Studies on electron transfer reactions: reduction of heteropoly 10-tungstodivanadophosphate by <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-cysteine in aqueous acid medium

l-cysteine undergoes facile electron transfer with heteropoly 10-tungstodivanadophosphate, [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW _{1 0} \textO _{4 0} ]^{5 -} , \left[ {{\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 0} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} } \right]^{5 - } , at ambient temperature in aqueous acid medium. The stoichiometric ratio of [cysteine]/[oxidant] is 2.0. The products of the reaction are cystine and two electron-reduced heteropoly blue, [PV^IVV^IVW₁₀O₄₀]⁷⁻. The rates of the electron transfer reaction were measured spectrophotometrically in acetate–acetic acid buffers at 25 °C. The orders of the reaction with respect to both [cysteine] and [oxidant] are unity, and the reaction exhibits simple second-order kinetics at constant pH. The pH-rate profile indicates the participation of deprotonated cysteine in the reaction. The reaction proceeds through an outer-sphere mechanism. For the dianion ⁻SCH₂CH(NH₃ ⁺)COO⁻, the rate constant for the cross electron transfer reaction is 96 M⁻¹s⁻¹ at 25 °C. The self-exchange rate constant for the ^- \textSCH₂ \textCH( \textNH₃ ⁺ )\textCOO ^- \mathord

Vanadium(V)-substituted Keggin-type heteropolyoxotungstophosphates as electron transfer and antimicrobial agents: oxidation of glutathione and sensitization of MRSA towards β-lactam antibiotics

Glutathione (GSH) undergoes facile electron transfer with vanadium(V)-substituted Keggin-type heteropolyoxometalates, [ \textPV^\textV \textW _{1 1} \textO _{4 0} ] ^{4 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 1} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 4 { - }}} (HPA1) and [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW _{1 0} \textO _{4 0} ] ^{5 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 0} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 5 { - }}} (HPA2). The kinetics of these reactions have been investigated in phthalate buffers spectrophotometrically at 25 °C in aqueous medium. One mole of HPA1 consumes one mole of GSH and the product is the one-electron reduced heteropoly blue, [ \textPV^\textIV \textW _{1 1} \textO ₄₀ ] ^5- [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 1} {\text{O}}_{ 40} ]^{ 5- } . But in the GSH-HPA2 reaction, one mole of HPA2 consumes two moles of GSH and gives the two-electron reduced heteropoly blue [ \textPV^\textIV \textV^\textIV \textW ₁₀ \textO ₄₀ ] ^7- [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{V}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{W}}_{ 10} {\text{O}}_{ 40} ]^{ 7- } . Both reactions show overall third-order kinetics. At constant pH, the order with respect to both [HPA] species is one and order with respect to [GSH] is two. At constant [GSH], the rate shows inverse dependence on [H⁺], suggesting participation of the deprotonated thiol group of GSH in the reaction. A suitable mechanism has been proposed and a rate law for the title reaction is derived. The antimicrobial activities of HPA1, HPA2 and [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW ₉ \textO _{4 0} ] ^{6 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 6 { - }}} (HPA3) against MRSA were tested in vitro in combination with vancomycin and penicillin G. The HPAs sensitize MRSA towards penicillin G.     

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of aquaethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(II) by <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-bromosuccinimide in aqueous acidic solution

The oxidation of aquaethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(II) [Co(EDTA)(H₂O)]⁻² by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in aqueous solution has been studied spectrophotometrically over the pH 6.10–7.02 range at 25 °C. The reaction is first-order with respect to complex and the oxidant, and it obeys the following rate law:

Thermochemistry of paracetamol

Combustion calorimetry, Calvet-drop sublimation calorimetry, and the Knudsen effusion method were used to determine the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation of monoclinic (form I) and gaseous paracetamol, at T = 298.15 K: \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text cr I ) = - ( 4 10.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ cr I}}} \right) = - ( 4 10.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} and \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text g ) = - ( 2 80.5 ±1. 9)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ g}}} \right) = - ( 2 80.5 \pm 1. 9){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . From the obtained \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text cr I ) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ cr I}}} \right) value and published data, it was also possible to derive the standard molar enthalpies of formation of the two other known polymorphs of paracetamol (forms II and III), at 298.15 K: \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text crII ) = - ( 40 8.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ crII}}} \right) = - ( 40 8.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} and \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text crIII ) = - ( 40 7.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ crIII}}} \right) = - ( 40 7.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . The proposed \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text g ) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ g}}} \right) value, together with the experimental enthalpies of formation of acetophenone and 4′-hydroxyacetophenone, taken from the literature, and a re-evaluated enthalpy of formation of acetanilide, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textON,\text g ) = - ( 10 9. 2 ± 2. 2)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} , \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{ON}},{\text{ g}}} \right) = - ( 10 9. 2\,\pm\,2. 2){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} , were used to assess the predictions of the B3LYP/cc-pVTZ and CBS-QB3 methods for the enthalpy of a isodesmic and isogyric reaction involving those species. This test supported the reliability of the theoretical methods, and indicated a good thermodynamic consistency between the \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} (C₈H₉O₂N, g) value obtained in this study and the remaining experimental data used in the \Updelta_\textr H_\textm^\texto \Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} calculation. It also led to the conclusion that the presently recommended enthalpy of formation of gaseous acetanilide in Cox and Pilcher and Pedley’s compilations should be corrected by ~20 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Natural bond orbital population analysis of para-substituted O-nitrosyl carboxylate compounds

Theoretical study of several para-substituted O-nitrosyl carboxylate compounds has been performed using density functional B3LYP method with 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Geometries obtained from DFT calculation were used to perform natural bond orbital analysis. It is noted that weakness in the O₃–N₂ sigma bond is due to $ n_{{{\text{O}}_{1} }} \to \sigma_{{{\text{O}}_{3} - {\text{N}}_{2} }}^{*} Theoretical study of several para-substituted O-nitrosyl carboxylate compounds has been performed using density functional B3LYP method with 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Geometries obtained from DFT calculation were used to perform natural bond orbital analysis. It is noted that weakness in the O₃–N₂ sigma bond is due to n_\textO1 ? s_{\textO3 - \textN2} ^* n_{{{\text{O}}_{1} }} \to \sigma_{{{\text{O}}_{3} - {\text{N}}_{2} }}^{*} delocalization and is responsible for the longer O₃–N₂ bond lengths in para-substituted O-nitrosyl carboxylate compounds. It is also noted that decreased occupancy of the localized s_{\textO3 -\textN2} \sigma_{{{\text{O}}_{3} --{\text{N}}_{2} }} orbital in the idealized Lewis structure, or increased occupancy of s_{\textO3 - \textN2} ^* \sigma_{{{\text{O}}_{3} - {\text{N}}_{2} }}^{*} of the non-Lewis orbital, and their subsequent impact on molecular stability and geometry (bond lengths) are related with the resulting p character of the corresponding sulfur natural hybrid orbital of s_{\textO3 -\textN2} \sigma_{{{\text{O}}_{3} --{\text{N}}_{2} }} bond orbital. In addition, the charge transfer energy decreases with the increase of the Hammett constants of substituent groups and the partial charges distribution on the skeletal atoms may approve anticipating that the electrostatic repulsion or attraction between atoms can give a significant contribution to the intra- and intermolecular interaction.     

Determination of thermodynamic properties of YRhO3(s) by solid-state electrochemical cell and differential scanning calorimeter

The standard molar Gibbs free energy of formation of YRhO₃(s) has been determined using a solid-state electrochemical cell wherein calcia-stabilized zirconia was used as an electrolyte. The cell can be represented by: ( - )\textPt - Rh/{ \textY₂\textO_\text3( \texts ) + \textYRh\textO₃( \texts ) + \textRh( \texts ) }//\textCSZ//\textO₂( p( \textO₂ ) = 21.21  \textkPa )/\textPt - Rh( + ) \left( - \right){\text{Pt - Rh/}}\left\{ {{{\text{Y}}_2}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\left( {\text{s}} \right) + {\text{YRh}}{{\text{O}}_3}\left( {\text{s}} \right) + {\text{Rh}}\left( {\text{s}} \right)} \right\}//{\text{CSZ//}}{{\text{O}}_2}\left( {p\left( {{{\text{O}}_2}} \right) = 21.21\;{\text{kPa}}} \right)/{\text{Pt - Rh}}\left( + \right) . The electromotive force was measured in the temperature range from 920.0 to 1,197.3 K. The standard molar Gibbs energy of the formation of YRhO₃(s) from elements in their standard state using this electrochemical cell has been calculated and can be represented by: D_\textfG^\texto{ \textYRh\textO₃( \texts ) }/\textkJ  \textmo\textl ^{- 1}( ±1.61 ) = - 1,147.4 + 0.2815  T  ( \textK ) {\Delta_{\text{f}}}{G^{\text{o}}}\left\{ {{\text{YRh}}{{\text{O}}_3}\left( {\text{s}} \right)} \right\}/{\text{kJ}}\;{\text{mo}}{{\text{l}}^{ - 1}}\left( {\pm 1.61} \right) = - 1,147.4 + 0.2815\;T\;\left( {\text{K}} \right) . Standard molar heat capacity C^o_p,m C^{o}_{{p,m}} (T) of YRhO₃(s) was measured using a heat flux-type differential scanning calorimeter in two different temperature ranges from 127 to 299 K and 305 to 646 K. The heat capacity in the higher temperature range was fitted into a polynomial expression and can be represented by: $ {*{20}{c}} {\mathop C\nolimits_{p,m}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{YRh}}{{\text{O}}_3},{\text{s,}}T} \right)\left( {{\text{J}}\;{{\text{K}}^{ - 1}}{\text{mo}}{{\text{l}}^{ - 1}}} \right)} & { = 109.838 + 23.318 \times {{10}^{ - 3}}T\left( {\text{K}} \right)} & { - 12.5964 \times {{10}^5}/{T^2}\left( {\text{K}} \right).} \\ {} & {\left( {305 \leqslant T\left( {\text{K}} \right) \leqslant 646} \right)} & {} \\ $ \begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\mathop C\nolimits_{p,m}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{YRh}}{{\text{O}}_3},{\text{s,}}T} \right)\left( {{\text{J}}\;{{\text{K}}^{ - 1}}{\text{mo}}{{\text{l}}^{ - 1}}} \right)} & { = 109.838 + 23.318 \times {{10}^{ - 3}}T\left( {\text{K}} \right)} & { - 12.5964 \times {{10}^5}/{T^2}\left( {\text{K}} \right).} \\ {} & {\left( {305 \leqslant T\left( {\text{K}} \right) \leqslant 646} \right)} & {} \\ \end{array} The heat capacity of YRhO₃(s) was used along with the data obtained from the electrochemical cell to calculate the standard enthalpy and entropy of formation of the compound at 298.15 K.     

Solvent extraction of microamounts of cesium into nitrobenzene using ammonium and thallium dicarbollylcobaltates in the presence of 2,3-naphtho-15-crown-5

Extraction of microamounts of cesium by a nitrobenzene solution of ammonium dicarbollylcobaltate ( \textNH ₄ ⁺ \textB ^- ) ( {{\text{NH}}_{ 4}^{ + } {\text{B}}^{ - } }) and thallium dicarbollylcobaltate ( \textTl ⁺ \textB ^- ) ( {{\text{Tl}}^{ + } {\text{B}}^{ - } }) in the presence of 2,3-naphtho-15-crown-5 (N15C5, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes \textML ⁺ {\text{ML}}^{ + } and \textML ₂ ⁺ {\text{ML}}_{ 2}^{ + } ( \textM ⁺ = \textNH₄ ⁺ ,\textTl ⁺ ,\textCs ⁺ ) ( {{\text{M}}^{ + } = {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } ,{\text{Tl}}^{ + } ,{\text{Cs}}^{ + } } ) are present in the organic phase. The stability constants of the \textML ⁺ {\text{ML}}^{ + } and \textML₂ ⁺ {\text{ML}}_{2}^{ + } species ( \textM ⁺ = \textNH₄ ⁺ ,\textTl ⁺ ) ( {{\text{M}}^{ + } = {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } ,{\text{Tl}}^{ + } }) in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. It was found that the stability of the complex cations \textML ⁺ {\text{ML}}^{ + } and \textML₂ ⁺ {\text{ML}}_{2}^{ + } (\textM ⁺ = \textNH₄ ⁺ ,\textTl ⁺ ,\textCs ⁺ ;  \textL = \textN15\textC5) ({{\text{M}}^{ + } = {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } ,{\text{Tl}}^{ + } ,{\text{Cs}}^{ + } ;\;{\text{L}} = {\text{N}}15{\text{C}}5}) in the mentioned medium increases in the \textCs ⁺   <  \textNH₄ ⁺   <  \textTl ⁺ {\text{Cs}}^{ + }\,<\, {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }\,<\,{\text{Tl}}^{ + } order.     

Thermochemical study on ternary complex of dysprosium <Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-nitrobenzoic acid with <Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-phenanthroline

A ternary binuclear complex of dysprosium chloride hexahydrate with m-nitrobenzoic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline, [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O (m-NBA: m-nitrobenzoate; phen: 1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized. The dissolution enthalpies of [2phen·H₂O(s)], [6m-HNBA(s)], [2DyCl₃·6H₂O(s)], and [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s) in the calorimetric solvent (V_DMSO:V_MeOH = 3:2) were determined by the solution–reaction isoperibol calorimeter at 298.15 K to be \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [2phen·H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = 21.7367 ± 0.3150 kJ·mol⁻¹, \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [6m-HNBA(s), 298.15 K] = 15.3635 ± 0.2235 kJ·mol⁻¹, \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [2DyCl₃·6H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = −203.5331 ± 0.2200 kJ·mol⁻¹, and \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [[Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = 53.5965 ± 0.2367 kJ·mol⁻¹, respectively. The enthalpy change of the reaction was determined to be \Updelta_\textr H_\textm^q = 3 6 9. 4 9 ±0. 5 6   \textkJ·\textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } = 3 6 9. 4 9 \pm 0. 5 6 \;{\text{kJ}}\cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . According to the above results and the relevant data in the literature, through Hess’ law, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s) was estimated to be \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [[Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = −5525 ± 6 kJ·mol⁻¹.     

Solvent extraction of calcium and strontium into nitrobenzene by using a synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and diphenyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide

Extraction of microamounts of calcium and strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B⁻) in the presence of diphenyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (DPDBCMPO, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \textHL₂ ⁺ {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } , CaL²⁺, \textCaL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} , \textCaL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} , SrL²⁺, \textSrL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} , \textSrL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textSrL ₄ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 4}^{{ 2 { + }}} are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. In the considered nitrobenzene medium, it was found that the stability constants of the complexes CaL²⁺, \textCaL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textCaL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} , where L is DPDBCMPO, are somewhat higher than those of the corresponding complex species SrL²⁺, \textSrL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textSrL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} .     

Extraction of strontium and barium into nitrobenzene by using synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and polyethylene glycol PEG 1000

Extraction of microamounts of strontium and barium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B⁻) in the presence of polyethylene glycol PEG 1000 (L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes \textH ₂ \textL^{2 +} {\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{L}}^{2 + } , \textML ²⁺ {\text{ML}}^{ 2+ } and \textMHL ³⁺ {\text{MHL}}^{ 3+ } ( \textM ²⁺ = \textSr ²⁺ ,  \textBa ²⁺ ) \left( {{\text{M}}^{ 2+ } = {\text{Sr}}^{ 2+ } ,\,\,{\text{Ba}}^{ 2+ } } \right) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. It was found that in water-saturated nitrobenzene the stability constant of the \textBaL ²⁺ {\text{BaL}}^{ 2+ } cationic complex species is somewhat higher than that of the complex \textSrL ²⁺ {\text{SrL}}^{ 2+ } .     

Differentiation of α- or β-Aspartic Isomers in the Heptapeptides by the Fragments of [M + Na]<Superscript>+</Superscript> Using Ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray ionization coupled with low energy collision induced dissociation (CID) in an ion trap mass spectrometer was used to examine the fragmentation patterns of the [M + Na]⁺ of eight pairs of heptapeptides containing α- or β-Asp residues in second and sixth amino acid positions, respectively. Selective cleavages at the peptide backbone C-terminal to two Asp residues were observed, which generated a series of C-terminal y₅ ions and N-terminal b₆ ions. Two typical ions: [ \texty₅ + \textNa-\textH ] ⁺ {\left[ {{{\text{y}}_{{5}}} + {\text{Na}}-{\text{H}}} \right]^{ + }} and [ \textb₆ + \textNa + \textOH ] ⁺ {\left[ {{{\text{b}}_{{6}}} + {\text{Na}} + {\text{OH}}} \right]^{ + }} , produced by α-Asp containing peptides were noted to be much more abundant than those of the peptides with β-Asp, which could be used for distinction of the isomers in Asp2 and Asp6, respectively. In addition, a series of internal ions generated by simultaneous cleavages at Asp residues were detected. Competitive reactions of carboxylic groups occurred between Asp6 side chain and C-terminus. Formation mechanisms of most product ions are proposed. The results obtained in this work are significant since low energy CID has been demonstrated to be effective for the distinction of Asp isomers.     

Large Carbon Cluster Anions Generated by Laser Ablation of Graphene

The formation of large even-numbered carbon cluster anions, \textC_\textn ^- {\text{C}}_{\text{n}}^{ - } , with n up to 500 were observed in the mass spectra generated by laser ablation of graphene and graphene oxide, and the signal intensity of the latter is much weaker than that of the former. The cluster distributions generated from graphene can be readily altered by changing the laser energy and the accumulation period in the FT - ICR cell. By choosing suitable experimental conditions, weak signals of odd-numbered anions from \textC₁₂₅ ^- {\text{C}}_{{125}}^{ - } to \textC₂₁₁ ^- {\text{C}}_{{211}}^{ - } , doubly charged anions from \textC₇₀^{2 -} {\text{C}}_{{70}}^{{2 - }} to \textC₂₃₀^{2 -} {\text{C}}_{{230}}^{{2 - }} and triply charged cluster anions from \textC₈₀^{3 -} {\text{C}}_{{80}}^{{3 - }} to \textC₂₂₄^{3 -} {\text{C}}_{{224}}^{{3 - }} can be observed. Tandem MS was applied to some selected cluster anions. Though no fragment anions larger than \textC₂₀ ^- {\text{C}}_{{20}}^{ - } can be observed by the process of collisional activation with N₂ gas for most cluster ions, several cluster anions can lose units of C₂, C₄, C₆ or C₈ in their collision process. The differences in their dissociation kinetics and structures require further calculations and experimental studies.     

Synergistic extraction of some univalent cations into nitrobenzene by using sodium dicarbollylcobaltate and hexaethyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylcalix[6]arene hexaacetate

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium M⁺ (aq) + NaL⁺ (nb) ⇔ ML⁺ (nb) + Na⁺ (aq) taking place in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system (M⁺ = H₃O⁺, \textNH₄⁺ {\text{NH}}_{4}{}^{+} , Ag⁺, Tl⁺; L = hexaethyl p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene hexaacetate; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Furthermore, the stability constants of the ML⁺ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated; they were found to increase in the following order: \textAg ⁺   <  NH₄ ⁺   <  \textH ₃ \textO ⁺   <  \textNa ⁺   <  \textTl ⁺ . {\text{Ag}}^{ + } \, < \,\hbox{NH}_{4}{}^{ + } \, < \,{\text{H}}_{ 3} {\text{O}}^{ + } \, < \,{\text{Na}}^{ + } \, < \,{\text{Tl}}^{ + }.     

Mechanisms for the formation of layered A<Subscript>4</Subscript>B<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> compounds from coprecipitated hydroxocarbonate and hydroxide systems

We have established and analyzed the sequences of phase transitions in synthesis of layered compounds in the A_nB_n–1O_3n family ( \textA₃^\textII\textLnB₃^\textV\textO₁₂ {\text{A}}_3^{\text{II}}{\text{LnB}}_3^{\text{V}}{{\text{O}}_{{12}}} (A^II = Ba, Sr, Ln = La, Nd, B^V = Nb, Ta) and La₄Ti₃O₁₂ with n = 4) from coprecipitated hydroxocarbonate and hydroxide systems, including steps involving the formation, solid-phase reaction, or structural rearrangement of intermediates.     

Thermochemical properties of two nitrothiophene derivatives

This article reports the values of the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation, in the gaseous phase, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textg ), {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {\text{g}} \right), at T = 298.15 K, of 2-acetyl-5-nitrothiophene and 5-nitro-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde as −(48.8 ± 1.6) and (4.4 ± 1.3) kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. These values were derived from experimental thermodynamic parameters, namely, the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation, in the crystalline phase, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textcr ) , {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {\text{cr}} \right) , at T = 298.15 K, obtained from the standard molar enthalpies of combustion, \Updelta_\textc H_\textm^\texto , {{\Updelta}}_{\text{c}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} , measured by rotating bomb combustion calorimetry, and from the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation, at T = 298.15 K, determined from the temperature–vapour pressure dependence, obtained by the Knudsen mass loss effusion method. The results are interpreted in terms of enthalpic increments and the enthalpic contribution of the nitro group in the substituted thiophene ring is compared with the same contribution in other structurally similar compounds.     

Extraction of calcium and strontium into nitrobenzene by using a synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and tetraisopropyl methylene diphosphonate

Extraction of microamounts of calcium and strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B⁻) in the presence of tetraisopropyl methylene diphosphonate [T(iPr)MDP, L] has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \textHL₂ ⁺ {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } , \textML₂^{2 +} {\text{ML}}_{2}^{2 + } and \textML₃^{2 +} {\text{ML}}_{3}^{2 + } (M²⁺ = Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. In the considered nitrobenzene medium, it was found that the stability constants of the \textCaL_n^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{n}^{2 + } complexes, where n = 2, 3 and L is T(iPr)MDP, are somewhat higher than those of the corresponding complex species \textSrL_n^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{n}^{2 + } .     

Mixed-Valence 24-Vanadophosphate Decorated with Six RuII(dmso)3 Groups: [{RuII3(dmso)9PVV11VIVRuIIIO37(OH)3}2]8?

The mixed-valence 24-vanadophosphate (1) has been synthesized and characterized in the solid state by IR, magnetism, EPR, XPS, and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on (Na-1), which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group , with a = 17.168(3) ?, b = 18.1971(14) ?, c = 20.1422(13) ?, α = 114.753(3)°, β = 99.390(4)°, γ = 95.124(4)°, and Z = 2. Polyanion 1 has an unusual, open structure composed of 2 Ru^IIIO₆ octahedra, 2 V^IVO₆ octahedra, 14 V^VO₅ square-pyramids, 8 V^VO₄ tetrahedra, and 2 PO₄ tetrahedra which are all directly linked via edges and corners. The outer surface of 1 is decorated with six Ru^II(dmso)₃ groups. XPS studies on Na-1 confirm the presence of 2 Ru^III and 6 Ru^II as well as 22 V^V and 2 V^IV centers. Magnetic susceptibility data on Na-1 show that the V^IV–Ru^III pairs are coupled antiferromagnetically, with J ₁ = −13 K and J ₂ ∼ −3 K. We did not detect any peak in our EPR measurements on Na-1, thus supporting the conclusion that Na-1 is diamagnetic in its ground state. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. In Memoriam Prof. F. A. Cotton     

Electrodeposition of metals on anodized thin Nb films

The influence of the electronic properties of oxidized Nb surfaces on the electrodeposition of metals (Me=Co, Cu, Ag) with different equilibrium potentials is studied by conventional electrochemical techniques and atomic force microscopy. The results show that relatively thin anodic Nb₂O₅ films (thickness <11 nm) present a frequency-dependent n-type semiconductor behavior, which can be described by the theory of amorphous semiconductor. The Schottky barrier, formed at the a-Nb₂O₅/electrolyte interface, affects the deposition rate of metals with equilibrium potentials more positive than the flat band potential Then, the dependence of density of states on the oxide thickness and anodization conditions leads to different extents of the band bending, affecting directly the rate of electron transfer.     

Constant current anodic stripping chronopotentiometric determination of uranium in uranium mineral ores via accumulation of K<Subscript>2</Subscript>UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Fe(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>] on the palladium plated aluminum electrode

In the present work the uranyl hexacyanoferrate (K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆]) is deposited on the palladized aluminum (Pd-Al) electrode from a \textUO₂^{2 +} + \textFe( \textCN )₆ ^{- 3} {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } + {\text{Fe}}\left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{6}^{ - 3} solution. Then the anodic stripping chronopotentiometry (ASCP) was used to strip the K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆] from the Pd-Al surface. The operational conditions including: pH, K₃Fe(CN)₆ concentration, deposition potential, deposition time and stripping current were optimized. The ASCP calibration graph was linear in concentration range 10–460 μM. of \textUO₂^{2 +} {\text{UO}}_{2}^{2 + } and the detection limit was 8.5 μM. The interference of some concomitant ions during the deposition process of K₂UO₂[Fe(CN)₆] was studied. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of some uranium mineral ores.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of three dinuclear Copper(II) complexes incorporating pyrazolyl-derived ligands

Three new binuclear copper complexes of formulae $ \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{2}^{\text{II}} {\text{Pz}}_{2}^{\text{Me3}} {\text{Br}}_{ 2} \left( {{\text{PPh}}_{ 3} } \right)_{ 2} } \right] $ (1), $ \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{ 2}^{\text{II}} {\text{Pz}}_{2}^{\text{Ph2Me}} {\text{Cl}}_{ 2} \left( {{\text{PPh}}_{ 3} } \right)_{ 2} } \right] $ (2) and $ \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{2}^{\text{II}} \left( {{\text{Pz}}^{\text{PhMe}} } \right)_{ 4} {\text{Cl}}_{ 4} } \right] $ (3) (Pz^Me3?=?3,4,5-trimethylpyrazole, Pz^Ph2Me?=?4-methyl-3,5-diphenylpyrazole and Pz^PhMe?=?3-methyl-5-phenylpyrazole) have been synthesized and characterized by chemical analysis, FTIR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a doubly bromo-bridged dimer, while complexes 2 and 3 are chloro-bridged dimers. The Cu(II) centers are in a distorted tetrahedral geometry for 1 and 2 and a distorted square pyramidal N₂Cl₃ environment for 3.