Mass Spectrometric Detection of Charged Silver Nanoclusters with Hydrogen Inclusions Formed by the Reduction of AgNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> in Ethylene Glycol

In the problem of the production silver nanoparticles, mass spectrometry allows one to identify nanoclusters as nuclei or intermediates in the synthesis of nanoparticles and to understand the mechanisms of their formation. Using low-temperature secondary emission mass spectrometry, we determined the cluster composition of a system formed in the microwave treatment of a solution of AgNO₃ in ethylene glycol (M). Along with silver ion–ethylene glycol associates М _m ? Ag⁺ (m = 1–5) and small silver clusters AgM _n ⁺ (n = 1–9), unusual silver clusters with one hydrogen atom [Ag _n H]⁺ (n = 2, 4) were observed. Possible pathways for the formation of silver nanoparticles taking into account hydrogen-containing cluster intermediates are discussed.     

Fragmentation of Protonated <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(3-Aminophenyl)Benzamide and Its Derivatives in Gas Phase

An ion of m/z 110.06036 (ion formula [C₆H₈NO]⁺; error: 0.32 mDa) was observed in the collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry experiments of protonated N-(3-aminophenyl)benzamide, which is a rearrangement product ion purportedly through nitrogen-oxygen (N–O) exchange. The N–O exchange rearrangement was confirmed by the MS/MS spectrum of protonated N-(3-aminophenyl)-O ¹⁸ -benzamide, where the rearranged ion, [C₆H₈NO ¹⁸ ]⁺ of m/z 112 was available because of the presence of O ¹⁸ . Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31 g(d) level suggest that an ion-neutral complex containing a water molecule and a nitrilium ion was formed via a transition state (TS-1), followed by the water molecule migrating to the anilide ring, eventually leading to the formation of the rearranged ion of m/z 110. The rearrangement can be generalized to other protonated amide compounds with electron-donating groups at the meta position, such as, –OH, –CH₃, –OCH_3, –NH(CH₃)₂, –NH-Ph, and –NHCOCH₃, all of which show the corresponding rearranged ions in MS/MS spectra. However, the protonated amide compounds containing electron-withdrawing groups, including –Cl, –Br, –CN, –NO₂, and –CF₃, at the meta position did not display this type of rearrangement during dissociation. Additionally, effects of various acyl groups on the rearrangement were investigated. It was found that the rearrangement can be enhanced by substitution on the ring of the benzoyl with electron-withdrawing groups.

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Synthesis and magnetic properties of quasi-unidimensional oxide Sr<Subscript>6.3</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>O<Subscript>15</Subscript>

Attempts of the synthesis in air of complex oxides Sr₃RhMnO_x and Sr₄Rh_1.5Mn_1.5O_x resulted in revealing formation of a new oxide phase Sr_6.3Rh_2.35Mn_2.35O₉ related to quasi-unidimensional family A_3n+3m A′ _n B_3m+n O_9m+6n at n = 1 and m = 1. Its structural characteristics and magnetic properties are studied. X-ray data of the obtained phase is indicated on the basis of trigonal cell (spatial group P321) with the parameters: a 9.6239(4) Å; c ₁ 4.1130(4) Å, c ₂ 2.4946(2) Å. Manganese and rhodium exist in the compound as the cations Mn⁴⁺, Rh³⁺ and Rh⁴⁺, as follows from the data of measuring of magnetic susceptibility in the range 2–300 K.     

Enhanced lithium-ion intercalation and conduction of transparent tantalum oxide films by lithium addition with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet

An investigation is conducted on enhancing lithium-ion intercalation and conduction performance of transparent organo tantalum oxide (TaO _y C _z ) films, by addition of lithium via a fast co-synthesis onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at the short exposed durations of 33–34 s, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OC₂H₅)₅] and lithium tert-butoxide [(CH₃)₃COLi] precursors. Transparent organo-lithiated tantalum oxide (Li _x TaO _y C _z ) films expose noteworthy Li⁺ ion intercalation and conduction performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li⁺ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO₄-propylene carbonate electrolyte, by switching measurements with a potential sweep from ?1.25 to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and a potential step at ?1.25 and 1.25 V, even after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. The Li⁺ ionic diffusion coefficient and conductivity of 6.2?×?10^?10 cm²/s and 6.0?×?10^?11 S/cm for TaO _y C _z films are greatly progressed of up to 9.6?×?10^?10 cm²/s and 7.8?×?10^?9 S/cm for Li _x TaO _y C _z films by co-synthesis with an APPJ.     

Electronic Structure and Relative Stabilities of 10- and 12-Vertex. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Closo</Emphasis>and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nido</Emphasis>-Heteroborane Clusters of Ga,Ge, and As Elements

A DFT method with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311++G(d,p) diffuse basis set is used to predict geometries, relative stabilities, electronic structures, and the bonding of closo- and nido-Ga_mB_n–mH _n ^2? , Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 , and As_mB_n–mH _n ^{2 m?2} (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) Clusters are obtained by replacing BH with isolobal GaH, GeH⁺, and AsH²⁺ fragments, keeping the same skeleton electron pairs (SEP). Based on the polyhedral skeletal electron pairs theory (PSEPT), closo and nido structures are predicted and can be of significant interest for experimentalists working in the field of heteroboranes. Different cluster stabilities are studied according to Gimarc′s and Williams′ rules, where our calculations show that the monosubstituted clusters deviate from these rules, giving rise to open structures. As₂B₈H _n ²⁺ as 10-vertex structures lead to nido-type clusters, however, Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) give rise to closo isomers with close energies. All optimized structures exhibit large HOMO–LUMO gaps suggesting a good kinetic stability, thus predicting their isolation and characterization.     

Variation of the composition and properties of lithium manganese oxide spinel in lithiation-delithiation cycles

The behavior of the variable-composition spinel Li_{1 + x} Mn_{2 ? x} O₄ is examined in repeated cycles consisting of lithiation in 0.2 M LiOH and delithiation in 0.3 M HNO₃. For 0 < x < 0.33, delithiation is accompanied by the redox reaction 2Mn³⁺ → Mn⁴⁺ + Mn²⁺ and Li⁺ ? H⁺ ion exchange. The spinel undergoes partial conversion into λ-□MnO₂. Vacancies (□) build up at the 8a sites of the spinel structure. Mn²⁺ ions pass into the solution, and, accordingly, the spinel dissolves. Lithiation is accompanied by the redox reaction 4Mn⁴⁺ → 3Mn³⁺ + Mn⁷⁺ and ion exchange, and the proportion of vacancies □ at the 8a sites of the spinel structure decreases. The spinel undergoes partial dissolution because of Mn²⁺ and MnO _? ⁴ ions passing into the solution. The Li⁺ selectivity of the spinel is the property of the crystallite core. The crystallite surface is capable of sorbing Na⁺ ions.     

Structural characterization of a mixed-ligand complex of copper(II) with 1,10-phenanthroline and the <Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-aminobenzoate ion

A new copper(II) complex of 1,10-phenanthroline (C1₂H₈N₂) and the meta-aminobenzoate ion (m-amb; C₇H₆NO ₂ ^? ), having the formula Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₇H₆NO₂)Cl?0.5H₂O, is prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure is built up from monomeric units in which the coordination environment around the metal ion is a square plane arising from a bidentate 1,10-phenanthroline molecule, a monodentate m-amb anion, and a chloride ion. A very long (Cu–N = 2.856(5) Å) bond to the nitrogen atom of an adjacent m-amb ion generates [101] polymeric chains in the crystal. The crystal structure is consolidated by N–H???O and O–H???O hydrogen bonds and C–H???O, C–H???Cl, and aromatic π–π stacking interactions. Crystal data: C₁₉H₁₅ClCuN₃O_2.5, M _r = 424.33, monoclinic, P2₁/n (No. 14), a = 9.8200(5) Å, b = 10.9291(7) Å, c = 16.3803(9) Å, β = 105.293(3)°, V = 1695.74(17) ų, Z = 4, R(F) = 0.043, wR(F ²) = 0.122.     

Isomorphism in the KTaWO<Subscript>6</Subscript>-RbTaWO<Subscript>6</Subscript>-CsTaWO<Subscript>6</Subscript> system

Synthetic procedures have been developed and compounds of composition K _x Rb _y Cs _z TaWO₆ (x + y + z = 1) have been obtained. Their structure has been investigated by X-ray diffractometry. It has been shown that a continuous series of solid solutions is formed in the ternary system under study. Thermal decomposition of A^ITaWO₆ compounds (A^I = K, Rb, Cs) has been investigated by high-temperature X-ray diffractometry.     

Löslichkeitskonstanten und freie Bildungsenthalpien von Metallsulfiden, 4. Mitt.: Die Löslichkeit von H2S in HClO4−NaClO4−H2O-Mischungen

The solubility of H₂S at 25°C in solvents of the composition: [H⁺]=H M, [Na⁺]=(I?H)=A M, [ClO₄ ^?]=I M was investigated by iodometric determination of [H₂S]_tot in the saturated solutions. Kp₁₂=[H₂S]_tot·p _H2S ^?1 was calculated. The results are consistent with the equation:

$$\begin{gathered} \lg [H_2 S]_{tot} \cdot p_{H_2 S}^{ - 1} = --- 0,991_8 --- 0,059_0 [Na + ] + 0,008_1 [H + ]--- \hfill \\ ---0,000_1 [H + ]^4 . \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$     

Simultaneous quantification and qualification of synacthen in plasma

Tetracosactide (Synacthen), a synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), can be used as a doping agent to increase the secretion of glucocorticoids by adrenal glands. The only published method for anti-doping control of this drug in plasma relies on purification by immunoaffinity chromatography and LC/MS/MS analysis. Its limit of detection is 300 pg/mL, which corresponds to the peak value observed 12 h after 1 mg Synacthen IM administration. We report here a more sensitive method based on preparation of plasma by cation exchange chromatography and solid-phase extraction and analysis by LC/MS/MS with positive-mode electrospray ionization using 7–38 ACTH as internal standard. Identification of Synacthen was performed using two product ions, m/z 671.5 and m/z 223.0, from the parent [M?+?5H]⁵⁺ ion, m/z 587.4. The recovery was estimated at 70%. A linear calibration curve was obtained from 25 to 600 pg/mL (R ²?>?0.99). The lower limit of detection was 8 pg/mL (S/N?>?3). The lower limit of quantification was 15 pg/mL (S/N?>?10; CV%?相似文献   

Where Does the Electron Go? Stable and Metastable Peptide Cation Radicals Formed by Electron Transfer

Electron transfer to doubly and triply charged heptapeptide ions containing polar residues Arg, Lys, and Asp in combination with nonpolar Gly, Ala, and Pro or Leu generates stable and metastable charge-reduced ions, (M + 2H)^+●, in addition to standard electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) fragment ions. The metastable (M + 2H)^+● ions spontaneously dissociate upon resonant ejection from the linear ion trap, giving irregularly shaped peaks with offset m/z values. The fractions of stable and metastable (M + 2H)^+● ions and their mass shifts depend on the presence of Pro-4 and Leu-4 residues in the peptides, with the Pro-4 sequences giving larger fractions of the stable ions while showing smaller mass shifts for the metastables. Conversion of the Asp and C-terminal carboxyl groups to methyl esters further lowers the charge-reduced ion stability. Collisional activation and photodissociation at 355 nm of mass-selected (M + 2H)^+● results in different dissociations that give sequence specific MS³ spectra. With a single exception of charge-reduced (LKGLADR + 2H)^+●, the MS³ spectra do not produce ETD sequence fragments of the c and z type. Hence, these (M + 2H)^+● ions are covalent radicals, not ion–molecule complexes, undergoing dramatically different dissociations in the ground and excited electronic states. The increased stability of the Pro-4 containing (M + 2H)^+● ions is attributed to radicals formed by opening of the Pro ring and undergoing further stabilization by hydrogen atom migrations. UV–VIS photodissociation action spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory calculations are used in a case in point study of the stable (LKGPADR + 2H)^+● ion produced by ETD. In contrast to singly-reduced peptide ions, doubly reduced (M + 3H)⁺ ions are stable only when formed from the Pro-4 precursors and show all characteristics of even electron ions regarding no photon absorption at 355 nm or ion-molecule reactions, and exhibiting proton driven collision induced dissociations.

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Catalytic effects of cationic nanoparticle (CTABr/NaX/H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O,X = Cl,Br) for the piperidinolysis of phenyl salicylate ions

The expression of pseudo-second-order rate constants (k _X) for cationic nanoparticle (CN) [CTABr/NaX/H₂O, X = Br, Cl, CTABr = cetyltrimethylammonium bromide] catalyzed piperidinolysis-ionized phenyl salicylate (PSa^–), at constant [CTABr]_T, 0.1 M piperidine (Pip), and 35°C, were calculated from the relationship: k _obs = (k ₀ + k _X[NaX])/(1 + K ^X/S[NaX]), in which k ₀, k _X, and K ^X/S are constant kinetic parameters and k _obs represents the pseudo-first-order rate constant for Pip reaction with phenyl salicylate ion in the presence of CN. The source of the large catalytic effect of CN catalyst was shown to be due to the transfer of PSa^– from pseudo-phase of the CNs to the bulk aqueous phase through X^–/PSa^– ion exchange at the surface of the CNs.     

Thermodynamic characteristics of the dissolution of glycine,glycylglycine, and glycylglycylglycine in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate at <Emphasis Type="Italic">Т</Emphasis> = 298.15 K

the enthalpies of dissolution of glycine (Gly), glycylglycine (GlyGly), and glycylglycylglycine (GlyGlyGly) are measured in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at SDS concentrations m = 0–0.7 mol kg^?1 and Т = 298.15 K by means of calorimetry. The obtained data are used to calculate the standard values of enthalpies of dissolution (Δ_sol H ^m ) and enthalpies of transfer (Δ_tr H ^m ) of glycine and its oligomers from water to SDS aqueous solutions. The dependences of Δ_sol H ^m and Δ_tr H ^m on SDS concentration in an aqueous solution at a constant concentration of glycine and its oligomers are determined. A comparative analysis of the thermodynamic characteristics of Gly, GlyGly, and GlyGlyGly transfer within the studied range of SDS concentrations is performed. The results are interpreted in terms of ion–ion, ion–polar, and hydrophobic interactions between SDS and molecules of glycine and its oligomers.     

Three- and four-coordinated silver(I) ions in the coordination polymers [Ag(Me<Subscript>4</Subscript>Pyz)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]PF<Subscript>6</Subscript> and [Ag(2,3-Et<Subscript>2</Subscript>Pyz)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]PF<Subscript>6</Subscript>

The coordination polymers [AgPF₆(Me₄Pyz)₂] (I) and [AgPF₆(2,3-Et₂Pyz)₂] (II) were synthesized, and their structures were determined. Crystals of I are monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 10.213(2) Å, b = 16.267(3) Å, c = 12.663(3) Å, β = 92.90(3)°, V = 2102.1(7) ų, ρ_calcd = 1.660 g/cm³, Z = 4. The structure of I is built of polymeric zigzag [Ag(C₈H₁₂N₂)] _∞ ⁺ chains and octahedral [PF₆] anions. The coordination polyhedron of the Ag⁺ ion is a flat triangle. Crystals of II are tetragonal, space group P \(\bar 4\)2(1)/c,a = b = 10.641(1) Å, c = 18.942(1) Å, V = 2144.6(2) ų, ρ_calcd = 1.627 g/cm³, Z = 4. In the structure of II, 2D cationic layers of fused square rings exist; the rings consist of four Ag⁺ cations linked by four bridging ligands of diethylpyrazine Et₂Pyz. The coordination polyhedron of the Ag⁺ ion is an irregular four-vertex polyhedron.     

Synthesis and structure of coordination polymer compounds of AgReO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and AgPF<Subscript>6</Subscript> with piperazine

Coordination polymers [Ag(C₄H₁₀N₂)]ReO₄ (I) and [Ag(C₄H₁₀N₂)]PF₆ (II) (C₄H₁₀N₂ is piperazine, Ppz) were synthesized and their structures were determined. Crystals of compound I are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a = 6.207(1) Å, b = 12.533(1) Å, c = 11.386(1) Å, β = 93.41(1)°, V = 884.2(2) ų, ρ_calc = 3.337 g/cm³, Z = 4. Crystals of II are monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 8.723(1) Å, b = 9.083(1) Å, c = 5.797(1) Å, β = 95.07(1)°, V = 457.5(1) ų, ρ_calc = 2.548 g/cm³, Z = 2. Structure I contains polymer chains [Ag(Ppz)] _∞ ⁺ . The silver atom is linked with two nitrogen atoms of the adjacent Ppz ligands to form a nearly linear fragment; the Ag-N_av distance is 2.173 Å, and the NAgN angle is 169.4(3)°. The chains are linked with each other by weak interactions Ag…O(ReO₄) (2.643(8) Å) and N-H…O hydrogen bonds. The structure of compound II also contains cationic polymer chains [Ag(Ppz)] _∞ ⁺ . The Ag⁺ ion is located in the inversion center and has a linear coordination (Ag-N distance is 2.171(9) Å). The central P atom of the octahedral fluorophos-phate ion is also located in the inversion center; the anion is slightly distorted and has no contacts with silver ions at a distance <3.4 Å.     

Theoretical prediction of the new high-density lithium boride LiB<Subscript>11</Subscript> with polymorphism and pseudoplasticity

We predict the possibility of existence of the new lithium boride LiB₁₁ with polymorphism. For energy reasons, the preferred type is α′-LiB₁₁ (trigonal space group R3m, a _h = 0.4982 nm, c _h = 1.1123 nm, z _h = 3, ρ = 2.63 g/cm³), with a framework built of tetrahedra and one-capped octahedra. α′-LiB₁₁ is pseudoplastic because of twinning via the high-symmetry state of α-LiB₁₁ (cubic space group \(F\bar 43m\), a = 0.6810 nm, z = 4, ρ = 2.65 g/cm³) and a bipolaron semiconductor. α → α′ transition is accompanied by the 0.0627-nm displacement of 1/11 B atoms. The β′ polymorph (tetragonal space group \(I\bar 4m2\), a = 0.4404 nm, c = 0.7708 nm, ρ = 2.80 g/cm³) is transformation hardened because of the transition to the α′ phase. We infer that LiB₁₁ formation is possible under high pressure.     

Molecular dynamic studies of amyloid-beta interactions with curcumin and Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> ions

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide readily forms aggregates that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Transition metals play a key role in this process. Recently, it has been shown that curcumin (CUA), a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits the aggregation of Aβ peptide. However, interactions of Aβ peptide with metal ions or CUA are not entirely clear. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to clear the nature of interactions between the 42-residue Aβ peptide (Aβ-42) and Cu²⁺ ions and CUA. Altogether nine different models were investigated, and more than 2 µs of the simulation data were analyzed. The models represent the possible modes of arrangement between Aβ-42 and Cu²⁺ ions and CUA, respectively, and were used to shed light on the Aβ-42 conformational behavior in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions and CUA molecules. Obtained data clearly showed that the presence of a CUA molecule or a higher concentration of copper ions significantly affect the conformational behavior of Aβ-42. Calculations showed that the change of the His13 protonation state (Aβ(H13δ)-Cu²⁺, Aβ(H13δ)-Cu²⁺ -CUA models) leads to higher occurrence of the Asp23-Lys28 salt bridge. Analyzes of trajectories revealed that C-terminal β-sheet structures occurred significantly less frequently, and CUA promoted the stabilization of the α-helical structure. Further, calculations of the Aβ-42 complex with CUA and Cu²⁺ ions showed that CUA can chelate the Cu²⁺ ion and directly interact with Aβ, which may explain why CUA acts as an inhibitor of Aβ aggregation.     

Thermochemistry of the Dissolution of Dipeptides Containing DL-α-Alanine in Aqueous Solutions of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate at 298.15 K

Enthalpies of the dissolution of DL-α-alanylglycine (AlaGly), DL-α-alanyl-DL-α-alanine (AlaAla), DL-α-alanyl-DL-α-valine (AlaVal), and DL-α-alanyl-DL-norleucine (AlaNln) in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at SDS concentration of m = 0–0.07 mol kg^?1 and temperature Т = 298.15 K are measured via calorimetry. The standard values of the enthalpy of dissolution (Δ_solH ^m ) and the transfer of dipeptides (Δ_trH ^m ) from water to aqueous SDS solutions are calculated using the experimental data. The dependences of Δ_solH ^m and Δ_trH ^m the SDS concentration at a constant concentration of dipeptide are established. Thermochemical characteristics of the transfer of AlaGly, AlaAla, AlaVal, and AlaNln in the investigated range of SDS concentrations are compared. The results are interpreted by considering ion–ion, ion–polar, and hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions between SDS and dipeptide molecules.     

Löslichkeitskonstanten und freie Bildungsenthalpien von Metallsulfiden, 5. Mitt.: Die Löslichkeit von α-MnS (Alabandin)

The solubility of α-MnS (Alabandite) in solutions of the general compositionL ([H⁺]=HM, [Na⁺]=(3,000-H)M, [ClO₄ ^?]=3,000M) at fixed partial pressures of hydrogen sulfide has been investigated at 25°C. The hydrogen ion concentration and the total concentration of manganese(II) ions in equilibrium with the solid phase have been determined byemf and analytical methods respectively. The data could be explained by assuming the reaction

$$\alpha --MnS_{(s)} + 2H_{(l)}^ + = Mn_{(1)}^{2 + } + H_2 S_{(g)} $$     

Study of variation in thermophysical properties of RE<Subscript>6</Subscript>UO<Subscript>12</Subscript>(s) along the lanthanide series

The novel ligand N,N,N′′′′,N′′′′-tetrabutyl-N′′′,N′′′-(N″,N″-diethyl)-ethidene bisdiglycolamide (TBEE-BisDGA) and other eight analogous extractants have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and HRMS. The solvent extraction of Th⁴⁺, UO₂ ²⁺ and Eu³⁺ from nitric acid solution using the above BisDGA extractants was investigated in 1-dodecanol at 30 ± 1 °C. The extractants exhibited higher affinity toward Th⁴⁺ than UO₂ ²⁺ and Eu³⁺ in the present system. The maximum value of separation factor SF _Th(IV)/U(VI) and SF _{Th(IV)/Eu(III)} is 78.5 and 53.3 respectively for TBEE-BisDGA, 88.1 and 69.5 respectively in the case of TB ^i-PE-BisDGA at 3 M HNO₃ solution.