Mass Spectrometric Determination of Association Constants of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with para-Sulphonato-Calix[n]arene Derivatives

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) has been used to determine the association constants (K_As) and binding stoichiometries for parent para-Sulphonato-calix[n]arenes and their derivatives with bovine serum albumin (BSA). K_A values were determined by titration experiments using a constant concentration of protein. K_A measurements were carried out in a methanol–formic acid solution. 5,11,17,23–tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1a) and 25-mono-(2-aminoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1d) interact strongly with BSA showing 3 non-equivalent binding sites with K_A1 = 7.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 3.85 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.33 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and K_A1 = 1.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 2.94 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.60 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The strength of the interactions between the calixarene and BSA is inversely proportional to the size of macrocyclic ring: n = 4 > n=6>>n=8.     

Silver(I)-selective membrane potentiometric sensor based on two recently synthesized ionophores containing calix[4]arene

Two new PVC membrane electrodes that are highly selective to Ag(I) ions were prepared using (L₁) calyx[4]arene (L₂) as two suitable neutral carriers. The silver(I) ion selective electrodes exhibit a good response for silver ion over a wide concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻¹ to 4.2 × 10⁻⁶ M (L₁) and 1.0 × 10⁻¹ to 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ M (L₂) with a Nernstian slope of 60 mV per decade (L₁) and 58 mV per decade (L₂) at 25°C, and was found to be very selective, precise, and usable within the pH range 4.0–8.0. They have a response time of <15 s and can be used for at least 3 months without any measurable divergence in potential. The proposed sensors show a fairly good discriminating ability towards Ag⁺ ion in comparison to some hard and soft metal ions. The electrodes were used as indicator electrodes in the potentiometric titration of silver ion and in the determination of Ag⁺ in photographic emulsion and radiographic and photographic films. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2009, Vol. 45, No. 7, pp. 862–868. The article is published in the original.     

Kinetic and equilibrium study of the deprotonation of 4-nitrophenyl[bis(ethylsulphonyl)]methane by organic bases in acetonitrile in the presence of common cation BH<Superscript>+</Superscript> and tetrabutylammonium perchlorate

The results of kinetic and equilibrium experiments with the set of reaction of proton abstraction from 4-nitrophenyl[bis(ethylsulphonyl)]methane in acetonitrile are reported. Two strong organic bases are used: 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) and 7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (MTBD). The rates of proton transfer reaction have been measured by T-jump method in the presence of perchlorate of the appropriate base as a common cation BH⁺ and supporting electrolyte-tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) in the temperature range between 20–40°C are: k _H =1.32×10⁷−2.00×10⁷ and 2.82×10⁷−4.84×10⁷ dm ³mol⁻¹s⁻¹ for MTBD and TBD respectively. The enthalpies of activation ΔH _MTBD ^≠ =13.5 and ΔH _TBD ^≠ =18.1 kJmol⁻¹. The entropies of activation are negative: ΔS _MTBD ^≠ =−62.3 and ΔS _TBD ^≠ =−40.3 Jmol⁻¹K⁻¹. The change of the absorbance of the anion of 4-nitrophenyl[bis9ethylsulphonyl)]methane at the temperature 25°C in the presence of common cation BH⁺ gives the equilibrium constants K=705 and 906 M⁻¹ for MTBD and TBD respectively. Kinetic and equilibrium results are discussed. The possible mechanism of proton transfer reaction between 4-nitrophenyl[bis(ethylsulphonyl)]methane and cyclic organic bases: MTBD and TBD in acetonitrile is proposed.     

Preliminary kinetic characterization of xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase extracted from Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 cultivated in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate for xylitol production

Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 was cultured in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate supplemented with 2.0 g/L of (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.1 g/L of CaCl₂·2H₂O, and 20.0 g/L of rice bran at 35°C; pH 4.0; agitation of 300 rpm; and aeration of 0.4, 0.6, or 0.8 vvm. The high xylitol production (20.0 g/L) and xylose reductase (XR) activity (658.8 U/mg of protein) occurred at an aeration of 0.4 vvm. Under this condition, the xylitol dehydrogenase (XD) activity was low. The apparent K _M for XR and XD against substrates and cofactors were as follows: for XR, 6.4×10⁻² M (xylose) and 9.5×10⁻³ mM (NADPH); for XD, 1.6×10⁻¹ M (xylitol) and 9.9×10⁻² mM (NAD+). Because XR requires about 10-fold less xylose and cofactor than XD for the condition in which the reaction rate is half of the V _max, some interference on the overall xylitol production by the yeast could be expected.     

New oxacalix[4]arene carboxylate detects viologen in protic media

ABSTRACT

We demonstrate that Ullman fragment-coupling can be used to synthesise an oxacalix[4]arene monocarboxylic acid, which provides easy access to its water-soluble carboxylato derivatives. Crystallographic and computational data suggest that the new carboxyl-substituted oxacalix[4]arene adopts a 1,3-alternate conformation both in the solid-state and in methanol solution. Its water-soluble tetrabutylammonium derivate can detect the herbicide paraquat at neutral pH in aqueous media (K _a = 111 ± 3 M^–1) and in methanol (K _a = 2020 ± 70 M^–1).     

High-performance affinity chromatography and the analysis of drug interactions with modified proteins: binding of gliclazide with glycated human serum albumin

This study used high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) to examine the binding of gliclazide (i.e., a sulfonylurea drug used to treat diabetes) with the protein human serum albumin (HSA) at various stages of modification due to glycation. Frontal analysis conducted with small HPAC columns was first used to estimate the number of binding sites and association equilibrium constants (K _a) for gliclazide with normal HSA and glycated HSA. Both normal and glycated HSA interacted with gliclazide according to a two-site model, with a class of high-affinity sites (average K _a, 7.1–10 × 10⁴ M⁻¹) and a group of lower-affinity sites (average K _a, 5.7–8.9 × 10³ M⁻¹) at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Competition experiments indicated that Sudlow sites I and II of HSA were both involved in these interactions, with the K _a values for gliclazide at these sites being 1.9 × 10⁴ and 6.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively, for normal HSA. Two samples of glycated HSA had similar affinities to normal HSA for gliclazide at Sudlow site I, but one sample had a 1.9-fold increase in affinity at this site. All three glycated HSA samples differed from normal HSA in their affinity for gliclazide at Sudlow site II. This work illustrated how HPAC can be used to examine both the overall binding of a drug with normal or modified proteins and the site-specific changes that can occur in these interactions as a result of protein modification.     

Complexation of [2.2]paracyclophane with β- and γ-cyclodextrins studied by HPLC and NMR

The NMR spectra of [2.2]paracyclophane with β- or γ-cyclodextrin in DMF-d₇ at room temperature do not show significant complexation, while HPLC of the complexes in mixed H₂O:alcohol solvents demonstrate complexation with different stoichiometries. At 243 K in DMF solution the H3 and H5 NMR signals of γ-cyclodextrin (but not β) exhibit complexation-induced chemical shifts denoting complex formation. According to HPLC, at room temperature the [2.2]paracyclophane complex with β-cyclodextrin in 20% H₂O:EtOH exhibits 1:2 stoichiometry with K ₁ = 1×10² ± 2, K ₂ = 9.0×10⁴ ± 2×10³ (K = 9×10⁶) while that with γ-cyclodextrin in 50% H₂O:MeOH exhibits 1:1 stoichiometry with K ₁ = 4×10³ ± 150 M⁻¹. Thermodynamic parameters for both complexes have been estimated from the retention time temperature dependence. For the β-cyclodextrin complexation at 25°C ΔG ⁰ _CD is −39.7 kJ mol⁻¹ while ΔH ⁰ _CD and ΔS ⁰ _CD are −88.2 kJ mol⁻¹ and −0.16 kJ mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. For γ-cyclodextrin, the corresponding values are ΔG ⁰ _CD = −20.5 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔH ⁰ _CD = −33.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS ⁰ _CD = −0.04 kJ mol⁻¹ K⁻¹.      

Perchlorate selective membrane electrodes based on a platinum complex

Three platinum(II) complexes were synthesized and studied to characterize their ability as an anion carrier in a PVC membrane electrode. The polymeric membrane electrodes (PME) and also coated glassy carbon electrodes (CGCE) prepared with one of these complexes showed excellent response characteristics to perchlorate ions. The electrodes exhibited Nernstian responses to ClO₄ ⁻ ions over a wide concentration range from 1.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.7 × 10⁻¹ M for PME and 5.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.9 × 10⁻¹ M for CGCE with low detection limits (9.0 × 10⁻⁷ M for PME and 4.0 × 10⁻⁷ M for CGCE). The electrodes possess fast response time, satisfactory reproducibility, appropriate lifetime and, most importantly, good selectivity toward ClO₄ ⁻ relative to a variety of other common anions. The potentiometric response of the electrodes is independent of the pH of the test solution in the pH range 2.0–9.0. The proposed sensors were used in potentiometric determination of perchlorate ions in mineral water and urine samples. Correspondence: Ahmad Soleymanpour, Department of Chemistry, Damghan Basic Science University, Damghan, Iran.     

A quartz crystal microbalance study of β-cyclodextrin self assembly on gold and complexation of immobilized β-cyclodextrin with adamantane derivatives

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was used to study the self-assembly of per-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (t₇-βCD) on gold surfaces, and the subsequent inclusion interactions of immobilized βCD with adamantane-poly(ethylene glycol) (5,000 MW, AD-PEG), 1-adamantanecarboxylic acid (AD-C) and 1-adamantylamine (AD-A). From a 50 μM solution of t₇-βCD in 60:40 DMSO:H₂O, a t₇-βCD layer was formed on gold with surface density of 71.7 ± 2.7 pmol/cm², corresponding to 80 ± 3% of close-packed monolayer coverage. Gold sensors with immobilized t₇-βCD were then exposed alternately to six different concentrations of AD-PEG, 500 μM AD-C or 500 μM AD-A aqueous solutions for association, and water for dissociation. Association of AD-PEG conformed to a Langmuir isotherm, with a best fit equilibrium constant K = 125,000 ± 18,000 M⁻¹. For AD-C and AD-A, association (k _a ) and dissociation (k _d ) rate constants were extracted from kinetic profiles by fitting to the Langmuir model, and equilibrium constants were calculated. The parameters for AD-C were found to be: k _a = 100 ± 5 M⁻¹ s⁻¹, k _d = 110 (±18) × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, and K = 9,400 ± 1,700 M⁻¹. For AD-A, k _a = 58 ± 6 M⁻¹ s⁻¹, k _d = 154 (±7) × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, and K = 3,800 ± 400 M⁻¹. The results demonstrate the utility of QCM as a tool for studying small molecule surface adsorption and guest–host interactions on surfaces. More specifically, the kinetic and thermodynamic data of AD-C, AD-A, and AD-PEG inclusion with immobilized t₇-βCD form a basis for further surface association studies of AD-X conjugates to advance surface sensory and coupling applications.     

Synthesis and complexing properties of four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes

Four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes 5–8 have been prepared by reacting the corresponding methyl esters derivatives 1–4 with histamine in 1:1 mixture of methanol:toluene. The yields ranged from 56 to 68%. 5–8 have been shown to be in cone conformation. The complexation behaviour of 5–8 towards monovalent metal picrates M⁺Pic⁻ with M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ and divalent metal picrates M²⁺(Pic⁻)₂ with M²⁺ = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺ are given. Tentative localisation of the metal cations in the receptors is given. The binding properties towards these cations have been determined along with stoichiometries of the complexes.     

A rare case for binding a diquat salt by two cyclo[6]aramides

The non-aggregational cyclo[6]aramide has demonstrated 2:1 host–guest complexation towards diquat with very strong binding ability (K₁ = 5.41 × 10⁴ M^? 1, K₂ = 4.33 × 10⁶ M^? 1). The donor–acceptor binding process of the macrocycle and the quaternary salt was investigated by ¹H NMR, ESI mass spectrometry and UV–vis spectroscopy. The binding mode is supported by both experiments and theoretical simulations. This work provides the first example of using recently developed H-bonded aromatic oligoamide macrocycles for binding diquat in solution.     

Kinetic study of the promazine oxidation to promazine 5-oxide by trisoxalatocobaltate(III) in basic aqueous media

The kinetics of the oxidation of promazine by trisoxalatocobaltate(III) were studied in the presence of a large excess of the cobalt(III) in tris buffer solution using u.v.–vis spectroscopy ([Co^III] = (0.6 − 2) × 10⁻³ M, [ptz] = 6 × 10⁻⁵ M, pH = 6.6–7.8, I = 0.1 M (NaCl), T = 288−308 K, l = 1 cm). The reaction proceeds via two consecutive reversible steps. In the first step, the reaction leads to formation of cobalt(II) species and a stable cationic radical. In the second step, cobalt(III) is reduced to cobalt(II) ion and a promazine radical is oxidized to the promazine 5-oxide. Linear dependences of the pseudo-first-order rate constants (k ₁ and k ₂) on [Co^III] with a non-zero intercept were established for both redox processes. Rates of reactions decreased with increasing concentration of the H⁺ ion indicating that the promazine and its radical exist in equilibrium with their deprotonated forms, which are reactive reducing species. The activation parameters for reactions studied were as follows: ΔH^≠ = 44 ± 1 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^≠ = −100 ± 4 JK⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for the first step and ΔH^≠ = 25 ± 1 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS^≠ = −169 ± 4 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for the second step, respectively. Mechanistic consequences of all the results are discussed.     

Selective Pseudo-Rotaxane Type Complex Formation of Zinc(II) (t-butylatedtetraphenyl) porphyrin-Viologen Linked Compounds with tri-O-methyl-β-Cyclodextrin

Inclusion complexation behavior of 2,3,6−tri-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD) with zinc(II) 5,10,15-tri-(4-t-butyl-phenyl)-20-(4-(n-alkyloxy)phenylporphyrin covalently linked with violgen by a polymethylene chain (Zn-t- bu-PC _n V²⁺; n=4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) was investigated by means of ¹H NMR, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopies in acetonitrile-water (1:1, v/v). The ¹H NMR spectra indicated that Zn-t-bu-PC _n V²⁺ presumably existed as a mixture of a dimer and a monomer in high concentration (>1×10⁻³ mol dm⁻³), and the dimer was degraded by the complex formation with TM-β-CD. The ¹H NMR spectra of these compounds as a function of [TM-β-CD] showed the selective formation of 1:1 (=Zn-t-bu-PC _n V²⁺: TM-β-CD) pseudo-rotaxane type complexes. The chemical modification by t-butyl groups on porphyrin showed a good protective effect on inclusion of benzene groups into the TM-β-CD cavity. These rotaxane formation constants (K) were determined by titration studies using UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. These complex formation constants were somewhat affected by the spacer methylene chain between the porphyrin and viologen. The value of K for Zn-t-bu-PC₄V²⁺·TM-β-CD is 1.0×10³ M⁻¹ which is the smallest whereas those for Zn-t-bu-PC _n V²⁺·TM-β-CD (n=8, 10, 12) were similar (1.0×10⁴ M⁻¹).     

Ion-pair formation in the outer-sphere electron transfer reactions between tris-(1, 10) phenanthroline iron(II) and the halopentacyanocobaltate(III) complexes in aqueous acidic solutions

The kinetics of the reactions between Fe(phen) ₃ ²⁺ [phen = tris–(1,10) phenanthroline] and Co(CN)₅X³⁻ (X = Cl, Br or I) have been investigated in aqueous acidic solutions at I = 0.1 mol dm⁻³ (NaCl/HCl). The reactions were carried out at a fixed acid concentration ([H⁺] = 0.01 mol dm⁻³) and the second-order rate constants for the reactions at 25 °C were within the range of (0.151–1.117) dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. Ion-pair constants K _ip for these reactions, taking into consideration the protonation of the cobalt complexes, were 5.19 × 10⁴, 3.00 × 10² and 4.02 × 10⁴ mol⁻¹ dm⁻³ for X = Cl, Br and I, respectively. Activation parameters measured for these systems were as follows: ΔH* (kJ K⁻¹ mol⁻¹) = 94.3 ± 0.6, 97.3 ± 1.0 and 109.1 ± 0.4; ΔS* (J K⁻¹) = 69.1 ± 1.9, 74.9 ± 3.2 and 112.3 ± 1.3; ΔG* (kJ) = 73.7 ± 0.6, 75.0 ± 1.0 and 75.7 ± 0.4; E _a (kJ) = 96.9 ± 0.3, 99.8 ± 0.4, and 122.9 ± 0.3; A (dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) = (7.079 ± 0.035) × 10¹⁶, (1.413 ± 0.011) × 10¹⁷, and (9.772 ± 0.027) × 10²⁰ for X = Cl, Br, and I respectively. An outer – sphere mechanism is proposed for all the reactions.     

A kinetic, spectral and theoretical investigation on the role of oxygen in the radiolytic oxidation of a sorbityl cyclic acetal

The oxidation process of the cyclic acetal sorbitylfurfural (SF) has been thoroughly examined from the kinetic, spectroscopic and theoretical point of view. Oxidation has been initiated by the radiolitically produced OH radical in the presence of variable oxygen amounts. Two competing reaction pathways are evidenced which lead to quite different products, although they do not affect the acetal ring integrity. The peroxidation of the hydroxylated furanic ring (k ₄=(6.1±0.9)×10⁸ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) maintains the ring structurevia HO₂^• elimination (k ₆=(1.9±0.4)×10⁵ s⁻¹). Unlike that, the peroxidation of the pseudo-allylic radical (k ₅=(1.9±0.9)×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹), formedvia β-cleavage, fixes the destructured intermediate, leading to a tetroxide, which slowly decomposes through a Russell mechanism (k ₈=(2.3±0.6)×10² s⁻¹). It is confirmed that the steady state concentration of the tetroxide is very low, which suggests a molar absorption coefficient for it around 1.2×10⁴ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 265 nm. The end products of the latter pathway have been characterized as carboxylic and butenald-sorbitol derivatives. The kinetic and spectral data of every step of the process have been fitted by the above outlined mechanism. The energetics of the mechanism has been detailed byab initio computations as well, carrying further substantiation to it. Semi-empirical calculations were also employed to describe the spectral properties of each intermediate.     

Mechanistic study of the oxidation of N-phenyldiethanolamine by <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>(hydrogen periodato)argentate(III) complex anion

The kinetics of oxidation of phenyldiethanolamine (PEA) by a silver(III) complex anion, [Ag(HIO₆)₂]⁵⁻, has been studied in an aqueous alkaline medium by conventional spectrophotometry. The main oxidation product of PEA has been identified as formaldehyde. In the temperature range 20.0–40.0 °C , through analyzing influences of [OH⁻] and [IO ₄ ⁻ ]_tot on the reaction, it is pseudo-first-order in Ag(III) disappearance with a rate expression: k _obsd = (k ₁ + k ₂[OH⁻]) K ₁ K ₂[PEA]/{f([OH⁻])[IO ₄ ⁻ ]_tot + K ₁ + K ₁ K ₂ [PEA]}, where k ₁ = (0.61 ± 0.02) × 10⁻² s⁻¹, k₂ = (0.049 ± 0.002) M⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 25.0 °C and ionic strength of 0.30 M. Activation parameters associated with k ₁ and k ₂ have also been derived. A reaction mechanism is proposed involving two pre-equilibria, leading to formation of an Ag(III)-periodato-PEA ternary complex. The ternary complex undergoes a two-electron transfer from the coordination PEA to the metal center via two parallel pathways: one pathway is spontaneous and the other is assisted by a hydroxide ion.     

Application of the Specific Ion Interaction Theory → the Solubility Product and First Hydrolysis Constant of Europium

The specific ion interaction theory (SIT) was applied to the first hydrolysis constants of Eu(III) and solubility product of Eu(OH)₃ in aqueous 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄ at 303.0 K, under CO₂-free conditions. Diagrams of pEu_aq versus pC_H were constructed from solubilities obtained by a radiometric method, the solubility product log₁₀ K_{sp, Eu(OH)3}^I {Eu(OH)_3(s) Eu_aq³⁺+ 3OH_aq⁻ } values were calculated from these diagrams and the results obtained are log₁₀ K_sp,Eu(OH)3^I = − 22.65 ± 0.29, −23.32 ± 0.33 and −23.70 ± 0.35 for ionic strengths of 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. First hydrolysis constants {Eu_aq³⁺+H₂O Eu(OH)_(aq)²⁺+H⁺ } were also determined in these media by pH titration and the values found are log₁₀β_Eu,H^I = − 8.19 ± 0.15, −7.90 ± 0.7 and −7.61 ± 0.01 for ionic strengths of 2, 3, and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. Total solubilities were estimated taking into account the formation of both Eu³⁺ and Eu(OH)²⁺ (7.7 < pC_H < 9) and the values found are: 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³, 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³ and 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol⋅dm⁻³, for ionic strengths of 2, 3 and 4 mol⋅dm⁻³ NaClO₄, respectively. The limiting values at zero ionic strength were extrapolated by means of the SIT from the experimental results of the present research together with some other published values. The results obtained are log₁₀ K_{sp, Eu(OH)3}^o = − 23.94 ± 0.51 (1.96 SD) and log₁₀β_Eu,H⁰ = − 7.49 ± 0.15 (1.96 SD).     

Excited-state proton transfer from pyranine to acetate in methanol

Excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) of pyranine (8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulphonate, HPTS) to acetate in methanol has been studied by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The rate constant of direct proton transfer from pyranine to acetate (k ₁) is calculated to be ∼1 × 10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. This is slower by about two orders of magnitude than that in bulk water (8 × 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) at 4 M acetate.     

A New Silver(I) Potentiometric Sensor Based on a Calix[4]arene Substituted at the Narrow Rim by Amide/Phosphoryl Groups

A coated‐wire type silver ion‐selective electrode has been constructed using a modified p‐tert‐butyl‐calix[4]arene by amide‐phosphoryl groups, named 5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25, 27‐bis(diethylcarbamoylmethoxy)‐26,28‐bis(diphenylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (Calix), as neutral carrier. A plasticized PVC membrane containing 30% PVC, 60% ortho‐nitrophenyloctylether (NPOE), 2% sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) and 8% “Calix” was coated on a graphite rod. The prepared electrode exhibited a linear Nernstian response over the range 1 × 10^?6 to 1 × 10^?2 M with a slope 58.4 (±0.2) mV per decade change and a detection limit of 6.3 × 10^?7 M. The working pH range of the sensor is 4‐6.7. It is found that the dynamic response time of the electrode to achieve a steady potential was very fast (～11 s). The selectivity of the sensor relative to NH₄⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe³⁺, La³⁺, Sm³⁺ and Th⁴⁺ was examined. The prepared electrode exhibits adequate stability with good reproducibility (57.6 ± 0.5 mV per decade change for 10 weeks). It was successfully used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of silver ions with standard solution of EDTA. The sensor was also used for silver ion measurements in various synthetic samples.     

Electron transfer at an encapsulated cobalt(III) centre: kinetics of oxidation of thiourea and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-2-thiourea in aqueous acidic media

Summary The stoichiometries, kinetics and mechanisms of oxidation of (NH₂)₂CS (1) and (Me₂N)₂CS (2) to the corresponding disulphides by Co^IIIM (M = W₁₂O₄₀ ^∞-) in aqueous HC1O₄ were investigated. The reaction with (1) follows the empirical rate law- d[oxidant] = k[reductant][oxidant] where k = 12.5 ± 0.3 m⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 25° C, while that with (2) follows the equation- d[oxidant] = a + b [reductant] [reductant] [oxidant] where a = 5.4 × 10⁴ M⁻¹s⁻¹ and b = 3.3 × 10⁶M⁻² s⁻¹ at 25° C. Free radicals are important in the reactions and possible reaction mechanisms are suggested and discussed.