Estimation of flocculation structure in filled polymer composites by dynamic rheological measurements

 The frequency and concentration dependences of the storage modulus (G ^′) for carbon black and short-carbon-fiber-filled polymer composites were investigated by means of dynamic rheological measurements. It was found that G ^′ at low frequencies and amplitudes could be used as a sensitive experimental parameter for detecting the flocculation structure of the ultra-fine-particle-filled polymer composites. Correlation of electrical resistivity of the composites to the relative storage modulus, G ^′ _r(=G ^′ _c/ G ^′ _p), revealed that the three-dimensional interparticle networks start to construct through the matrix when G ^′ _r increases to 7 regardless of the composite systems. Quantitative calculations in order to determine the flocculation structure were carried out by means of the modified Kerner equation. A plot of the calculated value, defined as the floc index A, dependence of electrical resistivity for various systems was found to be a universal curve. Accordingly, we suggest that A might universally correspond to the flocculation structure of the filler, which is independent of the nature of the filler, the molecular weight, the chemical composition of the polymer and the temperature at which the measurement is made. This method is particularly effective for estimating the flocculation structure of ultra-fine-particle-filled polymer composites no matter whether the filler is conductive or not. Received: 26 May 1999/Accepted in revised form: 28 September 1999     

Actual activation energy of electrode process under mixed kinetics conditions

In the case of a single-electron reaction with account for slow diffusion of reagents, equations for actual (experimentally determined) activation energies of two types were derived and analyzed: real energy A f, i.e., the energy measured at a constant electrode polarization value η = const) and formal energy (Ω_f, i.e., the value measured at a constant value of potential vs. an ambiguously chosen reference electrode E = const). It is found that under the conditions of a sufficiently significant deviation from equilibrium, the actual activation energy A _f is the weighted arithmetic mean of the diffusion activation energy and the sum of A ₀ + αFη (where A ₀ is the real activation energy of the discharge stage at polarization of η = 0); herewith, the weighting coefficients are the corresponding values of the current of the discharge stage and the limiting diffusion current. A similar relationship is also obtained for Ω_f. It is found that the A _f, η- and Ω_f, E-curves can in a number of cases feature regions with the negative A _f and Ω_f values in the mixed kinetics range.     

Suppression of MDR1 gene expression by chemically modified siRNAs

The ability of chemically modified siRNAs targeted to MDR1 mRNA to inhibit P-glycoprotein expression and to restore sensitivity of cancer cells to antibiotic vinblastine was investigated. The effects of chemical modifications on RNA stability in cell culture medium and inhibition of MDR1 gene expression were tested. We found that siRNAs containing 2′-O-methyl ribonucleotides within either sense or/and antisense strands display high stability in serum but exhibit a significant reduction in the biological activity. The protection of 3′-ends of siRNA by introduction of 3′-3′-inverted phosphodiester bonds and two 2′-O-methyl ribonucleotides in protruding 3′-ends considerably increase their biological activity, which allows a 30-fold decrease in the cytostatic agent concentration required for cancer cell death. The data obtained demonstrate that the chemically modified siRNAs can be considered as potential therapeutics, which enhances the efficiency of cancer chemotherapy. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1227–1235, July, 2006.     

Kinetic model of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) thermal degradation from experimental non-isothermal data

The non-isothermal data given by TG curves for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) were studied in order to obtain a consistent kinetic model that better represents the PHB thermal decomposition. Thus, data obtained from the dynamic TG curves were suitably managed in order to obtain the Arrhenius kinetic parameter E according to the isoconversional F-W-O method. Once the E parameters is found, a suitable logA and kinetic model (f(α)) could be calculated. Hence, the kinetic triplet (E±SD, logA±SD and f(α)) obtained for the thermal decomposition of PHB under non-isothermal conditions was E=152±4 kJ mol⁻¹, logA=14.1±0.2 s⁻¹ for the kinetic model, and the autocatalytic model function was: f(α)=α^m(1−α)ⁿ=α^0.42(1−α)^0.56.     

Effects of substituent on the DNA-binding of ruthenium(II) complexes containing asymmetric tridentate intercalative ligands

Three novel unsymmetric tridentate ligands, namely, ptmi (ptmi = 3-(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)-as-triazino[5,6-f]-5-methoxyisatin), pti (pti = 3-(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)-as-triazino-[5,6-f]isatin), ptni (ptni = 3-(1,10-phenanthroline-2-yl)-as-triazino[5,6-f]-5-nitroisatin), and their complexes [Ru(tpy)(ptmi)](ClO₄)₂ (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) (1), [Ru(tpy)(pti)](ClO₄)₂ (2), and [Ru(tpy)(ptni)](ClO₄)₂ (3) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, ES–MS. The electrochemical behaviors were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The DNA-binding properties of these complexes were investigated by the spectroscopic method, viscosity measurements, and thermal denaturation. Theoretical studies on these complexes were also performed with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The experimental results showed that these complexes bind to calf thymus (CT-DNA) in an intercalative mode. The order of DNA-binding affinities (A) of these complexes is A(1) < A(2) < A(3). The trend in the DNA-binding affinities of this series of complexes can be reasonably explained by the DFT calculations.     

Correlation of counterions with rodlike macroions as assessed by anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering

We consider the analysis of a rodlike synthetic polyelectrolyte in solution by anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) in order to elucidate the correlation of the counterions with the highly charged macroion. ASAXS can be applied to these systems because the absorption edge of typical counterions, for example, bromine or iodine ions can be attained by synchrotron radiation. Model calculations using the Poisson–Boltzmann cell model show that ASAXS furnishes two terms caused by the anomalous dispersion of the counterions. The leading terms is a cross-term between the ordinary scattering amplitude of the polyelectrolyte and the real part of the scattering length f ′ of the counterions. A second term refers solely to the anomalous contribution of the counterions, i.e., to f ′ and f ′′ ( f ′′: imaginary part of scattering length). Preliminary data obtained from rodlike synthetic macroions having iodine counterions corroborate the theoretical deductions. They demonstrate that ASAXS is capable of furnishing information that is not available by the ordinary SAXS experiment. Received: 11 December 2000/Accepted: 22 February 2001     

Constant time interval method for analysis of reaction rate data

In the study of chemical kinetics, many integrated reaction rate equations have the form In [f(A) + a] = bt + c, where a, b, and c are constants and f(A) is some function of the concentration of a reactant (or product) which can be calculated from the data. The left-hand side of this equation cannot be graphed versus time if the constant a is unknown. However, it is shown that f(A2) varies linearly with f(A₁) if A₂ is the concentration of reactant measured at a constant time interval later than A₁. The constants a and b can be determined from the linear graph. A number of specific examples are considered.     

Spirocyclohexadienones: XIII. Reactions of schiff bases with enamines derived from 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline and with spiro[naphthalene-1,3′-pyrrol]-4-one

Addition of 1,3,3-trimethyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines to N-benzylideneanilines gives substituted N-[2-(3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1-yl)-1-phenylethyl]anilines, whereas 2′,5′,5′-trimethyl-4′,5′-dihydro-4H-spiro[naphthalene-1,3′-pyrrol]-4-one reacts with N-benzylideneanilines along two pathways involving cyclization to substituted 2,3,3a,4,10,11-hexahydrobenzo[f]pyrrolo[2,3-d]quinolin-5(1H)-ones or elimination of the aniline residue with formation of substituted 5′,5′-trimethyl-2-styryl-4′,5′-dihydro-4H-spiro[naphthalene-1,3′-pyrrol]-4-ones.     

Theoretical studies on N-loss predissociation mechanisms of N2O+ (A?2Σ+) in Cs symmetry

The N-loss predissociation mechanisms of the A ²Σ⁺ (2 ² A′) state of N₂O⁺ to the first and second dissociation limits were studied in the C _s symmetry. The potential energy curves (PECs) and minimum energy crossing points (MECPs) for the C _s states of N₂O⁺ were calculated at the CAS levels. On the basis of our CAS calculation results (CASPT2 energetic results and CASSCF spin orbit couplings), we suggest two processes for N-loss predissociation mechanisms of A ²Σ⁺ (2 ² A′) to the first and second limits. The first two steps in the two processes are the same: A ²Σ⁺ passes through the 2 ² A′/1 ⁴ A″ MECP and then reaches the 1 ⁴ A″ (1 ⁴Σ⁻) PEC. The 2 ² A′/1 ⁴ A″ MECP has a bent geometry and is slightly higher in energy than the transition state along the 1 ⁴ A″ PEC. Our mechanisms are different from the previously suggested mechanisms (via 1 ⁴Π).     

Theoretical investigation on the structural and electronic properties of complexes formed by thymine and 2′-deoxythymidine with different anions

Hydrogen bonding interactions between thymine nucleobase and 2′-deoxythymidine nucleoside (dT) with some biological anions such as F⁻ (fluoride), Cl⁻ (chloride), OH⁻ (hydroxide), and NO₃ ⁻ (nitrate) have been explored theoretically. In this study, complexes have been studied by density functional theory (B3LYP method and 6-311++G (d,p) basis set). The relevant geometries, energies, and characteristics of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) have been systematically investigated. There is a correlation between interaction energy and proton affinity for complexes of thymine nucleobase. The nature of all the interactions has been analyzed by means of the natural bonding orbital (NBO) and quantum theory atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approaches. Donors, acceptors, and orbital interaction energies were also calculated for the hydrogen bonds. Excellent correlations between structural parameter (δR) and electron density topological parameter (ρ _b) as well as between E(2) and ρ _b have been found. It is interesting that hydrogen bonds with anions can affect the geometry of thymine and 2′-deoxythymidine molecules. For example, these interactions can change the bond lengths in thymine nucleobase, the orientation of base unit with respect to sugar ring, the furanose ring puckering, and the C1′–N1 glycosidic linkage in dT nucleoside. Thus, it is necessary to obtain a fundamental understanding of chemical behavior of nucleobases and nucleosides in presence of anions.     

Approximation of any physicochemical constants of homologues with the use of recurrect functions

Dependencies of various physicochemical constants of organic compounds (A) versus number of carbon atoms in the molecule within different homologous series [A = f(n _C )] usually are non-linear. The simplest recurrent equation A(n + 1) = a A(n) + b, connecting A-values for homologues (n + 1 carbon atoms) with the values of the same constants for previous members of series (n carbon atoms), indicates practically “ideal” linear character for most properties of organic compounds. It is the reasonable basis for approximation (or extrapolation) any physicochemical constants within any homologous series using the standard approach without special selection of appropriate algebraic functions. Principal mathematical properties of the function A(n + 1) = aA(n) + b and some of its chemical applications are considered.     

Kinetic Analysis of Thermal Decomposition of Ca(OH)2 Formed During Hydration of Commercial Portland Cement by DSC

In this paper, evaluation of kinetic parameters (the activation energy – E,the pre-exponential factor – A and the reaction order – n) with simultaneous determination of the possible reaction mechanism of thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide (portlandite), Ca(OH)₂ formed during hydration of commercial Portland-slag cement, by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in non-isothermal conditions with a single heating–rate plot has been studied and discussed. The kinetic parameters and a mechanism function were calculated by fitting the experimental data to the integral, differential and rate equation methods. To determine the most probable mechanism, 30 forms of the solid-state mechanism functions, f(α_c) have been tried. Having used the procedure developed and the appropriate program support, it has been established that the non-isothermal thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide in the acceleratory period (0.004<α_c<0.554) can be described by the rate equation: d α_c/dT=A/βexp(−E/RT)f(α_c), which is based on the concept of the mechanism reaction:f(α_c)=2(α_c)^1/2. The mechanism functions as well as the values of the kinetic parameters are in good agreement with those given in literature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quenching of Li (2P) by H2: potential energy surfaces, conical intersection seam, and diabatic bases

The quenching of Li (1s ²2p; ²P) to Li (1s ²2s; ²S) by H₂ is considered using coupled-cluster and multireference configuration-interaction techniques. C _{2 v} (²A₁, ²B₂) and C _{∞ v} (²Π,²Σ⁺) sections of the 1²A^′ and 2²A^′ potential energy surfaces are determined. The C _{2 v} portion of the 1²A^′−2²A^′ seam of conical intersection is studied. Perhaps the most significant finding is a surprising trifurcation of this seam into a portion with only C _s symmetry and the aforementioned C _{2 v} portion. The adiabatic-to-diabatic state transformation is considered in the vicinity of the seam of conical intersection using both perturbation theory and the dipole moment operator. The ²B₂ section of the 2²A^′ potential energy surface exhibits an exciplex in the general vicinity of the seam of conical intersection. The ²Π section of the 2²A^′ potential energy surface possesses a global minimum lying 1.86kcal/mol below the Li (²P)+H₂ asymptote. A van der Waals-like minimum with C _{∞ v} symmetry was found on the 1²A^′ potential energy surface. Received: 14 August 1998 / Accepted: 20 August 1998 / Published online: 11 November 1998     

Benzo-1,2,3,4-tetrazine 1,3-dioxides annulated with tetraazapentalene systems 3. Annulation at the C(7)—C(8) bond

Thermolysis of 7-azido-8-(2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-y1)-1,2,3,4-benzotetrazine 1,3-dioxide and 7-azido-8-(l H-1,2,3-triazol-l-yl)-1,2,3,4-benzotetrazine 1,3-dioxide afford new heterocyclic systems, viz., 7,11-dehydro-7H, 11H [1,2,3]triazolo[l′,2′:2,3][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-f]-[1,2,3,4]benzotetrazine 1,3-dioxide and 7,9-dehydro-7 H, 9H [1,2,3]triazolo[2′,1′:2,3]-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-f][1,2,3,4]benzotetrazine 1,3-dioxide, respectively, and their thermal stability has been studied.     

Determination of benzoate by paper chromatography with visualization due to its inhibitory activity in the reaction of the photosensitized autooxidation of pyrogallol A

The oxidation of 1,2,4-triacetoxybenzene (Pyrogallol A) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzydine by air oxygen in presence of tris-(2,2′-dipyridyl)ruthenium(II) as a photosensitizer is studied upon irradiation by visible light. The photooxidation of pyrogallol A was inhibited selectively by benzoate at pH 9–11. The rate of the reaction was not affected by other carboxylic acids but was influenced by short-chained aliphatic amines and transition metals. We developed a semiquantitative procedure for the determination of benzoate by paper chromatography. Therein, a common solution of pyrogallol A and a photosensitizer were used for the visualization followed by irradiation with an incandescent bulb. Benzoate was detected as a light spot with R _f ∼ 0.3 against a brown background. The measurement of reflectance intensity for the spot by reflectometry allowed the determination of 1 × 10⁻⁵–0.01 M benzoate within a precision of half-order of magnitude. The procedure was validated by comparison to the data of capillary electrophoresis and used to test beverages containing benzoate at levels of 10⁻⁴–10⁻³ M.     

Thermodynamic behavior of D-sphingosine/cholesterol monolayers and the topography observed by AFM

Lipid rafts are of a dynamic microdomain structure found in recent years,enriched in sphingolipids,cholesterol and particular proteins.The change of structure and function of lipid rafts could result in many diseases.In this work,the monolayer behavior of mixed systems of D-sphingosine with choles-terol was investigated in terms of the mean surface area per molecule(Am),excess molecular area(Aex),surface excess Gibbs energy(Gex),interaction parameter(ω),activity coefficients(1 and 2) as well as elasticity(C...     

Cubane derivatives

NewN,N′-bis- andN,N,N′, N′-tetrakis-hydroxyalkyl-substituted 1,4-cubanedicarboxamides were synthesized. Nitration of these compounds yielded the corresponding nitrates. The reaction of 1,4-cubanedicarboxylic acid dichloride with ethylene glycol mononitrate and glycerol dinitrate gave ester 1,4-[R¹R²CHOC(O)]₂C₈H₆, where R¹=H and R²=CH₂ONO₂; and R¹=R²=CH₂ONO₂, respectively. The cardiopharmacological activity of some of the synthesized compounds was determined. This allowed us to find for the first time cubane derivatives that exhibit this kind of biological activity. The antiischemic activity of one of these compounds,N,N′-bis(2-nitroxythyl)-1,4-cubanedicarboxdiamide, is higher than that of the well-known Nicorandil. For Part 2, see Ref. 1. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1169–1172, June, 1998.     

Determination of enthalpies of formation of organic free radicals from bond dissociation energies

The values of C−H and C−I bond dissociation energies were used to calculate the enthalpies of formation (δH _f ^o of 20 cyclic and conjugated hydrocarbon radicals (R′). The values of δH _f ^o (R′) were analyzed in terms of the quantitative structure-property correlation based on the additive-group model, and the reliability of these data was shown. Based on the correlation, several strain energies of cycles and energies of conjugation of a lone electron with a ρ-system were calculated. The additive-group method for calculation of δH _f ^o can be extended for radicals of the naphthalyl type. For Part 2, see Ref. 1. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 286–288, February, 1999.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and thermal decomposition kinetics of complex [Nd(BA)<Subscript>3</Subscript>bipy]<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The complex of [Nd(BA)₃bipy]₂ (BA = benzoic acid; bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and TG/DTG techniques. The crystal is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/n. The two–eight coordinated Nd³⁺ ions are linked together by four bridged BA ligands and each Nd³⁺ ion is further bonded to one chelated bidentate BA ligand and one 2,2′-bipyridine molecule. The thermal decomposition process of the title complex was discussed by TG/DTG and IR techniques. The non-isothermal kinetics was investigated by using double equal-double step method. The kinetic equation for the first stage can be expressed as dα/dt = A exp(−E/RT)(1 − α). The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH ^≠, ΔG ^≠, and ΔS ^≠) and kinetic parameters (activation energy E and pre-exponential factor A) were also calculated.     

An alternative approach for predicting peak width in gas chromatography

Summary The linear relationship between natural logarithm of width factor (lnp′)and natural logarithm of retention factor (lnk) is demonstrated. This relationship is then used to establish the relationship between (lnp′), absolute temperature (T), and carbon number (z), as follows: Inp′=A+bz+c/T+dz/T where A, b, c and d are thermodynamically related constants. The above equation is used to predict the unadjusted widths (w _R ) ofn-alkanes, fatty alcohols and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) at various temperatures, predicted values are in good agreement with experimental values. The above equation can be used to predict the width of FAMEs from rice bran oil. The largest difference between the experimental and predicted values is 0.66 s or 6.32%.