Structure and magnetic properties of a copper(II) compound with syn–anti carboxylato- and linear Cu–Cl–Cu chloro-bridges

The copper(II) polymer Cu(2-qic)Cl (2-qic = quinoline-2-carboxylate) was synthesized and then characterized by X-ray crystal structure determination, spectroscopic and magnetic studies. The crystal structure consists of copper(II) ions with two different chromophores: four-coordinated in a square-planar geometry and five-coordinated in an environment between square-pyramidal and trigonal-bipyramidal. The copper ions are bridged sequentially through the carboxylate groups in a syn–anti conformation, forming an infinite one-dimensional zigzag chain with two alternating non-equivalent copper(II) chromophores. The chloride atom acts as a single chloro-bridge link to adjacent chains, forming a ribbon type structure (1D). The variable-temperature (1.8–300 K) magnetic susceptibility data of the complex were interpreted with the dimer law using the molecular field approximation. The results obtained indicate a very weak ferromagnetic (J₂ = 0.37 cm⁻¹) interchain interaction through the syn–anti carboxylate bridge. A relatively strong antiferromagnetic interaction, transmitted through the chloro-bridge with an exchange coupling of J₁ = −57.0 cm⁻¹, dominates the magnetic properties of this complex. The magnitude and the nature of the exchange coupling are explained on the basis of the structural results.     

Molecular hexagonal perovskite: a new type of organic-inorganic hybrid conductor

An organic charge-transfer (CT) salt (BEDT-TTF)₃(MnCl₃)₂(C₂H₅OH)₂ has been synthesized by a standard electrochemical method. The crystal data are monoclinic, C2/c (#15), a=38.863(4)Å, b=6.716(1) Å, c=23.608(3) Å, β=115.007(3)°, V=5584(1) Å³, and Z=4. The structure consists of one-dimensional (1D) infinite {[MnCl₃]⁻}_∞ magnetic chains and two-dimensional (2D) organic conduction pathways. The former consists of face-sharing octahedra of manganese chloride complex ions, and dominates the magnetic properties of this compound. Such a feature of the crystal structure closely relates to transition metal hexagonal perovskite compounds, all of which are known for frustrated triangular lattices comprised of weakly interacting 1D magnetic chains. The new compound exhibits a high conductivity down to 4 K.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Na2Ni(HPO3)2

Na₂Ni(HPO₃)₂, obtained as light yellow-green crystals under mild hydrothermal conditions, crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space-group with lattice parameters: a=11.9886(3), b=5.3671(2), c=9.0764(3) Å, V=584.01 Å³, Z=4. The structure consists of zig-zag chains of NiO₆ octahedra bridged by two HPO₃²⁻ and the chains are further connected through HPO₃²⁻ to four nearest chains to form a three dimensional framework, delimiting intersecting tunnels in which the sodium ions are located. The Na cations reside in the irregular Na(1)O₅, Na-O of 2.276-2.745 Å, and Na(2)O₉, Na-O of 2.342-2.376 Å, environments. The presence of the phosphite monoanion has been further confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Due to the 3D framework of Ni connected by O-P-O bridges, the magnetic susceptibility behaves as a paramagnet above 100 K (C=1.49(2) emu K mol⁻¹, μ_eff=3.45 μ_B, Θ=−39(2) K) and below 6 K, it orders antiferromagnetically as confirmed the sharp drop and the non-Brillouin behavior of the isothermal magnetization at 2 K.     

A novel fused-silica capillary dropping mercury electrode with long drop-time and its application on determination of critical micelle concentration

A novel long drop time mercury electrode has been constructed from common fused-silica capillary (50 μm I.D., 360 μm E.D.). Proposed device provides reproducible mercury drops with typical lifetime 40-120 s. The electrode was used for a set of electrocapillary measurements aimed at determination of critical micelle concentration of anionic surfactants by a convection controlled drop-time technique. A critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate 5.6 ± 0.4 mmol L⁻¹ and 4.3 ± 0.4 mmol L⁻¹ were obtained in 1 mmol L⁻¹ and 5 mmol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), respectively. The values were comparable to those obtained from conductometric measurements under the same conditions (7.0 ± 0.1 mmol L⁻¹ and 5.2 ± 0.1 mmol L⁻¹, respectively) and the difference was explained in accordance with theory of hemi-micelle formation.     

A novel tetra(μ3-phenoxo) bridged copper(II) Schiff base complex containing a Cu4O4 cubane core: Synthesis,structural aspects and magneto-structural correlations

A novel tetranuclear complex, [Cu₄L₄] · Na · ClO₄ (1) has been prepared from an interesting multidentate Schiff base ligand H₂L resulting from the 1:1 condensation of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde with benzhydrazide. The prepared complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical studies and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Cu₄O₄ cubane core consists of four μ₃-phenoxo-bridged copper(II) atoms giving an approximately cubic array of alternating copper(II) and oxygen atoms. Magneto-structural correlations have been drawn from cryomagnetic susceptibility measurements over a wide range of temperature (2–300 K) under 0.5 T magnetic field. The measurements reveal both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in a 2J model [J₁₁ = +13.6(4) cm⁻¹ and J₁₂ = −34.9(4) cm⁻¹] which in turn results in an overall antiferromagnetic behaviour of the magnetic system.     

In vitro selection and characterization of deoxyribonucleic acid aptamers for digoxin

The low therapeutic index of digoxin necessitates careful monitoring of its serum levels. Most of digoxin immunoassays suffer from interferences with digoxin-like immunoreactive substances. Since aptamers have been shown to be highly specific for their targets, the aim of this study was to develop DNA aptamers for this widely used cardiac glycoside. Digoxin was coated onto the surface of streptavidin magnetic beads. DNA aptamers against digoxin were designed using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment method (SELEX) by 11 iterative rounds of incubation of digoxin-coated streptavidin magnetic beads with synthetic DNA library, DNA elution, electrophoresis and PCR amplification. The PCR product was cloned and sequenced. Binding affinity was determined using digoxin–BSA conjugate, coated onto ELISA plate. Inhibitory effect of anti-digoxin aptamer was conducted using isolated guinea-pig atrium. Three aptamers (D1, D2 and D3) were identified. Binding studies of fluorescein-labeled truncated (without primer binding region) D1 and D2 and full length D1 anti-digoxin aptamers were performed and their corresponding dissociation constants values were 8.2 × 10⁻⁹, 44.0 × 10⁻⁹ and 17.8 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively. This is comparable to what other workers have obtained for interaction of monoclonal antibodies raised against digoxin. There was little difference in binding affinity between full length and truncated anti-digoxin D1 aptamer. D1 anti-digoxin aptamer also inhibited the effects of digoxin on the isolated guinea-pig atrium. D1 anti-digoxin aptamer distinguished between digoxin and ouabain in both tissue study and binding experiments. Our finding indicated that D1 anti-digoxin aptamer can selectively bind to digoxin. Further studies might show its suitability for use in digoxin assays and as a therapeutic agent in life-threatening digoxin toxicity.     

Separation/preconcentration of trace amounts of Cr, Cu and Pb in environmental samples by magnetic solid-phase extraction with Bismuthiol-II-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles and their determination by ICP-OES

A new method for separation/preconcentration of trace amounts of Cr, Cu and Pb in environmental samples by magnetic solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Bismuthiol-II-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles and their determination by ICP-OES has been developed. The separation of the target analytes from the aqueous solution containing the target analytes and Bismuthiol-II-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles was simply achieved by applying external magnetic field. Optimal experimental conditions including pH, sample volume, eluent concentration and volume and co-existing ions have been studied and established. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the detection limits for Cr, Cu and Pb with enrichment factors of 96, 95 and 87 were found to be 0.043, 0.058 and 0.085 ng mL⁻¹ and their relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) were 3.5%, 4.6% and 3.7% (n = 5, C = 2 ng mL⁻¹), respectively. The method was validated with certified reference material (GBW50009-88) of environmental water sample and the analytical results coincided well with the certified values. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the determination of target analytes in river and lake water samples. Compared with established methods, the proposed method is characterized with high enrichment factor, fast separation and low detection limits.     

meta-Phenylene-bridged double Schiff base copper(II) complexes as building blocks for 1D coordination polymers: Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties

The new double Schiff-base ligands H₆ipa-hyhb and H₆ipa-hyhh were synthesized by condensation of a 4,6-diformylresorcinol derivative (ipa) with 4-hydroxy-butanoic acid hydrazide (hyhb) and 6-hydroxy-hexanoic acid hydrazide (hyhh). The reaction with copper(II) perchlorate in the presence of an appropriate co-ligand (Him = imidazole, Hpz = pyrazole) leads to the novel coordination polymers {[Cu₂(H₄ipa-hyhb)(Hpz)₂](ClO₄)₂}_n (1), {[Cu₂(H₄ipa-hyhb)(Him)₂](ClO₄)₂}_n (2), and {[Cu₂-(H₄ipa-hyhh)(Hpz)₂](ClO₄)₂}_n (3). These coordination polymers are composed of primary building blocks with the general formula [Cu₂(H₄ipa-X)(L)₂]²⁺ (X = hyhb, hyhh; L = Him, Hpz) which are linked by coordination of the hydroxyl groups of the ligand side chains at the apical position of copper(II) centers of adjacent building blocks. The resulting chains possess different topologies and therefore different supramolecular structures due to the variation in length of the ligand alkyl side chains. For the complexes 1 and 2 double hydroxyalkyl-bridged distorted ladder like chains are formed. Whereas in case of complex 3 single hydroxyalkyl-bridged chains are obtained which assemble to hydrogen bonded double chains. In the case of 1 and 2 these chains are cross-linked by hydrogen bonding interactions with the perchlorate counterions, whereas for 3 additional π–π stacking interaction are observed. The temperature-dependent magnetic measurements indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions with coupling constants J = −26.1 cm⁻¹ (1), J = −28.2 cm⁻¹ (2), and J = −26.5 cm⁻¹ (3). The magnetic exchange interaction is solely the result of a coupling within the dinuclear complex moieties through the central resorcinol moiety.     

Flow injection determination of thyroxine in pharmaceutical preparations using tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(III)-NADH chemiluminescence detection

A flow injection (FI) method is reported for the determination of thyroxine based on its enhancement of chemiluminescence (CL) from the Ru(bpy)₃³⁺-NADH system. The calibration graph was linear over the range 2.0-10 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ (r² = 0.9989) with relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) in the range 2.0-4.5% (n = 4). The limit of detection (3σ blank) was 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ mol L⁻¹ with sample throughput of 120 h⁻¹. The effect of some organic compounds, anions and cations were studied for l-thyroxine determination. The method was applied to pharmaceutical preparations and the results obtained were in reasonable agreement with the amount labeled. The method was statistically compared with the results obtained by RIA; no significant disagreement at 95% confidence limit was observed. A calibration graph of NADH over the range 1.3 × 10⁻⁸-1.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ was also established (r² = 0.9992) with R.S.D. in the range1.0-3.5% (n = 4). The limit of detection (3σ) was 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol L⁻¹ NADH.     

Silk fibroin as a sorbent for on-line extraction and preconcentration of copper with detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Silk fibroin is a kind of polypeptide with functional amino acids in its structure. The electric charges in its molecular chains originating from the dissociation of acidic groups, i.e., hydroxyl, phenol and carboxyl, provide vast potentials for the retention of metal species of interest. In this study, the selective retention of Cu²⁺ with silk fibroin at pH 6.0 was investigated and a novel on-line procedure for separation/preconcentration of Cu²⁺ from complex sample matrices was thus developed by using a sequential injection system with an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A novel concept of enrichment index (EI), i.e., defined as enrichment factor (EF) obtained by consuming unity of sample volume (ml), was proposed for evaluating the enrichment efficiency of a flow-based preconcentration procedure. With a sampling volume of 900 μl, an EI of 30.3 (EF = 27.3) was achieved, which was much improved as compared to that of reported procedures. A detection limit of 8.0 ng l⁻¹ was achieved within a linear range of 0.025-1.5 μg l⁻¹ along with a precision of 2.2% R.S.D. at 0.5 μg l⁻¹. The practical applicability of this procedure was validated by analyzing a certified reference material of riverine water (GBW08608) and a certified reference material of seawater (NASS-5) achieving satisfactory agreements between the certified and the obtained values. A spiking recovery was also performed by using a cave water sample.     

Flow injection chemiluminescence sensor based on core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for determination of sulfadiazine

A novel flow injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) sensor for determination of sulfadiazine (SDZ) using core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) as recognition element is developed. Briefly, a hydrophilic MMIPs layer was produced at the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via combination of molecular imprinting and reversible stimuli responsive hydrogel. And it provided the MMIPs with excellent adsorption capacity and rapid adsorption rate due to the imprinted sites mostly situated on the surface of MMIPs. Then the prepared SDZ-MMIPs were packed into flow cell to establish a novel FI-CL sensor. The sensor provided a wide linear range for SDZ of 4.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 1.54 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. And the relative standard deviation (RSD) for the determination of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ SDZ was 2.56% (n = 11). The proposed method was applied to determine SDZ in urine samples and satisfactory results were obtained.     

A rapid, acetonitrile-free, HPLC method for determination of melamine in infant formula

A simple, precise, accurate and validated, acetonitrile-free, reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is developed for the determination of melamine in dry and liquid infant formula. The separation is performed on a Kromasil C18 column (150 mm × 3.2 mm I.D., 5 μm particle size) at room temperature. The mobile phase (0.1% TFA/methanol 90:10) is pumped at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min⁻¹ with detection at 240 nm. Melamine elutes at 3.7 min. A linear response (r > 0.999) is observed for samples ranging from 1.0 to 80 μg mL⁻¹. The method provides recoveries of 97.2-101.2% in the concentration range of 5-40 μg mL⁻¹, intra- and inter-day variation in <1.0% R.S.D. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values are 0.1 μg mL⁻¹ and 0.2 μg mL⁻¹, respectively.     

2-[5-(2-Pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]phenol 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, PTP-TCNQ, synthesis, structure and physical properties

A new charge-transfer complex PTP-TCNQ (PTP=2[5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]phenol, TCNQ=1,1,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) has been synthesized and crystallized in the form of black needles. Single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the solid contains stacks of alternating PTP and TCNQ molecules. The localized charge-transfer responsible for the colour of the material is confirmed by low conductivity of the pelletised powder form (<10⁻⁶ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 298 K). The complex is paramagnetic: this is interpreted as a free electron localization on the acceptor molecule of the complex. The mid-IR region of the spectrum of the material confirms the presence of a charge-transfer interaction.     

Cl NQR study of lattice dynamic and magnetic property of a crystalline coordination polymer {CuCA(phz)(H2O)2}n

Copper(II) compounds {CuCA(phz)(H₂O)₂}_n (H₂CA = chloranilic acid, phz = phenazine) having a layer structure of -CuCA(H₂O)₂- polymer chains and phenazine were studied by ³⁵Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR). The single NQR line observed at 35.635 MHz at 261.5 K increased to 35.918 MHz at 4.2 K. The degree of reduction of electric field gradient due to lattice vibrations was similar to that of chloranilic acid crystal. Temperature dependence of spin-lattice relaxation time, T₁, of the ³⁵Cl NQR signal below 20 K, between 20 and 210 K, and above 210 K, was explained by (1) a decrease of effective electron-spin density caused by antiferromagnetic interaction, (2) a magnetic interaction between Cl nuclear-spin and electron-spins on paramagnetic Cu(II) ions, and (3) an increasing contribution from reorientation of ligand molecules, respectively. The electron spin-exchange parameter ∣J∣ between the neighboring Cu(II) electrons was estimated to be 0.33 cm⁻¹ from the T₁ value of the range 20−210 K. Comparing this value with that of J = −1.84 cm⁻¹ estimated from the magnetic susceptibility, it is suggested that the magnetic dipolar coupling with the electron spins on Cu(II) ions must be the principal mechanism for the ³⁵Cl NQR spin-lattice relaxation of {CuCA(phz)(H₂O)₂}_n but a delocalization of electron spin over the chloranilate ligand has to be taken into account.     

Self-assembly of 1D coordination polymers from nickel(II) tetraaza macrocycle and carboxylate ligands

Reactions of [Ni(L)]Cl₂ · 2H₂O (L = 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane) with isophthalic acid (H₂isoph) and 1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid (H₃chtc) yield the 1D nickel(II) complexes {[Ni(L)(isoph)] · 3H₂O}_n (1) and {[Ni(L)(H-chtc)] · H₂O}_n (2). The structures were characterized by X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility. The crystal structures of the 1D chain compounds 1 and 2 show an elongated distorted octahedron about each nickel(II) ion. The magnetic behavior of two compounds exhibits weak intrachain antiferromagnetic interaction with J values of −0.93 cm⁻¹ for 1 and −1.28 cm⁻¹ for 2. The electronic spectra of the complexes are significantly affected by the nature of the carboxylate ligands.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline nanoparticles in the presence of magnetic field and samarium chloride

A new and economical method of preparing polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles will be introduced in this article. Compared with conventional methods, this method is much more simple and convenient. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the diameter of particles are between 30 and 50 nm, which is in good agreement with the results of a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Polyaniline/SmCl₃/Bp, polyaniline/SmCl₃ and polyaniline/HCl were prepared in a solution containing 1.0 mol dm⁻³ aniline, 1.0 mol dm⁻³ HCl with and without 0.5 mol dm⁻³ SmCl₃, in the presence and in the absence of a magnetic field, respectively. Their conductivity, UV-vis spectra, FTIR spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were investigated. Changes in UV-vis and FTIR spectra indicate a strong interaction between Samarium ions (SmCl₃) and polyaniline chains. The conductivity of PANI depends on magnetization and concentration of Sm³⁺. Polyaniline/SmCl₃/Bp has the higher degree of crystallinity than that of polyaniline/HCl.     

Cell-sorption of paramagnetic metal ions on a cell-immobilized micro-column in the presence of an external magnetic field

The cell-sorption of paramagnetic ions of Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ onto a Chlorella vulgaris(C. vulgaris) cell-immobilized micro-column was significantly improved in the presence of an external magnetic field generated in a finite solenoid, by placing the micro-column in the center of the solenoid in a sequential injection system. Magnetic field creates an opposite drift velocity on the hydrated paramagnetic ions against the flow of the sample zone, retards the moving velocity of the metal ions and provides extra contacting time with the cells on the micro-column and offers more chances for the paramagnetic ions to interact with the various functional groups or binding sites on the cell surface, which significantly facilitates cell-sorption of the paramagnetic ions. The sorption efficiencies of Mn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ at the 20 μg L⁻¹ level were improved from 45 to 80% and 60 to 90%, respectively, in a magnetic field of 240 mT.The system was applied for the separation/preconcentration of ultra-trace level of manganese. The presence of an external magnetic field significantly alleviated the interfering effects from coexisting metal ions. Within a liner range of 0.025-0.5 μg L⁻¹ and a sampling volume of 500 μL, an enrichment factor of 21.2, a limit of detection of 0.008 μg L⁻¹, along with a sampling frequency of 20 h⁻¹ was attained, achieving a precision of 2.1% R.S.D. (0.2 μg L⁻¹). Manganese contents in a certified reference material of riverine water and a snow water were analyzed.     

Determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in wastewaters by magnetic matrix solid phase dispersion-HPLC

A series of supports functionalized with different alkyl chains and covered with magnetite were synthesized, characterized and applied in the sample pre-concentration of four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetaminophen, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) contained in wastewater samples. The general methodology involved magnetic solid phase dispersion followed by the analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The magnetic supports were initially dispersed in the samples with the aid of Triton X-100, then supports were magnetically isolated and the analytes were eluted with methanol. Finally the extract was injected into the HPLC system. The highest recovery percentage (>90%) was obtained with the support containing octyl chains (C8) at pH 3. The lowest limits of detection achieved ranged within 1-2 μg L⁻¹ with repeatability (expressed as RSD) below 5% in all cases. The method was applied in the analysis of wastewater samples.     

XPS evidence for structure-performance relationship in selective hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde to crotyl alcohol on platinum systems supported on natural phosphates

The design of the oppositely charged ink particles based on titanium dioxide and carbon black for the monochrome electrophoretic display (EPD) was reported. The white ink particles with acidic surface and black ink particles with basic surface were synthesized and sterically stabilized by long alkyl chains, which were charged oppositely by mixing with basic surfactant (OLOA 1200) and acidic surfactant (Span 80), respectively. The electrophoretic mobility and the Zeta potential were −3.87 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and −25.1 mV for the white ink particles, 3.79 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 24.6 mV for the black ink particles. In addition, the block copolymer, poly(lauryl methacrylate)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PLMA-b-PDMAEMA) synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), was first incorporated in the modification of the pigments for the fine encapsulation. Then, a stable dual-particle electronic ink with contrast ratio of 120:1 was prepared and encapsulated with the gelatin (GE)/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) microcapsules by complex coacervation method. Finally, the matrix character display prototype driven at a low voltage exhibited excellent performance, the contrast ratio of which was 8:1 at 9 V DC.     

An ultrasensitive post chemiluminescence reaction of ammonium in NBS-dichlorofluorescein system and its application

A strong post chemiluminescence (PCL) phenomenon was observed when ammonium was injected into the reaction mixture after the finish of CL reaction of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and dichlorofluorescein. Based on this, a sensitive flow injection PCL method was established for the determination of ammonium. The possible CL mechanism of the reaction was proposed based on a series of experiments. The PCL intensity responded linearly to the concentration of ammonium in the range 3.0 × 10⁻¹¹-1.0 × 10⁻⁷ g mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 1 × 10⁻¹¹ g mL⁻¹. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was 1.4% for 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ g mL⁻¹ ammonium (n = 11). This method had been applied to the determination of ammonium in samples of mineral water, tap water and river water.