Determination of tyrosine using <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-sulfonated calix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arene modified electrode

Cyclic voltammetry was used to detect p-sulfonated calix[n]arenas (SCnA) how to immobilize on gold surface. P-sulfonated calix[n]arenes not only increased the specific surface area of the modified electrode, but also improved the enrichment ability of tyrosine. This led to a significant increase in peak current, and improved the sensitivity of tyrosine determination on the p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes-modified electrode. The modified electrode showed good catalytic ability of l-tyrosine oxidation reaction. The peak current of l-tyrosine increased and the oxidation peak potential shifted negatively with cavity size of the SCnA-modified electrode, which indicated that the catalytic ability of the modified electrode to l-tyrosine oxidation reaction was also enhanced. For the tyrosine guest molecule, the order of electrochemical activity and magnitude of catalytic ability of the oxidation reaction of the three modified gold electrodes was as follows: SC4A?>?SC6A?>?SC8A. The electrode had high selectivity and stability for the determination of tyrosine, with a wide linear range, low detection limit and high sensitivity at different concentrations under different pH values. This resulted in an accurate, fast, sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of tyrosine. The sensor was used for the determination of tyrosine in human urine with satisfactory results.     

Supramolecular systems based on alkylated <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-sulfonatocalix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arenes: aggregation and catalytic and biological activity

Aggregation, catalytic activity, and the influence of alkylated p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (SCA; n = 4, 6, 8) on the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots were studied. In water SCA are surfactants, and their efficiency changes with an increase in the number of aromatic rings (n) and the length of hydrocarbon substituents (R) in the molecule. In the range of critical micelle concentration, SCA form micelles with an effective hydrodynamic diameter of ∼200 nm. The catalytic activity of micellar solutions of SCA (n = 4, 8; R = C₁₂H₂₅) in hydrolysis of ethyl 4-nitrophenyl chloromethylphosphonate (ENCP) decreases with an increase in n, whereas the binding constant of ENCP increases. The modifying effect of SCA on the membranes and the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots was revealed: the membranotropic activity of SCA increases with an increase in the hydrophobicity of substituents R and the macrocycle size.     

Quantum-chemical investigation of structure and stability of [<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]-prismanes and [<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]-asteranes

The study by DFT [B3LYP/6-311G(2df,p)] method of structural and energy characteristics peculiar to [n]-prismanes and [n]-asteranes demonstrated that prismanes of n = 3–10 and asteranes of n = 3–7 possessed a stable structure of D_nh-symmetry; the D_nh-geometry was distorted in the subsequent terms of the series.     

Isothermal solubility of individual light fullerenes in the homologous series of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanols, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkylcarboxylic acids,and arenes

Available published data on isothermal solubility (at 20°C) of individual light fullerenes in a homologous series of n-alkanes, n-alkanols, n-alkylcarboxylic acids, and arenas were systematized. A correlation between the parameter of Hildebrand’s cohesion and the logarithm of the mole fraction of the fullerene in the saturated solution was revealed.     

Thermodynamics of solvation of calix[4]arenes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-hexane

The solubility of eight calix[4]arenes and crown-calix[4]arenes in n-hexane at five different temperatures was determined by isothermal saturation. The thermodynamic dissolution parameters were calculated. Thermodynamics of solvation in n-hexane was calculated using thermodynamic parameters of sublimation obtained earlier. Thermogravimetric analysis of the bottom phase was carried out to detect crystallosolvates. The stoichiometry of the crystallosolvates formed was ascertained.     

Synthesis of new <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-aminoglycosides based on halo-substituted <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylenediamines and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-aminophenols

Condensation of the monosaccharides D-glucose and D-galactose with synthesized halo-substituted p-phenylenediamines and 4-amino-2,6-dibromophenol was studied. It was found that glycosylation occurred only at the 4-amino group that was sterically unhindered by the halogen atom. The position of the aglycon in the glycoside was established by PMR spectroscopy.     

Nickel catalysis for hydrogenation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-dinitrobenzene to <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylenediamine

The activity of supported nickel catalysts (5–20% Ni) in the hydrogenation of p-dinitrobenzene to p-phenylenediamine was investigated. The catalysts were obtained by ureainduced precipitation. Activated carbon, alumina, titania, and silica gel were evaluated as supports. The most active catalysts, 5%Ni/TiO₂ and 20%Ni/SiO₂, provided 50–54% yields of p-phenylenediamine at complete dinitrobenzene conversion.     

Synthesis of oxo derivatives of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-tolysulfonyl)hexahydrocycloalka[<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>]indoles

Hydroxymercuration-demercuration of N-p-tolysulfonyl-4,4a,9,9a-tetrahydro-3H-carbazoles and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,3a,4,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indoles leads to the formation of the corresponding N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-2-ols and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-2-ols. The latter are oxidized to 2-oxo derivatives with potassium dichromate. The oxidation of 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-ol under analogous conditions gives 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolysulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-one.     

Calculation of the viscosity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-heptane-methanol solutions at low <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-heptane concentrations

The molar heat capacity C _p of the methanol-n-heptane system was measured at low concentrations of n-heptane and 298.15 K. The dynamic viscosity η of the system at 298.15 K was calculated from data on the molar heat capacity of methanol-n-heptane solutions within the framework of the Flory theory and the theory of free volume with regard to the molecular association. Based on the experimental data and calculation results, it was concluded that the viscosity of the methanol-n-heptane system exhibits an anomalous behavior.     

4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> resonances in photoionization from 4<Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis> levels in neutral zinc

In neutral zinc the 4p ² configuration lies above the 3d ¹⁰4s ionization limit and its levels become perturbers in the continuum. Lines have been identified in the Zn I spectrum for the multiplet, whereas no lines have been found for transitions to 4p ^{2 1} D or ¹ S. In this paper, cross sections for photoionization from 4s4p levels are reported that reveal the positions and widths of the 4p ² resonances. Calculations were performed using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock (MCHF) and B-spline R-matrix (BSR) method. Results from Breit–Pauli calculations that ignore the background continua are also presented. Included in the latter are energies for the levels and transition data (transition energies, line strengths, f-values, and A-rates) for all E1 transitions between these levels. Transition energies and the agreement in the length and velocity values, particularly for allowed transitions, indicate the accuracy of the computational model. Line widths are compared with other estimates. Contribution to the Serafin Fraga Memorial Issue.     

Conducting materials prepared by the oxidation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenylenediamine with <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-benzoquinone

p-Phenylenediamine was oxidized with p-benzoquinone in the aqueous solutions of methanesulfonic acid (MSA). The conductivity of the products increased with increasing concentration of MSA from 1.5?×?10^?12 S cm^?1 in 0.1 M MSA up to 3.4?×?10^?4 S cm^?1 in 5 M MSA. The low-molecular-weight products are basically composed of one p-benzoquinone and two p-phenylenediamine molecules. Their molecular structure is discussed on the basis of mass, Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. The formation of 2,5-di(p-phenylenediamine)-p-benzoquinone protonated with methanesulfonic acid best complies with the information provided by spectroscopic techniques. Its conversion to hydroquinone tautomer explains the formation of unpaired spins observed by EPR and their potential contribution to the conduction.     

Oxidation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Xylene

The review discusses the main procedures for producing terephthalic acid from p-xylene (primarily the Amoco process with the participation of Co, Mn, and Br salts), the oxidation mechanisms, alternative processes, and perspectives.     

Molecular structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine

The molecular structures of N-(o-and p-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine were investigated by NMR spectroscopy, x-ray structure analysis, and molecular modeling. It was found that NMR resonances of the OH and aromatic protons in N-(o-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine were doubled because of the presence of two conformers in solution. __________ Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 165–168, March–April, 2008.     

DFT-calculated structure of protonated tetraphenyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone

Using DFT calculations, two of the most probable structures (A, B) of the tetraphenyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone·H₃O⁺ cationic complex species were derived. The hydroxonium ion H₃O⁺, placed in the coordination cavity formed by the calix[4]arene lower-rim groups, is bound by strong hydrogen bonds to the phenoxy oxygen atoms of the calix[4]arene ligand (structures A, B) and also to one carbonyl oxygen (structure B). Correspondence: Emanuel Makrlík, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic.     

Photolysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-benzoquinone and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-chloranil in aqueous sodium sulfite solution

Photosubstitution of the sulfo group for hydrogen (chlorine in chloranil) is observed under irradiation of sulfonated derivatives of hydroquinone formed upon dissolving of p-benzoquinone and p-chloranil in aqueous solutions of sodium sulfite. The quantum yield of the photochemical reaction is 0.18 ± 0.02 for p-benzoquinone. The rate constant of the thermal reaction of substitution is 5.5 × 10⁻⁴ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. The substitution reaction is sensitized by eosin upon irradiation with visible light. During the course of irradiation of sulfohydroquinones, the formation of a product with an absorption maximum at 235 nm was found. The product decays with a rate constant of 0.005 s⁻¹.     

Speciation studies of nitric acid and U(VI) third phases in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-dialkyl amides/<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-dodecane systems

Conventionally composition of the actinide-extractant solvate is assumed to be the same in the unpartitioned organic phase and the formed third phase. For example, if a m:n solvate has formed during extraction, the solvate is expected to be in the same state even during the third phase condition. However contemporary analysis, based on the spectroscopy measurements and empirical observations, has indicated the presence of an extended solvate. In this article, the proposed speciation in nitric acid and U(VI) third phase formation in n–n dialkyl amide/dodecane-nitric acid systems has been modeled with empirical correlations.     

A study of hydrogen bonds in <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-substituted calix[4]-and calix[6]arenes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">ab initio</Emphasis> and electron density functional methods

RHF/3-21G and B3LYP/3-21G methods are used to calculate the hydrogen bond energies in calix[4]-, calix[6]-, p-fluorocalix[4]-, p-fluorocalix[6]-, p-chlorocalix[4]-, p-chlorocalix[6]-, p-bromocalix[4]-, pbromocalix[6]-, p-iodocalix[4]-, p-iodocalix[6]-arenes and a number of other p-substituted calix[4]- and calix[6]arenes (R = Me, OMe, NO₂, Ac, NH₂, CN, N₂⁺). The calculations along with the structural data give evidence of the cooperative effect of hydrogen bonding. Multiple correlation (p ≥ 0.9) between the pairs of Hammett substituent constants and the calculated values of hydrogen bond energies in the corresponding p-substituted calixarenes is found. It is predicted that in the presence of weak bases and in aprotic solvents as well as in the gas phase, the nucleophilic substitution reaction involving p-halogen calix[6]arenes should proceed through diastereomeric transition states.     

The smallest Hosoya index in (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> + 1)-graphs

A (n, n + 1)-graph G is a connected simple graph with n vertices and n + 1 edges. In this paper, we determine the lower bound for the Hosoya index in (n, n + 1)-graphs in terms of the order n, and characterize the (n, n + 1)-graph with the smallest Hosoya index.     

Radiothermoluminescence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-eicosane mixtures with <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-tetracosane: Effect of mixture composition

Radiothermoluminescence (RTL) curves of mixtures of C20 and C24 n-alkanes have been deconvoluted into the curves of crystalline and disordered regions, and their change depending on the mixture composition has been analyzed. The shape of the total RTL curve of the mixture regardless of the its composition is fundamentally different from that shape of the sum of the curves of the individual components taken in the relevant ratios. The difference becomes noticeable at as low a C20 amount in the mixture as 2% and is manifested in the disappearance of the intense RTL peaks of the individual components and appearance of new intense peaks in temperature intervals other than those of the RTL peaks of the components. It has been shown that these changes correlate with changes of the crystalline structure of the mixture: a new crystalline structure other than the structure of any of the individual components emerges and the mixture becomes amorphous. High selectivity of charge trapping in disordered regions of the mixture has been revealed: the contribution of RTL of the disordered regions to the total curve is many times higher than their volume fraction in the mixture. This selectivity might be due to an increase in concentration of defects in the unordered regions of the mixture in comparison with their concentration in the pure alkanes. These defects are traps for electrons that are accessible to acceptors introduced into the mixture.