Effect of tri-n-butyl phosphate on physical properties of dodecane–nitric acid system

Extraction power of solvent depends upon the physical properties of the system. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in dodecane is a versatile solvent used in the nuclear fuel reprocessing like PUREX process. The study of physical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension and solubility for TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system will be helpful in carrying out different extraction studies during PUREX process. Thus, physical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension and solubility have been measured for TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system using pycnometer, viscometer, pendant drop method and high performance liquid chromatography respectively. It has been observed that density and viscosity increases but interfacial tension and solubility decreases with the concentration of TBP in dodecane–nitric acid system. Physical properties of 30 % TBP–nitric acid–dodecane system have also been studied in detail. All these studies will also be useful in stripping out dissolved TBP from the nuclear waste.     

An Indium‐Seamed Hexameric Metal–Organic Cage as an Example of a Hexameric Pyrogallol[4]arene Capsule Conjoined Exclusively by Trivalent Metal Ions

A hexameric metal–organic nanocapsule is assembled from pyrogallol[4]arene units, which are stitched together with indium ions. This indium‐seamed capsule is the first instance of a M₂₄L₆ type hexameric coordination cage held together exclusively by trivalent metal ions. Explicitly, unlike previously reported pyrogallol[4]arene‐based metal‐seamed capsules, the current In³⁺ seamed capsule is entirely supported by O→In coordinate bonds. This work demonstrates the important proof of concept of the ability of pyrogallol[4]arene to react with metals in higher oxidation states to assemble into atomically‐precise hexameric coordination cages. As such, these results open up exciting avenues toward the assembly of previously unanticipated metal–organic capsules, for example offering inspiration for tackling metals exhibiting high valence states such as in the lanthanide and actinide series.     

Adaptive optics wide-field microscopy using direct wavefront sensing

We report a technique for measuring and correcting the wavefront aberrations introduced by a biological sample using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, a fluorescent reference source, and a deformable mirror. The reference source and sample fluorescence are at different wavelengths to separate wavefront measurement and sample imaging. The measurement and correction at one wavelength improves the resolving power at a different wavelength, enabling the structure of the sample to be resolved.     

Enantiospecific synthesis of β-lactams via cycloaddition

Enantiospecific synthesis of variously substituted cis-β-lactams can be achieved by the annelation of Schiff bases from optically active ketal aldehydes derived from D-threonine. Similar annelation of Schiff bases from the triphenylsilyl ether of D-threonine ester and cinnamaldehyde leads to cis-β-lactams with high diastereofacial selectivity.     

Pyrimidines as possible oncolytic agents

Two series of 5-(β-hydroxyethyl)-6-alkyl pyrimidines have been synthesised and thirty new compounds reported. Two of the pyrimidines have been found to possess significant tumour inhibitory activity against a solid rat tumour. No relationship between the length of alkyl chain at position ‘6’ in the compounds and their tumour inhibitory activity was observed.     

Ac conduction in Al/Sb2Pb1Se7/Al devices

Metal-glass-metal (MGM) thin film devices are prepared using vacuum deposition of Sb₂Pb₁Se₇ compound. The variation of ac conductance as a function of thickness of films, temperature and frequency is studied. The observed characteristics are explained on the basis of Co-related Barrier Hopping (CBH) of bipolaron. It is shown that the theoretical curve generated using the first order approximation gives excellent fitting with the experimental curve.     

An Indium-Seamed Hexameric Metal–Organic Cage as an Example of a Hexameric Pyrogallol[4]arene Capsule Conjoined Exclusively by Trivalent Metal Ions

A hexameric metal–organic nanocapsule is assembled from pyrogallol[4]arene units, which are stitched together with indium ions. This indium-seamed capsule is the first instance of a M₂₄L₆ type hexameric coordination cage held together exclusively by trivalent metal ions. Explicitly, unlike previously reported pyrogallol[4]arene-based metal-seamed capsules, the current In³⁺ seamed capsule is entirely supported by O→In coordinate bonds. This work demonstrates the important proof of concept of the ability of pyrogallol[4]arene to react with metals in higher oxidation states to assemble into atomically-precise hexameric coordination cages. As such, these results open up exciting avenues toward the assembly of previously unanticipated metal–organic capsules, for example offering inspiration for tackling metals exhibiting high valence states such as in the lanthanide and actinide series.