Synthesis of cobaltocenium salts for use as redox labels and their incorporation into Nafion films

A cobaltocenium label was covalently attached to two antidepressants, nortriptyline and desipramine, via an amide linkage, and also to the hydrazine derivative of the biologically important compound biotin (vitamin H), again via an amide linkage. Analytically pure samples of these new cobaltocenium salts could be obtained by chromatography on silica gel followed by elution with aqueous acetone solutions containing sodium chloride (NaCl). These positively charged cobaltocenium ions preconcentrate in a polyanionic Nafion film coated on a glassy carbon surface, albeit at different concentration levels. One factor which seems to influence the amount of cobaltocenium ion that enters the film is polarity since the cobaltocenium ion containing the rather polar biotin preconcentrates at the lowest level in the relatively hydrophobic Nafion. Square-wave voltammograms of Nafion films containing these cobaltocenium cations exhibit a one-electron, reversible, reduction wave at approximately ?1.1 V (vs Ag/AgCl) with peak currents that are sufficiently large to permit detection of 10^?8 M quantities of these substances in the bulk solution.     

N-(Trifluoromethylsulfonyl)trifluoromethanesulfinimidic acid and its salts

Lithium, sodium and potassium N-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)trifluoromethanesulfinimidates were obtained by the reaction of the corresponding sulfinimidoyl chloride with alkali metal trimethylsilanolates. The potassium and sodium salts were converted to the free acid, having predominantly the amidic tautomeric structure, CF₃S(O)NHSO₂CF₃, by treatment with concentrated H₂SO₄ or with H⁺-cationite.     

Phosphomolybdic acid supported on silica gel and promoted with alkali metal ions as catalysts for the esterification of acetic acid by ethanol

Different ratios of phosphomolybdic acid PMA supported on silica gel (1–30 wt%) and promoted with alkali metal hydroxide have been prepared by an impregnation method and calcinated at 350 °C for 4 h. The catalysts were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption measurements. The surface acidity and basicity of the catalysts were determined by adsorption of pyridine and the dehydration–dehydrogenation of 2-propanol. The gas-phase esterification of acetic acid by ethanol was carried out in a conventional flow bed reactor. The results clearly revealed that among the PMA loading, the use of 10 wt% catalyst showed maximum yield of ethyl acetate. This catalyst also improved on addition of Na or K-hydroxide. These results were correlated with the structure and the acid–base properties of the prepared catalysts.     

Synthesis,characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of the proton transfer salts of 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives with 5-sulfosalicylic acid and their Cu(II) complexes

Abstract

Two proton transfer compounds, formed between 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives (2-aminobenzothiazole (abt) and 2-amino-6-ethoxybenzothiazole (EtOabt)) and 5-sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate (H₃ssa) as parent compounds, (Habt)⁺(H₂ssa)^? (1) and (HEtOabt)⁺(H₂ssa)^? (2) and their Cu(II) complexes (3 and 4, respectively) have been prepared and characterized using spectroscopic techniques. The single crystal X-ray diffraction method has been also applied to 3 and 4. Although 3 has a distorted octahedral form, 4 exhibits a distorted square pyramidal geometry. All compounds, including saline and diclofenac sodium as standards, have been evaluated pharmacologically for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rats and mice. Parent compounds (abt, EtOabt, and H₃ssa) 3 and 4 show significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as compared with control compounds.     

Graft copolymerization induced by thermal reactions of the binary alkali salts of poly(carboxylic acid)–brominated carboxylic acid in bulk

Thermal reactions of the binary alkali salts of poly(carboxylic acid)–brominated carboxylic acid such as sodium or potassium poly(4-vinylbenzoate)-2-bromopropanoate [Na or K (PVBA-2-BPA)] in bulk were investigated. A methanol solution of binary acids was prepared by fixing the molar ratio of the repeating unit of polymeric acid to the fraction of brominated carboxylic acid. The binary salts were prepared by the neutralization of the binary acid solution. The product of the thermal reaction followed by esterification was identified as a graft copolymer containing PVBA in the main chain and polylactic acid in the side chain. The reaction of 1/15 K (PVBA-2-BPA) at 120 °C for 2 h yielded the highest percentage of grafting (300%). The grafting proceeded gradually for the initial 2 h and then somewhat. Reactivity of the K salt was higher than that of the corresponding Na salt. The thermal reaction of 1/10 K [polymethacrylate-2-BPA (PMA-2-BPA)] at 120 °C for 2 h also yielded a graft copolymer, and the percentage of grafting was 300%. However, reaction temperatures higher than 120 °C caused homopolycondensation of K 2-BPA prior to grafting, and homopolycondensation occurred prior to grafting in the reaction with Na (PMA-2-BPA). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1877–1885, 2001     

Photo-grafting Poly(acrylic acid) onto Poly(lactic acid) Chains in Solution

Poly(lactic acid)(PLA)is one of the most important bio-plastics,and chemical modification of the already-polymerized poly(lactic acid)chains may enable optimization of its material properties and expand its application areas.In this study,we demonstrated that poly(lactic acid)can be readily dissolved in acrylic acid at room temperature,and acrylic acid can be graft-polymerized onto poly(lactic acid)chains in solution with the help of photoinitiator benzophenone under 254 nm ultraviolet(UV)irradiation.Similar photo-grafting polymerization of acrylic acid(PAA)has only been studied before in the surface modification of polymer films.The graft ratio could be controlled by various reaction parameters,including irradiation time,benzophenone content,and monomer/polymer ratios.This photo-grafting reaction resulted in high graft ratio(graft ratio PAA/PLA up to 180%)without formation of homopolymers of acrylic acid.When the PAA/PLA graft ratio was higher than 100%,the resulting PLA-g-PAA polymer was found dispersible in water.The pros and cons of the photo-grafting reaction were also discussed.     

Benzophenone‐(phenylthio)acetic acid phosphonium salts as initiators of free‐radical photopolymerization of vinyl monomers: Mechanistic studies

The mechanism of the benzophenone‐sensitized photooxidation of phosphonium salts of (phenylthio)acetic acid was studied as a means for understanding how these salts function as coinitiators in the free‐radical photopolymerization of vinyl monomers. Both steady‐state and nanosecond flash photolytic methods were used to determine, in a quantitative manner, the mechanism of primary and secondary photoreactions for three quaternary phosphonium salts containing butyl and/or phenyl groups, i.e., P⁺(C₄H₉)₄, P⁺(C₄H₉)(C₆H₅)₃, and P⁺(C₆H₅)₄. It was found that the initial polymerization rates were the same for all three phoshonium salts of (phenylthio)acetic acid and were equal to those found previously for tetralkyl ammonium salts. The polymerization rates were more than twice the rates found for direct initiation by benzophenone and by the benzophenone‐(phenylthio)acetic acid initiating system. These results correlate well with the large quantum yields of ^?CH₂SC₆H₅ radicals (the main initiating radicals) found in the complementary photochemical investigation. It was found that a detailed knowledge of the photochemical reactions in the photoinitiating systems was critical to understand the kinetics of polymerization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 8013–8022, 2008     

Conformational studies on poly(ethacrylic acid) in aqueous salts by potentiometric,viscometric, optical and1H-NMR measurements

The conformation of poly(ethacrylic acid) was studied in aqueous salts by means of potentiometric, viscometric, optical and¹H-NMR measurements. The modified potentiometric titration curves in aqueous NaCl at ionic strengths 0.01–0.3 and 5–35 °C indicated the pH-induced conformational transition from the compact to extended coil. The standard free energy changes and the difference in molar heat capacity between the two conformers were estimated from the potentiometric data. The viscometric and optical behaviours did also show the existence of the compact form at acid pH's and the pH-induced conformational transition to the extended coil in aqueous NaCl and NaClO₄. From comparison with the data for poly(methacrylic acid), the results were concluded to be consistent with the existence of the compact form stabilized by hydrophobic interaction between ethyl groups. The methyl widths in 400 MHz¹H-NMR spectra indicated that the side chains in the polymer in the compact form are in a more restricted motional state than in the coil form. Intermolecular aggregations were found at very low degrees of ionization of carboxyl groups.     

Highly Sensitive and Selective Determination of Dopamine Based on Graphite Nanosheet‐Nafion Composite Film Modified Electrode

A graphite nanosheet (GNS)‐Nafion modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was prepared and used for highly sensitive and selective determination of dopamine (DA). The GNS‐Nafion/GC electrode displayed excellent electrocatalytic activities towards DA and ascorbic acid (AA). The selective determination of DA was carried out successfully in the presence of AA by differential pulse voltammetry. High sensitivity (3.695 μA μM^?1) and low detection limit (0.02 μM, S/N=3) for the DA detection were obtained. These good properties can be attributed to a large amount of edge plane defects presented on GNSs and the charge‐exclusion and concentration features of Nafion.     

Chemical modification of poly(lactic acid) and its use as matrix in poly(lactic acid) poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends

Poly(lactic acid), PLA, was chemically modified with maleic anhydride (MA) by reactive extrusion. The effect of this modification on molar mass (MM) and acidity was assessed by means of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and titration, respectively. PLA MM decreased in the presence of MA solely and of MA and peroxide. Reduction in MM was monitored by the increase in acidity. PLA blends containing poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were prepared through different mixing protocols, PLA/PBAT, PLA-g-MA/PBAT and PLA/PBAT/MA/peroxide (PLA/PBAT in situ). SEC results and rheological properties revealed reduction in MM and viscosity of the modified blends. PLA/PBAT presented increase in MM and bimodal MM distribution. The calculated interfacial tension was significantly lower for the modified blends, despite the lower average particle area of PLA/PBAT. Surprisingly, the modified blends presented higher yield strength than that predicted by the rule of mixtures, which might indicate interfacial reactions.     

Influence of polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) loading on the properties of Nafion composite membranes

Composite membranes based on Nafion (N115) loaded with furfuryl alcohol (FA) were prepared by in situ acid-catalyzed polymerization technique, with the aim to improve the ionic conductivity of Nafion membranes. The functionalization, thermal stability, electrical properties and mechanical strength of N115-PFA composites was analyzed by means of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrical impedance spectroscopy, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). The FA loading in the resultant composites had a positive correlation with the water uptake (W_u), water vapor uptake (W_vu), ionic conductivity and thermo-mechanical stability. At low polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) loading, these membranes displayed higher W_u and improved ionic and electrical properties. Further, the thermo-mechanical stability also gradually increased with the PFA loading. All the composites showed a well-defined glass transition temperature in DMA, which shifted to higher temperature with repeated PFA loading. Overall, the results indicate that the developed composite membrane are promising for low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.     

Conductance studies on the interaction of D-glucose with alkali halides in water and formamide

The interaction of D-glucose with alkali halide in aqueous and formmide solutions has been studied by employing conductance measurements. Our results showed a break at the saturation temperature indicating a transition in the conductance values. This behaviour is explained in terms of solute-solvent interactions involved in the electrolyte-solvent-nonelectrolyte systems.     

Far-infrared and x-ray studies on poled semicrystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Far-infrared (FIR) Fourier-transform transmission spectra and x-ray diagrams of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films are examined in terms of poling-field action on the crystalline phase (α and β forms) and on the amorphous phase. We show that the poling field induces an increase of crystallinity in the α phase as well as in the β phase, and for the latter an orientation of dipoles in the field direction. For samples containing a mixture of phases α and β we note an α to β phase transition, a rotation of the dipoles in the β phase, and an increase of the crystallinity of the sample. Part of the β phase is generated from the amorphous phase.     

New hydrazinium salts of benzene tricarboxylic and tetracarboxylic acids—preparation and their thermal studies

Some new hydrazinium salts of benzene tricarboxylic and tetracarboxylic acids have been prepared by neutralisation of these acids with hydrazine hydrate in aqueous medium and characterised by conductance measurement, IR spectral and thermal analyses. Hemimellitic acid (H₃hml) forms monohydrazinium salt, trimellitic acid (H₃tml) and trimesic acid (H₃tms), mono and dihydrazinium salts, and pyromellitic acid (H₄pml) all the four salts with hydrazine hydrate. Conductance study indicates their electrolytic nature. IR spectra of all the salts show NN stretching frequencies of the N₂H₅⁺ in the region of 960-990 cm⁻¹. The hemimellitate salt undergoes endothermic dehydrazination at 154 °C, trimellitates and pyromellitates in the range of 191-271 °C, and trimesates in the range of 267-332 °C. Trimesates decompose to give CO₂ around 337 °C. All the salts then undergo strong exothermic decomposition in the range of 517-595 °C via the formation of respective acid intermediates first, then arenes, yielding carbon residue. A comparison of the thermal behaviour of pure acids with that of their salts reveals the fact that the acids do not withstand high temperature like salts. They show sharp endotherms at their melting points and then they decompose exothermally before 400 °C to give carbon residue.     

Catalytic action of phospho-tungstic acid in the synthesis of melamine salts of pentaerythritol phosphate and their synergistic effects in flame retarded polypropylene

A solid acid, phospho-tungstic acid (PTA), has been used to catalyze the pentaerythritol-melamine phosphate (PER-MP) reaction to synthesize intumescent flame retardant, melamine salt of pentaerythritol phosphate (MPP) used in flame retardant polypropylene (PP). This novel and environmentally friendly synthesis technology well solves the problems of conventional preparation methods. PTA plays a double-role: on one hand, it remarkably enhances the conversion of the above reaction and decreases the reaction temperature; on the other hand, it acts as an effective synergist with MPP and greatly improves the flame retardancy; accordingly, no additional process is needed to remove PTA after the reaction, and the products of the catalyzed reaction were directly incorporated with PP to prepare high-performance flame retardant materials. The catalytic and synergistic effects of PTA, as well as the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the corresponding flame retardant PP were investigated.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and properties of tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylato bridged copper(II) coordination polymers with alkali metals

Four tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylato bridged copper(II) coordination polymers with alkali metals, Na₂[Cu(H₂O)(THFTC)]·5H₂O 1, K₂[Cu₃(H₂O)₂(THFTC)₂]·9H₂O 2, Rb₂[Cu₃(H₂O)₂(THFTC)₂]·6H₂O 3 and Cs₂[Cu₃(H₂O)₂(THFTC)₂]·6H₂O 4 (H₄THFTC = tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid) were prepared from reactions of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid and alkali hydroxide or carbonate at pH 5.0–6.0 under ambient conditions. Compound 1 features 2D (3³·4³·5⁴) topological layers generated from six-coordinated Cu²⁺ cations interlinked by (THFTC)⁴⁻ anions, and the resulting layers are ecliptically stacked along [1 0 0] direction to form lozenge-shaped and octagonal channels filled with Na⁺ ions and lattice H₂O molecules. In 2–4, both penta- and hexa-coordinated copper(II) ions are bridged by tetracarboxylate anions to form negatively charged 2D layers formulated as ²_∞[Cu(H₂O)₂L_3/2]²⁻ with the corresponding alkali metal cations (K⁺, Rb⁺ or Cs⁺ ions) and hydrogen bonded lattice H₂O molecules sandwiched between them. Additionally, the results about i.r. spectroscopic, thermal characterizations and magnetic properties are presented.     

Poly(m-ferrocenylaniline) modified carbon nanotubes-paste electrode encapsulated in nafion film for selective and sensitive determination of dopamine and uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid

A nafion covered carbon nanotubes-paste electrode modified with poly(m-ferrocenylaniline), (Nf/p(FcAni)-CNTsPE), provides a novel voltammetric sensor for the selective determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). We studied the electrochemical activity of Nf/p(FcAni)-CNTsPE toward DA, UA, and AA by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). DA and UA anodic peaks appear at 0.30 and 0.45 V, respectively while an anodic peak for AA was not observed. DPV oxidation peak values are linearly dependent on DA concentration over the range 1–150 μM (r² = 0.992), and on UA concentration over the range 5–250 μM (r² = 0.997). DA and UA detection limits are estimated to be 0.21 and 0.58 μM, respectively. The modified electrode shows both good selectivity and reproducibility for the selective determination of DA and UA in real samples. Finally, the modified electrode was successfully applied for the determination of DA and UA in pharmaceutical or biological sample fluids.     

CuBr2 mediated synthesis of 2-Aminothiazoles from dithiocarbamic acid salts and ketones

Abstract

In a one-pot procedure, CuBr₂ has been used as a efficient desulfurizing agent in the synthesis of 2-aminothiazoles by the condensation of in situ-generated 1-substituted thioureas from their dithiocarbamic acid salts, with in situ-generated α-bromoketones from ketones. All reactions were carried out under optimized reaction conditions and gave the target products in 61–95% yield.     

Theoretical study of the adsorption of oxygen on a Cu(100) surface and the coadsorption with alkali atoms

We performed a theoretical study of the adsorption of oxygen on a cluster model of the Cu(100) surface and also the surface coadsorbed with lithium and potassium atoms. The study showed that alkali coadsorption facilitates in a significant way the process of molecular adsorption, whereas the adsorption of atomic oxygen is only slightly modified. The alkali atoms on the copper surface produce an increase in the charge transfer toward the oxygen molecule, favoring the oxygen dissociation. The effect is greater for the potassium coadsorption. In addition, we found that the potassium coadsorption favored the dissociation and recombination processes by about 60 and 15%, respectively. In turn, the lithium coadsorption favored only the recombination process by about 50%. These results could be an important aspect for catalytic processes.From the Proceedings of the 28th Congreso de Quimicos Teóricos de Expression Latina (QUITEL 2002)     

Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by the Sensitization of Sn(IV)-Porphyrin Embedded in a Nafion Matrix Coated on TiO2

Efficient utilization of visible light for photocatalytic hydrogen production is one of the most important issues to address. This report describes a facile approach to immobilize visible-light sensitizers on TiO₂ surfaces. To effectively utilize the sensitization of Sn(IV) porphyrin species for photocatalytic hydrogen production, perfluorosulfonate polymer (Nafion) matrix coated-TiO₂ was fabricated. Nafion coated-TiO₂ readily adsorbed trans-diaqua[meso-tetrakis(4-pyridinium)porphyrinato]tin(IV) cation [(TPy^HP)Sn(OH₂)₂]⁶⁺ via an ion-exchange process. The uptake of [(TPy^HP)Sn(OH₂)₂]⁶⁺ in an aqueous solution completed within 30 min, as determined by UV-vis spectroscopy. The existence of Sn(IV) porphyrin species embedded in the Nafion matrix coated on TiO₂ was confirmed by zeta potential measurements, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, TEM combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Sn(IV)-porphyrin cationic species embedded in the Nafion matrix were successfully used as visible-light sensitizer for photochemical hydrogen generation. This photocatalytic system performed 45% better than the uncoated TiO₂ system. In addition, the performance at pH 7 was superior to that at pH 3 or 9. This work revealed that Nafion matrix coated-TiO₂ can efficiently produce hydrogen with a consistent performance by utilizing a freshly supplied cationic Sn(IV)-porphyrin sensitizer in a neutral solution.