Determination of butoxyacetic acid (biomarker of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether exposure) in human urine candidate reference material

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), an industrial solvent, is absorbed by the body not only by inhalation but also by dermal absorption (liquid or vapour). EGBE is metabolized to butoxyacetic acid (BAA). Pooled freeze-dried urine candidate reference material (RM) was prepared from urine obtained from persons occupationally exposed to EGBE. This material has the advantage of containing butoxyacetic acid in both the free and conjugated (glutamine and glycine) forms, as found in native urine. In all GC method modifications used, acid hydrolysis was used to release BAA from its conjugated form. The amount of butoxyacetic acid in homogeneity and stability testing was measured by GC after derivatisation with N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide. Detection was by MS in EI mode, in the authors’ laboratory. For interlaboratory comparison of the reference material GC methods with MS, FID, and ECD were used. Different extraction solvents (dichloromethane–isopropanol 2:1, ethyl acetate, or dichloromethane) and derivatisation reagents (trimethylsilyldiazomethane, N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide) were used. Using ANOVA (at the statistical level α = 0.05) no changes were found in the concentration of butoxyacetic acid during fifteen month isochronous stability testing, or in homogeneity testing. The uncertainty contributions were u _h = 8.8 mg L⁻¹ and u _s = 6.5 mg L⁻¹. The concentration of butoxyacetic acid in freeze-dried urine RM was evaluated from the results of eight laboratory data sets within an interlaboratory comparison by use of the interactive statistical software IPECA. The contribution to total uncertainty derived from interlaboratory comparison was u _i = 12.7 mg L⁻¹. The reference value (c = 273 ± 33 mg L⁻¹) is an unweighted arithmetic average of accepted results. The value is traceable to the pure butoxyacetic acid (98% w/w; Acros Organic #257760010) used as calibrant. The uncertainty given is combined expanded uncertainty derived from the results from interlaboratory comparison, and from homogeneity and stability tests (k = 2). The reference material will be used to verify method performance in the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to EGBE.     

Study of biologically active amines in grapes and wines by HPLC

Summary The biologically active amines agmatine, cadaverine, histamine, phenethylamine, putrescine, spermidine, and tyramine have been determined in different varieties of grape, aszu grape, wine and aszu wine from the Tokaj region of Hungary. Ion pairs formed between the amines and octanesulphonic acid were separated by liquid chromatography on a μBondapak C₁₈ reversed-phase column, and spectrofluorimetric detection was performed after post-column derivatization witho-phthalaldehyde and 2-mercaptoethanol. The method was linear for the amines between 0.1 and 10 mg L⁻¹, and for spermidine between 1 and 30 mg L⁻¹. Comparison of the results revealed that the qualitative and quantitative content of biologically active amines was mostly determined by the vintage of the wine and the technology used for wine-making. The biogenic amine content of Tokaj wines is well below suggested limits for any of the amines, showing that the wine-making technology of the Tokaj region is of high quality. The levels of biologically active amines (identified and quantified by HPLC) in grapes, wines and aszu wines can provide useful information about the weather, growth ofBotrytis cinerea in Tokaj, and aspects of the methods used for wine-making. Presented at Balaton Symposium on High Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 1–3, 1999     

Application of gas-diffusion microextraction to the analysis of free and bound acetaldehyde in wines by HPLC–UV and characterization of the extracted compounds by MS/MS detection

In wines, the presence of high levels of acetaldehyde (AA) not only is responsible for undesirable characteristic odours but can also cause health adverse effects. Such sensorial activity of AA can be overcome by adding sulphites during winemaking, due to the formation of adducts between AA and sulphites, which lower the sensorial impact of AA. Nevertheless, bound AA can be released during wine storage; therefore, the knowledge of its total amount can be important to estimate the long-term wine quality. The proposed methodology is based on the extraction of AA from wines using gas-diffusion microextraction and determination by liquid chromatography. Free and bound forms of AA could be differentiated and determined using an alkaline hydrolysis step to dissociate the sulphites–AA adducts. This methodology was successfully applied to different wine types, with free AA values ranging between 5 and 26 mg L⁻¹ and total form between 154 and 906 mg L⁻¹. Bound AA was above 90% of the total content determined for all samples analysed, and higher amounts were obtained for white wines (around 98%). Other carbonyl compounds were also identified in the extracts using mass spectrometry.     

Study on mechanism for oxidation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-dimethylhydroxylamine by nitrous acid

The oxidation of N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine (DMHAN) by nitrous acid is investigated in perchloric acid and nitric acid medium, respectively. The effects of H⁺, DMHAN, ionic strength and temperature on the reaction are studied. The rate equation in perchloric acid medium has been determined to be −d[HNO₂]/dt = k[DMHAN][HNO₂], where k = 12.8 ± 1.0 (mol/L)⁻¹ min⁻¹ when the temperature is 18.5 °C and the ionic strength is 0.73 mol/L with an activation energy about 41.5 kJ mol⁻¹. The reaction becomes complicated when it is performed in nitric acid medium. When the molarity of HNO₃ is higher than 1.0 mol/L, nitrous acid will be produced via the reaction between nitric acid and DMHAN. The reaction products are analyzed and the reaction mechanism is discussed in this paper.     

Mechanistic studies on the intramolecular electron transfer in an adduct species of the oxo-centred trinuclear iron(III) cation and <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-ascorbic acid in aqueous solution

The kinetics of the intra-molecular electron transfer of an adduct of l-ascorbic acid and the [Fe₃^IIIO(CH₃COO)₆(H₂O)₃]⁺ cation in aqueous acetate buffer was studied spectrophotometrically, over the ranges 2.55 ≤ pH ≤ 3.74, 20.0 ≤ θ ≤ 35.0 °C, at an ionic strength of 0.50 and 1.0 mol dm⁻³ (NaClO₄). The reaction of l-ascorbic acid and the complex cation involves the rapid formation of an adduct species followed by a slower reduction in the iron centres through consecutive one-electron transfer processes. The final product of the reaction is aqueous iron(II) in acetate buffer. The proposed mechanism involves the triaqua and diaqua-hydroxo species of the complex cation, both of which form adducts with l-ascorbic acid. At 25 °C, the equilibrium constant for the adduct formation was found to be 86 ± 15 and 5.8 ± 0.2 dm³ mol⁻¹ for the triaqua and diaqua-hydroxo species, respectively. The kinetic parameters derived from the rate expression have been found to be: k ₀ = (1.12 ± 0.02) × 10⁻² s⁻¹ for the combined spontaneous decomposition and k ₁ = (4.47 ± 0.06) × 10⁻² s⁻¹ (ΔH ₁^‡ = 51.0 ± 2.3 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS ₁^‡ = −100 ± 8 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹), k ₂ = (4.79 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹ s⁻¹ (ΔH ₂^‡ = 76.5 ± 0.8 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS ₂^‡ = 6 ± 3 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹) for the triaqua and diaqua-hydoxo species, respectively.     

Determination of Organic Acids in Red Wine and Must on Only One RP-LC-Column Directly After Sample Dilution and Filtration

A new method for simultaneous determination of organic acids in red wine and must by liquid chromatography was studied. The determination of organic acids in wines can be achieved in less than 13 min, preceded only by a simple sample dilution and filtration step. With this method, the chromatographic separation of eight organic acids and interfering peaks present in red wine, required only one reversed phase column (Waters Atlantis dC18 column, 4.6 × 150 mm ID, 5 μm). As mobile phase, isocratic acetonitrile–0.01 mol L⁻¹ KH₂PO₄ at pH 2.7 5:95 (v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min⁻¹ was used. Detection wavelength was set at 210 nm except for ascorbic acid which was detected at 243 nm. Application to red wine and must confirmed good repeatability and showed a wide variation range for concentrations of organic acids.     

Inner-sphere oxidation of ternary nitrilotriacetatocobalt(II) complexes involving oxalate and phthalate by periodate

The oxidation of [Co^II(nta)(ox)(H₂O)₂]³⁻ and [Co^II(nta)(ph)(H₂O)₂]³⁻ (nta = nitrilotriacetate, ox = oxalic acid and ph = phthalic acid) by periodate have been studied kinetically in aqueous solution over 20–40 °C and a variety of pH ranges. The rate of oxidation of [Co^II(nta)(ox)(H₂O)₂]³⁻ by periodate, obeys the following equation: d[Co^III]/dt = [Co^II(nta)(ox)(H₂O)₂³⁻][H₅IO₆] {k ₄ K ₅ + (k ₅ K ₆ K ₂/[H⁺]} while the reaction of [Co^II(nta)(ph)(H₂O)₂]³⁻ with periodate in aqueous acidic medium obeys the following rate law: d[Co^III]/dt = k ₆ K ₈[Co^II]_T [I^VII]_T/{1 + [H⁺]/K ₇ + K ₈[I^VII] _T }. Initial cobalt(III) products were formed and slowly converted to final products, fitting an inner-sphere mechanism. Thermodynamic activation parameters have been calculated. A common mechanism for the oxidation of ternary nitrilotriacetatocobalt(II) complexes by periodate is proposed and supported by an excellent isokinetic relationship between ΔH* and ΔS* values for these reactions.     

Rapid method for determination of protein content in cereals and oilseeds: validation, measurement uncertainty and comparison with the Kjeldahl method

The objective of this research was to test suitability of the Dumas combustion method to completely substitute the Kjeldahl method in routine laboratory determination of crude protein content in cereals and oilseeds. The validation of the method demonstrated that it is able to determine crude protein content in cereals and oilseeds in an efficient and accurate manner, with a detection limit w(N) = 0.006%, quantification limit w(N) = 0.019%, repeatability precision RSD _r = 0.41%, intra-laboratory reproducibility precision RSD _R = 0.74%, trueness, expressed in terms of bias b = 0.43%, and linear response between (2.36–19.2) mg N. Measurement uncertainty, expressed as relative expanded uncertainty (coverage factor k = 2, confidence level 95%), was calculated from validation data (U _rel = 2.24%). In order to examine the relationship between two methods, 15 cereal grain and oilseed samples were analyzed using Dumas and Kjeldahl procedure. The Kjeldahl procedure gave slightly lower w(N) values than the Dumas procedure: w _K(N) = 0.9905 w _D(N) = 0.0376 (R ²  = 0.9996). Relative standard deviations and results of homogeneity test obtained during analysis of complex cereal products (cereal breakfast and muesli bars) show that the Dumas combustion method may be less suitable for analysis of such samples compared to Kjeldahl method.     

Mixed chromium(III) complexes with pyridinedicarboxylato and oxalato ligands: kinetic studies in HClO<Subscript>4</Subscript> solutions

Three chromium(III) complexes of general formula [Cr(ox)₂(pdaH)]²⁻ (where ox = C₂O₄ ²⁻ and pdaH⁻ is N,O-bonded 2,3-, 2,4- or 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid anion) were obtained and characterized in solution. Acid-catalysed aquation of [Cr(ox)₂(pdaH)]²⁻ gave two products: [Cr(ox)(pdaH)(H₂O)₂]⁰ (P₁) and cis-[Cr(ox)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁻ (P₂). The kinetics of these reactions were studied spectrophotometrically, within the 0.1–1.0 M HClO₄ range, and the pseudo-first-order rate constants for the oxalato (k _obs1) and pdaH⁻ (k _obs2) ligands dissociation were calculated based on the determined pseudo-first-order rate constants (k _obs) and P₁:P₂ molar ratio. The dependencies of the pseudo-first-order rate constants on [H⁺] are as follows: k _obs1 = b ₁[H⁺] and k _obs2 = b ₂[H⁺], where b ₁ and b ₂ are the second-order rate constants for the oxalato and pdaH⁻ ligands dissociation, respectively. Kinetic parameters were determined and the mechanism of the pdaH⁻ ligand dissociation is proposed.     

Electrochemistry of uranium in LiF–BeF2 melt

A study of the electrochemistry of uranium in LiF–BeF₂ system important for molten salt reactor concept was conducted at W and Ni electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry methods were used. Two-step reduction mechanism for U⁴⁺ ions involving one electron exchange in soluble/soluble U⁴⁺/U³⁺ system and three electron exchange in the second step were found on W electrode. Both processes were identified as reversible and diffusion-controlled. Based on voltammetric and chronopotentiometric measurements, the diffusion coefficient of U⁴⁺ ions at 813 K was calculated: D(U⁴⁺) = 1.26 × 10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹ and D(U⁴⁺) = 1.28 × 10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹, respectively. Formation of U–Ni alloys was observed on Ni electrode.     

Sequestering Ability of Dicarboxylic Ligands Towards Dioxouranium(VI) in NaCl and KNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Aqueous Solutions at <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>=298.15 K

The formation constants of dioxouranium(VI)-2,2′-oxydiacetic acid (diglycolic acid, ODA) and 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid (diethylenetrioxydiacetic acid, TODA) complexes were determined in NaCl (0.1≤I≤1.0 mol⋅L⁻¹) and KNO₃ (I=0.1 mol⋅L⁻¹) aqueous solutions at T=298.15 K by ISE-[H⁺] glass electrode potentiometry and visible spectrophotometry. Quite different speciation models were obtained for the systems investigated, namely: ML⁰, MLOH⁻, ML₂²⁻, M₂L₂(OH)⁻, and M₂L₂(OH)₂²⁻, for the dioxouranium(VI)–ODA system, and ML⁰, MLH⁺, and MLOH⁻ for the dioxouranium(VI)–TODA system (M=UO₂²⁺ and L = ODA or TODA), respectively. The dependence on ionic strength of the protonation constants of ODA and TODA and of both metal-ligand complexes was investigated using the SIT (Specific Ion Interaction Theory) approach. Formation constants at infinite dilution are [for the generic equilibrium pUO₂²⁺+q(L²⁻)+rH⁺ ⇌(UO₂²⁺) _p (L) _q H _r ^(2p−2q+r);β _pqr ]: log ₁₀ β ₁₁₀=6.146, log ₁₀ β ₁₁₋₁=0.196, log ₁₀ β ₁₂₀=8.360, log ₁₀ β ₂₂₋₁=8.966, log ₁₀ β ₂₂₋₂=3.529, for the dioxouranium(VI)–ODA system and log β ₁₁₀=3.636, log ₁₀ β ₁₁₁=6.650, log ₁₀ β ₁₁₋₁=−1.242 for dioxouranium(VI)–TODA system. The influence of etheric oxygen(s) on the interaction towards the metal ion was discussed, and this effect was quantified by means of a sigmoid Boltzman type equation that allows definition of a quantitative parameter (pL ₅₀) that expresses the sequestering capacity of ODA and TODA towards UO₂²⁺; a comparison with other dicarboxylates was made. A visible absorption spectrum for each complex reaching a significant percentage of formation in solution (KNO₃ medium) has been calculated to better characterize the compounds found by pH-metric refinement.     

Determination of Flavonoids and Resveratrol in Wine by Turbulent-Flow Chromatography-LC-MS

Turbulent-flow chromatography (TFC) on-line coupled to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is used to determine flavonoids and resveratrol in different types of wines. A fully automated system was developed in which 10 mL of sample (diluted wine) was passed over a TFC column, after which the retained analytes were separated by reversed-phase LC and detected by negative ion mode atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) MS. The method proved to be fast, non-laborious, robust and sensitive. The feasibility of the method was tested on several red, white and rose wines. Quantitation of resveratrol was possible using the standard addition procedure. Red wine showed the highest amount of resveratrol (4 mg L⁻¹), while rose and white wine contained concentrations which were about ten fold lower.     

On the determination of lead in wine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The parameters of analytical procedures developed for direct ETAAS determination of Pb in wine are discussed. Atomic absorption spectrometers based on transversal and longitudinal Zeeman effect, wall and integrated platform atomization with two main approaches: (i) measurements in the presence of modifier and (ii) measurements without using any modifier are compared. The optimal temperature programs are defined according to the pre-treatment and atomization curves constructed in the presence of different types of wines. For all investigated instrumental systems, 1:1 dilution of wine sample with 0.2 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃ is recommended. Matrix interferences observed, call for standard addition calibration method for Pb quantification in wines. The detection limit (3σ) achieved for wine diluted in the ratio of 1:1 varied from 0.8 to 1.9 μg L⁻¹ depending on the instrument used. The relative standard deviation for the concentration range of 10 to 80 μg L⁻¹ Pb in wine is typically between 4–8%. The accuracy of the analytical procedures recommended was confirmed by comparing the results obtained with those found for wine samples previously digested with HNO₃-H₂O₂ mixture, by added/found method and by parallel analysis using different instruments. A total of 66 wine samples from different regions of Macedonia were analyzed.      

Determination of lead in wine by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry in the presence of hexacyanoferrate(III)

A rapid, accurate, and precise method is described for the determination of Pb in wine using continuous-flow hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CF-HGAFS). Sample pretreatment consists of ten-fold dilution of wine followed by direct plumbane generation in the presence of 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl and 1% m/v K₃[Fe(CN)₆] with 1% m/v NaBH₄ as reducing agent. An aqueous standard calibration curve is recommended for Pb quantification in wine sample. The method provides a limit of detection and a limit of quantification of 0.3 μg L⁻¹ and 1 μg L⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviation varies between 2–6% (within-run) and 4–11% (between-run) at 3–30 μg L⁻¹ Pb levels in wine. Good agreement has been demonstrated between results obtained by CF-HGAFS and direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry in analyses of red and white wines within the concentration range of 9.2–25.8 μg L⁻¹ Pb.     

Effect of various oxidants in a photocatalysis/filtration system for the treatment of contaminants

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a photocatalysis/oxidant system for the treatment of humic acid and hazardous heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and potassium peroxodisulfate were tested as oxidants. The effect of oxidant concentration was conducted with a pH of 7, a UV intensity of 64 W, and a TiO₂ dosage of 0.3 g L⁻¹. The oxidant addition in the UV/TiO₂ system enhanced the degradation efficiency of humic acid and hazardous heavy metals compared to no addition of an oxidant. The addition of oxidants over the amounts of H₂O₂ 50 mg L⁻¹, O₃ 20 g m⁻³, and K₂S₂O₈ 50 mg L⁻¹ inhibits the system efficiency. The negative effect of higher oxidant concentrations likely results from OH radical quenching caused by the excess oxidant. Therefore, the optimal dosages of oxidants such as a hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and potassium peroxodisulfate were found to be 50 mg L⁻¹, 20 g m⁻³, and 50 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The degradation efficiency of UV/TiO₂/oxidant systems for the removal of humic acid and hazardous heavy metals was much greater in the UV/TiO₂/H₂O₂ system using H₂O₂ as an oxidant.     

Thermodynamic and NMR studies of mixed-ligand complex formation of cadmium ethylenediaminetetraacetate with diamines in an aqueous solution

The mixed-ligand complex formation in the systems Cd2 + Edta4–(CH₂) _n (NH₂)₂, n = 2 (En), 6 (L) has been NMR and calorimetrically studied in aqueous solution at 298.15 K and the ionic strength of I = 0.5 (KNO₃). The thermodynamic parameters of formation of the CdEdtaL²⁻, CdEdtaHL⁻, (CdEdta)₂L⁴⁻, and (CdEdta)₂En⁴⁻ complexes have been determined. The most probable coordination mode for the complexone and the diamine ligand in the mixed-ligand complexes was discussed.     

Chromium(III) complexes with lutidinic acid: kinetic studies in HClO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and NaOH solutions

Chromium(III)-lutidinato complexes of general formula [Cr(lutH) _n (H₂O)_6−2n ]³⁻ⁿ (where lutH⁻ is N,O-bonded lutidinic acid anion) were obtained and characterized in solution. Acid-catalysed aquation of [Cr(lutH)₃]⁰ leads to only one ligand dissociation, whereas base hydrolysis produces chromates(III) as a result of subsequent ligand liberation steps. The kinetics of the first ligand dissociation were studied spectrophotometrically, within the 0.1–1.0 M HClO₄ and 0.4–1.0 M NaOH range. In acidic media, two reaction stages, the chelate-ring opening and the ligand dissociation, were characterized. The dependencies of pseudo-first-order rate constants on [H⁺] are as follows: k _obs1 = k ₁ + k ₋₁/K ₁[H⁺] and k _obs2 = k ₂ K ₂[H⁺]/(1 + K ₂[H⁺]), where k ₁ and k ₂ are the rate constants for the chelate-ring opening and the ligand dissociation, respectively, k ₋₁ is the rate constant for the chelate-ring closure, and K ₁ and K ₂ are the protonation constants of the pyridine nitrogen atom and coordinated 2-carboxylate group in the one-end bonded intermediate, respectively. In alkaline media, the rate constant for the first ligand dissociation depends on [OH⁻]: k _obs1 = k _OH(1) + k _O[OH⁻], where k _OH(1) and k _O are rate constants of the first ligand liberation from the hydroxo- and oxo-forms of the intermediate, respectively, and K ₂ is an equilibrium constant between these two protolytic forms. Kinetic parameters were determined and a mechanism for the first ligand dissociation is proposed. The kinetics of the ligand liberation from [Cr(lut)(OH)₄]³⁻ were also studied and the values of the pseudo-first-order rate constants are [OH⁻] independent.     

Intermediate and ion-pair formation in the outer-sphere reactions between azido-pentacyanocobaltate(III) and iron(II) polypyridyl complexes in aqueous medium

The kinetics of the reactions between azido-pentacyanocobaltate(III), Co(CN)₅N₃ ³⁻, and iron(II) polypyridyl complexes, Fe(LL)₃ ²⁺ (LL = bipy, phen), have been studied in both neutral and acidic aqueous solutions at I = 0.1 mol dm⁻³ NaCl. The reactions were carried out under pseudo-first-order conditions in which the concentration of Fe(LL)₃ ²⁺ was kept constant, and the second-order rate constants obtained for the reactions at 35 °C were within the range of 0.156–0.219 dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ for LL = bipy and 0.090–0.118 dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ for LL = phen. Activation parameters were measured for these systems. The dependence of reaction rates on acid was studied in the range [H⁺] = 0.001–0.008 mol dm⁻³. The reaction in acid medium shows interesting kinetics. Two reactive species were identified in acid medium, namely, the protonated cobalt complex and the azido-bridged binuclear complex. The electron-transfer process is proposed to go by mixed outer- and inner-sphere mechanisms in acid medium, in which electron transfer through the bridged inner-sphere complex (k ₅) is slower than through the outer-sphere path (k ₄). Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Lactonization and Protonation of Gluconic Acid: A Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study by Potentiometry,NMR and ESI-MS

In acidic aqueous solutions, the protonation of gluconate is coupled with the lactonization of gluconic acid. With a decrease of pC _H, two lactones (δ- and γ-) are sequentially formed. The δ-lactone forms more readily than the γ-lactone. In 0.1 mol⋅L⁻¹ gluconate solutions, if pC _H>2.5 then only the δ-lactone is generated. When the pC _H is decreased below 2.0, formation of the γ-lactone is observed although the δ-lactone still predominates. In solutions with I=0.1 mol⋅L⁻¹ NaClO₄ and room temperature, the deprotonation constant of the carboxylic group was determined to be log ₁₀ K _a=3.30±0.02 using the NMR technique, and the δ-lactonization constant obtained by batch potentiometric titrations was log ₁₀ K _L=−(0.54±0.04). Using ESI-MS, the rate constants for the δ-lactonization and the reverse hydrolysis reaction at pC _H≈5.0 were estimated to be k ₁=3.2×10⁻⁵ s⁻¹ and k ₋₁=1.1×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, respectively.     

Kinetic studies on H+-catalysed aquation of some chromium(III)-oxalato-amino acid complexes

The following chromium(III) complexes with serine (Ser) and aspartic acid (Asp) were obtained and characterized in solution: [Cr(ox)₂(Aa)]²⁻ (where Aa = Ser or Asp), [Cr(AspH₋₁)₂]⁻ and [Cr(ox)(Ser)₂]⁻. In acidic solutions, [Cr(ox)₂(Aa)]²⁻ undergoes acid-catalysed aquation to cis-[Cr(ox)₂(H₂O)₂]⁻ and the appropriate amino acid. [Cr(ox)(Ser)₂]⁻ undergoes consecutive acid-catalysed Ser liberation to give [Cr(ox)(H₂O)₄]⁺, and the [Cr(Asp)₂]⁻ ion is converted into [Cr(Asp)(H₂O)₄]²⁺. Kinetics of these reactions were studied under isolation conditions. The determined rate expressions for all the reactions are of the form: k _obs = a + b[H⁺]. Reaction mechanisms are proposed, and the meaning of the determined parameters has been established. Evidence for the formation of an intermediate with O-monodentate amino acid is given. The effect of the R-substituent at the α-carbon atom of the amino acid on the complex reactivity is discussed.