Ionic liquids as reagents and solvents in conjunction with microwave heating: rapid synthesis of alkyl halides from alcohols and nitriles from aryl halides

We show that using ionic liquids as reagents in conjunction with microwave heating it is possible to prepare primary alkyl halides from the corresponding alcohols rapidly. Using ionic liquids as solvents in conjunction with microwave heating it is possible to prepare aryl nitriles from the corresponding aryl bromides or iodides. The scope and limitations of using microwave-promotion as a tool in these reactions is discussed.     

Sulphide based anode material for lithium rechargeable battery

In this study, lead sulphide (PbS) was prepared by the chemical bath deposition technique. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and cyclic voltammetry. EDAX spectrum shows peaks attributable to lead and sulphur. The EDAX analysis also shows that the prepared sample is stoichiometric. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were recorded at 100 mV·s⁻¹ and 400 mV·s⁻¹ scan rates. Results show that the rate controlling electrochemical reaction is electron transfer. The presence of redox waves shows that the lithium intercalation and deintercalation can occur as a result of lattice expansion in PbS. There were no differences in the PbS XRD data before and after the cyclic voltammetry experiments indicating that the PbS structure is not modified upon lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation in PbS. The discharge characteristics for 35 cycles of the cell using the LiCoO₂/PbS couple is presented indicating the possible development of such materials as anode in lithium ion cells.     

Long-wavelength optical phonons in the ZnTe/Zn<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Cd<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Te superlattice

The lattice IR reflection spectra of a ZnTe/Zn_0.8Cd_0.2Te superlattice measured at temperatures of 300 and 10 K are analyzed. The ZnTe/Zn_0.8Cd_0.2Te superlattice is grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on a GaAs substrate with a ZnTe buffer layer. It is found that the lattice IR reflection spectra of the studied structure exhibit only one reflection band. Dispersion analysis of the experimental spectrum has revealed the presence of one lattice TO mode close in frequency to the mode of pure ZnTe. This result is explained by a shift in the frequency of the lattice modes of the ZnTe and Zn_0.8Cd_0.2Te layers of the superlattice toward each other. In turn, this shift is caused by internal elastic stresses in the superlattice due to a mismatch between the lattice parameters of the materials of these layers.     

Waves in multilayer ferrite-dielectric transversely magnetized waveguides with an electrically controlled slowing factor

Multilayer wave-guiding structures comprising transversely magnetized ferrites are studied. A numerical theoretical model is constructed with the Galerkin method. An experimental investigation technique is developed. Theoretical and experimental results are found to be in good agreement. Such structures offer a high phase activity and may provide a basis for small-size millimeter-wave phase shifters and a new class of antenna systems, namely, integrated phased arrays.     

Grain-boundary diffusion in nanocrystals with a time-dependent diffusion coefficient

A solution to the equation of grain-boundary diffusion is obtained under conditions where migration of the diffusant from the boundaries into the grains is absent and the diffusion coefficient decreases with time from an increased value to a value characteristic of equilibrium grain boundaries. The specific features of the grain-boundary diffusion in nanocrystals are qualitatively analyzed in terms of this solution.     

Beryllium (boron) clustering quest in relativistic multifragmentation (BECQUEREL Project)

A physical program of irradiation of emulsions in beams of relativistic nuclei named the BECQUEREL Project is reviewed. It is destined to study in detail the processes of relativistic fragmentation of light radioactive and stable nuclei. The expected results would make it possible to answer some topical questions concerning the cluster structure of light nuclei. Owing to the best spatial resolution, the nuclear emulsions would enable one to obtain unique and evident results. The most important irradiations will be performed in the secondary beams of He, Be, B, C, and N radioactive nuclei formed on the basis of JINR Nuclotron beams of stable nuclei. We present results on the charged state topology of relativistic fragmentation of the ¹⁰B nucleus at low energy-momentum transfers as the first step of the research.     

Solid-phase approach towards the synthesis of functionalized imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-2-ones

The solid-phase synthesis of a series of imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-2-ones, an interesting 5,5-fused ring system, based on diverse set of hydrazine acids and malanonitriles is described. The method involves formation of 5-aminopyrazoles on solid support and subsequent cyclizative cleavage off the resin. Compounds were obtained in acceptable to excellent yields and are suitable for biological evaluation without further purification.