β-MnO2 microrods for the degradation of methyl orange under acid condition from aqueous solutions

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Beta-manganese dioxide (β-MnO2) microrods were hydrothermally synthesized from ammonium persulfate [(NH)4S2O8] solution using manganese sulfate (MnSO4) as...     

An ambient temperature aqueous sol–gel processing of efficient nanocrystalline doped TiO2-based photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants

An environmentally-friendly aqueous sol–gel process for producing undoped and Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ or Pb²⁺-doped TiO₂ photocatalysts exhibiting a remarkably high photocatalytic activity without requiring any calcination step has been developed. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by ICP-AES, XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. It has been found that the catalysts are composed of nanocrystallites of anatase with a size of 6–7 nm and a specific surface area varying from 184 to 275 m² g^?1. A screening of the photocatalytic activity of the undoped and doped photocatalysts has been performed by evaluating the degradation of 4-nitrophenol under artificial light (330 nm < λ < 800 nm) after 7 h of illumination using a custom-designed multisample photoreactor. The activity measured for the TiO₂-Undoped catalyst was found to be five times higher than the activity measured for uncalcined TiO₂ catalysts produced by other sol–gel methods. We propose that this interesting result is due to the particular morphology of the xerogels obtained. It has also been demonstrated that the presence of the dopant leads to an enhancement of the photocatalytic activity in all cases. The role of particular dopants in modulating the photocatalytic activity will be discussed. Finally, the possibility of producing undoped and Zn²⁺-doped films presenting a higher activity than the commercial photocatalytic coating (Saint Gobain Glass Bioclean^®) without requiring any calcination step has been demonstrated. These preliminary results constitute an important step forward in the development of photocatalytic films using a sol–gel process compatible with the constraints associated with large-scale industrial processing.     

Capabilities and limitations of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with solidification of floating organic drop for the extraction of organic pollutants from water samples

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) is one of the most interesting sample preparation techniques developed in recent years. Although several applications have been reported, the potentiality and limitations of this simple and rapid extraction technique have not been made sufficiently explicit. In this work, the extraction efficiency of DLLME-SFO for pollutants from different chemical families was determined. Studied compounds include: 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 5 pesticides (chlorophenoxy herbicides and DDT), 8 phenols and 6 sulfonamides, thus, covering a large range of polarity and hydrophobicity (Log K_ow 0–7, overall). After optimization of extraction conditions using 1-dodecanol as extractant, the procedure was applied for extraction of each family from 10-mL spiked water samples, only adjusting sample pH as required. Absolute recoveries for pollutants with Log K_ow 3–7 were >70% and recovery values within this group (18 compounds) were independent of structure or hydrophobicity; the precision of recovery was very acceptable (RSD < 12%) and linear behavior was observed in the studied concentration range (r² > 0.995). Extraction recoveries for pollutants with Log K_ow 1.46–2.8 were in the range 13–62%, directly depending on individual Log K_ow values; however, good linearity (r² > 0.993) and precision (RSD < 6.5%) were also demonstrated for these polar solutes, despite recovery level. DLLME-SFO with 1-dodecanol completely failed for extraction of compounds with Log K_ow ≤ 1 (sulfa drugs), other more polar extraction solvents (ionic liquids) should be explored for highly hydrophilic pollutants.     

Electrochemical property of α-PbO prepared from the spent negative powders of lead acid batteries

To make full and economic use of the spent lead acid batteries (LABs), we have invented a novel route to separate their negative electrode material from positive one, which are respectively used to fabricate α-PbO for new LABs. This paper reports preparation and electrochemical property of α-PbO from the spent negative material which is compose of PbSO₄ (the major phase) and Pb (the minor phase). To make things simpler, pure PbSO₄ is firstly used as the model compound and desulfated with (NH₄)₂CO₃ to obtain PbCO₃, which is then calcined in air at different temperatures to produce PbO. At 450 °C, the calcination produces pure α-PbO that discharges a capacity of 98.6 mAh g^?1 at the current density of 120 mA g^?1 after 50 charging and discharging cycles of 100 % DOD. By using the same procedures, the real spent negative powder is also treated to produce pure α-PbO, which discharges a similar capacity of 100 mAh g^?1 at 120 mA g^?1. This is 25 % higher than that of industrial leady oxide. These results show that the small amount of metallic lead has little effect on the treatment.     

The role of the Baeyer–Villiger reaction in the liquid-phase oxidation of organic compounds

The data on the composition of ester products formed in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction in the liquid-phase oxidation of organic compounds with molecular oxygen, on production channel of peroxy acids, as well as on the influence of a carbonyl compound structure on its reactivity in reactions with peroxy acids have been classified and considered. The Baeyer–Villiger reaction was shown to be the main source of accessory primary alcohol esters and lactones in industrial processes of aerobic oxidation of cyclohexane and paraffin hydrocarbons.     

Underpotential deposition of Li in a molten LiCl–Li2O electrolyte for the electrochemical reduction of U from uranium oxides

Reactive metal oxides are conventionally reduced to metal by metallothermic reduction. This paper presents on the efficient reduction method based on the electrochemical reaction in a molten LiCl–Li₂O electrolyte at 650 °C. An underpotential deposition of Li on uranium oxides was observed that enabled the mass electrochemical reduction of U₃O₈ to U. An advantage of using in-situ generated Li as a reductant is that a high-speed electrochemical reduction could be achieved with a wider operating voltage window when compared to a direct electrochemical reduction.     

Electrodeposited nanostructured Pt–Ru co-catalyst on graphene for the electrocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde

The electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde over graphene surfaces modified with Pt–Ru co-catalyst is presented. Graphene was chemically converted from graphite and Pt–Ru co-catalyst was electrochemically deposited using cyclic voltammetry. The hybrid surface is prepared using “green approaches” and displayed electrocatalytic activity towards formaldehyde in the form of current oscillations. The current oscillations that were mainly due to adsorption/desorption of carbonaceous oxidative products are a factor of several parameters such as the concentrations of both formaldehyde and supporting electrolyte in solution, the amount of catalyst loading, scan rate of potential, upper potential limit, and the temperature change. CCG/Pt–Ru exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity toward formaldehyde electro-oxidation, and intense electrochemical current oscillations were obtained at relatively low HCHO concentrations compared to other work mentioned in literature for CCG/Pt–Pd.     

Kinetics of the β-picoline oxidation to nicotinic acid over vanadia-titania catalyst. 2. Effect of dioxygen and β-picoline

The effect of the dioxygen and β-picoline concentrations on the oxidation of β-picoline to nicotinic acid was studied at 270°C over a 20% V₂O₅-80% TiO₂ (wt. %) catalyst. The study was performed in a differential reactor at constant concentrations of water and nicotinic acid. A considerable excess of dioxygen was shown to be necessary for the formation of nicotinic acid. It was found that the rates of β-picoline transformation into nicotinic acid, pyridine-3-carbaldehyde, pyridine-3-nitrile, pyridine and carbon oxides as well as selectivities to products and the catalyst state depend strongly on the ratio of dioxygen to β-picoline concentrations. The minimum admissible ratio of these concentrations under industrial conditions was determined.     

Thermodynamic quantities for the ionization of nitric acid in aqueous solution from 250 to 319°C

The aqueous reaction, HNO₃(aq)=H⁺+NO ₃ ^– was studied as a function of ionic strength I at 250, 275, 300 and 319°C using a flow calorimeter and the equilibrium constant K and enthalpy change (H) at I=0 were determined. Using these experimental values, equations describing logK, H, the entropy change S and the heat capacity change C _p of reaction at I=0 and temperatures from 250 to 319°C were derived. The increasing importance of ion association as temperature rises was discussed. The use of an equation containing identical numbers of positive and identical numbers of negative charges on both sides of the equal sign (isocoulombic reaction principle) was applied to the logK values reported here and to those determined by others. The resulting plot of logK for the isocoulombic reaction vs. 1/T was fairly linear which supports the postulate that the principle is a useful technique for the extrapolation of logK values from low to high temperatures.Presented at the Second International Symposium on Chemistry in High Temperature Water, Provo, UT, August 1991.     

Activated carbon cloth as adsorbent and oxidation catalyst for the removal of amitrole from aqueous solution

Removal of amitrole from water was studied by adsorption on an activated carbon cloth and by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide using the same activated carbon cloth as catalyst. Study variables included the solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature in the adsorption process and the solution pH and the surface chemistry of the activated carbon cloth in the oxidation process. Results showed that amitrole adsorption on activated carbon cloth was not adequate to remove amitrole from water due to the high solubility and low aromaticity of the herbicide, which reduced its adsorption on the carbon. A higher amitrole removal rate was obtained with the activated carbon/H₂O₂ system. The best results were obtained on basic activated carbon surfaces at pH 7–10, when hydroxyl radical formation is favored, achieving the removal of 35–45% of the AMT, compared with 20–25% under the best adsorption conditions. Importantly, oxygen fixed on the carbon surface during AMT oxidation must be removed by heat treatment in order to regenerate the surface basicity of the carbon before its reutilization in another oxidation cycle.     

Synthesis of novel β2,2-amino acid from D-mannose and attempted synthesis of peptides from the amino acid

The study describes the synthesis of new α,α-disubstituted β-amino acid (β^2,2-Caa) and attempts the synthesis of peptides from it. The β^2,2-Caa was prepared from D-(+)-mannose, using crossed aldol and Cannizzaro reactions.     

Absorptiometric and spectrofluorimetric study of the inclusion complexes of 2-naphthyloxyacetic acid and 1-naphthylacetic acid with β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution

The inclusion complexes of 2-naphthyloxyacetic acid (NOA) and 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) with -cyclodextrin have been investigated in aqueous solution. It has been demonstrated that the naphthalene derivatives form 1:1 complexes when included in the cyclodextrin. A possible structure is proposed, having an axial inclusion of the naphthalene derivatives. In the case of the -CD: NOA complex, the naphthyl moiety is included in the cyclodextrin and the acetic acid group protrudes from the cavity, while NAA is only partially included because of the steric effect of the group in position 1. Association constants of 560±100 M^–1 and 100±50 M^–1 have been calculated for the -CD: NOA and -CD: NAA complexes, making use of the increment in the fluorescene emission produced in the inclusion process.     

The coupling of organic groups by the electrochemical reduction of organic halides: Catalysis by 2,2′-bipyridinenickel complexes

The electrochemical reduction of a dilute solution of NiX₂bipy (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) in N-methylpyrrolidone gives the corresponding Ni⁰ complex, which undergoes oxidative addition with an excess of an organic halide RX to form RNiX. Decomposition of RNiX gives the dimer R₂ in good yield and nickel(II). The nickel(0) species is regenerated to give an electrocatalytic process. The possible mechanism of these reactions is discussed briefly.     

The use of β-ketothioesters for the exceptionally mild preparation of β-ketoamides

Transamination of t-butylacetothioacetate derivatives with primary and secondary amines in the presence of silver (I) trifluoroacetate gives high yields of the correspondingβ-ketoamides.     

A one-pot oxidation/allylation/oxidation sequence for the preparation of β,γ-unsaturated ketones directly from primary alcohols

A one-pot oxidation/allylation/oxidation procedure has been developed for the conversion of primary alcohols into β,γ-unsaturated ketones. The methodology has been applied to a range of alcohols, and in some cases, isomerisation to produce the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketones has been carried out.     

Increases in reaction rates and improvement of current–potential characteristics in the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid

In current-control experiments, perturbing an aqueous solution containing 0.10 M formic acid and 0.50 M HClO₄ by including a small amount of HBF₄ causes more than a 60% increase in the value of the applied current for which low-valued stationary potentials remain stable. The current increases by more than 50% at relevant potential values in potential-control experiments. Current–potential characteristics inferior to those of the HCOOH + HClO₄ solution are obtained with other solutions made by adding small amounts of a strong acid or salt. Properties that exist among the anions present in the latter solutions are possessed by BF₄⁻. Nonlinear behavior exhibited by formic acid oxidation is changed drastically by the presence of a small amount of any one of the anions studied. These results and other arguments support the hypothesis that HBF₄ enhances current–potential characteristics by causing the formation of surface anion complexes possessing OH components at low potentials.     

Use of alumina for elimination of sulfinic acid from β-aryl- and β-alkylsulfonyl carbonyl compounds.

Title compounds give α-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by treatment with basic alumina in dichloromethane or diethylether. α-Enones are thus obtained in high yield at room temperature.     

The structural analysis of the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin with m-nitrophenoxyacetic acid

The inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin with m-nitrophenoxyacetic acid was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction,2D NMR spectroscopy and semi-empirical methods AMI.The crystallographic study shows that two β-cyclodextrins are held together by hydrogen bonds to form head-to-head dimers.The disordered guest molecule adjusts itself to attain the most stable accommodation into the cavity in which the nitro group is located at the dimer interface while the carboxyl group is buried in the primary hydroxyl groups of β-cyclodextrin.The guest inside the cavity is disordered over two sites and exhibits mobility.Moreover,2D NMR spectroscopy and theoretical study show the same inclusion behavior.In comparison to the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin with p-nitrophenoxyacetic acid,the host-guest stoichiometries are different,i.e.,2:1 for m-nitrophenoxyacetic acid and 1:1 for p-nitrophenoxyacetic acid,while the inclusion orientation and the packing pattern of the host are similar in both complexes.     

A facile electrochemical synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives in the presence of acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate in aqueous medium

The anodic oxidation of caffeic acid in the presence of acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate in aqueous solution has been studied by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis techniques. The result showed that caffeic acid was oxidized to the corresponding o-benzoquinone, which underwent further Michael-addition with acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate to produce caffeic acid derivative 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(1-acetylacetone)-yl cinnamic acid 4a or 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(1-acetyl-methylacetate)-yl cinnamic acid 4b.