Enthalpy–Entropy Compensation Combined with Cohesive Free‐Energy Densities for Tuning the Melting Temperatures of Cyanobiphenyl Derivatives

This work illustrates how minor structural perturbations produced by methylation of 4′‐(dodecyloxy)‐4‐cyanobiphenyl leads to enthalpy–entropy compensation for their melting processes, a trend which can be analyzed within the frame of a simple intermolecular cohesive model. The transformation of the melting thermodynamic parameters collected at variable temperatures into cohesive free‐energy densities expressed at a common reference temperature results in a novel linear correlation, from which melting temperatures can be simply predicted from molecular volumes.     

13CH4分子v3振动带空气和氮气加宽系数温度依赖性研究

采用中红外波段连续可调谐二极管激光器和自行研制的低温吸收池, 测量了温度为296 K, 252 K, 213 K, 173 K时, 3.38 μm附近¹³CH₄分子的四条跃迁谱线的氮气和空气加宽光谱; 首次通过实验获得空气和氮气对¹³CH₄分子的碰撞加宽系数, 以及谱线加宽系数的温度依赖系数. 实验过程中, 利用Voigt线型对所测量的光谱进行拟合. 实验结果表明, 氮气和空气对¹³CH₄分子的碰撞诱导加宽系数随温度的降低而增大; 相同温度下, 氮气对¹³CH₄分子的碰撞加宽系数普遍大于空气加宽系数. 实验数据为地球和外星体大气遥感探测提供了依据.     

Microwave-assisted conversion of carbohydrates. State of the art and outlook

The valorisation of carbohydrates arising from the hydrolysis of renewable feedstocks (i.e., lignocellulosic biomass) is nowadays an area of utmost interest. In this context, the implementation of fast, expeditious and cost-effective methodologies for the modification of these naturally occurring compounds is becoming a prerequisite. With this aim, the application of microwaves has gained progressive attention in laboratories for making a range of high-added value sugars derivative scaffolds. The advantages of microwaves are numerous, and include enhancement of reaction rates and yields, combined with improved regio-, chemo- and anomeric selectivities.     

Supramolecular polymer networks based on calix[5]arene chained poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) and C60 fulleropyrrolidine

Abstract

A poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) polymer (PCF[5]), bearing two π-rich cone-like calix[5]arene cavities (assembling cores) attached to a rigid p-phenyleneethynylene spacer, was synthesised by a Pd-catalysed cross-coupling reaction. UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies combined with dynamic light scattering measurements provide evidence for the self-assembly of PCF[5] (homopolytopic host molecule) with a complementary C₆₀ fulleropyrrolidine (C₆₀-Pyr) guest in solution, in the construction of a supramolecular polymer network. Atomic force microscopy analysis of PCF[5]/C₆₀-Pyr highlights the formation of a bicontinuous network consisting of a uniform distribution of prominent structures, within a polymeric background forming a biphasic structure.     

Online characterization of regulated and unregulated gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions from two-stroke mopeds: A chemometric approach

Two-stroke mopeds are a popular and convenient mean of transport in particular in the highly populated cities. These vehicles can emit potentially toxic gaseous and aerosol pollutants due to their engine technology. The legislative measurements of moped emissions are based on offline methods; however, the online characterization of gas and particulate phases offers great possibilities to understand aerosol formation mechanism and to adapt future emission standards. The purpose of this work was to study the emission behavior of two mopeds complying with different European emission standards (EURO-1 and EURO-2). A sophisticated set of online analyzers was applied to simultaneously monitor the gas phase and particulate phase of exhaust on a real time basis. The gaseous emission was analyzed with a high resolution Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR; nitrogen species) and a resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (REMPI-ToF-MS; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: PAH), whereas the particulate phase was chemically characterized by a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS; organic, nitrate and chloride aerosol) and a multiangle absorption photometer (MAAP; black carbon). The physical characterization of the aerosol was carried out with a condensation particle counter (CPC; particle number concentration) and a fast mobility particle sizer (FMPS; size distribution in real time). In order to extract underlying correlation between gas and solid emissions, principal component analysis was applied to the comprehensive online dataset. Multivariate analysis highlighted the considerable effect of the exhaust temperature on the particles and heavy PAH emissions. The results showed that the after-treatment used to comply with the latest EURO-2 emission standard may be responsible for the production of more potentially harmful particles compared to the EURO-1 moped emissions.     

A new chiral diiron catalyst for enantioselective epoxidation

The dinuclear chiral complex Fe(2)O(bisPB)(4)(X)(2)(ClO(4))(4) (X = H(2)O or CH(3)CN) catalyzes with high efficiency (up to 850 TON) and moderate enantioselectivity (63%) the epoxidation of electron deficient alkenes at 0 degrees C by a peracid.     

Novel Helmholtz-based photoacoustic sensor for trace gas detection at ppm level using GaInAsSb/GaAlAsSb DFB lasers

A new and compact photoacoustic sensor for trace gas detection in the 2-2.5 microm atmospheric window is reported. Both the development of antimonide-based DFB lasers with singlemode emission in this spectral range and a novel design of photoacoustic cell adapted to the characteristics of these lasers are discussed. The laser fabrication was made in two steps. The structure was firstly grown by molecular beam epitaxy then a metallic DFB grating was processed. The photoacoustic cell is based on a Helmholtz resonator that was designed in order to fully benefit from the highly divergent emission of the antimonide laser. An optimized modulation scheme based on wavelength modulation of the laser source combined with second harmonic detection has been implemented for efficient suppression of wall noise. Using a 2211 nm laser, sub-ppm detection limit has been demonstrated for ammonia.     

Trichlorosilane isocyanate as coupling agent for mild conditions functionalization of silica-coated surfaces

Despite the importance of the isocyanate group in chemistry, very few examples of isocyanate-modified silicas have been reported, and all of the strategies described so far led to partial or total hydrolysis or condensation of the isocyanate group. By synthesizing trichlorosilane isocyanate as the coupling reagent, we show that oxidized silicon wafers are successfully modified with the isocyanate group. Our method is achieved in mild conditions, at low temperature, without side-reactions and allows the formation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of isocyanates. The isocyanate group then offers a flexible way to further functionalize silica substrates with different nucleophiles, due to its high and specific reactivity.