Neil Burford

Bio: Neil Burford is an academic researcher from University of Victoria. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lewis acids and bases & Coordination complex. The author has an hindex of 37, co-authored 229 publications receiving 5601 citations. Previous affiliations of Neil Burford include University of Alberta & Dalhousie University.

Phosphine coordination complexes of the diphenylphosphenium cation: a versatile synthetic methodology for P-P bond formation.

Abstract: A series of phosphine−diphenylphosphenium donor−acceptor cationic complexes have been synthesized and comprehensively characterized (phosphine = diphenylchlorophosphine, triphenylphosphine, trimethylphosphine, and tricyclohexylphosphine). The complexes involve homoatomic P−P coordinate bonds that are susceptible to ligand exchange reactions highlighting a versatile new synthetic method for P−P bond formation. Phosphenium complexes of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene and 1,2-bis(tert-butylphosphino)benzene undergo unusual rearrangements to give a “segregated” diphosphine−phosphonium cation and a cyclic di(phosphino)phosphonium cation, respectively. The rearrangement products reveal the kinetic stability of the phosphine−phosphenium bonding arrangement.

catena-phosphorus cations.

Abstract: Recent advances towards a systematic development of catena-phosphorus cations are reviewed. The cations represented in this new and developing chapter in fundamental phosphorus chemistry complement the series of neutral and anionic polyphosphorus compounds.

Targeted Drug Delivery via the Transferrin Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis Pathway

Abstract: The membrane transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis or internalization of the complex of transferrin bound iron and the transferrin receptor is the major route of cellular iron uptake. This efficient cellular uptake pathway has been exploited for the site-specific delivery not only of anticancer drugs and proteins, but also of therapeutic genes into proliferating malignant cells that overexpress the transferrin receptors. This is achieved either chemically by conjugation of transferrin with therapeutic drugs, proteins, or genetically by infusion of therapeutic peptides or proteins into the structure of transferrin. The resulting conjugates significantly improve the cytotoxicity and selectivity of the drugs. The coupling of DNA to transferrin via a polycation or liposome serves as a potential alternative to viral vector for gene therapy. Moreover, the OX26 monoclonal antibody against the rat transferrin receptor offers great promise in the delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier to the brain.

Engineering BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanostructures for highly efficient photocatalytic applications

Abstract: Heterogeneous photocatalysis that employs photo-excited semiconductor materials to reduce water and oxidize toxic pollutants upon solar light irradiation holds great prospects for renewable energy substitutes and environmental protection. To utilize solar light effectively, the quest for highly active photocatalysts working under visible light has always been the research focus. Layered BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) are a kind of newly exploited efficient photocatalysts, and their light response can be tuned from UV to visible light range. The properties of semiconductors are dependent on their morphologies and compositions as well as structures, and this also offers the guidelines for design of highly-efficient photocatalysts. In this review, recent advances and emerging strategies in tailoring BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanostructures to boost their photocatalytic properties are surveyed.