Multifunctional ToF-SIMS: combinatorial mapping of gradient energy substrates

We present a simple method for chemical modification of chlorosilane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Si surfaces by exposure to a gradient of UV-ozone radiation to create stable substrates with a range of contact angles (θ_H2O≈5–95°) and surface energies on a single substrate. These gradient energy substrates are developed to potentially generate libraries for combinatorial studies of thin film phenomenology, where a systematic variation of interfacial surface energy represents one of the significant parameters along one axis. The graded oxidation process presents a systematic variation of surface chemical composition. We have utilized contact angle measurements and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to investigate this variation for a series of ions, among which are SiCH₃⁺, SiOH⁺ and COOH⁻. We show that the macroscopic measurements of surface free energy/contact angle correlate with the detailed analysis of surface chemistry (as assessed by ToF-SIMS) on these test substrates.     

Oxidation of cyclohexane with molecular oxygen using a Schiff base cobalt complex bonded to carbamate-modified silica gel

The Schiff base [1,2-bis(salicylidene amino)phenylene]cobalt(II) complex, chemically bonded to a carbamate-modified silica gel catalyst, has been prepared by a four step procedure. The oxidation of cyclohexane was studied in the presence of this catalyst under relatively mild conditions (150–200 °C, 15–20 atm) using molecular oxygen. The catalyst was found to be very selective for the production of cyclohexanol, with cyclohexanone formed in only a small amount (45:1). This is in contrast to the commercially available processes in which cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone are both formed in appreciable amounts. The t.g.a. analysis shows the catalyst to be stable up to 211 °C and atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated negligible metal loss during 50 h use of the catalyst up to 180 °C.     

Applications of chalcogenide glass optical fibers

Chalcogenide-glass fibers based on sulfide, selenide, telluride and their rare-earth-doped compositions are being actively pursued worldwide. Great strides have been made in reducing optical losses using improved chemical purification techniques, but further improvements are needed in both purification and fiberization technology to attain the theoretical optical losses. Despite this, chalcogenide-glass fibers are enabling numerous applications that include laser power delivery, chemical sensing, and imaging, scanning near field microscopy/spectroscopy, IR sources/lasers, amplifiers and optical switches.     

A novel one-pot method for the preparation of pyrazoles by 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of diazo compounds generated in situ

A convenient one-pot procedure for the preparation of pyrazoles by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diazo compounds generated in situ has been developed. Diazo compounds derived from aldehydes were reacted with terminal alkynes to furnish regioselectively 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles. Furthermore, the reaction of N-vinylimidazole and diazo compounds derived from aldehydes gave exclusively 3-substituted pyrazoles in a one-pot process.     

An efficient route to regioselective opening of N-tosylaziridines with zinc(II) halides

An efficient route for the regio- and stereoselective ring opening of N-tosylaziridines with zinc dihalides (ZnX₂, X = Cl, Br, I) is described. Depending on the solvent and Zn(II) halide, β-halo amines or imidazolines are obtained selectively in good to excellent yields.     

Cu-nanoparticles: a chemoselective catalyst for the aza-Michael reactions of N-alkyl- and N-arylpiperazines with acrylonitrile

A novel method for effecting the aza-Michael reactions of N-alkyl- and N-arylpiperazines with acrylonitrile using Cu-nanoparticles is described. The method features the use of 10 mol % Cu (14-17 nm) nanoparticles under mild reaction conditions to afford the addition products in good to excellent yields. The Cu-nanoparticles selectively catalysed the aza-Michael reaction of N-alkyl- and N-arylpiperazines in the presence of aromatic amino or aliphatic hydroxy groups.