Evaluation of a magnetically coupled microcavity hollow cathode discharge for atomic emission spectroscopy

A magnetically coupled microcavity hollow cathode discharge device was evaluated for its analytical potential as a boosted atomic emission source. A magnetic field using an electromagnet was applied perpendicular to the axis of the microcavity hollow cathode. The intensity of the atomic emission of copper, aluminum and the ionic emission of magnesium increased with increasing magnetic field until it reached a maximum. A further increase in the field strength did not lead to an enhancement of these emissions. The attainment of the maxima was attributed to the increase in the electron temperature and radial diffusion of the electrons from the center of the microcavity axis. Electron temperatures in the presence of the magnetic field calculated based on the semicorona model were shown to be proportional to the square of the reduced field strength. Further, these maxima were correlated to the energies of the upper levels of the transition studied.     

聚丙烯酸/聚(苯乙烯-丙烯酸)二苯酰基甲烷铕(Ⅲ)配合物的合成及其荧光性能

铕(Ⅲ)和二苯甲酰甲烷(HDBM)形成的有机配合物与聚丙烯酸(PAA)(M_n=5000)、聚(苯乙烯-丙烯酸)(PSAA)(M_n=3000)发生配位反应,分别得到配位聚合物Eu(Ⅲ)-DBM-PAA和NaEu(Ⅲ)-DBM-PSAA,产率分别为89.7%和87.3%.红外光谱、紫外光谱、X光电子能谱测试表明,Eu³⁺分别与PAA,PSAA和DBM-发生配位,元素分析和电导率测定结果证明,1个Eu³⁺分别与PAA中2个链节或PSAA中3个链节的羧基和1个DBM-发生配位.Eu³⁺离子在配位聚合物Eu(Ⅲ)-DBM-PAA和Eu(Ⅲ)-DBM-PSAA中的含量分别为28.46%和12.23%.荧光光谱表明,常温下配位聚合物在紫外光下发出强的红光,主要是Eu³⁺离子的5D0→7F2的能级跃迁.     

Orthoamides and Iminium Salts LXXII: N,N,N′,N′,N′′,N′′,N′′′,N′′′‐Octamethyl‐(but‐2‐yne)‐bis(amidinium) Tetrafluoroborate: The First Bis‐amidinium Salt of Acetylenedicarboxyclic Acid. A New Superelectrophile?

A method for the preparation of the first acetylenedicarboxamidinium salt from a bis‐orthoamide derivative of acetylenedicarboxyclic acid has been established. The salt reacted with cyclopentadiene and furan at room temperature to give bicyclic [4+2]‐cycloaddition products. The solid compounds were characterized by solution NMR spectroscopy and by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Quantum‐chemical calculations of the isolated N,N,N′,N′,N′′,N′′,N′′′,N′′′‐octamethyl‐acetylene‐bis(carboxamidinium) ion showed very good agreement with the spectroscopic and diffraction data.     

Coloring–decoloring behavior of fluoroalkyl end‐capped 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid oligomer/acetone composite in methanol

A reddish‐brown fluoroalkyl end‐capped 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) oligomer/acetone composite was prepared by heating the white oligomer powder with acetone at 80 °C for 3 h. The color was not observed in the corresponding non‐fluorinated AMPS oligomer/acetone composite, which was prepared under similar conditions. The coloring was probably caused by the formation of acetone polyaldol condensation products in the fluorinated oligomeric gel network cores. The colored R_F‐(AMPS)_n‐R_F/acetone composite powders were stable and did not exhibit any color change after 2 years in natural light at room temperature. The colored composite powders dissolved in methanol to give a reddish‐brown solution at room temperature. However, the retro‐polyaldol condensation decolored the solution after 1 day at room temperature. This is the first example of the retro‐aldol polycondensation of acetone under mild conditions. The decoloration increased by between 38‐ and 70‐fold under UV irradiation, compared with that in dark conditions. The coloring–decoloring behavior was consistent and repeatable; therefore our fluorinated oligomer/acetone composites are promising candidates for new fluorinated coloring materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2555–2564     

The Structure and Conformation of (CH3)3CSNO

The gas‐phase molecular structure of (CH₃)₃CSNO was investigated by using electron diffraction, allowing the first experimental geometrical parameters for an S‐nitrosothiol species to be elucidated. Depending on the orientation of the ?SNO group, two conformers (anti and syn) are identified in the vapor of (CH₃)₃CSNO at room temperature, the syn conformer being less abundant. The conformational landscape is further scrutinized by using vibrational spectroscopy techniques, including gas‐phase and matrix‐isolation IR spectroscopy, resulting in a contribution of ca. 80:20 for the anti:syn abundance ratio, in good agreement with the computed value at the MP2(full)/cc‐pVTZ level of approximation. The UV/Vis and resonance Raman spectra also show the occurrence of the conformational equilibrium in the liquid phase, with a moderate post‐resonance Raman signature associated with the 350 nm electronic absorption.     

Temperature effects on nano-LC column packing technology

We investigated the effect of temperature on the packing procedure of nano-LC columns (up to 50 cm) and on their performance. Several slurries of stationary phase were prepared using different solvent mixtures. Their stability was evaluated at several temperatures: 70°C, 50°C, and room temperature. At the higher temperature (70°C) the suspensions resulted to be stable for a longer time. For each slurry, we compared nano-LC columns packed with ultrasounds at 70°C and at room temperature. All the columns were tested with a standard mixture at 70°C, to reduce the solvent viscosity and the backpressure. Main chromatographic parameters such as the asymmetry factor, As, the reduced plate high, h, pattern in a Van Deemter plot, the total porosity, ε(t), and the permeability, k, were calculated and discussed. One of the nano-LC columns was used to separate a mixture of pesticides in a LC-MS system with an electron ionization LC-MS interface (Direct-EI). From our knowledge, this is the first study on the role of temperature in the efficiency of slurry-packing procedure.     

Spectroscopy of Dibenzorubicene: Experimental Data for a Search in Interstellar Spectra

We report on the characterization of dibenzo[cde,opq]rubicene (C₃₀H₁₄). The molecule was studied in solution at room temperature with absorption spectroscopy in the visible (vis) and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength ranges, and with emission spectroscopy. The infrared (IR), visible, ultraviolet, and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectra of a thin film were measured also at room temperature. In addition, the UV/vis absorption spectrum was measured at cryogenic temperatures using the matrix isolation spectroscopy technique. The interpretation of spectra was supported by theoretical calculations based on semiempirical and ab initio models, as well as on density functional theory. Finally, the results of the laboratory study were compared with interstellar spectra.     

Structural and magnetic investigations of the mixed-valence Fe(II,III) two-dimensional layer complex, [Fe2(II) Fe2(III)(HCOO)10(C6H7N)6]n.

The structure of the complex, [Fe2(II)Fe2(III)(HCOO)10(C6H7N6)n, (1) exhibits a neutral two-dimensional layer network of alternating iron(II) and iron(III) ions, bridged equatorially by formate groups. All iron atoms are octahedrally coordinated, with iron(III) coordinating axially to one gamma-picoline and one formate group, while the iron(II) centers interact axially with two gamma-picoline groups, above and below the layer plane. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 at all studied temperatures [at 120 K, the cell dimensions are: a = 10.228(1), b = 12.071(1), c = 12.072(1) A, alpha = 89.801(2), beta = 71.149(2), gamma = 73.371(2) degrees]. An intralayer antiferromagnetic exchange interaction of J = -2.8 cm(-1) between iron(II) and iron(III) was observed in the magnetic studies. Decreasing the temperature to close to 20 K causes a magnetic-ordering phenomenon to occur and a low-temperature phase with a long-range antiferromagnetic spin orientation appears. The magnetic phase transition was confirmed by M?ssbauer spectroscopic studies at temperatures above and below the critical temperature. Structural information of 1 from synchrotron X-ray diffraction data collected at room temperature and 16 K suggests that the antiferromagnetic ordering is caused by an enhanced pi-pi interaction between chi-picoline groups from adjacent layers.     

The state of the iron promoter in tungstated zirconia catalysts.

The activity and selectivity of tungstated zirconia (WZ) for the conversion of n- into isopentane are dramatically enhanced when the catalyst is modified with Pt and Fe. The state of iron in these catalysts was hitherto only poorly characterized. Therefore, in the present work we investigated the structural and electronic properties of iron in WZ catalysts containing 1 wt% Pt and 1 wt% Fe2O3, by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, namely X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. In the oxidized catalyst, iron is present as Fe(III) and predominantly forms a surface solid solution in which the isolated Fe(III) ions are located in a distorted octahedral environment. A small amount of the total iron (around 10%) is present in the form of small iron oxide particles. Both iron species can be reduced in H2 and then easily reoxidized on exposure to air at room temperature. We infer that the promoter action of iron in these catalysts is intimately related to its redox properties and specifically affects the dehydrogenation activity of the materials.     

The Carbonyl Chlorine(I) Cation [ClCO]+

The first carbonyl halogen cation in the condensed phase , the superelectrophilic [ClCO]⁺ ion, has been clearly and unambiguously established by its complete, fully assigned vibrational spectrum. The cation is obtained by the reaction of COCl₂ with SbF₅ at room temperature in the form of a suspension, in which it is stabilized by oligomeric fluoroantimonate ions.     

Raman Investigation of the Low Temperature Phase Transitions in Monoclinic TlReO4

The Raman spectrum of monoclinic TlReO₄ is presented together with a factor group analysis and assignment of the bands. The phase transitions of monoclinic TlReO₄ is investigated below room temperature, and two phase transitions were identified between room temperature and 90 K. The room temperature monoclinic phase was converted to the orthorhombic phase at 170 K upon cooling, and to the tetragonal phase at 150 K. Upon heating back to room temperature the tetragonal phase persisted until the orthorhombic phase could be identified at 210 K and 220 K. From 230 K to room temperature the monoclinic phase could again be observed.     

Synthesis of Layered Sodium Manganese Phosphate via Low-heating Solid State Reaction and Its Properties

The layered nanocrystalline sodium manganese phosphate was synthesized by low‐heating solid state reaction using MnSO₄·H₂O and Na₃PO₄·12H₂O as raw materials. The resulting sodium manganese phosphate and its calcined products were characterized using element analysis, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analyses (TG/DTA), Fourier transform IR (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility. The results showed that the product obtained at 70°C for 3 h, NaMnPO₄·3H₂O, was a layered compound, and its crystallite size and interlayer distance were 27 nm and 1.124 nm, respectively. The thermal process of NaMnPO₄·3H₂O between room temperature and 700°C experienced three steps, the dehydration of the one adsorption water at first, and then dehydration of the two crystal waters, at last crystallization of NaMnPO₄. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of NaMnPO₄· 3H₂O from room temperature to 2.5 K point to ferrimagnetic ordering at T_N‐35 K.     

Reversible Photoswitching of a Spin‐Crossover Molecular Complex in the Solid State at Room Temperature

Spin‐crossover metal complexes are highly promising magnetic molecular switches for prospective molecule‐based devices. The spin‐crossover molecular photoswitches developed so far operate either at very low temperatures or in the liquid phase, which hinders practical applications. Herein, we present a molecular spin‐crossover iron(II) complex that can be switched between paramagnetic high‐spin and diamagnetic low‐spin states with light at room temperature in the solid state. The reversible photoswitching is induced by alternating irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light and proceeds at the molecular level.     

Dynamics of Nucleic Acids at Room Temperature Revealed by Pulsed EPR Spectroscopy

The investigation of the structure and conformational dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions is challenging for structural biology. Although pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (like PELDOR) techniques provide long‐range distance and orientation information with high accuracy, such studies are usually performed at cryogenic temperatures. At room temperature (RT) PELDOR studies are seemingly impossible due to short electronic relaxation times and loss of dipolar interactions through rotational averaging. We incorporated the rigid nitroxide spin label Ç into a DNA duplex and immobilized the sample on a solid support to overcome this limitation. This enabled orientation‐selective PELDOR measurements at RT. A comparison with data recorded at 50 K revealed averaging of internal dynamics, which occur on the ns time range at RT. Thus, our approach adds a new method to study structural and dynamical processes at physiological temperature in the <10 μs time range with atomistic resolution.     

Hydrogen bonding in polyamide 66/clay nanocomposite

Hydrogen bonding in polyamide 66/clay nanocomposite (PA66CN) was first investigated with temperature Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), the results of which were compared with that of pristine polyamide 66 (PA66) with the same thermal history. FTIR spectra at room temperature revealed that there is essentially 100% hydrogen bonding in both PA66CN and PA66, and the difference in hydrogen‐bonding status between them is tiny. Additionally, DSC showed that the crystalline degrees and melting temperatures of PA66CN and PA66 prepared by melt quenching are similar. However, the changes of hydrogen bonding with temperature in PA66CN and PA66 are different. As the temperature rose, the hydrogen bonding in PA66CN attenuated and dissociated considerably at a smaller rate than PA66. According to transmission electron microscopic morphology of PA66CN, we analyzed the effect of nanodispersion clay layers on the motion of a polymer chain and the thermal expansion of crystalline lamella for interpreting the observed phenomenon. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2313–2321, 2003     

New environmentally responsive fluorescent N‐isopropylacrylamide copolymer and its application to DNA sensing

We report two novel multifunctional copolymers consisting of a temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAA) segment and a fluorescent fluorene‐containing acrylic polymer segment with pH responsiveness and/or DNA‐sensing ability. The functional acrylic monomer with a fluorene dimer side group substituted with amino units was synthesized first. Then, it was copolymerized with N‐isopropylacrylamide to result in a new water‐soluble, fluorescent PNIPAA copolymer ( P1 ). The fluorescent properties of P1 under neutral and acidic conditions did not change with the temperature. However, significant variation was observed under basic conditions. The protonation of the amino moiety at a low pH improved the solubility and prevented aggregation for fluorescence quenching, but not under the basic conditions. Although aggregation of the fluorene units was significant at room temperature under basic conditions, the aggregation was resolved at a temperature above the lower critical solution temperature. These findings indicated the pH‐ and temperature‐responsive characteristics of P1 . Moreover, after the amino groups were quaternized, the obtained polymer could be used as a biosensor because the fluorescence intensity was quenched with the addition of DNA. This study demonstrates that multifunctional materials with pH‐ and temperature‐sensing characteristics and biological molecules could be realized by the incorporation of a functional fluorene‐containing moiety with PNIPAA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5495–5504, 2006     

Molecular Chirality Recognized by Achiral Compounds

Abstract

Three cases are described where chirality is recognized by achiral molecules, where chirality is induced into achiral compounds through interactions with chiral compounds, and lastly where induced chirality in the solid-state is utilized for an enantio-selective photoreaction. In the first instance, the thermodynamically and kinetically preferred diastereoisomer of an optically labile chromium complex depended on the nature of the achiral solvent. In the second case, for the first time 1,2-chloroethane was trapped and observed in a chiral near-eclipsed form and 1-chloropropane in the truly eclipsed form at room temperature in a 1:1 inclusion complex with an optically active host molecule. Finally, induced chirality in a prochiral compound in the solid-state was successfully employed in an enantio-selective photoreaction. In the two cases, solid-state CD provided valuable information.     

Vibrational study of [(CH3)4N]2Cu0.5Zn0.5Cl4

[(CH3)4N]2Zn0.5Cu0.5Cl4 shows an orthorhombic system at ambient temperature with P2(1)nb space group. At room temperature, the crystal consists of three sublattices constituted by MCl4 (M=Cu and Zn) and two tetramethylammoniums N1(CH3)4 and N2(CH3)4, which give rise to a total of 372 vibrational modes that transform according to the four irreductible representations of the C2v point group in the following way: Gamma(vib)=93(A1+A2+B1+B2). The infrared and Raman spectra of polycrystalline samples have been investigated at room temperature. The assignment of the observed bands is discussed.     

Dynamics of Monolayer–Island Transitions in 2,7‐Dioctyl‐benzothienobenzthiophene Thin Films

The order in molecular monolayers is a crucial aspect for their technological application. However, the preparation of defined monolayers by spin‐coating is a challenge, since the involved processes are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. In the work reported herein, the dynamic formation of dioctyl‐benzothienobenzothiophene monolayers is explored as a function of temperature by using X‐ray scattering techniques and atomic force microscopy. Starting with a disordered monolayer after the spin‐coating process, post‐deposition self‐reassembly at room temperature transforms the initially amorphous layer into a well‐ordered bilayer structure with a molecular herringbone packing, whereas at elevated temperature the formation of crystalline islands occurs. At the temperature of the liquid‐crystalline crystal–smectic transition, rewetting of the surface follows resulting in a complete homogeneous monolayer. By subsequent controlled cooling to room temperature, cooling‐rate‐dependent kinetics is observed; at rapid cooling, a stable monolayer is preserved at room temperature, whereas slow cooling causes bilayer structures. Increasing the understanding and control of monolayer formation is of high relevance for achieving ordered functional monolayers with defined two‐dimensional packing, for future applications in the field of organic electronics.     

Cone motion viscosity and optical second harmonic generation of ferroelectric liquid crystalline dendrimers

We report second harmonic generation in a ferroelectric liquid crystalline trimer and ferroelectric liquid crystalline dendrimers of first, second and third generation. Thin cells were filled with the compounds by capillary forces at elevated temperature, and cooled from the surface stabilized ferroelectric state to below the glass transition temperature, while kept in an electric field. The cone motion viscosity and the threshold electric field for unwinding of the helix axis of the chiral tilted smectic mesophases were studied separately at elevated temperature, and these data were used to optimize the preparation of the films. The measured response time was between 0.3 and 3ms, which corresponds to a cone motion viscosity between 0.5 and 50 Pa s. Second harmonic generation was studied both at elevated temperature with an electric field and at room temperature with and without electric field. The first generation dendrimer exhibited a strong increase in the second order non-linear optical response with time at room temperature. The d₂₃-coefficient of this dendrimer was approximately four times larger than for the other macromolecules and was 0.045 pm V^-1. The relatively large d-coefficient of the first generation dendrimer is ascribed to crystallization, which improved the orientation of the molecular dipoles.