A study of the polarographic reduction of methaqualone

Methaqualone [2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone] is reduced at pH 1.5–5 in a single two-electron step. At pH 1.5–3, wave i₁ appears and is gradually replaced by wave i₂ which predomiantes in the solution between pH 4.5 and 6.5. At pH > 5, the height of wave i₂ decreases in the shape of a dissociaton curve with increasing pH. For both waves, the diprotonated form of methaqualone (I_a) is reduced to 1,2,-dihydromethaqualone as the final product. In wave i₁, the monoprotonated form I_b is further protonated at the electrode surface before it accepts the first electron; in wave i₂, the free base form I accepts two protons at the electrode surface before the first electron uptake. Polarographic curves are complicated by the presence of three waves of catalytic hydrogen evolution. Wave i_{1, cata} appears at pH < 5, waves i_2,cata at ?1.5 V and i_3,cata at ?1.7 V at pH > 5. Citrate buffers pH 1.5–3 or Britton-Robinson buffers at pH 2.6–3.6 are most suitable for quantitative work with eitehr d.c. polarography or differential pulse polarography.     

Formation of heteropolynuclear cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexonates with EDTA and 2-aminopropanoic acid

Coordination equilibria in the Co(II)–Ni(II)–2-aminopropanoic acid (HAla)–EDTA system have been studied spectrophotometrically at different molar ratios of the reagents in a wide pH range. It has been found that, when metal ions are in excess with respect to EDTA at pH 5–9, polyheteronuclear complexonates [(CoAla)Edta(NiAla)]^2–, [(CoAla₂)Edta(NiAla₂)]^4–, [(NiAla₂)Edta(CoAla₂)₂]^4–, [(CoAla₂)Edta(NiAla₂)₂]^4–, and [(NiAla₂)₂Edta(CoAla₂)₂]^4– form in a solution. The equilibrium constants of formation of these complexes and their overall stability constants have been calculated. Possible structures of the polynuclear complexonates are discussed.     

Speciation and Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopic Studies of Di- and Trimethyltin(IV) Moieties with MESNA in Aqueous Medium

The interaction of Me₂Sn(IV)²⁺ and Me₃Sn(IV)⁺ with a prodrug, sodium 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (HSCH₂CH₂SO₃Na, MESNA) abbreviated as (HL), has been studied potentiometrically in aqueous solution (I = 0.1 mol·L^?1 KNO₃, 298 K). The concentration distribution of various species formed in the solution was studied with changes in pH (~3–11). A strong coordination of MESNA with metal through the S atom of thiol group has been found. In the Me₂Sn(IV)–HL system, the species [Me₂Sn(L)]⁺ (53.1–75.6%) is predominant at acidic pH (3.73 ± 0.02) and the species [Me₂Sn(L)₂OH]^? (29.4–38.5%) is predominant at basic pH (10.32 ± 0.08). In contrast, for the Me₃Sn(IV)⁺ system, [Me₃SnL] (37.0–57.4%) is the major species at pH 7.65 ± 0.03 and [Me₃Sn(OH)] (49.9–67.2%) and [Me₃Sn(L)(OH)]^? (30.2–46.5%) are the major species at pH 11.05 ± 0.01. However, at physiological pH (7.01 ± 0.32), in both (1:1) and (1:2) Me₂Sn(IV)–HL systems, the species [Me₂Sn(L)(OH)] (67.2–89.9%) is predominant, whereas for Me₃Sn(IV)–HL (1:1) and (1:2) systems, [Me₃Sn(OH)] (53.5%) and [Me₃SnL] (56.8%) are the respective predominant species. In order to characterize the possible geometry of the proposed complex species, multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) NMR studies were carried out at different pHs. No polymeric species were detected in the experimental pH range.     

Thermodynamic properties of o-phthalic acid and its products of dissociation at 0–200°C and 1–5000 bar

Values of the pH for four solutions in a KHPh-HCl-KOH system, where Ph denoting C₈O₄H₄, are measured at 25–70°C depending on pressure (1–1000 bar). The experimental results and the available literature data are processed on the base of Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equation of state [1] and the GIBBS, OptimA, and OptimB programs from the HCh software package [2]. The obtained standard thermodynamic properties and HKF parameters of H₂Ph_aq, HPh^?, and Ph^2? aqueous species, provides calculation of the pH of phthalate buffers in a wide range of temperatures (up to 200°C) and pressures (up to 5 kbar). The calculated values for the biphthalate buffer (0.05m KHPh) correspond to the IUPAC recommendations (at 0–50°C and 1 bar) with an accuracy of 0.005 pH units, and to the values of pH measured in this study at elevated Tp parameters (25–70°C and pressures of up to 1 kbar) within the limits of ±0.02 pH units.     

Kinetic and mechanistic studies of indigocarmine oxidation by chloramine-T and chlorine in acidic buffer media

Oxidations of indigocarmine (IC) by chloramine-T (CAT) and aqueous chlorine (HOCl) in acidic buffer media, pH 2–6, have been kinetically studied at 30°C using spectrophotometry. The CAT reaction rate shows a first-order dependence on [IC]₀ and an inverse fractional order on [p-toluenesulfonamide]. The effect of [CAT] on the rate is strongly pH dependent with a variable order of 1–2 on [CAT]₀ in the pH range 6–2. The chlorine reaction rate follows first-order in [IC]₀ and [HOCl]₀ each in the pH range 6–2. Addition of halide ions and variation of ionic strength of the medium have no influence on the reaction rate. There is a negative effect of dielectric constant of the solvent. The kinetics of the IC oxidation with CAT at pH 6 and of that with HOCl at pHs 2–6 are similar suggesting similarity in their rate determining steps. A two-pathway mechanism for the CAT reaction and a one-pathway mechanism for the HOCl reaction, consistent with the kinetic data, have been proposed. Activation parameters have been calculated using the Arrhenius and Erying plots. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The extraction of mercury(II), silver(I), cobalt(II) and cadmium(II) by dioctylarsinic acid in chloroform

Dioctylarsinic acid (HDOAA) in chloroform solution has been investigated as a reagent for the extraction of Hg(II), Ag(I), Co(II), and Cd(II). Silver, cobalt and cadmium are not extracted below pH 7. An extraction coefficient of 1.1, constant over the pH range 1–6.5, was observed for Hg(II). With HCl concentrations of 1–8 M the extractability of mercury decreased slowly, reaching E_a⁰ = 0.05 at 8 M HCl. Silver formed a silver dioctylarsinate precipitate which collected at the interface. The extraction coefficients for Hg(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) increased above pH 7 to values of 20 (pH 9.1), 30 (pH 8.0), and 23 (pH 10), respectively. Reagent- and pH-dependence studies indicated that Co(II) and Cd(II) are extracted as M(DOAA)₂ or M(DOAA)Cl through interaction of HDOAA with M(OH)₂ or M(OH)⁺. Mercury was extracted from solutions of pH 1–6.5 as HgCl₂ (HDOAA)_2.5.     

Reactions of 2-methoxy- and 2-substituted 4,6-diamino-s-triazines with formaldehyde: Kinetics and adaptability of the rate constants to hammett and taft equations

The reactions of 2-methoxy-4,6-diamino-s-triazine (MT) with formaldehyde (F) were studied in the pH region 2–11. In an alkaline medium the rate constants were proportional to the concentration of hydroxyl ion in the pH range 9.90–10.95; in a neutral medium they were approximately constant and in an acidic medium they achieved the maximum value at pH 3.50 (half-neutralization point of MT). The hydroxymethylation mechanism of MT was similar to that of melamine. The hydroxymethylation rate constants of various 2-substituted 4,6-diamino-s-triazines(XT) were determined at pH 7.00, 10.26, and 4.00. Linear relationship was observed between the rate constants at pH 7.00 and pK_b of XT, σ_m, and σ^* but not at pH 10.26 and 4.00.     

High‐Yield Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide from Oxygen Reduction by Hierarchically Porous Carbon

H₂O₂ production by electroreduction of O₂ is an attractive alternative to the current anthraquinone process, which is highly desirable for chemical industries and environmental remediation. However, it remains a great challenge to develop cost‐effective electrocatalysts for H₂O₂ synthesis. Here, hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) was proposed for the electrosynthesis of H₂O₂ from O₂ reduction. It exhibited high activity for O₂ reduction and good H₂O₂ selectivity (95.0–70.2 %, most of them >90.0 % at pH 1–4 and >80.0 % at pH 7). High‐yield H₂O₂ generation has been achieved on HPC with H₂O₂ concentrations of 222.6–62.0 mmol L^?1 (2.5 h) and corresponding H₂O₂ production rates of 395.7–110.2 mmol h^?1 g^?1 at pH 1–7 and ?0.5 V. Moreover, HPC was energy‐efficient for H₂O₂ production with current efficiency of 81.8–70.8 %. The exceptional performance of HPC for electrosynthesis of H₂O₂ could be attributed to its high content of sp³‐C and defects, large surface area and fast mass transfer.     

Bonding of copper(II) ions by proctolin analogues modified in fifth position of the peptide chain

The proctolin (Arg–Tyr–Leu–Pro–Thr, RYLPT) analogues modified in fifth position of the peptide chain (RYLPP, RYLPI, RYLP–Dab, where Dab – 2,4-diamminobutyric acid) have been synthesised and their complexes with H⁺ and Cu²⁺ studied by potentiometry and spectroscopy (UV–Vis, CD and EPR) at 25 °C and I = 0.10 mol dm⁻³ (KNO₃). The results obtained support the earlier suggestion on the specific role of a proline residue as a “break-point” in copper complex formation with peptides. The presence of a proline residue into the fourth position of the proctolin analogues (RYLPP, RYLPI) leads in wide pH range of the existence the CuL and CuH₋₁L complexes with expected stabilities. Spectroscopic studies confirm that these are 2N {NH₂, N⁻, CO} and 3N {NH₂, 2N⁻, CO} species, respectively. The amine group of the Dab residue of the RYLP–Dab proctolin analogue, in whole pH range (2.5–10.5) is coordinated to the copper(II) ions, and the deprotonation and coordination of the second amide nitrogen atom to the metal ion is prevented. In solution in wide pH range (5–10.5) the 3N {NH₂, N⁻, CO, NH_2Dab} complex is present. Proctolin and its analogues modified in fifth position contain in the second position of the peptide sequence the Tyr residue and the CD results show that TyrO⁻–Cu²⁺ bonding is present at pH above 8.     

Kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition with complexed and “free” iron catalysts

The hydrogen peroxide decomposition kinetics were investigated for both “free” iron catalyst [Fe(II) and Fe(III)] and complexed iron catalyst [Fe(II) and Fe(III)] complexed with DTPA, EDTA, EGTA, and NTA as ligands (L). A kinetic model for free iron catalyst was derived assuming the formation of a reversible complex (Fe–HO₂), followed by an irreversible decomposition and using the pseudo‐steady‐state hypothesis (PSSH). This resulted in a first‐order rate at low H₂O₂ concentrations and a zero order rate at high H₂O₂ concentrations. The rate constants were determined using the method of initial rates of hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Complexed iron catalysts extend the region of significant activity to pH 2–10 vs. 2–4 for Fenton's reagent (free iron catalyst). A rate expression for Fe(III) complexes was derived using a mechanism similar to that of free iron, except that a L–Fe–HO₂ complex was reversibly formed, and subsequently decayed irreversibly into products. The pH plays a major role in the decomposition rate and was incorporated into the rate law by considering the metal complex specie, that is, EDTA–Fe–H, EDTA–Fe–(H₂O), EDTA–Fe–(OH), or EDTA–Fe–(OH)₂, as a separate complex with its unique kinetic coefficients. A model was then developed to describe the decomposition of H₂O₂ from pH 2–10 (initial rates = 1 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10⁻⁷ M/s). In the neutral pH range (pH 6–9), the complexed iron catalyzed reactions still exhibited significant rates of reaction. At low pH, the Fe(II) was mostly uncomplexed and in the free form. The rate constants for the Fe(III)–L complexes are strongly dependent on the stability constant, K_ML, for the Fe(III)–L complex. The rates of reaction were in descending order NTA > EGTA > EDTA > DTPA, which are consistent with the respective log K_MLs for the Fe(III) complexes. Because the method of initial rates was used, the mechanism does not include the subsequent reactions, which may occur. For the complexed iron systems, the peroxide also attacks the chelating agent and by‐product‐complexing reactions occur. Accordingly, the model is valid only in the initial stages of reaction for the complexed system. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 32: 24–35, 2000     

Sorption of a complex of europium (III) with acetylacetone on hydrophobized hexadecyl silica gel and hyper crosslinked polysterene

The sorption of a complex of europium (III) with acetylacetone on silica gel chemically modified with hexadecyl groups (SiO₂-C₁₆) and hyper crosslinked polystyrene (HLPS) was studied. Maximum extraction was observed at pH 5–7 when SiO₂-C₁₆ was used as the sorbent and at pH 4–7 in the case of crosslinked polystyrene. The partition coefficients for HLPS and silica gel were calculated as 7 × 10³ and 1 × 10² cm³/g, respectively. Quantitative extraction of the europium (III) complex was possible in dynamic conditions using a microcolumn (length, 10 mm; internal diameter, 3mm) packed with HLPS at pH 5 (10–50 mL sample volume). Desorption of europium using solutions of nitric acid at different concentrations was investigated. Quantitative desorption was achieved using 5 mL of 1 M HNO₃. A linear range of detection was observed at an amount of europium from 5 to 25 μg in a 10-mL sample (650 nm).     

Phenol Photonitration and Photonitrosation upon Nitrite Photolysis in basic solution

Nitrophenols have been detected in some Antarctic lakes, the water of which is basic and rich in nitrate, nitrite and other nutrients. Nitrate or nitrite photolysis could be a possible reaction to explain the presence of these compounds. This work presents evidence for the formation of 2-nitrophenol (2NP), 4-nitrophenol (4NP) and 4-nitrosophenol (4NOP) upon UV irradiation of phenol and nitrite in aerated basic solutions.

The pH dependence of the 2NP initial formation rate is different from those of 4NP and 4NOP. The dependence of the first mainly reflects the phenol/phenolate equilibrium, with phenol yielding 2NP at a higher rate than phenolate. In the case of 4NOP, the initial formation rate vs pH has a maximum at pH 9.5. The pH dependence of 4NOP formation rate suggests that three pathways are likely to operate: nitrosation of undissociated phenol by N₂O₃, prevailing at pH<8.7, nitrosation of phenolate by N₂O₃, prevailing in the pH interval 8.7–10.8, and reaction between phenoxyl radical and ^?NO, prevailing at pH>10.8. Phenol nitrosation by N₂O₃ is favoured when phenol is negatively charged (phenolate), but it is also disfavoured at alkaline pH values, owing to the depletion of N₂O₃ (the nitrosating agent) by basic hydrolysis. Differently from 2NP, the initial formation rate vs pH of 4NP is very similar to that of 4NOP, suggesting that 4NP may originate from the oxidation of 4NOP. Moreover, while in neutral and acidic solutions the formation rate of 2NP is slightly higher than that of 4NP, in the pH interval 8–12 the formation of 4NP is much more rapid than that of 2NP. This indicates that the pH of natural waters influences the ratio of nitroisomers.     

Radiochemical precipitation studies for separation of iodine from tellurium and other trace impurities

Precipitation of radiotellurium, containing trace radioimpurities, has been carried out from sulfate media at different pH-values. The highest precipitation yield was achieved at the region of pH ~4–6. Quantitative uptake by the formed precipitate was noticed for (i) ⁵⁴Mn, ^110mAg and ¹²⁵Sb over all the pH-range of study (pH 1.7–9.2), (ii) for ⁶⁵Zn and ⁶⁰Co in the regions of pH ~6–8 and pH 6–8.8, respectively, and (iii) for ¹³⁴Cs in the region of pH 1.7–2.8, while its percent uptake fluctuated around 60.5 % in the region of pH 4.4–6.4. Further precipitation studies have been conducted for a mixture of ¹²⁵I and radiotellurium from sulfate, nitrate and chloride media at pH-values of 6.0 and 7.5. The highest ¹²⁵I recovery yield in the obtained supernatant was 95.0 ± 1.3 %, which was achieved with sulfate medium at pH 6.0 with percent uptake values of 5.0 ± 1.3, 98.9 ± 0.9 and 62.0 ± 4.6 % of ¹²⁵I, ^123mTe and ¹³⁴Cs, respectively, and quantitative uptake of ⁵⁴Mn, ^110mAg, ¹²⁵Sb, ⁶⁰Co and ⁶⁵Zn by the precipitated tellurium. Thereafter, the supernatant was further acidified with H₂SO₄ and boiled, after adding H₂O₂, for 3 h. >99 % of ¹²⁵I was distilled off from the acidified supernatant. The distilled of ¹²⁵I was received in 0.1 M NaOH + 1 % Na₂S₂O₃ solution, with a radionuclidic purity of >99.99 %, radiochemical purity of >99.8 % as I^? and pH ~13.     

Analytical and kinetic study of the aqueous hydrolysis of four organophosphorus and two carbamate pesticides

The hydrolysis of six selected pesticides has been studied in aqueous solution. Four organophosphorus pesticides (disulfoton, isofenfos, isazofos and profenfos) and two N-methylcarbamate derivatives (oxamyl and ethiofencarb) were selected. Hydrolysis was performed in purified buffered water at different pH in the range 7.0–10.0 (ionic strength?=?2.5?mM, T?=?25°C). At pH?=?8.0, isofenfos and disulfoton (t _1/2?≈?4 years, t _1/2?≈?1 year, resp.) were found to be far more stable than isazofos (t _1/2?≈?5 months), ethiofencarb and profenofos (t _1/2<1 month), themselves more stable than oxamyl (t _1/2?≈?1 day). As expected, a strong dependence on pH was observed for all pesticides: the rate of degradation increased when the pH increased. Degradation products were identified by GC–MS and/or LC–MS. Possible structures are presented in the article.     

Effect of pH on the reactivity ratios in aqueous solution copolymerization of acrylic acid and N-vinylpyrrolidone

Acrylic acid (AA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were copolymerized in aqueous solution at 30°C in the pH range 4–9 and the monomer reactivity ratios (r₁ for AA and r₂ for NVP) were determined as a function of pH from the high conversion data by using both the differential (YBR) and the integrated copolymerization equations. The value of r₁ decreased from 5.2 at pH 4 to a minimum of 1.3 at pH 5 and then increased to 8.1, 6.6, and 7.2 at pH 7, 8, and 9, respectively. Addition of 1M NaCl at pH 6.5 restored the r₁ nearly to that at pH 4, the predominantly un-ionized acid. The r₂ values for NVP were nearly zero at all pH values except at pH 5. The variation of the reactivity ratios with pH was examined in terms of the electrostatic interactions between the ionized monomer molecules, the rate of homopolymerization of acrylic acid, and the cation binding to the poly(acrylic acid) molecules. The r₂ values for NVP compared favorably with the literature values reported in bulk and organic solvent systems, although r₁ values are much higher.     

Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Urea Assisted Pristine LiMn2O4 Cathode for Li Ion Batteries

We report the synthesis of electrochemically active LiMn₂O₄ nanoparticles at varied temperature and pH values by sol–gel method using urea as a chelating and combusting agent. The effect of pH and annealing temperature on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance was evaluated. The results obtained by XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR show that LiMn₂O₄ has uniform porous morphology and highly crystalline particles that can be obtained at pH 7.0 and 8.0 and at a relatively lower temperature of 600°C. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed reversible redox reactions with fast kinetics corresponding to Li ions intercalation/deintercalation at 600°C at neutral pH 7.0. Charge/discharge studies carried out at a current rate of 40 mA g^–1 reveal that LiMn₂O₄ synthesized at 600°C and pH 7.0 has the best structural stability and excellent cycling performance.

     

Copolymerization parameters of acrolein and acidic vinyl monomers

Acrolein was copolymerized by radical initiation in aqueous solutions with sodium p-styrenesulfonate and acrylic acid, respectively, in the pH range of 3–7. The reactivities were shown to be pH-dependent. For the acrolein (M₁)–sodium p-styrenesulfonate (M₂) pair, r₁ = 0.33 ± 0.15 and r₂ = 0.32 ± 0.05 at pH 3; r₁ = 0.23 ± 0.12 and r₂ = 0.05 ± 0.03 at pH 5; r₁ = 0.26 ± 0.03 and r₂ = 0.025 ± 0.025 at pH 7. For the acrolein (M₁)–acrylic acid (M₂) pair, r₁ = 0.50 ± 0.30 and r₂ = 1.15 ± 0.2 at pH 3; r₁ = 2.40 ± 0.50 and r₂ = 0.05 ± 0.05 at pH 5; r₁ = 6.70 ± 3.00 and r₂ = 0.00 at pH 7. For acrolein, the new values of Q = 1.6 and e = 1.2 have been calculated. For sodium p-styrenesulfonate, the values Q = 0.76 and e = ?0.26 at pH 3, Q = 0.51 and e = ?0.87 at pH 5, Q = 0.39 and e = ?1.00 at pH 7 were obtained; and for acrylic acid, the values Q = 1.27 and e = 0.50 at pH 3, Q = 0.11 and e = ?0.22 at pH 5 were derived. The changes in reactivity are explained on the basis of inductive and resonance effects.     

Equilibrium and kinetic studies of the Fe(III) complex formation with glycinehydroxamic acid

Spectrophotometric methods were utilized for stability constant determinations of the Fe(III) interaction with glycinehydroxamic acid (GX) at I = 0.15 M NACl and T = 25°C. Program SQUAD II was used to assess the absorbance data in the wavelength range 300–520 nm. Four constants were determined for 1:1:1, 1:1:0, 2:1:1 or 3:1:3 and 2:1:0 complex species in the pH range 1.0–7.5. The kinetics of the interactions of Fe(III) with GX were also studied in the pH range 1.0–3.0 by the stopped flow method. The observed rate constant at a given pH was k_obs = _A + BT_GX. The parameters A and B are functions of pH in the range 1.7–3.0 and only A is a function of pH in the range 1.0–1.7. The mechanism of complex formation was discussed in the light of the experimental results and the equilibrium study. It has been concluded that FeOH²⁺ is the reactive species in the complex formation of FeGXH³⁺ species while Fe(OH)₂⁺ is the reactive species in the complex formation of FeGX²⁺ species.     

Selective hydrothermal microwave synthesis of various manganese dioxide polymorphs

Hydrothermal microwave treatment of mixed solutions of potassium permanganate and hexamethylenetetramine within the pH range 0.5–6.9, resulted in various polymorphs of nanocrystalline manganese dioxide: α-MnO₂ (cryptomelane), γ-MnO₂ (nsutite), β-MnO₂ (pyrolusite), and δ-MnO₂ (birnessite). The pH values of the medium at which single-phase samples form were determined.     

Spektrophotometrische bestimmung von scandium mit 4-2(-pyridylazo)resorcin

4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) forms 2 red chelates with scandium in aqueous solution at pH ? 2 or 5: SCRH²⁺ and ScR₂^-. The former can be used to determine 0.05–2.4 μg Sc/ml at pH 3.5–4.5 with μ = 0.4; measurement is done at 530 mμ. Many ions interfere and separation is necessary.