Calculation of the HOMA model parameters for the carbon–boron bond

An extension of the harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA) model to systems with carbon–boron bonds is presented. Model parameters were estimated using experimental and theoretical bond lengths. It is shown that both approaches produce very similar HOMA models. In the second part of the article, the aromaticity levels of several model compounds containing carbon–boron bonds are calculated using the previously obtained parameters. The results of these calculations are compared with those provided by other aromaticity indices. The aromaticity of boron-containing compounds is also compared with the aromaticity of analogous compounds containing carbon and nitrogen.     

Magnetic criteria of aromaticity in a benzene cation and anion: how does the Jahn–Teller effect influence the aromaticity?

The aromatic/antiaromatic behavior of the Jahn–Teller (JT) active benzene cation and anion has been investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of Nuclear Independent Chemical Shifts (NICS) and magnetic susceptibility. NICS parameters have been scanned along the Intrinsic Distortion Path (IDP) for the benzene cation showing antiaromaticity which decreases with increasing deviation from D_6h to D_2h symmetry. Changes in NICS values along the IDP from D_6h to C_2v in the benzene anion revealed non-aromatic character.     

Stabilization of a π double bond between two boron atoms: A theoretical approach

The low-lying states of HBBH, HBBNH₂ and H₂NBBNH₂ are investigated by means of ab initio CI calculations using a double-zeta + polarization basis set. Diborene is found to have a ³∑_g⁻ ground state. Replacement of hydrogen by amino groups on each side of the BB bond leads to an ethylene-like bond which corresponds to a ¹A_g state of D_2h symmetry. π back-donation by the amino lone pairs is responsible for the stabilization of this state.     

Industrial catalyst for the selective Fischer–Tropsch synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons

The results of development of an industrial supported cobalt–silica gel catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis are reported. The studies included the selection of a support and the determination of an optimum active component content, a calcination temperature, and the effect of doping with aluminum oxide on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of the Co–SiO₂ system. The catalyst samples were characterized by a set of physicochemical methods. The on-stream stability of the supported cobalt–silica gel catalyst was tested in the continuous mode for 1000 h. In the course of the entire test cycle, the catalyst exhibited stable operation under varied synthesis temperature and gas space velocity, and it can be recommended for industrial applications. The experimental results were used for the preparation of a pilot batch of the catalyst.     

Critical comparison of equations correlating valence and length of a chemical bond. Evaluation of the parameters R1 and B for the MoO bond in MoO6 octahedra

The most commonly used equations correlating bond valence and bond length have been critically compared. It has been shown that the Zachariasen equation is more accurate than the Brown–Shannon equation. Doubts already voiced about the universality of the constant B in the Brown–Altermatt equation with a value of 0.37 Å have been hereby confirmed. Moreover, by a method based on the comparison of formal oxidation states and valences of molybdenum in suitable oxides, the parameters relative to the Zachariasen equation have been accurately determined for the MoO bond in MoO₆ octahedra. Their values are R₁=1.8790 and B=0.3048 Å in the 3–6 v.u. range.     

Experimental and theoretical study of the dissociation enthalpy of the N–O bond on 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide: theoretical analysis of the energetics of the N–O bond for hydroxypyrydine N-oxide isomers

The standard (p^∘=0.1 MPa) molar enthalpy of formation of crystalline 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide was measured, at T=298.15 K, by static bomb calorimetry and the standard molar enthalpy of sublimation, at T=298.15 K, was obtained using Calvet microcalorimetry. These values were used to derive the standard molar enthalpy of formation of 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide in gaseous phase, and to evaluate the dissociation enthalpy of the N–O bond. Additionally, high-level density functional theory calculations using the B3LYP hybrid exchange-correlation energy functional have been performed for the three isomers of hydroxypyridine N-oxide in order to confirm the experimental trend for the dissociation enthalpy of the (N–O) bond.     

Complete active space analysis of a reaction pathway: Investigation of the oxygen–oxygen bond formation

Water nucleophilic attack is an important step in water oxidation reactions, which have been widely studied using density functional theory (DFT). Nevertheless, a single-determinant DFT picture may be insufficient for a deeper insight into the process, in particular during the oxygen–oxygen bond formation. In this work, we use complete active space self-consistent field calculations and describe an approach for a complete active space analysis along a reaction pathway. This is applied to the water nucleophilic attack at a Ru-based catalyst, which has successfully been used for efficient water oxidation and in silico design of new water oxidation catalysts recently.     

A new proposed mechanism for the cathodic reduction of a carbon–chlorine bond in 2-acetylphenyltrichloroacetate

The cathodic reduction of 2-acetylphenyltrichloroacetate at a controlled potential of −0.5 V (vs SCE) yields 3,3-dichloro-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-3,4-dihydrocoumarin. The charge consumption is 1e⁻/substrate molecule, which is in agreement with a non-conventional R–X→R⁻+X mechanism.     

On the mechanism for the photooxidation of aromatic azides containing a secondary N–H bond: A sequence of intramolecular transformations with the formation of heterocyclic oximes

During the photooxidation of aromatic azides containing a secondary N–H bond at the para-position, a sequence of intramolecular transformations of nitroso oxides led to the formation of heterocyclic oximes along with the corresponding nitroso and nitro compounds.     

Application of CR-39™ SSNTD with a boron converter for the characterization of the external neutron beam of a powder diffractometer

In this work, the solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) CR-39? has been used in combination with a boron converter screen for the characterization of the neutron distribution in the neutron powder diffractometer of the Es-Salam research reactor. A relationship between the track density in the CR-39? and the neutron flux distribution has been established by a mathematical development. Good agreement was found between the distribution of the thermal neutron flux determined by CR-39? detector and the distribution measured by the activation of Dysprosium foils. On the other hand, the degree of homogeneity of the neutron beam has been determined by the SSNTD and direct neutron radiography techniques. The results obtained by both techniques showed a depression of the flux at the left bottom region of the beam.     

Why are the kinked polyacenes more stable than the straight ones? A topological study and introduction of a new topological index of aromaticity

A topological model for estimating the stability of benzenoid hydrocarbons (BHs) is presented showing an acceptable linear dependence on Hess-Schaad resonance energy per pi-electron values. The topological measure of stability is accessible by use of pencil calculation and is based on counting cis-type fragments of double bonds in all canonical structures of a given BH. Evidence is given that infinite chains of straight linear polyacenes are always less stable than the kinked ones.     

Optimization of parameters for the alcoholic-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of estrogens in water

Extraction and determination of estrogens in water samples were performed using alcoholic-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (AA-DLLME) and high-performance liquid chromatography (UV/Vis detection). A Plackett–Burman design and a central composite design were applied to evaluate the AA-DLLME procedure. The effect of six parameters on extraction efficiency was investigated. The factors studied were volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, pH, amount of salt and agitation rate. According to Plackett–Burman design results, the effective parameters were volume of extraction solvent and pH. Next, a central composite design was applied to obtain optimal condition. The optimized conditions were obtained at 220 μL 1-octanol as extraction solvent, 700 μL ethanol as dispersive solvent, pH 6 and 200 μL sample volume. Linearity was observed in the range of 1–500 μg L^?1 for E2 and 0.1–100 μg L^?1 for E1. Limits of detection were 0.1 μg L^?1 for E2 and 0.01 μg L^?1 for E1. The enrichment factors and extraction recoveries were 42.2, 46.4 and 80.4, 86.7, respectively. The relative standard deviations for determination of estrogens in water were in the range of 3.9–7.2 % (n = 3). The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of estrogens in environmental water samples.     

Isobaric vapour–liquid equilibria for the binary systems of fuel oxygenates with aromatic hydrocarbons

Isobaric vapour–liquid equilibrium data at 720?mm?Hg for the binary systems of diisopropyl ether with o-xylene and m-xylene and dimethoxymethane with benzene and toluene are determined. A Swietoslawski type ebulliometer is used for the measurements. The experimental T?x data are used to estimate Wilson parameters and the parameters in turn are used to calculate the vapour compositions and activity coefficients. The activity coefficients are used to calculate molar excess Gibbs free energy (G ^E). All the systems studied here do not exhibit azeotropes. Excess Gibbs free energy values are positive over the entire range of composition for all the systems.     

Julia–Kocienski olefination: a key reaction for the synthesis of macrolides

The unification of carbonyl compounds and heteroaryl sulfones provides one of the best methods for the construction of C–C double bond for synthetic chemists in designing synthetic routes to natural and non-natural products. For the C–C double bond formation, olefination, particularly the Julia–Kocienski olefination (JK-olefination) has emerged as a powerful key reaction in the synthesis of natural products that contain macrocycles. Molecules of interest include macrolides, whose biological importance, lack of natural resources, and interesting structure placed a challenge among the scientific community for their total synthesis. Thus, for systematic documentation we have summarized the synthetic approaches toward several important macrolides highlighting the Julia–Kocienski olefination as one of the key steps. This review is intended to show the utility of the Julia–Kocienski olefination in the synthesis of biologically important macrocyclic natural products.     

Promotion of the oxygen evolution performance of Ni–Fe layered hydroxides via the introduction of a proton-transfer mediator anion

Developing efficient catalysts with high durability and activity for the oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is imperative for sustainable energy conversion technologies,including hydrogen generation and CO₂ reduction,as well as other electrochemical energy storage systems.To this end,a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism for the water oxidation reaction is vital.Herein,a surfactant,nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate(FBS),was introduced into Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide(Ni Fe-FBS/CFP)via electrochemical deposition on the surface of a carbon fiber paper(CFP)substrate.The as-prepared Ni Fe-FBS/CFP electrode exhibited excellent catalytic activities for OER compared to the Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide based electrode(Ni Fe-LDH/CFP),an excellent stability of 15 h,and an ultralow Tafel slope of 25.8 m V dec-1.Furthermore,by combining the results of p H-dependent kinetics investigations,chemical probing,proton inventory studies,and isotopic and atom-protontransfer measurements,it was observed that a proton-transfer process controls the reaction rates of both the Ni Fe-LDH and Ni Fe-FBS catalysts,and the residual sulfonate groups serve as proton transfer mediator to accelerate the proton transfer rate.     

Carbon–sulfur bond formation via photochemical strategies: An efficient method for the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds

The development of green and convenient methods for C–S bond formation has received significant attention because C–S bond widely occurs in many important pharmaceutical and biological compounds.Recently, visible-light photoredox catalysis has been established as an efficient and general tool for the construction of C–C and C-heteroatom bonds. In this review, we have focused on the research on recent advances in C–S bond formation via visible-light photoredox catalysis, and the growing opportuni...     

Development of a detailed pyrolysis mechanism for C1–C4 hydrocarbons under a wide range of temperature and pressure

A model of core mechanism of hydrocarbon pyrolysis with good predictive ability is crucial to the development of active cooling technology for advanced aeroengines. In this work, a detailed core kinetic model of pyrolysis of C₁–C₄ hydrocarbon fuels is developed through the combination of a series of potential energy surfaces and validated against a series of experimental results. The kinetic model contains 103 species and 1290 reactions, and most of the kinetic and thermochemical parameters are compiled from recent highly accurate quantum chemical calculations without modification. The pressure-dependent rate constants are considered for the dissociation/association reactions, isomerization reactions, and chemically activated reactions. Simulation results for various alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, n-butane, isobutane), alkenes (ethylene, propene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, allene, 1,3-butadiene), and alkynes (acetylene, propyne, vinylacetylene) indicate that the major product distributions at various temperatures (800-2300 K) and pressures (0.8-10 atm) can be predicted well by the developed core kinetic model. Thus, the developed pyrolysis mechanism for C₁–C₄ hydrocarbons can be used as a cornerstone to develop the pyrolysis mechanisms of larger hydrocarbon fuels and thus support the development of thermal management in advanced aeroengines.