Ni selective sensors based on meso-tetrakis-{4-[tris-(4-allyl dimethylsilyl-phenyl)-silyl]-phenyl}porphyrin and (sal)2trien in poly(vinyl chloride) matrix

PVC-based membranes of meso-tetrakis-{4-[tris-(4-allyl dimethylsilyl-phenyl)-silyl]-phenyl}porphyrin (I) and (sal)₂trien (II) as electroactive material with dioctylphthalate (DOP), tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP), chloronapthalene (CN), dibutylphthalate (DBP) and dibutyl(butyl) phosphonate (DBBP) as plasticising solvent mediators have been found to act as Ni²⁺ selective sensor. The best performance was obtained with the sensor having a membrane of composition of I: sodium tetraphenyl borate: PVC in the ratio 5:5:150. The sensor exhibits Nernstian response in the activity range 2.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻¹ M, performs satisfactorily over wide pH range (2–5.5) with a fast response time (8 s). The sensor was found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 20% (v/v) content of methanol or ethanol and acetone and could be used over a period of 4 months. Potentiometric selectivity coefficients determined by matched potential method (MPM) indicate excellent selectivity for Ni²⁺ ions. The sensors could be used successfully in the estimation of nickel in different brand of chocolates and also as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration.     

Hydroxy- and boronic-acid-functionalized carbosilanes: Synthesis and solid state structure of Si(C6H4-4-SiMe2((CH2)3OH))4

Consecutive synthesis methodologies for the preparation of carbosilanes (Ph)(Me)Si((CH₂)₃B(OH)₂)₂ (2), Si(C₆H₄-4-SiMe₂((CH₂)₃B(OH)₂))₄ (5), (Ph)(Me)Si((CH₂)₃OH)₂ (3), and Si(C₆H₄-4-SiMe_3−n((CH₂)₃OH)_n)₄ (6a, n = 1; 6b, n = 2; 6c, n = 3) are reported. Boronic acids 2 and 5 are accessible by treatment of (Ph)(Me)Si(CH₂CHCH₂)₂ (1) or Si(C₆H₄-4-SiMe₂(CH₂CHCH₂))₄ (4a) with HBBr₂·SMe₂ followed by addition of water, while 3 and 6 are available by the hydroboration of 1 or Si(C₆H₄-4-SiMe_3−n(CH₂CHCH₂)_n)₄ (4a, n = 1; 4b, n = 2; 4c, n = 3) with H₃B·SMe₂ and subsequent oxidation with H₂O₂.The single molecular structure of 6a in the solid state is reported. Representative is that 6a crystallized in the chiral non-centrosymmetric space group P2₁2₁2₁ forming 2D layers due to intermolecular hydrogen bond formation of the HO functionalities along the crystallographic a and c axes.     

Enhanced removal efficiency of methyl red via the modification of halloysite nanotubes by copper oxide

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with CuO to form CuO-HNT composites. Results revealed that the CuO particles deposited on the HNT have higher specific surface area (S_BET) and pore volume compared to unmodified HNT. Application of the composites for the removal of methyl red (MR) dye was investigated. The composites have better removal efficiency than HNT. The data fitted the Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Kinetics of adsorption favored the pseudo-second-order model. Removal efficiency was faster and higher in alkaline conditions. Reusability experiments show that the low-cost composites were effective up to seven cycles.     

Facile access to a benzoazepinoquinazolinone via a free radical cyclization

An efficient synthetic protocol based on a free-radical cascade reaction via 6-exo-trig and 7-endo-trig cyclization processes is described for a new substituted benzoazepinoquinazolinone system which could in principle be used to form the cyclopropanequinone system found in duocarmycins.