Synthesis and characterization of n=5, 6 members of the La4Srn−4TinO3n+2 series with layered structure based upon perovskite

Layered compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the n=5 and 6 members of the perovskite-related family La₄Sr_n−4Ti_nO_3n+2 by combining X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Their structure can be regarded as comprising [(La,Sr)₅Ti₅O₁₇] and [(La,Sr)₆Ti₆O₂₀] perovskite blocks joined by crystallographic shears along the a-axis, with consecutive blocks shifted by 1/2 [100]_p. The n=5 member is similar to the previously reported n=5 member of other A_nB_nO_3n+2-related series. The n=6 member, which has only been briefly reported in other systems previously, is also a well-behaved member of this A_nB_nO_3n+2 series.     

Synthesis and characterization of tri-block fluorinated-n-alkanes

A series of triblock semifluorinated n-alkanes of general formula F(CF₂)_n(CH₂)_m(CF₂)_nF (n = 6, 8 and m = 4, 6, 8) have been synthesized and characterized. The synthesis of triblock compounds was performed in two different ways according to the length of the hydrogenated moiety. Coupling of two molecules of β-(perfluoro-n-alkyl)ethyl iodides leads to the triblock materials F(CF₂)₆(CH₂)₄(CF₂)₆F and F(CF₂)₈(CH₂)₄(CF₂)₈F. The synthesis of compounds with larger hydrogenated part is accomplished in two steps by the addition of perfluoro-n-alkyl iodide F(CF₂)_nI to 1,5-hexadiene and 1,7-octadiene, respectively to give the diiodo-adducts which are subsequently deiodinated to the final triblock products F(CF₂)₆(CH₂)₆(CF₂)₆F, F(CF₂)₆(CH₂)₈(CF₂)₆F, F(CF₂)₈(CH₂)₆(CF₂)₈F and F(CF₂)₈(CH₂)₈(CF₂)₈F. The obtained triblock semifluorinated n-alkanes are characterized by low surface free energies with good lubricant properties usable as additives in ski-wax formulations.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of n-octyl acrylate under microwave irradiation

The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of n-octyl acrylate (OA) was successfully carried out using ethyl-2-bromobutyrate as an initiator, and CuBr/2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) as a catalyst under microwave irradiation (MI) at 76.8 °C. The polymerization of n-octyl acrylate under MI showed linear first-order rate plots, a linear increase of the number-average molecular weight M_n with conversion, and low polydispersities, 1.1<M_w/M_n<1.4, where M_w is weight-average molecular weight. The ATRP of n-octyl acrylate is well controlled. Under the same experimental conditions, the apparent rate constant, k_p^app, under MI is larger apparently than that under conventional heating. In addition, the effects of concentration of catalyst and other factors on polymerization are reported.     

Synthesis and structure of a 1,6-hexyldiamine heptaborate, [H3N(CH2)6NH3][B7O10(OH)3]

A new 1,6-hexyldiamine heptaborate, [H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃][B₇O₁₀(OH)₃] (1), has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n with a=8.042(2) Å, b=20.004(4) Å, c=10.103(2) Å, and β=90.42(3)°. The anionic [B₇O₁₀(OH)₃]_n²ⁿ⁻ layers are interlinked via hydrogen bonding to form a 3D supramolecular network containing large channels, in which the templated [H₃N(CH₂)₆NH₃]²⁺ cations are located.     

Cp2TiCl2 catalyzed one-pot synthesis of n-Bu3GeH from GeCl4

The reaction of GeCl₄ with n-BuMgCl in presence of a catalytic amount of Cp₂TiCl₂ gives n-Bu₃GeH and n-Bu₄Ge in ca. 70 and 25% yield, respectively. This method provides an industrially feasible one-pot synthesis for Bu₃GeH and Bu₄Ge. The reaction temperature and stoichiometry seem to be important in the distribution of the products. Apart from elemental analysis these compounds have been characterized by comparing their boiling points, NMR spectral data and GC assay with that of the authentic samples.     

A facile approach to preparation of long-chain-branched poly(p-dioxanone)

Long-chain-branched poly(p-dioxanone)s (LCB-PPDOs) with different branch densities were prepared via the chain-extending reaction of hydroxyl group terminated linear bi-functional PPDO (2a-PPDO) and star-like tri-functional PPDO (3a-PPDO) prepolymers, which were synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone (PDO) using 1,4-butanediol (BD) and trimethylolpropane (TMP) as multi-functional initiators, respectively. The undesirable gelation was successfully depressed by adjusting the chain length and feed ratio of prepolymers. The average molecular weight between branch points (M_b) and the average number of branch per 100,000 g/mol (B_n) of LCB-PPDOs were calculated from the ¹H NMR spectra. The average number of branch ranged from 0 to 6.72 branch points per 100,000 g/mol, and the number-average molecular weights between branch points ranged from 6900 to 20,500 g/mol. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the crystallization behavior of LCB-PPDOs was changed evidently with the branch density. Small-amplitude dynamic oscillatory rheometer was used to investigate the rheological properties of the melts of LCB-PPDO including zero-shear viscosity, storage modulus, relaxation times and loss angle, which largely depended on the branch density and length of LCB-PPDOs. Therefore, the rheological behaviors of PPDO can be well-controlled via synthesizing LCB-PPDOs with the desired architectures.     

Direct syntheses of Lan+1NinO3n+1 phases (n=1, 2, 3 and ∞) from nanosized co-crystallites

A new direct route for the “bottom up” syntheses of phases in the La_n+1Ni_nO_3n+1 series (n=1, 2, 3 and ∞) has been achieved via single-step heat treatments of nanosized co-crystallized precursors. The co-crystallized precursors were prepared using a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis system that uses a superheated water flow at ca. 400 °C and 24.1 MPa to produce nanoparticulate slurries. Overall, a significant reduction in time and number of steps for the syntheses of La₃Ni₂O₇ and La₄Ni₃O₁₀ was achieved compared with more conventional synthesis methods, which typically require multiple homogenization and reheating steps over several days.     

Observation of multiple phase transitions in some even n-alkanes using a high resolution and super-sensitive DSC

The phase transitions of even n-alkanes, n-C₃₄H₇₀, n-C₃₆H₇₄, n-C₄₀H₈₂ and n-C₄₂H₈₆ with high purity have been measured using a high resolution and super-sensitive DSC. A new transition in the low temperature phase was observed in all the samples in the heating run. The surface freezing phenomenon was observed by thermal measurement for the first time in all the samples both in the heating and in the cooling run. The difference of the thermal behaviors between the heating and cooling run was also observed in all the samples.     

Viscosity of heavy n-alkanes and diffusion of gases therein based on molecular dynamics simulations and empirical correlations

The viscosity of pure n-alkanes and n-alkane mixtures was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the Green–Kubo method. n-Alkane molecules were modeled based on the Transferable Potential for Phase Equilibria (TraPPE) united atom force field. MD simulations at constant number of molecules or particles, volume and temperature (NVT) were performed for n-C₈ up to n-C₉₆ at different temperatures as well as for binary and six-component n-alkane mixtures which are considered as prototypes for the hydrocarbon wax produced during the Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) Fischer–Tropsch process. For the pure n-alkanes, good agreement between our simulated viscosities and existing experimental data was observed. In the case of the n-alkane mixtures, the composition dependence of viscosity was examined. The simulated viscosity results were compared with literature empirical correlations. Moreover, a new macroscopic empirical correlation for the calculation of self-diffusion coefficients of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and water in n-alkanes and mixtures of n-alkanes was developed by combining viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient values in n-alkanes. The correlation was compared with the simulation data and an average absolute deviation (AAD) of 11.3% for pure n-alkanes and 14.3% for n-alkane mixtures was obtained.     

Infrared optical properties and Raman spectra of n-pentane and n-pentane-d12

Infrared and Raman spectra have been collected and analyzed for n-pentane and n-pentane-d₁₂. The real (n) and imaginary (k) refractive index spectra for each compound have been calculated from the experimental infrared spectra after determining the refractive indices of n-pentane across the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. To further aid in the study, the imaginary polarizability (IP) spectrum for each compound was calculated from the n and k spectra, then curvefit to separate intensities. Computational DFT calculations were performed to create theoretical spectra of each compound, which in turn aid in assigning vibrations in the experimental spectrum. Barriers to rotation for n-pentane were explored to determine the dominant conformations.     

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance studies of octadecyl modified metal oxides obtained from different silane precursors

Octadecyl (C₁₈) modified metal oxide substrates, including titania, zirconia, hafnia, and alumina, are prepared using two types of silylating reagents, n-octadecyltrihydridosilane and n-octadecyltrichlorosilane. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid-state ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements are performed to examine the cross-linking of the silanes. Solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy provides information about the conformation and mobility of surface-immobilized alkyl chains. Variable temperature FTIR investigations are carried out to study the influence of the organosilane precursors and metal oxides on the conformational order of the alkyl modified systems. It is found that grafting by means of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane yields higher grafting densities than surface modification with n-octadecyltrihydridosilane. Combined pyridine adsorption and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) measurements are performed on the titania and hafnia substrates to evaluate potential surface heterogeneities, i.e. Lewis and Brønsted sites. Differences in the alkyl chain conformational order within the series of C₁₈ modified metal oxides are explained by the presence of island structures. The reduced C₁₈ conformational order for the samples grafted with n-octadecyltrihydridosilane is traced back to the lower grafting density which in turn points to a lower reactivity of this silylating reagent. The most striking result is the higher conformational order of the C₁₈ chains grafted in the present surface modified metal oxides when compared with silica-based systems. This finding is attributed to the lower porosity of the metal oxide supports along with more closely packed chains on the surface.     

螺桨烷型分子BX[(CH_2)_n]_3和BX(CH_2)[CH(CH_2)_nCH](X=N,P)的结构和性质

采用密度泛函理论(DFT)研究了螺桨烷型分子BX[(CH2)n]3和BX(CH2)[CH(CH2)n CH](X=N,P;n=1-6)的结构、稳定性、化学键和电子光谱性质.计算结果表明这些分子都是稳定的.BX[(CH2)n]3(X=N,P;n=1-6)的最高占据分子轨道(HOMO)和最低空分子轨道(LUMO)之间的能隙均大于5.20 eV,其中BN[CH2]3和BP[CH2]3的能隙超过7.0 eV,与C5H6的能隙(7.27 eV)很接近,BX(CH2)[CH(CH2)n CH](X=N,P;n=1-6)的能隙在6.80 eV左右.所研究分子能量的二阶差分表明BN[(CH2)3]3、BP[(CH2)4]3及BX(CH2)[CH(CH2)2CH](X=N,P)是最稳定的.BX[(CH2)n]3的Wiberg键级表明除了BN[(CH2)n]3(n=2和6)中不存在B―N键,其它化合物中B和N均形成了化学键,BP[(CH2)n]3中除了BP[(CH2)2]3不存在B―P键,其它的均存在.电子密度的拓扑分析表明N―B键属于离子键,而P―B键具有共价键特征.BX[(CH2)n]3(X=N,P)的第一垂直激发能分别在191.1-284.8 nm和191.8-270.1 nm之间,BX(CH2)[CH(CH2)n CH](X=N,P)的第一垂直激发能分别在190.5-199.7 nm和209.0-221.3 nm之间.     

Intercalation behavior of n-alkylamines into an A-site defective layered perovskite H2W2O7

Intercalation behavior of n-alkylamines into a protonated form of an A-site defective layered perovskite H₂W₂O₇ has been investigated. Results from XRD indicate these materials are layered with the corresponding interlayer spacing governed by the n-alkylamine chain length, and a reversible intercalation and deintercalation property is observed among these intercalation compounds. The IR spectra of the intercalation compounds with n-alkylamines clearly show that n-alkyl chains possess an all-trans conformation, and H₂W₂O₇ accommodate n-alkylamines (C_nH_2n+1NH₂: n=3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 16) to form intercalation compounds via an acid-base mechanism. A linear relationship between the interlayer distance and the number of carbon atoms in n-alkyl chains is observed to show a bilayer arrangement of the n-alkyl chains with a tilt angle of ∼71.6°. Elemental analysis studies reveal that the amounts of intercalated n-alkylamines are about 2.0 mol per [W₂O₇]. Despite the surface geometry of H₂W₂O₇ is almost identical to those of layered perovskites H₂[A_n−1B_nO_3n+1], the amounts of intercalated n-alkylamines of them are different. A reasonable explanation is given through our research.     

Towards more controlled poly(n-butyl methacrylate) by atom transfer radical polymerization

The homogeneous controlled/‘living’ free radical polymerization of n-butyl methacrylate in toluene or o-xylene at 90 °C, in bulk and in solution, using the novel combination of the catalyst bis-triphenylphosphine iron(II)chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl₂ · 4H₂O(PPh₃)₂) with ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate ((CH₃)₂CBrCO₂Et)) and α,α-dichloroacetophenone (CHCl₂COPh) as initiators has been investigated. The rate of polymerization initiated by the two initiators exhibited first-order kinetic with respect to the monomer. A linear increase of the number-average molecular weight (M_n) versus monomer conversion was observed for these systems. Among the two initiation systems, ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate gave the fastest polymerization rate. A system with Fe³⁺ added at the beginning of the polymerization was examined and the lowest polydispersity (M_w/M_n∼1.2) was found when 10% Fe³⁺, relative to Fe²⁺ was added.     

Effect of phase behavior, density, and isothermal compressibility on the constant-volume heat capacity of ethane + n-pentane mixed fluids in different phase regions

The phase behavior, density, and constant-volume molar heat capacity (C_v,m) of ethane + n-pentane binary mixtures have been measured in the supercritical region and subcritical region at T=309.45 K. In addition, the isothermal compressibility (κ_T) has been calculated using the density data determined. For a mixed fluid with a composition close to the critical composition, C_v,m and κ_T increase sharply as the pressure approaches the critical point (CP), the dew point (DP), or the bubble point (BP). However, C_v,m is not sensitive to pressure in the entire pressure range if the composition of the mixed fluid is far from the critical composition. To tune the properties of the binary mixtures effectively by pressure, both the composition and the pressure should be close to the critical point of the mixture. The intermolecular interactions in the mixture are also discussed on the basis of the experimental results.     

Excess enthalpies of alkane-1-amines {CnH2n+1NH2, n = 3-8} + methyl methylthiomethyl sulfoxide and +dimethyl sulfoxide at 298.15 K

Excess enthalpies of binary mixtures between each of alkane-1-amines {C_nH_2n+1NH₂, n=3-8} and methyl methylthiomethyl sulfoxide (MMTSO) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been determined at 298.15 K. All mixtures showed positive enthalpy changes over the whole range of mole fractions.The limiting excess partial molar enthalpies of the aliphatic amines, H₁^E,∞, of all the mixtures with MMTSO or DMSO studied were smaller than those of MMTSO or DMSO, H₂^E,∞, respectively. Linear relations are obtained between limiting excess partial molar enthalpies and number of methylene groups.     

Synthesis and structural investigation of the compounds containing HF2 anions: Ca(HF2)2, Ba4F4(HF2)(PF6)3 and Pb2F2(HF2)(PF6)

Three new compounds Ca(HF₂)₂, Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) were obtained in the system metal(II) fluoride and anhydrous HF (aHF) acidified with excessive PF₅. The obtained polymeric solids are slightly soluble in aHF and they crystallize out of their aHF solutions. Ca(HF₂)₂ was prepared by simply dissolving CaF₂ in a neutral aHF. It represents the second known compound with homoleptic HF environment of the central atom besides Ba(H₃F₄)₂. The compounds Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) represent two additional examples of the formation of a polymeric zigzag ladder or ribbon composed of metal cation and fluoride anion (MF⁺)_n besides PbF(AsF₆), the first isolated compound with such zigzag ladder. The obtained new compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction method and partly by Raman spectroscopy. Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=4.5870(2) Å, b=8.8327(3) Å, c=11.2489(3) Å, α=67.758(9)°, β=84.722(12), γ=78.283(12)°, V=413.00(3) Å³ at 200 K, Z=1 and R=0.0588. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 200 K: space group P1¯, a=4.5722(19) Å, b=4.763(2) Å, c=8.818(4) Å, α=86.967(10)°, β=76.774(10)°, γ=83.230(12)°, V=185.55(14) ų, Z=1 and R=0.0937. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 293 K: space group P1¯, a=4.586(2) Å, b=4.781(3) Å, c=8.831(5) Å, α=87.106(13)°, β=76.830(13)°, γ=83.531(11)°, V=187.27(18) Å³, Z=1 and R=0.072. Ca(HF₂)₂ crystallizes in an orthorhombic Fddd space group with a=5.5709(6) Å, b=10.1111(9) Å, c=10.5945(10) Å, V=596.77(10) Å³ at 200 K, Z=8 and R=0.028.     

Studies on principal components and antioxidant activity of different Radix Astragali samples using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry

The principal components, isoflavonoids and astragalosides, in the extract of Radix Astragali were detected by a high-performance liquid chromatography couple to electrospray ionization ion trap multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-IT-MSⁿ) method. By comparing the retention time (t_R) of HPLC, the ESI-MSⁿ data and the structures of analyzed compounds with the data of reference compounds and in the literature, 17 isoflavonoids and 12 astragalosides have been identified or tentatively deduced. By virtue of the extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) mode, simultaneous determination of isoflavonoids and astragalosides could be achieved when the different components formed overlapped peaks. And this method has been utilized to analyze the constituents in extracts of Radix Astragali from Helong City and of different growth years. Then the antioxidant activity of different samples has been successfully investigated by HPLC-ESI-MS method in multiple selected ion monitoring (MIM) mode, applying the spin trapping technology, and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was applied to support the result. The correlations of the isoflavonoids and astragalosides components and the antioxidant activities of Radix Astragali were summarized. The present paper demonstrates that HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ is a powerful method for the characterization of the principal components and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of Chinese medicinal herbs.