Molecular structure,vibrational spectroscopic and chemical reactivity of nematogenic p-n-alkylbenzoic acids: A comparative computational analysis

Molecular structure and vibrational spectroscopic studies of higher homologous series nematogenic p-n-alkylbenzoic acids (nBAC) that have 6 (6BAC) and 7 (7BAC) carbon atoms in the alkyl chain have been investigated using the Density Functional Becke3-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) level with the basis set 6-31++G (d.p) and Hartree Fock (HF) with the same basis set. The observed vibrational spectra has been resolved and assigned in detail for comparision with both the molecules. These results indicate that DFT and HF values are slightly different at both the levels. A comparision of chemical reactivity such as HOMO (E_H), LUMO (E_L) energies, energy gap (E_g), ionization energy (I), electron affinity (A), electro negativity (χ), chemical hardness (η), electronic chemical potential (μ), electrophilicity index (ω), and softness (S) has been made. It has been observed that the decrement has occurred in the energy band gap value of isolated molecule with increment in alkyl chain length. This provides valuable information regarding enhancing the stability of liquid crystal materials by maintaining the conductivity.     

Investigating the interface of superhydrophobic surfaces in contact with water

Neutron reflectivity (NR) is used to probe the solid, liquid, vapor interface of a porous superhydrophobic (SH) surface submerged in water. A low-temperature, low-pressure technique was used to prepare a rough, highly porous organosilica aerogel-like film. UV/ozone treatments were used to control the surface coverage of hydrophobic organic ligands on the silica framework, allowing the contact angle with water to be continuously varied over the range of 160 degrees (superhydrophobic) to <10 degrees (hydrophilic). NR shows that the superhydrophobic nature of the surface prevents infiltration of water into the porous film. Atomic force microscopy and density functional theory simulations are used in combination to interpret the NR results and help establish the location, width, and nature of the SH film-water interface.     

A new macrocyclic polystyrene-based sensor for chromium (III) ions

A new tetradentate dihydrogen perchlorate macrocyclic ligand (2,4,9,11-tetraphenyl-1,5,8,12-tetraazacyclotetradeca-1,4,8,11-tetraene dihydrogen perchlorate) was prepared and characterised. The macrocycle behaves as a selective chelating ion-exchanger for some metal ions. The polystyrene-based membrane electrode is found to exhibit quite promising selectivity for Cr3+ ions. It can be used to estimate chromium concentrations in the range 3.16x 10(-6)-1.00x10(-1) M with a near-Nernstian slope of 17.5 mV per decade of concentration between pH 3.0 to 6.5. The electrode is found to possess a fast response time of 15 s and was used over a period of three months with good reproducibility (s = +/- 0.3 mV). The selectivity coefficient values for mono-, di- and trivalent cations indicate excellent selectivity for Cr3+ ions over a large number of other cations. Anions such as Cl- and SO4(2-) do not interfere and the electrode also works satisfactorily in a mixed organic-water solution. The sensor has been used as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of Cr3+ with EDTA. The practical utility of the membrane sensor has also been demonstrated in solutions contaminated with detergents (CTAB and SDS). Above all, the membrane sensor has been very successfully used to determine Cr3+ in some foods.     

Oxidation of Fe2+ ions by transfer of energy from γ-irradiated NaCl in aqueous Fricke solution

The oxidation of iron/II/ ions has been studied by dissolving -irradiated NaCl crystals in aqueous Fricke solution. The yield of iron/III/ ions was determined as a function of the amount of NaCl added, storage time, dose, concentration of iron/II/ ions and pH of the Fricke solution. The energy transfer parameter, , which is the ratio of G/Fe³⁺/ obtained by the addition of irradiated NaCl to that by direct radiolysis was evaluated.     

Rapid synthesis of α-ketoamides using microwave irradiation-simultaneous cooling method

Microwave-assisted acyl chloride-isonitrile condensation and CaCO₃-mediated hydrolysis constitute a one-pot, 2-minute process to prepare α-ketoamides.     

The chemistry of pyridine thiols and related ligands, Part 5. Synthesis and spectroscopy of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes containing 1-oxopyridine-2-thione and 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline

Summary Reactions of bis(1-oxopyridine-2-thione) Ni^II or Cu^II with 2,2-bipyridine (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) yield complexes of stoichiometry: Ni(C₅H₄NOS)₂L {L = bipy, two isomers: (1) and (2), L = phen, one isomer (3)} and Cu(C₅H₄NOS)₂(phen)·0.75CHCl₃ (4). The spectroscopy (i.r., u.v.-vis., e.s.r.) and magnetism studies of the above complexes are described. On the basis of conductivity, the Cu^II-phen complex has been formulated as [Cu(C₅H₄NOS)(phen)₂][Cu(C₅H₄NOS)₃]·1.5CHCl₃ (4). The vis. absorption spectra support similar octahedral structures for the minor bipy isomer (2) and for the Ni^II-phen complex [(3)], whereas the major isomer [(1)] has a different structure. The e.s.r. spectrum of the Cu^II-phen complex (4) is commensurate with an elongated octahedral structure. New methods for the preparation and spectroscopy of M(C₅H₄NOS)₂ (M = Mn, Ni, Cu or Zn) compounds have been investigated.     

Studies on 1,10-Phenanthroline Complexes of Some Hydroxyaryltellurium Trihalides

The synthesis and structural features of some newly synthesized 1,10-phenanthroline complexes of p-hydroxyphenyl-and 3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyltellurium trihalides (chlorides, bromides, and iodides) are reported. The resulting complexes have been subjected to elemental analyses, conductance and cryoscopic measurements, infra-red and proton magnetic resonance spectral studies. Solution studies reveal the weak to 1:1 electrolyte type behavior of these complexes in solution. Spectral studies indicate the linkage of phenanthroline to the tellurium atom through the nitrogen atoms. Central tellurium atom in these complexes is hexa-coordinated in an octahedral way.