Oleic acid-assisted preparation of LiMnPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and its improved electrochemical performance by Co doping

LiMnPO₄, with a particle size of 50–150 nm, was prepared by oleic acid-assisted solid-state reaction. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the materials were investigated by galvanostatic cycling. It was found that the introduction of oleic acid in the precursor led to smaller particle size and more homogeneous size distribution in the final products, resulting in improved electrochemical performance. The electrochemical performance of the sample could be further enhanced by Co doping. The mechanism for the improvement of the electrochemical performance was investigated by Li-ion chemical diffusion coefficient ( [(D)\tilde]_\textLi ) \left( {{{\tilde{D}}_{\text{Li}}}} \right) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results revealed that the [(D)\tilde]_\textLi {\tilde{D}_{\text{Li}}} values of LiMnPO₄ measured by cyclic voltammetry method increase from 9.2 × 10⁻¹⁸ to 3.0 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm² s⁻¹ after Co doping, while the charge transfer resistance (R _ct) can be decreased by Co doping.     

Mechanisms for the formation of layered A<Subscript>4</Subscript>B<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> compounds from coprecipitated hydroxocarbonate and hydroxide systems

We have established and analyzed the sequences of phase transitions in synthesis of layered compounds in the A_nB_n–1O_3n family ( \textA₃^\textII\textLnB₃^\textV\textO₁₂ {\text{A}}_3^{\text{II}}{\text{LnB}}_3^{\text{V}}{{\text{O}}_{{12}}} (A^II = Ba, Sr, Ln = La, Nd, B^V = Nb, Ta) and La₄Ti₃O₁₂ with n = 4) from coprecipitated hydroxocarbonate and hydroxide systems, including steps involving the formation, solid-phase reaction, or structural rearrangement of intermediates.     

Differentiation of α- or β-Aspartic Isomers in the Heptapeptides by the Fragments of [M + Na]<Superscript>+</Superscript> Using Ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray ionization coupled with low energy collision induced dissociation (CID) in an ion trap mass spectrometer was used to examine the fragmentation patterns of the [M + Na]⁺ of eight pairs of heptapeptides containing α- or β-Asp residues in second and sixth amino acid positions, respectively. Selective cleavages at the peptide backbone C-terminal to two Asp residues were observed, which generated a series of C-terminal y₅ ions and N-terminal b₆ ions. Two typical ions: [ \texty₅ + \textNa-\textH ] ⁺ {\left[ {{{\text{y}}_{{5}}} + {\text{Na}}-{\text{H}}} \right]^{ + }} and [ \textb₆ + \textNa + \textOH ] ⁺ {\left[ {{{\text{b}}_{{6}}} + {\text{Na}} + {\text{OH}}} \right]^{ + }} , produced by α-Asp containing peptides were noted to be much more abundant than those of the peptides with β-Asp, which could be used for distinction of the isomers in Asp2 and Asp6, respectively. In addition, a series of internal ions generated by simultaneous cleavages at Asp residues were detected. Competitive reactions of carboxylic groups occurred between Asp6 side chain and C-terminus. Formation mechanisms of most product ions are proposed. The results obtained in this work are significant since low energy CID has been demonstrated to be effective for the distinction of Asp isomers.     

A rotating disc voltammetry study of the 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone mediated reduction of colloidal indigo

Colloidal indigo is reduced to an aqueous solution of leuco-indigo in a mediated two-electron process converting the water-insoluble dye into the water-soluble leuco form. The colloidal dye does not interact directly with the electrode surface, and to employ an electrochemical process for this reduction, the redox mediator 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (1,8-DHAQ) is used to transfer electrons from the electrode to the dye. The mediated reduction process is investigated at a (500-kHz ultrasound-assisted) rotating disc electrode, and the quantitative analysis of voltammetric data is attempted employing the Digisim numerical simulation software package. At the most effective temperature, 353 K, the diffusion coefficient for 1,8-DHAQ is (0.84±0.08)×10⁻⁹ m² s⁻¹, and it is shown that an apparently kinetically controlled reaction between the reduced form of the mediator and the colloidal indigo occurs within the diffusion layer at the electrode surface. The apparent bimolecular rate constant k _app=3 mol m⁻³ s⁻¹ for the rate law \fracd[ \textleuco - \textindigo ] dt = k_\textapp ×[ \textmediator ] ×[ \textindigo ]\frac{{d{\left[ {{\text{leuco}} - {\text{indigo}}} \right]}}} {{dt}} = k_{{{\text{app}}}} \times {\left[ {{\text{mediator}}} \right]} \times {\left[ {{\text{indigo}}} \right]} is determined and attributed to a mediator diffusion controlled dissolution of the colloid particles. The average particle size and the number of molecules per particles are estimated from the apparent bimolecular rate constant and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.     

Thermochemistry of paracetamol

Combustion calorimetry, Calvet-drop sublimation calorimetry, and the Knudsen effusion method were used to determine the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation of monoclinic (form I) and gaseous paracetamol, at T = 298.15 K: \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text cr I ) = - ( 4 10.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ cr I}}} \right) = - ( 4 10.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} and \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text g ) = - ( 2 80.5 ±1. 9)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ g}}} \right) = - ( 2 80.5 \pm 1. 9){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . From the obtained \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text cr I ) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ cr I}}} \right) value and published data, it was also possible to derive the standard molar enthalpies of formation of the two other known polymorphs of paracetamol (forms II and III), at 298.15 K: \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text crII ) = - ( 40 8.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ crII}}} \right) = - ( 40 8.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} and \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text crIII ) = - ( 40 7.4 ±1. 3)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ crIII}}} \right) = - ( 40 7.4 \pm 1. 3){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . The proposed \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textO ₂ \textN,\text g ) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 2} {\text{N}},{\text{ g}}} \right) value, together with the experimental enthalpies of formation of acetophenone and 4′-hydroxyacetophenone, taken from the literature, and a re-evaluated enthalpy of formation of acetanilide, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textC ₈ \textH ₉ \textON,\text g ) = - ( 10 9. 2 ± 2. 2)\text kJ  \textmol ^{- 1} , \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{C}}_{ 8} {\text{H}}_{ 9} {\text{ON}},{\text{ g}}} \right) = - ( 10 9. 2\,\pm\,2. 2){\text{ kJ}}\;{\text{mol}}^{ - 1} , were used to assess the predictions of the B3LYP/cc-pVTZ and CBS-QB3 methods for the enthalpy of a isodesmic and isogyric reaction involving those species. This test supported the reliability of the theoretical methods, and indicated a good thermodynamic consistency between the \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} (C₈H₉O₂N, g) value obtained in this study and the remaining experimental data used in the \Updelta_\textr H_\textm^\texto \Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} calculation. It also led to the conclusion that the presently recommended enthalpy of formation of gaseous acetanilide in Cox and Pilcher and Pedley’s compilations should be corrected by ~20 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Standard enthalpies of formation of Li,Na, K,and Cs thiolates

The standard enthalpies of formation of alkaline metals thiolates in the crystalline state were determined by reaction-solution calorimetry. The obtained results at 298.15 K were as follows: \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto (\textMSR,  \textcr) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ({\text{MSR,}}\;{\text{cr}}) /kJ mol⁻¹ = −259.0 ± 1.6 (LiSC₂H₅), −199.9 ± 1.8 (NaSC₂H₅), −254.9 ± 2.4 (NaSC₄H₉), −240.6 ± 1.9 (KSC₂H₅), −235.8 ± 2.0 (CsSC₂H₅). These results where compared with the literature values for the corresponding alkoxides and together with values for \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textMSH,  \textcr) \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {{\text{MSH}},\;{\text{cr}}}\right) were used to derive a consistent set of lattice energies for MSR compounds based on the Kapustinskii equation. This allows the estimation of the enthalpy of formation for some non-measured thiolates.     

Quenching dynamics study on photoinduced excited triplet duroquinone by TEMPO in 1,2-propandiol

Chemically induced dynamic electron polarization (CIDEP) spectrum and transient absorptive spectrum are recorded in photolysis of duroquinone (DQ) in 1,2-propanodiol (PG). Durosemiquinone neutral radical DQH^• and PG ketyl radical \textCH₃[(\textC)\dot]\textOHCH₂\textOH{\text{CH}}_{3}{{{\dot{\text{C}}}\text{OHCH}}}_{2}{\text{OH}} are produced through hydrogen transfer reaction from PG to ³DQ*. When stable radical TEMPO is added to DQ/PG solution, photolysis results in CIDEP on TEMPO, which can be interpreted as a quartet precursor radical-triplet pair mechanism (QP-RTPM). There is competition between PG and TEMPO to quench ³DQ*. The CIDEP intensity of DQH^• decreases with the increase of TEMPO concentration. The quenching dynamics in photolysis of DQ/TEMPO/PG system is analyzed in detail. Based on the dynamics analysis and the measurement of the lifetime of ³DQ* by its transient absorbance decay, the quenching rate constant of ³DQ* by TEMPO in PG is obtained as 1.34 × 10⁷ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. This quenching rate constant is closely diffusion-controlled.     

Electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite at a terpyridine manganese(II) complex modified carbon past electrode

A carbon past electrode modified with [Mn(H₂O)(N₃)(NO₃)(pyterpy)], ( \textpyterpy = 4￠- ( 4 - \textpyridyl ) - 2,2￠:\text6￠,\text2￠￠- \textterpyridine ) \left( {{\text{pyterpy}} = 4\prime - \left( {4 - {\text{pyridyl}}} \right) - 2,2\prime:{\text{6}}\prime,{\text{2}}\prime\prime - {\text{terpyridine}}} \right) complex have been applied to the electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite which reduced the overpotential by about 120 mV with obviously increasing the current response. Relative standard deviations for nitrite determination was less than 2.0%, and nitrite can be determined in the ranges of 5.00 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.55 × 10⁻² mol L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 8 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. The treatment of the voltammetric data showed that it is a pure diffusion-controlled reaction, which involves one electron in the rate-determining step. The rate constant k′, transfer coefficient α for the catalytic reaction, and diffusion coefficient of nitrite in the solution, D, were found to be 1.4 × 10⁻², 0.56× 10⁻⁶, and 7.99 × 10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹, respectively. The mechanism for the interaction of nitrite with the Mn(II) complex modified carbon past electrode is proposed. This work provides a simple and easy approach to detection of nitrite ion. The modified electrode indicated reproducible behavior, anti-fouling properties, and stability during electrochemical experiments, making it particularly suitable for the analytical purposes.     

Studies on electron transfer reactions: reduction of heteropoly 10-tungstodivanadophosphate by <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-cysteine in aqueous acid medium

l-cysteine undergoes facile electron transfer with heteropoly 10-tungstodivanadophosphate, [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW _{1 0} \textO _{4 0} ]^{5 -} , \left[ {{\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 0} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} } \right]^{5 - } , at ambient temperature in aqueous acid medium. The stoichiometric ratio of [cysteine]/[oxidant] is 2.0. The products of the reaction are cystine and two electron-reduced heteropoly blue, [PV^IVV^IVW₁₀O₄₀]⁷⁻. The rates of the electron transfer reaction were measured spectrophotometrically in acetate–acetic acid buffers at 25 °C. The orders of the reaction with respect to both [cysteine] and [oxidant] are unity, and the reaction exhibits simple second-order kinetics at constant pH. The pH-rate profile indicates the participation of deprotonated cysteine in the reaction. The reaction proceeds through an outer-sphere mechanism. For the dianion ⁻SCH₂CH(NH₃ ⁺)COO⁻, the rate constant for the cross electron transfer reaction is 96 M⁻¹s⁻¹ at 25 °C. The self-exchange rate constant for the ^- \textSCH₂ \textCH( \textNH₃ ⁺ )\textCOO ^- \mathord

Thermochemical study on ternary complex of dysprosium <Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-nitrobenzoic acid with <Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-phenanthroline

A ternary binuclear complex of dysprosium chloride hexahydrate with m-nitrobenzoic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline, [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O (m-NBA: m-nitrobenzoate; phen: 1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized. The dissolution enthalpies of [2phen·H₂O(s)], [6m-HNBA(s)], [2DyCl₃·6H₂O(s)], and [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s) in the calorimetric solvent (V_DMSO:V_MeOH = 3:2) were determined by the solution–reaction isoperibol calorimeter at 298.15 K to be \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [2phen·H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = 21.7367 ± 0.3150 kJ·mol⁻¹, \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [6m-HNBA(s), 298.15 K] = 15.3635 ± 0.2235 kJ·mol⁻¹, \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [2DyCl₃·6H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = −203.5331 ± 0.2200 kJ·mol⁻¹, and \Updelta_\texts H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{s}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [[Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = 53.5965 ± 0.2367 kJ·mol⁻¹, respectively. The enthalpy change of the reaction was determined to be \Updelta_\textr H_\textm^q = 3 6 9. 4 9 ±0. 5 6   \textkJ·\textmol ^{- 1} . \Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } = 3 6 9. 4 9 \pm 0. 5 6 \;{\text{kJ}}\cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} . According to the above results and the relevant data in the literature, through Hess’ law, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of [Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s) was estimated to be \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^q \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\theta } [[Dy(m-NBA)₃phen]₂·4H₂O(s), 298.15 K] = −5525 ± 6 kJ·mol⁻¹.     

Thermochemical properties of two nitrothiophene derivatives

This article reports the values of the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation, in the gaseous phase, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textg ), {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {\text{g}} \right), at T = 298.15 K, of 2-acetyl-5-nitrothiophene and 5-nitro-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde as −(48.8 ± 1.6) and (4.4 ± 1.3) kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. These values were derived from experimental thermodynamic parameters, namely, the standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation, in the crystalline phase, \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textcr ) , {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \left( {\text{cr}} \right) , at T = 298.15 K, obtained from the standard molar enthalpies of combustion, \Updelta_\textc H_\textm^\texto , {{\Updelta}}_{\text{c}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} , measured by rotating bomb combustion calorimetry, and from the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation, at T = 298.15 K, determined from the temperature–vapour pressure dependence, obtained by the Knudsen mass loss effusion method. The results are interpreted in terms of enthalpic increments and the enthalpic contribution of the nitro group in the substituted thiophene ring is compared with the same contribution in other structurally similar compounds.     

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of aquaethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(II) by <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-bromosuccinimide in aqueous acidic solution

The oxidation of aquaethylenediaminetetraacetatocobaltate(II) [Co(EDTA)(H₂O)]⁻² by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in aqueous solution has been studied spectrophotometrically over the pH 6.10–7.02 range at 25 °C. The reaction is first-order with respect to complex and the oxidant, and it obeys the following rate law:

Oxygen excess nonstoichiometry and thermodynamic quantities of La2NiO4?+?δ

The oxygen excess nonstoichiometry of La₂NiO_4 + δ is measured as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure (pO₂) by coulometric titration method. A positive deviation from the ideal dilution solution behavior is exhibited, and the partial molar thermodynamic quantities of La₂NiO_4 + δ are calculated from the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation for regular solution by introducing the activity coefficient of the charge carriers. The activity coefficient of holes is successfully calculated by using the Joyce–Dixon approximation of the Fermi–Dirac integral. The effective mass of holes ( m_\texth^* m_{\text{h}}^{{*}} ) is 1.27–1.29 times the rest mass (m _h), which indicate the action of band-like conduction and allow the effect of the small degree of polaron hopping to be ignored. The activity coefficient of holes calculated against the oxygen nonstoichiometry clearly illustrates the early positive deviation of the activity coefficient of holes from unit, leading to g_{\texth ^·} \gamma_{{{\text{h}}^{ \bullet }}}  ≈ 14 at δ ≈ 0.08, which is quite close to the literature value of g_{\texth ^·} \gamma_{{{\text{h}}^{ \bullet }}}  ≈ 10 at δ ≈ 0.08. All the evaluated thermodynamic quantities are in good agreement with the experimental literature values.     

Catenated Gallium Compounds Supported by a<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Tris</Emphasis>(pyrazolyl)hydroborato Ligand

[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]M (M = K, Tl) reacts with “GaI” to give a series of compounds that feature Ga–Ga bonds, namely [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga→GaI₃, [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]GaGaI₂GaI₂( \textHpz^\textMe₂ {\text{Hpz}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ) and [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga(GaI₂)₂Ga[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ], in addition to the cationic, mononuclear Ga(III) complex {[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]₂Ga}⁺. Likewise, [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]M (M = K, Tl) reacts with (HGaCl₂) ₂ and Ga[GaCl₄] to give [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga→GaCl₃, {[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]₂Ga}[GaCl₄], and {[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]GaGa[ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]}[GaCl₄]₂. The adduct [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga→B(C₆F₅)₃ may be obtained via treatment of [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]K with “GaI” followed by addition of B(C₆F₅)₃. Comparison of the deviation from planarity of the GaY₃ ligands in [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga→GaY₃ (Y = Cl, I) and [ \textTm^{\textBu\textt} {\text{Tm}}^{{{\text{Bu}}^{\text{t}} }} ]Ga→GaY₃, as evaluated by the sum of the Y–Ga–Y bond angles, Σ(Y–Ga–Y), indicates that the [ \textTm^{\textBu\textt} {\text{Tm}}^{{{\text{Bu}}^{\text{t}} }} ]Ga moiety is a marginally better donor than [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga. In contrast, the displacement from planarity for the B(C₆F₅)₃ ligand of [ \textTp^\textMe₂ {\text{Tp}}^{{{\text{Me}}_{2} }} ]Ga→B(C₆F₅)₃ is greater than that of [ \textTm^{\textBu\textt} {\text{Tm}}^{{{\text{Bu}}^{\text{t}} }} ]Ga→B(C₆F₅)₃, an observation that is interpreted in terms of interligand steric interactions in the former complex compressing the C–B–C bond angles.     

Vanadium(V)-substituted Keggin-type heteropolyoxotungstophosphates as electron transfer and antimicrobial agents: oxidation of glutathione and sensitization of MRSA towards β-lactam antibiotics

Glutathione (GSH) undergoes facile electron transfer with vanadium(V)-substituted Keggin-type heteropolyoxometalates, [ \textPV^\textV \textW _{1 1} \textO _{4 0} ] ^{4 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 1} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 4 { - }}} (HPA1) and [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW _{1 0} \textO _{4 0} ] ^{5 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 0} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 5 { - }}} (HPA2). The kinetics of these reactions have been investigated in phthalate buffers spectrophotometrically at 25 °C in aqueous medium. One mole of HPA1 consumes one mole of GSH and the product is the one-electron reduced heteropoly blue, [ \textPV^\textIV \textW _{1 1} \textO ₄₀ ] ^5- [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{W}}_{ 1 1} {\text{O}}_{ 40} ]^{ 5- } . But in the GSH-HPA2 reaction, one mole of HPA2 consumes two moles of GSH and gives the two-electron reduced heteropoly blue [ \textPV^\textIV \textV^\textIV \textW ₁₀ \textO ₄₀ ] ^7- [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{V}}^{\text{IV}} {\text{W}}_{ 10} {\text{O}}_{ 40} ]^{ 7- } . Both reactions show overall third-order kinetics. At constant pH, the order with respect to both [HPA] species is one and order with respect to [GSH] is two. At constant [GSH], the rate shows inverse dependence on [H⁺], suggesting participation of the deprotonated thiol group of GSH in the reaction. A suitable mechanism has been proposed and a rate law for the title reaction is derived. The antimicrobial activities of HPA1, HPA2 and [ \textPV^\textV \textV^\textV \textV^\textV \textW ₉ \textO _{4 0} ] ^{6 -} [ {\text{PV}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{V}}^{\text{V}} {\text{W}}_{ 9} {\text{O}}_{ 4 0} ]^{{ 6 { - }}} (HPA3) against MRSA were tested in vitro in combination with vancomycin and penicillin G. The HPAs sensitize MRSA towards penicillin G.     

Decomposition of KMnO<Subscript>4</Subscript> in different gases as a potential kinetics standard in thermal analysis

The assumption that potassium permanganate may serve as a kinetics standard in solid decomposition kinetics made a priori on the basis of the mechanism of the congruent dissociative vaporization of KMnO₄ and its crystal structure was successfully supported experimentally. As expected, the decomposition rate of KMnO₄ does not depend on the kind of foreign gas (He, air, CO₂ and Ar) and on the measurement technique (isothermal or dynamic). Other requirements for KMnO₄ as an ideal kinetics standard are satisfied as well. The use of the third-law method for determining the molar enthalpy of a reaction ( \Updelta_\textr H_\textT^\texto / n ) \left( {\Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{T}}^{\text{o}} / \nu } \right) provides an excellent reproducibility of results. The mean value of \Updelta_\textr H_\textT^\texto / n \Updelta_{\text{r}} H_{\text{T}}^{\text{o}} / \nu from 12 experiments in different gases is 138.3 ± 0.6 kJ mol⁻¹, which coincides with the value of 138.1 kJ mol⁻¹ calculated from the isothermal measurements in different gases by the second-law method. As predicted by theory, the random errors of the second-law and Arrhenius plot methods are 10–20 times greater. In addition, the use of these methods in the case of dynamic measurements is related to large systematic errors caused by an inaccurate selection of the geometrical (contraction) model. The third-law method is practically free of these errors.     

Intrinsic ratios of glucose, fructose, glycerol and ethanol 13C/12C isotopic ratio determined by HPLC-co-IRMS: toward determining constants for wine authentication

High-performance liquid chromatography linked to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HPLC-co-IRMS) via a Liquiface? interface has been used to simultaneously determine ¹³C isotope ratios of glucose (G), fructose (F), glycerol (Gly) and ethanol (Eth) in sweet and semi-sweet wines. The data has been used the study of wine authenticity. For this purpose, 20 authentic wines from various French production areas and various vintages have been analyzed after dilution in pure water from 20 to 200 times according to sugar content. If the ¹³C isotope ratios vary according to the production area and the vintage, it appears that internal ratios of ¹³C isotope ratios ( R_¹³\textC {R_{{{}^{{13}}{\text{C}}}}} ) of the four compounds studied can be considered as a constant. Thus, ratios of isotope ratios are found to be 1.00 ± 0.04 and 1.02 ± 0.08 for R_{¹³\textC\textG/F} {R_{{{}^{{13}}{{\text{C}}_{{{\text{G/F}}}}}}}} and R_{¹³\textC\textGly/Eth} {R_{{{}^{{13}}{{\text{C}}_{{{\text{Gly/Eth}}}}}}}} , respectively. Moreover, R_{¹³\textC\textEth/Sugar} {R_{{{}^{{13}}{{\text{C}}_{{{\text{Eth/Sugar}}}}}}}} is found to be 1.15 ± 0.10 and 1.16 ± 0.08 for R_{¹³\textC\textGly/Sugar} {R_{{{}^{{13}}{{\text{C}}_{{{\text{Gly/Sugar}}}}}}}} . Additions of glucose, fructose and glycerol to a reference wine show a variation of the R_¹³\textC {R_{{{}^{{13}}{\text{C}}}}} value for a single product addition as low as 2.5 g/L⁻¹. Eighteen commercial wines and 17 concentrated musts have been analyzed. Three wine samples are suspicious as the R_¹³\textC {R_{{{}^{{13}}{\text{C}}}}} values are out of range indicating a sweetening treatment. Moreover, concentrated must analysis shows that ¹³C isotope ratio can be also used directly to determine the authenticity of the matrix.     

A novel method for the determination of membrane hydration numbers of cations in conducting polymers

Polypyrrole polymer films doped with the large, immobile dodecylbenzene sulfonate anions operating in alkali halide aqueous electrolytes has been used as a novel physico-chemical environment to develop a more direct way of obtaining reliable values for the hydration numbers of cations. Simultaneous cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance technique was used to determine the amount of charge inserted and the total mass change during the reduction process in a polypyrrole film. From these values, the number of water molecules accompanying each cation was evaluated. The number of water molecules entering the polymer during the initial part of the first reduction was found to be constant and independent of the concentration of the electrolyte below ∼1 M. This well-defined value can be considered as the primary membrane hydration number of the cation involved in the reduction process. The goal was to investigate both the effects of cation size and of cation charge. The membrane hydration number values obtained by this simple and direct method for a number of cations are:

Solvent extraction of calcium and strontium into nitrobenzene by using a synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and diphenyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide

Extraction of microamounts of calcium and strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B⁻) in the presence of diphenyl-N,N-dibutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (DPDBCMPO, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \textHL₂ ⁺ {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } , CaL²⁺, \textCaL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} , \textCaL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} , SrL²⁺, \textSrL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} , \textSrL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textSrL ₄ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 4}^{{ 2 { + }}} are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. In the considered nitrobenzene medium, it was found that the stability constants of the complexes CaL²⁺, \textCaL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textCaL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{CaL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} , where L is DPDBCMPO, are somewhat higher than those of the corresponding complex species SrL²⁺, \textSrL ₂ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 2}^{{ 2 { + }}} and \textSrL ₃ ^{2 +} {\text{SrL}}_{ 3}^{{ 2 { + }}} .     

Standard molar enthalpies of formation of some methylfuran derivatives

The standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation \Updelta_\textf H_\textm^\texto ( \textl), {{\Updelta}}_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} ( {\text{l),}} of the liquid 2-methylfuran, 5-methyl-2-acetylfuran and 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde were derived from the standard molar energies of combustion, in oxygen, at T = 298.15 K, measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry. The Calvet high temperature vacuum sublimation technique was used to measure the enthalpies of vaporization of the three compounds. The standard (p ^o = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation of the compounds, in the gaseous phase, at T = 298.15 K have been derived from the corresponding standard molar enthalpies of formation in the liquid phase and the standard molar enthalpies of vaporization. The results obtained were −(76.4 ± 1.2), −(253.9 ± 1.9), and −(196.8 ± 1.8) kJ mol⁻¹, for 2-methylfuran, 5-methyl-2-acetylfuran, and 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde, respectively.