On the synthesis and polymerization of t-butyl-p-vinylperbenzoate and the grafting of its homo- and copolymers

The monomer initiator t-butyl-p-vinylperbenzoate (TBVP) was synthesized and its homo- and copolymerization with styrene, methacrylonitrile, isoprene and phenylmethacrylate was investigated. TBVP is preponderantly incorporated in all four systems; values of Q = 2.27 and e = ?0.13 characterize TBVP as a weak donor with a high monomer reactivity. Kinetic considerations show that all propagation steps in which TBVP takes part are faster or at least as fast as the self-propagation steps of the comonomers used. Rate constants and activation energies of the thermal decomposition of poly(t-butyl-p-vinylperbenzoate) and poly(t-butyl-p-vinylperbenzoate-co-styrene) were determined. The polymer initiators were used for grafting experiments with styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate. The data evaluated for the grafting efficiency, the success of grafting, and the degree of grafting show that these polymers of p-vinylperbenzoate are efficient initiators.     

Differential method for the determination of the order of reaction and the rate constants

A method is proposed whereby the orders and rate constants for processes obeying the rate law ?dA/dt = kAⁿ may be determined. The method is illustrated in two ways. First, simulated data for processes of various orders are treated, and the treatment is shown to be capable of reproducing orders and rate constants to a high degree of accuracy. The factors affecting the accuracy with which n and k can be determined are considered. These are inaccuracy in the determination of concentration values, irregularity of the time intevals between concentration determinations, and the length of those time intervals. It is shown that if concentrations are determined at times that are close together, the effect of the other two factors is small, but if the time intervals are made longer, the errors due to the other two factors affect the calculated values of n and k much more seriously. Second, the method was applied to two homogeneous reactions, of which one was first-order and one was second order, and three heterogeneous reactions, of which one was found by the original workers to be first order, one to be zero order, and one to vary between zero and first order, depending on the initial pressure. The present method gives results in agreement with these conclusions and reproduces the rate constants to within ±5% in all cases.     

Picture change error correction in the radial distributions of canonical orbital densities and total electron density of radon atom: the effect of the size of nucleus and the basis set limit

The 2nd order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH2) and the Infinite Order Two Component (IOTC) radial distributions of electron density of canonical Hartree-Fock (HF) orbitals of radon atom are presented. Furthermore, the total electron density is revisited. The picture change error (PCE) correction is investigated by analytical means. The point charge model of nucleus and the Gaussian nucleus model are employed. The basis set is extrapolated by means of including tight s and also p Gaussians within the original triple zeta basis set. It is found that the DKH1 PCE corrected DKH2 total electron and s orbital contact densities are negative for the point charge model of nucleus if tight enough s Gaussians are included in the basis set. It is shown that this failure is caused due to the missing terms of the second order Douglas-Kroll transformation for the DKH2 electron density. PCE is found the most striking in the DKH2/IOTC electron density of s orbitals close to the nucleus. The radial distributions of the 2-component p _1/2 orbital densities are considerably affected by PCE at the nucleus as well. Furthermore, the PCE corrected DKH2/IOTC scalar p orbital densities have a non-zero value of electron density at nucleus and can be considered as an spin-orbit (SO) average of the p _1/2 and p _3/2 orbitals. The d and f orbitals are affected by PCE in the vicinity of the nucleus only little. The PCE corrected DKH2 and IOTC radial distributions of orbital densities are nodeless, which is completely in agreement with the radial distribution of the analytic or numeric DCH orbital densities.     

Forced Bonding and QTAIM Deficiencies: A Case Study of the Nature of Interactions in He@Adamantane and the Origin of the High Metastability

Calculations within the framework of the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) approach have shown that the interactions of the helium atom with both tertiary, tC, and secondary, sC, carbon atoms in the metastable He@adamantane (He@adam) endohedral complex are bonding in nature, whereas the earlier study performed within the framework of Bader’s quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) revealed that only He???tC interactions are bonding. The He???tC and He???sC bonding interactions are shown to be forced by the high pressure that the helium and carbon atoms exert upon each other in He@adam. The occurrence of a bonding interaction between the helium and sC atoms, which are not linked by a bond path, clearly shows that the lack of a bond path between two atoms does not necessarily indicate the lack of a bonding interaction, as is asserted by QTAIM. IQA calculations showed that not only the destabilization of the adamantane cage, but also a huge internal destabilization of the helium atom, contribute to the metastability of He@adam, these contributions being roughly equal. This result disproves previous opinions based on QTAIM analysis that only the destabilization of the adamantane cage accounts for the endothermicity of He@adam. Also, it was found that there is no homeomorphism of the ρ( r ) and ‐v( r ) fields of He@adam. Comparison of the IQA and QTAIM results on the interactions in He@adam exposes other deficiencies of the QTAIM approach. The reasons for the deficiencies in the QTAIM approach are analyzed.     

Investigation of the LCST of polyacrylamides as a function of molecular parameters and the solvent composition

The paper investigates the thermoprecipitation of two macromolecule structures, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPA) and poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (poly-DEA) from aqueous solution. The majority of the data are collected for small (M_w < 5000 g/mol) homogeneous (D < 1.3) molecules of the indicated type synthesized by anionic, group transfer, and radical polymerization in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Conventional radical polymers (M_w < 200,000 g/mol) are also synthesized and used for comparison. Turbidity curves (photometry) and transition enthalpies (high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry) are measured to investigate the phase transition as a function of the molecular size and the tacticity as well as the concentration of certain solution additives (simple salts, glucose, and the surfactant tetrabutylammonium acetate) and mixtures thereof. Where applicable, the results are interpreted on the basis of a two-state model to gain insight in the cooperativity of the transition. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2977–2989, 1999     

INDO parameters for the elements of the I and II transition rows

It is shown that with the use of published one-center INDO parameters for transition metals M, it is not possible to reproduce experimental relative energies of the electronic states of M, M⁺, and M²⁺ accurately enough. Two new sets of INDO parameters for the elements of the I and II transition rows are developed. These parameters are obtained by the method which ensures that the calculated energy differences between atomic electron states are in agreement with the experimental data. The results of some molecular test calculations are presented. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Comparison between the analysis of the asymptotic wavepacket and the associated flux for the calculation of kinetic-energy-releases function

The kinetic-energy-releases (KER) distribution function of the fragment is an important observable in the molecular dynamics. In theory, there are several different methods to calculate the KER distribution function or spectrum, which could be generally divided into two classes: One is based on the analysis of the asymptotic wavepacket (“projection method”) and the other is on the analysis of the associated flux (“flux method”). By taking the above-threshold dissociation of the HeH⁺ (v = 8) molecule as an example, we compared these two classes of methods. Based on evenly separated Fourier grid representation, the KER distribution calculated via the projection method F_Proj(E_k) is the same as the one calculated via the flux method F_Flux(E_k) . The relationship between F_Proj(E_k) and the distribution of the projection of the asymptotic wavepacket onto the energy eigenstates of the quasicontinuum, P_Proj(E_k) , and the relationship between F_Flux(E_k) and the distribution of the dissociation probability P_Flux(E_k) from the cumulation of the associated flux, are determined.     

Role of the supramolecular structure of the reactants in the kinetics of the liquid-phase synthesis and decomposition of explosives

Formulas relating the observed rate constant of the initial reaction step (k _ef) to the rate constants of the elementary steps (k _i ), to the monomer-association species equilibrium constants (K _i ), and to the concentrations of the reactants (A _i ) and solvent have been obtained for a number of simple kinetic models of liquid-phase explosive material synthesis and decomposition reactions involving associating reactants. The k _ef = F(k _i , K _i , and A _i ) relationship is independent of the rate law of the reaction and is governed by the association species type (autoassociation or heteroassociation species) and by the number of association species kinds. In the case of parallel reactions involving association species, as distinct from the same reactions involving unassociated reactants, concentration variations have an effect on the ratio of the rates of the parallel steps and on the product yield ratio. By varying the reaction temperature, it is possible to make the rates of the parallel steps to vary in opposite ways. When monomers, dimers, and tetramers are present in the reaction mixture, the temperature dependence of lnk _ef may have an extremum. These deduced regularities are in qualitative agreement with experimental data.     

Isobaric thermal behavior of glasses during uniform cooling and heating: Dependence of the characteristic temperatures on the relative contributions of temperature and structure to the rate of recovery. II. A one-parameter model approach

Isobaric variations of the characteristic temperatures T_g and T_max, obtained on uniform cooling and heating of glasses, are investigated in terms of their dependence on the relevant experimental variables, using a single retardation time model. The corresponding partial derivatives of T_g and T_max are derived as functions of the partition parameter x (ranging between zero and unity), which determines the relative contributions of temperature and structure to the retardation time. It is shown that the variation of T_g with the cooling rate is independent of x. In contrast, T_max critically depends on x, and its value as well as those of its three partial derivatives are linear functions of x^?1. The variations of T_max are analyzed in terms of a set of reduced variables, leading to simple reduction rules between any two of the experimental variables when the third is kept invariant. The reduction rules are further substantiated by investigating the behavior of glasses in two-step thermal cycles, which result in a unique set of inter-relationships between any pair of the partial derivatives of T_max, whatever the value of x. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance to the behavior of real glasses.     

On the evolution and application of the concept of electrochemical polarization

This paper yields an overview on the evolution of the concept of polarization applied to electrochemical systems, ranging from electrodes to cells. The historical discussion starts at the early phase of the development of electrochemistry when current-controlled measurements were possible only, and when the early definitions of polarization, depolarization and depolarizer were created. A number of contemporary handbooks, recommendations and other reference resources are listed in which these concepts are represented in various ways, from conservative definitions to attempts of redefining them. The traditional definitions are confronted with the everyday use of professional language, drawing attention to the fact that the widespread application of potential-controlled electrochemical measurements led to new meanings. Some suggestions are made that open room for the application of the term of polarization in accord with the modern methodologies, without compromising the traditional introduction of the term. Polarization-related phenomena in biological membranes are not dealt with in the present work.

     

Complex coordinates and the Stark effect

The theories of the dilatation, r → r e^iθ, and translation, x → x + iq, transformations as related to the Stark problem are reviewed, and new results obtained. Results for the hydrogen atom n = 1 and n = 2 levels and the ¹P⁰, 2s2p H^? shape resonance in dc fields are presented, and the extension to the ac Stark effect made. Spectral estimates are made using the technique of the numerical range and via discussion of several model problems, using both coordinate rotation and coordinate translation.     

The kinetics of the decarboxylation of n-butylmalonic acid in alkanols and amines

Rate constants and activation parameters are reported for the decarboxylation of n-butylmalonic acid in four normal alkanols (hexanol? 1, octanol? 1, decanol? 1, and dodecanol? 1) and in five amines (aniline, N-methylaniline, N-ethylaniline, N-n-propylaniline, and N-n-butylaniline). Both ΔH? and ΔS? of the reaction in both homologous series decrease regularly with increasing length of the hydrocarbon chain of solvent. If we compare data for the reaction in alkanol–amine pairs containing the same total number of carbon atoms in the molecule, we find that the ΔH? values are identical, but that the value of ΔS? is 0.8 eu/mole higher for the reaction in the amines as compared with the alcohol. The rate constant, at all temperatures, is 1.5 times as large in the amine as it is in the corresponding alcohol. Empirical equations are deduced relating the parameters ΔH? ΔS? ΔG? and k of the reaction to the parameters n and T, where n is the total number of carbon atoms in the solvent molecule and T is the absolute temperature. The results reported herein are compared with previously reported data for malonic acid.     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the HeICl Van der Waals Complexes in the Valence and Ion-pair States

The article presents results of experimental and theoretical analysis of the T-shaped and linear HeICl van der Waals complexes in the valence A1 and ion-pair β1 states as well as the HeICl(A1,v_A,n_A←X0⁺,v_X=0,n_x and β1,v_β,n_β←A1,v_A,n_A) optical transitions (n_i are quantum numbers of the vdW) modes). The HeICl(β1,v_β,n_β)→He+ICl(E0⁺, , β1) decay are also studied. Luminescence spectra of the HeICl(β1,v_β=0–3,n_β) complex electronic (ICl(E0⁺,v_E, ) and vibrational ICl(β1,v_β) predissociation products are measured, and branching ratios of decay channels are determined. To construct potential energy surfaces for the HeICl(A1, β1) states, we utilized the intermolecular diatomic-in-molecule perturbation theory first order method. Experimental and calculated spectroscopic characteristics of the A1 and β1 states agree well. Comparison of the experimental and calculated pump-probe, action and excitation spectra shows that the calculated spectra describe the experimental spectra adequately.     

Properties and derivation of the fourth and sixth coefficients of the characteristic polynomial of molecular graphs—New graphical invariants

Some previously unknown relationships for determining the a ₄ and a ₆ coefficients of the characteristic polynomial for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are presented for the first time. The structural information contained in these coefficients is more fully revealed. The equations derived for a ₄ and a ₆ allow one to determine the characteristic polynomial by inspection for many small molecular graphs. Some relationships for a ₈ and a ₁₀ are presented. The set of known graphical invariants (GI) or properties that remain unchanged in isomeric PAH6s is now shown to be GI={a ₄, a ₆+n ₀+2r ₆, a ₈ ^c , d _s+N_Ic, N_c, N_h, N_Ic+N_Pc, q, r}.Part VIII: A periodic table for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons     

Kinetics of the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with dimethyl ether and diethyl ether

Absolute rate coefficients for the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with dimethyl ether (k₁) and diethyl ether (k₂) were measured over the temperature range 295–442 K. The rate coefficient data, in the units cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, were fitted to the Arrhenius equations k₁ (T) = (1.04 ± 0.10) × 10^?11 exp[?(739 ± 67 cal mol^?1)/RT] and k₂(T) = (9.13 ± 0.35) × 10^?12 exp[+(228 ± 27 kcal mol^?1)/RT], respectively, in which the stated error limits are 2σ values. Our results are compared with those of previous studies of hydrogen-atom abstraction from saturated hydrocarbons by OH. Correlations between measured reaction-rate coefficients and C? H bond-dissociation energies are discussed.     

Analysis of the melt viscosity and glass transition of polystyrene

The melt viscosity, the glass transition, and the effect of pressure on these are analyzed for polystyrene on the basis of the Tammann-Hesse viscosity equation: log η = log A + B/(T ? T₀). Evidence that the glass transition is an isoviscosity state (log η_g ? 13) for lower molecular weight fractions (M < M_c) is reviewed. For a polystyrene fraction of intermediate molecular weight (M ? 19,000; t_g = 89°C.), it is shown that B is independent of the p–v–T state of the polymer liquid and that dT₀/dP = dT_g/dP. This is consistent with the postulate that B is determined by the internal barriers to rotation in the isolated polymer chain. Relationships are derived for flow “activation energies” at constant pressure and at constant volume, and for the “activation volume.” Values for polystyrene along the zero-pressure isobar and along the constant viscosity, glasstransition line are reported. For the latter, ΔV_g* is constant and corresponds to about 10 styrene units. The “free volume” viscosity equation: log η = log A + b/2.3?, is reexamined. For polystyrene and polyisobutylene, ?_g/b = 0.03, but ?_g and b themselves differ appreciably in these polymers. The parameter b is the product of an equilibrium term Δα and the kinetic term B, and none of these is a “universal” constant for different polymers. The physical significance of the free volume parameter ?, particularly with regard to the “excess” liquid volume, remains undefined. Two new relationships for dT_g/dP, one an exact derivation and the other an empirical correlation, are presented.     

Level set topology of the nuclear charge space and the electronic energy functional

Electronic energy level set topologies in the abstract nuclear charge space Z of molecular systems are defined and analyzed. Two theorems, one on the general convexity of level sets in Z, another on homotopies of boundaries of level sets, induced by nuclear geometry variations in the nuclear configuration space R, are proven. The applications of the two theorems are illustrated by examples of various molecules and ions.     

Theoretical and experimental study of the structure and stability of multiply Na-substituted glucose and 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone derivatives

The equilibrium geometric parameters and the energetic and spectroscopic characteristics of low lying conformers for series of polyhydroxyl molecules and ions in which sodium atoms are successively substituted for the hydroxyl hydrogen atoms have been calculated by the density functional theory B3LYP method with the 6−31G* and 6−311+G** basis sets. The glucose derivatives [Glu − nH + nNa] and [Glu − nH + (n + 1)Na]⁺ (n = 1−5) and the 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone derivatives [THAP − nH + nNa] and [THAP − nH + (n + 1)Na]⁺ (n = 1−4) have been considered. The affinities of the neutral [Glu − nH + nNa] and [THAP − nH + nNa] molecules for adding Na⁺ cations, as well as the energies of successive substitution of Na atoms for H atoms in the Glu and THAP molecules and the Glu⁺ and THAP⁺ ions in their reaction with sodium acetate molecules, have been estimated. Computations show that the first substitution of Na for H in ions is slightly exothermic and, presumably, can spontaneously occur under common conditions. Further substitutions are endothermic, but the required energy inputs are small. Therefore, successive substitutions for two, three, or more hydroxyl H atoms in the molecules and ions under consideration are possible at relatively low energy inputs. The computation results and conclusions are compared with the MALDI TOF mass spectral data for Na-substituted glucose and 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone derivatives in the [glucose + CH₃COONa + THAP] system where, in addition to common Glu · Na⁺ and THAP · Na⁺ ion-molecular complexes, multiply substituted positive ions of the [Glu − nH + (n + 1)Na]⁺ (n = 1−4) and [THAP − nH + (n + 1)Na]⁺ (n = 1−3) type have been identified.