Kinetics of the diazotization and azo coupling reactions of procaine in the micellar media

The kinetics of the diazotization reaction of procaine in the presence of anionic micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cationic micelles of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DDTAB) and tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (TDTAB) were carried out spectrophotometrically at λ_max = 289 nm. The values of the pseudo first order rate constant were found to be linearly dependent upon the [NaNO₂] in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ to 12.0 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ in the presence of 2.0 × 10⁻² mol dm⁻³ acetic acid. The concentration of procaine was kept constant at 6.50 × 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³. The addition of the cationic surfactants increased the reaction rate and gave plateau like curve. The addition of SDS micelles to the reactants initially increased the rate of reaction and gave maximum like curve. The maximum value of the rate constant was found to be 9.44 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ at 2.00 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ SDS concentration. The azo coupling of diazonium ion with β-naphthol (at λ_max = 488) nm was found to linearly dependent upon [ProcN₂⁺] in the presence of both the cationic micelles (CTAB, DDTAB and TDTAB) and anionic micelles (SDS). Both the cationic and anionic micelles inhibited the rate of reactions. The kinetic results in the presence of micelles are explained using the Berezin pseudophase model. This model was also used to determine the kinetic parameters e.g. k_m, K_s from the observed results of the variation of rate constant at different [surfactants].     

A simple method of electrochemical lithium intercalation within graphite from a propylene carbonate-based solution

Electrochemical lithium intercalation within graphite from 1 mol dm^− 3 solution of LiClO₄ in propylene carbonate (PC) was investigated at 25 and − 15 °C. Lithium ions were intercalated into and de-intercalated from graphite reversibly at − 15 °C despite the use of pure PC as the solvent. However, ceaseless solvent decomposition and intense exfoliation of graphene layers occurred at 25 °C. The results of the Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that the interaction between PC molecules and lithium ions became weaker at − 15 °C by chemical exchange effects, which suggested that the thermodynamic stability of the solvated lithium ions was an important factor that determined the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in PC-based solutions. Charge–discharge analysis revealed that the nature of the SEI formed at − 15 °C in 1 mol dm^− 3 of LiClO₄ in PC was significantly different from that formed at 25 °C in 1 mol dm^− 3 of LiClO₄ in PC containing vinylene carbonate, 3.27 mol kg^− 1 of LiClO₄ in PC, and 1 mol dm^− 3 of LiClO₄ in ethylene carbonate.     

Catalytic effect of CTAB on the interaction of dipeptide glycyl-tyrosine (Gly-Tyr) with ninhydrin

The effect of cationic micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the interaction of dipeptide glycyl-tyrosine (Gly-Tyr) with ninhydrin under varying conditions has been studied spectrophotometrically at 70 °C and pH 5.0. The reaction followed first- and fractional-order kinetics with respect to [Gly-Tyr] and [ninhydrin], respectively. Increase in total concentration of CTAB from 0 to 70 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ resulted in an increase in the pseudo-first-order rate constant (k_ψ) by a factor of ca. 3. Quantitative kinetic analysis of k_ψ − [CTAB] data was performed on the basis of pseudo-phase model of the micelles (proposed by Menger and Portnoy and developed by Bunton) and Piszkiewicz model. A possible mechanism has been proposed and the kinetic data have been used to evaluate the micellar binding constants K_S (268 mol⁻¹ dm³ for Gly-Tyr) and K_N (64 mol⁻¹ dm³ for ninhydrin).     

Electro-reduction of cuprous chloride powder to copper nanoparticles in an ionic liquid

Cyclic voltammetry of the CuCl powder in a cavity microelectrode revealed direct electro-reduction in solid state in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. Potentiostatic electrolysis of the salt powder (attached to a current collector) in the ionic liquid produced Cu nanoparticles as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size decreased down to 10 nm when the electrode potential was shifted from −0.9 V to −1.8 V (versus Ag/Ag⁺). The electro-reduction and the nanoparticle formation mechanisms were investigated in the ionic liquid and also in aqueous 0.1 mol L⁻¹ KClO₄ in which larger Cu particles were obtained.     

Reactivity of H atoms and hydrated electrons with chlorobenzoic acids

H radicals react with chlorobenzoic acids and chlorobenzene (k(H+substrates)=(0.7–1.5)×10⁹ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) by addition to the benzene ring forming H adducts with characteristic absorption bands in the range of 310–360 nm. The rate constants for their second-order decay are 2k=(3.5–6)×10⁸ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. By reduction with e_aq⁻ fragmentation and chloride release was established for 2- and 4-chlorobenzoic acid, for 3-chlorobenzoic acid the addition of electrons to the carboxylate group was observed by pulse radiolysis. By gamma radiolysis could be proved that these radical anions undergo intramolecular electron transfer and quantitave dechlorination. The efficiency in degradation was 4-chlorobenzoic acid>3-chlorobenzoic acid>2-chlorobenzoic acid. Benzoic acid was found as final product for all substrates.     

Radiolytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous solutions: Pulse and steady state radiolysis study

The radiation induced degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) has been studied by gamma irradiation, while the reactivity and spectral features of the short lived transients formed by reaction with primary transient radicals at different pHs has been investigated by pulse radiolysis technique. In steady state radiolysis a dose of 4.4 k Gy is able to degrade 98% of 1×10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³ 4-NP. 4-NP has pK_a at 7.1, above which it is present in the anionic form. At pH 5.2, ^•OH and N₃^• radicals were found to react with 4-NP with rate constants of 4.1×10⁹ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 2.8×10⁸ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. Differences in the absorption spectra of species formed in the reactions of 4-NP with ^•OH and N₃^• radicals suggested that ^•OH radicals add to the aromatic ring of 4-NP along with electron transfer reaction, whereas N₃^• radicals undergo only electron transfer reaction. At pH 9.2, rate constants for the reaction of ^•OH radicals with 4-NP was found to be higher by a factor of 2 compared to that at pH 5.2. This has been assigned to the deprotonation of 4-NP at pH 9.2.     

Oxidation of naringenin by gamma-radiation

The reaction of OH with naringenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone) in the presence of air induced the formation of the hydroxylation product eriodictyol (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone). Its yield was dependent on pH. The initial degradation yield of naringenin was G_i(-Nar)=(2.5±0.2)×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ J⁻¹. For the reaction with OH, a rate constant k (OH+naringenin)=(7.2±0.7)×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ was determined. In the presence of N₂O and NaN₃/N₂O, no eriodyctiol was formed. Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavon) was detected as decay product of the naringenin phenoxyl radicals. In Ar-saturated solutions, naringenin exhibited a pronounced radiation resistance, G(-naringenin) ∼0.3×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ J⁻¹.     

Reduction reactions of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme by CO- .2 radical in polyvinyl alcohol solution: a pulse radiolysis study

Pulse radiolytic reduction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme by CO^⨪₂ radical in presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been studied. At pH 6.8 in presence of 2% (w/v) PVA, reduction of BSA and lysozyme (both at 1×10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³) give an additional transient peak at 390 nm along with the usual 420 nm peak. The bimolecular rate constants for the reaction of CO^⨪₂ radical at pH 6.8±0.2 with BSA are 2.7×10⁸ and 7.13×10⁸ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 420 nm and 390 nm respectively. The same for lysozyme are 3.2×10⁸ and 5.6×10⁸ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 420 nm and 390 nm, respectively. Dimethyl disulfide also gives 390 nm and 420 nm peaks in this system upon reduction with CO^⨪₂ radical. The 390 nm peak is ascribed to the sulfenium radical (RSS(H)R). Studies on the variation of pH suggests the protonation of RSSR^⨪ radical (420 nm) to form RSS(H)R radical (390 nm) in this viscous media. The decay of RSS(H)R radical occurs via formation of RS radical and RS(H)S(H)R, the final product being RSH in both cases.     

Thermochemistry of some barium compounds

The molar enthalpies of reaction of metallic barium with 0.047 mol·dm⁻³ HClO₄ as well as the molar enthalpies of dissolution of BaCl₂ in 1.01 mol·dm⁻³ HCl and in water have been measured at T=298.15 K in a sealed swinging calorimeter with an isothermal jacket. From these results the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the barium ion in an aqueous solution at infinite dilution, as well as the enthalpies of formation of barium chloride and barium perchlorate, are calculated to be: Δ_fH⁰_m(Ba²⁺,aq)=−(535.83±1.25) kJ · mol⁻¹; Δ_fH⁰_m(BaCl₂,cr)=−(855.66±1.28) kJ · mol⁻¹; and Δ_fH⁰_m(BaClO₄,cr)=−(796.26±1.35) kJ · mol⁻¹. The results obtained are discussed and compared with previous experimental values.     

A direct borohydride–peroxide fuel cell using a Pd/Ir alloy coated microfibrous carbon cathode

A direct borohydride fuel cell with a Pd/Ir catalysed microfibrous carbon cathode and a gold-catalysed microporous carbon cloth anode is reported. The fuel and oxidant were NaBH₄ and H₂O₂, at concentrations within the range of 0.1–2.0 mol dm⁻³ and 0.05–0.45 mol dm⁻³, respectively. Different combinations of these reactants were examined at 10, 25 and 42 °C. At constant current density between 0 and 113 mA cm⁻², the Pd/Ir coated microfibrous carbon electrode proved more active for the reduction of peroxide ion than a platinised-carbon one. The maximum power density achieved was 78 mW cm⁻² at a current density of 71 mA cm⁻² and a cell voltage of 1.09 V.     

Thermodynamic properties of chloropinnoite

The molar enthalpies of solution of 2MgO · 2B₂O₃ · MgCl₂ · 14H₂O in approximately 1 mol · dm⁻³ aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) and of MgCl₂ · 6H₂O(s) in aqueous (approximately 1 mol · dm⁻³ HCl + MgCl₂ + H₃BO₃) at T=298.15 K were determined. From a combination of these results with measured enthalpies of solution of boric acid (H₃BO₃) in HCl(aq) and of magnesium oxide (MgO) in aqueous (HCl + H₃BO₃) solution, together with the standard molar enthalpies of formation of MgO(s), H₃BO₃(s), MgCl₂ · 6H₂O(s) and H₂O(l), the standard molar enthalpy of formation of −(8812 ± 3) kJ · mol⁻¹ of 2MgO · 2B₂O₃ · MgCl₂ · 14H₂O was obtained. Thermodynamic properties of this compound were also calculated by group contribution method.     

Photocatalysis of 4-nitrophenol using zinc phthalocyanine complexes

Photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-Np) in the presence of zinc tetrasulfophthalocyanine (ZnPcS₄), zinc octacarboxyphthalocyanine (ZnPc(COOH)₈) and a sulfonated ZnPc containing a mixture of differently sulfonated derivatives (ZnPcS_mix), as photocatalysts is reported. ZnPcS_mix is the most effective catalyst in terms of a high quantum yield for 4-Np degradation and the stability of the catalyst. However ZnPc(COOH)₈ degrades readily during the catalysis, but it has a higher quantum yield (Φ_4-Np) for 4-Np degradation than the rest of the complexes. The Φ_4-Np values were closely related to the singlet oxygen quantum yields Φ_Δ and hence aggregation. The rate constants for the reaction with 4-Np were k_r = 0.67 × 10⁶ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for ZnPcS_mix and 2.8 × 10⁸ mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for ZnPc(COOH)₈.     

Excess molar volumes of binary mixtures of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol with water,or acetone,or 1,4-difluorobenzene,or 4-fluorotoluene,or α,α,α, trifluorotoluene or 1-alcohols at a temperature of 298.15 K and pressure of 101 kPa

Excess molar volumes V_m^E of binary mixtures of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol with water, or acetone, or methanol, or ethanol, or 1-alcholos, or 1,4-difluorobenzene, or 4-fluorotoluene or α,α,α-trifluorotoluene were measured in a vibrating tube densimeter at temperature 298.15 K and pressure of 101 kPa. The V_m^E extrema are: 1.540 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 1-heptanol); 1.452 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 1-hexanol); 1.238 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 1-butanol); 0.821 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 4-fluorotoluene); 0.817 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + ethanol); 0.647 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + methanol); 0.618 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + acetone); 0.605 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + α,α,α-trifluorotoluene); 0.485 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + 1,4-difluorobenzene); and −0.656 cm³ · mol⁻¹ for (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol + water). The limiting excess partial molar volumes are estimated.     

Thermodynamic properties of soddyite from solubility and calorimetry measurements

The release of uranium from geologic nuclear waste repositories under oxidizing conditions can only be modeled if the thermodynamic properties of the secondary uranyl minerals that form in the repository setting are known. Toward this end, we synthesized soddyite ((UO₂)₂(SiO₄)(H₂O)₂), and performed solubility measurements from both undersaturation and supersaturation. The solubility measurements rigorously constrain the value of the solubility product of synthetic soddyite, and consequently its standard-state Gibbs free energy of formation. The log solubility product (lg K_sp) with its error (1σ) is (6.43 + 0.20/−0.37), and the standard-state Gibbs free energy of formation is (−3652.2 ± 4.2 (2σ)) kJ mol⁻¹. High-temperature drop solution calorimetry was conducted, yielding a calculated standard-state enthalpy of formation of soddyite of (−4045.4 ± 4.9 (2σ)) kJ · mol⁻¹. The standard-state Gibbs free energy and enthalpy of formation yield a calculated standard-state entropy of formation of soddyite of (−1318.7 ± 21.7 (2σ)) J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹. The measurements and associated thermodynamic calculations not only describe the T = 298 K stability and solubility of soddyite, but they also can be used in predictions of repository performance through extrapolation of these properties to repository temperatures.     

Thermodynamic properties of two zinc borates: 3ZnO·3B2O3·3.5H2O and 6ZnO·5B2O3·3H2O

Two pure zinc borates with microporous structure 3ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O and 6ZnO·5B₂O₃·3H₂O have been synthesized and characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TG techniques and chemical analysis. The molar enthalpies of solution of 3ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O(s) and 6ZnO·5B₂O₃·3H₂O(s) in 1 mol · dm⁻³ HCl(aq) were measured by microcalorimeter at T = 298.15 K, respectively. The molar enthalpies of solution of ZnO(s) in the mixture solvent of 2.00 cm³ of 1 mol · dm⁻³ HCl(aq) in which 5.30 mg of H₃BO₃ were added were also measured. With the incorporation of the previously determined enthalpy of solution of H₃BO₃(s) in 1 mol · dm⁻³ HCl(aq), together with the use of the standard molar enthalpies of formation for ZnO(s), H₃BO₃(s), and H₂O(l), the standard molar enthalpies of formation of −(6115.3 ± 5.0) kJ · mol⁻¹ for 3ZnO·3B₂O₃·3.5H₂O and −(9606.6 ± 8.5) kJ · mol⁻¹ for 6ZnO·5B₂O₃·3H₂O at T = 298.15 K were obtained on the basis of the appropriate thermochemical cycles.     

One-step fabrication of chitosan–hematite nanotubes composite film and its biosensing for hydrogen peroxide

This work reports on a novel chitosan–hematite nanotubes composite film on a gold foil by a simple one-step electrodeposition method. The hybrid chitosan–hematite nanotubes (Chi–HeNTs) film exhibits strong electrocatalytic reduction activity for H₂O₂. Interestingly, two electrocatalytic reduction peaks are observed at −0.24 and −0.56 V (vs SCE), respectively, one controlled by surface wave and the other controlled by diffusion process. The Chi–HeNTs/Au electrode shows a linear response to H₂O₂ concentration ranging from 1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.6 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 5 × 10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹ and a sensitivity as high as 1859 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻².     

Mutual and self-diffusion of charged porphyrines in aqueous solutions

We have investigated the diffusion properties for an ionic porphyrin in water. Specifically, for the {tetrasodium tetraphenylporphyrintetrasulfonate (Na₄TPPS) + water} binary system, the self-diffusion coefficients of TPPS⁴⁻ and Na⁺, and the mutual diffusion coefficients were experimentally determined as a function of Na₄TPPS concentration from (0 to 4) · 10⁻³ mol · dm⁻³ at T = 298.15 K. Absorption spectra for this system were obtained over the same concentration range. Molecular mechanics were used to compute size and shape of the TPPS⁴⁻ porphyrin. We have found that, at low solute concentrations (<0.5 · 10⁻³ mol · dm⁻³), the mutual diffusion coefficient sharply decreases as the concentration increases. This can be related to both the ionic nature of the porphyrin and complex associative processes in solution. Our experimental results are discussed on the basis of the Nernst equation, Onsager–Fuoss theory and porphyrin metal ion association. In addition, self-diffusion of TPPS⁴⁻ was used, together with the Stokes–Einstein equation, to determine the equivalent hydrodynamic radius of TPPS⁴⁻. By approximating this porphyrin to a disk, we have estimated structural parameters of TPPS⁴⁻. These were found to be in good agreement with those obtained using molecular mechanics. Our work shows how the self-diffusion coefficient of an ionic porphyrin in water is substantially different from the corresponding mutual-diffusion coefficient in both magnitude and concentration dependence. This aspect should be taken into account when diffusion-based transport is modelled for in vitro and in vivo applications of pharmaceutical relevance.     

Speeds of sound in {(1 − x)CH4 + xN2} with x = (0.10001, 0.19999, and 0.5422) at temperatures between 170 K and 400 K and pressures up to 30 MPa

The speed of sound in {(1 − x)CH₄ + xN₂} has been measured with a spherical acoustic resonator. Two mixtures with x = (0.10001 and 0.19999) were studied along isotherms at temperatures between 220 K and 400 K with pressures up to 20 MPa; a few additional measurements at p = (25 and 30) MPa are also reported. A third mixture with x = 0.5422 was studied along pseudo-isochores at amount-of-substance densities between 0.2 mol · dm⁻³ and 5 mol · dm⁻³. Corrections for molecular vibrational relaxation are discussed in detail and relaxation times are reported. The overall uncertainty of the measured speeds of sound is estimated to be not worse than ±0.02%, except for those measurements in the mixture with x = 0.5422 that lie along the pseduo-isochore at the highest amount-of-substance density. The results have been compared with the predictions of several equations of state used for natural gas systems.     

Effect of hydrolysis on the diffusion of ferric sulphate in aqueous solutions at T = 298.15 K

Diffusion coefficients of the Fe₂(SO₄)₃)/water system at T = 298.15 K and at concentrations between 0.050 mol · dm⁻³ and 0.200 mol · dm⁻³ have been measured, using a conductimetric cell and an automatic apparatus to follow diffusion. The cell uses an open-ended capillary method. A conductimetric technique is used to follow the diffusion process by measuring the resistance of a solution inside the capillaries at recorded times. These data are discussed on the basis of the Onsager–Fuoss model. The diffusion of Fe₂(SO₄)₃ is clearly affected by the Fe (III) hydrolysis. These data permit us to have a better understanding of the structure of such systems and the thermodynamic behaviour of ferric sulphate in different media.     

Cathodic carboxylation of gold in thick {Au-CO2}n layers. A model for reversible electrochemical sequestration of CO2

Catalytic reduction of CO₂ (saturated in organic polar solvents, e.g. N,N-dimethylfomamide, containing Me₄NX or NaBF₄) was achieved at smooth gold electrodes and at glassy carbon electrodes galvanostatically capped with a thin layer of gold. Under these quite explicit conditions, very sharp reduction steps were observed near − 1.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl. With small cations listed above, an unexpected behavior was observed, a progressive electrode inhibition occurring upon several scans or after a fixed-potential electrolysis at E < − 1.7 V. This phenomenon could be attributed to the insertion of CO₂ into gold, leading to the formation of a thick iono-metallic multi-strata layer (less conducting than pure metal) that grows with the electrode charge. The formation of this new interface is due to the concur of three elements: transient CO₂ anion radical, the metal, and rather small-sized cations (M⁺ = Na⁺ or TMA⁺), the three possibly associated in a form {Au-CO₂⁻,M⁺} apparently very reactive with oxygen, moisture, and with some organic π-acceptors. Upon multi-scans up to − 2.2 V, the thickness of formed layer progressively increases reaching more than 10^− 7 to 10^− 6 mol cm^− 2. Such multi-layers undergo decomposition in the anodic domain at about + 1.7 V liberating CO₂ beforehand trapped in Au. Coulometric analyses demonstrated that insertion (cathodic) and release (anodic) steps are quite equivalent, which permits to consider this process as chemically reversible sequestration of carbon dioxide.