Small angle X-ray scattering from lamellar phase for β-3,7-dimethyloctylglucoside/water system: comparison with β-n-alkylglucosides

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is measured for the lamellar phase in aqueous systems of 1-o-β-3,7-dimethyoctyl-D-glucopyranoside (β-Glc(Ger)), which has recently been prepared by us, 1-o-β-decyl-D-glucopyranoside (β-GlcC₁₀), and 1-o-β-octyl-D-glucopyranoside (β-GlcC₈). The repeat distance d obtained from the position of the diffraction peak does not follow the swelling law d = 2δ_hc/_hc, where δ_hc and _hc are the thickness and the volume fraction of the hydrophobic layer, respectively. This may result from the fact that δ_hc increases and, equivalently, the surface area per surfactant molecule (a_s) decreases with increasing concentration. So we calculate δ_hc and a_s from the observed d value at each concentration using the above swelling law. The half-thickness δ_hc increases in the order β-GlcC₈ < β-Glc(Ger) < β-GlcC₁₀ at a fixed concentration. On the other hand, the data on a_s for β-GlcC₁₀ and β-GlcC₈ lie on the same line and the data for β-Glc(Ger) lies above this line. These results suggest that the cross-sectional area of the geranyl chain is larger than that of the glucose headgroup. Existence of water filled defects in bilayer sheets is also discussed based on the SAXS pattern and the concentration dependence of d.     

Ab initio structural trends and torsional sensitivity in n-hexane and comparisons with crystallographic structural results

The molecular structures of n-hexane were determined by RHF/4-21G ab initio geometry optimization at 30° grid points in its three-dimensional τ₁(C11–C8–C5–C1), τ₂(C14–C11–C8–C5), τ₃(C17–C14–C11–C8) conformational space. Of the resulting 12×12×12=1728 grid structures, 468 are symmetrically non-equivalent and were optimized constraining the torsions τ₁, τ₂, and τ₃ to the respective grid points, while all other structural parameters were relaxed without any constraints. From the results, complete parameter surfaces were constructed using natural cubic spline functions, which make it possible to calculate parameter gradients, |P|=[(∂P/∂τ_i)²+(∂P/∂τ_j)²]^1/2, where P is a C–C bond length or C–C–C angle. The parameter gradients provide an effective measure of the torsional sensitivity of the system and indicate that dynamic activities in one part of the molecule can significantly affect the density of states, and thus the contributions to vibrational entropy, in another part. This opens the possibility of dynamic entropic conformational steering in complex molecules; i.e. the generation of free energy contributions from dynamic effects of one part of a molecule on another. When the conformational trends in the calculated C–C bond lengths and C–C–C angles are compared with average parameters taken from some 900 crystallographic structures containing n-hexyl fragments or longer C–C bond sequences, some correlation between calculated and experimental trends in angles is found, in contrast to the bond lengths for which the two sets of data are in complete disagreement. The results confirm experiences often made in crystallography. That is, effects of temperature, crystal structure and packing, and molecular volume effects are manifested more clearly in bond lengths than bond angles which depend mainly on intramolecular properties. Frequency analyses of the τ₁, τ₂ and τ₃ torsional angles in the crystal structures show conformational steering in the sense that, if τ₁ is trans peri-planar (170°≤τ₁≤180°; −180°≤τ₁≤−170°), the values of τ₂ and τ₃ are clustered closely around the ideal gauche (±60°) and trans (±180°) positions. In contrast, when τ₁ is in the region (50°≤τ₁≤70°), there is a definite increase in the populations of τ₂ and τ₃ at −90 and −150°.     

Molecular weights of polystyrenes in toluene solutions by light scattering. Comparison between classical values and values deduced from a new method

Light scattering measurements in toluene solutions are performed for a series of monodisperse polystyrenes with a molecular weight M_w range from 4×10³ to 8×10⁶. The scattered polarized intensities I_v and the natural depolarization ratios ρ_n are registered with different apparatus at λ=633 or 488 nm and the M_w values are deduced through different formulae. The complete Carr and Zimm formula (CL_a), from I_v and ρ_n, and the usual simplified formula (CL_b), from I_v, are considered for the classical method. An already demonstrated formula is considered for the new method (New). Values of M_w and related parameters do not depend on the experimental systems used but deviations appear when using different formulae. The deviations are generally low (about 10%) but often systematic: M_w(CL_a)<M_w(CL_b)<M_w(New). The most important difference concerns the effect of destructive interferences for M_w>5×10⁵: the new formula leads to a lower increase from θ=90° to θ→0 for M_w values (θ is the observation angle). For instance, in the 8×10⁶ sample, M_w(θ→0)/M_w(θ=90°)=3.6 instead of 6.1, which implies a revision of the usual determination of the radius of gyration, R_g.     

Time-dependent fluctuations in infrared vsCH2 frequencies in acyl chain membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii cells

We measured FT-IR spectra of intact Acholeplasma laidlawii cells grown at 37 °C on palmitic acid (C16:0) or on binary palmitic acid-d31/oleic acid (C16:0-d31/C18:1(9)) at an initial mole ratio of 2:3, which have been previously reported to produce significant fluctuations in CH₂ symmetric stretching (ν_sCH₂) and CD₂ asymmetric stretching (ν_aCD₂) frequencies (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1279 (1996) 49). Time courses for acyl chain ν_sCH₂ and ν_aCD₂ frequencies determined from fourth derivative spectra are presented. Fluctuations were detected with the C16:0 enriched cells at temperatures above 40 °C as well as with the cells enriched in 2:3 C16:0-d₃₁/C18:1(9). These observations at temperatures above 40 °C for the C16:0 enriched cells were not in agreement with the conclusion in the previous work by Moore et al. Our results have suggested that the 2850 cm⁻¹ ν_sCH₂ band comprises two components arising from trans and gauche conformations, and that the fluctuations in ν_sCH₂ frequency are caused by random temporal changes in the relative intensities of these two components.     

Strahlenchemie von alkoholen—IX Die UV-photolyse (λ = 185 nm) von methanol in flüssiger phase

The UV photolysis (λ = 185 nm) of liquid methanol yields hydrogen, glycol, formaldehyde, methane and traces of ethane in quantum yields of 0·83, 0·78, 0·058, 0·05 and 0·002 resp. (related to φ(H₂) = 0·4 of the ethanol-actinometer (5 mole/1 in water)). The isotopic distribution of the hydrogen (85% HD) formed in the photolysis of CH₃OD shows, that as in the gasphase² the scission of the O---H-bond (1) is the major process. CH₃OH + hv (λ = 185 nm) → CH₃O^• + H^• (1)

In methanoi-water mixtures (nearly all the light of the wavelength λ = 185 nm is absorbed by methanol) the quantum yields of hydrogen, glycol, methane and ethane are greatly reduced, while the formaldehyde yield remains unaffected. In 1 molar solution φ(H₂) = 0·42, φ(glycol) = 0·32 and φ(CH₄) = 6 x 10⁻⁴ is obtained. Ethane cannot be detected.     

Characterization and decomposition mechanism of an unusual nickel, thiocyanate and 4-methylpyridine polymeric complex

The synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition of the [Ni(SCN)₂(H⁺SCN)₂(4-mepy)₂] compound with an octahedral structure in polymeric chain were reported, in which SCN groups form bridges among Ni(II) ions. The compound decomposes in water resulting in a pH<4 solution. The FT-IR spectrum presented doublet bands at 2117; 2128 cm⁻¹, 788; 773 cm⁻¹ assigned to ν(C---N) and ν(C---S) stretching modes, respectively, and δ(SCN) deformation modes at 468; 476 cm⁻¹. The Raman spectrum of the compound presented the ν(C---N) stretching as a strong doublet at 2122; 2128 cm⁻¹, ν(C---S) at 783; 770 cm⁻¹, and δ(SCN) at 468; 477 cm⁻¹. No significant changes were observed in the 4-mepy ligand bands compared with the vibrational frequencies of the pure compound or the compound in aqueous solution 0.2 mol l⁻¹. The crystal UV–vis reflectance spectrum presented two bands centered in 626 and 424 nm tentatively assigned to the d→d type transitions, ³A_2g→³T_1g and ³A_2g→³T_1g, for a symmetry close to O_h. The TG curve showed a mass loss between 120 and 200 °C assigned to the loss of the two 4-mepy molecules; from 200 to 265 °C, the loss of the two H⁺SCN groups; and from 265 to 450 °C, the loss of the two SCN groups that formed the bridges among the nickel atoms. Based on these mass loss data, a mechanism of thermal decomposition for the compound was proposed.     

Luminescent properties of carbon-rich starburst gold(I) acetylide complexes. Crystal structure of [TEE][Au(PCy3)]4 ([TEE]H4=tetraethynylethene)

Two carbon-rich starburst gold(I) acetylide complexes [TEE][Au(PCy₃)]₄ (3, [TEE]H₄=tetraethynylethene) and [TEB][Au(PCy₃)]₃ (6, [TEB]H₃=1,3,5-triethynylbenzene) were prepared and their UV–vis absorption, emission and excitation spectra have been recorded. In fluid CH₂Cl₂ solutions, 3 exhibits prompt ¹(ππ*) fluorescence with λ_0–0 and λ_max at 413 and 428 nm, respectively, while 6 displays ³(ππ*) phosphorescence with λ_0–0 and λ_max at 446 and 479 nm, respectively. The crystal structure of 3·CH₂Cl₂ has been determined.     

Thermal stability of osmium mixed oxides I. CaOsO3 decomposition products: A new orthorhombic phase Ca2Os2O7

The thermal decomposition of CaOsO₃ by differential thermal analyses, thermogravimetry and X-ray powder diffraction has been studied. In nitrogen CaOsO₃ decomposes at 880 ± 10°C into CaO, osmium metal and oxygen due to the reaction CaOsO₃ → CaO + Os + O₂. In static air the decomposition occurs in three stages: 2CaOsO₃ + 1/2O₂ → Ca₂Os₂O₇ (in region 775–808°C), Ca₂Os₂O₇ → Ca₂Os₂O_6,5 + 1/4O₂ (at a temperature interval of 850–1000°C) and in the third stage Ca₂Os₂O_6,5 → 2CaO + OsO₄ ÷ 1/4 O₂ (at 1005 ± 5°C). The first intermediate Ca₂Os₂O₇ is isostructural with orthorhombic Ca₂Nb₂O₇ and its cell parameters are: a₀ = 3.745 Å, b₀ = 25.1 Å, c₀ = 5.492 Å, Z = 4, space group Cmcm or Cmc2. Ca₂Os₂O₇ exhibits metallic conductivity and its electrical resistivity is 4.6 × 10⁻² ohm-cm at 296K.     

A monolayer study on three binary mixed systems of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline with cholesterol, cholestanol and stigmasterol

The monolayer behavior of three mixed systems of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) with sterols; cholesterol (Ch), stigmasterol (Stig), and cholestanol (Chsta) formed at the interface of air/water (phosphate buffer solution at 7.4 with addition of NaCl) was investigated in terms of surface pressure (π) and molecular occupation surface area (A) relation. A series of π–A curves at every 0.1 mol fraction of each sterol for the three combinations of mixed systems were obtained at 25.0 °C.

On the basis of the π–A curves, the additivity rule in regard to A versus sterol mole fraction (X_st) was examined at discrete surface pressures such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mN m⁻¹, and then from the obtained A–X_st curves the partial molecular areas (PMA) were determined. The A–X_st relation exhibited a marked negative deviation from ideal mixing in the pressure range below 10 mN m⁻¹, i.e. in the expanded liquid film region (below the transition pressure of DPPC).

The PMA of Ch at π=5 mN m⁻¹, for example, was found to be conspicuously negative in the range of X_Ch=0–0.2 (about −0.4 nm² per molecule) and slightly positive (ca. 0.1 nm² per molecule) in the range X_Ch=0.2 to 0.4. Above X_Ch=0.5, Ch’s PMA was almost the same as the surface area of pure Ch, while DPPC’s PMA was reduced to 60% of that of the pure system.

Excess Gibbs energy (ΔG_(ex)) as a function of X_st was estimated at different pressures. Applying the regular solution theory to thermodynamic analysis of ΔG_(ex), the activity coefficients (f₁ and f₂) of DPPC and the respective sterols as well as the interaction parameter (I_p) in the mixed film phase were evaluated; the results showed a marked dependence on X_st.

Compressibility C_s and elasticity C_s⁻¹ were also examined. These physical parameters directly reflected the mechanical strength of formed monolayer film.

Phase diagrams plotting the collapse pressure (π_c) against X_st were constructed, and the π_c versus X_st curves were examined for the respective mixed systems in comparison with the simulated curves of ideal mixing based on the Joos equation.

Comparing the monolayer behavior of the three mixed systems, little remarkable difference was found in regard to various aspects. In common among the three combinations, the mole fraction dependence in monolayer properties was classified into three ranges: 0<X_st<0.2, 0.2<X_st<0.4 and 0.5<X_st<1. How the difference in the chemical structure of the sterols influenced the properties was examined in detail.     

Relative quantum yield of the S2 → S1 fluorescence from azulene

The quantum yield ratio r = φ_{2 → 0}/φ_{2 → 1} of the S₂ → S₀ and S₂ → S₁ fluorescences from azulene has been redetermined. With azulene in isopentane at 190 K, r = 455 ± 100. This value agrees with the lower limit, given by Huppert, Jortner and Rentzepis, but is an order of magnitude lower than that given by Gillispie and Lim.     

Computational analysis of side-chain conformations in polyaspartates exhibiting reversible helical sense inversion in the solid state

Poly(β-phenylpropyl -aspartate), poly(β-phenylbutyl -aspartate), and poly(β-phenylpentyl -aspartate) exhibit a reversible transformation from a right-handed -helix (_R) to a left-handed ω-helix (ω_L) in the solid state. During this transition, the infrared (IR) dichroism of the side-chain ester group and the birefringence change drastically, showing that the side-chain conformations are different for these two helices. In the present study, for the purpose of elucidating the preferred side-chain conformation in each helix, we performed the computational analyses. The energy contours, the directions of the IR transition moments and the anisotropies in polarizability as functions of the first two dihedral angles of the side chain, χ₁ and χ₂ were calculated. Then, comparing them with the experimental IR dichroism and birefringence data, we elucidated the specific side-chain conformation preferred for each _R or ω_L skeleton. The preferred values of (χ₁, χ₂) were found to be (−75, −60°) for _R and (180, 45°) for ω_L.     

Surface properties of ω-perfluorooctyl-alkyl polyacrylates: odd–even effect

A series of ω-perfluorooctyl-alkyl polyacrylates has been prepared and analysed. The odd–even effect, already observed in the case of liquid crystalline polymers has been exhibited for perfluorinated ones. Values of the contact angles to advanced (θ_a), with withdrawal (θ_r), as well as the contact angle hysteresis (Δθ) of various ω-perfluorooctyl-alkyl polyacrylates in water at 20 °C are described. Contrary to the advancing contact angle which is almost independent of spacer length, the receding one varies strongly with it.     

Stress relaxation behaviour of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine monolayers spread on the surface of a pendant drop

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayers were characterised by surface pressure/area isotherms (π/A) and surface dilational rheological parameters at temperatures 20–40°C. The methods used were the Langmuir trough and the pendant drop micro-film balance. The latter allows accurate measurements at higher temperatures and transient drop deformation. Stable DPPC monolayers were found only for low surface pressures, π<15 mN m⁻¹. At higher monolayer compression π decreases over a long time, mainly caused by molecular rearrangement processes in the monolayer starting in the coexisting region. At π>25 mN m⁻¹ and 20°C relaxation experiments give evident of rupturing, brittle monolayer structures. At higher temperatures the monolayers became more fluid-like. π/A-isotherms determined by using both methods principally agree with each other, but show also remarkable differences, which cannot be explained so far satisfactory. Transient drop relaxation experiments were analysed for the short time range (600 s). At 20°C the dilational modulus (_r) and the surface dilational viscosity (ξ_r) passes a stationary maximum at 0.54 nm² molecule⁻¹ and increase strongly at higher surface coverage, thus indicating crystalline monolayer structure. Increasing temperature from 20 to 30°C causes a rapid decrease of _r and ξ_r and a shift of the stationary maximum to lower surface coverage. No evidence for crystalline structure is found. Further increase of temperature causes _r and ξ_r increase again. This increase is caused by a rising relaxation time, while the elasticity does not change in the same manner. Such intermediate decrease of _r and ξ_r in the range 30–40°C appears to be unusual and can be interpreted as a consequence of strong DPPC interactions and strongly pronounced retardation of monolayer deformation. The study is discussed in connection to the physiology of breathing. For pulmonary surfactants the observed behaviour seems to be understandable. It is however interesting that such complex behaviour is observed for monolayers consisting of DPPC only.     

Influence of electronic and steric effects on stability constants and electrochemical reversibility of divalent ion complexes with glycine and sarcosine. A glass electrode potentiometric, sampled direct current polarographic, virtual potentiometric, and molecular modelling study

Cd^II complexes with glycine (gly) and sarcosine (sar) were studied by glass electrode potentiometry, direct current polarography, virtual potentiometry, and molecular modelling. The electrochemically reversible Cd^II–glycine–OH labile system was best described by a model consisting of M(HL), ML, ML₂, ML₃, ML(OH) and ML₂(OH) (M = Cd^II, L = gly) with the overall stability constants, as log β, determined to be 10.30 ± 0.05, 4.21 ± 0.03, 7.30 ± 0.05, 9.84 ± 0.04, 8.9 ± 0.1, and 10.75 ± 0.10, respectively. In case of the electrochemically quasi-reversible Cd^II–sarcosine–OH labile system, only ML, ML₂ and ML₃ (M = Cd^II, L = sar) were found and their stability constants, as log β, were determined to be 3.80 ± 0.03, 6.91 ± 0.07, and 8.9 ± 0.4, respectively. Stability constants for the ML complexes, the prime focus of this work, were thus established with an uncertainty smaller than 0.05 log units. The observed departure from electrochemical reversibility for the Cd–sarcosine–OH system was attributed mainly to the decrease in the transfer coefficient . The MM2 force field, supplemented by additional parameters, reproduced the reported crystal structures of diaqua-bis(glycinato-O,N)nickel(II) and fac-tri(glycinato)-nickelate(II) very well. These parameters were used to predict structures of all possible isomers of (i) [Ni(H₂O)₄(gly)]⁺ and [Ni(H₂O)₄(sar)]⁺; and (ii) [Ni(H₂O)₃(IDA)] and [Ni(H₂O)₃(MIDA)] (IDA = iminodiacetic acid, MIDA = N-methyl iminodiacetic acid) by molecular mechanics/simulated annealing methods. The change in strain energy, ΔU_str, that accompanies the substitution of one ligand by another (ML + L′ → ML′ + L), was computed and a strain energy ΔU_str = +0.28 kcal mol⁻¹ for the reaction [Ni(H₂O)₄(gly)]⁺ + sar → [Ni(H₂O)₄(sar)]⁺ + gly was found. This predicts the monoglycine complex to be marginally more stable. By contrast, for the reaction [Ni(H₂O)₃IDA] + MIDA → [Ni(H₂O)₃MIDA] + IDA, ΔU_str = −0.64 kcal mol⁻¹, and the monoMIDA complex is predicted to be more stable. This correlates well with (i) stability constants for Cd–gly and Cd–sar reported here; and (ii) known stability constants of ML complex for glycine, sarcosine, IDA, and MIDA.     

Kinetic investigation of electronic energy transfer processes following the pulsed dye-laser generation of excited atomic barium, Ba[6s6p(P1)], in the presence of atomic strontium

The collisional behaviour of Ba[6s5d(³D_J)], 1.151 eV above the 6s²(¹S₀) electronic ground state, in the presence of atomic strontium, has been investigated in the ‘long-time domain' (ca. 100 μs–1 ms) following the pulsed dye-laser excitation of barium vapour at elevated temperature at λ = 553.5 nm (Ba[6s6p(¹P₁)] ← Ba[6s²(¹S₀)]. Ba(³D_J) is subsequently produced from the short-lived ¹P₁ state (τ_e = 8.37 ± 0.38 ns) by a number of radiative and collisional processes. It may then be monitored in the ‘long-time domain' by atomic spectroscopic marker methods involving either collisional activation of Ba(³D_J) by Ba(¹S₀) and He buffer gas to yield Ba[6s6p(³P_J)] with subsequent emission from the ³P₁ state (τ_e = 1.2 ± 0.1 μs): Ba[6s6p(³P₁)] → Ba[6s²(¹S₀)] + hv (λ = 791.1 nm). Alternatively, emission from Ba(¹P₁) may be monitored at long times following the generation of this short-lived state by energy pooling following self-annihilation of Ba(³D_J) + Ba(³D_J) from Ba[6s6p(¹P₁)] → Ba[6s²(¹S₀)] + hv (λ = 553.5 nm). The generation of Ba(³D_J) in the presence of atomic strontium yields emission in the long-time domain from Sr[5s5p(³P₁)] (τ_e = 19.6 μs): Sr[5s5p(³P₁)] → Sr[5s²(¹S₀)]  + hv (λ = 689.3 nm). Whilst the decay profiles at short times are complex in form, at long times all these atomic profiles show first-order kinetic removal with the decay coefficients for λ = 791.1 nm, 689.3 nm and 553.5 nm emissions in the ratio 1 : 2 : 2, consistent with overall third-order activation of the form: Ba(³D_J) + Ba(³D_J) + Sr(¹S₀) → Sr(³P_J) + 2Ba(¹S₀). The mechanism is modelled in detail, including measurement of integrated emission intensities, yielding kinetic data for fundamental collisional processes. The overall rate constant for the third-order collisional activation of Sr[5s5p(³P_J])from 2Ba[6s5d(³D_J)] + Sr[5s²(¹S₀)] takes the upper limit of 5.8 × 10⁻²⁷ cm⁶ atom⁻² s⁻¹ (T = 900 K). The rate constant for the two body collisional quenching of Ba[6s5d(³D_J)] by ground state atomic strontium, Sr[5s²(¹S₀)], is found to be (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹² cm³ atom⁻¹ s⁻¹ (T = 900 K).     

S2 → S0 fluorescence in an aromatic thioketone, xanthione

In addition to the red phosphorescence (T₁(³ A₂n, π^*) → S₀) xanthione exhibits in solution an emission with a maximum at ≈ 23 000 cm⁻¹ and φ_f(298°) = 5 × 10⁻³. It is shown that this emission is fluorescence from the second excited singlet state (S₂ (¹A₁ π, π^*) → S₀).     

The lipid-mediated hypothesis of fumonisin B1 toxicodynamics tested in model membranes

The disruption of lipidic metabolism was considered a good candidate to explain FB1 toxicity mechanism. In the present work we investigated molecular organizational changes induced by FB1–biomembrane interaction possibly involved in mycotoxic effects.

FB1 was self-aggregated with a critical micellar concentration of 1.97 mM. FB1 (0–81.4 μM), decreased in a dose-dependent manner, the fluorescence anisotropy of TMA-DPH (from 0.349 ± 0.003 to 0.1720 ± 0.0035) in dpPC bilayers, whilst no differences were registered with DPH. At 5.6 μM in the subphase, FB1 increased the lateral surface pressure (π) of a Langmuir film to an extent that depended on the monolayer composition (Δπ_{dpPC:DOTAP 3:1} > Δπ_dpPC:dpPA3:1 > Δπ_dpPC), the molecular packing (Δπ decreased linearly as a function of the initial π) and the subphase pH (Δπ_{pH 2.6} > Δπ_{pH 7.4} and maximal π allowing the drug penetration π_cut-off was 34.3 and 27.7 mN/m at pH 2.63 and 7.4, respectively). FB1 increased the surface potential of dpPC and dpPC:DOTAP monolayers and decreased that of dpPC:dpPA. This suggested that FB1 acquired different orientations and/or foldings depending on the surface electrostatics and the toxin charge state. Moreover, FB1–lipid interactions were transduced into long-range effects at the mesoscopic level affecting the lipidic self-separated lateral domains shape and density.     

Calculation of the surface charge and potential and of the structural component of disjoining pressure in an interlayer in KCl solutions between glass samples

The dependence of the Stern potential, ψ₁, of glass samples on the distance between these, H, has been theoretically calculated, while taking into account the Stern isotherm and the electroneutrality equation. Comparison of the theoretical dependences ψ₁(C)_H→∞ with those previously experimentally obtained enables one to calculate the energy of adsorption of OH ions on glass and, further, the dependence ψ₁(H). It has been shown that for pH 4–6 and C_KCl = 10^-2-10^-5 mol/L, the value of ψ₁ practically does not depend on H. The result obtained was used to calculate theoretically the ionic-electrostatic forces and to compute (from the experimental values of the interaction forces) structural forces U_s(H). The dependence thus obtained, U_s(H), is of exponential character.     

Chemistry and reactivity of dinuclear manganese oxamate complexes: Aerobic catechol oxidation catalyzed by high-valent bis(oxo)-bridged dimanganese(IV) complexes with a homologous series of binucleating 4,5-disubstituted-o-phenylenedioxamate ligands

The high-valent bis(oxo)-bridged dimanganese(IV) complexes with the series of binucleating 4,5-X₂-o-phenylenebis(oxamate) ligands (opbaX₂; X = H, Cl, Me) (1a–c) have been synthesized and characterized structurally, spectroscopically and magnetically. Complexes 1a–c possess unique Mn₂(μ-O)₂ core structures with two o-phenylenediamidate type additional bridges which lead to exceptionally short Mn–Mn distances (2.63–2.65 Å) and fairly bent Mn–O–Mn angles (94.1°–94.6°). The cyclovoltammograms of 1a–c in acetonitrile (25 °C, 0.1 M Bu₄NPF₆) show an irreversible one-electron oxidation peak at moderately high anodic potentials (E_ap = 0.50–0.85 V versus SCE), while no reductions are observed in the potential range studied (down to −2.0 V versus SCE). These dinuclear manganese oxamate complexes are excellent catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to the corresponding o-quinone in acetonitrile at 25 °C. The order of increasing catecholase activity (k_obs) with the electron donor character of the ligand substituents as 1b (X = Cl) < 1a (X = H) < 1c (X = Me) correlates with Hammett σ⁺ values (ρ = −0.95). A mechanism involving initial activation of the catechol substrate by coordination to the dimetal center and subsequent oxidation to quinone by O₂ is proposed, which is consistent with the observed saturation kinetics.     

Comparisons of the foaming and interfacial properties of whey protein isolate and egg white proteins

Whipped foams (10%, w/v protein, pH 7.0) were prepared from commercially available samples of whey protein isolate (WPI) and egg white protein (EWP), and subsequently compared based on yield stress (τ₀), overrun and drainage stability. Adsorption rates and interfacial rheological measurements at a model air/water interface were quantified via pendant drop tensiometry to better understand foaming differences among the ingredients. The highest τ₀ and resistance to drainage were observed for standard EWP, followed by EWP with added 0.1% (w/w) sodium lauryl sulfate, and then WPI. Addition of 25% (w/w) sucrose increased τ₀ and drainage resistance of the EWP-based ingredients, whereas it decreased τ₀ of WPI foams and minimally affected their drainage rates. These differing sugar effects were reflected in the interfacial rheological measurements, as sucrose addition increased the dilatational elasticity for both EWP-based ingredients, while decreasing this parameter for WPI. Previously observed relationships between τ₀ and interfacial rheology did not hold across the protein types; however, these measurements did effectively differentiate foaming behaviors within EWP-based ingredients and within WPI. Interfacial data was also collected for purified β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) and ovalbumin, the primary proteins of WPI and EWP, respectively. The addition of 25% (w/w) sucrose increased the dilatational elasticity for adsorbed layers of β-lg, while minimally affecting the interfacial rheology of adsorbed ovalbumin, in contrast to the response of WPI and EWP ingredients. These experiments underscore the importance of utilizing the same materials for interfacial measurements as used for foaming experiments, if one is to properly infer interfacial information/mechanisms and relate this information to bulk foaming measurements. The effects of protein concentration and measurement time on interfacial rheology were also considered as they relate to bulk foam properties. This data should be of practical assistance to those designing aerated food products, as it has not been previously reported that sucrose addition improves the foaming characteristics of EWP-based ingredients while negatively affecting the foaming behavior of WPI, as these types of protein isolates are common to the food industry.