Microdetermination of the fluoride ion using an amplification reaction

Summary A new simple, rapid and accurate amplification micro method for fluoride determination is described. It is based on the reaction between the sparingly soluble calcium iodate and the fluoride ion. After adding isopropyl alcohol to the solution, so that its final concentration is 65%, and filtering, an equivalent amount of the iodate is obtained. The latter is titrated iodometrically resulting in a six-fold amplification of the titre. The method is reproducible over a range from 0.4–8 mg fluoride ion. The mean recovery is 99.69%, after applying a correction factor due to potassium iodate solubility.

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Zusammenfassung Ein Multiplikationsverfahren zur Mikrobestimmung von Fluorid wurde beschrieben. Es beruht auf der Umsetzung zwischen dem schlecht löslichen Calciumjodat und Fluorid. Nach Zusatz von i-Propylalkohol, bis die Lösung 65% davon enthält, wird filtriert. Die äquivalente Jodatmenge wird jodometrisch titriert. Zwischen 0,4 und 8 mg Fluorid sind die Ergebnisse reproduzierbar. Bei Anwendung eines Korrekturfaktors wegen der Löslichkeit von Kaliumjodat wurden 99,69% Fluorid wieder gefunden.

     

Synthesis of an asymmetrical tripodal tetraamine ligand and its five-coordinate copper(II) complex

A simple synthesis has been devised for the tripodal 3,3,4-tetraamine ligand N{(CH2)3NH2}2{(CH2)4NH2} (L). This ligand forms a copper(II) complex, [Cu (LH)Cl2]ClO4 (7), the structure of which has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The cation contains a five-coordinate copper atom, bonded to two chloride ions, the two propylamine groups and the tertiary nitrogen atom of the ligand; the arrangement is a distorted trigonal bipyramid, in which the two primary amine groups occupy the axial positions. The butylamine group of the ligand does not coordinate to copper but is protonated. It is involved in hydrogen bonding to the perchlorate ion. The e.p.r. spectrum of [Cu(dpt)Cl2] is very similar to that of (7), suggesting that it also has a trigonal bipyramidal structure. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Selection of a Representative Matrix for Calibration in Multianalyte Determination of Pesticides in Vegetables by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry

An analytical method for determining residues of twenty pesticides by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionisation (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) in eight commodities, cucumber, tomato, pepper, green bean, eggplant, zucchini, melon and watermelon, has been developed and validated. On one hand, calibration curves prepared in solvent were compared with calibration curves prepared in a blank matrix extract of each target matrix. On the other hand, calibration curves and recoveries for each commodity were compared. Cucumber was selected as potential reference matrix for the target vegetables.     

A tetra-coordinate nickel(II) complex as neutral carrier for nitrate-selective PVC membrane electrode

The potentiometric response properties and applications of a tetra-coordinate nickel(II) complex with relatively high selectivity toward nitrate ion are described. The nickel(II) complex of 5,7,12,14-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,6,11,13-tetraene was used as a neutral carrier into plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane. The influence of several variables was investigated in order to optimize the potentiometric response and selectivity of the electrode. The resulting membrane electrode incorporating 31.0% PVC, 61.0% dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer, 3% methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as a cationic additive and 5% carrier (all w/w) demonstrates a Nernstian response slope of −59.6 mV per decade over the concentration range of 5×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻¹ M NO₃⁻. The electrode exhibits a fast response time (≤10 s), a detection limit of 2.5×10⁻⁶ M, and can be used over a wide pH range of 4-12. The electrode shows improved selectivity in comparison to most of the previously reported nitrate-selective electrodes. It was successfully applied to the determination of nitrate ion in natural water samples.     

Synthesis, spectral and thermal properties of homo- and copolymers of 2-[(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)amino]-2-oxo-ethyl methacrylate with styrene and methyl methacrylate and determination of monomer reactivity ratios

The methacrylate monomer, 2-[(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)amino]-2-oxo-ethyl methacrylate (IAOEMA), was synthesized by reacting 2-chloro-N-(5-methylisoxazol)acetamide dissolved in acetonitrile with sodium methacrylate in the presence of triethylbenzylammoniumchloride (TEBAC). The free-radical-initiated copolymerization of IAOEMA, with styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) solution at 65 °C using 2,2^′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer-to-monomer ratios in the feed. The monomer (IAOEMA) and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectral studies. The copolymer composition was evaluated by nitrogen content in polymers led to the determination of reactivity ratios. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tüdös methods. The analysis of reactivity ratios revealed that ST and MMA are more reactive than IAOEMA, and copolymers formed are statisticalle in nature. The molecular weights (M_w and M_n) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromagtography. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to increase with an increase in the mole fraction of IAOEMA in the copolymers. The apparent thermal decomposition activation energies (E_d) were calculated by Ozawa method using the SETARAM Labsys TGA thermobalance.     

New resveratrol oligomers in the stem bark of Vatica pauciflora

Five new resveratrol oligomers; pauciflorols A-C (1-3), isovaticanols B (6) and C (8), and three new oligostilbene glucosides; pauciflorosides A (11), B (13), C (14), were isolated from the stem bark of Vatica pauciflora (Dipterocarpaceae) together with known 17 resveratrol oligomers (4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 15-25) and bergenin (26). The structures of isolates were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The typical and characteristic spectral properties of some resveratrol oligomers were also discussed.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted 5-(p-tolylsulfinyl)-5,6-dehydropiperidin-2-ones: chirality transfer in the enantioselective synthesis of ethyl (+)-(3S,4aS,7aS)-1-oxo-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyridine-3-carboxylate

The base-mediated reaction of enantiomerically pure -sulfinylketimine (+)-1 with (E)-,β-disubstituted propenoate esters afforded 3,4-disubstituted-5-(p-tolylsulfinyl)-5,6-dehydropiperidin-2-ones 9-13 and 14 with high or complete diastereoselectivity. A sole diastereomer of the four possible ones, with regard to the nature of ester, was isolated, which revealed the stereocontrol of the chiral sulfinyl group in the Michael reaction and transenolization steps. In addition, the enantioselective synthesis of ethyl (+)-(3S,4aS,7aS)-1-oxo-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyridine-3-carboxylates (+)-17 is described (five steps; 47% yield; ee 97%). The absolute configuration of stereocentres introduced in (+)-17 was assigned on the basis of ¹H NMR data.     

New antimalarial drugs

Approximately 40% of the world population live in areas with the risk of malaria. Each year, 300-500 million people suffer from acute malaria, and 0.5-2.5 million die from the disease. Although malaria has been widely eradicated in many parts of the world, the global number of cases continues to rise. The most important reason for this alarming situation is the rapid spread of malaria parasites that are resistant to antimalarial drugs, especially chloroquine, which is by far the most frequently used. The development of new antimalarial drugs has been neglected since the 1970s owing to the end colonialism, changes in the areas of military engagement, and the restricted market potential. Only in recent years, in part supported by public funding programs, has interest in the development of antimalarial drugs been renewed. New data available from the recently sequenced genome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and the application of methods of modern drug design promise to bring significant development in the fight against this disease.     

Utilization of maltodextrin based enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes for the enantioselective assay of S-perindopril

Enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes (EPMEs) based on carbon paste impregnated with different maltodextrins {dextrose equivalent (DE) 4.0-7.0 (I), 13.0-17.0 (II) and 16.5-19.5 (III)} as chiral selectors for the assay of S-perindopril is described. The proposed electrodes could be reliably employed in the assay of S-perindopril raw material and from its pharmaceutical formulation, Coversyl^® tablets. The electrode based on maltodextrin (I) showed the best enantioselectivity and time-stability. The surfaces of the electrodes are easily renewable by simply polishing on an alumina paper.     

Kinetics of the solvolysis of [Co(Rpy)4Cl4]+ with R = 4-t-Bu, 3-Me or 3-Et in mixtures of urea with water

Summary The kinetics of the solvolysis of complex ions trans-[Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺, with R = 4-t-Bu, 3-Me and 3-Et, have been investigated in mixtures formed by adding urea to water, which enhances the dielectric constant and decreases solvent structure. Differential effects of the changes in solvent structure on the initial and transition states are found to be important factors controlling changes in the rate constant with solvent composition. The variation of the enthalpy and the entropy of activation with solvent composition are contrasted with their variations found for the solvolysis of [Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺ in mixtures where solvent structure is enhanced by additions of a co-solvent to water. The application of a free energy cycle to the process of the initial state going to the transition state suggests that the Co³⁺ cation in the transition state is more stable than the Co³⁺ cation in the initial state in the water + urea mixtures.