Optimization of the reflux ratio for methanol–water stage distillation column

In this paper, the enthalpy-concentration method was applied in order to model a steady-state continuous methanol–water mixture distillation column. This work includes three steps; first, to develop a code in MATLAB v.7.6 to apply to the mathematical model of the column. The second step is to simulate the column using HYSIS v.3.2. While the third is the calculation of the optimized reflux ratio to minimize the operating cost. For a distillation tower such as the methanol–water splitter in this study, there are relatively few degrees of freedom that can be manipulated in order to minimize operating costs; the reflux ratio can influence the steady-state operating point and therefore the daily costs. In this paper, we have discussed the trade-offs between reflux ratios and operating costs. A correlation is derived to define the optimum value of the reflux ratio as an exponential function of a certain economic parameter of energy prices and depreciation costs. We demonstrate that, at low energy prices or high equipment depreciation costs, the optimum reflux factor is high.     

Two building blocks of microwave photonics filters in the presence of group delay ripple: a comparative survey

We have developed an analytic approach to investigate the effect of group delay ripple of the dispersive devices on the performance of two major building blocks of microwave-photonic filters. Firstly, performance of PM-based block in the presence of an arbitrary group delay ripple (GDR) is analyzed and compared with the ripple-free case to reveal the destructive effects of added group delay ripple. In the next step, we repeat the proposed approach for the AM-based one; again, the performance is compared with the ripple-free case. Two distortion metrics are also introduced to quantify this distortion. Comparison of the performance of two building blocks in the presence of group delay ripple unveils some interesting characteristics of microwave-photonic filters which have not been mentioned so far. We also add a general survey of two analyzed building blocks to present their respective most significant advantages and shortcomings. The simulated Optisystem results conform to our proposed analytical approach and verify the theoretical model.     

Pd(0)-guanidine@MCM-41: a very effective catalyst for rapid production of bis (pyrazolyl)methanes

In this research, a rapid, green and efficient protocol for synthesis of bis (pyrazolyl)methane derivatives in the presence of Pd(0)-guanidine@MCM-41 catalysts under solvent-free conditions by the following two methods has been reported: (i) via the one-pot pseudo five-component reaction among phenylhydrazine (2 equivalents), ethyl acetoacetate (2 equivalents) and aromatic aldehydes (1 equivalent); and (ii) the one-pot pseudo three-component reaction between 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one (2 equivalents) and aromatic aldehydes (1 equivalent). Some advantages of this protocol include: green conditions, extremely short times, high efficiency, proper one-pot operation, generality of method, easy work-up and recyclability, and reusability of the catalyst up to five times without significant loss in catalytic activity.     

Microwave-Assisted Chemoselective Regeneration of Carbonyl Compounds from Oximes by Silica Chromate/WET SiO2 Under Solvent-Free Conditions

The regeneration of carbonyl compounds from oximes were performed by using silica chromate and wet SiO ₂ (w/w 50%) under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions with excellent yields.     

Calculation of optical and electronic properties of zinc sulfide produced thin layers under different deposition angles

Zinc sulfide nano layers were deposited on glass substrates at 300 K by physical vapor deposition method, under high vacuum conditions and different deposition angles. Thickness of the layers were measured 73 nm, by quartz crystal method. Optical reflectance and transmittance of the layers were measured in the wave length of 300?C1100 nm. Optical constants were calculated by Kramers-Kronig relations. The influence of deposition angle in optical properties of ZnS nano layers are investigated. By using Generalized Gradient Approximations in context of plane wave pseudo-potentials (norm conserving and Ultrasoft) and full-potential linearized augmented plane wave methods, Band structure calculated and compared with experimental results. Possible energy transitions are also reported.     

Application of Tsunoda reagent to the convenient synthesis of drug-like pyrazoles

The versatility of the under-utilised (cyanomethylene)tributylphosphorane (CMBP, Tsunoda reagent) was demonstrated on two occasions in a drug discovery context. Firstly, the high reactivity of the phosphorane allowed the alkylation of a weakly acidic pyrazole when standard Mitsunobu conditions were unsuccessful. Secondly, the clean reaction profile generally obtained using CMBP allowed the direct use of the crude mixture in a subsequent Suzuki cross coupling. This reagent has utility when isolation of the Mitsunobu reaction product (e.g. containing a boronate) is not desirable.     

Investigation of different liquid media and ablation times on pulsed laser ablation synthesis of aluminum nanoparticles

Aluminum nanoparticles were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation of Al targets in ethanol, acetone, and ethylene glycol. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, Particle size distribution diagram from Laser Particle Size Analyzer (LPSA), UV-visible absorption spectra, and weight changes of targets were used for the characterization and comparison of products. The experiments demonstrated that ablation efficiency in ethylene glycol is too low, in ethanol is higher, and in acetone is highest. Comparison between ethanol and acetone clarified that acetone medium leads to finer nanoparticles (mean diameter of 30 nm) with narrower size distribution (from 10 to 100 nm). However, thin carbon layer coats some of them, which was not observed in ethanol medium. It was also revealed that higher ablation time resulted in higher ablated mass, but lower ablation rate. Finer nanoparticles, moreover, were synthesized in higher ablation times.     

Sulfonated Condensed Polynuclear Aromatic (S-Copna) Resin Catalyzed Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides or Sulfones Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Sulfonated condensed polynuclear aromatic (S-COPNA) resin was found to be a highly efficient, environmentally friendly, recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of alkyl and aryl sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides or sulfones, in good yields under mild reaction conditions using 30% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements for the following free supplemental resource: Synthesis of the S-COPNA resin catalyst. Spectroscopic data for compounds.