Synthesis of titania and titanate nanomaterials and their application in environmental analytical chemistry

TiO₂ nanoparticles and H₂Ti₂O₅·H₂O, Na₂Ti₂O₄(OH)₂ nanotubes were synthesized by solvothermal method and their applications in the degradation of active Brilliant-blue (KN-R) solution were investigated. The experimental results revealed that the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles had a good crystallinity and a narrow size distribution (about 4–5 nm); the obtained H₂Ti₂O₅·H₂O, Na₂Ti₂O₄(OH)₂ were tubelike products with an average diameter of 20–30 and 200–300 nm length. The three catalysts we synthesized had some hydroxyl groups and the maximum absorption boundaries of the samples were all red-shifted, which indicated the samples had a promising prospect in photocatalysis.

The results of the photocatalytic experiments indicated that the photocatalytic activity of the samples was: TiO₂ > H₂Ti₂O₅·H₂O > Na₂Ti₂O₄(OH)₂, which was in good accordance with the fact of FTIR and UV–vis absorption spectra. The formation mechanism of these nanostructures was also discussed.     

Factors influencing decomposition of H2O2 over supported Pd catalyst in aqueous medium

Since H₂O₂ decomposition can result in selectivity/yield loss in the direct H₂O₂ synthesis process from H₂ and O₂ over supported Pd catalysts, it is important to have an enhanced understanding about the factors affecting the H₂O₂ decomposition reaction. Herein, detailed studies have been undertaken to investigate the influence of different factors, such as (a) nature and concentration of acid in reaction medium, (b) nature and concentration of halide in presence and absence of acid in reaction medium, (c) pretreatment procedures and (d) catalyst modification by incorporation of different halides, on the H₂O₂ decomposition reaction over a 5% Pd/C catalyst in aqueous medium at 25 °C. This study has shown that the H₂O₂ decomposition activity is profoundly influenced by all the above factors. The effectiveness of the acids in suppressing the H₂O₂ decomposition activity decreased in the following order: hydroiodic acid > hydrobromic acid > hydrochloric acid  acetic acid > phosphoric acid > sulfuric acid > perchloric acid. The ability of the acid to decrease the H₂O₂ decomposition activity was found to very strongly depend on the nature of its associated anion. Halides, such as iodide, bromide and chloride were particularly effective in suppressing the H₂O₂ decomposition activity. Oxidation pretreatment of the catalyst was found to strongly suppress its H₂O₂ decomposition activity, while a reduction treatment was found to promote its activity. A gradual decrease in the H₂O₂ decomposition activity of the catalyst was observed with each successive usage due to in situ sub-surface oxidation of Pd by H₂O₂. Halide incorporation either via the reaction medium or prior catalyst modification had a similar qualitative effect on the H₂O₂ decomposition activity.     

Peroxidase immobilized on Amberlite IRA-743 resin for on-line spectrophotometric detection of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater

The importance of atmospheric hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the oxidation of SO₂ and other compounds has been well established. A spectrophotometric method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater is proposed. This method is based on selective oxidation of hydrogen peroxide using an on-line tubular reactor containing peroxidase immobilized on Amberlite IRA-743 resin. The hydrogen peroxide in the presence of phenol, 4-aminoantipyrine and peroxidase, produces a red compound (λ = 505 nm). Beer's law is obeyed in a concentration range of 1–100 μmol l⁻¹ hydrogen peroxide with an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.9991), at pH 7.0, with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) <2%. The detection limit of the method is 0.7 μmol l⁻¹ (4.8 ng of H₂O₂ in a 200 μl sample). Measurements of hydrogen peroxide in rain samples were carried out over the period from November 2003 to January 2005, in the central area of the Juiz de Fora city, Brazil. The concentration of H₂O₂ varied from values lower than the detection limit to 92.5 μmol l⁻¹. The effects of the presence of nonseasalt (NSS) SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻ and H⁺ in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the rainwater had been evaluated. The average concentrations of H₂O₂, NO₃⁻, NSS SO₄²⁻ and SO₄²⁻ are 23.4, 18.9, 7.9 and 10.3 μmol l⁻¹, respectively. The pH values for 82% of the collected samples are greater than 5.0. The spectrophotometeric method developed in this work that uses enzyme immobilized on the resin ion-exchange compared with the amperometric method did not present any significant difference in the results.     

Synthesis and enthalpy of formation of SrB4O7·3H2O

Hydrated strontium borate, SrB₄O₇·3H₂O, has been synthesized and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, DTA-TG and chemical analysis. The molar enthalpy of solution of SrB₄O₇·3H₂O in 1 mol dm⁻³ HCl(aq) was measured to be (21.15 ± 0.29) kJ mol⁻¹. With incorporation of the previously determined enthalpies of solution of Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O(s) in [HCl(aq) + H₃BO₃(aq)] and H₃BO₃ in HCl(aq), and the enthalpies of formation of H₂O(l), Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O(s) and H₃BO₃(s), the enthalpy of formation of SrB₄O₇·3H₂O was found to be −(4286.7 ± 3.3) kJ mol⁻¹.     

新型Brnsted-Lewis酸性催化剂LaPW_(12)O_(40)/SiO_2制备及其在催化酯化反应合成生物柴油中的应用

以十二磷钨杂多酸(Tungstophosphoric acid,H_3PW_(12)O_(40))为基体,分别通过普通浸渍法、溶胶凝胶法和超声浸渍法进行了La3+改性作用,合成了三种固体酸催化剂A-LaPW_(12)O_(40)、B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2和C-LaPW_(12)O_(40)。采用X射线荧光光谱(XRF)、孔径比表面积测定、X射线粉末衍射(XRD)、透射电镜(TEM)、红外光谱(FT-IR)、热重(TG)、N2吸附-脱附、NH3程序升温脱附(NH3-TPD)、吡啶吸附红外光谱(Py-FTIR)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等方法对合成的催化剂进行了表征,并比较了以上催化剂在用于催化以油酸和甲醇为反应物经酯化反应合成生物柴油时的活性和稳定性。结果表明,B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2具有最高催化活性,当甲醇与油酸的物质的量比为8∶1,催化剂用量为反应物总质量的2%,反应温度为65℃,反应1 h后,油酸的转化率即高达93%。循环使用B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2催化剂六次后,油酸的转化率仍高达86.4%。B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2的高催化活性和稳定性可归因于在溶胶凝胶的转化过程中,作为硅源材料的四乙氧基硅(TEOS)易在酸性条件下发生水解反应形成Si O2网络,进而Si O2网络中的硅醇键与H_3PW_(12)O_(40)中的H+发生配位作用,生成具有强静电吸附力的(≡Si-OH2+)(H2PW12O-40)络合物。随着该络合物的形成,促进了La3+在Si O2表面的吸附而堵塞了H_3PW_(12)O_(40)的孔道结构,抑制了H_3PW_(12)O_(40)颗粒在焙烧过程中进一步聚集长大。Si O2将作为载体并以干凝胶状态存在于B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2催化剂中,由于Si O2凝胶的高比表面积而使B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2具有了较大的比表面积,从H_3PW_(12)O_(40)的1.4 m2/g增加至31.3 m2/g。并且,通过吡啶吸附红外光谱确定B-LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2为Br9nsted-Lewis酸型固体酸,由于Br9nsted酸位易与酯化反应过程中生成的水发生水合反应而失活,因而Lewis酸位的形成有助于减少催化剂的失活现象发生。Lewis酸位的出现可归因于(≡Si-OH2+)(H2PW12O-40)与吸附在其表面的具有强吸电子作用的La3+发生键合作用后生成了LaPW_(12)O_(40)/Si O2。     

Catalysis by hetropoly compounds. Part XXVI. Gas phase synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether over heteropolyacids

Gas phase synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from methanol and isobutylene has been studied with several heteropolyacids at 303–383 K. It was found that a Dawson-type heteropolyacid, H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂, was much active than Keggin-type heteropolyacids, H_nXW₁₂O₄₀ (X = P, Si, Ge, B, and Co), and other solid acids such as SO²⁻₄/ZrO₂, SiO---Al₂O₃ and H-ZSM-5 at 323 K. Since the acid strength of H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ was weaker than H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ and H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀, factors other than the acid strength are important for the catalytic activity. Pseudoliquid phase behavior was demonstrated for H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ and H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ by the measurements of the absorption of methanol during the reaction and by the unique pressure dependencies of the rate of synthesis. From the absorption data (the amount and rate), it is concluded that the high catalytic activity of H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂ is brought about by a high-activity state of the pseudoliquid phase in which controlled amounts of molecule are absorbed and the absorption-desorption is rapid. On the other hand, the pseudoliquid phase of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is in a low-activity state absorbing excessive amounts of molecule.     

Ammonia sorption by Dawson acid studied by IR spectroscopy and microbalance

Using in-situ microbalance and infrared spectroscopy techniques the double ammonia proton complexation was traced. The results confirm the formation of N₂H₇⁺ dimer in solid Dawson acid H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂, previously reported only for N₂H₇I and for (N₂H₇)₄SiW₁₂O₄₀. The formation of such dimers was evidenced by the microbalance results, the molar ratio of ammonia to proton was measured as 2:1 at 10.7 kPa and 298 K. The formation of NH₄⁺ monomer (band at 1410 cm⁻¹) and N₂H₇⁺ dimer (1460 cm⁻¹) was revealed by IR spectroscopy. Enthalpy of ammonia sorption on Dawson structure was calculated to be −127.9 kJ mol⁻¹, indicating the lower acid strength of Dawson-type compared to that of the Keggin-type heteropolyacids, like H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀.     

The electrolyte NRTL model and speciation approach as applied to multicomponent aqueous solutions of H2SO4, Fe2(SO4)3, MgSO4 and Al2(SO4)3 at 230–270 °C

This work presents chemical modeling of solubilities of metal sulfates in aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid at high temperatures. Calculations were compared with experimental solubility measurements of hematite (Fe₂O₃) in aqueous ternary and quaternary systems of H₂SO₄, MgSO₄ and Al₂(SO₄)₃ at high temperatures. A hybrid model of ion-association and electrolyte non-random two liquid (ENRTL) theory was employed to fit solubility data in three ternary systems H₂SO₄–MgSO₄–H₂O, H₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 235–270 °C and H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 150–270 °C. Employing the Aspen Plus™ property program, the electrolyte NRTL local composition model was used for calculating activity coefficients of the ions Al³⁺, Mg²⁺ Fe³⁺ and SO₄²⁻, HSO₄⁻, OH⁻, H₃O⁺, respectively, as well as molecular species. The solid phases were hydronium alunite (H₃O)Al₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆, hematite Fe₂O₃ and magnesium sulfate monohydrate (MgSO₄)·H₂O which were employed as constraint precipitation solids in calculating the metal sulfate solubilities. A correlation for the equilibrium constants of the association reactions of complex species versus temperature was implemented. Based on the maximum-likelihood principle, the binary interaction energy parameters for the ionic species as well as the coefficients for equilibrium constants of the reactions were obtained simultaneously using the solubility data of the ternary systems. Following that, the solubilities of metal sulfates in the quaternary systems H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–MgSO₄–H₂O, H₂SO₄–Fe₂(SO₄)₃–Al₂(SO₄)₃–H₂O at 250 °C and H₂SO₄–Al₂(SO₄)₃–MgSO₄–H₂O at 230–270 °C were predicted. The calculated results were in excellent agreement with the experimental data.     

Thermal decomposition of praseodymium acetate as a precursor of praseodymium oxide catalyst

Thermal events encountered throughout the heat treatment of praseodymium acetate, Pr(CH₃COO)₃·H₂O, were studied in nitrogen and air atmospheres. The samples calcined at the 300–700 °C temperature range were characterized using XRD, IR and N₂ adsorption. Moreover, in situ electrical conductivity was employed to follow up the formation of the different decomposition intermediates. The results indicated that the anhydrous salt decomposes to the final product, PrO_1.833, through the formation of the following intermediates: Pr(OH)(CH₃COO)₂, PrO(CH₃COO) and Pr₂O₂(CO₃). PrO_1.833 formed at 500, 600, and 700 °C possesses a surface area of 17, 16 and 10 m²/g and crystallites size of 14, 17 and 30 nm, respectively.     

Electrochemical, HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopic analyses of peroxycitric acid coexisting with citric acid and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution

We successfully determined the molecular structure of peroxycitric acid (PCA) coexisting in the aqueous equilibrium mixture with citric acid (CA; 1,2,3-tricarboxylic-2-hydroxy propane) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by a combined use of reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC), potentiometric, hydrodynamic chronocoulometric (HCC) and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopic (ESI-MS) methods. Firstly, the RP-HPLC was employed to separate CA, PCA and H₂O₂ coexisting in the equilibrium mixture and the concentration of CA consumed (ΔC_CA) in the formation of PCA that was evidenced to be fairly stable during the RP-HPLC measurement was quantitatively measured based on the standard calibration curve of CA. Secondly, the total oxidant concentration (C_Ox) corresponding to peroxycarboxylic (–COOOH) group in PCA in the equilibrium mixture was determined using potentiometric measurement. The ratio of C_Ox/ΔC_CA was found to be 1.07, which indicates that only one –COOH group in CA molecule is oxidized to the corresponding –COOOH group in PCA molecule. Thirdly, using the HCC technique the diffusion coefficient of PCA, which could be electroreduced at a more positive potential by 1.0 V than the coexisting H₂O₂, was independently measured as 0.3 × 10⁻⁵ cm² s⁻¹ and at the same time, by considering ΔC_CA as the concentration of PCA, the number of electrons (n) required for the reduction of PCA was determined to be 2. The result obtained from RP-HPLC and HCC, i.e., n = 2 which is equivalent to one –COOOH group in PCA, is in agreement with that obtained from the combination of RP-HPLC and potentiometric measurements. Finally, the structure of PCA was proposed to contain one –COOOH group with a molecular mass of 208 confirmed by negative ion ESI-MS method. A probable molecular structure of PCA was discussed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of [Zn(H2O)4]2 [H2As6V15O42(H2O)]·2H2O

The compound [Zn(H₂O)₄]₂[H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]·2H₂O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESR, magnetic measurement, third-order nonlinear property study and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound 1 crystallizes in trigonal space group R3, a=b=12.0601(17) Å, c=33.970(7) Å, γ=120°, V=4278.8(12) Å³, Z=3 and R1(wR2)=0.0512 (0.1171). The crystal structure is constructed from [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁴⁻ anions and [Zn(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cations linked through hydrogen bonds into a network. The [H₂As₆V₁₅O₄₂(H₂O)]⁶⁻ cluster consists of 15 VO₅ square pyramids linked by three As₂O₅ handle-like units.     

Ultraviolet stimulation of hydrogen peroxide production using aminoindazole, diaminopyridine, and phenylenediamine solid polymer complexes of Zn(II)

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a valuable chemical commodity whose production relies on expensive and energy intensive methods. If an efficient, sustainable, and inexpensive solar-mediated production method could be developed from the reaction between dioxygen and water then the use of H₂O₂ as a fuel may be possible and gain acceptance. When concentrated at greater than 10 M, H₂O₂ possesses a high specific energy, is environmentally clean, and is easily stored. However, the current method of manufacturing H₂O₂ via the anthraquinone process is environmentally unfriendly making the unexplored nature of its photochemical production at high concentration from solar irradiation of interest. Towards this end, we studied the concentration and quantum yield of hydrogen peroxide produced in an ultraviolet (UV-B) irradiated environment using solid, Zn(II)-centered, complexes of amino-substituted isomers of indazole, pyridine, and phenylenediamine to catalyze the reaction. Aqueous suspensions in contact with air were exposed to 280–360-nm light from a low-power lamp. Of the ten complexes studied, Zn-5-aminoindazole had the greatest first-day production of 63 mM/day with a 37% quantum yield and p-phenylenediamine (PPAM) showed the greatest long-term stability. Isomeric forms of the catalysts’ organic components (e.g., amino groups) affected H₂O₂ production. For example, irradiation of diaminopyridine isomers indicated 2,3-diamino and 3,4-diamino structures were the most productive, each generating 32 mM/day H₂O₂, whereas the 2,5-diamino isomer generated no H₂O₂. A significant decrease in H₂O₂ production with time was observed for all but PPAM, suggesting the possibility of a catalyst-poisoning mechanism. We propose a reaction mechanism for H₂O₂ production based on the stability of the resonance structures of the different isomers.     

Platinum black coated microdisk electrodes for the determination of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in phosphate buffer solutions

The performance of a series of platinum black coated microdisk electrodes (Pt-Bs) was investigated in H₂O₂ solutions over the concentration range 0.1–500 mM, in phosphate buffer media pH 7. The Pt-Bs were prepared by electrodeposition of Pt onto the surface of microdisk electrodes 12.5 μm of nominal radius, from aqueous solutions containing hexachloroplatinic acid. The resulting roughness factors (RF, i.e., the ratio of the effective surface area to the geometric electrode area) varied between about 10 and 100. The voltammograms recorded with these electrodes, at relatively low H₂O₂ concentrations (up to 50–100 mM), displayed rather steep mixed anodic–cathodic waves, which attained well-defined and stable current plateaus. At the higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations, additional waves both in the anodic and cathodic region or dramatic current drop phenomena were observed. The wave split phenomenon was attributed to the insufficient buffering capacity of the base electrolyte solution within the pores of the platinum black, induced by the large amounts of hydrogen ions produced in the oxidation process. The current drop was attributed to either the formation of oxygen bubbles, which limit diffusion of H₂O₂ down the pores, or saturation of the active sites responsible for the decomposition of H₂O₂ to O₂ and H₂O. The H₂O₂ concentration at which the above phenomena occurred depended either on the phosphate buffer concentration in the bulk solution or the RF factor of the electrodes. The latter conditions also affected the dynamic range of detection, the sensitivity and low detection limits. Advantageous analytical characteristics were obtained with a Pt-B of RF of about 24, which provided a dynamic range between 0.5 and 230 mM, a sensitivity of 1.93(±0.06) A M⁻¹ cm⁻² and a low detection limit of 0.05 mM. The reproducibility was also very good, it being within 2–3%. The usefulness of the Pt-Bs for real samples analysis was tested in an antiseptic solution containing large amounts of H₂O₂.     

Optimised hydrothermal synthesis of multi-dimensional hybrid coordination polymers containing flexible organic ligands

In this paper, we summarise our recent research interest in the hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterisation of multi-dimensional coordination polymers. The use of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (also referred to as H₄pmida) in the literature as a versatile chelating organic ligand is briefly reviewed. This molecule plays an important role in the formation of centrosymmetric dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units, which were first used by us as building blocks to construct novel coordination polymers. Starting with [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ in solution, we have isolated [M₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(H₂O)₁₀] species (where M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Co²⁺ or Cd²⁺) via the hydrothermal synthetic approach, which were then employed for the construction of [CdVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5·(H₂O), [CoVO(pmida)(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂]·(4,4′-bpy)_0.5, [Co(H₂O)₆][CoV₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)(H₂O)₂]·2(H₂O) and [Cd₂V₂O₂(pmida)₂(pyr)₂(H₂O)₄]·4(H₂O) by the inclusion of bridging organic ligands in the reactive mixtures, such as pyrazine (pyr) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy). These materials can contain channel systems, and exhibit magnetic behaviour, not only due to the V⁴⁺ centres but also to the transition metal centres which establish the links between neighbouring dimeric [V₂O₂(pmida)₂]⁴⁻ anionic units. A closely related anionic moiety, [Ge₂(pmida)₂(OH)₂]²⁻, was engineered to allow the study of such crystalline hybrid materials using one- and two-dimensional high-resolution solid-state NMR.     

Silica xerogel-hydrogen peroxide composites: their morphology, stability, and antimicrobial activity

Hydrogen peroxide was incorporated into silica xerogel matrix over the concentration range from 3.8 to 68.0 wt% via the sol–gel route. The obtained composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The release rates of H₂O₂ from the composites into the aqueous phase were examined. In most cases, a 90% release was attained after ca. 10 min, and it was only slightly dependent on H₂O₂ concentration and particle size. The antimicrobial activity of the composite containing 3.59% H₂O₂ was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus. A comparative assay was carried out for aqueous solution of H₂O₂ of the same concentration. The results demonstrated a potent microbicidal efficacy of the composite. Furthermore, diffusion range of the hydrogen peroxide from the solid composite into an agar medium matched that of the H₂O₂ in aqueous solution. The stability tests with the xerogels containing 3.8, 26.4, and 68.0% of H₂O₂ showed that after 63 days respective losses of the H₂O₂ at 3 °C were 8.8, 9.7, and 6.2%. Both the DSC results and the stability tests have shown that the molecular water present in the pores stabilizes the composite, probably through improving the binding of the H₂O₂ molecules onto the silica surface.     

X-ray crystal structure and vibrational spectra of hydrazides and their metal complexes. Part II. Hexaaquacobalt(II)bis(phthalhydrazidato)tetrahydrate

The hexaaquacobalt(II)bis(phthalhydrazidato)tetrahydrate, [Co(H₂O)₆](C₈N₂O₂H₅)₂·4H₂O is examined using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are triclinic, space group , with a = 9.757(1), b = 10.955(2), c = 11.106(1),  = 100.79(2), β = 90.35(3), γ = 91.54(1) and Z = 2. In [Co(H₂O)₆](C₈N₂O₂H₅)₂·4H₂O, the cobalt(II) is coordinated by six water ligands and the [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ is associated with the two O-deprotonated phthalhydrazidato ions only by hydrogen bonds. The infrared and Raman spectra of phthalhydrazide (PH) and infrared spectra of deuterated derivative phthalhydrazide (PD) and of [Co(H₂O)₆](C₈N₂O₂H₅)₂·4H₂O are reported. The theoretical wavenumbers, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities have been calculated using density functional (B3LYP) method with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The calculated potential energy distribution has proved to be of great help in assigning the spectra PH, its deuterated derivative and [Co(H₂O)₆](C₈N₂O₂H₅)₂·4H₂O. The results from natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis for keto-hydroxy form of PH are presented.     

New oxo-bridged dinuclear peroxotungsten(VI) complexes: Synthesis, stability and activity in bromoperoxidation

Two new dinuclear oxo-bridged peroxo complexes of tungsten with coordinated dipeptides of the type, Na₂[W₂O₃(O₂)₄(glycyl-glycine)₂] · 3H₂O (1) and Na₂[W₂O₃(O₂)₄(glycyl-leucine)₂] · 3H₂O (2) have been synthesized from the reaction of H₂WO₄, 30% H₂O₂ and the respective dipeptide at pH ca. 2.5. Synthesis of the compounds, in addition to pH, is sensitive to reaction temperature and concentrations of the components. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral and physico-chemical methods including thermal analysis. In the dimeric complexes the two W(VI) centres with edge bound peroxo groups are bridged by an oxo group. The dipeptides occurring as zwitterions bind the metal centers through O (carboxylate) atoms leading to hepta co-ordination around each W(VI). Thermal stability of the compounds as well as their stability in solution were determined. The compounds are highly stable toward decomposition in solutions of acidic as well as physiological pH. These compounds, besides another similar dimeric compound Na₂[W₂O₃(O₂)₄(cystine)] · 4H₂O (3) efficiently oxidized bromide to a bromination competent intermediate in phosphate buffer at physiological pH, a reaction in which only two of the peroxide groups of the complex species were found to be active. The complexes could also mediate bromination of organic substrate in aqueous-organic media.     

Tetrabutylammonium phosphomolybdate on fluorapatite: an efficient solid catalyst for solvent-free selective oxidation of sulfides

A new synthetic method of sulfoxides and sulfones using solvent-free oxidations of sulfides with urea–hydrogen peroxide complex (urea–H₂O₂) and tetrabutylammonium phosphomolybdate catalyst on fluorapatite ((Bu₄N)₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀]/FAp). In the solid-phase system the oxidations of aromatic and alkyl sulfides proceeded at 4–25 °C and the corresponding sulfoxides or sulfones were selectively obtained in good yields by controlling the amount of urea–H₂O₂.     

A spectroscopic study on the 12-heteropolyacids of molybdenum and tungsten (H3PMo12−nWnO40) combined with cetylpyridinium bromide in the epoxidation of cyclopentene

The epoxidation of cyclopentene with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by 12-heteropolyacids of molybdenum and tungsten (H₃PMo_12−nW_nO₄₀, n = 1–11), 12-tungstophosphoric acid and 12-molybdophosphoric acid combined with cetylpyridinium bromide as a phase transfer reagent was carried out in acetonitrile. Among 13 heteropolyacids investigated, catalyst of H₃PMo₆W₆O₄₀ showed the highest activity, giving a conversion of 60% and a selectivity of 95% in the epoxidation of cyclopentene. The fresh catalysts and the catalysts under reaction condition were characterized by UV–vis, FT-IR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, which has revealed that all of the molybdotungstophosphoric acids were degraded in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to form a considerable amount of phosphorus-containing species. The active species resulted from H₃PMo₆W₆O₄₀ are new kinds of phosphorus-containing species, which is different from {PO₄[WO(O₂)₂]₄}³⁻.     

Thermal decomposition study on mixed ligand thymine complexes of divalent nickel(II) with dianions of some dicarboxylic acids

Thermal decomposition of mixed ligand thymine (2,4-dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine) complexes of divalent Ni(II) with aspartate, glutamate and ADA (N-2-acetamido)iminodiacetate dianions was monitored by TG, DTG and DTA analysis in static atmosphere of air. The decomposition course and steps of complexes [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₄H₅NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O, [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₅H₇NO₄)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·H₂O and [Ni(C₅H₆N₂O₂)(C₆H₈N₂O₅)²⁻(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O were analyzed. The final decomposition products are found to be the corresponding metal oxides. The kinetic parameters namely, activation energy (E*), enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*) and free energy change of decomposition (ΔG*) are calculated from the TG curves using Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzger equations. The stability order found for these complexes follows the trend aspartate > ADA > glutamate.