Some reactions of chlorine and iodine fluorosulfates

The behaviour of ClOSO₂F towards acetylene and the CN bond of perfluorocarbon acid nitriles as well as a possibility of CN bond cleavage in perfluoronitroso compounds were studied. Investigation of the chlorinating activity of ClOSO₂F was continued. The addition reactions of IOSO₂F to double bonds of fluoroolefines as well as the reactions of S₂O₆F₂ with ethylnitrobenzenes were realized.     

Solvent Effect on the Volume of the Diels-Alder Reaction between Tetracyanoethylene and trans,trans-1,4-Diphenyl-1,3-butadiene

From the partial molar volumes of tetracyanoethylene, trans,trans-1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene, and their Diels-Alder adduct, the volumes of the reaction in a series of solvents at 25°C (cm³ mol^{- 1}) were calculated: in dioxane, -26.4; in chloroform, -34.9; in ethyl acetate, -34.5; in acetonitrile, -4.4; in cyclohexanone, -34.0; in 1,2-dichloroethane, -31.8; in benzene, -26.9; in toluene, -24.5; in o-xylene, -21.1; and in mesitylene, -16.9. The solvent effects on the activation and reaction volumes and on the partial molar volumes of the reactants, activated complex, and adduct were discussed.     

Pulmonary toxicity of indium arsenide and arsenic selenide following repeated intratracheal instillations to the lungs of hamsters

Chronic toxicity of indium arsenide (InAs) and arsenic selenide (As₂Se₃) was studied in male Syrian golden hamsters which received InAs or As₂Se₃ particles, each containing a total dose of 7.5 mg of arsenic, by intratracheal instillations once a week for 15 weeks. As a control, hamsters were treated with the vehicle, phosphate buffer solution. During their total lifespan, the cumulative body weight gain of the hamsters in the InAs group was suppressed significantly compared with that in the control group, but not in the As₂Se₃ group when compared with that in the control group. However, the survival rate for the InAs group was significantly higher compared with the control group, but not for the As₂Se₃ group when compared with the control group. During the animals' total lifespan, one lung adenoma was seen in the 27 hamsters in the InAs group and one lung adenoma in the 23 hamsters in the control group. No tumors of the lung were observed in the As₂Se₃ group. Malignant tumors outside the lung appeared in four hamsters in the InAs group and in two in the As₂Se₃ group. No non-lung malignant tumours were seen in the control group. Total tumor incidence rates were 25.9% (7/27) in the InAs group, 10.3% (3/29) in the As₂Se₃ group and 8.7% (2/23) in the control group. There were therefore no significant differences in tumor incidence between the InAs or the As₂Se₃ group, and the control group. Regarding histopathological findings in the lung, incidence rates of proteinosis-like lesions, pneumonia, metaplastic ossification and emphysema were seen only in the InAs group, and alveolar or bronchiolar cell hyperplasia observed in both the InAs and the As₂Se₃ groups were at significantly higher rates than those in the control group. From these results, it was concluded that InAs and As₂Se₃ particles could induce pulmonary toxicity when instilled intratracheally into hamsters. A great deal of attention should be paid to the toxicity of both InAs and As₂Se₃, even though in this study the adverse health effects of As₂Se₃ appeared to be less than those of InAs.     

Diels-Alder reaction volumes in the solid state and solution

The densities of anthracene, tetracyanoethylene, maleic anhydride, N-phenylmaleineimide, trans, trans-1,4-diphenylbuta-1,3-diene, and their Diels-Alder adducts were measured in the solid state and in solution at 25 °C. The reaction volumes in the solid state were calculated from the difference in molar volumes. They turned out to be low, close to each other (–4 to –11 cm³ mol^–1), and slightly different from the reaction volumes (–8±1 cm³ mol^–1) calculated from the van der Waals radii. The reaction volumes in solutions (–15 to –32 cm³ mol^–1) were found from the difference in partial molar volumes of the reactants in dioxane, acetonitrile, and 1,2-dichloroethane, The experimental Diels-Alder reaction volumes in solution are determined not only by the formation of new bonds in an adduct: a considerably higher contribution (to 75%) is made by a change in the volume of intermolecular empty spaces in solution on going from reactants to adducts.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2386–2390, November, 2004.     

An In Vitro Pilot Fermentation Study on the Impact of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on Gut Microbiome Composition and Metabolites in Healthy and Coeliac Subjects

The response of a coeliac and a healthy gut microbiota to the green algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa was evaluated using an in vitro continuous, pH controlled, gut model system, which simulated the human colon. The effect of C. pyrenoidosa on the microbial structure was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and inferred metagenomics, whereas the metabolic activitywas determined by¹H-nuclear magnetic resonancespectroscopic analysis. The addition of C. pyrenoidosa significantly increased the abundance of the genera Prevotella, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium in the healthy donor, while an increase in Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera and a decrease in Enterobacteriaceae were observed in the coeliac donor. C. pyrenoidosa also altered several microbial pathways including those involved in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. At the metabolic level, a significant increase from baseline was seen in butyrate and propionate (p < 0.0001) in the healthy donor, especially in vessels 2 and 3. While acetate was significantly higher in the healthy donor at baseline in vessel 3 (p < 0.001) compared to the coeliac donor, this was markedly decreased after in vitro fermentation with C. pyrenoidosa. This is the first in vitro fermentation study of C. pyrenoidosa and human gut microbiota, however, further in vivo studies are needed to prove its efficacy.     

Photochromic crown ethers

An amphiphilic crown-containing styryl dye (1) was synthesized, and the effects of irradiation, temperature, and alkali and alkali-earth metal ions on the conductivity and optical spectra of its solutions in dioctyl phthalate were studied. Compound1 in thetrans-form almost completely exists as ion pairs (IP). Irradiation at a long-wavelength absorption maximum (λ_max) results in a reversible increase in the conductivity and, hence, a degree of dissociation of IP (α); these parameters decrease when complexes with metal ions are formed. The relaxation times for the photoinduced conductivity coincide with a decrease in the extinction within experimental error in the 20–60°C temperature range. The photoinduced increase in α is caused bytrans—cis-isomerization and an increase in steric hindrances for the interaction of the ClO₄ ⁻ anion with the N⁺ atom of benzothiazolium in thecis-form of1. The activation energies for the darkcis—trans-relaxation, absolute α values, and thermodynamic parameters of dissociation of IP in thetrans-form, as well as the α values in a photostationary mixture ofcis—trans-isomers, were estimated. The decrease in α after binding with metal ions is likely caused by the redistribution of the positive charge to benzothiazolium through the conjugated system of1. Correlations between the decrease in conductivity (decrease in α) and the hypsochromic shift Δλ_max after the formation of complexes between1 and metal ions were observed. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1296–1301, July, 1997.     

Spectrophotometric studies on the zirconium complex of 2-(3,6-disulfo-8-hydroxynaphthylazo)-1,8-dihydroxynaphtualene-3, 6-disulfonic acid

Summary A chromotropic azo dye, DSNADNS, prepared from chromotropic acid and 1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid has been found to produce quantitative precipitation of zirconium in acid medium. The blue-violet complex formed is insoluble in all organic solvents commonly used for solvent extraction work, but is soluble in a number of liquid organic bases and solutions of ammonium salts in water showing pink to violet colouration. Spectrophotometric studies as to the nature of the complex in pyridine, triethanolamine ammonium acetate, oxalate and carbonate solutions and the analytical possibility of these solutions have been made. The complex appears to decompose in pyridine, ammonium acetate and ammonium oxalate solutions, but it is fairly stable in ammonium carbonate and triethanolamine solutions. The absorbance peaks of the dye in these solutions occur at 500 and 520 nm respectively, while the complex in triethanolamine and ammonium carbonate both shows absorbance maxima at 540 nm. The solution of the complex in these two solvents obeys Beer's law within a concentration range 4 to 25 mg of zirconium per litre. The molar absorbance coefficients of the complex in triethanolamine and ammonium carbonate are respectively 686 and 823, which indicate poor sensitivity. The solution of the complex in the former solvent is more stable than that in the latter and an analytical procedure for the spectrophotometric determination of zirconium, with little interference from foreign ions, may be developed with ease in the triethanolamine solution.

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Zusammenfassung Ein Azofarbstoff der Chromotropsäure, DSNADNS, der aus Chromotropsäure und 1-Amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonsäure dargestellt werden kann, ergibt mit Zirkonium in saurer Lösung eine quantitative Fällung. Der blauviolett gefärbte Komplex ist in allen üblichen organischen Lösungsmitteln unlöslich, löst sich jedoch in einigen flüssigen organischen Basen sowie wäßrigen Lösungen von Ammoniumsalzen mit rosa bis violetter Färbung. Die Lösungen des Komplexes in Pyridin, Triäthanolamin sowie in Ammoniumacetat, -oxalat und -carbonatlösungen und ihre analytische Verwendbarkeit werden spektrophotometrisch untersucht. In Pyridin sowie in Ammoniumacetat und -oxalatlösungen scheint sich der Komplex zu zersetzen, während er in Triäthanolamin und Ammoniumcarbonatlösungen ziemlich beständig ist. Das Absorptionsmaximum des Farbstoffs in diesen beiden Lösungsmitteln liegt bei 500 bzw. 520 nm, der Komplex weist in beiden Fällen ein Maximum bei 540 nm auf. Das Beersche Gesetz wird in beiden Lösungsmitteln von 4–25 mg Zr/l erfüllt. Der molare Absorptionskoeffizient beträgt 686 bzw. 823. Die Lösung des Komplexes in Triäthanolamin ist stabiler als in Ammoniumcarbonatlösung. Eine spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von Zirkonium, die nur wenig von Fremdionen gestört wird, könnte daher gut in Triäthanolaminlösung durchgeführt werden.

     

Detoxification of antimony by selenium and their interaction in paddy rice under hydroponic conditions

Antimony (Sb) contamination has become a growing concern in recent years. Strategies for reducing Sb contamination and its related health risks are urgently desired. This study was conducted to explore the possibility of selenium (Se) detoxification on Sb toxicity in paddy rice in order to find a feasible method to reduce the health risk of Sb pollution. Seedlings of paddy rice were exposed to 5 mg L⁻¹ Sb (KSbC₄H₄ O₇·1/2H₂O), in the presence of Se (Na₂SeO₃) at 0.1, 1, 5 mg L⁻¹ in culture solution, with no Sb and Se addition as the control. Paddy rice took up Sb greatly and the highest Sb contents measured among all treatments in this experiment in the leaves, stems and roots were 65.5, 298.5 and 195.7 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Without Sb addition in the solution, single exposure to 0.1 mg L⁻¹ Se remarkably reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in paddy rice,demonstrating the beneficial effect of Se at low dosages. The addition of 5 mg L⁻¹ Sb was found to generate toxicity to paddy rice, showing as decreased biomass and increased leaf MDA content in paddy rice, while addition of 1 mg L⁻¹ Se mitigated the toxicity of Sb, as seen with the decreased leaf MDA content and increased biomass, indicating antidotal role of Se to Sb. In addition, the presence of 0.1, 1, 5 mg L⁻¹ Se generally decreased the accumulation of Sb in the leaves, stems and roots in paddy rice. Toxicity was also seen when paddy rice was exposed to single Se at 1 and 5 mg L⁻¹ levels, however, 5 mg L⁻¹ Sb addition was found to decrease the contents of Se in the leaves/stems whereas increased them in roots, accompanied with decreased MDA contents and increased biomass in paddy rice, indicating a possible detoxification role of Sb to Se too. Therefore, Sb, although toxic, could also be an antitoxin to Se in paddy rice at certain condition. Our results showed that Se could alleviate Sb toxicity efficiently in paddy rice through two effects as antagonism and antioxidation.     

Fractionation of metals and metalloids by chemical bonding from particles accumulated by electrostatic precipitation in an Argentine thermal power plant

A study was undertaken to evaluate the distribution of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Zn in fly ashes collected in the electrostatic precipitator of a thermal power plant in San Nicolás (Argentina). Five samples were collected during one week of operation. For the fractionation, the scheme applied consisted in extracting the elements in four fractions namely (i) soluble and exchangeable elements; (ii) carbonates, oxides and reducible elements; (iii) bound to sulfidic metals; and (iv) residual elements. Metals and metalloids at μg g^− 1 level were determined in each fraction by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). For validation, a standard reference material (SRM 1633 coal fly ash) from NIST was subjected to the same chemical sequential extraction procedure that the samples. X-ray diffraction powder (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the major minerals present in the matrix. Total analyte concentration (in μg g^− 1) varied from 10.6 for Pb to 17,622 for Al. Minimum and maximum concentrations (in μg g^− 1) found in individual samples in the four fractions were: Al, 92.7–9668; As, < 0.3–143; Cr, 2.0–10.4; Cu, < 0.2–35.6; Fe, < 0.3–4992; Mn, < 0.1–128; Ni, < 0.3–139; Pb, < 0.5–9.1; Ti, < 0.3–2243; V, 17.0–112.9; and Zn, < 0.1–68.2. The leachability of the 11 elements under study proved to be different. Low percentages of Al (1%), V (7%) and Cr (8%) were detected in the most bioavailable fraction. Arsenic was found to be most abundant in the non-silicate phase, represented by the second and third fractions, while Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were mostly associated to the residual fraction.     

PSEUDOHALOGEN CHEMISTRY. PART IV. HETEROLYTIC ADDITION OF THIOCYANOGEN TO ALKENES

Abstract

Thiocyanogen reacts slowly with alkenes, in the presence of a radical inhibitor in benzene or acetic acid in the dark at 25°, to yield α,β-dithiocyanates, α-isothiocyanates-β-thiocyanates and, in acetic acid, α-acetoxy-β-thiocyanates in varying proportions. The additions to alkyl alkenes are trans-stereospecific, and, in the case of the α-isothiocyanato-β-thiocyanates, non-regiospecific. The additions to aryl alkenes are trans-stereoselective and regiospecific, yielding the Markownikov-orientated α-isothiocyanato-β-thiocyanates. A heterolytic mechanism involving a two-step, kinetically controlled addition, with the formation of a cyano-sulfonium ion intermediate, e.g., 35, in the case of alkyl alkenes and an open carbonium ion, e.g., 36, in the case of aryl alkenes, is suggested. The diothiocyanate: isothiocyanato-thiocyanate ratios are discussed in terms of kinetic and steric control of reaction.     

Measuring Contact Angles at Copper Electrodes

Potential dependences of the angle of contact between perfluorodecaline C₁₀F₁₈ and copper, copper(I) sulfide, and copper telluride Cu₄Te₃ in 0.1 M CH₃COONa are measured. The data are in good agreement with the metal hardness measured in 1 M KOH. The uncharged-surface potentials (USP) for copper, copper(I) sulfide, and copper telluride equal 0.05–0.07, –0.02 to –0.04, and 0.05–0.07 V (NHE) in 0.1 M CH₃COONa. Studying the effect of Br^– ions shows that USP for copper and Cu₂S shift in, respectively, the negative and positive directions with an increase in [Br^–]. For copper telluride, USP shifts in the positive direction at low Br^– concentrations, and at NaBr concentrations in excess of 0.04 M, in the negative direction.     

Extraction of pertechnetate by triphenyltin chloride and trioctyltin chloride

The extraction of pertechnetate in form of ionogene associates with triphenyltin and trioctyltin cations into chloroform, benzene, toluene and nitrobenzene was studied. As aqucous phases solutions of^99mTcO ₄ ^? in deionized water and in diluted solutions of NaCl, HCl, NaNO₃, HNO₃ NaClO₄, HClO₄ and NaOH were used. Concerning the organic phases, at the use of triphenyltin chloride the extractibility of pertechnetate increases in the sequence: toluene «chloroform, benzene nitrobenzene and approximately in the sequence: NaOH<NaCl, HCl<NaNO₃<H₂O<NaClO₄ concerning aqueous phases. For trioctyltin chloride in chloroform the extractibility of TcO ₄ ^? increases approximately in the sequence of aqueous phases: NaOH<HCl, NaNO₃, NaClO₄, NaCl«H₂O and in nitobenzene in the sequence NaOH<NaClO₄<HCl<NaNO₃, NaCl«H₂O. The extractibility for trioctyltin chloride is in general slightly lower as compared with triphenyltin chloride. The results of the extraction are presented in the form of graphical plots of technetium distribution ratio (D _Te′ logD _Tc) or extraction yield (E _Tc, %) against concentration of the investigated component in aqueous or organic phase. In some of the systems of the systems studied practically quantitative extraction of pertechnetate into organic phase has been achieved.     

Comparative study of Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, Br<Superscript>−</Superscript>, and I<Superscript>−</Superscript> ion adsorption from N-methylformamide at Ga-, (In-Ga)-, and (Tl-Ga)-electrodes

Adsorption of Cl⁻, Br⁻, and I⁻ (Hal⁻) ions from their 0.1 M solutions in N-methylformamide, a solvent with the highest permittivity (182.4 at 25°C), at liquid Ga-, (In-Ga)-, and (Tl-Ga)-electrodes with refreshable surface was studied by the measuring of differential capacitance and by using an open-circuit jet electrode. It is shown that the adsorption parameters and the surface activity series depend significantly on the metal nature. For the (In-Ga)- and (Tl-Ga)-electrodes, like for Hg-electrode, the halogenide-ion surface activity increases in the following series: Cl⁻ < Br⁻ < I⁻; for the Ga-electrode, it varies in the opposite sequence: I⁻ < Br⁻ < Cl⁻. By example of the Ga-electrode in N-methylformamide, it is shown for the first time that the phenomenon of the surface activity series reversal can be observed not only in aprotic solvents but also in protonic ones. The data obtained in N-methylformamide is compared with that obtained in dimethyl formamide and acetonitrile. The halogenide-ion adsorption at the Ga-, (In-Ga)-, and (Tl-Ga)-electrodes decreases in the series N-methylformamide < dimethyl formamide < acetonitrile. The results in aggregate are explained in terms of the Andersen-Bockris model. The data obtained in N-methylformamide, dimethyl formamide, and acetonitrile evidence the increase of ΔG _M-Hal ⁻in the series (Tl-Ga) < (In-Ga) < Ga, that is, with the increasing of the metal work function. This points out the donor-acceptor nature of the metal-halogenide-ion interaction, in which the halogenide-ions are donors of electron pair with respect to the metals.     

Über die unterschiedliche Wirksamkeit oxydischer und metallischer Katalysatoren bei der C-H- und N-Analyse

Zusammenfassung Es wurde die Wirksamkeit verschiedener Oxyd- und Metallpräparate unter vergleichbaren Bedingungen sowohl in Sauerstoff als auch in Kohlendioxyd bestimmt und Wirksamkeitsskalen für die C-H- und N-Bestimmung aufgestellt. Die untersuchten Präparate lassen sich in drei Gruppen einteilen: 1. Oxyde, die in Sauerstoff und in Kohlendioxyd dieselbe Oxydationswirkung zeigen; 2. Oxyde, die in Sauerstoff wesentlich wirksamer sind als in Kohlendioxyd und 3. Präparate, die in Sauerstoff oxydierend, in Kohlendioxyd hingegen dehydrierend wirken.Die katalytische Wirkung dieser Präparate erklärt sich daraus, daß sie alle die organische Probe chemisorbieren. Die Präparate der Gruppe 2 und 3 chemisorbieren zusätzlich auch den Sauerstoff des Spülgases. An der Oberfläche des Präparats reagiert dann der Sauerstoff (bei Gruppe 1 der Gittersauerstoff) mit dem organischen Chemisorbat.In analytischer Hinsicht zeigen diese Versuche, daß für die C-H- und N-Bestimmung eine Reihe sehr wirksamer Präparate zur Verfügung steht, mit denen man die Temperatur des Langbrenners ganz erheblich unter 700° C senken könnte. Es scheint jedoch zweckmäßiger, bei etwa 600 bis 700° C zu arbeiten, dafür aber die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des Spülgases zu erhöhen, was zu einer Verkürzung der Analysenzeit führt.

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Summary The activity was determined of various oxide- and metal preparations under comparable conditions both in oxygen and in carbon dioxide, and an activity scale was constructed for the determination of carbon-hydrogen and of nitrogen in ultimate analyses. The materials that were studied can be placed in three groups: 1. oxides, which show the same oxidation action in oxygen and in carbon dioxide; 2. oxides, which are distinctly more active in oxygen than in carbon dioxide; 3. preparations, which have an oxidizing action in oxygen, and a dehydrogenating action in carbon dioxide.The catalytic action of these materials can be accounted for in that all of them chemisorb the organic sample. The preparations in Groups 2 and 3 in addition chemically adsorb the oxygen used as rinsing gas. The oxygen (in Group 1 the lattice oxygen) then reacts on the surface of the preparation with the chemical adsorbate.From the analytical standpoint these experiments show that there are available for the determination of carbon-hydrogen and for nitrogen, a number of very active materials which permit the temperature of the burners to fall considerable below 700° C. However, it seems better to work at around 600 to 700° C and instead to increase the flow rate of the purging gases, which will shorten the time required for the analysis.

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Résumé On a déterminé l'activité de plusieurs préparations d'oxydes et de métaux, dans des conditions comparables, dans l'oxygéne et dans le gaz carbonique, et l'on a établi les échelles d'activité pour le dosage de C-H et de N. On peut séparer en trois groupes les préparations étudiées: 1. les oxydes qui manifestent la même action oxydante dans l'oxygène et dans le gaz carbonique, 2. les oxydes qui sont beaucoup plus actifs dans l'oxygène que dans le gaz carbonique, et 3. les préparations qui se comportent comme oxydantes dans l'oxygène et par contre, déshydrogénantes dans le gaz carbonique.L'action catalytique de ces préparations s'explique par le fait que toutes adsorbent les échantillons organiques. Les préparations des groupes 2 et 3 adsorbent de plus, l'oxygène du gaz de lavage. A la surface de la préparation, l'oxygène réagit alors avec le produit d'adsorption organique.Du point de vue analytique, ces expériences montrent que l'on dispose pour le dosage de C-H et de N, d'une série de préparations de très grande activité, pour lesquelles on peut abaisser au-dessous de 700° C la température du brûleur. Il semble toutefois convenable de travailler entre 600 et 700° C environ, mais d'élever la vitesse du courant de gaz de lavage, ce qui conduit à un raccourcissement de la durée des analyses.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. Ing.Fritz Feigl zum 70. Geburtstag in Verehrung und Dankbarkeit gewidmet.     

Complexing processes in M(II)-dithiomalonamide-diacetyl triple systems (M= Ni,Cu) in ethanol solution and in a metal(II)hexacyanoferrate(II) gelatin-immobilized matrix materials

The complexing processes in the M ^II -dithiomalonamide-diacetyl triple system (M=Ni, Cu) occuring in the nickel(II)- and copper(II)hexacyanoferrate(II) gelatin-immobilized matrix in contact with aqueous alkaline solutions (pH~12) containing dithiomalonamide and diacetyl at room temperature, and between MCl₂, dithiomalonamide and diacetyl in EtOH solutions upon heating to$80°C, have been studied. In the Ni ^II -dithiomalonamide-diacetyl system, template synthesis occurs in EtOH solution but does not occur in the gelatin-immobilized matrix, whereas in the Cu ^II -dithiomalonamide-diacetyl system, template synthesis occurs in the gelatin-immobilized matrix but not in EtOH solution. Dithiomalonamide and diacetyl are the ligand synthons in the processes indicated.     

Coupled transport of Ag(I) ions through triethanolamine–cyclohexanone-based supported liquid membranes

Facilitated transport of silver(I) ions in acidic medium, across a supported liquid membrane (SLM) by using triethanolamine (TEA) as carrier, dissolved in cyclohexanone, has been investigated. The parameters studied are HNO₃ concentration variation in the feed, pH of the feed solution, carrier concentration in the membrane phase, silver(I) ions concentration in the feed phase and KCN concentration in the stripping phase. Increase in H⁺ concentration by increasing HNO₃ concentration from 0.5 to 1 M results into an increase in silver ions flux but a decrease in flux has been found beyond 1 M HNO₃ concentration in the feed, providing a maximum flux of 3.21 × 10⁻⁷ mol/m² s at 1 M HNO₃. Increase in TEA concentration inside the membrane enhances flux with its maximum value at 2.25 M TEA. Further increase in the concentration of TEA leads to a decreased rate of transport due to the increase in viscosity of membrane liquid. The optimum conditions for Ag(I) ions transport are 1 M HNO₃ (feed), 2.25 M TEA (membrane) and 1.5 M KCN in the stripping phase. It has been observed that Ag(I) flux across the membrane tends to increase with increase in Ag(I) ions concentration in the feed phase. Applying the studied conditions to silver plating waste solutions, Ag ions have been removed up to 99% in a time interval of 5 h.     

Use of uranium isotopes for the determination of river tributary flow rates: Case of the Var and the Vésubie

When a river flow rate is known on one point, it is possible to determine the one of upstream tributaries. This can be done by measuring the concentrations of a dissolved element (for example Ca²⁺), provided that no chemical precipitations have occurred in mixture waters. In this later case, the determination of flow rate is however possible by isotopic geochemistry, by knowing isotopic ratios of an element, for ex. ²³⁴U/²³⁸U, in each river considered and the ratio of the concentrations in dissolved ²³⁸U in two of them. A study of the Var and its tributary the Vésubie is performed: in January 31st, 2001, the flow rate D₃, downstream the confluence was 35 m³/s. The ratio of the ²³⁸U concentrations in the Vésubie river and in the Var upstream (²³⁸U₁/²³⁸U₂) was 5.5. The isotopic ratios ²³⁴U/²³⁸U measured in the Var, downstream the confluence were R₃ = 1.51, upstream R₂ = 1.75, and in the Vésubie R₁ = 1.08. We have calculated the Vésubie flow rate as D₁ = 3.2 m³/s.     

Effects of polar group incorporation on crazing of glassy polymers: Styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer and a dicyano bisphenol polycarbonate

The degree of swelling and attendant reduction in the glass transition temperature have been determined for a 70% styrene–30% acrylonitrile copolymer in a large number of organic liquids. The critical strain ?_c for crazing or cracking has been determined also in air and in each agent. Limited crazing data have been obtained also on a dicyano bisphenol polycarbonate in which the CN groups take the place of the methyl groups in bisphenol A (BPA) polycarbonate. The two resins are compared with polystyrene and BPA polycarbonate, respectively, in terms of crazing resistance, swelling, and other properties. In both systems CN incorporation raises ?_c (air) and reduces susceptibility to liquids of low solubility parameter δ; T_g and shear yield stress are raised in the polycarbonate but not in the styrene system. The volume efficiency of CN in raising ?_c (air) is greater in the polycarbonate system than the styrene system; for the rise in polymer solubility parameter, CN efficiency is apparently reversed. These changes are discussed in terms of the differences in molecular architecture of the two systems. For glassy polymers, ?_c (air) is shown to depend in semiquantitative fashion on polymer T_g, δ, and resistance to shear deformation.     

Determination of129I and127I in environmental samples by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

In order to assess the levels and behavior of¹²⁹I (half-life: 1.6×10⁷ y) and¹²⁷I (stable) in the environment, we have developed analytical procedures involving neutron activation analysis (NAA). Environmental samples collected around Tokaimura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, have been analyzed using this method. Ranges of¹²⁹I and¹²⁷I concentrations in surface soil were 0.9–180 mBq kg^–1 and 1–60 mg kg^–1, respectively. Higher¹²⁹I concentrations were found in soil samples collected from coniferous forests, suggesting a contribution from tree canopies in the deposition of this nuclide. Most of the¹²⁹I in soil, was found to be retained in the first 10 cm. The¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I ratios in wheat fields were lower than those in rice paddy fields.A soil sample collected by IAEA from an area contaminated by the Chemobyl accident was also determined. The¹²⁹I concentration and the¹²⁹I/¹²⁷I ratio were 1.6 mBq kg^–1 and 1.7×10^–7, respectively. The¹²⁹I level in this sample was higher than the values obtained in areas far from nuclear facilities in Japan. It was suggested that the analysis of¹²⁹I in soils in the Chernobyl area may be useful in evaluating the¹³¹I levels at the time of the accident.Analyses of¹²⁹I and¹²⁷I by ICP-MS in water samples were also made. The analytical speed of this method was very high, i.e., 3 minutes for a sample. However, there is a sensitivity limitation for¹²⁹I detection due to interference from¹²⁹Xe with the¹²⁹I peak. The detection limits for¹²⁹I and¹²⁷I in water samples were about 0.5 mBq ml^–1 and 0.1 ng ml^–1, respectively.