Pulse radiolysis study of reactions of alkyl and alkylperoxy radicals originating from methyl tert-butyl ether in the gas phase

UV spectra and kinetics for the reactions of alkyl and alkylperoxy radicals from methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) were studied in 1 atm of SF₆ by the pulse radiolysis-UV absorption technique. UV spectra for the radical mixtures were quantified from 215 to 340 nm. At 240 nm. σ_R = (2.6 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹⁸ cm² molecule⁻¹ and σ_RO2 = (4.1 ± 0.6) × 10⁻¹⁸ cm² molecule⁻¹ (base e). The rate constant for the self-reaction of the alkyl radicals is (2.5 ± 1.1) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The rate constants for reaction of the alkyl radicals with molecular oxygen and the alkylperoxy radicals with NO and NO₂ are (9.1 ± 1.5) × 10⁻¹³, (4.3 ± 1.6) × 10⁻¹² and (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. The rate constants given above refer to reaction at the tert-butyl side of the molecule.     

Simultaneous determination of selenium and lead in whole blood samples by differential pulse polarography

The polarographic reduction of lead in the presence of selenite gives rise to an additional peak corresponding to the reduction of lead (Pb) on adsorbed selenium (Se) on mercury at −0.33 V. The selenium and lead content can be determined using this peak by the addition of a known amount of one of these ions first and then the second ion. The linear domain range of lead is 5.0×10⁻⁷–2.0×10⁻⁵ M and for selenium 5.0×10⁻⁷–1.0×10⁻⁵ M. Using this method 4.90×10⁻⁷ M Se(IV) and 1.47×10⁻⁶ M Pb(II) in a synthetic sample could be determined with a relative error of +2.0% and 1.8%, respectively (n=4). A recovery test after acid digestion for a synthetic sample was 97% for selenium and 96.5% for lead. The method was applied to 1 ml of digested blood, and 328±23 μg l⁻¹ Se(IV) and 850±62 μg l⁻¹ Pb(II) could be determined with a 90% (n=5) confidence interval.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and third-order non-linear optical property of heterobimetallic cluster compound [MoOICu3S3(2,2′-bipy)2]

Nest-shaped cluster [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] (1) was synthesized by the treatment of (NH₄)₂MoS₄, CuI, (n-Bu)₄NI, and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) through a solid-state reaction. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a=9.591(2) Å, b=14.820(3) Å, c=17.951(4) Å, β=91.98(2)°, V=2549.9(10) ų, and Z=4. The nest-shaped cluster was obtained for the first time with a neutral skeleton containing 2,2′-bipy ligand. The non-linear optical (NLO) property of [MoOICu₃S₃(2,2′-bipy)₂] in DMF solution was measured by using a Z-scan technique with 15 ns and 532 nm laser pulses. The cluster has large third-order NLO absorption and the third-order NLO refraction, its ₂ and n₂ values were calculated as 6.2×10⁻¹⁰ and −3.8×10⁻¹⁷ m² W⁻¹ in a 3.7×10⁻⁴ M DMF solution.     

Time measurement-visual analysis of nickel(II) using autocatalytic reaction with sodium sulfite/hydrogen peroxide system and its application to the length detection-flow analysis

Trace amounts of nickel(II) can function as a trigger (=reaction initiator) in an autocatalytic reaction with the sodium sulfite/hydrogen peroxide system. Based on this finding, sub-μg L⁻¹ levels of nickel(II) were determined by a time measurement using the autocatalytic reaction. The detection range using the above method was 10⁻⁹–10⁻⁵ M, the detection limit (3σ) was 8.1 × 10⁻¹⁰ M (0.047 μg L⁻¹), and the relative standard deviation was 2.66% at nickel(II) concentration of 10⁻⁷ M (n = 7). This method was applied to length detection-flow injection analysis. The detection range for the flow injection analysis was 2 × 10⁻⁹–2 × 10⁻³ M. The detection limit (3σ) was 1.4 × 10⁻⁹ M (0.082 μg L⁻¹), and the relative standard deviation was 1.86 at initial nickel(II) concentration of 10⁻⁶ M (n = 7).     

Comblike poly(ethylene oxide)/hydrophobic C6 branched chitosan surfactant polymers as anti-infection surface modifying agents

A series of structurally well-defined poly(ethylene oxide)/hydrophobic C₆ branched chitosan surfactant polymers that undergo surface induced self assembly on hydrophobic biomaterial surfaces were synthesized and characterized. The surfactant polymers consist of low molecular weight (M_w) chitosan backbone with hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and hydrophobic hexyl pendant groups. Chitosan was depolymerized by nitrous acid deaminative cleavage. Hexanal and aldehyde-terminated PEO chains were simultaneously attached to low M_w chitosan hydrochloride via reductive amination. The surfactant polymers were prepared with various ratios of the two side chains. The molecular composition of the surfactant polymers was determined by FT-IR and ¹H NMR. Surface active properties at the air–water interface were determined by Langmuir film balance measurements. The surfactant polymers with PEO/hexyl ratios of 1:3.0 and 1:14.4 were used as surface modifying agents to investigate their anti-infection properties. E. coli adhesion on Silastic^® surface was decreased significantly by the surfactant polymer with PEO/hexyl 1:3.0. Surface growth of adherent E. coli was effectively suppressed by both tested surfactant polymers.     

Preparation of a potentiometric immobilized urease electrode and urea determination in serum

Polyvinylalcohol was activated with 2-fluoro-1-methylpyridiniumtoluene-4-sulphonate and urease (EC.3.5.1.5) was covalently linked to the activated matrix. PVA-urease was then immobilized on the surface of a pH glass electrode with gelatine gel and it was cross-linked using glutaraldehyde. This potentiometric membrane electrode provides a linearity to urea in the 8.910⁻⁵ to 1.110⁻³ M concentration range, but by changing the buffer concentration can be studied in the range of 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻² M urea concentration. Reproducibility experiments (n:20) were carried out with the urease enzyme electrode and with photometric methods for pooled serum sample. Average values for the two methods were 5.96 and 5.86 mM, variation coefficients were 2.5 and 3.5% respectively.     

Electrokinetic characterization of polystyrene–non-ionic surfactant complexes

An experimental study on the electrophoretic mobility (μ_e) of polystyrene particles after the adsorption of non-ionic surfactants with different chain lengths is described. Two sulphate latexes with relatively low surface charge densities (3.2 and 4.8 μC cm⁻²) were used as solid substrate for the adsorption of four non-ionic surfactants, Triton X-100, Triton X-165, Triton X-305 and Triton X-405, each one with 9–10, 16, 30 and 40 molecules of ethylene oxide (EO), respectively. The electrophoretic mobility of the polystyrene–non-ionic surfactant complexes was studied versus the amount of adsorbed surfactant (Γ). The presence of non-ionic surfactant onto particles surface seems to produce a slight shifting of the slipping plane because the mobilities of the different complexes display a very small decreasing. The increase in the number of EO chains in the surfactant molecule seems to operate as a steric impediment which decreases the number of adsorbed large surfactant molecules. The electrophoretic mobilities of the latex–surfactant complexes with maximum adsorption were measured versus the pH and ionic strength of the dispersion. While the different complexes showed a similar qualitative behaviour compared with that of the bare latex against the pH, the adsorption of the surfactant reduces the typical maximum in the μ_e−log[electrolyte].     

A new flow-injection determination of glucose based on the redox reaction of hydroquinone with iron(III) in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline

A new spectrophotometric flow-injection (FI) method is proposed for the determination of glucose based on the redox reaction of hydroquinone with iron(III). When a glucose solution containing quinone is passed through the immobilized glucose oxidase column introduced in FI system, quinone is reduced to hydroquinone by glucose. In the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), iron(III) is then quantitatively reduced by hydroquinone to iron(II) followed by the formation of iron(II)-phen complex (λ_max=510 nm). An FI peak observed at 510 nm corresponds to the concentration of glucose. The wide dynamic range for glucose was obtained in the range of 1×10⁻⁶–1×10⁻³ mol l⁻¹ at a sampling rate of 24 h⁻¹ and the detection limit (S/N=3) was 5×10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹. Relative standard deviations were 0.78, 0.44 and 0.23% (n=5) for 5×10⁻⁶, 5×10⁻⁵ and 5×10⁻⁴ mol l⁻¹ of glucose, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of glucose in control blood sera, human blood plasma and wine.     

Plasma chromatography of n-alkyl acetates

Plasma chromatography is a technique which permits characterization and analysis of trace constituents in a gaseous mixture at atmospheric pressure. It is especially well suited as a gas chromatographic detector. Operating at atmospheric pressure, the instrument uses either air or nitrogen carrier gas into which the sample is injected directly or through a gas chromatograph. The compounds are identified by their characteristic positive and negative mobility spectra, which consist of simple molecular and dissociative ions. Quantities as low as 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹² g are detectable. For use as a gas chromatographic detector, reference mobility spectra of compounds are needed. Those of n-alkanes, alcohols, ketones, halogenated aromatics, substituted nitrobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, alkyl halides, aliphatic N-nitrosamines and isomeric phthalic acids have been previously reported. This study reports the reference mobility spectra produced by n-alkyl acetates. These compounds display strong positive mobility spectra but no negative mobility spectra. The spectra all show characteristic MH⁺, M(H₂O)_nH⁺ and (M₂)H⁺ along with the alkyl fragment ions.     

Experimental study and modelling using the ERAS-Model of the excess molar volume of acetonitrile–alkanol mixtures at different temperatures and atmospheric pressure

Densities of {(1−x)CH₃(CH₂)_n−1OH + xCH₃CN} for n=1, 2, 3 or 4 have been determined as a function of composition at 288.15, 293.15, 298.15 and 303.15 K at atmospheric pressure using a vibrating-tube densimeter (Anton Paar DMA 4500, resolution 1×10⁻⁵ g cm⁻³). Excess molar volumes were calculated. The V_m^E values were negative for acetonitrile–methanol mixtures and sigmoid for acetonitrile–alkanols (C₂–C₄) mixtures over the complete mole fraction range. V_m^E values increase in a positive direction with increase in chain length of the alkanols and with the temperature. The Extended Real Associated Solution Model (ERAS-Model) calculations allowing for self-association for the alkanols and complex formation between acetonitrile and alkanols have been used to correlate experimental data. The model is able to reproduce the asymmetrical V_m^E behavior of the studied systems, although agreement between theoretical and experimental values is less satisfactory for some concentration ranges.     

Reactions of cyclo-(t-Bu4Sb4) with alkali metals; syntheses and crystal structures of [M(L)n(t-Bu4Sb3)] (M=Na, K; n=1, 2) and [K(L)(t-Bu3Sb2)] (L=(Me2NCH2CH2)2NMe)

Reduction of cyclo-(t-Bu₄Sb₄) (1) with sodium or potassium in boiling tetrahydrofuran leads to the anions [t-Bu₄Sb₃]⁻ and [t-Bu₃Sb₂]⁻. Crystallization with pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (L) gives [M(L)_n(t-Bu₄Sb₃)] (n=1, M=Na (2), K (3); n=2, M=K (4)) and [K(L)(t-Bu₃Sb₂)] (5). Crystal structure analyses reveal coordination of the anionic antimony ligands on the alkali metal ions for 2, 3, and 5. In contrast, no Sb---K interactions were observed in the structure of 4.     

Kinetics study of the gas-phase reactions of C2F5OC(O)H and n-C3F7OC(O)H with OH radicals at 253–328 K

The rate constants, k₁ and k₂ for the reactions of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured using an FT-IR technique at 253–328 K. k₁ and k₂ were determined as (9.24 ± 1.33) × 10⁻¹³ exp[−(1230 ± 40)/T] and (1.41 ± 0.26) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1260 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The random errors reported are ±2 σ, and potential systematic errors of 10% could add to the k₁ and k₂. The atmospheric lifetimes of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated at 3.6 and 2.6 years, respectively.     

Adsorption and desorption kinetics of CmE8 on impulsively expanded or compressed air–water interfaces

The adsorption kinetics of C_mE₈ (m=10, 12, and 14) at an air–water interface are investigated. A pendant bubble is formed in aqueous surfactant solution and allowed to attain equilibrium. The bubble is then impulsively expanded or compressed with some change of area large enough to appreciably deplete or enrich the surface concentration and change the surface tension. The surfactant is then allowed to re-equilibrate. The surface tension evolution during this process is measured using video images of the pendant drop. The surface tension evolution is compared to mass transfer arguments. First, the re-equilibration of interfaces laden with C₁₄E₈ are studied. For compressed interfaces, surfactant must desorb to restore equilibrium. The surface tension rises more slowly than predicted by a diffusion-controlled evolution, implying that the re-equilibration is mixed diffusive-kinetic controlled. By analyzing the surface tension evolution in terms of a mixed kinetic-diffusive model, values for the kinetic constants for adsorption and desorption are found. These results are compared to those obtained previously for C_mE₈ (m=10 and 12). For all of these molecules, the adsorption rate constant is similar (β₁=5.6±1.0×10⁻⁶ cm³ (mol s)⁻¹). However, the desorption rate constant (₁) varies strongly. Increasing m by 2 lowers the desorption rate constant ₁ by nearly a factor of 15. This is consistent with an increased resistance to re-immersion into water with the length of a hydrocarbon chain.     

On-line extraction-spectrophotometric determination of neostigmine in pharmaceuticals using double membrane phase separator and monovalent dyestuff

A simple, sensitive and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of neostigmine by flow injection analysis (FIA) coupled with an ion associate extraction has been developed. The three-line manifold was assembled. Neostigmine(200 μl) was injected into a distilled water stream and the pH was adjusted to 10 with a borate–phosphate buffer solution. Then, the stream was mixed with the ion-pairing tetrabromophenolphthalein ethylester (TBPEH)-1,2-dichloroethane solution. After phase separation with a double membrane phase separator, absorbance was measured at 610 nm. A linear calibration graph was obtained between 1×10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ and 5×10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ of neostigmine. Up to 48 samples h⁻¹ could be processed with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of 0.5% (n=5) for 4×10⁻⁷ mol l⁻¹ neostigmine. The proposed system was applied to the simple, reproducible and rapid determination of neostigmine in commercial pharmaceuticals.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of the reactions of tetrathiomolybdate with roussin salts and esters, and with some related iron nitrosyls

The tetrathiomolybdate ion [MoS₄]²⁻ reacts in DMF solution with Roussin esters Fe₂(SR)₂(NO)₄ (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu,t-Bu, n-C₅H₁₁) to yield the paramagnetic iron nitrosyls [Fe(NO)₂(SR)₂]⁻ (1), [Fe(NO)₂(S₂MoS₂]⁻ (2) and [Fe(NO)(S₂MOS₂)₂]⁻ (3). The new complexes (2) and (3) have been characterized by EPR spectroscopy and the assignment to them of constitutions based respectively upon tetrahedral and square pyramidal iron is supported by EHMO calculations. Fe₂(SPh)₂(NO)₄ with [MoS₄]²⁻ yields only [Fe(NO)₂(SPh)₂]⁻, and preformed (3) reacts with PhS⁻ to give firstly EPR-silent species, and then [Fe(NO)₂(SPh)₂]⁻. The mononitrosyl (3) can also be formed by reaction of [MoS₄]²⁻ with [Fe₄S₃(NO)₇]⁻, Fe₄S₄(NO)₄, or Fe₂I₂(NO)₄.     

Determination of terazosin by cloud point extraction-fluorimetric combined methodology

A new sensitive and selective preconcentration-fluorimetric method for determination of terazosin based on its native fluorescence was developed. The analyte, initially present in aqueous matrix, was treated with an extractive non-ionic surfactant solution and separated by the clouding phenomenon. The optimum analytical conditions for terazosin assay were established. Under these conditions, linear calibration curves were obtained over the range of 1 × 10⁻⁵ to 7.0 μg mL⁻¹ with detection and quantification limits of 1.11 × 10⁻⁵ and 3.7 × 10⁻⁵ μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Additionally, the binding constant (K_B) for the terazosin-PONPE 7.5 system was determined given a value of 1028 L mol⁻¹. The developed coupled methodology, which thoroughly satisfies the typical requirements for pharmaceutical control processes, was proved to be appropriate for monitoring terazosin in actual pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluid sample. The results were validated by recovery test and by comparison with other reported methods, being highly satisfactory.     

Calorimetric study on oxidation of alumina supported rhodium by dioxygen

Rhodium particles in nanometer size were prepared by impregnating alumina powders with aqueous solutions containing rhodium salts. The dispersion (D) of rhodium crystallites on the prepared samples was estimated by dioxygen adsorption measured at 300 K. Phenomena of oxidizing the supported crystallites with 2.5 × 10⁴ Pa O₂ in a temperature range between 280 and 870 K were calorimetrically studied. Extent of oxidation may be distinguished into three stages, i.e., adsorption on surface (T < 300 K), progressive penetration into bulk, and formation of a stable bulk oxide (T> 700 K), on raising the oxidation temperature. Heat of dioxygen adsorption varies only slightly with the dispersion (D) of rhodium and has a value of 294 ± 6 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹. Chemical stoichiometry of the bulk oxide formed, however, varies with the dispersion of rhodium crystallites. A dioxide (RhO₂) (_f H = 225 ± 3 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹) and a sesquioxide (Rh₂O₃) (_f H = 273 ± 3 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹) was formed at D < 60% and D> 80%,     

Kinetics and mechanisms of the redox reaction of hexaaquotitanium(III) and the ethylenediamine tetraacetato titanium(III) complex by aqueous solutions of bromine

At 25°C, I = 1.0 M (CF₃SO₃⁻Li⁺+CF₃SO₃H), [H⁺] = 0.034–0.274 M and λ = 453 nm, the rate equation for the oxidation of Ti(H₂O), ₆³⁺ by bromine was found to be: −d/[Br₂]T/dt=kK/[Br₂][Ti^III]/[H⁺]+K+kK/[Br₃⁻][Ti^III]/[H⁺+K, where k = 9.2 × 10⁻³ M ⁻¹ s ⁻¹ and K = 4.5 × 10⁻³ M. At [H⁺] = 1.0 M, [Br⁻] = 0.05–0.4 M, the apparent second-order rate constant decreases as [Br⁻] increases.

The pH-dependence of the oxidation of Ti^III-edta by bromine is interpreted in terms of the change in identity of the Ti^III-edta species as the pH of the reaction medium changes. The second-order rate constants were fitted using a non-linear least-square computer program with (1/k₀^edta)² weighting into an equation of the form: k₀^edta =k₁+k₂K₁[H⁺]⁻¹+k₃K₁K₂[H⁺]^−2/1+K₁[H⁺[H⁺⁻¹+K₁K₂[H⁺]⁻², with K₁ and K₂ fixed as earlier determined at 9.55 × 10⁻³ and 2.29 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively, for the oxidation of bromine. k₁=k₂=(3.1±0.32)×10³M⁻¹s⁻¹ k₃=(2.3±0.45)×10⁶N⁻¹s⁻¹.

It is proposed that these electron transfer reactions proceed by univalent changes with the production of Br₂^.− as a transient intermediate. An outer-sphere mechanism is proposed for these reactions. The homonuclear exchange rate for Ti^III-edta+Ti^IV-edta is estimated at 32 M⁻¹ s⁻¹.     

Kinetic study of gas-phase Lu(D3/2) with O2, N2O and CO2

The second-order rate constants of gas-phase Lu(²D_3/2) with O₂, N₂O and CO₂ from 348 to 573 K are reported. In all cases, the reactions are relatively fast with small barriers. The disappearance rates are independent of total pressure indicating bimolecular abstraction processes. The bimolecular rate constants (in molecule⁻¹ cm³ s⁻¹) are described in Arrhenius form by k(O₂)=(2.3±0.4)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−3.1±0.7 kJmol⁻¹/RT), k(N₂O)=(2.2±0.4)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−7.1±0.8 kJmol⁻¹/RT), k(CO₂)=(2.0±0.6)×10⁻¹⁰exp(−7.6±1.3 kJmol⁻¹/RT), where the uncertainties are ±2σ.