non polar,interacts with the enemy's exoskeleton and the acid is absorbed. The absorbed octanoicacid interacts with the acetic acid and both the acids penetrate the body of the prey. TheWhip scorpion thus has two weapons in its arsenal.

JENNIFER LAWRANCE, I PG & SYED RAFIA.A, III UG

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YoU ~ 6f. MOHO(lIMJ(.PJ,(T1lfH AGAIN. !MY&. YOU~T ..... MY&. )t)IA'~'1Itlc.ttN/c.! AWN WHAT nitHfLK- httI ~T 1 JUST~ You RlGIfT NoW .• .?!?

1EU.. US ~~-~».A~TO~IFROtftISf. I WOO'"L£Tf.RJ(H~ ]XlYOu IWt ~ ...

x- FlAY l)IFf~cnOf.JI>I~"W~. SOrttY~ "OOIN6 Ttl 0"6oOl>-ou.sr / MJ)-CJf.WST" 7tc.HNIQUE.f~~~ALLlU(..IllA.noN .

4

OLD Me DONALDS HAD A FARM, ENOL,YNOL,OLOL OH!!

It's about what would happen if 'Old Me Donald' were a chemist, and made moleculesthat had the shapes of animals. Some are shown below

Trivial Name Structure

OJdmacdenynenynol

Cowenynenynol

Turkenynenynol

Goosenynenynol

Serpentenynenynol

Giraffenynenynol

Duckenynenynol

1-b

~

Suggested Chemical Name

6-(6-(3-(1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl)-hex-4-ynyl)-4, 4-dipropyl--2-prop-2-ynylcyclohex-2 -enyl)-4-methyl-cyclohept-2-en-1-ol

(Z)-6-(2,3-diethylcyclopent-2-enyl)-7,7, 10,10-tetraethyl-cyclodec-8-en-2,4-diyn-1-ol

2-(3,3-diethynyl-2, 4-divinyl-6, 6-diisobutylcycloheptyJ)cyclopropanol

(2E, 4Z)-13-cyclopropylcyclo-tridec-2,4-dien-8,10-diyn-1-o1

(Z.Z)·11-(2-isopropylcyclopentyl)undeca-6,1O-dien-4,8-diyn·1-ol

(4Z.]E)-12-cycJopropyl-3,6,6-triethyldodeca-4,7 -dien-9,11-diyn-3-o1

(Z)-4,4-diisobutyl-3-(4,4-dimefhyleyclobut.;2-enyl)-2-prop-2-ynyl-2-but-1-en-3-ynylcyclopentanol

5

R.ABILASHA, IIIUGSource: Internet

PAT PADAAR! CHAT CHUDDAAR!!

"Of saltpetre take six parts, five of young willow, and five of sulfur and so you will makethunder and lightning"

ROGER BACON

The part of any fireworks display we remember best are the vivid colours and brilliantflashes. Do you know that chemistry is behind this beautiful aerial display? Blackpowder, the predecessor of gunpowder, was discovered well before 1000 A.D, mostlikely in China. In 1252A.D, Roger Bacon in England described the preparation ofblack powder from "salt petre (KN03), young willow and sulfur", and its use by themilitary and for fire works.Typical fireworks have several important chemical components. Firstly, there must bean oxidizer like potassium nitrate, potassium chlorate or potassium perchlorate.Secondly, to add colours to the show incandescence is brought into the picture.Incandescence is light produced from heat. Heat causes a substance to become hot andglow initially emitting infrared, then red, orange, yellow, and white light as it becomesincandescent. hotter. Different chemicals have been used to obtain desired colours.

Following table gives us the compounds, which add colour to fireworks.

COLOUR COMPOUND

Red Strontium salts, lithium saltsLithium carbonate, LhC03=red

Strontium carbonate, srCo3= bright redOrange Calcium salts

Calcium chloride, CaChCalcium sulfate, CaS04.xH20, where x=O,2,3,5

Gold Incandescence of iron (with carbon), charcoal, or lamp blackYellow Sodium compounds

Sodium nitrate, NaN03Cryolite, Na3AIF6

Electric white White-hot metal, such as magnesium or aluminumBarium oxide, BaO

Green Barium compounds +chlorine producerBarium chloride, BaCh= bright green

Blue Copper compounds+ chlorine producerCopper aceto arsenite (Paris green), CU3AS203CU(C2H302) 2 = blue

Copper (I) chloride, CuCI = turquoise bluePurple Mixture of strontium (red) and copper (blue) compoundsSilver Burning aluminum, titanium, or magnesium powder or flakes

SUBHA B, III UG

6

ELECTROPl-flUC f\DDITlOfi (f\ I"\OLECVLAR DRAMI\-)

Characters: Secondary carbon (See) is sharing four electrons with Primary Carbon(Prim) to form a propene molecule. Along comes a hungry electrophilic Hydrogen (Hyd)who is bonded to an electron-hogging Chlorine (Chlor).

Hyd: Oh, look at all those electrons on that propene!Chlor: What's with you? Aren't.!!ll'. electrons good enough for you?Hyd: (disgusted) Your electrons? That's the whole trouble with you.They're our electrons, you pig!Prim: Hi, Hydrogen! Nice nucleus!Chlor: You keep your electrons away from my Hydrogen's nucleus!Hyd: (to Propene) Would you share your electrons with little old me?Prim and See: Yes!Hyd: (Showing electron pair at Chlorine) Here! Keep your preciouselectrons! I'm going to bond with someone who appreciates me. (Hydrogen grabs one ofthe electron pairs shared by Secondary and Primary Carbons, and after a brief struggle.Secondary lets go, leaving Hydrogen bonded to Primary.)See: Help! I'm a carbocation! Someone give me some electrons, quick! (SpotsChlorine.) Hey, you've got electrons to spare. Share them with me.Chlor: You are very attractive, but my parents always warned me about organicmolecules ... (Chlorine looks worried, but doesn't try to run away.)See: Don't give me that stuff! We'll smell great together. (Secondary grabs a pair ofChlorine's electrons and makes a bond.) Ah, that's better! (See turns angrily to primary.)How come I always have to be the carbocation? What's wrong with you being acarbocation once in awhile?Prim: (smugly) It's against the Rule, as you know perfectly well.Hyd: What Rule?Prim: Markownikoffs Rule. You see, Secondary there, has all kinds of family support.There's the Primary and me on the other side. We lend Secondary as much spare chargeas we can afford when Secondary gets stuck as a carbocation. But if Iwere to become acarbocation (shudder), Secondary there is only one who could help me out and that's notmuch.Hyd: I'd help you, bond-mate!Prim: That's sweet of you, Hydrogen, but let's face it. You've barely got electrons tokeep your own nucleus covered.

MS. MAHA SAMPATH GOWRI, FACULTY, DEPT OF CHEMISTRY

7

A PRJNC6LY ROL6!!!

Everyone knows that frogs do not really turn into princes, but scientists suspectthat frog skin might turn into medicines. In the late 1980s, while working in a labat the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, biologist MichaelZasloff wondered why frogs with surgical wounds usually healed perfectlywithout getting infections, despite living in a relatively dirty lab aquarium.Zasloff turned his attention to this quizzical observation and went on to isolate apeptide-a string of amino acids-called magainin (Coined after the Hebrew wordfor shield) that frogs produce in response to skin injury. Intrigued by the finding,Zasloff went on to start a company called Magainin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.inPlymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania that investigates the potential medicinal valuethat may be lurking in the skin of amphibians and other animals big and small.Zasloff is quick to note that nobody has a clue how a giant squid or an octopus,which have neither antibodies nor white blood cells called lymphocytes-avoidbecoming consumed by microbes! Over the years, he and his colleagues haveuncovered many frog-made peptides that possess potent microbe-killingproperties. Such a chemical defense system operates by virtue of the peptides'ability to poke holes in the cell membranes that serve to protect bacteria from theoutside world.In addition to the peptides, scientists including Zasloff have found hundreds ofothers types of molecules called alkaloids in amphibian skin. When inside cells,many alkaloids home in on structures called ion-channels, tunnel like assembliesthrough which important electrolytes pass. These are key cellular fixtures, as theypolice the entry and exit of charged molecules across cellular membranes. Assuch, they also happen to be important drug targets.Some channels, for instance, initiate a cascade of molecular events that tell thecell to "feel" pain. Researchers have discovered that one particular moleculeisolated from frog skin, called epibatidine, shows powerful painkilling activity inanimal models, possibly due to the compounds ability to latch onto such channels.Interestingly, scientists think that many of the alkaloid "drugs" in frog skin comesfrom the bug meals they eat, spiders and other arthropods in particular.

AISHW ARYA LAKSHMI & JENNIFER.K, III UG

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8

CRoSSIllORD

CLUESAcross

1. Nuts of Gold3. Preparing last protonic resort for escape of terrorists (Process)6. Oxidized para-xylene10. Lead with a lithium charge.11. Permanent magnetized steel.12. A tonic chloride gene.15. Pyrolysis of volatile tetrahedral complex to give silvery white metal.17. Saddened energy path.18. A black pencil gal nasty precipitate.

Down1. A lite natrium neutral ion exchanger.2. Tetrahedral nets as gem stones.4. Latin name of the metal contains alcoholic drink.5. Cheap lite diamonds in rock drills.7. Quadra valentiy charged cousin of sand.8. Free charged species9. Tite chief radioactive vanadates.

13. Detlection of light path by tiny particles of a colloid.14. Inverted den.16. Dark blue diamagnetic zone.

Solution: Page 33DHIVY A.M & KIRUTHIKA,II UG

9

CHI~UMI1'Y ...~ "Look at everyone with equality", says the molecular orbital picture of benzene.

~ "Join hands to make this world a real everlasting paradise", says the resonancehybrid of benzene.

~ "Be united with differences of continent, country, state, religion, caste, creed andcolor", says the periodic table.

~ "Do not look back at your life and' regret for the things that you were not able todo. "Be spontaneous", says the irreversible process.

~ "Try to lead a normal and happy life everyday, considering circumstances asexperiences because tomorrow is uncertain", says the reaction of benzene withozone.

< > + 3 03

o

O/~CH

)=/ "CH-O--- 0 0/ I

0"" )cH--O

O~/CHo

O~-_ ••_ "'0

GLYOXAL

~ "Learn new things with absolute concentration", says the entropy.

God was fed up of sending many prophets to the earth to proclaim these values,where there was and is lot of hatred, wars and differences. So he made a plan toproclaim, these values through research that one-day people's community willleamfrom this "CHEMUNITY"

JULIA CATHERINE, II UG

10

ARRANON-THE NEW CANCER DRUG

Arranon (nelarabine) is a chemotherapeutic drug that kills cancer cells by blocking thecell's ability to reproduce. Rapidly dividing cancer cells are more sensitive to cancerchemotherapeutic drugs than are more slowly dividing normal cells.

Arranon caused complete disappearance of cancer cells in some patients, although inmost cases the cancer later returned. In those patients who responded to Arranon, thedisappearance of cancer cells was sometimes accompanied by return of normal blood cellcounts. The Orphan Drug is quiet effective in treating leukemia, which affects childrenmore than adults. In study conducted between children and adults, completedisappearance of cancer was 23 and 21% respectively.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Common side effects reported with Arranon treatment are fatigue, nausea, vomiting anddiarrhoea. Severe neurological events like severe sornnolescence, convulsions andparalysis occur with this drug, which cannot be treated completely.

STRUCTURE:

ARRANON, also known as nelarabine is a pro-drug of the cytotoxic deoxyguanosineanalogue, 9-p-D-arabinofuranosylguanine.

The chemical name for nelarabine is 2-amino-9-p-D-arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9H-purine. It has the molecularformula CllHISNsOs and a molecular weight of 297.27. Thestructure of nelarabine is shown in the figure.

It is slightly soluble in water and melts with decomposition

between 209 and 21i C. The arranon injection is supplied asa clear sterile solution which contains about 5 mg per ml of nelarabine and inactivesodium chloride of about 4.5 mg per ml.Sometimes HCl and NaOH are used to adjust thepH, which ranges from 5 to 7.

RAMYA, II UG

11

CH8W8V UP POLYM8~SScientists have created a polymer film that can chew itself apart, making it a candidatefor the controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs.

CHEWED UP: Enzymes tear into layers ofDNA, causing a multilayered polymer film tobreak apart.

A major thrust of modern medicinal research is toregulate the release of drugs from pills andbiomedical implants so that the therapeuticmolecules are liberated over a long period ontarget selected organs. One of the first steps in developing these drug-delivery methods isthe design of materials that can discharge molecules at desired rates. The new multilayerfilm is created which might ultimately serve that purpose.

The material contains 17 alternating layers of two polymers. One of these is a positivelycharged synthetic polymer and the other is DNA, a negatively charged biologicalpolymer. To construct the film, a layer-by-layer assembly method developed severalyears ago to build thin films is applied. The experimental substrate, such as a piece ofquartz, is dipped into a solution of one polymer and then into a solution of an oppositelycharged polymer. Electrostatic charges hold the layers together.

To the surface of their film, the version of a self-destruct button (a negatively chargedlayer of the DNA-snipping enzyme DNase) is added. It was reported that this enzymeremains inert while stuck to the surface of the positively charged polymer. When the filmencounters a solution of positively charged calcium and magnesium ions, the enzymesbreak free and begin to chew through successive layers of DNA, disrupting theintervening synthetic polymer layers in the process.

The concentration of calcium and magnesium ions regulates the rate at which the filmdegrades. Because the abundance of these ions varies throughout the body, theresearchers aim to create targeted drug-delivery systems, which might include biomedicalimplants such as artificial blood vessels and artery-opening stents.

The work puts a new and elegant twist on the design of biodegradable, layered films.Like other biodegradable-layered films, however, the new film is far from a sure thing.The material has yet to be tested for toxicity and effective drug delivery.

SW ARNA KAMAKSHI, III UG

12

DomperidoneThis molecule sounds like it should be the activeingredient in Dom Perignon champagne, but it's actuallyan anti-emetic drug.

BuccalinThis sounds like the molecule from which car seat beltsare made, but it's actually a neuropeptide, which acts innerves to stop acetylcholine release.

"....0 r<;'O.)....H,~~~-H

Gly-M et-Asp-Ser- Len-AlaI

H2N- Leu-Gly- Gly..Ser- Phe

CiglitizoneThis molecule sounds like the places reserved forsmokers to light up. Actually, ciglitizone is a member ofa class of compounds that are used as anti-diabetics. Thedrug A vandia: .(Rosiglitazone), used to treat type IIdiabetes, is a member of this class of compounds.

MunchnonesNo, these aren't the favorite compound of the Munchkinsfrom The Wizard of Oz, but are in fact a type ofmesoioniccompound. These are ring strectures in whichthe positive .and negative. charge •.are. delocalised, andwhich cannot be represented satisfactorily by anyonepolar structure. They got their name when Huisgencalled them aftetthe city Municq (MUnchen), aftersimilar cO:Ql.pollndswere calledsydnones aftetSydney.

-0 0):if-RIR

o 0~>-RR ttR

Gibberelic AcidGibberelic acid isn't a psychotropic drug that makes yougibber insanely like a morikey ...it's actually one of anumber of gibberelins, which are plant hormones whichcontrol various aspects of plant growth. HO .....••.•.

OH

OH l OHo

13

o

dUMP

dUMP is the acronym for 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate. It is an RNA transcription subunit and isone of the building blocks of DNA. dUMP is adeoxygenated form of RUMP, which is another of thebases found in RNA.

Penguinone

This gets its name from the similarity of its 2D structure toa penguin. The effect is slightly lost in the 3D model,though. It's real name is: 3,4,4,5tetramethylcyclohexa-2,5-dienone

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R.ABILASHA, III UG

14

~mical~ ana ~!!f'~ WomanSome portfolios NEVER change, really .The kitchen has been, is and will be the woman's kingdom .And the instinct to look great. .The newness however, is her conviction to Go Green; Go Herbal!!

Go Green!! The days of eating for fun have vanished - the pollutants, the extracalories, the adulterants plague her, while omega-3 fatty acids and flavanoids havebecome nutritional celebrities.Flavanoids, also known as Vit P, are polyphenols abundant in plants as flavanols,flavones, catechins, and chalcones and are responsible for coloration in plant foods. Theyhave - Anti oxidant (to remove free radicals from metabolic activities)

- Anti inflammatory (to inhibit production of histamines, thus reducing allergy)- Anti carcinogenic (to block uncontrolled cell multiplication) properties

Flavanoids thus keep the onset of aging, graying, neuro-degeneration, cancer, andcardiovascular disease at bay. The further good news is that flavanoids are water soluble- so there can be no deposition of the excess. Rich sources of flavanoids are green tea,soy products, garlic, dark chocolate (wow!!) (Psst theobromine in chocolatediffers from its cousin caffeine by just a methyl group).

HN~_/O~N-C)

/ Ntheobromine caffeine

Omega ratty acids on the other hand, are 'essential' i.e., the body cannot synthesizethese and so have to be a food supplement. In omega 3- or 6- or 9- fatty acids, thenumber stands for the position of the first double bond, counting from the terminalMethyl and are derivatives of linoleic or linolenic or oleic acids.

o3

omega-3 fatty acid 2

These Essential Fatty Acids are vital in regulating cardiovascular, immune and nervoussystems. along with prostaglandin, which is responsible for clotting. Flaxseed oil is anexcellent source, while tuna fish, mackerel are also rich sources.

Go Herbal!! No longer are the countless concoctions wooing the discerningwoman; aloe Vera has pervaded all the beauty enhancers, be it for the face or hair aslotion or cream or oil or shampoo .

15

Aloe Vera, the beauty secret of the famed Cleopatra. has been one of Nature's best-keptsecrets. History records that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the isleof Socroto. just to have this wonder plant!' Its multipurpose roles:

- Anti-inflammation (relief from arthritis, burns, sunburn)- Wound healing (healing acne, mouth and peptic ulcers)- Anti oxidant (reducing skin irritation, ageing)

Aloe Vera contains carbohydrate-pectin polymers (the base in cosmetics), saponins (tocleanse wounds & kill microbes), lignin (to soften skin for easier penetration),anthraquinones (to loosen pus & dead cells).Little wonder it is crowned the 'elixir' of the cosmetic kingdom!!

Yet again, todays discerning woman has proved she can be trusted with her choices ...

DR. JESURIETTA SATHIAN, FACULTY, DEPT OF CHEMISTRY

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t,2, dim.ethyl-v-,,"""'-"'.....,..---... ...••...................•.....•.-""'/'\ dutketlWi~

16

SWITCH ABLE LOTUS EFFECTMaterial with light-switchable super-water-repellent properties

Lotus blossoms are beauti ful, and alwaysimmaculately clean. Water drops bead up androll off of their water-repellent surface. washing away every speck of dust. To date.however. technology has not been able to duplicate nature' s success. Researchers led byKingo Uchida and Shinichiro Nakamura has now synthesized a compound in thediarylethene family whose surface becomes super water-repellent on command.The secret behind the lotus effect is the special microstructure. consisting of tiny nubs. onthe surface of the lotus plant's leaves. These micro nodules provide no surface on whichwater drops can collect. so the leaf does not get coated with water. The drops contractinto beads and roll off the surface. sweeping away any particles of dirt they encounter onthe way. On normal smooth surfaces. water drops coat the surface and assume ahemispherical shape. Instead of rolling. they then glide over the surface. which does notallow them to remove dirt particles.

Sin Ie-molecule Photochromism

Ial•••••••••••

The Japanese researchers have now synthesized a special substance. a member of thegroup of compounds known as diarylethenes, and produced a microcrystalline film of thissubstance on a support. Electron microscopy images show that the surface of this fi lm isinitially smooth. When the diarylethene film is irradiated with UV light, the previouslycolourless surface turns blue-r-and is no longer smooth. Instead it is covered with a finerow of tiny fibers that have a diameter of about 1 ,..irn. This row has a similar effect to themicronodules Oil the lotus blossom. resulting in a super-water-repellent surface. If thesurface is irradiated again, this time with visible light, the fibers and colour vanish.leaving a colourless, smooth. and wettable surface.This effect originates from changes in the molecular structure. The diarylethenemolecule is made of three five-membered rings hooked together. UV light sets off arearrangement within the molecule (isomerization). This results in a ring closure. whichleads to formation of a fourthring. The isomer with the closed fourth ring crystallizes inthe form of needles. which grow out of the crystals of the isomer with the open ring assoon as a certain concentration is reached. Light in the visible range of the spectrum setsoff the reverse reaction: the ring re-opens. and the needles disappear.

RINI RA VINDRANA TH, III UG

17

Strecker intermediates: scavengers for cyanides"The few scavengers that have been known up to now to be selective towards cyanideions are themselves toxic."But Strecker intermediates are environmental friendly and water-soluble. Theintermediates are formed in a fast and efficient reaction between B-aminoalcohols andparaformaldehyde. On reaction with cyanide the intermediates cleave leading totridentate ligands coordinated with sodium. Strecker intermediates have been used tocapture sodium cyanide, which is a source of significant pollution and is found in crudeoil.

{ClIZ"O;!R•••

In industrial processes scavenger molecules are commonly used to reduce the levels oftoxic materials, which cause pollution. The few scavengers that have been known up tonow to be selective towards cyanide ions are themselves toxic. One of the problemsencountered in the mining and oil industries is the corrosion of carbon steel, which isaided by the presence of cyanide ions. For these industries reducing the amount ofcyanide ions present in crude oil is an important goal. The potential of removing cyanidesusing non-pollutant scavengers in this way is a step forward.

SYED RAFIA, III UG<H~A\}>HPN

18

L-TRVPTOPHAN AND THE: TURKE:Y

The turkey is often cited as the culprit in after dinner lethargy. but the truth is that youcould omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the feast. Turkey does containL-tryptophan. an essential amino acid with a documented sleep inducing effect. L-tryptophan is used in the body to produce the B-vitamin. niacin. Niacin. in turn. is used toproduce serotonin. a neurotransmitter that exerts a calming effect and regulates sleep.However. L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any otheramino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy.

TrpO:-'"

Ar-Qnl..aliC. c.rNOO <octddt:;:.••,:--.~bC<~ylas:o

~ C02

DEEPlKA.S & SIRljA.K, II UG

~~~~

.:. A freshman at eagle rock junior high won first prize at the greater Idaho Fallsscience fair. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become toalarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in ourenvironment. In his project, he urged people to sign a petition, demanding strictcontrol or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide". and forplenty of good reasons. since

.:. It is a major component in acid rain .•:. It can cause severe bums in gaseous state .•:. Accidental inhalation can kill.:. It decreases the efficiency of automobile brakes.:. It is a huge contributor to erosion.:. It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients .•:. It can cause excessive sweating & vomiting

50 people were asked to sign. 46 people signed to ban it. 3 were undecided and only Iperson realized that it was water.

GAYATRI, I UG

19

CITIUS .. ALTIUS ..Fc9R,TIUS ..

Cf~.l~_-Repf'OductlOn ri~ D:bfa'~t,omi

'f/NIW.b.l'loon$to'ek.'com

It's universally conceded that anabolic steroids are used by nearly all national andinternational athletes in a world dominated by muscularity and strength. Because, drugshave a positive effect in stimulating red blood cell formation, some runners and sprintersuse them in the belief that a greater number of red cells will cause greater delivery ofoxygen to the working muscles. Let us look into the chemistry of these drugs.

SYMPATHOMIMETICS

Amphetamines like sympathomimetics stimulate the central nervous system as well asthe cardiovascular system. In addition they increase glycogenand fatty acid metabolism. Such compounds have been shownto improve athletic performance to various degrees in strengthand endurance exercises, improve reaction times and reducefatigue. amphetamine

CAFFEINECaffeine has been used in sports as a stimulant, to counterdrowsiness, to improve endurance and to enhance bodybuildingworkouts. Caffeine stimulates the Central Nervous System toincrease mental alertness and increases adrenaline release. It alsoincreases the hydrolysis and utilization of fats in the body for energy,while its effect on muscle glycogen has been mixed. Caffeine is alsobelieved to enhance muscular contraction.

caffeine

PEPTIDE HORMONES

A variety of peptide hormones have been used by athletes, ~HO H2N

which include human growth hormones (HGH), II \\norepinephrine, human chorionic gonadotrophin, HO '1_ ~ OH

corticotrophin and pituitary and synthetic gonadotrophins.HGH stimulates lipolysis in adipose tissues and NOREPINEPHRINE

20

gluconeogenesis in the liver; its anabolic effects are believed to be mediated by insulinlike growth factors. Athletes have used HGH to increase muscle mass and strength.

ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS

These steroids are synthetic analogues of testosterone andas the name suggests their actions are both anabolic(muscle building) and androgenic (masculinizing).Testosterone and anabolic- androgenic steroids havewidespread physiological effects. With regards toergogenic properties, these agents promote the growth ofskeletal muscles, increase strength and promote healing ofmuscle tissue. They also enhance erythropoiesis and causeaggression.

° TESTOSTERONE

BETA- BLOCKERS

These are used to improve performance in anaerobic events that requires steadiness andcontrol such as in shooting and archery. These drugs are ~used to improve aim by decreasing tremors and shaking. IFurther, these will reduce the heart rate and elite shooters HOjo ~are trained to shoot between heartbeats to avoid any I Ivibrations that may occur. One such beta-blocker is ~N ~

propranolol. H PROPRANOLOL

Most physicians abhor the use of steroids by healthy athletes, or persons -- not steroidaldoctors, who, because of the lure of the lucre, or a "sincere" belief, argue that they canmonitor the usage of drugs -- for quicker and better results. Let us shun the use of steroidsfor we on our own are capable of going "Faster, Higher, Stronger".

R.ABILASHA & RA TI SHARMA, III UG

Is it possible for a metal to memorize its shape when we humans tend to forget our veryown name? It can and William J Buehler has proved this possible. Buehler whileexperimenting with the alloys of two transition metals, Nickel and Titanium discoveredthat they did not lose their desirable properties when bent and shaped.

Memory metal is an alloy with about the same number of Ni and Ti atoms. The alloysremember its shape because of the arrangement of these atoms in the solid phase. Whenthe atoms are arranged in the highly symmetric phase (austenite), the alloy is relatively

21

rigid. The metal is trained to remember its shape by twisting or bending it to the desiredshape when in this phase. When the alloy is cooled below its phase transitiontemperature, it enters a less symmetric but flexible phase (martensite). Below itstransition temperature, the metal is fairly soft and may be bent and twisted out of shape.When warmed, the metal returns to its original shape. This unusual alloy is now calledNITINOL. Nitinol is now used as vascular stents, in orthodontics and as sunglass frames .

•••••j.?1r~~lAustenite • Morten ••'" •face C.nt.,.d Cubic BodV C.n •••..•d Tetragonal

MartensH_ I. 4.3% lorger bV vOlume.

X:><··'··"··~ -j

"

~

"

•••

.'w .. - wIJ '·V... .•.

RINI RAVINDRANATH, III UG

<H~A\J>HPN..

Great events in Chemistry. ...

CHECK OUT FOR THE BENZENE RINGS!!!

1865: Kekutc. moments before his br-iftiaruinsight into the structure of benzene.

22

NOBEL LAUREATES OF THE DECADE

1995Paul J. Crutzen, Mario ..1J. Molina, F. Sherwood The N~therlands,

Rowland Mexico, U.S.

"For their work in atmosphericchemistry ,in particular ozone

depletion"

"for his'di~ov,ery :of',an.ion:-" ',~s~~ing~~~~'N'~+II<+""

. J\l":e~e"

:.-::

:'Forth~ii discQv~ry an4devt?Jopmentof(:~m<lu(:ti~epQlYD:u~rs'~

23

rI ;i;=~:~~~f:' i .u~:,:a; , rFOr~;~:e~~~~~:;o~~Ysedl/2001 rK,::arp:t-:r"F~hiSo;~~~=~,?WY~d:I I .._-' '.-' -~t=,···-----·,..~-.......:----~----~..•.....-~'''.,.;-.--.''·~I ill 1I I', "For their development of methods II Kurt Wuthrich, John B.I Switzerland, I for identification. and structure II 2002 Fenn, Koichi Tanaka 1 V.S., Japan I analyses of biological II I 'I' macromolecules" . II! ! Ij----i -----·-r------··--··--···-·~j---------···---·--·--·-·-4

2003 Peter Agre, Roderick i V S V S !"For discoveries concerning channels IMacKinnon I .. ,.. I. in cell membranes" ·.1r-t-·.----~-..-----t-·---- ....·------····~-1

I . , !I··2004 I =~~Z:~.Israel,Israel,I "Fotmediscoveryofubiqillti~-i~~_~':"n~:.--l-~~-_-I~-=:red pro~elOdeg~~~1

I I I .'

IRobert Grubbs, f V S V S I "For the development of the I

2005 Richard Schrock and i . F".'" I metathesis method in organic II Yves Chauvin 1 ranee I synthesis" !

-~-----. ··---------t--·--··-------··+---··-----·--- ii! , i

II I i "F hi di f he molec I I. 2006 I'R 0 K b I V S '. or IS stu res 0 t e mo ec.u ar I! oger. om erg I • • • b . f ki . . " '. . I ! asis 0 eu aryotic transcnptton iI I l ,l_ ..._L . .__l_. . ..l ..__..'_'. . e-l

Compiled by SUBHA.B, III UG

<H~A\}>HlJN

.....

~ .

"," l{tyV,W24

CUP\D'S CHEM\STRYDoes love have anything to do with the heart?In recent years scientists have uncovered the chemistry behind love. They have provedlove is more to do with genes, neurons and chemical messengers such as hormones andpheromones.

BRAIN; the anchor:With functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) or magneto-encephalo-graphic(MEG) scanning, researchers are able to pin down several key regions of the brain thatappear to be involved in intense romantic feelings. Specifically they recorded activationof the right ventral mid brain and the dorsal caudate body and the caudate tail. All ofthese regions are unrelated to the primeval instincts and emotions such as fear but theyare linked to the reward system that can get us addicted to drugs.

DOPAMINE: the chemical of love:A key feature of the brain involves signaling pathways using the hormone andneurotransmitter DOPAMINE.

SEROTONIN; culprit for obsession:Donatella Marazziti; a psychiatrist at the university of Italy investigated the hormonalchanges connected to obsessive disorder and found low serotonin levels in the blood. Adecrease in functionality of serotonin transporters in the blood rated on a passionate lovescale (PLS) can turn phase romantic love into obsession.

OXYTOCIN: the "cuddle hormone":A key molecule for the attachment phase is the hormone oxytocin, a nonapeptide thatinduces labor and lactation but later has been found to have a secondary job linked tofeelings oftrust as the human "cuddle hormone".

PHEROMONES; chemical messenger of love:Pheromones are chemicals intended for communication between individuals of the samespecies. Pheromones are recognized by receptors located in a very small part of the noseknown as Jacobson's organ or vomero-nasal organ (VNO)Hiroko Kimoto showed that a non-volatile mouse pheromone ESP-l (exocrine glandsecreting peptide) is released from the tear glands of the male mouse and after face-to-face contact, activates receptors in the females VNO .It remains unclear whether malehuman tears have the same effect on the female of the species.

To a romantically inclined chemist, it is a wonderful feelingthat chemical messengers are the ones that turn the world around.

NITHYA SANTHANAM, I PG

25

ROGER D. KORNBERG was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for hisfundamental studies concerning how the information stored in the genes is copied, andthen transferred to those parts of the cells that produce proteins.He gave an actual picture of this process at the molecular level, in the important group oforganisms called eukaryotes (which, as opposed to bacteria, have well-defined cellnuclei).

A CENTRAL PROCESS:

Ordinary yeast as well as mammals belong to the eukaryotic group of organisms.Constant transcription of the genetic information in the DNA is a central process for allliving beings. If the transcription process is interrupted the organism will soon die, sinceall protein production in the cells ceases.

Knowledge about the transcription process is also fundamental for understanding howstem cells develop into different kinds of specific cells, with well-defined functions indifferent organs.

The transcription process starts with the DNA-double helix opening up so that a strand of'naked' building blocks can be used as a template in creating an RNA-strand.The key lies in a special enzyme that carefully governs this process: RNA-polymerase.The polymerase molecule keeps the DNA-strand in the right position during transcriptionand creates a minuscule "cavity", so small that it will only accept the RNA building blockthat fits with the opposing DNA building block exactly. Once a new building block hasbeen inserted in the right place, the DNA-strand is prompted forward by a small helicalstructure in the polymerase.

SPONTANEOUS CHANGES:

This spring-like structure flips back and forth thanks to constant spontaneous changes inshape of the polymerase because of which a new building block is added to the growingRNA strand. In an ingenious manner Kornberg has managed to freeze the constructionprocess of RNA halfway through, simply by leaving out one of the necessary buildingblocks from the solution he uses. When the construction reaches the point where themissing building block should be inserted the whole process stops. Kornberg has thencreated crystals of the molecules involved, and 'taken their picture' using X-rays. Thispicture is of course not an ordinary photo but an image of the molecules in theircrystalline form. Starting with such a picture, a computer can calculate the real positionof atoms in the molecules. These images make it possible to understand the molecularmechanisms governing the transcription process.

26

VARIETY IN FUNCTION:

Kornberg found answers on the working of genes by using yeast cells in laboratory work,which like mammals are eukaryotes. Ten years of study made it possible for Kornberg toproduce RNA polymerase and general transcription factors in the adequate form andquantity to create crystals to investigate. DNA-helix includes parts called enhancers,which bind to specific substances that are found in different tissues. In this mannertranscription of certain genes is stimulated in certain tissues. Kornberg discovered thatthis regulation requires the presence of yet another molecular complex, transmitting thesignals and thereby switching the transcription on or off. This 'relay-complex is calledMediator. The great complexity of eukaryotic organisms is actually enabled by the fineinterplay between tissue-specific substances, enhancers in the DNA and Mediator. Thediscovery of Mediator is therefore a true milestone in the understanding of thetranscription process.

RA TI SHARMA, III UG

"Okay-who put my lunch through the mass spectrometer .. ?"

27

SMRRT DRUGS SMRRT DEllVER9The advent of Nanotechnology has opened doors to cater to the needs of both medicinaland electronic fields; more specifically, in the field of medicine. Nanoscale devices arebeing developed to target the process of early detection, molecular imaging and assessingthe therapeutic efficacy and developing drugs to prevent and control cancer.

New tools engineered at sizes much smaller than a human cell, which enable researchers,and clinicians to detect cancer earlier, treat it with greater precision and fewer sideeffects, and possibly stop the disease long before it becomes malignant. A nanoparticlecan be used to light up a tumor, destroy cancer cells by converting magnetic fields intoheat. and allow the physician to visually track the progress of treatment. Various researchstudies, have demonstrated that biodegradable nano particles containing two potentcancer-fighting drugs are effective in killing human breast tumors. The unique propertiesof the hollow shell nano particles. known as polymersomes. allow them to deliver twodistinct drugs paclitaxel, the leading cancer drug known by brand names such as Taxol.and Doxorubicin directly to tumors implanted in mice.

I DOXORUBICIN ITAXOL-WONDER DRUG

OCH, ° Po

CH,

OH

NH,____. . . ---J

The drug delivery polymersomes can break down in the acidic environment of the cancercells. allowing the targeting of these drugs within tumor cells. The large polymersmaking up the shell allow pacIitaxel. which is a water-soluble drug stays within theinterior of the polymersome until it degrades.

The Nano-technological approach is used to prevent/diagnose cancer, where it is possibleto deliver drugs to systems in body where the conventional drug carriers have failed.

This is an abstract of the paper that was presented in the national seminar conducted bythe NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Trichy on October s" and wasawarded the SECOND PRIZE.

JENNIFER LAWRANCE, I PC

28

. Het

There is several chemiluminescent chemical reactions, but the luminol and oxalatereactions are most commonly used for light sticks and glowsticks. American Cyanamid'sCyalume light sticks are based on the reactions of bis (2,4,5-trichlorophenyl-6-carbopentoxyphenyl) oxalate (CPPO) with hydrogen peroxide. The fluorophors (FLR) inthis reaction are the chemicals that rovide the colour of the Ii ht sticks

AOO~CI-=>=<_ O-C-C-O-)-..(_- CI + H202 + FLR

CI c-~ 0-;C CI__0 0CSHll 'C H5 11

+ 2e02 + FLR

s f h fl d h dd d h 'k d li horne 0 t e orescent ryes t at are a e to t ese stic s to re ease co ore 19l tareBlue 9,lO-diphenylanthraceneGreen 9,1O-bis (phenylethynyl) antraceneYellow l-chloro-9, 10 bis (phenylethynyl)

antracene or RubreneOrange 5,12- bis (phenylethynyl)-naphthacene or

Rhodamine 6GRed Rhodamine B

A red florescent pigment is molded into a plastic tube that encases the light stickchemicals the red emitting pigment absorbs the length from the high yield bright yellowreaction and reemits it as red, thus giving it a characteristic glow.

SYED RAFIA. A, III UG

<H~A\J>HDN

29

smau 'WiJili)i:ilSTwo new molecules have been discovered in an interstellar cloud near the center of theMilky Way Galaxy. This discovery will help molecules form in the better understandingof complex processes by which large space.

o~PROPANAL

o~PROPENAL

Propenal and propanal were detected in a large cloud of gas and dust some 26,000 light-years away in an area known as Sagittarius B2. Such clouds, often many light-yearsacross, are the raw material from which new stars are formed.

So far, about l30 different molecules have been discovered in interstellar clouds. Thescientists identified the two new aldehydes by detecting a number of frequencies of radioemission in what is termed the K-band region (18 to 26 GHz) of the electromagneticspectrum.

Molecules with the aldehyde group are particularly interesting since several biologicallysignificant molecules, including a family of sugar molecules, are aldehydes.

This discovery can be used to fully explore the possibility that a significant amount ofprebiotic chemistry may occur in space long before it occurs on a newly formed planet.Comets form from interstellar clouds and incessantly bombard a newly formed planetearly in its history. Craters on our Moon attest to this. Thus, comets may be the deliveryvehicles for organic molecules necessary for life to begin on a new planet. The GBT isnow a key instrument in exploring chemical evolution in space.

ANANDHI .P, III UG

<H~A\J>HPN..

30

NATIONAL WO'RKSHOP ONNANOST'RUCTU'REDMA TE'RIALS AND

APPLICATIONS

A REPORTNanoscience is a multidisciplinary emerging field with a variety of applications based onthe small size of the particles. Nanotechnology is the art of developing superior and tinierprobes, devices etc to put nanoparticles (dia 10.9 m) to a gamut of applications.

A National Workshop on Nanostructured materials and applications was arranged by thedepartments of Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Botany, Physics, Chemistr~ and Zoology,Stella Maris College with collaboration from lIT Madras from 23rd to 2St January 2007to explore the plethora of opportunities.

Dr.K.A.Padmanabhan, Prof Of Eminence, Anna University was the keynote speaker atthe inauguration. His inspiring talk about super plasticity of 3D structures set the tone forthe seminar, which consisted of 8 sessions.Dr. Anil Kumar, Dept of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore indicated theprinciples involved in preparing nanomaterials and Dr. Shanti V. Nair, Centre forNanosciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, gave an explanatory talkabout how they can be used for efficient drug delivery, wound healing and otherbiomedical applications. Prof. Dhathathreyan, Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, ARCInternational, Chennai, explained how nanotubes could help to overcome the gapbetween supply and demand in the energy sector. Dr. Sundar, IGCAR, Kalpakkamnarrated the obstacles involved in making nanoscale devices and how they are used in theremote operations in defense exercises and equipment.

Prof. Ramaprabhu, Dr. Ramachandra Rao, Dr. Vijayan and Dr. Pradeep of IndianInstitute of Technology, Madras, covered the advances in the fields of metalnanoparticles, thin films, nanorods, nanoclusters and fabrication of fuel cells from'fundamentals to frontiers'. Dr. Prem Kumar, CECRI, Karaikudi, opened up the optionof using nanostructures for Lithium ion batteries as metal filled carbon nanotubes.

Dr. Rebanta Bandhopadhyay (Dr. Reddy's Laboratory Ltd., Hyderabad) called for theindustry-academia interface in using nanomaterials economically.

A videoconference with Dr. Apparao Mohanrao, Dept of Physics and Astronomy,Clemson University, U.S.A was also arranged for the participants. The interactive sessionwas exciting as the physical walls dissolved and we were able to discuss about singlewalled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

The paper presentation session brought out the current work of young researchers on avariety of nanomaterials and their applications. A visit to the laboratories in IITM gave us

31

practical exposure to the intricacies involved in the preparation and applications ofnanostructured materials.

The seminar attracted participants from all over the country and local colleges who wereeager to be updated on the latest trends in the field. The participants, for the organization,facilities, choices of speakers and topics, appreciated the seminar. The participants wereable to appreciate the famous statement of R. Feynmann " there is plenty of room at thebottom" for research, excitement and applications.

DR. JESURIETTA SATHIAN, FACULTY, DEPT OF CHEMISTRY

32

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service in the fields of transport, engineering, granites and

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projects with the same degree of sincerity and dedication as

in the year 1935, when it started its operations.

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Regd office : Rani Seethai Hall,603, Anna Salai, Chennai 600006.

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NANOSTRUCTUIlELJ MATERIALS AND APPUCATIONS