Determination of Aristocularine Enantiomers by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Chiral High-performance Liquid Chromatography

Here is reported a novel analytical approach for the extractive separation and determination of enantiomeric ratios of aristocularine in bovine serum albumin. The results demonstrate suitable analytical performances. The separation was performed by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography with a 5-µm column using a mobile phase of 1:1 n-hexane:ethanol at a flow rate of 0.7?mL?min^?1 with ultraviolet–visible absorption, circular dichroism, and polarimetric detection. The enantiomers were eluted at 13.2 and 15.6?min for (+) and (?)-aristocularine, with a resolution of 1.58 and a separation factor of 1.27. The analytical parameters for the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction were optimized; under these conditions, the extraction recoveries were from 88.6% to 93.9% for a two-step extraction. The precision, reported as the percent relative standard deviation, had values from 2.9% to 3.2% for 0.5?µg?mL^?1 of analyte for five replicate measurements using ultraviolet–visible absorption and circular dichroism detection. The limits of detection were between 0.05 and 0.08?µg?mL^?1 with enrichment ratios up to a value of 12.     

A Dissipative Reaction Network Drives Transient Solid–Liquid and Liquid–Liquid Phase Cycling of Nanoparticles

Transient states maintained by energy dissipation are an essential feature of dynamic systems where structures and functions are regulated by fluxes of energy and matter through chemical reaction networks. Perfected in biology, chemically fueled dissipative networks incorporating nanoscale components allow the unique properties of nanomaterials to be bestowed with spatiotemporal adaptability and chemical responsiveness. We report the transient dispersion of gold nanoparticles in water, powered by dissipation of a chemical fuel. A dispersed state that is generated under non-equilibrium conditions permits fully reversible solid–liquid or liquid–liquid phase transfer. The molecular basis of the out-of-equilibrium process is reversible covalent modification of nanoparticle-bound ligands by a simple inorganic activator. Activator consumption by a coupled dissipative reaction network leads to autonomous cycling between phases. The out-of-equilibrium lifetime is tunable by adjusting the pH value, and reversible phase cycling is reproducible over several cycles.     

Ionic Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Supported Liquid Membrane Analysis of Lipophilic Wood Extractives from Dissolving-Grade Pulp

In this study, the extraction of lipophilic wood extractives from dissolving pulp samples using ionic liquid–liquid extraction and a two phase hollow fibre supported liquid membrane was investigated. Ionic liquids are capable of dissolving a range of organic and polymeric compounds and are biodegradable, with a negligible vapour pressure. Pulp samples were dissolved in a suitable amount of molten 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride to give 5 % cellulose solution. Pure cellulose was regenerated by adding water and filtered off. The ionic liquid-aqueous filtrate was first extracted for lipophilic extractives using liquid–liquid extraction. Then, a two phase hollow fibre supported liquid membrane extraction of lipophilic extractives was performed to extract the derivatized compounds prior to analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The operational parameters of this sample preparation approach were optimised using sterols and fatty acid methyl esters. The variation of enrichment factors and extraction efficiency with respect to liquid membrane, extraction time, stirring speed and sample pH were observed and used to get the optimal parameters. The approach was used in the analysis of oxygen bleached dissolving pulp samples in which main compounds identified were fatty acids, sterols, fatty alcohols, steroid hydrocarbons and ketones. These compounds were similar to those obtained using molecular solvent extraction method, which indicated the absence of chemical reaction between extractives and ionic liquid used.

     

Dynamic and Rheological Properties of Span 80 at Liquid–Liquid Interfaces

The adsorption characteristics of Span 80 at liquid/liquid interfaces were investigated. The equilibrium interfacial tension values were successfully fitted with a Langmuir isotherm resulting in the determination of a mean molecular area from 25 to 35 Å²/mol. The measured interfacial tension values and deduced adsorption parameters depend on the experimental technique used to obtain them, either Du Noüy ring or profile analysis tensiometry. Two possible explanations to such phenomenon are provided. Adsorption kinetics of Span 80 at liquid/liquid interfaces were studied, and it was concluded that the diffusion of Span 80 molecules from the bulk is the rate determining step of the adsorption. Finally the interfacial rheology properties were investigated and compared to the Lucassen–van den Tempel model. A good match was obtained when the isotherm parameters determined by profile analysis tensiometry were used.      

Determination of Aflatoxins in Plant-based Milk and Dairy Products by Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and High-performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

The consumption of plant-based milk has increased due to their nutritional attributes. However, these products may contain aflatoxins if contaminated raw materials were used, although little concern is present in international regulation regarding this topic. In this work, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) was used for the determination of the most important aflatoxins (B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂) in oat, rice, coconut, almond, and birdseed plant-based milk and milk-based products enriched with oats, almonds, and walnuts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photochemical derivatization and fluorescence detection. Calibrations in matrix were performed for all of the samples, obtaining satisfactory linearity, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.994 for all of the aflatoxins. The precision in terms of repeatability and intermediate precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, was lower than 9.7%, and recoveries ranged between 82 and 104%, fulfilling current legislation for the determination of aflatoxins. In addition, the limits of quantification were 0.5?µg?L^?1 for the aflatoxins, allowing the determination of these compounds below the maximum levels established by European Commission in these commodities. Finally, 23 commercial products were analyzed to characterize the presence of these toxins.     

Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction and Ionic Liquid Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Hexachlorophene in Cosmetics

An efficient, simple, and fast method based on ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME) followed by magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) was developed as a new technique for extracting and purifying hexachlorophene (HCP) in cosmetics prior to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination. In this method based on IL-DLLME and MSPE, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₆MIM][PF₆]) is used as the extraction solvent and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are used to remove hydrophobic additives in the cosmetics by physical adsorption. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of the IL-DLLME and MSPE of HCP were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the method was linear in the range 0.5–40 µg mL^?1 with a correlation coefficient (R ²) of 0.9976 and had a detection limit of 0.14 µg mL^?1 at a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. The recoveries of HCP in three cosmetic samples using the proposed method were in the range 74.5–97.7%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 5) were in the range 3.8–6.7%. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of HCP in cosmetics.     

Determination of Cadmium in Human Serum and Blood Samples after Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Using a Task-Specific Ionic Liquid

Task-specific ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (TSIL-DLLME) is a simple and rapid preconcentration approach for the measurement of cadmium in serum and blood samples of human subjects. In this method a novel task-specific ionic liquid, trioctylmethyl ammonium thiosalicylate (TOMATS), which has dual characteristics as a chelating agent and extractive solvent, was investigated. TOMATS complexes with Cd due to the chelating effect of the ortho-positioned carboxylate relative to the thiol functionality. The assessment of the optimum values of variables including the pH, amount of reagents (TOMATS, diluents, Triton X114, and back extracting acid solution), temperature, and incubation time, which affect the recoveries of analyte by TSIL-DLLME method were studied. After enrichment experiments, acidic solution was used to back extract the metal ions from the ionic liquid rich phase and with determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Using the optimal experimental conditions, the limit of detection (3?s), precision (relative standard deviation), preconcentration, and enhancement factors of developed method for Cd were found to be 0.05?µg/L, greater than 5%, 62.5, and 52.8, respectively. To check the accuracy of the developed method, certified reference material of serum and blood were analyzed by the developed method, and the measured values of Cd were in good agreement with the certified values. The developed method was applied successfully to determine Cd in blood and serum samples of lymphatic cancer patients relative to healthy controls.     

Chemistry of the Positive and Negative Electrical Discharges Formed in Liquid Water and Above a Gas–Liquid Surface

The physical processes and chemical reactions that take place inside different temperature plasma zones in water are only partially understood. The present study uses the emission spectroscopy and hydrogen peroxide measurements as indicators of the processes that take place on the gas–liquid boundary and inside plasma. Based on the hydrogen peroxide measurements with negative and positive high-voltage polarities as a function of solution conductivity, it was concluded that the main difference between positive polarity plasma and negative polarity plasma lies in the active radical concentration inside plasma. Data suggested that in the positive polarity electrical discharge the hydrogen peroxide concentration depends on the solution pH, whereas in the negative polarity discharge, it depends on the solution conductivity. Also, only in the negative polarity discharge do some of the electrons that are emitted from the high voltage electrode diffuse into the bulk where they react with the solutes.     

Absorption and Capture of Methane into Ionic Liquid

A reversible storage-release process switched by a temperature difference of 10℃around room temperature can be realized. This fast, recyclable, energy efficient, low cost and green system within a wide range of temperature and pressure is reported here for the first time. The system is believed to open up a new route for the storage and homogeneous utilization of methane.     

Excess Molar Volumes and Liquid–Liquid Equilibria of the Ionic Liquid 1-Methyl-3Octyl-Imidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Mixed with Butan-1-ol and Pentan-1-ol

Experimental densities were measured for the system 1-methyl-3-octyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate [OMIM][BF₄] + butan-1-ol, + pentan-1-ol at 298.15 K and ambient pressure using a vibrating tube densimeter, taking into account the influence of the viscosity correction. Excess molar volumes V^E have been determined. V^E is quite small and negative in the alcohol-rich range of the mixture composition and positive in the alcohol-poor range. LLE data of [OMIM][BF₄] + pentan-1-ol have been measured using a laser light scattering cell for detecting cloud points at different compositions in the temperature range of 282–292 K. A miscibility gap with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of 292 K has been found.     

Determination of Herbicides in Soil by Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction,Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction,and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A method for determination of five herbicides (i.e., quinclorac, metsulfuron-methyl, bensulfuron-methyl, atrazine, prometryn) in soil was developed by dispersive solid-phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. The analytes were removed from the soil by liquid partitioning with acetonitrile/5% acetic acid, purified using a octadecylsilane sorbent, and subsequently extracted before chromatographic analysis. Under the optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range was from 10.0 to 300 ng g^?1 with correlation coefficients (r) between 0.9971 and 0.9985. The limits of detection were between 1.5 and 3.1 ng g^?1, with relative standard deviations from 3.8% to 6.7% (n = 5). The recovery of the herbicides from soil at fortification levels of 20.0 and 100.0 ng g^?1 were between 71.5% and 94.3%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of the analytes in soil.     

Determination of Phthalate Esters in Wine Using Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Gas Chromatography

A simple and rapid efficient method was developed for the determination of phthalate esters using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. A mixture of isopropanol (0.75 mL, dispersant) and carbon tetrachloride (30 µL, extractant) with sodium chloride (1%, w/v) was used for extraction. Under optimum conditions, the method provided linear calibration curves between 0.5 and 200 µg L^?1 for dibutyl phthalate, and 1.0 and 200 µg L^?1 for butyl benzyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and diisooctyl phthalate. The relative standard deviations for intra-day and inter-day analyses were less than 5.8% and 6.9%, respectively, with enrichment factors between 229 and 424. Two wine samples were analyzed with recoveries between 70.1% and 119.3%.     

Homogeneous Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Water and Fruit Samples

A fast and effective preconcentration method for extraction of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was developed using a homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction based on phase separation phenomenon in a ternary solvent (water/methanol/chloroform) system. The phase separation phenomenon occurred by salt addition. After centrifugation, the extraction solvent was sedimented in the bottom of the conical test tube. The OCPs were transferred into the sedimented phase during the phase separation step. The extracted OCPs were determined using gas chromatography–electron capture detector. Several factors influencing the extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. Optimal results were obtained at the following conditions: volume of the consolute solvent (methanol), 1.0 mL; volume of the extraction solvent (chloroform), 55 μL; volume of the sample, 5 mL; and concentration of NaCl, 5 % (w/v). Under optimal conditions, the preconcentration factors in the range of 486–1,090, the dynamic linear range of 0.01–100 μg L^?1, and the limits of detection of 0.001–0.03 μg L^?1 were obtained for the OCPs. Using internal standard, the relative standard deviations for 1 μg L^?1 of the OCPs in the water samples were obtained in the range of 4.9–8.6 % (n = 5). Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for extraction and determination of the OCPs in water and fruit samples.     

Simultaneous Derivatization and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction for Fatty Acid GC Determination in Water

Simultaneous derivatization and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction technique for gas chromatographic determination of fatty acids in water samples is presented. One hundred microlitre of ethanol:pyridine (4:1) were added to 4 mL aqueous sample. Then a solution containing 0.960 mL of acetone (disperser solvent), 10 μL of carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent) and 30 μL of ethyl chloroformate (derivatization reagent) were rapidly injected into the aqueous sample. After centrifugation, 1 μL sedimented phase with the analytes was analyzed by gas chromatography. The effects of extraction solvent type, derivatization, extraction, and disperser solvents volume, extraction time were investigated. The calibration graphs were linear up to 10 mg L^?1 for azelaic acid (R ² = 0.998) and up to 1 mg L^?1 for palmitic and stearic acids (R ² = 0.997). The detection limits were 14.5, 0.67 and 1.06 μg L^?1 for azelaic, palmitic, and stearic acids, respectively. Repeatabilities of the results were acceptable with relative standard deviations (RSD) up to 13%. A possibility to apply the proposed method for fatty acids determination in tap, lake, sea, and river water was demonstrated.     

Solid Supported Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Chemical Warfare Agents and Related Chemicals from Water

Solid-supported liquid–liquid extraction was optimized to extract the chemical warfare agents and their non-toxic analogues from water. The developed method was compared to the conventionally used liquid–liquid extraction. This method yielded high recoveries (70–80%) of non-toxic analogues of chemical warfare agents and good recoveries (65–75%) of the nerve agent sarin and Lewisite-III. The limits of detection of non-toxic analogues of CWAs, and toxic sarin and Lewisite-III, in selected ion monitoring and full scan mode, varied from 0.01 to 0.5 μg mL^?1 and 0.1 to 1.0 μg mL^?1 respectively.     

Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Micro-Solid Phase Extraction for the Rapid Determination of Metals in Food and Environmental Waters

A rapid and novel two-step dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and dispersive micro-solid phase extraction method was established for the separation and enrichment of trace cadmium, nickel, and copper in food and environmental water prior to determination by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the first microextraction step, carbon tetrachloride was employed to extract metal-diethyldithiocarbamate chelates from aqueous solution with ultrasound. In the following step, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles were added and used to collect the analytes in the organic solvent. The sample pH, type and volume of extraction solvent, mass of magnetic nanoparticles, concentration of the chelating agent, concentration of sodium chloride, and sonication time were optimized. The linear dynamic range was from 0.01 to 20 micrograms per liter with correlation coefficients between 0.9990 and 0.9992. Enrichment factors were 78, 79, and 81 for cadmium, nickel, and copper, respectively. The limits of detection for cadmium, nickel, and copper were 0.007, 0.009, and 0.017 micrograms per liter, with relative standard deviations from 1.1 to 2.6 percent. The developed method was validated by the determination of cadmium, nickel, and copper in rice and mussel certified reference materials, food, and environmental water with satisfactory results.     

Simultaneous Determination of Deltamethrin and Permethrin in Water Samples Using Homogeneous Liquid–Liquid Microextraction via Flotation Assistance and GC-FID

A new method was developed for the simultaneous determination of deltamethrin and permethrin in water samples with homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction via flotation assistance and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. A special extraction cell was designed to facilitate collection of the low density solvent extracts. The sample solution was added into the extraction cell, which contained an appropriate mixture of n-hexane (as an extraction solvent) and acetone (as a homogeneous solvent). Air flotation allowed the extraction solvent to be collected from the top of the solution. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity was observed in the range of 1.0–200 μg L^?1 with a correlation coefficient (r ²) greater than 0.9980 for both of the analytes. The limits of detection were 0.2 and 0.3 μg L^?1 for deltamethrin and permethrin, respectively (S/N = 3). The developed method was successfully applied to determine the two pesticides in three different water samples.     

Liquid—Liquid Equilibria for the Water-ethanol-methyl Ethyl Ketone Ternary System at 298.15 and 318.15 K

Abstract

Ternary liquid—liquid equilibrium data for the system water-ethanol-methyl ethyl ketone were obtained at 298.15 and 318.15 K. Data for the binodal curves have been determined by the cloud-point method and conjugate points on tie-lines were determined by gas-chromatographic analysis. Tie-line data at each temperature were satisfactorily correlated by the Othmer and Tobias' method and the plait points coordinates were estimated. The experimental data were also fitted with the UNIFAC group contribution method for the activity coefficients using the isoactivity conditions as restraint equations and with the NRTL and UNIQUAC models.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New UV-curable Liquid Crystalline Diacrylates

A series of UV-curable liquid crystalline diacrylates were synthesized by using 4, 4‘-(terephthaloyldioxy) dibenzoic acid as a mesogen unit.