Degradation of PEG in the Warship Vasa

The distribution and ageing of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the Vasa warship has been examined and compared with other archaeological shipwrecks which have also been impregnated with PEG. The distribution of the PEG has been characterised using a variety of mass spectrometric and FT-IR techniques. Our results show that the PEG after 30 years is still in a reasonably good condition, with a molecular weight distribution that resembles fresh PEG. Only minor levels of degradation products were found. It seems that the PEG preserved wood contains an increased amount of formic acid and the results suggest that it originates from the PEG. Acetic acid is also present; this probably originates from the wood.     

Morphologically Diverse Micro- and Macrostructures Created via Solvent Evaporation-Induced Assembly of Fluorescent Spherical Particles in the Presence of Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives

The creation of fluorescent micro- and macrostructures with the desired morphologies and sizes is of considerable importance due to their intrinsic functions and performance. However, it is still challenging to modulate the morphology of fluorescent organic materials and to obtain insight into the factors governing the morphological evolution. We present a facile bottom-up approach to constructing diverse micro- and macrostructures by connecting fluorescent spherical particles (SPs), which are generated via the spherical assembly of photoisomerizable azobenzene-based propeller-shaped chromophores, only with the help of commercially available polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives. Without any extra additives, solvent evaporation created a slow morphological evolution of the SPs from short linear chains (with a length of a few micrometers) to larger, interconnected networks and sheet structures (ranging from tens to >100 µm) at the air–liquid interface. Their morphologies and sizes were significantly dependent on the fraction and length of the PEG. Our experimental results suggest that noncovalent interactions (such as hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding) between the amphiphilic PEG chains and the relatively hydrophobic SPs were weak in aqueous solutions, but play a crucial role in creating the morphologically diverse micro- and macrostructures. Moreover, short-term irradiation with visible light caused fast morphological crumpling and fluorescence switching of the obtained structures.     

Contrasting pKa of protonated bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated polyethylene glycol "Jeffamine" and the associated thermodynamic parameters in solution and covalently attached to graphite surfaces

The pKa value of protonated Jeffamine (bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated polyethylene glycol) in solution and attached as a monolayer to graphite surfaces has been determined using potentiometric titration. The protonated Jeffamine was found to have a pKa value of 9.7 in solution at 25 degrees C, whereas this value decreases to 7.1 when it is attached to a graphite surface. Potentiometric titrations from 25 to 40 degrees C allowed us to determine the surface pKa of the protonated Jeffamine at each temperature studied and hence to determine the enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy changes associated with the deprotonation of the amino-terminated surface bound Jeffamine groups. It was found that the enthalpic contribution is negligibly small and the evaluation of these thermodynamic parameters controlling the shift in surface pKa value indicates that this process is controlled by entropic contribution arising from the ordering/disordering of solvent molecules at the carbon-water interface. This suggests that the long chain Jeffamine molecules are oriented on the carbon surface rather than existing in the bulk solution.     

A New Method of the Preparation of Imido‐bis(sulfuric acid) Dihalogenide, (F,Cl), and the Potassium Salt of Imido‐bis(sulfuric acid) Difluoride

The article describes a new and effective synthesis of pure imido‐bis(sulfuric acid) dihalogenides (halogenide = F, Cl) and the potassium salt of imido‐bis(sulfuric acid) difluoride, KN(SO₂F)₂.     

Effect of polyethylene glycol plasticizer on long‐term antibacterial activity and the release profile of bacteriocin nisin from polylactide blends

This work describes the synergetic effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in polylactide (PLA) blends, wherein the polyether acts as both the plasticizer and functional additive, ensuring the long‐term antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin nisin. Two types of PEG with the molecular weights of 1000 and 6000 g.mol⁻¹ (20 wt.%) were used to plasticize the PLA blends. The aforementioned bacteriocin nisin, at concentrations ranging between 0.02 and 0.15 wt.% (8000‐60 000 IU.g⁻¹), was incorporated into the samples by the solvent cast technique. The effect of various PEG on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the PLA‐based blends were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, stress‐strain analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the samples was detected by the agar diffusion technique against Micrococcus luteus. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the samples were tested according the ISO 22196 standard against Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes) bacterial strains. The nisin was detected by high performance liquid chromatography, the device having been equipped with a UV/vis detector. The results show that the PEG, besides its plasticizing effect, significantly enhances the release profile and sustains long‐term antibacterial activity of nisin in a PLA matrix.     

Conservation laws,machines of the first type and superluminal communication

The conflict between conservation laws and quantum mechanics is analyzed. Referring to a thought experiment, we show that if the individual interpretation of the state | is valid, and conservation of angular momentum applies in every process for which the external torque is zero, it would be possible to obtain a machine of the first type and superluminal communication.     

From Substrate to Coating: Micro- and Surface Analysis Techniques for the Development of Steel Products

For the development of ultra high strength steel and hyperdrawable steel grades precipitates had to be tailored at the nanoscale. Microbeam techniques helped to reach a superior quality of metallic coatings and a superb adhesion to the steel substrate. In this paper the use of micro-analytical techniques in steel product development is illustrated.     

Metal modified SSA as a heterogeneous catalyst to promote the cyclocondesation of o-aminobenzonitriles with cycloketones in water

A novel solid catalyst based on silica sulfuric acid (SSA) was prepared. When SSA was treated with Lewis acids, metal ions can be easily immobilized on silica surface, which results in strengthening Lewis acidity. The novel solid catalyst was demonstrated to be efficient in promoting the cyclocondesation of o-aminobenzonitriles with cycloketones in water, and hence promising in the application of pharmaceutical study and production.     

Silica Sulfuric Acid: An Efficient,Reusable, Heterogeneous Catalyst for the One-Pot,Five-Component Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Piperidine Derivatives

A series of highly functionalized piperidine derivatives was synthesized through one-pot, five-component reaction of aldehydes, amines, and β-ketoesters. Silica sulfuric acid efficiently catalyzes the reaction to afford the corresponding piperidine derivatives in good yields. As a representative example, heating of 4-methylaninle, 4-fluorobezaldehyde, and methyl-acetoacetate in methanol in the presence of silica sulfuric acid furnished the corresponding ethyl 2,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1-p-tolyl-4-(p-tolylamino)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate in excellent yield (85%). Most of the synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Most of compounds showed significant antibacterial activity.     

The Singular Molecular Conformation of Humic Acids in Solution Influences Their Ability to Enhance Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Plant Growth

Some studies have reported that the capacity of humic substances to improve plant growth is dependent on their ability to increase root hydraulic conductivity. It was proposed that this effect is directly related to the structural conformation in solution of these substances. To study this hypothesis, the effects on root hydraulic conductivity and growth of cucumber plants of a sedimentary humic acid and two polymers—polyacrylic acid and polyethylene glycol—presenting a molecular conformation in water solution different from that of the humic acid have been studied. The results show that whereas the humic acid caused an increase in root hydraulic conductivity and plant growth, both the polyacrylic acid and the polyethylene glycol did not modify plant growth and caused a decrease in root hydraulic conductivity. These results can be explained by the different molecular conformation in water solution of the three molecular systems. The relationships between these biological effects and the molecular conformation of the three molecular systems in water solution are discussed.     

Transfer hydrogenation of citral to citronellol with Ru complexes in the mixed solvent of water and polyethylene glycol

The transfer hydrogenation of citral to citronellol was studied with [RuCl₂(benzene)]₂ catalyst in a mixed solvent of water and polyethylene glycol (H₂O? PEG). The influence of several important factors including hydrogen source, solvent, temperature and active species is discussed. Under the present conditions, citronellol was produced with an extremely high selectivity above 90%. The Ru complexes could be immobilized in the H₂O? PEG phase well and separated from organic products successfully. Moreover, a stable catalytic activity was obtained after the first run, although the decomposition of Ru complexes occurred during the recycling processes. The selectivity to citronellol decreased but kept a stable level about 60% in the recycling runs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tungstate Sulfuric Acid: A Novel and Efficient Solid Acidic Reagent for the Oxidation of Thiols to Disulfides and the Oxidative Demasking of 1,3-Dithianes

Tungstate sulfuric acid in combination with various oxidants was found to be an efficient reagent for the conversion of thiols to disulfides at r.t. in good to excellent yields. The selective oxidative deprotection of 1,3-dithianes to their parent carbonyl compounds at r.t. was also observed with this reagent.     

How Science Can Contribute to the Remedial Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Colloid science is contributing solutions to counteract the degradation of artifacts, favoring their transfer to future generations. Advanced materials such as nanoparticles, coatings, gels and microemulsions have been assessed in conservation, spanning from archeological sites to modern and contemporary art. We give an overview of the fundamental milestones and latest innovations in conservation science, targeting solutions and tools for remedial conservation based on green nanomaterials and hybrid systems. Future perspectives and outstanding challenges in this exciting field are then outlined.     

Transition metal polymeric chelates: Spectral, magnetic, thermal behaviour of polymeric chelates of poly(resacetophenone diyl ethylene)s with Ni(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II) and Co(II)

Polymeric chelates of the type [ML₂]_n where M = Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) or Co(II), L = poly(resacetophenone diyl ethylene)s, andn= degree of polymerization, have been synthesized. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of analytical, magnetic, electronic and IR spectral studies. Electronic spectra in conjunction with magnetic moments are in accord with an octahedral environment around the central metal ion in all polymeric chelates except Cu(II) and Zn(II) polymeric chelates which have been shown to possess square planar and tetrahedral geometries, respectively. IR spectral studies further suggest that the metal ions are coordinated through the oxygens of the carbonyl and the phenolic hydroxyl groups. All the chelates are paramagnetic except Zn(II), which is found to be diamagnetic.     

Silica sulfuric acid: A simple,efficient, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of aryl-14H-dibenzo[<Emphasis Type="Italic">a,j</Emphasis>]xanthenes under conventional heating and solvent-free conditions

A novel approach towards the one-pot synthesis of aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes is described from a known reaction between substituted aldehydes and β-naphthol in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst silica sulfuric acid under conventional heating as well as solvent-free conditions to afford good to excellent yields. The catalyst is reusable; it can be used several times without any decrease in the product yield. __________ Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 196–201, February, 2008.     

Aluminium Nitrate/Silica Sulfuric Acid/Bromide Ion: As an Effective and Catalytic Oxidizing Media for the Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides

Various types of sulfides are chemoselectively oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides by treatment of Al(NO₃)₃.9H₂O, silica sulfuric acid and a catalytic amount of NaBr in the presence of wet SiO₂ (50% w/w) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. The catalytic oxidation procedure is very simple and the products are easily isolated in good yields.     

聚乙二醇相转移催化合成苊酮

研究了在铬酸酐、冰醋酸和相转移催化剂聚乙二醇存在下苊的氧化反应，较温和的条件可高产率地得到苊酮。     

Eco-friendly polyethylene glycol-400: a rapid and efficient recyclable reaction medium for the synthesis of thiazole derivatives

Abstract

An efficient and convenient procedure for the synthesis of thiazole derivatives from α-haloketone, thiourea and substituted acetophenones using polyethylene glycol-400 as a green and recyclable solvent is described. Significant rate enhancement and improved yields have been observed.     

Arene cis-dihydrodiols—useful precursors for the preparation of antimetabolites of the shikimic acid pathway: application to the synthesis of 6,6-difluoroshikimic acid and (6S)-6-fluoroshikimic acid

The synthesis of 6,6-difluoroshikimic acid (11) has been achieved in ten steps from the enantiopure diol 16, which is derived from enzymatic cis-dihydroxylation of iodobenzene. The versatility of the synthetic strategy has been demonstrated by the preparation of the known antimicrobial agent, (6S)-6-fluoroshikimic acid (5).