Current Status of Polarography and Voltammetry in Analytical Chemistry

ABSTRACT

Even in the age of separations and atomic absorption electroanalytical methods can be methods of choice in some special cases. To decide when polarography with a dropping mercury electrode or voltammetry with other types of electrodes can be successfully used, limitations and advantages of analytical applications of these techniques are summarized. Examples of recent application to some basic problems (lack of conjugation in C=N-N=C groupings, acid-base and hydration-dehydration reactions) and applied problems (analyses of heterogeneous suspensions used in investigation of Me²⁺ with bile salts, adsorption of pesticides on lignin, alkaline cleavage of lignin under mild conditions) are given.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a sterically crowded acylguanidinate: RFC(O)NC(NMe2)2 (RF  2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)

The title compound R_FC(O)NC(NMe₂)₂ (2) was prepared in virtually quantitative yield by reacting R_FC(O)Cl with two equivalents of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylguanidine and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Due to severe steric crowding, the carbonyl group approaches a perpendicular arrangement (torsion angle of 70.1(2)°) with respect to the phenyl ring.     

Copper-catalyzed imination of pyridines using PhINTs as nitrene precursor

The reaction of PhINTs with pyridines in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu(II) triflate afforded the corresponding p-tolylsulfonyliminopyridinium ylides in excellent yields.     

IR spectroscopic study of the reactivity of aromatic 5-acyltetrazoloisoindoles

An IR study of the 5-acyl tetrazoloisoindoles solvent sensitive bands permit to assign the bands associated to the valence mode of the CO bond in the 1700-1500 cm⁻¹ area. This provides an explanation of the unusual stability of these newly synthesised compounds. Moreover, in air exposed solutions we observe the formation of unique degradation products. A mechanism for their formation and their probable structure was proposed with the help of IR spectroscopy.     

Current examples of practical and fundamental applications of DC polarography

Examples of recent applications—applied, analytical, and fundamental are given. For these types of applications, an understanding of at least the number of electrons and protons transferred and the sequences of electron transfers and chemical reactions is essential. Polarography can be used for the determination of the active component in tablets and injection solutions, where it offers speed and sensitivity of the analytical method. Electroactive species can also be determined in heterogeneous systems without pre-separation. This has been taken advantage of in the investigation of reactions of bile salts with heavy metal ions or of binding of pesticides and other toxins on lignin. Polarography can also be used in the investigation of alkaline cleavage of lignin under mild conditions. Kinetics of this cleavage was used as a tool in proving that humic acids are not natural products. Among fundamental applications belong proofs of limited delocalization in groupings >C=N–N=C<, of diprotonation of hydrazones and oximes at the electrode surface, as well as of formation of imines as intermediates in reductions of hydrazones and oximes. Simultaneous determination of benzaldehyde and its hydrazone enabled providing experimental evidence for formation of carbinolamines as reaction intermediates and interpretation of the pH dependence of the equilibrium constant of this reaction. Differences in hydration of three isomeric phthalaldehydes are discussed as well as the covalent hydration of 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-triazines and pyrimidines. The ω,ω,ω-trifluoroacetophenone oxime the C=N bond is covalently hydrated.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Alan Bond on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

A new reaction of phosphorylated N-sulfonylimines with hydrophosphoryl agents involving C → N transfer of phosphoryl groups

Hydrophosphoryl nucleophilic agents add to the CN bond of N-sulfonyltrichloroacetimidoylphosphonates to give unstable C,C-diphosphorylated adducts, which undergo competitive 1,2-C → N phosphorotropic rearrangement and dehydrochlorination with the formation of aza-Perkow reaction products, C,N-diphosphorylated dichlorovinylsulfonamides. This is the first reliably identified case of an aza-Perkow transformation for acid phosphites and their initial nucleophilic attack at the C atom of the azomethine bond in the aza-substrates.     

Correlation analysis of characteristic infrared spectral data of hydantoin derivatives: evidence for vibrational coupling

The characteristic vibrations (ν_CO and ν_CC) of a large number of hydantoin derivatives are reported. Especially the very fine correlations ν_CO(sym) versus ν_CO(asym) (r²=0.985) but also successful correlations of the vibration wave numbers to HAMMETT's substituent constants and some other experimental parameters (pK_s, OxPot, RedPot) as well, corroborate reassignments of previously obtained results [Monatsh. Chem. 92 (1961) 361] and prove the doublet obtained in the region of the CO stretching vibrations to be the symmetrical and anti-symmetrical vibrational modes of a mechanically coupled system of two quasi-symmetrical CO bonds.     

A novel imido-transfer reaction of aldehydes with Ph3PNTs using RuCl2(PPh3)3 as catalyst

(N-Tosylimino)triphenylphosphorane (Ph₃PNTs) was found to be an efficient imido-transfer reagent for the imidation of a variety of aldehydes using RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ as the catalyst.     

Synthesis and selective silylation of ω-hydroxy functionalized (η-alkenyl)carbene complexes of chromium(0) and tungsten(0) Part 11. The chemistry of metallacyclic alkenylcarbene complexes

Tungsten(0) carbene complexes of the type (OC)₅WC(NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OH)R 2 (R=Me: 2a; R=Ph: 2b) were generated by aminolysis of (OC)₅WC(OMe)R with cis-NHMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OH. Like their Cr-congeners 1, complexes 2 exist at room temperature as mixtures of Z- and E-isomers with regard to the C-N bond. The metallacyclic complexes (OC)₄WC(η²-NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OH)R (4) were obtained in good yields upon photo-decarbonylation of 2. Deprotonation/silylation of the complexes (OC)₄MC(η²-NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OH)Me (M=Cr: 3a; M=W: 4a) with one equivalent of ⁿBuLi/Me₃SiCl gave (OC)₄MC(η²-NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OSiMe₃)CH₃ (M=Cr: 5; M=W: 6), whereas with two equivalents of ⁿBuLi/Me₃SiCl complexes (OC)₄MC(η²-NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OSiMe₃)CH₂SiMe₃ (M=Cr: 7; M=W: 8) were formed. Hydrolysis of the latter yielded selectively (OC)₄MC(η²-NMeCH₂CHCHCH₂OH)CH₂SiMe₃ (M=Cr: 9; M=W: 10). The complexes 1-10 were analyzed in solution by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si, ¹H/¹H COSY, ¹H/¹H NOESY, ¹³C/¹H HETCOR).     

FT-IR measurement of tagitinin C after solvent extraction from Tithonia diversifolia

Tagitinin C, an antiplasmodial compound, identified as one major compound of the subtropical medicinal plant, Tithonia diversifolia, was determined by FT-IR spectroscopy method. The crude ether extracts from aerial parts of the plant were evaporated to dryness and re-dissolved in tetrachloroethylene (C₂Cl₄) before analysis.The magnitude of the absorbance of the very specific CO stretching vibration (ν_CO) at 1664.8 cm⁻¹ was exploited in order to quantify tagitinin C. The determination coefficient (r²) of the calibration scale was 0.9994, the detection limit was lower than 3 μg ml⁻¹ and the quantification limit was lower than 10 μg ml⁻¹.Recovery values from 100.5 to 101.7% were found for spiked concentration levels from 19.91 to 89.95 μg ml⁻¹. The main characteristics of the curves obtained from the calibration standards and from the standard addition technique were not statistically different (Student t-test) suggesting that matrix effects were negligible.The results obtained for the determination of tagitinin C in the crude ether extract from aerial parts of T. diversifolia by LC and FT-IR spectroscopic method agreed well: 0.76±0.02 and 0.773±0.009, of tagitinin C in dried plant respectively.     

Chemometric tools in electroanalytical chemistry: Methods for optimization based on factorial design and response surface methodology

The aim of this paper is to give a brief overview of chemometric techniques based on factorial designs and response surface methodologies used in the optimization of electroanalytical methods. Chemometric techniques have several important advantages over one-way optimization for analytical applications, including a relatively low cost, a reduced number of experiments, and possibilities to evaluate interactions among variables. These techniques also enable the selection of optimal experimental conditions, helping to avoid trivial mistakes during optimization. Despite these facts, chemometric techniques have rarely been applied to electroanalytical data, especially in comparison with their use in spectroscopy. The application of chemometric methods in electroanalytical chemistry has been mostly used for solving overlapping signals, multivariate calibration methods, model identification and optimization of analytical procedures. This review is focused on the latter applications and overviews the role of full or fractional factorial designs (first-order designs), as well as second-order designs, such as central composite, Doehlert and Box-Behnken designs, for optimization of electroanalytical methods. A discussion of chemometric-related advantages is also given for stripping analyses, flow injection systems with amperometric detection, differential pulse voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical sensor preparation.     

Cationic olefin Pd(II) complexes bearing α-iminoketone N,O-ligands: synthesis, intramolecular and interionic characterization and reactivity with olefins and alkynes

Complexes [Pd(η¹, η²-5-OMe-C₈H₁₂)(N,O)]BF₄ (N,O=2,6-(i-Pr)₂(C₆H₃)NC(Ph)-C(Ph)O, 1; 2,6-(i-Pr)₂(C₆H₃)NC(Me)-C(Ph)O, 2; 2-benzoylpyridine, 3) were synthesized by the reactions of [Pd(η¹,η²-5-OMe-C₈H₁₂)Cl]₂ with the suitable N,O-ligand. They were tested as catalysts for olefin or alkyne polymerizations. During such reactions 1-3 quantitatively transformed into their η¹,η²-1-OMe-C₈H₁₂ isomers (1a-3a). The same isomerization occurred in methylene chloride, even in the absence of olefins or alkynes, with a much slower rate. All complexes were fully characterized in solution by multinuclear and multidimensional low temperature NMR spectroscopy. The solid state structures of complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by X-ray single crystal studies. ¹⁹F, ¹H-HOESY NMR experiments carried out in methylene chloride-d₂ at 217 K indicated that the anion prefers to locate on the side of N,O-ligand shifted toward the O-arm in 1-1a and 2-2a while it approaches the N-arm in 3 and 3a compounds.     

Stabilizing effect of extractives on the photo-oxidation of Acacia confusa wood

This study shows the photo-stabilizing effect of extractives on wood. XPS and FTIR techniques were used to analyze the variations in chemical characteristics on the surfaces of non-extracted and extracted Acacia confusa heartwood after lightfastness test. XPS survey analyses reveal that non-extracted heartwood exhibits a higher O/C ratio than the extracted wood. Furthermore, results from the detailed analysis of C1s indicated that the photo-oxidative derivatives increased in both extracted and non-extracted specimens after lightfastness test. On extracted wood, the derivatives are mainly derived from lignin, whereas extractives are the major component responsible for the generation of derivatives on non-extracted wood surface. After leaching test of UV-irradiated specimens, it was noted that the degradation products were readily removed by water. More water-soluble derivatives were leached out from the extracted wood, although higher lignin content was observed on the non-extracted wood surface. In conclusion, it is shown that photodegradation of A. confusa wood can be retarded by extractives oxidation.     

A new method for the preparation of N-stabilized allenylidene complexes of chromium and tungsten

Displacement of tetrahydrofuran in [(CO)₅M(THF)] (M=Cr, W) by the anion [CCC(X)Y]⁻ (X=O; NR; Y=NR′₂, Ph) followed by alkylation of the resulting metalate with [R″₃O]BF₄ (R″=Me, Et) offers a convenient and versatile route to π-donor-substituted allenylidene complexes, [(CO)₅MCCC(XR″)Y]. Allenylidene complexes in which the terminal carbon atom of the allenylidene ligand constitutes part of a heterocycle are likewise accessible by this reaction sequence. Reaction of [(CO)₅M(THF)] with Li[CCC(NMe)Ph]⁻ and subsequent protonation of the metalate afford [(CO)₅MCCC(NMeH)Ph] in high yield. As indicated by the spectroscopic data of the compounds and the X-ray analyses of three representative examples, these allenylidene complexes are best described as hybrids of allenylidene and zwitterionic alkynyl complexes with delocalisation of the electron pair at nitrogen towards the metal center. Dimethylamine reacts with the amino(phenyl)allenylidene complex [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] (7a) by addition of the amine across the C_αC_β bond to give selectively the E-alkenyl(amino)carbene complex [(CO)₅CrC(NMe₂)CHC(NMe₂)Ph] (12). In contrast, the reaction of dimethylamine with the amino(methoxy)allenylidene complex [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)OMe] (1a) proceeds by addition of the amine to the C_γ atom and subsequent elimination of methanol to give the substitution product [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)₂] (13). Triphenylphosphane neither adds to the C_α nor the C_γ atom of 7a but upon irradiation displaces a CO ligand to form a cis-allenylidene(tetracarbonyl)phosphane complex 15.     

Structural studies of 4-aryloctahydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives

¹³C cross-polarisation magic angle spinning NMR data have been reported for four derivatives of 4-aryl-octahydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-1,3-dione and the X-ray diffraction data for two (with 2′-Me and 2′-OMe). The crystal structures show the presence of centrosymmetric cyclic dimers with intermolecular C1O?H-N or C3O?H-N hydrogen bonds, the configuration at the chiral centres (C4 and C4_a) was determined as RR (SS). The twisting of aromatic ring at C4 with respect to the pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine skeleton is about 68-109°.     

Titanium ketimide complexes as α-olefin homo- and copolymerisation catalysts. X-ray diffraction structures of [TiCp(NCBu2)Cl2] (Cp=Ind, Cp*)

The synthesis of [TiInd(NC^tBu₂)Cl₂] and the applications of [TiCp^′(NC^tBu₂)Cl₂] (Cp^′=Ind, Cp*, Cp) as ethylene and propylene homopolymerisation catalysts, as well as its behaviour as catalysts of ethylene and 10-undecen-1-ol copolymerisation are described. The optimisation of the catalytic reactions showed that all compounds are very active homopolymerisation catalysts, particularly [TiInd(NC^tBu₂)Cl₂] that gives 123.37 × 10⁶ g/(molTi [E] h) and 50.77 × 10⁶ g/(molTi [P] h) of linear polyethylene and atatic polypropylene, respectively. The less active homopolymerisation catalyst, [TiCp(NC^tBu₂)Cl₂], is the most effective ethylene/10-undecen-1-ol copolymerisation catalyst, leading to the highest degree of polar monomer incorporation. The polymers obtained were characterised by NMR and DSC. The molecular structures of [TiCp^′(NC^tBu₂)Cl₂] (Cp^′=Ind, Cp*) were determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

The role of lignin in the production process and characterization of lignocellulose nanofibril suspensions

Lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) are nano-objects that contain lignin. The presence of lignin in the fibrils affects the process production of cellulose nanofibrils. It modifies the morphology of fibrils produced and the rheological behavior of suspensions, which is crucial in developing applications for this material. This work aims to understand the role of lignin in the mechanical-enzymatic production process of LCNFs and the morphological, superficial, and rheological properties of LCNF suspensions. Lignin has a negative effect on the mechanical and enzymatic processes, generating larger fibrils with less homogeneous size distributions and with lower zeta potential. In addition, the composition of the fibrils changes, part of the lignin is removed and dispersed into the solvent in the form of lignin nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are neutral and can be deposited on the surface of the fibrils. Regarding rheological properties, fibrils with lignin are less flexible than bleached fibrils. Such characteristics are due to the cementing capacity of lignin, which increases the hydrodynamic volume that these structures occupy per unit mass. Furthermore, in the semi-dilute region, lignin acts as a control agent for the viscosity in the suspensions due to its hydrophobic characteristic, which forms weak aggregates, poorly hydrated, and hydrodynamically smaller, which generate less resistance to flow.

     

Tautomeric and conformational properties of dimethyl malonate, CH3OC(O)-CH2-C(O)OCH3: electron diffraction and quantum chemical study

The geometric structure of dimethyl malonate, CH₃OC(O)-CH₂-C(O)OCH₃, was studied by gas electron diffraction (GED) and quantum chemical methods. We conclude that only diketo conformers exist in the gas phase. According to the GED refinement, a mixture of two diketo conformers is present: 69(10)% (ac,ac) conformer with C₂ symmetry (both CO bonds anticlinal relative to the opposite C-C bond) and 31(10)% (sp,ac) conformer with C₁ symmetry (one CO bond with synperiplanar, the other CO bond with anticlinal orientation). Ab initio calculations, however, predict a preference of the (sp,ac) conformer rather than the (ac,ac) form.     

Preparation, characterization and biological activity of Schiff base compounds derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde and Jeffamines ED

Polyethers with 8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl end groups (HOQCHN-POE-NCHQOH) were prepared by reaction between polyethers having amino end groups (Jeffamines ED^®) and 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde. The HOQCHN-POE-NCHQOH polymers were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography, UV, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The complexation between HOQCHN-POE-NCHQOH and Fe³⁺ was studied by UV, IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The UV-irradiation of the complexes caused photodegradation of the polyether chains. It was shown that HOQCHN-POE-NCHQOH had high efficacy on remedying iron-deficient maize plants and exhibited very low-antibacterial activity towards non-pathogenic soil bacteria (B. subtilis).     

Molecular structure of di-aryl-aldimines by multinuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction

The complete ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR analyses for a series of 25 diaryl-aldimines containing phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazolone and furanyl moieties are described herein. Detailed evaluation of substituent chemical shift and coupling constant effects showed that interaction between the lone pair of the pyrazolone carbonyl group or the nitrogen of 2-substitued pyridines with the aldimine hydrogen increases the value and shifts the resonance signal for this hydrogen to high frequency, in the ¹H NMR spectra. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of pyrazolone substituted aldimines evidenced the planarity of the aryl groups which are conjugated with the CN double bond. In the case of the N-(2-pyridinemethylene)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one, two rotamers were observed in the same unit cell.