Kinetic characteristics of gas–liquid ozone reactions

An experimental chemical method for determining the kinetic characteristics (volumetric mass transfer coefficient and rate constant of a second-order reaction) of gas–liquid ozone reactions in a bubble column reactor is described. The calculation formulas are substantiated, and the ranges of values of the experimental factors that determine the method’s limits of applicability are found. The conditions under which the boundary-value problem of a gas–liquid ozone reaction of the second order can be reduced to a problem of a pseudo-first order reaction allowing an analytical solution are revealed.     

Assessment of surface heterogeneity of calcite and apatite: from high resolution gas adsorption to the solid–liquid interface

The surface heterogeneity of calcite and apatite was investigated by high resolution adsorption isotherms of argon and nitrogen. The use of the derivative isotherm summation procedure reveals the presence of high energy adsorption sites for nitrogen molecules. These sites are assigned to surface calciums and monohydrogenophosphate groups for calcite and apatite respectively. The comparison of gas adsorption results with experiments at solid–liquid interfaces shows that nitrogen probes the same surface sites as benzoic acid on calcite and decylammonium chloride on apatite.     

Issues pertaining to the analysis of buprenorphine and its metabolites by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

“Substitution therapy” and the use of buprenorphine (B) as an agent for treating heroin addiction continue to gain acceptance and have recently been implemented in Taiwan. Mature and widely utilized gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technology can complement the low cost and highly sensitive immunoassay (IA) approach to facilitate the implementation of analytical tasks supporting compliance monitoring and pharmacokinetic/pharmacogenetic studies. Issues critical to GC–MS analysis of B and norbuprenorphine (NB) (free and as glucuronides), including extraction, hydrolysis, derivatization, and quantitation approaches were studied, followed by comparing the resulting data against those derived from IA and two types of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) methods. Commercial solid-phase extraction devices, highly effective for recovering all metabolites, may not be suitable for the analysis of free B and NB; acetyl-derivatization products exhibit the most favorable chromatographic, ion intensity, and cross-contribution characteristics for GC–MS analysis. Evaluation of IA, GC–MS, and LC–MS/MS data obtained in three laboratories has proven the 2-aliquot GC–MS protocol effective for the determination of free B and NB and their glucuronides.     

Thermodynamic analysis of enzyme catalysed reactions: new insights into the Michaelis–Menten equation

A simple thermodynamic analysis of the well-known Michaelis-Menten equation (MME) of enzyme catalysis is proposed that employs the chemical potential to follow the Gibbs free energy changes attending the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex and its turnover to the product. The main conclusion from the above analysis is that low values of the Michaelis constant K _M and high values of the turnover number k _cat are advantageous: this supports a simple algebraic analysis of the MME, although at variance with current thinking. Available data apparently support the above findings. It is argued that transition state stabilisation—rather than substrate distortion or proximity—is the key to enzyme catalysis.     

Pointing the way to the products? Comparison of the stress tensor and the second-derivative tensor of the electron density

The eigenvectors of the electronic stress tensor can be used to identify where new bond paths form in a chemical reaction. In cases where the eigenvectors of the stress tensor are not available, the gradient-expansion-approximation suggests using the eigenvalues of the second derivative tensor of the electron density instead; this approximation can be made quantitatively accurate by scaling and shifting the second-derivative tensor, but it has a weaker physical basis and less predictive power for chemical reactivity than the stress tensor. These tools provide an extension of the quantum theory of atoms and molecules from the characterization of molecular electronic structure to the prediction of chemical reactivity.     

What can we learn about the mechanisms of thermal decompositions of solids from kinetic measurements?

Aspects of the theories that are conventionally and widely used for the kinetic analyses of thermal decompositions of solids, crystolysis reactions, are discussed critically. Particular emphasis is placed on shortcomings which arise because reaction models, originally developed for simple homogeneous reactions, have been extended, without adequate justification, to represent heterogeneous breakdowns of crystalline reactants. A further difficulty in the mechanistic interpretation of kinetic data obtained for solid-state reactions is that these rate measurements are often influenced by secondary controls. These include: (i) variations of reactant properties (particle sizes, reactant imperfections, nucleation and growth steps, etc.), (ii) the effects of reaction reversibility, of self-cooling, etc. and (iii) complex reaction mechanisms (concurrent and/or consecutive reactions, melting, etc.). A consequence of the contributions from these secondary rate controls is that the magnitudes of many reported kinetic parameters are empirical and results of chemical significance are not necessarily obtained by the most frequently used methods of rate data interpretation. Insights into the chemistry, controls and mechanisms of solid-state decompositions, in general, require more detailed and more extensive kinetic observations than are usually made. The value of complementary investigations, including microscopy, diffraction, etc., in interpreting measured rate data is also emphasized. Three different approaches to the formulation of theory generally applicable to crystolysis reactions are distinguished in the literature. These are: (i) acceptance that the concepts of homogeneous reaction kinetics are (approximately) applicable (assumed by many researchers), (ii) detailed examination of all experimentally accessible aspects of reaction chemistry, but with reduced emphasis on reaction kinetics (Boldyrev) and (iii) identification of rate control with a reactant vaporization step (L’vov). From the literature it appears that, while the foundations of the widely used model (i) remain unsatisfactory, the alternatives, (ii) and (iii), have not yet found favour. Currently, there appears to be no interest in, or discernible effort being directed towards, resolving this unsustainable situation in which three alternative theories remain available to account for the same phenomena. Surely, this is an unacceptable and unsustainable situation in a scientific discipline and requires urgent resolution?     

Study of the precision in the purge-and-trap–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of volatile compounds in honey

Data precision in the analysis by purge-and-trap coupled on-line to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (P&T-GC–MS) of honey volatiles has been studied by statistical analysis. The contribution of non-random factors to dispersion of quantitative results was proven by comparing several statistical parameters (correlation coefficients, principal component analysis (PCA) eigenvalues and loadings) from both experimental and simulated data. PCA was also useful for grouping volatiles with similar dispersion behaviour; these groups being generally related to compounds with common properties or structural features. The use of area ratios improves data precision for compounds within the same group. Results from this study could be used for a better selection of internal standards in quantitative analysis of volatiles by P&T-GC–MS.     

Forensic analysis of a single particle of partially burnt gunpowder by solid phase micro-extraction–gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorus detector

Solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) was adopted to extract organic gun shot residues (OGSRs) from a single particle of partially burnt gunpowder. The partially burnt particle samples were collected from gun shot residue (GSR) deposited near the target areas. OGSRs, such as diphenylamine (DPA), methyl centralite (MC), ethyl centralite (EC), from only one single particle of partially burnt gunpowder were successfully extracted by SPME and analyzed by a gas chromatography coupled to a nitrogen phosphorus detector (GC-NPD). The results confirmed that the new extraction procedure is capable of extracting trace amount of MC and EC as signature molecules for the identification of GSR. The method represents a solvent-free extraction as a complementary analytical procedure for the forensic analysis of GSR-related evidences. The new extraction scheme with the capability of analyzing single particle of partially burnt gunpowder can also be applied to the identification of explosive residues, such as in post-blast investigations of improvised explosive devices.     

Thermal properties of chlorosulfonated polyethylene via gas–solid phase method

The thermal properties of chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), which was prepared via gas–solid phase method, were studied in this article. The thermal curves were completely tested by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, and differential thermogravimetry. The results showed that CSM 3550 and CSM 3570 prepared by gas–solid phase method had more excellent thermal properties (high initial/final temperature of degradation) than those via solution method, due to the uniform chlorine distribution of them in macromolecular chain. The differential scanning calorimetry curves showed that the transitions of CSM 3550 and CSM 3570 from glassy to the elastic state were also higher than those via solution method. Particularly, CSM 3570 was amorphous and no clear melting peak was observed during the melting process.     

New approach to the generation of aryldifluoroboranes–prospective acid catalysts of organic reactions

A new approach for preparation of aromatic and fluoroaromatic difluoroboranes via the interaction between corresponding aryltrifluoroborates and ionic liquids containing tetrachloroaluminate-anion and aluminum chloride has been developed. Catalytic properties of obtained aryldifluoroboranes have been investigated in model reactions of phenols alkylation. The dependence of catalytic properties on both the nature of solvent used and the type of substituents in the aromatic ring of difluoroborane has been established.

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Sequential methyl-fluorine exchange reactions of siloxide ions in the gas phase

Exchange Me for a fluorine: Trimethylsiloxide ions in the presence of NF(3) in the gas?phase undergo an unusual and sequential metathesis-type reaction wherein methyl groups are exchanged for fluorine. Theoretical calculations suggest that the reaction proceeds by a three-step internal-nucleophilic-displacement mechanism which features a pentacoordinated siliconate species as a transition state rather than as an intermediate.     

Thermal behavior and kinetic analysis of halloysite–stearic acid complex

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Kraft lignin has been widely proposed as a renewable raw material for bio-based polyurethane (PU) synthesis. Drawbacks related to direct use of...     

Modeling of gas–solid equilibrium of binary systems aided by Frankenstein PSO

Binary systems containing supercritical CO₂ + hydrocarbons were used for modeling gas–solid equilibrium by a combined method including a thermodynamic model and a meta-heuristic algorithm. The Peng–Robinson (PR) equation of state was used in the classical solubility equation. In addition, Wong–Sandler (WS) mixing rules were used, and the van Laar model (VL) was included in order to evaluate the excess Gibbs free energy that appears in these mixing rules. Then, a variant of particle swarm optimization (PSO), called Frankenstein PSO (FPSO) was implemented for minimizing the difference between calculated and experimental solubility values. The results showed that the FPSO algorithm is a very powerful tool for parameter estimation on the PR-WS-VL model with good performance and accuracy, and considerably low deviations. Therefore, values calculated by the combined method (PR-WS-VL + FPSO) are considered accurate enough for physical and engineering calculations, among other uses.     

Use of the Bell–Evans–Polanyi Principle to predict regioselectivity of nucleophilic aromatic photosubstitution reactions

Regioselectivity of nucleophilic aromatic photosubstitution has been shown experimentally to depend upon activation energies of the competing transition states. Computational means of determining relative activation energies were sought, therefore, in order to predict regioselectivity. Optimization of the three triplet transition states of 2-chloro-4-nitroanisole with hydroxide ion gave energies of insufficient accuracy to predict regioselectivity. Computed enthalpy changes from the first triplet transition state to the triplet σ-complexes correlated precisely with the experimental activation energies. This exemplifies the Bell–Evans–Polanyi Principle, and it provides an accurate means of assessing regioselectivity.     

Applicability of Fraser–Suzuki function in kinetic analysis of complex crystallization processes

A modified peak-deconvolution procedure for complex crystallization processes was introduced. The method is based on the constrained curve-fitting technique using the Fraser–Suzuki (FS) function, where the FS asymmetry parameter a ₃ correlates with the value of the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) kinetic parameter m. The correlation was verified for an extensive number of theoretically simulated JMA curves; in addition, the dependencies of the a ₃ parameter on other kinetic variables (E, A, q ⁺) were quantified. The suggested deconvolution procedure was tested on two glassy systems with different overlay degree of the involved overlapping surface and bulk crystallization processes. In both cases, the kinetic analysis of deconvoluted data provided reasonable, consistent and accurate results. However, certain level of knowledge and experience was needed in order to correctly recognize and consequently account for all deviations from the theoretical behavior caused by thermal gradients or imperfections of the data acquisition process. As the input data for the fitting procedure can be in any form equivalent to the dα/dT temperature dependence, the method seems to be highly universal and may be applied to data obtained by various TA techniques.     

Evolved gas analysis–ion attachment mass spectrometric analysis of decacarbonyl dimanganese pyrolysis

Evolved gas analysis?Cion attachment mass spectrometric analysis of the principal species produced by the pyrolysis of Mn₂(CO)₁₀ in an infrared image furnace indicated the presence of Mn(CO)₅ in the gas phase. This observation indicates that Mn₂(CO)₁₀ was in equilibrium with Mn(CO)₅. We also studied the temperature dependence of the mass spectrum to obtain information about the kinetics of the Mn₂(CO)₅ dissociation reaction. From the temperature dependence of the peak for Mn(CO)₅Li⁺ (m/z 202), we calculated the apparent activation energy of Mn(CO)₅ dissociation from solid Mn₂(CO)₁₀. The calculated activation energy (274.57?kJ/mol) is compared with previously reported experimental and calculated values of Mn?CMn bond dissociation energies.     

Application of thermal analysis to the study of antituberculosis drugs–excipient compatibility

First-line drugs (rifampicin, RIF; isoniazid, INH; ethambutol, ETA; and pyrazinamide, PZA) recommended in conventional treatment of tuberculosis were analyzed in 1:1 w/w binary mixtures with microcrystalline cellulose MC 101 (CEL) and lactose supertab^® (LAC) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and Fourier transformed infrared analysis (FTIR) as part of development of fixed dose combination (FDC) tablets. Evidence of interaction between drug and pharmaceutical excipients was supposed when peaks disappearance or shifting were observed on DTA and DSC curves, as well as decreasing of decomposition temperature onset and TG profiles, comparing to pure species data submitted to the same conditions. LAC was showed to interact with RIF (absence of drug fusion and recrystallization events on DSC/DTA curves); INH (thermal events of the mixtures different from those observed for drug and excipient pure in DSC/DTA curves); PZA (decrease on drug fusion peak in DSC/DTA curves), and ETA (shift on drug onset fusion and absence of pure LAC events on DSC/DTA curves). In all cases, an important decrease on the temperature of drug decomposition was verified for the mixtures (TG analysis). However, FTIR analysis showed good correlation between theoretical and experimental drug-LAC spectra except for INH–LAC mixture, evidencing high incompatibility between these two species and suggesting that those interactions with PZA and RIF were thermally induced. No evidence of incompatibilities in CEL mixtures was observed to any of the four-studied drugs.     

Determination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the liquid and solid phases of activated sludge by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

The highly complex matrix of activated sludge in sewage treatment plants (STPs) makes it difficult to detect endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which are usually present at low concentration levels. To date, no literature has reported the concentrations of steroid estrogens in activated sludge in China and very limited data are available worldwide. In this work, a highly selective and sensitive analytical method was developed for simultaneous determination of two classes of EDCs, including estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), 4-nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA), in the liquid and solid phases of activated sludge. The procedures for sample preparation, extracts derivatization, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) quantification were all optimized to effectively determine target EDCs while minimizing matrix interference. The developed method showed good calibration linearity, recovery, precision, and a low limit of quantification (LOQ) for all selected EDCs in both liquid and solid phases of activated sludge. It was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of EDCs in activated sludge samples from two STPs located in Beijing and Shanghai of China, respectively.