Thermochemistry of ionic liquid-catalysed reactions. Isomerisation and transalkylation of tert-alkyl-benzenes. Are these systems ideal?

The chemical equilibrium of mutual interconversions of tert-alkyl-benzenes was studied in the temperature range (286 to 423) K using chloroaluminate ionic liquids as a catalyst. The knowledge of the activity coefficients is required in order to obtain the thermodynamic equilibrium constants K_a. A well established procedure, COSMO-RS, has been used to assess activity coefficients of the reaction participants in the liquid phase. Enthalpies of five reactions of isomerisation and transalkylation of tert-alkyl-benzenes were obtained from temperature dependences of the corresponding equilibrium constants in the liquid phase. For the sake of comparison, high-level ab initio calculations of the reaction participants have been performed using the Gaussian-03 program package. Absolute electronic energy values of the molecules have been obtained using B3LYP and G3MP2 level. Using these results enthalpies of reaction of isomerisation and transalkylation of tert-alkyl-benzenes in the liquid phase based on the first principles are found to be in good agreement with the data obtained from the thermochemical measurements.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of 2,2′-bipyridine: Part II. Consecutive isomerization processes of dihydrobipyridine

2,2′-Bipyridine is reduced by electrolysis at constant potential at a Hg electrode in the pH range 12<pH<14. A reversible 2e^?-, 2 H⁺-step was found. The first product Y is transformed in a fast irreversible reaction into a substance A, which undergoes slow consecutive reactions according to the scheme A agB agC. The mechanism was simulated by a computer program and the rate constants optimized. B is further reducible in a 2 e^?-, 2 H⁺-step, forming D. Therefore at long times of electrolysis only D remains. The substances Y, A, B, C are isomeric dihydrobipyridines. D is a tetrahydrobipyridine. The substances A, B, C and D could be isolated in solution, and partially identified by u.v.-spectroscopy, but polymerized if they were concentrated. The stable substance C is 2,5-dihydrobipy, Y probably N,N′-dihydrobipy. A reaction mechanism is proposed and it is shown that only two reaction paths remain possible, A being either the 1,4- or the 1,6-dihydrobipy.     

Kinetics of multiple electron transfer reactions at porous electrodes under stationary and flow conditions

The kinetics of consecutive two-electron transfer reactions at porous flooded electrodes are investigated under both stationary and flow conditions, where mass transfer is due respectively to diffusion and forced convection. The current-polarization relations were calculated for both modes of mass transfer as a function of the specific surface area of the electrode, the rates of the respective steps of the electron transfer reaction and the appropriate mass transfer coefficients. The computed solutions degenerate to the known limiting cases of single electron transfer control under conditions of very high or very low polarizations. Thus, at high anodic polarization, the electrochemical reaction is controlled by a single electron transfer step, the other step being too fast. Under conditions of 0.1<i/i_L<1, the overall reaction rate is controlled by both mass transfer and electrochemical activation. For flooded diffusion electrodes, the current-voltage curves follow the Tafel equation with a slope of double the normal value. This is attributed to mass transfer control in agreement with previous work. Experimental results, obtained on the porous flow-through electrode, agreed well with the theoretical predictions. The calculations presented here enable a quantitative evaluation of the relative influence of the rate of any step on the overall behaviour of the electrode under the appropriate experimental conditions.     

Hydroformylation activity of multinuclear rhodium complexes coordinated to dendritic iminopyridyl and iminophosphine scaffolds

The synthesis of poly(propyleneimine)-iminopyridyl and iminophosphine rhodium(I) metallodendrimers, with rhodium coordinated to monodentate (N-donor) and chelating, heterobidentate (P,N) moieties respectively located on the periphery, has been accomplished in order to evaluate their potential as hydroformylation catalysts. Related mononuclear complexes were obtained in a similar manner to model the multinuclear complexes. The multinuclear rhodium(I) complexes were found to be effective catalyst precursors in the hydroformylation of 1-octene, achieving higher conversions, faster reaction rates and slightly enhanced catalytic activity when compared with analogous mononuclear rhodium complexes. Hydroformylation reactions using the tetra- and octanuclear rhodium complexes generally show a chemoselective formation of aldehydes, together with a small amount of isomerisation products.     

Effect of SDS micelles on the reactivity of 4′-methoxyflavylium ion: A stopped-flow and photochemical study

The network of chemical reactions of the compound 4′-methoxyflavylium was studied in the presence of SDS micelles, using stopped-flow, UV–vis absorption and flash photolysis techniques. The results were compared with analogous experiments carried out in water. The large stabilization of the flavylium cation onto the micelles was proven to be due to an increase in the rate of the dehydration reaction, rather than a decrease of the hydration reaction; the cis–trans isomerisation of the chalcone was not affected by the micelles. It is shown that SDS micelles can be considered as an external stimulus capable of changing the system from one state to another.     

Studies in trifluoromethaneslphonic acid—I: Protonation of aromatic derivatives

Solutions of aromatic compounds in trifluoromethanesulphonic acid have been investigated using ¹H-NMR and UV specstrocpy. In addition, conductivity measurements were made over a wide concentration range. At low concentrations ( < 0.001M) all derivatives were completely protonated. For 0.2-1.0M evidence was obtained for ion pairing in the cases of benzene and toluene. An intimate ion pair is postulated in which the partial charges on the arenium ion and on the sulphonate anion match up to maximise electrostatic interaction. The stability of these two species is discussed for a series of methylbenzenes.Exchange reactions are also discussed in terms of ion pairing. Preliminary results show that both trans alkylation and isomerisation reactions occur with great facility in this solvent. Dihydroanthreacene undergoes a disproportionation reaction in which it acts as a very powerful hydride donor.     

Diffusion coefficients at rotated microelectrodes

The limiting current for several electrode reactions at a rotated microelectrode is observed to vary with the two-thirds power of the diffusion coefficient at infinite dilution in accordance with the theories of TACHI, EISBNBERG, LIN, and others. However, the uncertainties involved in estimating diffusion coefficients at given ionic strength require, that for accurate work, the limiting currents for different electrode reactions be compared on the basis of electrode sensivity, k_ion= i₁/C, and without regard to the role of diffusion in the transport process. The method of LAITINEN AND KOLTHOFF using an electrode reaction with only linear diffusion is recommended for measuring diffusion coefficients at given ionic strength under conditions similar to those extant in voltammetry.     

Studies on the kinetics and mechanism of redox decomposition of 1,2,6-trinitrotriamminecobalt(III) and 1,2,6-trinitrodiethylenetriaminecobalt(III) complexes in aqueous acid

Summary In aqueous acid media the title complexes undergo decomposition ultimately forming cobalt(II). Detailed analysis of the kinetic data reveals that the reactions proceed in two consecutive stages, the initial step being the faster one. Evidence has been presented that the initial faster step involves aquation releasing one NO ₂ ^– ligand and forming an aquodinitro complex, which subsequently undergoes a slower intramolecular redox decomposition into Co²⁺. Each step, on the other hand, has been found to consist of two concurrent paths,viz. spontaneous and acid catalysed, respectively. Activation parameters corresponding to all these specific rate constants have been evaluated and a plausible mechanism for the overall reaction has been proposed.On leave from Agra College, Agra, India.     

The atomistic simulation of the gas permeability of poly(organophosphazenes). Part 1. Poly(dibutoxyphosphazenes)

Self-diffusion and solubility coefficients of six gas molecules (He, Ne, O₂, N₂, CH₄, and CO₂) in two poly(dibutoxyphosphazenes)—poly[bis(n-butoxy)phosphazene] (PnBuP) and poly[bis(sec-butoxy)phosphazene] (PsBuP)—have been investigated by means of molecular simulation using the COMPASS molecular mechanics force field. Diffusion coefficients were obtained from molecular dynamics (NVT ensemble) using up to 3 ns simulation time. Solubility coefficients were obtained by means of a Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method. Results of both simulations were in generally good agreement with experimental data with the exception of the simulation results for gas solubility in PsBuP where differences from the data may be attributed to microcrystallinity of the experimental sample. In the case of diffusivity, diffusion coefficients correlated well with the square of the effective diameter of the diffusing gas. Similarly a good correlation was found between the solubility coefficients obtained by GCMC simulation of sorption isotherms and the Lennard-Jones potential well depth parameter, ϵ/k.The transition-state model of Gusev and Suter was used to determine free volume and free volume distribution for PnBuP, PsBuP, and poly[bis(iso-butoxy)phosphazene] (PiBuP). The diffusion coefficient for a given gas in each polyphosphazene was found to correlate exponentially with its accessible free volume fraction. A model for the distribution of accessible free volume, derived from the Cohen–Turnbull theory for the self diffusion of a liquid of hard spheres, was found to provide excellent fit with the simulation results.     

Determination of diffusion coefficients by supercritical fluid chromatography: Effects of mobile phase mean velocity and column orientation

The supercritical fluid (SCF) chromatographic technique based on the Taylor dispersion theory has been widely applied in determination of diffusion coefficients of various organic compounds in SCFs. This study was aimed to understand impacts of mobile phase mean velocity (MPMV) and column orientation on diffusion coefficient measurements. The benzene/SCCO₂ system was investigated. Experiments were carried out at 40 and 60 °C and 9–15 MPa over a wide range of CO₂ densities at varying MPMV and repeated in two column orientations, vertical and horizontal. It was found that both MPMV and column orientation significantly affected measurements of diffusion coefficients in SCFs. When the column was installed vertically, apparent diffusion coefficients obtained at relatively low CO₂ density (<580 kg/m³) increased with increasing MPMV over the entire velocity ranges. This results in a conclusion that diffusion coefficients cannot be accurately determined under these conditions using a vertically installed column. Under all other conditions, as MPMV increased, apparent diffusion coefficients initially increased, then remained constant, and finally increased again. The initial increase of apparent diffusion coefficients was associated with significant decline of curve-fitting errors, which indicates that the buoyancy effects are non-negligible and will cause larger errors. Accordingly, a new generalized D₁₂–U diagram comprised of three regions is proposed. Column orientation affected diffusion coefficient measurements mainly by enhancing or weakening the buoyancy effects. When the column was installed vertically, the buoyancy effects were enhanced, leading to lower apparent diffusion coefficients, especially when CO₂ density was relatively low. In addition, it was found that when CO₂ density was below ∼580 kg/m³, diffusion coefficients obtained when the column was horizontally installed were higher than those obtained when the same column was vertically installed. When CO₂ density was above that value, opposite outcomes resulted. Finally, the horizontal orientation of a diffusion column is recommended for diffusion coefficient measurements by the SCF chromatographic technique, especially when densities of SCFs are relatively low.     

Transition metal-free amination of aryl halides—A simple and reliable method for the efficient and high-yielding synthesis of N-arylated amines

A simple and reliable reaction protocol for the clean, fast, and high-yielding synthesis of various N-arylated amines derived from reactions of aryl halides with various (also sterically hindered) amines under transition metal-free reaction conditions is presented. Dioxane and KN(Si(CH₃)₃)₂ were found to be the ideal solvent and base for this transformation. The conversion rates and yields observed are excellent and in the majority of the reactions performed significantly higher than that obtained in their catalyzed versions. Furthermore, the selective synthesis of 6-halopyridin-2-amines and asymmetric pyridine-2,6-diamines (derived from consecutive reactions of 2,6-dibromopyridine and 2,6-dichloropyridine, respectively, with different amines) is possible in almost quantitative yields (relative to 2,6-dihalopyridine) within very short reaction times. Purification of the 6-halopyridin-2-amine intermediates is not necessary, allowing the synthesis of pyridine-2,6-diamines in ‘one-pot’. However, catalysts are in many cases not required to efficiently and selectively couple aryl halides with amines, making transition metal-free versions of the Buchwald-Hartwig reaction extremely attractive for the synthesis of N-arylated amines with substrates containing substituents on the aryl halide, which either promote regioselectivity and/or do not require regioselective aminations.     

Temperature-Dependent Diffusion Coefficients from 1D Raman Spectroscopy

A setup for the measurement of temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients has been developed based on 1D Raman spectroscopy. The presented setup was used to measure binary diffusion coefficients for mixtures of monoethanolamine + water, cyclohexane + toluene, and methanol + toluene for temperatures between T = 298.15 and 330.15 K. The experimental diffusion coefficients agree well with available literature data. For the mixture methanol + toluene, literature data was only found for T = 298.15 K. The novel setup was therefore used to determine temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients of methanol + toluene up to T = 328.15 K. The experimental data are also compared to a temperature correlation for diffusion coefficients in concentrated solutions. While the correlation describes the temperature dependence well for simple systems, measurement techniques remain indispensable for diffusion in complex mixtures.     

Resveratrol products resulting by free radical attack

Trans-resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene; RES), which is contained in red wine and many plants, is one of the most relevant and extensively investigated stilbenes with a broad spectrum of biological activities. Among other duties, RES has been reported to have anti-carcinogenetic activities, which could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. The degradation of RES was studied under various conditions. The products (aldehydes, carboxylic acids, etc.) generated from RES by the attack of free radicals were registered as a function of the radical concentration (absorbed radiation dose). Based on the obtained data it appears that the OH radicals are initiating the rather complicated process, which involves of the numerous consecutive reactions. A possible starting reaction mechanism is presented.     

Diffusion current at microdisk electrodes—application to accurate measurement of diffusion coefficients

Stationary electrodes (platinum and glassy carbon) were used for accurate measurement of diffusion coefficients. The theoretical diffusion current-time profile was calculated by digital simulation, by means of which the diffusion coefficient and the product of the charge number of electrode reaction n and the reactant concentration c^o were determined simultaneously from a single chronoamperogram. The feasibility of the method was demonstrated by measuring the diffusion coefficients of Tl(I) ions. When the nc^o value agreed with the corresponding known value, the diffusion coefficients were in good agreement with the standard values determined by the thin-walled hanging mercury drop electrode method. The diffusion coefficient of hexacyanoferrate(III) ions in 1 mol dm^?3 KCl at, 25°C was also determined.     

Thermokinetic analysis of two-step curing reactions in melt: Part I. Investigation of low molecular model systems

Kinetic investigations of thermo-controlled two-step reactions between an uretdione cross-linker and OH-groups are undertaken. Non-isothermal DSC measurements are chosen for the determination of the kinetic parameters (E, A, n) using of THERMOKINETICS software. The system can be described very accurately with a four-step kinetic model of consecutive reactions. On the basis of the kinetic model and parameters the realization of the first reaction step, which is the formation of the allophanate network is simulated. Finally, the result of the calculated progress of the reaction is evaluated by FT-IR and isothermal DSC measurements.     

The cis-trans Isomerisation of Homologous 2-Hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic Acids under Basic Conditions

The cis→trans isomerisation of homologous 2-hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acids in strongly basic aqueous solution was studied starting from the cis isomers. It was found that the cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cycloheptane homologues afforded synthetically useful amounts of the trans acids and the procedure resulted in relatively small quantities of the corresponding olefinic acids. In contrast, the isomerisation of the cis-2-hydroxycyclooctanecarboxylic acid produced roughly equal amounts of the cis and trans isomers and the 1-cyclooctenecarboxylic acid at equilibrium. Molecular modelling with the PM3 semiempirical method of the reactants, products and the intermediates applying explicit water molecules as reaction medium gave a fair estimate for the rate sequence of the idealised （dehydration-free） isomerisation reactions in aqueous base solution.     

ortho-Quinodimethane from anthracene epidioxide: Scope of the Diels–Alder reaction and mild preparation of naphthalene derivatives

The thermal isomerisation of anthracene epidioxide 3 has been known to give phenylenedioxy-ortho-quinodimethane 5 as a reactive transient. We presented herein the scope of the Diels–Alder reaction of this transient 5 with some dienophiles. In addition, a mild synthesis of naphthalene derivatives has been developed via base-induced cleavage of the obtained Diels–Alder adducts.     

Evaluation of the separation performance of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a virtual stationary phase for chromatographic NMR

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as a virtual stationary phase to separate p‐xylene, benzyl alcohol, and p‐methylphenol by the chromatographic NMR technique. The effects of concentration and weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of PVP, solvent viscosity, solvent polarity, and sample temperature on the resolution of these components were investigated. It was found that both higher PVP concentration and higher PVP Mw caused the increase of diffusion resolution for the three components. Moreover, the diffusion resolution did not change at viscosity‐higher solvents. Moreover, the three components showed different resolution at different solvents. As temperature increased, the diffusion resolution between p‐xylene and benzyl alcohol gradually increased, and the one between p‐xylene and p‐methylphenol slightly increased from 278 to 298 K and then decreased above 298 K. It was also found that the polarity of the analytes played an important role for the separation by affecting the diffusion coefficient. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.