Iron isotope fractionation between liquid and vapor phases of iron pentacarbonyl

Iron isotope fractionation between liquid and vapor iron pentacarbonyl was measured in a closed system at ∼0 and ∼21 °C to determine if Fe isotope analysis of iron pentacarbonyl vapor is viable using electron-impact, gas-source mass spectrometry. At the 2σ level, there is no significant Fe isotope fractionation between vapor and liquid under conditions thought to reflect equilibrium. Experiments at ∼0 °C indicate iron pentacarbonyl vapor is ∼0.05 per mil (‰) greater in ⁵⁶Fe/⁵⁴Fe than liquid iron pentacarbonyl, which is just resolvable at the 1σ level. Partial decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl vapor or liquid to an iron oxide or iron metal shows that significant isotopic fractionation occurs, where the decomposed product has a lower ⁵⁶Fe/⁵⁴Fe ratio as compared to the starting iron pentacarbonyl. It follows that methods to decompose iron pentacarbonyl must be quantitative to obtain accurate isotope values.     

Determination of compound-specific Hg isotope ratios from transient signals using gas chromatography coupled to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS)

MeHg and inorganic Hg compounds were measured in aqueous media for isotope ratio analysis using aqueous phase derivatization, followed by purge-and-trap preconcentration. Compound-specific isotope ratio measurements were performed by gas chromatography interfaced to MC-ICP/MS. Several methods of calculating isotope ratios were evaluated for their precision and accuracy and compared with conventional continuous flow cold vapor measurements. An apparent fractionation of Hg isotopes was observed during the GC elution process for all isotope pairs, which necessitated integration of signals prior to the isotope ratio calculation. A newly developed average peak ratio method yielded the most accurate isotope ratio in relation to values obtained by a continuous flow technique and the best reproducibility. Compound-specific isotope ratios obtained after GC separation were statistically not different from ratios measured by continuous flow cold vapor measurements. Typical external uncertainties were 0.16‰ RSD (n = 8) for the ²⁰²Hg^/198Hg ratio of MeHg and 0.18‰ RSD for the same ratio in inorganic Hg using the optimized operating conditions. Using a newly developed reference standard addition method, the isotopic composition of inorganic Hg and MeHg synthesized from this inorganic Hg was measured in the same run, obtaining a value of δ ²⁰²Hg = −1.49 ± 0.47 (2SD; n = 10). For optimum performance a minimum mass of 2 ng per Hg species should be introduced onto the column.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a homoleptic cerium(III) propiolamidinate

The first potassium salt of a propiolamidinate ligand, K[PhCC(NⁱPr)₂] (1), was prepared in 51% yield by addition of potassium phenylacetylide to N,N′-diisopropylcarbodiimide. Subsequent reaction of 1 with anhydrous cerium(III) trichloride in a molar ratio of 3:1 in THF afforded the first homoleptic lanthanide tris(propiolamidinate) derivative, [PhCC(NⁱPr)₂]₃Ce (2), in the form of bright yellow crystals in 71% yield.     

AM1 Sparkle modeling of Er(III) and Ce(III) coordination compounds

The recently defined Sparkle/AM1 model is now extended to Er(III) and Ce(III), using the same parameterization scheme. Thus, a set of fifteen complexes for each lanthanide ion, with various representative ligands of high crystallographic quality (R factor < 0.05 Å), and which possess oxygen and/or nitrogen as coordinating atoms, was used as the training set. In the validation procedure we used a set of twenty-two more complex structures for the Ce(III) ion and twenty-four more for the Er(III) ion, all of high crystallographic quality. For the thirty-seven cerium(III) complexes and thirty-nine erbium(III) complexes considered, the Sparkle/AM1 unsigned mean error, for all interatomic distances between the Ln(III) ion and the ligand atoms of the first sphere of coordination, is 0.08 and 0.06 Å, a level of accuracy comparable to present day ab initio/ECP geometries, while being hundreds of times faster. The Sparkle/AM1 model may thus prove useful for luminescent complex design.     

Spectrophotometric studies and analytical application of Ce(III) chelates with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN)

A sensitive procedure for spectrophotometric determination of cerium(III) has been developed. AtpH 10.2 cerium reacts with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol in 40% ethanol to form a red complex which has an absorption maximum at 545 nm. The molar absorptivity at 545 is 3.95·10³ mol^–1. Maximum stability of the complex was attained in pure ethanol. The stoichiometries and structures of the chelates were studied applying conductometric titration, visible spectrophotometry and IR spectrophotometry. The IR spectra revealed that coordination takes place through the N=N, C-OH and pyridyl group.

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Spektrophotometrische Untersuchungen und analytische Anwendung von Ce(III)-Chelaten mit 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN)

Zusammenfassung Es wurde eine empfindliche Methode zur spektrophotometrischen Bestimmung von Cer(III) entwickelt. Bei einempH von 10,2 reagiert Cer mit 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol in 40% Ethanol unter Bildung eines roten Komplexes mit einem Absorptionsmaximum bei 545 nm (=3 950). Der Komplex besitzt in reinem Ethanol ein Maximum an Stabilität. Die Stöchiometrien und Strukturen der gebildeten 1:1- und 1:2-Chelate wurden mittels konduktometrischer Titration, Elektronen- und IR-Spektrometrie untersucht. Die IR-Daten zeigen, daß die Koordination über N=N, C-OH und Pyridyl erfolgt.

     

Oxidation of ketones by cerium(IV) in presence of iridium(III) chloride

Kinetic data, in iridium(III) chloride catalyzed oxidation of ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) and methyl propyl ketone (MPK) by cerium(IV) perchlorate in aqueous perchloric acid medium, suggest the formation of complex C₁ between cerium(IV) and organic substrate in the first equilibrium step, which in turn gives rise to another complex C₂ with the catalyst. This second complex in the rate-determining step gives rise to the intermediate products. Interestingly IrCl_3, which is considered to be a sluggish catalyst in alkaline media, was found to surpass the catalytic efficiency of even osmium and ruthenium in acidic media. Rate decreases in the beginning at low acid concentrations, but after reaching to a minimum it becomes directly proportional to acid concentrations. Probably on increasing the acid concentrations hydrolyzed species of ceric perchlorate gradually converts into the un-hydrolyzed species, which then accelerates the rate at higher [H⁺], resulting in the observed peculiar effect of hydrogen ions on the rate. Initial concentrations of cerium(IV) and acid determine the extent of reduction of cerium(IV) by water. Order of the reaction shows direct proportionality with respect to the oxidant and ketones at their low concentrations, but tends to become zeroth order at their higher concentrations. Rate of the reaction shows direct proportionality with respect to [IrCl₃] while change in ionic strength of the medium does not affect the reaction velocity. Parameters such as the energy of activation, free energy of activation and entropy data suggest that methyl propyl ketone forms the activated complex more easily compared to ethyl methyl ketone.     

Chemoselective allylation of aldehydes using cerium(III) chloride: simple synthesis of homoallylic alcohols

Aldehydes undergo smooth nucleophilic addition with allyltributylstannane in the presence of CeCl₃·7H₂O in acetonitrile under extremely mild reaction conditions to afford the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in excellent yields with high chemoselectivity. This method is very useful especially for the allylation of aldehydes bearing acid sensitive functionalities such as TBDMS, THP ethers, acetonides, aryl alkyl ethers and carbamates.     

Coordination of Ce(III) and Nd(III) with pentaethylene glycol in the presence of picrate anion: Spectroscopic and X-ray structural studies

¹H NMR evidence for direct coordination between the Ln(III) ion and the oxygen atoms of the pentaethylene glycol (EO5) ligand and the picrate anion (Pic) in [Ln(Pic)₂(EO5)][Pic] {Ln = Ce and Nd} complexes are confirmed by single X-ray diffraction. No dissociation of Ln–O bonds in dimethyl sulfoxide-d solution was observed in NMR studies conducted at different temperatures ranging 25–100 °C. The Ln(III) ion was chelated to nine oxygen atoms from the EO5 ligand in a hexadentate manner and the two Pic anions in each bidentate and monodentate modes. Both compounds are isostructural and crystallized in monoclinic with space group P2₁/c. Coordination environment around the Ce1 and Nd1 atoms can be described as tricapped trigonal prismatic and monocapped square antiprismatic geometries, respectively. The crystal packing of the complexes have stabilized by one dimensional (1D) chains along the [0 0 1] direction to form intermolecular O–HO and C–HO hydrogen bonding. The molar conductance of the complexes in DMSO solution indicated that both compounds are ionic. The complexes had a good thermal stability. Under the UV-excitation, these complexes exhibited the red-shift emission.     

Mass spectrometric method for the absolute calibration of the intramolecular nitrogen isotope distribution in nitrous oxide

A mass spectrometric method to determine the absolute intramolecular (position-dependent) nitrogen isotope ratios of nitrous oxide (N₂O) has been developed. It is based on the addition of different amounts of doubly labeled ¹⁵N₂O to an N₂O sample of the isotope ratio mass spectrometer reference gas, and subsequent measurement of the relative ion current ratios of species with mass 30, 31, 44, 45, and 46. All relevant quantities are measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometers, which means that the machines inherent high precision of the order of 10^–5 can be fully exploited. External determination of dilution factors with generally lower precision is avoided. The method itself can be implemented within a day, but a calibration of the oxygen and average nitrogen isotope ratios relative to a primary isotopic reference material of known absolute isotopic composition has to be performed separately. The underlying theoretical framework is explored in depth. The effect of interferences due to ¹⁴N¹⁵N¹⁶O and ¹⁵N¹⁴N¹⁶O in the ¹⁵N₂O sample and due to ¹⁵N ₂ ⁺ formation are fully accounted for in the calculation of the final position-dependent nitrogen isotope ratios. Considering all known statistical uncertainties of measured quantities and absolute isotope ratios of primary isotopic reference materials, we achieve an overall uncertainty of 0.9 (1). Using tropospheric N₂O as common reference point for intercomparison purposes, we find a substantially higher relative enrichment of ¹⁵N at the central nitrogen atom over ¹⁵N at the terminal nitrogen atom than measured previously for tropospheric N₂O based on a chemical conversion method: 46.3±1.4 as opposed to 18.7±2.2. However, our method depends critically on the absolute isotope ratios of the primary isotopic reference materials air–N₂ and VSMOW. If they are systematically wrong, our estimates will also necessarily be incorrect.     

Regioselective radical addition of 3-oxopropanenitriles with terminal dienes promoted by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate and manganese(III) acetate

Radical addition of 3-oxopropanenitriles to 1,3-butadiene derivatives promoted by (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₂)₆ and Mn(OAc)₃ afforded 5-ethenyl-4,5-dihydrofuran-3-carbonitriles in low to good yields. These dihydrofurans were characterised by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and HRMS spectra. All radical additions performed via CAN and Mn(OAc)₃ were occurred on the terminal double bond on dienes. A mechanism for the formation of the dihydrofurans was proposed.     

Determination of U isotope ratios in sediments using ICP-QMS after sample cleanup with anion-exchange and extraction chromatography

The determination of uranium is important for environmental radioactivity monitoring, which investigates the releases of uranium from nuclear facilities and of naturally occurring radioactive materials by the coal, oil, natural gas, mineral, ore refining and phosphate fertilizer industries, and it is also important for studies on the biogeochemical behavior of uranium in the environment. In this paper, we describe a quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-QMS)-based analytical procedure for the accurate determination of U isotope ratios (²³⁵U/²³⁸U atom ratio and ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio) in sediment samples. A two-stage sample cleanup using anion-exchange and TEVA extraction chromatography was employed in order to obtain accurate and precise ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios. The factors that affect the accuracy and precision of U isotope ratio analysis, such as detector dead time, abundance sensitivity, dwell time and mass bias were carefully evaluated and corrected. With natural U, a precision lower than 0.5% R.S.D. for ²³⁵U/²³⁸U atom ratio and lower than 2.0% R.S.D. for ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio was obtained with less than 90 ng uranium. The developed analytical method was validated using an ocean sediment reference material and applied to an investigation into the uranium isotopic compositions in a sediment core in a brackish lake in the vicinity of U-related nuclear facilities in Japan.     

Selected isotope ratio measurements of light metallic elements (Li, Mg, Ca, and Cu) by multiple collector ICP-MS

The unique capabilities of multiple collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for high precision isotope ratio measurements in light elements as Li, Mg, Ca, and Cu are reviewed in this paper. These elements have been intensively studied at the Geological Survey of Israel (GSI) and other laboratories over the past few years, and the methods used to obtain high precision isotope analyses are discussed in detail. The scientific study of isotopic fractionation of these elements is significant for achieving a better understanding of geochemical and biochemical processes in nature and the environment.     

A cerium(III) selective polyvinyl chloride membrane sensor based on a Schiff base complex of N,N'-bis[2-(salicylideneamino)ethyl]ethane-1,2-diamine

A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based membrane sensor for cerium ions was prepared by employing N,N′-bis[2-(salicylideneamino)ethyl]ethane-1,2-diamine as an ionophore, oleic acid (OA) as anion excluder and o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (o-NPOE) as plasticizer. The plasticized membrane sensor exhibits a Nernstian response for Ce(III) ions over a wide concentration range (1.41 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10⁻² M) with a limit of detection as low as 8.91 × 10⁻⁸ M. It has a fast response time (<10 s) and can be used for 4 months. The sensor revealed a very good selectivity with respect to common alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal ions. The response of the proposed sensor is independent of pH between 3.0 and 8.0. It was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of fluoride, carbonate and oxalate anions and determination of cerium in simulated mixtures.     

The rôle of countercurrent chromatography in the fractionation of complex mixtures

The biologically active pricipals in nature are frequently present as only a few parts per million of complex mixtures of non-volatile components and often have limited stability. Their isolation often requires the application of all available techniques, such as adsorption chromatography, ion exchange procedures, size exclusion techniques, and solvent partition methods consistent with their physical properties and stability. The process of countercurret chromatography is essentially liquid-liquid chromatography in which the stationary liquid bed is retained in the column by a force field rather than by a solid supporting matrix. Adsorption effects are thereby eliminated. The technique is particularly advantageous in the preparative separation of milligram to gram quantities of polar and labile organic compounds and bio-particulate materials such as cells and cell fragments. Virtually any twophase solvent system, either aqueous or non-aqueous may be employed. Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) provides a convenlent alternative to adsorption chromatography for fractionation of natural products or other complex mixtures. In some cases, this high resolution method offers advantages with regard to the avoidance of contamination from solid adsorbents, versatility, and relatively inexpensive operation. The article covers some of the applications, selection of solvents, and advantages of CCC.     

Separation of chlorophenols on a cation-exchanger in Ce(III) form

Summary The separation of chlorophenols on Dowex 50 WX 8 200/400 mesh resin in the H⁺ form and in the M³⁺ form has been investigated using a mixture of aqueous sulphuric acid and organic modifiers (e.g. acetonitrile or isopropanol) as the eluent. It was shown that formation of Ce³⁺ complexes with chlorophenols is a more specific interaction than physical adsorption or phase partition. Full separation of the compounds examined was achieved by elution from a column with the resin in the Ce³⁺ form.     

Spectroscopic,electrochemical, and structural aspects of the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) DOTA redox couple chemistry in aqueous solutions

The redox potential of the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) DOTA is determined to be 0.65 V versus SCE, pointing out a stabilization of ~13 orders of magnitude for the Ce(IV)DOTA complex, as compared to Ce(IV)_aq. The Ce(III)DOTA after electrochemical oxidation yields a Ce(IV)DOTA complex with a t_1/2 ~3 h and which is suggested to retain the “in cage” geometry. Chemical oxidation of Ce(III)DOTA by diperoxosulfate renders a similar Ce(IV)DOTA complex with the same t_1/2. From the electrochemical measurements, one calculates logK (Ce(IV)DOTA^2?) ~ 35.9. Surprisingly, when Ce(IV)DOTA is obtained by mixing Ce(IV)_aq with DOTA, a different species is obtained with a 2 : 1(M : L) stoichiometry. This new complex, Ce(IV)DOTACe(IV), shows redox and spectroscopic features which are different from the electrochemically prepared Ce(IV)DOTA. When one uses thiosulfate as a reducing agent of Ce(IV)DOTACe(IV), one gets a prolonged lifetime of the latter. The reductant seems to serve primarily as a coordinating ligand with a geometry which does not facilitate inner sphere electron transfer. The reduction process rate in this case could be dictated by an outer sphere electron transfer or DOTA exchange by S₂O₃^2?. Both Ce(IV)DOTA and Ce(IV)DOTACe(IV) have similar kinetic stability and presumably decompose via decarboxylation of the polyaminocarboxylate ligand.     

Coordination and extraction studies of an unexplored bi-functional ligand,carbamoyl methyl pyrazole (CMPz) with uranium(VI), lanthanum(III) and cerium(III) nitrates

The bi-functional carbamoyl methyl pyrazole ligands, C₅H₇N₂CH₂CONBu₂ (L₁), C₅H₇N₂CH₂CONⁱBu₂ (L₂), C₃H₃N₂CH₂CONBu₂ (L₃), C₃H₃N₂CH₂CONⁱBu₂ (L₄) and C₅H₇N₂CH₂CON(C₈H₁₇)₂ (L₅) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analysis methods. The selected coordination chemistry of L₁ to L₄ with [UO₂(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O], [La(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O] and [Ce(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O] has been evaluated. Structures for the compounds [UO₂(NO₃)₂ C₅H₇N₂CH₂CONBu₂] (6) [UO₂(NO₃)₂ C₅H₇N₂CH₂CONⁱBu₂] (7) and [Ce(NO₃)₃{C₃H₃N₂CH₂CONⁱBu₂}₂] (11) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Preliminary extraction studies of the ligand L₅ with U(VI) and Pu(IV) in tracer level showed an appreciable extraction for U(VI) and Pu(IV) up to 10 M HNO₃ but not for Am(III). Thermal studies of the compounds 6 and 7 in air revealed that the ligands can be destroyed completely on incineration.     

Pitfalls in compound-specific isotope analysis of environmental samples

In the last decade compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) has evolved as a valuable technique in the field of environmental science, especially in contaminated site assessment. Instrumentation and methods exist for highly precise measurements of the isotopic composition of organic contaminants even in a very low concentration range. Nevertheless, the determination of precise and accurate isotope data of environmental samples can be a challenge. Since CSIA is gaining more and more popularity in the assessment of in situ biodegradation of organic contaminants, an increasing number of authorities and environmental consulting offices are interested in the application of the method for contaminated site remediation. Because of this, it is important to demonstrate the problems and limitations associated with compound-specific isotope measurements of environmental samples. In this review, potential pitfalls of the analytical procedure are critically discussed and strategies to avoid possible sources of error are provided. In order to maintain the analytical quality and to ensure the basis for reliable stable isotope data, recommendations on groundwater sampling, and sample preservation and storage are given. Important aspects of sample preparation and preconcentration techniques to improve sensitivity are highlighted. Problems related to chromatographic resolution and matrix interference are discussed that have to be considered in order to achieve accurate gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry measurements. As a result, the need for a thorough investigation of compound-specific isotope fractionation effects introduced by any step of the overall analytical method by standards with known isotopic composition is emphasized. Finally, we address some important points that have to be considered when interpreting data from field investigations. Figure CSIA Principal (Carbon)