Formation of metastable crystals of [C4mim][NTf2] and [C6mim][NTf2]

Heat capacities of crystalline 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [C₄mim][NTf₂] and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [C₆mim][NTf₂] in the range 80 K-T_fus were measured in an adiabatic calorimeter. Anomalies in the heat-capacity curves for the both compounds occurred near 240 K. Positions of the anomalies depended on thermal history of the samples. More stable crystals had higher heat capacities in the range 220-260 K. Below 200 K heat capacities of all the crystals of the same compound were indistinguishable.     

A new disposable ionic liquid based coating for headspace solid-phase microextraction of methyl tert-butyl ether in a gasoline sample followed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection

A new ionic liquid (IL) based solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was investigated and used for headspace (HS) extraction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in a gasoline sample. Using the new IL coated HS-SPME fiber with the combination of gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID); sub-to-low μg L⁻¹ concentrations of MTBE were detected. Four different ILs including 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([C₄C₁IM] [BF₄]), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([C₈C₁IM] [BF₄]), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflourophosphate ([C₈C₁IM] [PF₆]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulphate ([C₂C₁IM] [ETSO₄]) were synthesized and examined for extraction, preconcentration and determination of MTBE. It was observed that [C₈C₁IM] [BF₄] showed the highest extraction efficiency and possessed the best extractability for MTBE. The fiber coating takes up the compounds from the sample by absorption in the case of liquid coatings. The calibration graph was linear in a concentration range of 1-120 μg L⁻¹ (R² > 0.994) with the detection limit of 0.09 μg L⁻¹ level. The new IL-coated fiber was applied successfully for the determination of MTBE in a gasoline sample with good recoveries between 90 and 95%.     

Ionic liquids as porogens in the microwave-assisted synthesis of methacrylate monoliths for chromatographic application

Several imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) with varying cation alkyl chain length (C₄–C₁₀) and anion type (tetrafluoroborate ([BF₄]⁻), hexafluorophosphate ([PF₆]⁻) and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Tf₂N]⁻)) were used as reaction media in the microwave polymerization of methacrylate-based stationary phases. Scanning electron micrographs and backpressures of poly(butyl methacrylate-ethylene dimethacrylate) (poly(BMA-EDMA)) monoliths synthesized in the presence of these ionic liquids demonstrated that porosity and permeability decreased when cation alkyl chain length and anion hydrophobicity were increased. Performance of these monoliths was assessed for their ability to separate parabens by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Intra-batch precision (n = 3 columns) for retention time and peak area ranged was 0.80–1.13% and 3.71–4.58%, respectively. In addition, a good repeatability of RSD_{Retention time} = <0.30% and ∼1.0%, RSD_{Peak area} = <1.30% and <4.3%, and RSD_Efficiency = <0.6% and <11.5% for intra-day and inter-day, respectively exemplify monolith performance reliability for poly(BMA-EDMA) fabricated using 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₆mim][BF₄]) porogen. This monolith was also tested for its potential in nanoLC to separate protein digests in gradient mode. ILs as porogens also fabricated different alkyl methacrylate (AMA) (C4–C18) monoliths. Furthermore, employing binary IL porogen mixture such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C₄mim][BF₄]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C₄mim][Tf₂N]) successfully decreased the denseness of the monolith, than when using [C₄mim][Tf₂N] IL alone, enabling a chromatographic run to be performed with 1:1 ratio produced baseline separation for the analytes. The combination of ILs and microwave irradiation made polymer synthesis very fast (∼10 min), entirely green (organic solvent-free) and energy saving process.     

Ionic liquids extraction of Para Red and Sudan dyes from chilli powder, chilli oil and food additive combined with high performance liquid chromatography

A simple analytical method, based on the coupling of ionic liquid-based extraction with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is developed for the determination of Sudan dyes (I, II, III and IV) and Para Red in chilli powder, chilli oil and food additive samples. Two ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₄mim][PF₆]) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₈mim][PF₆]), were compared as extraction solvents; experiments indicated that the latter possesses higher recoveries for each analyte. Parameters related to extraction of Sudan dyes and Para Red were also optimized. Under the optimal conditions, good reproducibility of extraction performance was obtained, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) values ranging from 2.0% to 3.5%. The detection limits of Sudan dyes and Para Red (LOD, S/N = 3) were in the range of 7.0-8.2 μg kg⁻¹ for chilli powder and 11.2-13.2 μg L⁻¹ for chilli oil and food additive. The recoveries were in the range of 76.8-109.5% for chilli powder samples and 70.7-107.8% for chilli oil and food additive samples.     

Volatile organic compounds sensing properties of tetrakis(alkylthio)-substituted lutetium(III) bisphthalocyanines thin films

The effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, methanol, ethanol, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, and hexane on electrical conductivity of thin films of bis[tetrakis(alkylthio)phthalocyaninato]lutetium(III) double decker complexes [(C_nH_2n+1S)₄Pc]₂Lu(III) was investigated. The [(C_nH_2n+1S)₄Pc]₂Lu(III) molecules substituted with different alkylthia chains (n = 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16) were coated on interdigital transducers using a jet spray technique. A change (increase or decrease) in the conductivity of the [(C_nH_2n+1S)₄Pc]₂Lu(III) films was observed depending on the concentration of the VOCs, which was ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. The decrease in the conductivity of the sensors for the dissolvent of the compounds (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane and hexane) could be related to swelling of the films. On the other hand, the increase in the conductivity of the sensors for the other VOCs (acetone, methanol and ethanol) could be resulted from that the VOCs act as electron donors and/or acceptors in the films. A linear relationship between the sensor response and concentration of the VOC vapors is obtained. The sensitivities of the [(C_nH_2n+1S)₄Pc]₂Lu(III) films were in the range of 2.10⁻⁴-3.10⁻³%/ppm.     

Effect of the polarity of silver nanoparticles induced by ionic liquids on facilitated transport for the separation of propylene/propane mixtures

The effect of ionic liquids on the formation of a partial positive charge on the surface of silver nanoparticle and its subsequent effect on facilitated olefin transport were investigated. Three different ionic liquids of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM⁺BF₄⁻), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate (BMIM⁺Tf⁻), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate (BMIM⁺NO₃⁻) were employed to control the positive charge density of the surface of silver nanoparticles. The positive charge density of the silver nanoparticles, as characterized by the binding energy of the silver atom, was in the following order: BMIM⁺BF₄⁻/Ag ? BMIM⁺Tf⁻/Ag > BMIM⁺NO₃⁻/Ag. This order was consistent with the tendency of ionic liquids to form free ions. The best separation performance for the propylene/propane mixtures was a mixed gas selectivity of 17 and a permeance of 7 GPU through a composite membrane consisting of BMIM⁺BF₄⁻/Ag. A better separation performance for olefin/paraffin mixtures was observed with a higher positive charge density of the silver nanoparticles. It was therefore concluded that facilitated olefin transport was a direct consequence of the surface positive charge of the silver nanoparticles induced by ionic liquids.     

Glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) using basic ionic liquids as catalysts

The glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was studied using several ionic liquids and basic ionic liquids as catalysts. The basic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxyl ([Bmim]OH), exhibits higher catalytic activity for the glycolysis of PET, compared with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bicarbonate ([Bmim]HCO₃), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim]Br). FT-IR, ¹H NMR and DSC were used to confirm the main product of glycolysis was bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer. The influences of experimental parameters, such as the amount of catalyst, glycolysis time, reaction temperature, and dosages of ethylene glycol on the conversion of PET, yield of BHET were investigated. The results showed a strong influence of the mixture evolution of temperature and reaction time on depolymerization of PET. Under the optimum conditions of m(PET):m(EG): 1:10, dosage of [Bmim]OH at 0.1 g (5 wt%), reaction temperature 190 °C and time 2 h, the conversion of PET and the yield of BHET were 100% and 71.2% respectively. Balance between the polymerization of BHET and depolymerization of PET could be changed when the reaction time was more than 2 h and contents of catalyst and EG were changed.     

Loss of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls during nitrogen gas blowdown process for ultra-trace analysis

This study examined standard solutions to assess the influence of the gas flow rate and organic solvent type on losses caused by gas blowdown of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs). Results obtained here will contribute to maintaining analytical method performance and system quality for PCDD/DFs and Co-PCBs analyses. An organic solvent (with 0.5 ml each of acetone, dichloromethane, n-hexane, and toluene), PCDD/DFs or Co-PCBs, and their ¹³C₁₂-labeled compounds were put separately into 10 ml pear-shaped flasks. The samples were blown to dryness at room temperature until the last trace of solvent disappeared. They were subsequently reconstituted in those flasks. Analyte recoveries were calculated by comparing blown samples to those that had not been blown. Recoveries of Co-PCBs were more affected than those of PCDD/DFs when the gas flow rates were set at 203, 261, 332, and 456 ml/min. Losses of Co-PCBs were least at 203-332 ml/min. Regarding losses of PCDD/DFs and Co-PCBs, the toluene solution showed the least variation in recovery. An actual soil sample extract was also examined using optimized conditions for the gas flow rate and solvent types obtained by experiments in standard solutions. Thereby, the blowdown conditions gave quantitative recoveries of ¹³C₁₂-labeled compounds in the sample extract.     

Liquid–liquid equilibria of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and sodium citrate/tartrate/acetate aqueous two-phase systems at 298.15 K: Experiment and correlation

Binodal curves of the aqueous 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF₄) + sodium citrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇), [Bmim]BF₄ + sodium tartrate (Na₂C₄H₄O₆) and [Bmim]BF₄ + sodium acetate (NaC₂H₃O₂) systems have been determined experimentally at 298.15 K. The Merchuk equation was used to correlate the binodal data. The effective excluded volume (EEV) values obtained from the binodal model for these three systems were determined. The binodal curves and EEV both indicate that the salting-out abilities of the three salts follow the order: Na₃C₆H₅O₇ > Na₂C₄H₄O₆ > NaC₂H₃O₂. The liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data were obtained by density determination and binodal curves correlation of these systems. Othmer–Tobias and Bancraft, and Setschenow equations were used for the correlation of the tie-line data. Good agreement was obtained with the experimental tie-line data with both models.     

Chloride based ionic liquids as promoting agents for Meerwein reaction in solventless conditions

Chloride based ionic liquids were used as chloride source in Meerwein reaction either in [bmim]X (bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, X = BF₄, PF₆) as solvents or in solventless conditions. Satisfactory yields (49-71%) with diversely substituted diazonium salts were achieved by using 1,3-dibutylimidazolium chloride in the presence of a bimetallic Zn/Cu catalyst.     

Uranyl ion complexes with long chain aminoalcoholbis(phenolate) [O,N,O,O′] donor ligands

The reaction between uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and phenolic ligand precursor [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-4-amino-1-butanol) · HCl], H₃L1 · HCl, leads to a uranyl complex [UO₂(H₂L1)₂] (1a) and [UO₂(H₂L1)₂] · 2CH₃CN (1b). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-4-amino-1-butanol)H₃L2 · HCl], H₃L2 · HCl, yields a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(H₂L2)₂] · CH₃CN (2). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-5-amino-1-pentanol) · HCl], H₃L3 · HCl, produces a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(H₂L3)₂] · 2CH₃CN (3) and the ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-5-amino-1-pentanol) · HCl], H₃L4 · HCl, leads to a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(H₂L4)₂] · 2CH₃CN (4). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-6-amino-1-hexanol) · HCl], H₃L5 · HCl, leads to a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(H₂L5)₂] · 4toluene (5). The complexes 1–5 are obtained using a molar ratio of 1:2 (U to L) in the presence of a base (triethylamine). The molecular structures of 1a, 1b, 3, 4 and 5 were verified by X-ray crystallography. All complexes are neutral zwitterions and have similar centrosymmetric, mononuclear, distorted octahedral uranyl structures with the four coordinating phenoxo ligands in an equatorial plane. In uranyl ion extraction studies from water to dichloromethane with ligands H₃L1 · HCl–H₃L5 · HCl, ligands H₃L1 · HCl, H₃L4 · HCl and H₃L5 · HCl are the most effective ones.     

Kinetic study of the oxidative addition of methyl iodide to Vaska’s complex in ionic liquids

Oxidative addition of methyl iodide to Vaska’s complex in the ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate [C₄mim][OTf], [C₄mim] bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imide [Tf₂N], and N-hexylpyridinium [C₆pyr][Tf₂N] occurred cleanly to give the expected Ir(III) oxidative addition product. Pseudo-first order rate constants were determined for the oxidative addition reaction in each solvent ([Vaska’s] = 0.25 mM, [CH₃I] = 37.5 mM). The observed rate constants under these conditions were 5-10 times slower than the rate seen in DMF. At high methyl iodide concentrations (>23 mM), the expected first order dependence on methyl iodide was not observed. In each ionic liquid, there was no change in the reaction rates within experimental error over the methyl iodide concentration range of 23-75 mM. At lower methyl iodide concentration, a decrease in rate was observed in [C₄mim][Tf₂N] with decreasing concentration of methyl iodide.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity of organolanthanides derived from a new chiral ligand (S)-2-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl

Condensation of (S)-2-amino-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl with 1 equiv. of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in toluene in the presence of molecular sieves at 70 °C gives (S)-2-(pyrrol-2-ylmethyleneamino)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl (1H₂) in 90% yield. Deprotonation of 1H₂ with NaH in THF, followed by reaction with LnCl₃ in THF gives, after recrystallization from a toluene or benzene solution, dinuclear complexes (1)₃Y₂(thf)₂ · 3C₇H₈ (3 · 3C₇H₈) and (1)₃Yb₂(thf)₂ · 3C₆H₆ (4 · 3C₆H₆), respectively, in good yields. Treatment of 1H₂ with Ln[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ in toluene under reflux, followed by recrystallization from a benzene solution gives the dimeric amido complexes {1-LnN(SiMe₃)₂}₂ · 2C₆H₆ (Ln = Y (5 · 2C₆H₆), Yb (6 · 2C₆H₆)) in good yields. All compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction analyses. Complexes 5 and 6 are active catalysts for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in toluene, affording syn-rich poly-(MMA)s.     

Optimization of temperature-controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextraction combined with high performance liquid chromatography for analysis of chlorobenzenes in water samples

Temperature-controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextraction (TCIL-DLPME) combined with high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied for preconcentration and determination of chlorobenzenes in well water samples. The proposed method used 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₄mim][PF₆]) as the extraction solvent. The effect of different variables on extraction efficiency was studied simultaneously using an experimental design. The variables of interest in the TCIL-DLPME were extraction solvent volume, salt effect, solution temperature, extraction time, centrifugation time, and heating time. The Plackett-Burman design was employed for screening to determine the variables significantly affecting the extraction efficiency. Then, the significant factors were optimized by using a central composite design (CCD) and the response surface equations were developed. The optimal experimental conditions obtained from this statistical evaluation included: extraction solvent volume, 75 μL; extraction time, 20 min; centrifugation time, 25 min; heating time, 4 min; solution temperature, 50 °C; and no addition of salt. Under optimal conditions, the preconcentration factors were between 187 and 298. The limit of detections (LODs) ranged from 0.05 μg L⁻¹ (for 1,2-dichlorobenzene) to 0.1 μg L⁻¹ (for 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene). Linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) of 0.5-300 and 0.5-500 μg L⁻¹ were obtained for dichloro- and trichlorobenzenes, respectively. The performance of the method was evaluated for extraction and determination of chlorobenzenes in well water samples in micrograms per liter and satisfactory results were obtained (RSDs < 9.2%).     

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 3-glyoxylic acids of electron-deficient substituted azaindoles by ionic liquid imidazolium chloroaluminate-promoted Friedel-Crafts acylation

An efficient, one-pot Friedel-Crafts acylation/hydrolysis reaction promoted by the acidic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloroaluminate (generated from 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EmimCl) and aluminum chloride (X(AlCl₃), mole fraction X = 0.75) for the formation of 3-glyoxylic acid derivatives of electron-deficient, substituted 4- and 6-azaindoles is described.     

Arene ruthenium β-diketonato triazolato derivatives: Synthesis and spectral studies (β-diketones: 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one, acetylacetone derivatives)

Mononuclear neutral arene ruthenium(II) β-diketonato complexes of the general formula (η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)Cl [LL = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one (L1), arene = C₆H₆ (1), p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me (2), C₆Me₆ (3); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = 1-benzoylacetone (L3) (8); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = dibenzoylmethane (L4) (9)] have been synthesized and their subsequent substitution reactions with NaN₃ in alcohol at room temperature yielded the corresponding neutral terminal azido complexes (η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)N₃ [LL = 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl pyrazol-5-one (L1), arene = C₆H₆ (4), p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me (6), C₆Me₆ (7); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = dibenzoylmethane (L4) (10)] as well as a cationic complex [(η⁶-p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me)Ru(L4) (PPh₃)]BF₄ (12) with PPh₃. The [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of selective azido complexes with the activated alkynes dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates produced the arene triazolato complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(LL){N₃C₂(CO₂R)₂}] [arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1, R = Me (13); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1, R = Me (14); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = acetyl acetone (L2), R = Me (15); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3, R = Me (16); arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1, R = Et (17); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1, R = Et (18); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L2, R = Et (19); arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3, R = Et (20)]. With fumaronitrile the reaction yielded the triazoles [(η⁶-arene)Ru(LL)(N₃C₂HCN)] [arene = p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, LL = L1 (21), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L1 (22), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L2 (23), arene = C₆Me₆, LL = L3 (24)]. In the above triazolato complexes only N(2) isomer was obtained. The complexes were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic data. Crystal structure of representatives complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Sensitive detection of endocrine disrupters using ionic liquid--single walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed based biosensors

Simple and low cost biosensor based on screen-printed electrode for sensitive detection of some alkylphenols was developed, by entrapment of HRP in a nanocomposite gel based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]) ionic liquid. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, CV and EIS studies demonstrate the interaction between SWCNTs and ionic liquid. The nanocomposite gel, SWCNT-[BMIM][PF₆] provides to the modified sensor a considerable enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide reduction. The HRP based biosensor exhibits high sensitivity and good stability, allowing a detection of the alkylphenols at an applied potential of −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, in linear range from 5.5 to 97.7 μM for 4-t-octylphenol and respectively, between 5.5 and 140 μM for 4-n-nonylphenol, with a response time of about 5 s. The detection limit was 1.1 μM for 4-t-octylphenol, and respectively 0.4 μM for 4-n-nonylphenol (S/N = 3).     

Measurement and modeling of osmotic coefficients of aqueous solution of ionic liquids using vapor pressure osmometry method

Osmotic coefficients of binary mixtures containing an ionic liquid, (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIm]BF₄, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate, [EMIm]ES, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [BMIm]MS) with water were measured until about 3 molal concentrations using vapor pressure osmometry method (VPO) at temperature ranges 298.15–328.15 K and modeled using different electrolyte excess Gibbs free energy models including electrolyte non-random two liquids (NRTL), modified NRTL (MNRTL), mean spherical approximation NRTL (MSA-NRTL), non random factor (NRF), and extended Wilson models. The results show that osmotic coefficient data increase with increasing temperature. The calculated standard deviations of the studied systems show that the applicability of these models for the correlation of VLE properties of ionic liquid solutions. The average standard deviations for the models have the order σ(?) MNRTL < σ(?) Wilson < σ(?) NRTL < σ(?) MSA-NRTL < σ(?)NRF. The results show MNRTL model is able to reproduce experimental osmotic coefficients of aqueous solution of studied ionic liquids with good precision.     

Ionic liquids as selective depositions on quartz crystal microbalances for artificial olfactory systems—a feasibility study

A room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, was investigated as a selective deposition for quartz crystal microbalances. RTILs constitute versatile matrices of tuneable physicochemical properties providing a high solute mobility compared to polymer matrices, and hence in principle short response and desorption times. This paper explores the feasibility of using RTIL-based quartz crystal microbalances as vapour sensors with particular focus on the physicochemical interactions between the RTIL and a model solute, ethyl acetate. Preliminary experiments were conducted and proved an excellent baseline recovery of the sensor. The transient sensor response was modelled using a basic mass transport equation which proved the simplicity of the system when compared to polymer coatings. The diffusion coefficient of ethyl acetate was calculated to be 10.8·10^− 11 m²·s^− 1, which was one order of magnitude higher than in a common polymeric deposition material, polydimethylsiloxane. However, it is pointed out that care must be taken when interpreting the sensor signal upon dissolution of a complex vapour; absorption of solutes into the RTIL can give rise to viscosity changes which affect the sensor signal and hence overlap with the response to the solute mass absorbed. Nevertheless, for simple sample vapours we believe that quartz resonators can also be a complementary and cheap method for investigating basic mass transport phenomena.     

Aminoalkylbis(phenolate) [O,N,O] donor ligands for uranyl(VI) ion coordination: Syntheses,structures, and extraction studies

The syntheses of five new aminoalkylbis(phenolate) ligands (as hydrochlorides) and their uranyl complexes are described. The reaction between uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and phenolic ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-1-aminopropane) · HCl], H₂L1 · HCl, forms a uranyl complex [UO₂(HL1)₂] · 2CH₃CN (1). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-1-aminobutane) · HCl], H₂L2 · HCl, forms a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(HL2)₂] · 2CH₃CN (2). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methyl benzyl)-1-aminohexane) · HCl], H₂L3 · HCl, yields a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(HL3)₂] · 2CH₃CN (3) and the ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-cyclohexylamine) · HCl], H₂L4 · HCl, yields a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(HL4)₂] (4). The ligand [(N,N-bis(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-3-methylbenzyl)-benzylamine) · HCl], H₂L5 · HCl, forms a uranyl complex with a formula [UO₂(HL5)₂] · 2MeOH (5). The molecular structures of 1, 2′ (2 without methanol), 3, 4 and 5 were verified by X-ray crystallography. The complexes 1–5 are neutral zwitterions which form in a molar ratio of 1:2 (U to L) in the presence of a base (triethylamine) and bear similar mononuclear, distorted octahedral uranyl structures with the four coordinating phenoxo ligands forming an equatorial plane and resulting in a centrosymmetric structure for the uranyl ion. In uranyl ion extraction studies from water to dichloromethane with ligands H₂L1 · HCl–H₂L5 · HCl, the ligands H₂L2 · HCl and H₂L4 · HCl are the most effective ones.