Influence of flooding on delta15N, delta18O, 1delta15N and 2delta15N signatures of N2O released from estuarine soils--a laboratory experiment using tidal flooding chambers

The influence of flooding on N2O fluxes, denitrification rates, dual isotope (delta18O and delta15N) and isotopomer (1delta15N and 2delta15N) ratios of emitted N2O from estuarine intertidal zones was examined in a laboratory study using tidal flooding incubation chambers. Five replicate soil cores were collected from two differently managed intertidal zones in the estuary of the River Torridge (North Devon, UK): (1) a natural salt marsh fringing the estuary, and 2 a managed retreat site, previous agricultural land to which flooding was restored in summer 2001. Gas samples from the incubated soil cores were collected from the tidal chamber headspaces over a range of flooding conditions, and analysed for the delta18O, delta15N, 1delta15N and 2delta15N values of the emitted N2O. Isotope signals did not differ between the two sites, and nitrate addition to the flooding water did not change the isotopic content of emitted N2O. Under non-flooded conditions, the isotopic composition of the emitted N2O displayed a moderate variability in delta18O and 2delta15N delta values that was expected for microbial activity associated with denitrification. However, under flooded conditions, half of the samples showed strong and simultaneous depletions in 1delta15N and delta18O values, but not in 2delta15N. Such an isotope signal has not been reported in the literature, and it could point towards an unidentified N2O production pathway. Its signature differed from denitrification, which was generally the N2O production pathway in the salt marsh and the managed retreat site.     

On-line measurements of delta(15)N in biological fluids by a modified continuous-flow elemental analyzer with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer

A modified continuous-flow elemental analyzer coupled to an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (modified EA-IRMS) was tested for on-line delta(15)N measurement on urea solution and biological fluids (e.g. urine). The elemental analyzer configuration was adapted by adding a U-shaped cold trap and an X-pattern four-way valve for on-line trapping/venting of water from the liquid samples. Results indicate that the delta(15)N ratios show little variation (standard deviation (SD) = 0.05 per thousand) with a sample size above the equivalent N yield of 0.2 mg urea (0.092 mg N) when the mass spectrometer conditions were carefully optimized. By contrast, a significant logarithmic decrease in delta(15)N with sample size was observed but this can be offset by applying a linearity correction or blank correction when the sample size is between equivalent N yields of 0.05 and 0.2 mg urea. The blank corrected delta(15)N ratios give an overall precision of approximately 0.16 per thousand whereas the average precision for delta(15)N corrected using combined linearity and shift correction is 0.05 per thousand. The relatively large variation in blank corrected delta(15)N values may be attributed to the variability of the blank delta(15)N in the sequence. Therefore, the blank correction should be carefully performed in routine measurements. As a result, the linearity range of a modified EA-IRMS can be extended to a minimum sample size of 0.023 mg N. In addition, the reproducibility of the new system is good, as indicated by the precision (<0.2 per thousand) for a set of standards and unknowns. The data show that fluids containing nitrogen can be successfully analyzed in the modified EA-IRMS.     

Vertical gradients of delta15N and delta18O in soil atmospheric N2O--temporal dynamics in a sandy soil

The greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N(2)O) can be both formed and consumed by microbial processes in the soil. As these processes fractionate strongly in favour of (14)N and (16)O, delta(15)N and delta(18)O gradients of N(2)O in the soil profile may elucidate patterns of N(2)O formation, consumption or emission to the atmosphere. We present the first in situ data of such gradients over time for a mesic typic Haplaquod seeded with potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). On two adjacent fields in 2002 and 2003, topsoil N(2)O fluxes were measured and the soil atmosphere was regularly sampled for N(2)O concentrations, delta(15)N and delta(18)O signatures of N(2)O at depths of 18, 48 and 90 cm during approximately 400 days. During the entire sampling period, the N(2)O concentrations were the highest and the delta(15)N signatures the lowest in the subsoil (48 or 90 cm depth) as compared with the topsoil, indicating production of N(2)O in the subsoil. For delta(15)N, differences greater than 30 per thousand between topsoil and subsoil on the same date were regularly observed. The highest N(2)O concentration of 100385 microL m(-3) at 90 cm depth on 1 July 2003, was preceded by the lowest delta(15)N value of -43.5 per thousand one week earlier. This was followed by a 150-day general decrease of N(2)O concentrations at 90 cm depth to 1723 microL m(-3) and a simultaneous enrichment of delta(15)N to +7.1 per thousand, mostly without a significant topsoil flux. There was a negative logarithmic relationship between N(2)O concentration at 90 cm depth and its delta(15)N signature. This relationship indicated a delta(15)N signature of -40 to -45 per thousand during the production of N(2)O in the subsoil, and a subsequent enrichment during the consumption of N(2)O. We conclude that the isotopic signature of the N(2)O topsoil flux is the result of various processes of consumption and production at different depths in the soil profile. It is therefore not a reliable estimator for the overall delta(15)N signature of N(2)O in the soil atmosphere, nor for indirect losses of N(2)O to the environment. Therefore, these findings will pose a further challenge to ongoing efforts to draw up a global isotopic budget for N(2)O.     

((15)N(5))-labeled adenine derivatives: synthesis and studies of tautomerism by (15)N NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations

Since the nitrogens of nucleosides and nucleotides play an important role in the molecular recognition of these compounds, (15)N NMR became a method of choice in this field. Fully (15)N-labeled adenine, required in the latter studies, was obtained in four synthetic steps, in a good yield. Likewise, ((15)N(5))-2-hexylthioether-adenine and ((15)N(5))-8-Br-adenine were obtained in five synthetic steps from the relatively inexpensive (15)N sources: (15)N-NH(4)Cl, (15)N-NH(4)OH, (15)N-NaNO(2). Full (15)N labeling of these adenine prototypes enabled to obtain high-resolution (15)N NMR spectra of these bases at 60.8 MHz. Furthermore, the spectra suggested the existence of the N3-H species in the tautomeric mixtures of these compounds in solution, in addition to the well-reported N9-H (major) and N7-H (minor) tautomers. These observations were also supported by quantum mechanical calculations of the tautomeric equilibria in the gas phase and in solution of the above-mentioned adenine compounds. The gas-phase tautomeric equilibria were estimated using density functional theory and second-order perturbation theory methods. Solvent effects were included by means of both continuum and discrete solvation models. The observation of the existence of the N3-H tautomer has a clear impact on the possible H-bonding patterns of these adenine prototypes and on their molecular recognition by various biological macromolecules. The above(15)N-labeled analogues are expected to find use as (15)N NMR probes for numerous biochemical studies.     

Development of delta(15)N stratification of NO(3)(-) in soil profiles

New evidence, obtained using a robust method for measuring the delta(15)N of NO(3)(-)-N in soil, is consistent with denitrification being the major determinant in the vertical distribution of NO(3)(-)-delta(15)N in soil profiles. These data also suggest that varying moisture regimes result in different effects of soil NO(3)(-)-N leaching on residual whole soil delta(15)N.     

Two new organic reference materials for delta13C and delta15N measurements and a new value for the delta13C of NBS 22 oil

Analytical grade L-glutamic acid is chemically stable and has a C/N mole ratio of 5, which is close to that of many of natural biological materials, such as blood and animal tissue. Two L-glutamic acid reference materials with substantially different 13C and 15N abundances have been prepared for use as organic reference materials for C and N isotopic measurements. USGS40 is analytical grade L-glutamic acid and has a delta13C value of -26.24 per thousand relative to VPDB and a delta15N value of -4.52 per thousand relative to N2 in air. USGS41 was prepared by dissolving analytical grade L-glutamic acid with L-glutamic acid enriched in 13C and 15N. USGS41 has a delta13C value of +37.76 per thousand and a delta15N value of +47.57 per thousand. The delta13C and delta15N values of both materials were measured against the international reference materials NBS 19 calcium carbonate (delta13C=+1.95 per thousand ), L-SVEC lithium carbonate (delta13C=-46.48 per thousand ), IAEA-N-1 ammonium sulfate (delta15N=0.43 per thousand ), and USGS32 potassium nitrate (delta15N=180 per thousand ) by on-line combustion continuous-flow and off-line dual-inlet isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Both USGS40 and USGS41 are isotopically homogeneous; reproducibility of delta13C is better than 0.13 per thousand, and that of delta15N is better than 0.13 per thousand in 100-microg amounts. These two isotopic reference materials can be used for (i) calibrating local laboratory reference materials, and (ii) quantifying drift with time, mass-dependent fractionations, and isotope-ratio-scale contraction in the isotopic analysis of various biological materials. Isotopic results presented in this paper yield a delta13C value for NBS 22 oil of -29.91 per thousand, in contrast to the commonly accepted value of -29.78 per thousand for which off-line blank corrections probably have not been quantified satisfactorily.     

Large old trees influence patterns of delta13C and delta15N in forests

Large old trees are the dominant primary producers of native pine forest, but their influence on spatial patterns of soil properties and potential feedback to tree regeneration in their neighbourhood is poorly understood. We measured stable isotopes of carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) in soil and litter taken from three zones of influence (inner, middle and outer zone) around the trunk of freestanding old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees, to determine the trees' influence on below-ground properties. We also measured delta(15)N and delta(13)C in wood cores extracted from the old trees and from regenerating trees growing within their three zones of influence. We found a significant and positive gradient in soil delta(15)N from the inner zone, nearest to the tree centre, to the outer zone beyond the tree crown. This was probably caused by the higher input of (15)N-depleted litter below the tree crown. In contrast, the soil delta(13)C did not change along the gradient of tree influence. Distance-related trends, although weak, were visible in the wood delta(15)N and delta(13)C of regenerating trees. Moreover, the wood delta(15)N of small trees showed a weak negative relationship with soil N content in the relevant zone of influence. Our results indicate that large old trees control below-ground conditions in their immediate surroundings, and that stable isotopes might act as markers for the spatial and temporal extent of these below-ground effects.     

Isolation of ammonium-N as 1-sulfonato-iso-indole for measurement of delta15N

The conversion of ammonium (NH(4) (+)) to 1-sulfonato-iso-indole has been examined as a method for natural abundance measurement of delta(15)N of NH(4) (+). The reaction is complete within 2 h and is based on the derivatisation of NH(4) (+) by o-phthaldialdehyde and sodium sulfite at a high pH, 11.2. The product is readily concentrated from dilute solutions by reverse-phase solid-phase extraction (SPE). The method is compound-specific despite partial derivatisation of potentially interfering amino acids, as their derivatives are not extracted by SPE. delta(15)N values of NH(4) (+) in KCL soil extracts can be measured within 48 h by automated continuous-flow IRMS with a precision of 0.23 per thousand (1 SD). Parallel measurements of NH(4) (+) standards of known delta(15)N are made to allow correction for the isotopic dilution by non-sample NH(4) (+). The practicality of this method is demonstrated by measuring the changes in NH(4) (+) concentration and delta(15)N following the addition of urea as a nitrogen source to inorganic N-depleted soil.     

Using dual-bacterial denitrification to improve delta15N determinations of nitrates containing mass-independent 17O

The bacterial denitrification method for isotopic analysis of nitrate using N(2)O generated from Pseudomonas aureofaciens may overestimate delta(15)N values by as much as 1-2 per thousand for samples containing atmospheric nitrate because of mass-independent (17)O variations in such samples. By analyzing such samples for delta(15)N and delta(18)O using the denitrifier Pseudomonas chlororaphis, one obtains nearly correct delta(15)N values because oxygen in N(2)O generated by P. chlororaphis is primarily derived from H(2)O. The difference between the apparent delta(15)N value determined with P. aureofaciens and that determined with P. chlororaphis, assuming mass-dependent oxygen isotopic fractionation, reflects the amount of mass-independent (17)O in a nitrate sample. By interspersing nitrate isotopic reference materials having substantially different delta(18)O values with samples, one can normalize oxygen isotope ratios and determine the fractions of oxygen in N(2)O derived from the nitrate and from water with each denitrifier. This information can be used to improve delta(15)N values of nitrates having excess (17)O. The same analyses also yield estimates of the magnitude of (17)O excess in the nitrate (expressed as Delta(17)O) that may be useful in some environmental studies. The 1-sigma uncertainties of delta(15)N, delta(18)O and Delta(17)O measurements are +/-0.2, +/-0.3 and +/-5 per thousand, respectively.     

((Fluoroformyl)imido)(trifluoromethyl)sulfur fluoride, FC(O)N = S(F)CF3: unexpected conformational properties

The geometric structure and conformational properties of ((fluoroformyl)imido)(trifluoromethyl)sulfur fluoride, FC(O)N = S(F)CF3, are investigated by gas electron diffraction (GED) experiments, IR (gas) spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations (HF, MP2, and B3LYP with 6-31G* basis sets). The GED intensities are reproduced best with a mixture of 79(12)% trans-syn and 21(12)% cis-syn conformers. "Trans/cis" describes the orientation around the S=N double bond (FC(O) group relative to sulfur substituents), and "syn" refers to the orientation of the C=O bond relative to the S=N bond. From the intensities of the C=O bands in the IR (gas) spectrum, a composition of 86(8)%:14(8)% is derived. These ratios correspond to delta G0(GED) = 0.79(36) and delta G0(IR) = 1.09(35) kcal mol-1. The preference of a trans structure, around the S=N double bond is unexpected, since all imidosulfur compounds studied thus far possess a cis configuration. The conformational properties are reproduced qualitatively correctly by all theoretical calculations. The predicted energy differences delta E(HF) = 2.41, delta E(MP2) = 0.64, and delta E(B3LYP) = 0.28 kcal mol-1 are larger or slightly smaller than the experimental values. Additional theoretical calculations (B3LYP) for several imidosulfur compounds reveal that only FC(O)N=S(F)CF3, with mixed substitution at sulfur and the FC(O) group bonded to nitrogen, prefers the trans structure.     

Concise access to N9-mono-, N2-mono- and N2,N9-di-substituted guanines via efficient Mitsunobu reactions

Guanine poses several problems to the synthetic chemist owing to its polyfunctional nature and poor solubility. Over the past few decades, synthetic guanines have found applications as anti-cancer and anti-viral agents. Coupled with the ever-growing interest in designer PNAs and G-quartets, simple and efficient synthetic routes to novel guanines would be of significant benefit. We herein report that, upon simple protection and/or activation step(s), the guanine precursor 2-amino-6-chloropurine is rendered an excellent substrate for Mitsunobu chemistry, furnishing, after subsequent hydrolytic dechlorination and appropriate deprotection step(s), the desired N9-mono-, N2-mono- or N2,N9-di-substituted guanines in excellent yields (≥80%). Importantly, we demonstrate that N9-functionalization proceeds with very good N9/N7 regioselectivity and with complete inversion of stereochemistry.     

A comparison of muscle- and scale-derived delta13C and delta15N across three life-history stages of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Stable isotope signatures were obtained from paired scale and muscle tissue samples from smolt, post-smolt and one-sea-winter adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Post-smolt and adult scales were separated into central and outer (marine) portions with analyses carried out on the marine growth section of both life-history stages and the central portion for the adult scales. Muscle and scale delta(13)C and delta(15)N signatures were assessed (1) to determine whether a linear relationship exists between tissue types, (2) to determine if a constant offset exists between tissue signatures across all life-history stages, and (3) to evaluate whether underplating imparts a significant bias to life-history scale segments that would preclude their use in retrospective analyses of any ontogenetic dietary changes between life-history stages. Significant correlations were found to exist between muscle and scale stable isotope signatures obtained from smolts (delta(13)C and delta(15)N) and adults (delta(15)N). Both the muscle and the scale signatures captured the dietary shift associated with the transition from freshwater to the marine environment. Post-smolt and adult scales were depleted relative to muscle tissue, which may be attributed to isotopic differences in amino acid composition between muscle and scale tissues. The results suggest that scales may better represent dietary carbon sources because they are not influenced by lipid dynamics. The scale, however, appears less responsive to short-term shifts in diet relative to muscle and, therefore, must be used only to infer seasonally integrated dietary patterns for slow-growing life-history stages. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates: (NC12H8(NH)2)[Ln(N3C12H8)4] with Ln = Y,Tb, Yb,and [Ln(N3C12H8)2(N3C12H9)2][Ln(N3C12H8)4](N3C12H9)2 with Ln = La,Sm, Eu

The compounds (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y, Tb, Yb, and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), with Ln = La, Sm, Eu, were obtained by reactions of the group 3 metals yttrium and lanthanum as well as the lanthanides europium, samarium, terbium, and ytterbium with 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole. The reactions were carried out in melts of the amine without any solvent and led to two new groups of homoleptic rare earth pyridylbenzimidazolates. The trivalent rare earth atoms have an eightfold nitrogen coordination of four chelating pyridylbenzimidazolates giving an ionic structure with either pyridylbenzimidazolium or [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)](+) counterions. With Y, Eu, Sm, and Yb, single crystals were obtained whereas the La- and Tb-containing compounds were identified by powder methods. The products were investigated by X-ray single crystal or powder diffraction and MIR and far-IR spectroscopy, and with DTA/TG regarding their thermal behavior. They are another good proof of the value of solid-state reaction methods for the formation of homoleptic pnicogenides of the lanthanides. Despite their difference in the chemical formula, both types (NC(12)H(8)(NH)(2))[Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)], Ln = Y (1), Tb (2), Yb (3), and [Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(2)(N(3)C(12)H(9))(2)][Ln(N(3)C(12)H(8))(4)](N(3)C(12)H(9))(2), Ln = La (4), Sm (5), Eu (6), crystallize isotypic in the tetragonal space group I4(1). Crystal data for (1): T = 170(2) K, a = 1684.9(1) pm, c = 3735.0(3) pm, V = 10603.5(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.053, wR2 = 0.113. Crystal data for (3): T = 170(2) K, a = 1683.03(7) pm, c = 3724.3(2) pm, V = 10549.4(14) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.047, wR2 = 0.129. Crystal data for (5): T = 103(2) K, a = 1690.1(2) pm, c = 3759.5(4) pm, V = 10739(2) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.050, wR2 = 0.117. Crystal data for (6): T = 170(2) K, a = 1685.89(9) pm, c = 3760.0(3) pm, V = 10686.9(11) x 10(6) pm(3), R1 for F(o) > 4sigma(F(o)) = 0.060, wR2 = 0.144.     

MA(delta)Sb(2-delta) (M = Zr, Hf; A = Si, Ge): a new series of ternary antimonides and not "beta-ZrSb2"

The ternary antimonides ZrSi(delta)Sb(2-delta), HfGe(delta)Sb(2-delta), and ZrGe(delta)Sb(2-delta) were prepared by annealing of the elements in stoichiometric ratios below 800 degrees C. ZrSi(delta)Sb(2-delta) was earlier erroneously described as the binary "beta-ZrSb(2)", which does not exist as such, because the incorporation of tetrel atoms is necessary for the formation of this structure. ZrSi(delta)Sb(2-delta) has a small yet significant phase width with at least 0.066(7) < or = delta < or = 0.115(3), whereas the Ge analogues exist with larger tetrel concentration, i.e., ZrGe(0.211(5))Sb(1.789) and HfGe(0.205(6))Sb(1.795). The whole series of title compounds crystallizes in the Co(2)Si type (space group Pnma), with lattice dimensions of, e.g., for ZrGe(0.211(5))Sb(1.789), a = 730.4(1) pm, b = 395.13(6) pm, c = 957.6(2) pm, V = 0.27635(7) nm(3), Z = 4. The anionic substructure comprises infinite ribbons formed by the atom sites Q1 and Sb2, with Q1 being mixed occupied by Si or Ge and Sb atoms. These ribbons exhibit Q1-Q1 single bonds and Q1-Sb2 "half" bonds. Assuming the validity of the 8 - N rule, one can assign seven valence-electrons to Sb2 but only five to Q1, which might explain the preference of the tetrel atoms for the latter site.     

<Superscript>15</Superscript>N isotopic analyses: a powerful tool to establish links between seized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets

In this study the (15)N/(14)N isotopic ratios of 43 samples of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) samples were measured using Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). The results show a large discrimination between samples with a range of delta(15)N values between -16 and +19 per thousand. Comparison between delta(15)N values and other physical and chemical parameters shows a strong relationship between delta(15)N and brand logo or composition. Thus, it could be assumed that tablets from different seizures probably originated from the same clandestine manufacturing source. Hence, (15)N isotopic parameters provide an important additional tool to establish common origins between seizures of clandestine synthetic drugs.     

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry: delta13C and delta15 N analysis for tracing the origin of illicit drugs

Gas chromatography/combustion/mass spectrometry (GC-C-MS) and elemental analysis/mass spectrometry (EA-MS) techniques are proposed to estimate delta(13)C and delta(15)N values in heroin, morphine, cocaine and hemp leaves, for the purposes of tracing the geographical origins of seized drugs. The values of isotope ratios for pure drugs and drugs with impurities were compared. It was demonstrated that large samples (up to 3 x 10(-6) g C) were combusted completely, so that the results obtained were valid. The data are considered to be an essential supplement to a wide-scale database designed specifically for the delta(13)C and delta(15)N values of drugs. The potential forensic and academic significance of the results is discussed.     

Rhodium-103 NMR of [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] [X = Cl, N3, NCO, NCS, N(CN)2, NCBPh3, CNBPh3, CN] and derivatives containing CO, isocyanide, pyridine, H2 and O2. Ligand, solvent and temperature effects

Rhodium-103 chemical shifts are reported for 62 compounds, namely [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] [X = Cl, N3, NCO, NCS, N(CN)2, NCBPh3, CNBPh3, CN] and derivatives formed by replacement of a phosphine by CO, xylyl isocyanide (XNC) and pyridine and/or by oxidative addition of H2 or O2 to give trans-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(CO)] (delta in the range -816 to -368 ppm) trans-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(XNC)] (delta -817 to -250 ppm), cis-[Rh(X)(PPh3)2(py)] (the trans isomer is formed with X = CN, CNBPh3) (delta -233 to 170 ppm), [Rh(X)(H)2(PPh3)3] (delta -611 to 119), trans-[Rh(X)(H)2(PPh3)2(py)] (delta -30 to 566 ppm), [Rh(X)(O2)(PPh3)3] (delta 1393 to 3273 ppm) and cis-[Rh(X)(O2)(PPh3)2(py)] (delta 1949 to 3374 ppm). For the majority of these compounds data were obtained from solutions in chloroform and in toluene at temperatures of 247 and 300 K; for [Rh(X)(PPh3)3] (delta -562 to -4 ppm) data are reported at a number of temperatures in the range 195-300 K for solutions in chloroform, toluene and dichloromethane and at 300 K for solutions in DMSO. The expected trend to lower delta(103Rh) with decreasing temperature (vibrational shielding) is observed for the dichloromethane data, but data from solutions {of [Rh(X)(PPh3)3]} in chloroform and toluene show a number of features which diverge from this pattern, i.e. shifts to higher delta are found to accompany a decrease in temperature, most noticeably where X = CN and Cl [on changing the solvent from dichloromethane to chloroform changes in delta(103Rh) of up to 172 ppm are observed]. These results are interpreted in terms of a hydrogen-bonded interaction with the solvent that is enhanced by the presence of a polarizable ligand (CN, Cl). With a ligand (O2CCF3) that is only weakly polarizable the solvent dependence of delta(103Rh) is minimal.     

delta(13)C- and delta(18)O-values of glycerol of food fats

The average values of carbon and oxygen isotopic contents (delta(13)C and delta(18)O) of 36 glycerol samples from fats have been determined. The examined samples arise from many fats of animal and plant origin, as well as from the three Italian hard cheeses Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano and Trentingrana. The total (13)C content allows one to distinguish between glycerol from plants with the C-4 carbon fixation pathway (maize, mean delta(13)C = -14.4 per thousand) and that from plants with the C-3 pathway (mean delta(13)C = -30.7 per thousand). The delta(13)C-values of glycerols of animal origin seem to depend on the diet of the animal, as suggested by the mean values -29.6, -29.0 and -25.1 per thousand, respectively, observed for Parmigiano-Reggiano, Trentingrana and Grana Padano. Additionally, the mean total (18)O content of glycerol samples of vegetable origin is approximately 23.8 per thousand, while that from animal fat is 15.1 per thousand. However, the delta(18)O mean values relative to Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano and Trentingrana are 11.8, 16.0 and 13.8 per thousand, respectively. The combination of the (13)C and (18)O measurements relative to the fat glycerol of the three cheeses might be considered a potential criterion of authentication.     

Azimine. V.. Untersuchungen zur stereoisomerie an der N(2), N(3)-bindung von 2, 3-dialkyl-1-phthalimido-aziminen

Azimines. V. Investigation on the Stereoisomerism Around the N (2), N (3) Bond in 2, 3-Dialkyl-1-phthalimido-azimines 2, 3-(cis-1, 3-Cyclopentylene)-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 7 ) and isomerically pure (2 Z)- and (2 E)-2, 3-diisopropyl-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 9a and 9b ) were prepared by the addition of phthalimido-nitrene ( 1 ) to 2, 3-diazabicyclo [2.2.1]hept-2-ene ( 6 ) and to (E)- and (Z)-1, 1′-dimethylazoethane ( 8a and 8b ), respectively. Comparison of their UV. spectra with those of two stereoisomeric azimines of known configuration, namely (1 E, 2 Z)- and (1 Z, 2 E)-2, 3-dimethyl-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 5a and 5b ), reveals that 2, 3-dialkyl-1-phthalimido-azimines with (2 Z)-configuration are characterized by a shoulder at about 258 nm (? ≈? 14,000) and those with (2 E)-configuration by a maximum at 270–278 nm (? ≈? 10,000). The (2 E)-azimine 9b isomerizes under acid catalysis as well as thermally and photochemically into the more stable (2 Z)-isomer 9a . Under the last two conditions the isomerization is accompanied by a slower fragmentation with loss of nitrogen into N, N′-diisopropyl-N, N′-phthaloylhydrazine ( 4 , R = iso-C₃H₇). The same fragmentation was also observed on thermolysis and photolysis of the (2 Z)-isomer 9a . The kinetic parameters for the thermal isomerization of 9b (they fit first-order plots) and for the fragmentation of 9a and 9b were determined by ¹H-NMR. spectroscopy in benzene, trichloromethane and acetonitrile. In the photolysis of 9a or 9b the fragmentation is accompanied by dissociation into the azo compounds 8a or 8b and the nitrene 1 , the latter being subject to trapping by cyclohexene. With the azimine 7 , an analogous thermal fragmentation was observed to give N, N′-(cis-1, 3-cyclo-pentylene)-N, N′-phthaloylhydrazine ( 15 ), but more energetic conditions were required than with 9 . Photolysis of 7 led exclusively to dissociation into the azo compound 6 and the nitrene 1 , perhaps because the fragmentation of 7 is prevented by ring strain.     

N–H(N)…S Bonding in Tetrahedral [Zn(NCS)2L]0 Complexes (L = MexH2–xN(CH2)2NH2–yMey,x, y = 0 – 2)

The crystal structures of uncharged tetrahedral dithiocyanato zinc complexes with N-methylated ethylenediamines have been determined with a view to a study of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions in these compounds. It is found that the H(N) hydrogen atoms are exhaustively engaged in N–H(N) … S bonds. The majority of these bonds are branched (bifurcated or trifurcated), and the hydrogen-bond systems they form all contain one of the two characteristic primitive core motifs: either a discrete centrosymmetric […S…H…]₂ dimer or an infinite […S…H…]_∞ helix about a 2₁ or pseudo-2₁ axis. The hydrogen bonding is analyzed in detail, with particular attention to the existence of correlations between the N–H(N)–S angles and the H(N) … S distances as well as between the corresponding N–H(N)–S/H(N)…S pairs in the bifurcated N–H(N)…2 S bonds.