Determination of perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid in sewage sludge samples using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A new method is developed for the determination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in sewage sludge samples. The analytes in sewage sludge samples are extracted by methanol and formic acid, cleaned by C18 solid-phase extraction, then separated, identified and quantitated by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS). A C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) with gradient elution of MeOH–H₂O (60:40) containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate and MeOH–H₂O (80:20) is used for the chromatographic separation. [M−K]⁻ ions at m/z 498.93 for PFOS and [M−COOH]⁻ ion at m/z 368.97 for PFOA are selected for QTOF-MS in the negative electrospray ionization mode. The detection limits for PFOS and PFOA in sewage sludge samples are 0.5 and 0.8 ng/g, respectively. The spiked recoveries are in the range of 85–114 and 71–98% for PFOS and PFOA, respectively. The proposed method is successfully applied to the analysis of PFOS and PFOA in 16 sewage sludge samples from China. PFOS and PFOA are detected in most sewage sludge samples and the concentrations of PFOS and PFOA are up to 5383 and 4780 ng/g (oven dry weight), respectively.     

Chains, ladders and sheets of d metal–organic polymers generated from the flexible bipyridyl ligands

By use of the three-layer diffusion method, reactions of flexible bipyridyl ligands (4,4′-bpp or 3,3′-bpp) with M(II) salts (M = Zn, Cd) and multi-carboxylate ligands resulted in the formation of four interesting d¹⁰ metal–organic coordination polymers: [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)Br₂]_n (1), [Zn(μ-4,4′-bpp)(1,2-bdc)]_n · nH₂O (2), [Zn(μ-3,3′-bpp)(1,3-bdc)]_n · nCH₃OH · 2nH₂O (3) and [Cd(μ-3,3′-bpp)(C₄H₂O₄)]_n · 3nH₂O (4) (4,4′-bpp = 2,2′-bis(4-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; 3,3′-bpp = 2,2 ′-bis(3-pyridylmethyleneoxy)-1,1′-biphenylene; bdc=benzenedicarboxylate, C₄H₄O₄ = fumaric acid). Complex 1 has a 2D sheet structure consisting of two unusual zigzag Zn(II) chains which are nearly perpendicular to each other. Complex 2 is comprised of two-leg ladders, in which [Zn(4,4′-bpp)] chains serve as the side rails and 1,2-bdc ligands serve as the cross rungs. In complex 3, every two 1,3-bdc ligands connect the neighbouring Zn(II)-3,3′-bpp dimetallic rings in η¹ coordination modes into an interesting chain structure. Complex 4 consists of an anionic macrocycle-containing cadmium dicarboxylate sheets that are separated by 3,3′-bpp. These d¹⁰ metal complexes exhibit high thermal stabilities and strong luminescence efficiencies.     

Synthesis, water stability and proton conductivity of novel sulfonated polyimides from 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl-3,3′-disulfonic acid

A novel sulfonated diamine monomer, 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl-3,3′-disulfonic acid (BAPBDS) with the high basisity and flexible structure was synthesized by direct sulfonation of 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl (BAPB). Sulfonated polyimides (SPIs) were prepared from 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTDA), BAPBDS and nonsulfonated diamines such as BAPB. The SPI membranes showed much higher water stability at high temperatures than other sulfonated diamine-based SPIs reported so far. Their water vapor sorption isotherm, water uptake (WU), density, dimensional change and proton conductivity σ were investigated. The SPIs showed rather isotropic dimensional changes with WU and the volume increases were slightly smaller than those estimated from the additivity. The SPIs with ion exchange capacities (IECs) of 1.9–2.7 meq/g displayed the similar relationship between σ and WU each other, which was different from those of Nafion 117 and also of the SPIs with the lower IECs. The former SPIs showed reasonably high σ values of 10⁻² S/cm or more even at WU of 25 g/100 g dry polymer under 70% RH at 50 °C, whereas the latter showed the similarly high σ values only in liquid water, but not in the nearly saturated water vapor.     

Synthesis, structure and nuclease activity of copper complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands bearing ammonium groups

A series of Cu(II) complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine bearing ammonium groups [Cu(L¹⁻⁴)₂Br]⁵⁺ (1–4, L¹ = [5,5′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L² = [5,5′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L³ = [4,4′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L⁴ = [4,4′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺ and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) were synthesized, of which complexes 1 and 4 were structurally characterized. Both coordination configurations of Cu(II) ions can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramid. The interaction between all complexes and CT-DNA was evaluated by thermal-denaturation experiments and CD spectroscopy. Results show that the complexes interact with CT-DNA via outside electrostatic interactions and their binding ability follows the order: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. In the absence of any reducing agents, the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA by these complexes was investigated and the hydrolysis kinetics of DNA was studied in Tris buffer (pH 7.5) at 37 °C. Obtained pseudo-Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters: 15.0, 13.6, 2.01 and 1.69 h⁻¹ for 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, indicate that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit very high DNA cleavage activities. According to their crystal data, the high nuclease activity may be attributed to the strong interaction of the metal moiety and two ammonium groups with phosphate groups of DNA.     

A new three-dimensional supramolecular network, [Cd(Hbic)2(H2O)]·(4,4′-bpy)·H2O (H2bic = 1-H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid; 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine): Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescence property

A photoluminescent supramolecular compound [Cd(Hbic)₂(H₂O)]·(4,4′-bpy)·H₂O, H₂bic = 1-H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. With CH–π stacking and hydrogen bond, the 4,4′-bipyridine is used as template to construct the neighboring layers into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Solid-state emission spectrum of compound 1 shows luminescence with emission peak at 565 nm.     

Sul-containing fluorinated polyimides for optical waveguide device

Novel sul-containing fluorinated polyimides have been synthesized by the reaction of 2,2′-bis-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfide (TFDAS) with 1,4-bis-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride (HQDPA), 2,2′-bis-(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA), 4,4′-oxydiphthalicanhydride (ODPA) or 3,4,3′,4′-biphenyl-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (s-BPDA). The fluorinated polyimides, prepared by a one-step polycondensation procedure, have good solubility in many solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and m-cresol. The molecular weights (M_n's) and polydispersities (M_n/M_w's) of polyimides were in the range of 1.24 × 10⁵ to 3.21 × 10⁵ and 1.59–2.20, respectively. The polymers exhibit excellent thermal stabilities, with glass-transition temperatures (T_g) at 221–275 °C and the 5% weight-loss temperature are above 531 °C. After crosslinking, these polymers show higher thermal stability. The films of polymers have high optical transparency. The novel sul-containing fluorinated polyimides also have low absorption at both 1310 and 1550 nm wavelength windows. Rib-type optical waveguide device was fabricated using the fluorinated polyimides and the near-field mode pattern of the waveguide was demonstrated.     

Analysis of 27 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by matrix solid-phase dispersion and isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in sewage sludge from the Spanish area of Madrid

A method for the determination of 27 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in urban, industrial or rural zones is presented. PAHs were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) assisted by sonication. Purification of extracts was carried out by solid-phase extraction with C(18) and PAHs were eluted with acetonitrile. PAHs were determined by isotope dilution gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion-monitoring mode (GC-MS-SIM), using deuterated PAHs as internal standards. The limits of detection ranged from 0.03 ng/g for acenaphthylene to 0.45 ng/g for benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thyophene. After optimization, the method was validated with a certified reference sludge. The proposed analytical method was applied to determine PAH levels in sewage sludge samples collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In most of the examined samples, phenanthrene was the main compound with a mean concentration of 1062 ng/g. PAHs were detected in all of the samples, with total concentrations between 390 and 6390 ng/g dry weight for the 27 PAHs analyzed and from 310 to 5120 ng/g dry weight for the sum of the 10 PAHs considered in the draft European Union directive.     

Assessment of pesticide contamination in soil samples from an intensive horticulture area, using ultrasonic extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

In order to reduce the amount of sample to be collected and the time consumed in the analytical process, a broad range of analytes should be preferably considered in the same analytical procedure. A suitable methodology for pesticide residue analysis in soil samples was developed based on ultrasonic extraction (USE) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). For this study, different classes of pesticides were selected, both recent and old persistent molecules: parent compounds and degradation products, namely organochlorine, organophosphorous and pyrethroid insecticides, triazine and acetanilide herbicides and other miscellaneous pesticides. Pesticide residues could be detected in the low- to sub-ppb range (0.05–7.0 μg kg⁻¹) with good precision (7.5–20.5%, average 13.7% R.S.D.) and extraction efficiency (69–118%, average 88%) for the great majority of analytes. This methodology has been applied in a monitoring program of soil samples from an intensive horticulture area in Póvoa de Varzim, North of Portugal. The pesticides detected in four sampling programs (2001/2002) were the following: lindane, dieldrin, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, 4,4′-DDE, 4,4′-DDD, atrazine, desethylatrazine, alachlor, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, pendimethalin, procymidone and chlorfenvinphos. Pesticide contamination was investigated at three depths and in different soil and crop types to assess the influence of soil characteristics and trends over time.     

Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sewage sludge by matrix solid‐phase dispersion and isotope dilution GC–MS

A method for the determination of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants is presented. PBDEs were extracted by matrix solid‐phase dispersion assisted by sonication and determined by isotope dilution gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode, using labelled ¹³C‐PBDEs as internal standards. The limits of detection and quantification for the tri‐ to hepta‐BDEs were in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 ng/g dry weight and 0.15 to 1.8 ng/g dry weight, respectively, and 1.6 ng/g dry weight and 5.6 ng/g dry weight for deca‐BDE‐209. The proposed analytical method was applied to determine PBDE levels in sewage sludge samples collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In all of the examined samples, BDE‐100 and BDE‐154 were the main compounds found with a mean concentration of 3.9 and 2.0 ng/g, respectively. PBDEs were detected in all of the samples, and their total concentrations not considering BDE‐209 were between 3.9 and 23.0 ng/g dry weight. The dominant PBDE congener in sewage sludge was BDE‐209, which constituted 38.7 to 97.3% of the total, and showed concentration levels ranging from 8.1 to 717.2 ng/g dry weight.     

Spectral and photophysical properties of mono and dinuclear Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes: An unusual emission behaviour

Eight mononuclear complexes of the formula [M(N-N)(DHB)] and two binuclear complexes of the formula [M₂(BPY)₂(THB)] where M = Pd(II) or Pt(II), N-N = 2,2′-bipyridine (BPY), 2,2′-biquinoline (BIQ), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DPP), 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN); DHB = dianion of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and THB = tetraanion of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrahydroxy benzaldazine were prepared and their electrochemical, spectral and photophysical properties were examined. These complexes were characterized by chemical analysis, IR and proton NMR spectroscopy. A detailed study on the absorption spectroscopy of these complexes was made. These complexes were found to show a low-energy solvatochromic ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (LLCT) band. The electronic energies of these bands have been analyzed and compared with electrochemical data. Emission behaviour of the complexes of the series, [Pt(N-N)(DHB)], [Pt(N-N)(DHBA)] where DHBA is the dianion of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and [Pt₂(BPY)₂(THB)] was also investigated. These platinum complexes were found to emit from a low-energy state at low temperature and a high-energy state at room temperature. Photophysics of these complexes is also discussed.     

Optimised hydrothermal synthesis of multi-dimensional hybrid coordination polymers containing flexible organic ligands

In this paper, we summarise our recent research interest in the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterisation of multi-dimensional coordination polymers. The use of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (also referred to as H₄pmida) in the literature as a versatile chelating organic ligand is briefly reviewed. This molecule plays an important role in the formation of centrosymmetric dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units, which were first used by us as building blocks to construct novel coordination polymers. Starting with [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ in solution, we have isolated [M₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(H₂O)₁₀] species (where M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cd²⁺) via the hydrothermal synthetic approach, which were then employed for the construction of [CdVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5·(H₂O), [CoVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5, [Co(H₂O)₆][CoV₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) and [Cd₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)₂(H₂O)₄]·4(H₂O) by the inclusion of bridging organic ligands in the reactive mixtures, such as pyrazine (pyr) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy). These materials can contain channel systems, and exhibit magnetic behaviour, not only due to the V⁴⁺ centres but also to the transition metal centres which establish the links between neighbouring dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units. A closely related anionic moiety, [Ge₂(pmida)₂(OH)₂]²⁻, was engineered to allow the study of such crystalline hybrid materials using one- and two-dimensional high-resolution solid-state NMR.     

LC-MS determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and their carboxylic degradation products in influent and effluent water samples and sludges from sewage-treatment plants

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) have been determined in samples of the influent and the effluent, and in the sludge, from sewage-treatment plants (STP). LAS and sulfophenyl carboxylate compounds (SPC) were isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with the polymeric phase Isolute ENV, then determined by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The method enabled unequivocal identification of C10-C13 LAS by monitoring the ion at m/z 183 and the base peak corresponding to the [M-H]- ion. Average recoveries varied from 77-93% and the linear range of the method varied from 0.2 to 10 microg L(-1), with a limit of detection ranging from 10 ng L(-1) to 1.5 microg L(-1) when 200 mL waste water were preconcentrated. For sewage sludge, recoveries varied from 58 to 90% and the linear range was between 0.2 and 100 microg L(-1), with a detection limit ranging from 0.4 to 120 microg kg(-1) when 2.5 g sewage sludge was extracted. Unequivocal identification and determination of some metabolites of the LAS, the sulfophenyl carboxylate compounds (SPC), was achieved by monitoring [M-H]- ions.     

Silicalite-filled poly(siloxane imide) membranes for removal of VOCs from water by pervaporation

Silicalite-filled poly(siloxane imide) (PSI) membranes were prepared for the separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water via pervaporation. PSI copolymer was synthesized by polycondensation of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) with a siloxane-containing diamine, e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxane), bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated (PSX), added with 3,3-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS). 2,4,6-Triamine pyrimidine (TAP) was added into the casting solution in order to enhance the compatibility between the polymeric matrix and the filler, silicalite. The PSI membranes were characterized by SEM. The surface morphology for the membrane with the addition of TAP differs from that without TAP. The latter seems to be consisting of particles in the membrane surface. The sorption selectivity of the PSI membranes for chloroform/water solutions was investigated, and there was a highest value for it around 50 wt.% of PSX content. The pervaporation performance of the membranes was studied with the separation of chloroform/water mixture. The silicalite-filled membrane with 120 μm thickness exhibit a high total permeation flux of 280 g m⁻² h⁻¹ with separation factor of 52.2 for 1.2 wt.% of the chloroform/water mixture.     

Immobilization of antibody fragment for immunosensor application based on surface plasmon resonance

Biosurface fabrication using the Fab′ fragment of immunoglobulin (IgG) was carried out by self-assembly (SA) technique. The pepsin-digested monoclonal antibody (Mab) against bovine insulin containing the F(ab′)₂ fragment and residual proteins was separated using affinity chromatography and dialysis. To prevent the nonspecific binding of F(ab′)₂ onto gold (Au) substrate, the native disulfide bridge was reduced using dithiothreitol (DTT) to convert F(ab′)₂ into Fab′, which made the immobilization to be carried out via the native thiol (–SH) group. The fabricated biosurface using SA technique showed the formation of stable thin film through AFM topography. Through the concentration change of DTT and Fab′, the absorption characteristics against the Au surface were investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with the flow cell. The amount of immobilized antibody fragment and the antigen binding capacity were regulated with respect to the reduction state and concentration of F(ab′)₂. Based on the biosurface of the fabricated Fab′, the insulin-detection was carried out by the measurement of SPR. The proposed antibody surface could successfully detect the bovine insulin at the concentration from 100 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL.     

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) ionomers containing fluorenyl groups for fuel cell applications

A series of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (SPEs) containing fluorenyl groups as bulky components were synthesized and characterized for fuel cell applications. Introduction of disodium 3,3′-disulfo-4,4′-difluorophenyl sulfone (SFPS) monomer gave ionomers with high acidity and accordingly high proton conductivity as well as high proton diffusion coefficient (D_σ) at low humidity. The membrane of SPE60 (where the number denotes mole percentage of the component containing sulfonic acid groups; IEC (ion exchange capacity) = 1.68 mequiv./g) exhibited high proton conductivity of 4.6 × 10⁻³ S/cm at 40% RH and 80 °C, which is one order of magnitude higher than that (6 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) of our previous SPE (SPE-1, IEC = 1.58 mequiv./g). D_σ of SPE60 membrane was ca. 4 times higher than that of the SPE-1 membrane at low water volume fraction. SPE membranes showed good oxidative and hydrolytic stability as well as favorable thermal and mechanical properties. Small-angle X-ray scattering analyses showed that the phase separation of SPE membranes was much less developed than that of the perfluorinated Nafion membrane which accounts for lower hydrogen and oxygen permeability of the former membranes.     

Microwave-assisted extraction of pyrethroid insecticides from semi permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) used to indoor air monitoring

A rapid and environmentally friendly methodology was developed for the extraction of pyrethroid insecticides from semi permeable membrane devices (SPMDs), in which they were preconcentrated in gas phase. The method was based on gas chromatography mass–mass spectrometry determination after a microwave-assisted extraction, in front of the widely employed dialysis method. SPMDs were extracted twice with 30 mL hexane:acetone, irradiated with 250 W power output, until 90 °C in 10 min, this temperature being held for another 10 min. Clean-up of the extracts was performed by acetonitrile–hexane partitioning and solid-phase extraction (SPE) with a combined cartridge of 2 g basic-alumina, deactivated with 5% water, and 500 mg C₁₈.

Pyrethroids investigated were Allethrin, Prallethrin, Tetramethrin, Bifenthrin, Phenothrin, λ-Cyhalothrin, Permethrin, Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Flucythrinate, Esfenvalerate, Fluvalinate and Deltamethrin. The main pyrethroid synergist compound, Pyperonyl Butoxide, was also studied. Limit of detection values ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 ng/SPMD and repeatability data, as relative standard deviation, from 2.9 to 9.4%, were achieved. Pyrethroid recoveries, for spiked SPMDs, with 100 ng of each one of the pyrethroids evaluated, were from 61 ± 8 to 103 ± 7% for microwave-assisted extraction, versus 54 ± 4 to 104 ± 3% for dialysis reference method. Substantial reduction of solvent consumed (from 400 to 60 mL) and analysis time (from 48 to 1 h) was achieved by using the developed procedure.

High concentration levels of pyrethroid compounds, from 0.14 to 7.3 μg/SPMD, were found in indoor air after 2 h of a standard application.     

Determination of Chlorophenols in Sewage Sludge and Soil by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Ultrasonic-Assisted and Solid-Phase Extraction

Chlorophenols are a category of toxic pollutants that are ubiquitously present in the environment. This paper presents a reliable and feasible method for the determination of five chlorophenols in sewage sludge and soil using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The pretreatment involved ultrasonic-assisted extraction and solid-phase extraction purification with hydrophilic–lipophilic balance cartridges. LC-MS/MS equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in negative mode was used for detection, and multitude reaction monitoring mode was applied for data acquisition. The pretreatment and working conditions of LC-MS/MS were optimized to achieve satisfactory results. The intra-batch accuracies were 100.5–113.4% with relative standard deviations?≤?15.6% for the chlorophenols in sewage sludge and 71.3–102.7% with relative standard deviations?≤?14.0% for those in soil. The inter-batch accuracies were 86.1–100.5% (relative standard deviations?≤?33.6%) for sewage sludge samples and 70.5–112.5% (relative standard deviations?≤?28.2%) for soil samples, respectively. This method has been applied to the determination of chlorophenols in sewage sludge of wastewater treatment plants and soil collected from Guangzhou, China. Parachlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol were detected in some sewage sludge samples, with concentrations from 0.51 to 13.20?ng/g. In addition, parachlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol were found in all the soil samples with concentrations from 0.33 to 5.21?ng/g. The chromatographic behavior, on-filter adsorption behavior, and the relationship between optimal collision energies and degree of chlorination of the chlorophenols was investigated. This method will be conducive to environmental research focusing on pollution investigation of chlorophenols in the environment.     

Determination of musk fragrances in sewage sludge by pressurized liquid extraction coupled to automated ionic liquid‐based headspace single‐drop microextraction followed by GC‐MS/MS

A method for the quantitative determination of ten musk fragrances extensively used in personal care products from sewage sludge was developed by using a pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) followed by an automated ionic liquid‐based headspace single‐drop microextraction and gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The influence of main factors on the efficiency of PLE was studied. For all musks, the highest recovery values were achieved using 1 g of pretreated sewage sludge, H₂O/methanol (1:1) as an extraction solvent, a temperature of 80°C, a pressure of 1500 psi, an extraction time of 5 min, 2 cycles, a 100% flush volume, a purge time of 120 s, and 1 g Florisil as in‐cell clean‐up extraction sorbent. The use and optimization of an in‐cell clean‐up sorbent was necessary to remove fatty interferents of the PLE extract that make the subsequent ionic liquid‐based headspace single‐drop microextraction difficult. Validation parameters, namely LODs and LOQs, ranged from 0.5–1.5 to 2.5–5 ng/g, respectively. Good levels of intra‐ and interday repeatabilities were obtained analyzing sewage sludge samples spiked at 10 ng/g (n = 3, RSDs < 10%). The method applicability was tested with sewage sludge from different wastewater treatment plants. The analysis revealed the presence of all the polycyclic musks studied at concentrations higher than the LOQs, ranging from 6 to 530 ng/g. However, the nitro musk concentrations were below the LOQs or, in the case of musk xylene, was not detected.     

Synthesis, structures and reactivity of triosmium clusters containing terminal pyrazines, bridging hydroxy and methoxycarbonyl ligands

Four triosmium carbonyl clusters bearing terminal pyrazines, bridging hydroxy and methoxycarbonyl ligands of general formula [Os₃(CO)₉(μ-OH)(μ-OMeCO)L] (1, L = pyrazine; 2, L = 2-methylpyrazine; 3, L = 2,3-dimethylpyrazine; 4, L = 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine) were synthesized by the reactions of [Os₃(CO)₁₂] with the corresponding pyrazine derivatives and water in the presence of a methanolic solution of Me₃NO in moderate yields. Compounds [Os₃(CO)₉(μ-OH)(μ-OMeCO)L] react with a series of two electron donor ligands, L′ at ambient temperature to give [Os₃(CO)₉(μ-OH)(μ-OMeCO)L′] (5, L′ = PPh₃; 6, L′ = P(OMe)₃; 7, L′ = ^tBuNC; 8, L′ = C₅H₅N) in good yields by the displacement of the pyrazine ligands. This implies that the pyrazine ligands in 1–4 are relatively labile. Compounds 2, 3, 4, and 8 were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All the four compounds possess two metal–metal bonds and a non-bonded separation of two osmium atoms defined by Os(1)Os(3), which are simultaneously bridged by OH and MeOCO ligands and a heterocyclic ligand is terminally coordinated to one of the two non-bonded osmium atoms.     

Theoretical investigations of the substituent effect on the absorption and emission properties for a series of platinum (II) complexes supported by tetradentate N2O2 chelates

The photophysical properties, which vary as R is varied, of a series of [Pt(N₂O₂)] complexes bearing bis(phenoxy)bipyridine auxiliaries with different substituents R=H (Pt-H) (1), 4,4′-2NH₂ (Pt-NH₂) (2), 4,4′-2tBu (Pt-tBu) (3), 4,4′-2CN (Pt-CN) (4), and 4,4′-2NO₂ (Pt-NO₂) (5) are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The solvent effects are discussed in CH₂Cl₂, CH₃CN and CH₃OH solutions, respectively, by polarizable continuum model (PCM). It is anticipated that compared with σ-donor substituents, π-acceptors have more dramatic effects on the electronic and optical properties in this series of complexes. Introduction of π-electron withdrawing substituents on bipyridine ligand will benefit the LLCT (or MLCT) and prohibit the non-radiative pathways via d–d transitions by increasing the energy gap between the HOMO–LUMO and d–d transitions. The results also reveal that the lowest-energy excitations of all complexes show blue-shifts in the polarized solution and when the polarity of the solvent increases from CH₂Cl₂, CH₃CN and CH₃OH, the low-energy broad absorption band exhibit blue-shifts. The lowest-energy excitations and photoluminescence of all complexes are dominated by π(phenoxy)→π^*(bpy/NO₂) (LLCT) excited state mixed with some energetically dπ (Pt)→π^*(bpy/NO₂) (MLCT) transition.