A series of hypercrosslinked polymer networks has been synthesized by the self-condensation of bischloromethyl monomers such as dichloroxylene (DCX), 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (BCMBP), and 9,10-bis(chloromethyl)anthracene (BCMA). These materials are predominantly microporous and exhibit Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas of up to 1904 m 2 /g as measured by N 2 adsorption at 77.3 K (Langmuir surface area ) 2992 m 2 /g). Networks based on BCMBP exhibit a gravimetric storage capacity of 3.68 wt % at 15 bar and 77.3 K, the highest yet reported for an organic polymer. The micro-and mesostructure of the networks is explained by a combination of solid-state NMR, gas sorption measurements, pycnometry, and molecular simulations. The isosteric heat of sorption for H 2 on these materials is found to be in the range 6-7.5 kJ/mol. A molecular model is presented for a p-DCX network that simulates well certain key physical properties such as pore volume, pore width, absolute density, and bulk density. This model also predicts the isotherm shape and isosteric heat for H 2 sorption at 77.3 and 87.2 K but overestimates the absolute degree of H 2 uptake, most likely because of a degree of occluded, inaccessible porosity in the real physical samples.

The enzyme α-methylacyl CoA racemase (AMACR) is involved in the metabolism of branched-chain fatty acids and has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer. By using the recently available human AMACR from HEK293 kidney cell cultures, we tested a series of new rationally designed inhibitors to determine the structural requirements in the acyl component. An N-methylthiocarbamate (Ki=98 nM), designed to mimic the proposed enzyme-bound enolate, was found to be the most potent AMACR inhibitor reported to date.

Redx Pharma has discovered a novel series of topoisomerase inhibitors that are being further developed for drug-resistant bacteria.

AMACR is a good pharmacological target for treatment of PCa and TFIP is a suitable anticancer compound with parenteral administration being the preferred route.

Magnesium dry cells patterned after the conventional Leclanché cell now appear to be worthy of acceptance in many applications. The cell contains a magnesium alloy anode, MnO2+BaCrO4+normalacetylene black cathode , magnesium bromide electrolyte inhibited with lithium chromate, and a paper separator. The cell is characterized chiefly by very high capacity, particularly when the load resistance is designed for the voltage level of the cell. In series batteries, the optimum number of cells is 15 to 30 per cent less than the number of Zn cells required for the desired voltage. Cells made during the early stages of development have now been successfully stored two years, retaining more than 85 per cent of their initial capacity. Low temperature discharge properties are highly promising and tropical storage properties are outstanding.