Potential energy surface and rate constant of the inversion substitution reactions CH3X + O2 → CH3O2• + X• (X = SH,NO2)

The temperature dependence of the rate constant of the inversion substitution reactions CH₃X + O₂ → CH₃O₂^? + X^? (X = SH, NO₂), can be expressed as k = 6.8 × 10^–12(T/1000)^1.49exp(–62816 cal mol^–1/RT) cm³ s^–1 (X = SH) and k = 6.8 × 10^–12(T/1000)^1.26 × × exp(–61319 cal mol^–1/RT) cm³ s^–1 (X = NO₂), as found with the use of high-level quantum chemical methods and the transition state theory.     

Reply to comment on the possible role of the reaction H+H2O→H2+OH in the radiolysis of water at high temperatures

In reply to “Comment on the possible role of reaction H+H₂O→H₂+OH in the radiolysis of water at high temperatures” (Bartels, 2009 Comment on the possible role of the reaction H+H₂O→H₂+OH in the radiolysis of water at high temperatures. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 78, 191–194) we present an alternative thermodynamic estimation of the reaction rate constant k. Based on the non-symmetric standard state convention we have calculated that the Gibbs energy of reaction Δ_rG=57.26 kJ mol^?1 and the reaction rate constant k=7.23×10^?5 M^?1 s^?1 at ambient temperature. Re-analysis of the thermodynamic estimation (Bartels, 2009 Comment on the possible role of the reaction H+H₂O→H₂+OH in the radiolysis of water at high temperatures. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 78, 191–194) showed that the upper limit for the rate constant at 573 K is k=1.75×10⁴ M^?1 s^?1 compared to the value predicted by the diffusion-kinetic modelling (3.18±1.25)×10⁴ M^?1 s^?1 (Swiatla-Wojcik, D., Buxton, G.V., 2005. On the possible role of the reaction H+H₂O→H₂+OH in the radiolysis of water at high temperatures. Radiat. Phys. Chem. 74(3–4), 210–219). The presented thermodynamic evaluation of k(573) is based on the assumption that k can be calculated from Δ_rG and the rate constant of the reverse reaction which, as discussed, are both uncertain at high temperatures.     

Dissociative ionization of 1,4-bis(2,5-phenyloxazolyl)benzene

Dissociative ionization of 1,4-bis(2,5-phenyloxazolyl)benzene (POPOP) molecule by electron impact in gaseous phase is studied. Potentials of appearance of some fragments of the molecule under study are determined from the experimentally measured dependences of ionization cross-section on the ionizing electron energy. A new ion with m/z = 144 [C₉H₆ON]⁺ is detected in the mass spectrum of the POPOP molecule, being complementary to the fragment with m/z = 220 [C₁₅H₁₀ON]⁺. The threshold of appearance of this ion is determined (E_ap = 9.51 eV) as well as the first ionization potential of the POPOP molecule and fragment ion appearance potentials.     

Photophysical and photochemical studies of thifensulfuron-methyl herbicide in aqueous solution

The photophysical and photochemical studies of a sulfonylurea herbicide, thifensulfuron-methyl (THM), have been investigated in a buffered aqueous solution. In the first part, the influence of pH on the spectroscopic properties was studied. This allowed the determination of the ground and excited state acidity constants, pK_a = 4 and 4.4, respectively, thus exhibiting the potential existence of a photoinduced protonation in the singlet state. In the second part, the photolysis kinetics was studied at different pH and varying oxygen concentrations, using an HPK 125 W lamp and followed up by the identification of photoproducts formed under continuous photo-irradiation. The kinetics results suggest that the photolysis process is faster in acidic (k = 3 × 10^?4 s^?1) than in basic medium (k = 9.8 × 10^?5 s^?1). The photolysis products were identified by high performance liquid chromatography HPLC-DAD, HPLC–MS and HPLC–MS–MS. In order to obtain a better understanding of the photodegradation mechanism, a laser flash photolysis study was performed. By comparing the quenching rate constant (k_q = 9.64 × 10⁸ mol^?1 l s^?1) obtained from triplet state quenching by molecular oxygen and from the Stern–Volmer relation (k_q = 0.41 × 10⁸ mol^?1 l s^?1), the role of the singlet state in the photodegradation process was demonstrated. The photoproducts originating from both singlet and triplet excited states have been identified and hypothetical photodegradation pathways of the thifensulfuron-methyl in aqueous solution are proposed.     

Conductometric study of some alkali metal halides in (dimethyl sulfoxide + acetonitrile) at T = 298.15 K

Electrolytic conductivities of some alkali metal halides, MX (M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺; X^? = Cl^?, Br^?, and I^?), NaBPh₄ and Bu₄NBr have been investigated in (20, 40, and 60) mass% {dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in DMSO + acetonitrile} at T = 298.15 K. The conductance results have been analyzed by the Fuoss-conductance-concentration equation in terms of the limiting molar conductance Λ° the association constant K_A and the association diameter R. The ionic contributions to the limiting molar conductance have been estimated using Bu₄NBPh₄ as the “reference electrolyte”. The association constant K_A tends to increase in the order mass percent 20 < 40 < 60 DMSO in (DMSO + acetonitrile) which is explained by the thermodynamic parameter ΔG° and Walden product Λ°η. The results have been interpreted in terms of ion–solvent interactions and structural changes in the mixed solvents.     

Electrochemical characterization of common catalysts and initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization in [BMIm][OTf]

The redox properties of some largely employed ATRP initiators and copper catalysts (Cu/L/X⁻) were investigated in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (L = amine ligand, X = Br or Cl). Both Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes are stable in the IL and, as required by ATRP, X⁻ stabilizes more Cu(II) than Cu(I). The activation rate constants of initiators by [Cu^ITPMA]⁺ were measured and a good correlation between k_act and the C-X bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) was observed. Overall, the results indicated that [BMIm][OTf] behaves much like organic solvents; the reported data launch the bases for a useful database to select the appropriate catalyst/initiator couple for ATRP in ILs.     

A novel design of a temperature-controlled FT-ICR cell for low-temperature black-body infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) studies of hydrated ions

A novel design for a temperature-controlled ICR cell is described for use in black-body infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) studies of weakly bound systems like water clusters. Due to several improved design features, it provides a very uniform black-body radiation environment, and at the same time maintains efficient pumping for a low collision rate on the order of 10^?2 s^?1. At the lowest temperatures reached, nominally 89 K cell plate temperature, water evaporation effectively ceases, while intracluster reactions in V⁺(H₂O)_n with a small activation energy are still observed. BIRD rate constants for Ag⁺(H₂O)_n, n = 4–6, are shown in the temperature range T = 160–320 K. For n = 6, a linear Arrhenius plot with R² = 0.9943 is obtained without any calibration, confirming the suitability of the cell for quantitative BIRD studies.     

Measurements of the critical parameters for {xNH3 + (1 − x)H2O} with x = (0.9098, 0.7757, 0.6808)

Measurements of the critical parameters for {xNH₃ + (1 ? x)H₂O} with x = (0.9098, 0.7757, 0.6808) were carried out by using a metal-bellows variable volumometer with an optical cell. The expanded uncertainties (k = 2) in temperature, pressure, density, and composition measurements have been estimated to be less than 3.2 mK, 3.2 kPa, 0.3 kg · m^?3, and 8.8 · 10^?4, respectively. In each mole fraction, the critical temperature T_c was first determined on the basis of the intensity of the critical opalescence. The critical pressure p_c and critical density ρ_c were then determined as the point at which the meniscus disappears on the isotherm at T = T_c. The expanded uncertainties (k = 2) in the present critical parameters have also been estimated. Comparisons of the present values with the literature data as well as the calculated values afforded using the equation of state are also presented.     

Thermodynamic properties of metal amides determined by ammonia pressure-composition isotherms

Thermodynamic properties of Mg(NH₂)₂ and LiNH₂ were investigated by measurements of NH₃ pressure-composition isotherms (PCI). Van’t Hoff plot of plateau pressures of PCI for decomposition of Mg(NH₂)₂ indicated the standard enthalpy and entropy change of the reactions were ΔH° = (120 ± 11) kJ · mol^?1 (per unit amount of NH₃) and ΔS° = (182 ± 19) J · mol^?1 · K^?1 for the reaction: Mg(NH₂)₂ → MgNH + NH₃, and ΔH° = 112 kJ · mol^?1 and ΔS^o = 157 J · mol^?1 · K^?1 for the reaction: MgNH → (1/3)Mg₃N₂ + (1/3)NH₃. PCI measurements for formation of LiNH₂ were carried out, and temperature dependence of plateau pressures indicated ΔH° = (?108 ± 15) kJ · mol^?1 and ΔS° = (?143 ± 25) J · mol^?1 · K^?1 for the reaction: Li₂NH + NH₃ → 2LiNH₂.     

Mass spectrometric study of the dissociation of Group XI metal complexes with fatty acids and glycerolipids: Ag2H+ and Cu2H+ ion formation in the presence of a double bond

Results of mass spectrometric studies are reported for the collisional dissociation of Group XI (Cu, Ag, Au) metal ion complexes with fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic) and glycerolipids. Remarkably, the formation of M₂H⁺ ions (M = Cu, Ag) is observed as a dissociation product of the ion complexes containing more than one metal cation and only if the lipid in the complex contains a double bond. Ag₂H⁺ is formed as the main dissociation channel for all three of the fatty acids containing double bonds that were investigated while Cu₂H⁺ is formed with one of the fatty acids and, although abundant, is not the dominant dissociation channel. Also, Cu(I) and Ag(I) ion complexes were observed with glycerolipids (including triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids) containing either saturated or unsaturated fatty acid substituents. Interestingly, Ag₂H⁺ ion is formed in a major fragmentation channel with the lipids that are able to form the complex with two metal cations (triacylglycerols and glycerophosphoglycerols), while lipids containing a fixed positive charge (glycerophospocholines) complex only with a single metal cation. The formation of Ag₂H⁺ ion is a significant dissociation channel from the complex ion [Ag₂(L–H)]⁺ where L = Glycerophospholipid (GP) (18:1/18:1). Cu(I) also forms complexes of two metal cations with glycerophospholipids but these do not produce Cu₂H⁺ upon dissociation. Rather organic fragments, not containing Cu(I), are formed, perhaps due to different interactions of these metal cations with lipids resulting from the much smaller ionic radius of Cu(I) compared to Ag(I).     

Strong intramolecular ferromagnetic couplings in nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes chelated with tert-butyl 5-methoxy-2-pyridyl nitroxide

We successfully isolated a new paramagnetic bidentate ligand tert-butyl 5-methoxy-2-pyridyl nitroxide (meopyNO). Complexation of nickel(II) and copper(II) perchlorates with meopyNO gave the corresponding ML₂-type bis-chelated compounds. The magnetic studies showed that they were ground high-spin molecules with 2J/k_B = +288(5) and +178(3) K for [M(meopyNO)₂(H₂O)₂] · (ClO₄)₂ (M = Ni and Cu, respectively), where the spin Hamiltonian is defined as H = ?2J(S₁ · S₂ + S₂ · S₃). From the crystallographic analysis, the torsion angles (?) around M–O–N–C_2py were 4.2(3)° and 6.87(19)°, respectively, being so small that the orthogonality between the magnetic radical π1 and the metal dσ orbitals would be guaranteed.     

Noise and ac impedance analysis of ion transfer kinetics at the micro liquid/liquid interface

Fluctuation analysis was utilized to determine the TEA ion transfer kinetics across the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface. The obtained data were compared with those derived from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments using the same electrolytic cell. The apparent standard rate constants k_s determined by these two techniques have a similar value. The average value k_s = 0.37 cm s^− 1 is comparable with the previously reported value k_s = 0.2 cm s^− 1. The experimental approach utilizing a thick wall glass micro-capillary to fix the interface exhibits a very small stray capacitance value, proving this system to be suitable for determining the kinetics of the fast ion transfer across a liquid/liquid interface. Application of a method employing a small perturbation signal prevents polarization of the inner capillary surface by current flowing through the cell. The induced polarization of the capillary can affect ion concentration at the interface due to electroosmosis and thus make the kinetic data evaluation difficult or erroneous.     

Ab initio calculations and mechanism of two proton migration reactions of ethoxy radical

We present a direct ab initio and density functional theory dynamics study of the thermal rate constants of the two H-migration reactions of C₂H₅O radical. MPW1K/6-31+G(d,p) methods were employed to optimize the geometries of all stationary points and to calculate the minimum energy path (MEP). The energies of all the stationary points were refined at the QCISD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The thermal gas phase rate constants were evaluated based on the energetics from the QCISD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//MPW1K/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory using both microcanonical variational transition state theory (μVT) and canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with the Eckart tunneling correction in the temperature range of 200–2500 K. The extended Arrhenius expression fitted from the μVT/Eckart rate constants of 1,2 H-shift and 1,3 H-shift reactions of C₂H₅O radical in the temperature range of 200–2500 K are k = 3.90 × 10⁻³¹T^12.4e^{(−2.13 × 103/T)} and k = 2.83 × 10⁻²⁹T^11.9e^{(−2.24 × 103/T)} s⁻¹, respectively. The two isomerization rate constants exhibited positive temperature dependence in the calculated temperature region. The variational effects for the two isomerizations of ethoxy radical are small and the tunneling effects are important in the low temperature range. The titled reactions are minor and not essential compared to the decomposition pathways of ethoxy radical.     

Measurement of the (pressure,density, temperature) relation of two (methane + nitrogen) gas mixtures at temperatures between 240 and 400 K and pressures up to 20 MPa using an accurate single-sinker densimeter

Comprehensive (p, ρ, T) measurements on two gas mixtures of (0.9CH₄ + 0.1N₂) and (0.8CH₄ + 0.2N₂) have been carried out at six temperatures between 240 and 400 K and at pressures up to 20 MPa. A total of 108 (p, ρ, T) data for the first mixture and 134 for the second one are given. These measurements were performed using a compact single-sinker densimeter based on Archimedes’ buoyancy principle. The overall uncertainty in density ρ is estimated to be (1.5 · 10⁻⁴ · ρ + 2 · 10⁻³ kg · m⁻³) (coverage factor k = 2), the uncertainty in temperature T is estimated to be 0.006 K (coverage factor k = 2), and the uncertainty in pressure p is estimated to be 1 · 10⁻⁴·p (coverage factor k = 2). The equipment has been previously checked with pure nitrogen over the whole temperature and pressure working ranges and experimental results (35 values) are given and a comparison with the reference equation of state for nitrogen is presented.     

Structures and magnetic properties of one-dimensional copper(II) complexes bridged with diazaaromatic rings

Seven kinds of polynuclear complexes of [Cu(hfac)₂] (Hhfac = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione) with diazaaromatic rings have been prepared. The crystal structures of [{Cu(hfac)₂(μ-L)}_n] (L = 2,5- and 2,6-dimethylpyrazines, propylpyrazine (prpyz), quinoxaline, phenazine, 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, and 1,6-naphthyridine) have been determined. These complexes consist of a one-dimensional chain structure, and the geometry around the copper ion is approximately an octahedral structure. The relations between the magnetic properties and coordination structure were discussed from the magnetic measurements. In the μ-prpyz complex, one nitrogen atom is coordinated to a copper ion at an axial position, and at the same time the other coordinated at an equatorial site of a neighboring copper ion. This complex showed antiferromagnetic interaction with J/k_B = −0.086(3) K estimated from the Bonner–Fisher model. Weak magnetic interaction is caused by the somewhat long Cu–N distances due to the steric effect from the bridging ligands.     

EPR and optical absorption studies of Cu2+ doped bis (glycinato) Mg (II) monohydrate single crystals

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of Cu²⁺ doped bis (glycinato) Mg (II) monohydrate single crystals is carried out at room temperature. Copper enters the lattice substitutionally and is trapped at two magnetically inequivalent sites. The observed spectra are fitted to a spin-Hamiltonian of rhombic symmetry with the following values of the parameters: Cu²⁺ (I), g_x = 2.1577 ± 0.0002, g_y = 2.2018 ± 0.0002, g_z = 2.3259 ± 0.0002, A_x = (87 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1, A_y = (107 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1, A_z = (141 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1; Cu ²⁺ (II), g_x = 2.1108 ± 0.0002, g_y = 2.1622 ± 0.0002, g_z = 2.2971 ± 0.0002, A_x = (69 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1, A_y = (117 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1and A_z = (134 ± 2) × 10^?4 cm^?1. The ground state wave function of the Cu²⁺ ion in this lattice is evaluated to be predominantly |x² ? y². The g-factor anisotropy is also calculated and compared with the experimental value. With the help of the optical absorption study, the nature of bonding in the complex is discussed.     

The role of the double bond position in hydroboration using HBBr2 · SMe2, HBCl2 · SMe2 and H2BBr · SMe2: A detailed kinetic and mechanistic study

Hydroboration reactions of 4-octene with HBBr₂ · SMe₂, HBCl₂ · SMe₂ and H₂BBr · SMe₂ in CH₂Cl₂ were studied as function of concentration and temperature and compared with those of 1-octene. On average, hydroboration with dihaloborane proceeded 16 times slower for 4-octene than for 1-octene. In the case of the reactions with the monohaloborane, this factor is halved. This can be explained by the difference in the relative rates of dissociates of Me₂S from the dihaloborane and a monohaloborane complex, respectively. The reactions involving H₂BBr · SMe₂ also exhibited a k_?2 value, an indication of the presence of a parallel reaction, most likely a rearrangement process facilitating isomerization by way of a π-complex. The moderate ΔH^≠ values accompanied by small ΔS^≠ values (94 ± 4 kJ mol^?1, ?3 ± 13 J K^?1 mol^?1 for HBBr₂ · SMe₂; 93 ± 1 kJ mol^?1, ?17 ± 4 J K^?1 mol^?1 for HBCl₂ · SMe₂ and in the case of H₂BBr · SMe₂, 90 ± 13 kJ mol^?1, +12 ± 44 J K^?1 mol^?1 and 83 ± 13 kJ mol^?1, ?24 ± 45 J K^?1 mol^?1, respectively, for the k₂ and k_?2 processes) imply a process that is dissociatively dominated, with the overall mode of activation being interchange dissociative (I_d).     

Copper(II)-methylmalonate complexes with unidentate N-donor ligands: Syntheses,structural characterization and magnetic properties

Two new methylmalonate-bridged copper(II) complexes with the formulas [Cu(3-Ipy)(Memal)(H₂O)] (1) and [Cu(2,4′-bpy)(Memal)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (2) [Memal = methylmalonate dianion, 3-Ipy = 3-iodopyridine, 2,4′-bpy = 2,4′-bipyridine] have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n and Z = 4, with unit cell parameters a = 8.5874(13) Å, b = 7.1738(14) Å, c = 19.093(5) Å, β = 99.509(15)° in 1 and a = 17.375(4) Å, b = 7.3305(14) Å, c = 14.247(3) Å, β = 111.409(15)° in 2. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of zigzag chains of anti-syn carboxylate-bridged copper(II) ions running along the b direction. The pyridine-like ligands occupy one equatorial position of the copper environment avoiding the formation of the sheet-like arrangement observed in previously reported Memal complexes. The chains are grouped together in hydrophilic layers through hydrogen bonds and the layers are pillared through the 3-Ipy (1) and 2,4′-bpy (2) ligands which are stacked through π–π interactions involving alternatively aromatic ligands from two adjacent chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of both compounds in the temperature range 2–290 K show the occurrence of intrachain ferromagnetic interactions between the copper(II) ions [J = +2.66(2) cm^?1 (1) and J = +2.62(2) cm^?1 (2)].     

Isothermal titration calorimetric and spectroscopic studies on (alcohol + salt) induced partially folded state of α-lactalbumin and its binding with 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid

Interaction of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and isopropanol in the presence of equimolar quantities of guanidine thiocyanate (GndSCN) with bovine α-lactalbumin (α-LA) has been investigated by using a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism, fluorescence, and ultra-violet spectroscopies at in 20 · 10^?3 mol · dm^?3 phosphate buffer pH 7.0. All the thermal unfolding transitions, in the presence of both the (alcohol + salt) mixtures were found to be reversible as judged by the same values of absorbance observed at different temperatures during cooling after the completion of thermal unfolding. In the presence of the 0.25 mol · dm^?3 (HFIP + GndSCN) equimolar mixture and 0.85 mol · dm^?3 (isopropanol + GndSCN) equimolar mixture, α-lactalbumin was observed to be in the partially folded state with significant loss of native tertiary structure. Intrinsic fluorescence results, acrylamide and potassium iodide quenching, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) binding, and energy transfer results also corroborate the presence of partially folded states of α-lactalbumin. Apart from the generation of the partially folded states, it was also observed that destabilizing action of GndSCN is reduced in the presence of isopropanol compared to that in HFIP. Isothermal titration calorimetry has been used to characterize the energetics of ANS binding to the partially folded states of the protein. ITC results indicate that ANS binds to these partially folded states at pH 7.0 due to the presence of two sequentially binding sites on the protein under the solvent conditions employed. For example, ANS binds to the 0.25 mol · dm^?3 (HFIP + GndSCN) induced partially folded state with affinity constants K₁ = (858 ± 220), K₂ = (1.12 ± 0.25) · 10³; enthalpies of binding ΔH₁ = (4.4 ± 1.0) kJ · mol^?1, ΔH₂ = (2.1 ± 0.2) kJ · mol^?1; and entropies of binding ΔS₁ = 70 J · K^?1 · mol^?1 and ΔS₂ = 65 J · K^?1 · mol^?1, respectively at these two sequential binding sites. In light of the fluorescence results, possible binding sites where ANS can bind to the protein have also been suggested.