D2O‐catalyzed proton transfer selectivity of 4 different NH protons in the same molecule

When N‐benzyl‐N′‐methylacetamidinium hydrochloride (pKa=11.8) is dissolved in D₂O/DCl(1 M), an equilibrium of 2 54:46 stereoisomers in an ~2:1 =(R)N^δ+H(D) D/H ratio is formed. Therefore, 2 R =N‐benzyl (E and Z) and 2 R =N‐methyl (E and Z) groups attached to the corresponding H(D) (Z and E) for a total of 8 ¹H‐NMR signals are observed. Consequently, their rates of H and D transfer to D₂O can be measured by means of the ¹H‐NMR broadness (line shape) of the =(R )N^δ+H doublets and =(R )N^δ+D broad singlets. Acidity selectivity is observed for both processes. In fact, the relative proton and deuterium transfer rates follow the acidity order: =(PhCH₂)N^δ+‐H(E) > =(PhCH₂)N^δ+‐H(Z) > =(Me)N^δ+‐H(E) > =(Me)N^δ+‐H(Z). Proton transfer rates are in the range of 8 to 0.5 s^‐1 with α = .92. This tendency is independently supported by the observed experimental chemical shift deuterium isotopic perturbation. The rate‐limiting step for proton exchange is the breaking of the hydrogen bond due to the fast amidine reprotonation (~10¹¹ s). =(R)N^δ+D/=(R)N^δ+H equilibration is reached at ~80 s, and it can be measured by the relative =(R) N^δ+H versus =(R) N^δ+D signal integrations. The equilibrium of the 4 =(R)N^δ+H(D) centers is shifted toward deuterium, but they are further shifted in the more basic centers. Equilibrium is completely shifted toward D in the 4 centers when OD^? contributes with the exchange process at pD > 3.     

Influence of photo and Auger electrons of the elements with high atomic numbers on formation of carbon x‐ray fluorescence intensity

The x‐ray fluorescence radiation of carbon was studied in the presence of elements with high atomic numbers in the material irradiated. It was found that photo and Auger electrons of such elements originating from ionization of shells remote from nucleus (L‐, M‐ and N‐shells) effectively excite atoms of carbon. Hence, using a matrix with Z > 30, the influence of the electrons should be considered, and using a matrix with Z > 50 this influence becomes decisive. Calculations of carbon x‐ray fluorescence intensity were executed for different x‐ray tube anodes. Their correctness is confirmed by agreement with experimental results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sulfonyl nitrenes from different sources: computational study of formation and transformations

The formation of sulfonyl nitrenes RSO₂N (R = Me, p‐Tol, CF₃) from different sources, such as sulfonyl azides RSO₂N₃, N‐halosulfonamides RSO₂NHHal, salts RSO₂NNaCl, N‐hydroxysulfonamides RSO₂NHOH and sulfonylimino‐λ³‐iodanes ArI = NSO₂R or ‐bromanes, by elimination of neutral molecules (N₂, HCl, NaCl, H₂O and ArHal, respectively) was studied theoretically at the density functional theory and second‐order Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory using the 6‐311++G(d,p) and cc‐pVTZ basis sets. The originally formed singlet nitrenes suffer nonradiative intersystem crossing to the triplet state (S₁ ? T₁) or, sometimes, undergo spontaneous barrierless pseudo‐Curtius rearrangement into the corresponding sulfonylamines RN = SO₂. The activation barriers decrease in the order (kcal/mol): RSO₂NHHal ~ RSO₂NHOH (60–70) ≥ RSO₂N(Na)Hal (40–50) > RSO₂N₃ (35) > RSO₂N = IPh (9–13) ≥ RSO₂N = BrC₆H₄CF₃ (4–8). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Localization and Screening Enhancement in Asymmetric Binary Ionic Mixtures

The equation of state of binary ionic mixtures of similar ions, such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon, has been extensively studied. The study of dense asymmetric mixtures, where Z₂ >> Z₁, has primarily focused on mixtures of hydrogen and iron at solar conditions. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we examine the behavior of highly asymmetric binary ionic mixtures, where the coupling of the high‐Z species may be orders of magnitude higher than the coupling of the low‐Z species. For the conditions we have studied, we find that strong correlations and signatures of solidification occur in the high‐Z species, while the low‐Z species exists as a freely flowing fluid within the high‐Z solid matrix. Solidification of the low‐Z species is correlated with the coupling between the two components. Using the Widom expansion method, we compute the plasma screening enhancement of the nuclear reaction rates for Z = 1 in a high‐Z matrix. We also provide some estimates of the coefficient of binary diffusion in the mixture. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Nucleophilicity of metal carbonyl anions in vinylic substitution reactions

Second order rate constants are reported for the reactions of metal carbonyl anions ([M(CO)_nL]^?) with several vinyl halides: PhCCl?C(CN)₂, Z‐ and E‐Ph(CN)C?CHHal (Hal = Cl, Br) which follow the addition–elimination (Ad_NE) substitution mechanism. The obtained data show that the nucleophilic reactivity of [M(CO)_nL]^? anions towards vinyl halides increases in the same order as in aliphatic S_N2 reactions, but much more steeply, by 14 orders of magnitude in the row log{ }: [CpFe(CO)₂]^? (～14), [Re(CO)₅]^? (7.8), [Mn(CO)₅]^? 2.1, [CpW(CO)₃]^? (0.7) > [CpMo(CO)₃]^? (0). A good correlation exists between nucleophilicities of [M(CO)_nL]^? anions towards vinyl (sp²‐carbon) and alkyl halides (sp³‐carbon) with slope 2.7. The reactivity of [M(CO)_nL]^? in a halogen–metal exchange process (with Z‐PhC(CN)?CHI) follows a similar ‘large’ scale as in the Ad_NE process. The nucleophilicity of [M(CO)_nL]^? anions correlates better with their one‐electron oxidation potentials (E_ox) than with their basicity (pK_a of [M(CO)_nL]H). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reactions of aryl chlorothionoformates with quinuclidines. A kinetic study

The reactions of quinuclidines with phenyl, 4‐chlorophenyl, 4‐cyanophenyl, and 4‐nitrophenyl chlorothionoformates ( 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 , respectively) are subjected to a kinetic study in aqueous solution, at 25.0°C, and an ionic strength of 0.2 M (KCl). The reactions are studied by following spectrophotometrically the release of the corresponding phenoxide anion/phenol generated in the parallel hydrolysis of the substrates. Under amine excess, pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficients (k_obs) are found. Plots of k_obs versus [amine] are linear, with slope k_N. The Brønsted‐type plots (log k_N vs. pK_a of aminium ions) are linear, with slopes β = 0.26, 0.22, 0.19, and 0.28 for the reactions with 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 , respectively. The magnitudes of the slopes indicate that these mechanisms are stepwise, with rate‐determining formation of a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T^±). A dual parametric equation with the pK_a of the nucleophiles and non‐leaving groups show β_N = 0.26 and β _nlg = ?0.16, also in accordance with the proposed mechanism. On the other hand, the reactivity of these thiocarbonyl substrates and their carbonyl derivatives was studied using their hardness index and compared with their experimental parameters, confirming the proposed mechanisms. By comparison of the title reactions with similar aminolyses, the following conclusions arise: (i) The mechanism of the reactions under investigation is stepwise with rate‐determining formation of T^±. (ii) The reactivity of the substrates toward quinuclidines follows the order 4 > 3 > 2 > 1 . (iii) Quinuclidines are more reactive than isobasic pyridines toward chlorothionoformates. (iv) Chlorothionoformates are less reactive than chloroformates towards quinuclidines in accordance with the HSAB principle. (v) The k_N values for phenyl chloroformate and 4 can be correlated with the pK_a of quinuclidines and also with the hardness values calculated by the HF/3‐21G level of theory. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Extending the quantitative analytical capabilities of the EDXRF technique for plant‐based samples

The energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique has limitations in the quantitative analysis of light elements (low‐Z analytes with Z < 10), for many reasons. This work, however, circumvents the problem through an a priori determination of low‐Z analytes, representative of plant‐based samples. The main purpose of this work was to characterize the major elements in the dark matrix of some plant‐based samples (including biomonitors) using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), and the results provided as a generalized input for EDXRF analysis. The derived stoichiometry and mass ratio for the moss, lichen, and cotton cellulose samples analyzed were found to be similar and close to C₇H₁₀O₅, with an average matrix of C = 49.8%, H = 4.0% and O = 45.8%. Quantitative analysis of plant‐based reference material IAEA‐336 (lichen) was subsequently carried out. Use of the a priori determined dark matrix elements (from one‐time RBS spectrometry) extended the scope of applicability of the EDXRF quantitative methods used, and improved accuracy in the elemental analysis of plant‐based samples. The results obtained were in good agreement with the reference values. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Patterns of inter‐elemental effects in EDXRF and a new correction method

A new method is suggested for improving the accuracy of energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) and its implementation is described. This method is a result of studying changes in coefficients of the inter‐elemental effect, A = f(Z). We created a data bank for elements from K to Br, which accounts for the effect of three lighter and five heavier neighboring elements upon the sought element. This study offers a physical explanation of sharp bends in coefficient curves. We suggest principles for optimizing the analytical region parameters so as to reduce the effect of neighboring elements. Finally, we describe the principles of building a data bank A = f(Z, R) to account for the effect of energy resolution (R) change. Application of the suggested method to the exploration of oceanic nodules reduced the cobalt detection threshold by 50–75% (C_lim?0.95 = 0.032%) and decreased the standard deviation of spectrum analysis, thus enhancing confidence in EDXRF as an effective tool for research on complex objects. The approach suggested in this study can be used with newer energy‐dispersive analyzers, including TXRF models. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electronic structure and enhanced visible‐light absorption of N,B‐codoped TiO2

We present GGA+U calculations to investigate the electronic structure and visible‐light absorption of N,B‐codoped anatase TiO₂. The N_sB_i (substitutional N, interstitial B) codoped TiO₂ produces significant Ti 3d and N 2p mid‐gap states when the distance of N and B atoms is far, whereas the N_iB_i (interstitial N and B) and N_sB_s (substitutional N and B) codoped TiO₂ prefer to form localized p states at 0.3–1.2 eV above the valence band maximum. Further, the optical band edges of the three codoped systems shift slightly to the visible region, but only the far‐distance N_sB_i codoped TiO₂ clearly shows an optical transition. These results indicate that N_sB_i codoped TiO₂ has a dominant contribution to the optical absorption of N,B‐codoped TiO₂. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Thermoelectric properties of homogeneously and non-homogeneously doped CdTe15/16M1/16 (M=N,P, As,Sb) and Cd15/16TeM1/16 (M=Na,K, Rb,Cs)

The electrical transport properties of p-doped semiconductors CdTe_15/16M_1/16 (M=N, P, As, Sb) and Cd_15/16TeM_1/16 (M=Na, K, Rb, Cs) with two configurations are investigated through first-principles calculations combined with Boltzmann transport theory under the relaxation time approximation. It is found that N and Cs atoms in the homogeneous structure induce much sharper electron densities of states (DOSs) and flatter energy bands at the valence band edges than the rest of doped elements, resulting in much larger Seebeck coefficients. The calculations reveal that most of the Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities are impacted unfavorably by the conglomeration of impurity atoms considered. Though the power factors for homogeneous doping of N and Cs are comparatively smaller, the electronic figures of merit are much larger at 800–1000 K than the rest ones due to much smaller electronic thermal conductivities, therefore probably enhancing the thermoelectric figures of merit. The results show that doping the elements with electronegativities distinct from the host atoms can enhance the Seebeck coefficients and the thermoelectric performances of bulk semiconductors efficiently if the energy levels of doped atoms resonate with those of host atoms and the arrangement of doped atoms is modulated appropriately to avoid deteriorating the sharpness of the DOS (or transport distribution).     

Measurement of the X‐ray mass attenuation coefficients of silver in the 5–20 keV range

The X‐ray mass attenuation coefficients of silver were measured in the energy range 5–20 keV with an accuracy of 0.01–0.2% on a relative scale down to 5.3 keV, and of 0.09–1.22% on an absolute scale to 5.0 keV. This analysis confirms that with careful choice of foil thickness and careful correction for systematics, especially including harmonic contents at lower energies, the X‐ray attenuation of high‐Z elements can be measured with high accuracy even at low X‐ray energies (<6 keV). This is the first high‐accuracy measurement of X‐ray mass attenuation coefficients of silver in the low energy range, indicating the possibility of obtaining high‐accuracy X‐ray absorption fine structure down to the L₁ edge (3.8 keV) of silver. Comparison of results reported here with an earlier data set optimized for higher energies confirms accuracy to within one standard error of each data set collected and analysed using the principles of the X‐ray extended‐range technique (XERT). Comparison with theory shows a slow divergence towards lower energies in this region away from absorption edges. The methodology developed can be used for the XAFS analysis of compounds and solutions to investigate structural features, bonding and coordination chemistry.     

The Z = 82 shell closure in neutron-deficient Pb isotopes

Recent mass measurements show a substantial weakening of the binding-energy difference δ_2p(Z, N) = E(Z - 2, N) - 2E(Z, N) + E(Z + 2, N) in the neutron-deficient Pb isotopes. As δ_2p is often attributed to the size of the proton magic gap, it might be speculated that reduction in δ_2p is related to a weakening of the spherical Z = 82 shell. We demonstrate that the observed trend is described quantitatively by self-consistent mean-field models in terms of deformed ground states of Hg and Po isotopes. Received: 25 October 2001 / Accepted: 28 February 2002     

Enols of 2‐nitro‐ and related 2‐substituted malonamides

The structures of 2‐substituted malonamides, YCH(CONR¹R²)CONR³R⁴ (Y = Br, SO₂Me, CONH₂, COMe, and NO₂) were investigated. When Y = Br, R¹R² = R³R⁴ = HEt; Y = SO₂Me, R¹–R⁴ = H and for Y = CONH₂ or CONHPh, R¹–R⁴ = Me, the structure in solution is that of the amide tautomer. X‐ray crystallography shows solid‐state amide structures for Y = SO₂Me or CONH₂, R¹–R⁴ = H. Nitromalonamide displays an enol structure in the solid state with a strong hydrogen bond (O^…O distance = 2.3730 Å at 100 K) and d(OH) ≠ d(O^…H). An apparently symmetric enol was observed in solution, even in appreciable percentages in highly polar solvents such as DMSO‐d₆, but K_enol values decrease on increasing the solvent polarity. The N,N′‐dimethyl derivative is less enolic. Acetylmalonamides display a mixture of enol on the acetyl group and amide in non‐polar solvents, and only the amide in DMSO‐d₆. DFT calculations gave the following order of pK_enol values for Y: H > CONH₂ > COMe ≥ COMe (on acetyl) ≥ MeSO₂ > CN > NO₂ in the gas phase, CHCl₃, and DMSO. The enol on the C?O group is preferred to the aci‐nitro compound, and the N? O? H^…O?C is less favored than the C?O? H^…O?C hydrogen bond. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Generation of experimental L x‐ray fluorescence cross‐sections for inter‐elements at inter‐energies EL1 ≤ E ≤ EK (computer program IGELCS)

The experimental values of L x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) cross‐sections are not available for all the elements in the range La–U, at all the photon energies E in the range EL1 ≤ E ≤ EK. To generate L XRF cross‐sections, where experimental measurements are not available, two empirical relations have been developed, one between the L XRF cross‐sections and photon energy and the other between the L XRF cross‐sections and atomic number. For the measured data on L XRF cross‐sections at incident energies between Ll and K edges of an element and the data on L XRF cross‐sections for elements in the range 57 ≤ Z ≤ 92 at an energy value, polynomial fits have been derived. The L XRF cross‐section values generated with the derived empirical relations were found to be in agreement with the experimental values within their experimental uncertainties. Subsequently, a software code IGELCS was developed to interpolate and to generate the cross‐sections at inter‐energies and for inter‐elements in a single computer run. The running of the software requires minimum input data on five elements at five common energies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of the 13C (C = N) chemical shifts of substituted N‐(phenyl‐ethylene)‐anilines and substituted N‐(benzylidene)‐anilines

Comparison of ¹³C NMR of C = N bond chemical shifts δ_C(C = N) in substituted N‐(phenyl‐ethylene)‐anilines XArC(Me) = NArY (XPEAYs) with that in substituted N‐(benzylidene)‐anilines XArCH = NArY (XBAYs) was carried out. The δ_C(C = N) of 61 samples of XPEAYs were measured, and the substituent effect on their δ_C(C = N) were investigated. The results show the factors affecting the δ_C(C = N) of XPEAYs are quite different from that of XBAYs. A penta‐parameter correlation equation was obtained for the 61 compounds, which has correlation coefficient 0.9922 and standard error 0.12 ppm. The result indicates that, in XPEAYs, the inductive effects of substituents X and Y are major factors affecting the δ_C(C = N), while the conjugative effect of them have very little effect on the δ_C(C = N) and can be ignored. The substituent‐specific cross‐interaction effects between X and Y and between Me of C = N bond and substituent Y are important factors affecting the δ_C(C = N). Also, the excited‐state substituent parameter of substitute Y has certain contribution to the δ_C(C = N). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

White and some colored marbles as alternative radiation shielding materials for applications

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the radiation shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficients (LAC, µ), mass attenuation coefficients (MAC, µ/ρ), effective atomic numbers (Z_eff), effective electron densities (N_eff), half value of layers (HVL), mean free paths (MFP) and buildup factors (exposure (EBF) and energy absorption (EABF)) were investigated for cream (M1), pink (M2), white (M3), maroon (M4) and green (M5) marbles. Attenuation coefficients were measured in the energy region 31.18–661.66 keV photon energies. The values of Z_eff and N_eff were then calculated using these coefficients with logarithmic interpolation method, and HVLs and MFPs were calculated using the values of LAC of marble samples at the same photon energies. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical values obtained from WinXCom program, and good agreements were observed between the experimental and theoretical results. HVLs and MFPs of all marble samples were compared with those of some concretes, glasses and commercial radiation shielding glasses (SCHOTT Co.). The studied marbles were better radiation shielding materials than standard shielding concretes due to lower HVL and MFP values lower than the ordinary concrete. Finally, EBFs and EABFs of the marbles were calculated in the energy region 0.015–1?MeV up to penetration depths of 40 mfps by Geometric Progression method (G-P), and the results were discussed in terms of photon energies and chemical compositions of the marbles.     

On the Exact Evaluation of Certain Instances of the Potts Partition Function by Quantum Computers

We present an efficient quantum algorithm for the exact evaluation of either the fully ferromagnetic or anti-ferromagnetic q-state Potts partition function Z for a family of graphs related to irreducible cyclic codes. This problem is related to the evaluation of the Jones and Tutte polynomials. We consider the connection between the weight enumerator polynomial from coding theory and Z and exploit the fact that there exists a quantum algorithm for efficiently estimating Gauss sums in order to obtain the weight enumerator for a certain class of linear codes. In this way we demonstrate that for a certain class of sparse graphs, which we call Irreducible Cyclic Cocycle Code (ICCC_ε) graphs, quantum computers provide a polynomial speed up in the difference between the number of edges and vertices of the graph, and an exponential speed up in q, over the best classical algorithms known to date.     

Isomerization and rearrangement of (E)‐ and (Z)‐phenylhydrazones of 3‐benzoyl‐5‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole: evidence for a ‘new’ type of acid‐catalysis by copper(II) salts in mononuclear rearrangement of heterocycles

A kinetic investigation in methanol of the title reaction has evidenced the occurrence of two processes: the 1‐ E 1‐ Z isomerization and the rearrangement of the (Z)‐isomer into the relevant 4‐benzoylamino‐2,5‐diphenyl‐1,2,3‐triazole ( 1‐ Z → T ). The latter reaction is in line with the ability of the (Z)‐phenylhydrazones of 3‐benzoyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles to undergo the so called mononuclear rearrangement of heterocycles (MRH). The occurrence of both the examined reactions is dependent on a Lewis‐acid‐catalysis. The obtained results have shown the possibility of a ‘new’ type of acid‐catalysis (bifunctional catalysis by Lewis salts) in the MRH. This catalysis operates through a completely different mechanism with respect to the one recently observed, and deeply investigated, in the presence of protic acids for the (Z)‐phenylhydrazone of 5‐amino‐3‐benzoyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole, in both dioxane/water and toluene, for which the catalytic process was dependent on the protonation of N(4) ring‐nitrogen of the 1,2,4‐oxadiazole. As a matter of fact, the copper salts seem able to interact with the >C?N? NH? C₆H₅ moiety, yielding adducts which, in some cases, are prone to both isomerize and rearrange. Therefore, a similar behaviour in some manner parallel to that already observed in benzene in the presence of aliphatic amines (base‐catalysis) has been evidenced. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Single-particle levels of nuclei in the vicinity of the doubly magic nuclei 2048 Ca28 and 2856 Ni28

Isotonic and isotopic dependences of single-particle energies of neutron and proton states in 20 ≤ Z ≤ 28 and 24 ≤ N ≤ 32 nuclei are investigated, these energies being determined by matching data on nucleon-stripping and nucleon-pickup reactions on the same nucleus. Regularities of the formation of the spectra of single-particle levels in Z, N = 20, 28 magic nuclei are demonstrated. A distinctive feature is found in the isotonic dependence of the energy of the 1 f _5/2 neutron level, this feature being consistent with the assumption that j _>-j _< interaction is operative in nuclei. The single-particle energies calculated by using the potential of the dispersive optical model are found to be consistent with experimental data within their errors. Original Russian Text ? O.V. Bespalova, I.N. Boboshin, V.V. Varlamov, T.A. Ermakova, B.S. Ishkhanov, E.A. Romanovsky, T.I. Spasskaya, T.P. Timokhina, 2008, published in Yadernaya Fizika, 2008, Vol. 71, No. 1, pp. 37–49.     

A Fuchsian Matrix Differential Equation for Selberg Correlation Integrals

We characterize averages of ?_l=1^N|x - t_l|^{a- 1}{\prod_{l=1}^N|x - t_l|^{\alpha - 1}} with respect to the Selberg density, further constrained so that t_l ? [0,x] (l=1,...,q){t_l \in [0,x] (l=1,\dots,q)} and t_l ? [x,1] (l=q+1,...,N){t_l \in [x,1] (l=q+1,\dots,N)} , in terms of a basis of solutions of a particular Fuchsian matrix differential equation. By making use of the Dotsenko-Fateev integrals, the explicit form of the connection matrix from the Frobenius type power series basis to this basis is calculated, thus allowing us to explicitly compute coefficients in the power series expansion of the averages. From these we are able to compute power series for the marginal distributions of the t_j (j=1,...,N){t_j (j=1,\dots,N)} . In the case q = 0 and α < 1 we compute the explicit leading order term in the x ? 0{x \to 0} asymptotic expansion, which is of interest to the study of an effect known as singularity dominated strong fluctuations. In the case q = 0 and a ? \mathbbZ⁺{\alpha \in \mathbb{Z}^+} , and with the absolute values removed, the average is a polynomial, and we demonstrate that its zeros are highly structured.