Bismuth(III) nitrate pentahydrate: a convenient and selective reagent for conversion of thiocarbonyls to their carbonyl compounds

A variety of thioamides and thioureas are rapidly transformed to their oxo derivatives with Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O in excellent yields. However, thiono esters and thioketones are converted to their corresponding carbonyl compounds in only poor yields. Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O is relatively non-toxic, insensitive to air and inexpensive. These features coupled with the selective deprotection of thioamides and thioureas in the presence of thiono esters and thioketones make this method an attractive alternative to the existing routes for deprotection of thiocarbonyl compounds.     

Bismuth compounds in organic synthesis. Bismuth nitrate catalyzed chemoselective synthesis of acylals from aromatic aldehydes

Aromatic aldehydes are smoothly converted into the corresponding acylals in good yields in the presence of 3-10 mol% Bi(NO₃)₃·5H₂O. Ketones are not affected under the reaction conditions. The relatively non-toxic nature of the catalyst, its ease of handling, easy availability and low cost make this procedure especially attractive for large-scale synthesis.     

Environment-friendly organic synthesis using bismuth compounds. Bismuth triflate catalyzed synthesis of substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyrans

A highly catalytic method for the synthesis of dihydrobenzopyrans from salicylaldehydes has been developed. An extension of this method to the synthesis of a pyrano[2,3,b]benzopyran has also been achieved. Bi(OTf)₃·xH₂O (1 < x < 4) (0.1 mol%) smoothly catalyzes the condensation of substituted salicylaldehydes with 2,2-dimethoxypropane to give the corresponding substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyrans as a mixture of diastereomers (9:1) in moderate yields. The relative configuration of the methoxy groups in the two diastereomers was established by NOE experiments. The advantages of this method include the use of an easy to handle, inexpensive and relatively non-toxic catalyst.     

A facile zirconium(IV) chloride catalysed selective deprotection of t-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) ethers

A simple and efficient protocol for the selective deprotection of t-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) ethers using 20 mol% ZrCl₄ in 20-45 min and in high yields, is reported, wherein it is demonstrated that acid and base sensitive groups and allylic and benzylic groups are unaffected.     

Solvent-switchable Acetalization by Yb（OTf）3-Catalyzed Procedures

O,O＇Diethyl acetals were prepared in high yields under mild conditions via the reaction of triethyl orthoformate with aldehydes and ketones in absolute ethanol in the presence of as low as 0.1 tool% of Yb（OTf）3. Using the same catalyst in THF-H2O, these O,O＇-diethyl acetals could be converted to the corresponding carbonyl compounds efficiently. This new protection-deprotection protocol presents the advantages of ease of execution, high efficiency and good chemoselectivity.     

Silica-Coated CaF2:Eu3+ Nanoparticles Functionalized with Oxalic Acid for Bio-conjugation to BSA Proteins

A new method for silica‐coated CaF₂:Eu³⁺ core‐shell nanoparticles functionalized with oxalic acid for bio‐conjugation to bovine serum albumin (BSA) proteins has been developed. Moreover, CaF₂:Eu³⁺/SiO₂ core‐shell nanoparticles modified with oxalic acid are biocompatible and can be dispersed in water. As an organic functional molecule, oxalic acid is able to react with hydroxyl groups existed on the surface of SiO₂ layer by esterification reaction to form carboxylic acid for further bio‐conjugation with BSA. The final products were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer, infrared (IR) spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. XRD result confirmed the phase purity of CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺ and CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ nanoparticles obtained from the quaternary reverse micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), cyclohexane, n‐pentanol and water. Images of TEM and FE‐SEM showed that the average grain sizes of CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ and bio‐conjugation of CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ nanoparticles with BSA were about 17 nm. The patterns of UV and IR spectra showed that BSA was linked to CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ nanoparticles. In the emission spectrum of CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ conjugated by BSA nanoparticles, characteristic emission peaks of Eu³⁺ within the wavelength ranging from 500 to 700 nm were observed, which is corresponding to the transitions from the excited ⁵D₀ levels to ⁷F_J levels. This confirmed that the Eu³⁺ dopant ion is located in a Ca²⁺ crystal site with T_d symmetry. CaF₂:10 mol% Eu³⁺/SiO₂ conjugated by BSA nanoparticles remain stable in aqueous media within 15 d with pH ranging from 2 to 9. Therefore, these luminescent colloidal nanoparticles can be potentially employed as targeted fluorescent labels in biomedical research applications.     

Phase Diagram of the System NaF-KF-AlF3

The phase diagrams of the binary system KF-AlF₃ as well as the ternary system NaF-KF-AlF₃ in the range up to 50 mol% AlF₃, were measured using the thermal analysis method. In the system KF-AlF₃ the coordinates of the eutectic points are: E ₁: 8.0 mol% AlF₃, 821.2°C, and E ₂: 45.5 mol% AlF₃, 565.0°C. In the investigated concentration range of the ternary system 2 eutectic points have been found with the calculated coordinates: E ₁: 36.3 mol% NaF, 62.7 mol% KF, 1.0 mol% AlF₃; t=711.2°C; and E ₂: 51.9 mol% NaF, 27.4 mol% KF, 20.7 mol% AlF₃; t=734.5°C. Other eutectic points lie most probably beyond the investigated part of the system. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis and study of mixed oxide inorganic pigment from Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–ZnO–CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

Novel environment-friendly yellow mixed oxide inorganic pigment from Bi₂O₃–ZnO–CeO₂ system with the composition 23 mol% Bi₂O₃, 15 mol% ZnO and 62 mol% CeO₂ was successfully synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method. Comprehensive analyses were carried out to characterize the develop pigment powder including simultaneous TG–DTA thermal analysis, colour properties and particle size distribution. The results demonstrated that the optimum calcination for pigment synthesis was located at a range 800–950 °C. The colour of the studied mixed oxide pigment is connected with the calcination condition. The substitution of Zn²⁺ changes the colour from orange to yellow. The colour of the obtained samples was dependent on the calcination condition and the particle size distribution. The most saturated yellow hue was obtained at the calcination temperature of 950 °C for 2 h in a furnace of pure air and after its application into organic binder in mass tone. The value C of this sample was approx. 65. The mixed oxide pigments were also evaluated from the standpoint of their particle size distribution. Bi₂Ce₂O₇ is considered to be a non-toxic compound, and the other component (Zn²⁺ ions) is also the safe element. Therefore, the present mixed oxide could be an attractive candidate as a novel environment-friendly inorganic yellow pigment.     

New strategies for synthesis of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) over SalenCo(III)Cl catalyst

New strategies for synthesis of amino-functionalized poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) were applied by terpolymerization of carbon dioxide, propylene oxide, with (a) N-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-2-phthalimide (Monomer A )/N-(2-oxiranylmethyl)-1 or (b) N-(2-oxiranylmethyl)-1,1-dimethylethyl ester (Monomer B ) over SalenCo^(III)Cl/PPNCl catalysts system, followed by the removal of the respective protecting groups. The SalenCo^(III)Cl presented high activity and yielded the terpolymer with high polycarbonate selectivity, carbonate linkage content, as well as high head-to-tail stereoregularity (>99%). In terpolymerization, the Monomer A contents in PPC-Pht were easily regulated up to 12.0 mol%. However, the protecting groups could not be completely removed because of the degradation of PPC-NH₂- A during the deprotection process. Meanwhile, when terpolymerization with Monomer B , PPC-butoxy carbonyl was obtained varied the Monomer B contents from 1.3 to 4.5 mol%, and could be transformed completely into the amino-functionalized PPC-NH₂- B without significant backbone degradation. The contact angles of the functionalized PPC-NH₂s prepared by two strategies showed the expected increase in hydrophilicity with the increasing content of amino entities.     

Electrodeposition of Al,Zn, and Pt on silver-coated textile fibres from ionic liquids

In the present paper, we report on the electrodeposition of aluminium, zinc and platinum on silver-coated textile fibres from ionic liquids. For electrodeposition of Al, the 60:40 mol% mixture of AlCl₃/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl) and 1.7 M AlCl₃ in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py_1,4]TFSA) were employed. It was observed that microcrystalline aluminium was electrodeposited on the textile fibres in 60:40 mol% AlCl₃/[EMIm]Cl. The deposited Al layers either on single fibres or on textile assemblies are well adherent and uniform. An adherent, homogeneous and nanocrystalline Al layer was obtained on the silver-coated textile samples from 1.7 M AlCl₃/[Py_1,4]TFSA at 75 °C. The obtained Al layers from 60:40 mol% AlCl₃/[EMIm]Cl on the textile fibres exhibit a good corrosion resistance in an aqueous iodide/iodine electrolyte. Furthermore, we obtain Al microtubes from the investigated ionic liquids after dissolving the textile fibres. In addition, zinc electrodeposition was carried out on the textile samples from 60:40 mol% ZnCl₂/[EMIm]Cl at 80 °C. The electrodeposition of platinum on the textiles was done from 50 mM PtCl₂ in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium dicyanamide ([Py_1,4]DCA).     

Rare-Earth Actived Sol-Gel Films for Scintillator Applications

Recently, there has been a growth of interest in new phosphors preparation for high resolution X-rays imaging systems. Sol-gel method has been used to synthesize europium doped gadolinium and lutetium oxide films. Structural and optical results are investigated and discussed on both Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol%) and Lu₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol%). Those films are crystallized into cubic phase and present a density of 7.1 g/cm³ and 8.4 g/cm³ for Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ and Lu₂O₃:Eu³⁺ respectively. Room temperature emission spectra using an excitation of 468 nm was used to obtain the intense red emission ⁵D₀ ⁷F₂ (611 nm) of Eu³⁺. Scintillation properties at 611 nm are finally proved using X-rays excitation.     

Dielectric and energy storage properties of barium strontium titanate based glass–ceramics prepared by sol–gel method

Ba_0.6Sr_0.4TiO₃ based glass–ceramics were prepared by sol–gel process. Influences of B–Si–O glass content on the microstructure, dielectric, and energy storage properties of the BST based glass–ceramics have been investigated. Perovskite barium strontium titanate phase was found at annealing temperature 800 °C. A secondary phase Ba₂TiSi₂O₈ was detected and lowered by declining the mole ratio of element Si (from 50 to 25 mol%) in glass additive. Microstructural observation indicated that the microstructure homogeneity can be improved by glass addition till 2 mol%, while worsened by excessive glass concentrations. Due to relatively homogeneous microstructure, the maximum discharged energy density and breakdown strength were also obtained in samples with 2 mol% glass additive, which were found to be 0.553 J/cm³ and 43.2 kv/mm, respectively. Microscopic observation of the breakdown area was performed and the mechanical failure, including the formation and accumulation of micro-cracks during the dielectric breakdown process, was considered to be the main cause of dielectric breakdown. Results of the charging and discharging energy densities show that the BST based glass–ceramics prepared by sol–gel method has a potential for pulse power applications.     

Y2O3:Eu (5 mol%) with Ag nanoparticles prepared by citrate precursor

Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol% Eu³⁺) and Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol% Eu³⁺) containing 1 mol% of Ag nanoparticles were prepared by heat treatment of a viscous resin obtained via citrate precursor. TEM and EDS analyses showed that Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol% Eu³⁺) is formed by nanoparticles with an average size of 12 nm, which increases to 30 nm when Ag is present because the effect of metal induced crystallization occurs. Ag nanoparticles with a size of 9 nm dispersed in Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ (5 mol% Eu³⁺) were obtained and the surface plasmon effect on Ag nanoparticles was observed. The emission around 612 nm assigned to the Eu³⁺ (⁵D₀→⁷F₂) transition enhanced when the Ag nanoparticles were present in the Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ luminescent material.     

Highly efficient nickel/phosphine catalyzed cross-couplings of diarylborinic acids with aryl tosylates and sulfamates

<正>4-Methoxy-4′-methylbiphenyl(3aa) [1] MeO White solid(0.324 g, 82% from aryl tosylate, 0.356 g, 90% from aryl sulfamate); m.p. 111–112 °C; 1H NMR(400 MHz,CDCl3) δ 7.50(d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.21(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.95(d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.82(s, 3H), 2.37(s, 3H); 13 C NMR(100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.0, 138.0, 136.4, 133.8, 129.5, 128.0, 126.6, 114.2, 55.4, 21.1. 4,4′-Dimethylbiphenyl(3ab) [1] White solid(0.320 g, 88% from aryl tosylate, 0.346 g, 95% from aryl sulfamate); m.p. 122–123 °C; 1H NMR(400 MHz,CDCl3) δ 7.47(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 4H), 7.22(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 4H), 2.37(s, 6H); 13 C NMR(100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 138.4, 136.8, 129.5, 126.9, 21.2.     

Investigation of Structural and Luminescent Properties of Sol-Gel-Derived Cr‑Substituted Mg3Al1−xCrx Layered Double Hydroxides

In the present work, Cr-substituted Mg₃Al_1−xCr_x layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesised through the phase conversion of sol-gel-derived mixed-metal oxides in an aqueous medium. The chromium substitution level in the range of 1 to 25 mol% was investigated. It was demonstrated that all synthesised specimens were single-phase LDHs. The results of elemental analysis confirmed that the suggested synthetic sol-gel chemistry approach is suitable for the preparation of LDHs with a highly controllable chemical composition. The surface microstructure of sol-gel-derived Mg₃Al_1−xCr_x LDHs does not depend on the chromium substitution level. The formation of plate-like agglomerated particles, which consist of hexagonally shaped nanocrystallites varying in size from approximately 200 to 300 nm, was observed. Optical properties of the synthesised Mg₃Al_1−xCr_x LDHs were investigated by means of photoluminescence. All Cr-containing powders exhibited characteristic emission in the red region of the visible spectrum. The strongest emission was observed for the sample doped with 5 mol% Cr³⁺ ions. However, the emission intensity of samples doped with 1–10 mol% Cr³⁺ ions was relatively similar. A further increase in the Cr³⁺ ion concentration to 25 mol% resulted in severe concentration quenching.     

H NMR and IR study of temperature-induced phase transition of negatively charged poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide-co-sodium methacrylate) copolymers in aqueous solutions

¹H NMR and IR spectroscopies were used to investigate the temperature-induced phase transition behaviour of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide-co-sodium methacrylate) [P(IPMAAm/MNa)] copolymers, containing in aqueous solutions negatively charged MNa units (i = 1-10 mol%), and the obtained results were compared with those obtained for poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PIPMAAm) homopolymer. For PIPMAAm/H₂O solution, IR spectra indicate that the transition temperatures for the hydrophilic CO groups are slightly higher (by ∼ 2 K) in comparison with hydrophobic CH₃ groups. The decreasing values of phase-separated fraction p_max and the decrescent hysteresis during gradual heating and cooling, both with increasing content of MNa units i in the copolymer, show that for copolymers with i ? 5 mol% the globular-like structures formed at temperatures above the respective LCST are rather porous and disordered with relatively low degree of polymer-polymer hydrogen bonding. While for P(IPMAAm/MNa) copolymers with i ? 5 mol% most water molecules are expelled from globular structures, for i < 5 mol% a certain portion of water (HDO) molecules is rather tightly bound in globular structures; at the same time no releasing process was detected for the bound water even for 90 h.     

Application of polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes in rechargeable lithium batteries

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based polymer electrolytes have obtained considerable attention due to their fascinating characteristics such as appreciable ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and mechanical stability. This study is based on the system PAN–ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC)–lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃). The composition 15 mol% PAN–42 mol% EC–36 mol% PC–7 mol% LiCF₃SO₃ has shown a maximum room temperature conductivity of 1.2?×?10^?3 S cm^?1. Also, it was possible to make a thin, transparent film out of that composition. Cells of the form, Li/PAN–EC–PC–LiCF₃SO₃/polypyrrole (PPy)–alkylsulfonate (AS) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and continuous charge–discharge tests. When cycled at low scan rates, a higher capacity could be obtained and well-defined peaks were present. The appearance of peaks elucidates the fact that redox reactions occur completely. This well proves the reason for higher capacity. The average specific capacity was about 43 Ah kg^?1. Cells exhibited a charge factor close to unity during continuous charging and discharging, indicating the absence of parasitic reactions.     

Phase diagram of the system NaF-SnF<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The phase diagram of the binary system NaF-SnF2 was determined by using the thermal analysis method. In addition to the crystallisation fields of pure components the formation of three other crystallisation fields was observed and these were attributed to the compounds: NaF·2SnF₂, NaF·SnF₂ and 2NaF·SnF₂. The coordinates of the four eutectic points are: e ₁: 70 mol% NaF, 30 mol% SnF₂ and 255°C e ₂: 58 mol% NaF, 42 mol% SnF₂ and 238°C e ₃: 44 mol% NaF, 56 mol% SnF₂ and 246°C e ₄: 18 mol% NaF, 82 mol% SnF₂ and 191°C The model independent on the real structure of the melt was applied for the calculation of phase diagram comprising the calculation of excess molar Gibbs energy of mixing. The probable inaccuracy in the calculated phase diagram is σ=2.0°C. XRD analysis of solidified mixtures was performed in order to confirm the formation of expected compounds.     

A new synthesis of homoisoflavanones (3-benzyl-4-chromanones)

Two 7-hydroxyhomoisoflavanones ( / ) have been synthesized from corresponding 2'-hydroxydihydrochalcones ( / ) in about 33% overall yields. The stages are : (1) selective protection of C₄'-hydroxyl in ( / ) with EtO.CH₂Cl (1 molar equiv.) In the presence of dry K₂C0₃ and acetone at r.t.; (ii) reaction with one more molar equiv. of EtO.CH₂Cl at 60–70° without Isolating products ( / ) (iii) cyclizatlon of resulting α-hydroxymethyl derivatives ( / ) with 4% aq. aIc. Na₂C0₃ and (iv) deprotection of resulting 7-ethoxymethoxy homoisoflavanones ( / ) with 10% CH₃0H-HC1. The explanations for the formation of ( / ) and ( / ) are given.     

Preparation of La2O3-TiO2-SiO2 Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials and Their Optical Properties

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials in La₂O₃-TiO₂-SiO₂ system were prepared from La(NO₃)₃, titanium tetraisopropoxide, and silicon alkoxides. Ternary transparent materials prepared from glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTS) were obtained in a wide composition region (La₂O₃ 50 mol%, TiO₂ 40 mol%). Hybrid materials prepared using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) at MTMS/TMOS = 1 were transparent in the composition of La₂O₃ 30 mol% and TiO₂ 25 mol%. La(NO₃)₃ crystallines or TiO₂ small particles were precipitated in translucent materials. La₂O₃ content strongly affected the bulk density compared with TiO₂ content. Absorption edge of the hybrid materials was shifted to longer wavelength as TiO₂ and La₂O₃ contents increased. Partial coefficient of refractive index for the three metal oxides increased in the order SiO₂ < TiO₂ < La₂O₃ for both hybrid materials.