Ionic Liquid‐Carbon Nanotube Modified Screen‐Printed Electrodes and Their Potential for Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry

Compared with paraffin oil, the use of ionic liquids as a binder in carbon paste type electrodes was shown to greatly enhance the accumulation of analytes, as illustrated with 17α‐ethynylestradiol as a model. The ionic “liquid” n‐octyl‐pyridinium hexafluorophosphate [C₈py][PF₆] was most efficient among several ionic liquids investigated. Such preconcentration allowed a [C₈py][PF₆]‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (95 : 5 w/w) composite electrode to be useful for adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Screen‐printed electrodes modified with [C₈py][PF₆]‐MWCNTs were developed and were able to achieve high sensitivity during adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements under optimised conditions.     

Room-Temperature Synthesis of the Bi5[GaCl4]3 Salt From Three Different Classes of Ionic Liquids

Following the development in the synthesis of subvalent cluster compounds, we report on the use of three different classes of room-temperature ionic liquids for the synthesis of the pentabismuth-tris(tetragallate) salt, Bi₅[GaCl₄]₃, characterized by X-ray diffraction. The Bi₅[GaCl₄]₃ salt was prepared by reduction of BiCl₃ using gallium metal in ionic liquid reaction media containing a strong Lewis acid, GaCl₃. The ionic liquids; trihexyltetradecyl phosphonium chloride [Th-Td-P⁺]Cl^?, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Dod-Me-Im⁺]Cl^? and N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium chloride [Bu-Me-Pyrr⁺]Cl^? from three of the main classes of ionic liquids were used in synthesis. Reactions using ionic liquids composed of the trihexyltetradecyl phosphonium cation [Th-Td-P⁺] and the anions; tetrafluoroborate [BF₄ ^?], bis(trifluoro-methyl sulfonyl) imide [(Tf)₂N^?] and hexafluorophosphate [PF₆ ^?] were also investigated.     

Ionic thermo‐responsive copolymer with multi LCST values: easy and fast LCST‐change through anion exchange

An ionic thermo‐responsive copolymer with multiple lower critical solution temperatures (multi‐LCSTs) has been developed, and the multi‐LCSTs were easily changeable according to the various counter anion types. The multi‐LCST values were achieved by introducing an ionic segment with an imidazolium moiety within the p‐NIPAAm polymer chain to produce poly(NIPAAm‐co‐BVIm) copolymers, [p‐NIBIm]⁺[Br]^?, and changing the counter anion type to produce [p‐NIBIm]⁺[X]^? (X = Cl, AcO, HCO₃, BF₄, CF₃SO₃, PF₆, SbF₆). The as‐prepared temperature‐responsive copolymers were physicochemically characterized via proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H‐NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their various LCST values, micelle sizes, and surface charges were determined using an Ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometer and a Zeta (ξ) sizer, which were fitted with temperature and stirring control. The copolymers showed a broad LCST spectrum between 39°C and 52°C. The Zeta (ξ) potential values at a pH = 7 decreased from about +9.7 for [p‐NIBIm]⁺[X]^? (X = Cl ≈ Br) to about +2.0 mV for [p‐NIBIm]⁺[X]^? (X = PF₆ ≈ SbF₆). The micelle size (or volume) of the copolymers with different anionic species gradually increased from 181.2 nm (or 2.49 × 10^?17 cm^?3) for [p‐NIBIm]⁺[Br]^? to 229.2 nm (or 5.04 × 10^?17 cm^?3) for [p‐NIBIm]⁺[CF₃SO₃]^?, showing a clear effect of the anion on the micelle size (or volume) at a constant temperature, such as body temperature. The fact that the most important physicochemical properties for the thermo‐responsive copolymers, such as the LCST value, micelle size (or volume), and surface charge, could be easily controlled only through the anion exchange suggests these are highly applicable as ionic thermo‐responsive copolymers in a drug (or gene, protein) delivery system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Ir and Rh Imine‐functionalized Protic NHC Complexes: Synthetic,Structural Studies,and Tautomerization/Metallotropism Insights

The influence of the potentially chelating imino group of imine‐functionalized Ir and Rh imidazole complexes on the formation of functionalized protic N‐heterocyclic carbene (pNHC) complexes by tautomerization/metallotropism sequences was investigated. Chloride abstraction in [Ir(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 a ) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) with TlPF₆ gave [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^?). Plausible mechanisms for the tautomerization of complex 1 a to 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? involving C2?H bond activation either in 1 a or in [Ir(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?) were postulated. Addition of PR₃ to complex 3 a ⁺[PF₆]^? afforded the eighteen‐valence‐electron complexes [Ir(cod)(PR₃){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Ph) and 7 b ⁺[PF₆]^? (R=Me)). In contrast to Ir, chloride abstraction from [Rh(cod)Cl{C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}] ( 1 b ) at room temperature afforded [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κN3}₂]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 6 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) and [Rh(cod){C₃H₃N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?) (minor); the reaction yielded exclusively the latter product in toluene at 110 °C. Double metallation of the azole ring (at both the C2 and the N3 atom) was also achieved: [Ir₂(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 10 ) and the heterodinuclear complex [IrRh(cod)₂Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 12 ) were fully characterized. The structures of complexes 1 b , 3 b ⁺[PF₆]^?, 6 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, 7 a ⁺[PF₆]^?, [Ir(cod){C₃HN₂(DippN=CMe)(DippN=CH)(Me)‐κ²(N3,N_imine)}]⁺[PF₆]^? ( 9 ⁺[PF₆]^?), 10? Et₂O ? toluene, [Ir₂(CO)₄Cl{μ‐C₃H₂N₂(DippN=CMe)‐κ²(C2,N_imine),κN3}] ( 11 ), and 12? 2 THF were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Mass Distribution and Diffusion of [1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium][Y] Ionic Liquids Adsorbed on the Graphite Surface at 300–800 K

The structure and diffusion behavior of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([bmim]⁺) ionic liquids with [Cl]^?, [PF₆]^?, and [Tf₂N]^? counterions near a hydrophobic graphite surface are investigated by molecular dynamics simulation over the temperature range of 300–800 K. Near the graphite surface the structure of the ionic liquid differs from that in the bulk and it forms a well‐ordered region extending over 30 Å from the surface. The bottom layer of the ionic liquid is stable over the investigated temperature range due to the inherent slow dynamics of the ionic liquid and the strong Coulombic interactions between cation and anion. In the bottom layer, diffusion is strongly anisotropic and predominantly occurs along the graphite surface. Diffusion perpendicular to the interface (interfacial mass transfer rate k_t) is very slow due to strong ion–substrate interaction. The diffusion behaviors of the three ionic liquids in the two directions all follow an Arrhenius relation, and the activation barrier increases with decreasing anion size. Such an Arrhenius relation is applied to surface‐adsorbed ionic liquids for the first time. The ion size and the surface electrical charge density of the anions are the major factors determining the diffusion behavior of the ionic liquid adjacent to the graphite surface.     

Living/controlled radical copolymerization of N‐substituted maleimides with styrene in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and anisole

The atom transfer radical copolymerization of N‐substituted maleimides such as N‐phenylmaleimide (PhMI), N‐cyclohexylmaleimide (ChMI), and N‐butylmaleimide (NBMI) with styrene initiated with dendritic polyarylether 2‐bromoisobutyrates in an ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF₆]), at room temperature and anisole at 110 °C was investigated. The dendritic‐linear block copolymers obtained in ionic liquid possessed well‐defined molecular weight and low polydispersity (1.05 < M_w/M_n < 1.32) and could be used as a macroinitiator for chain‐extension polymerization, suggesting the living nature of the reaction system. The ionic liquids containing catalyst could be recycled in the atom transfer radical polymerization systems without further treatment. Compared with polymerization conducted in anisole, the polymerization in ionic liquid had a stronger tendency for alternation. The tendency for alternation decreased in the order PhMI > NBMI > ChMI in [bmim][PF₆] and PhMI > ChMI > NBMI in anisole. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2156–2165, 2003     

A new tricarbonyl­rhenium(I) compound incorporating the tridentate ligand N,N‐bis­picol­yl‐2‐ethano­lamine

The title compound, {[N,N‐bis­(2‐pyridylmeth­yl)­amino]­ethanol‐κ³N,N′,N′′}tricarbonyl­rhenium(I) bromide methanol solvate, [Re(C₁₄H₁₇N₃O)(CO)₃]Br·CH₄O, has been prepared in almost quantitative yield by reacting (NEt₄)₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] with the ligand N,N‐bis­picol­yl‐2‐ethano­lamine in refluxing methanol. The X‐ray structure revealed that the Re(CO)₃N₃ coordination sphere is highly distorted from octa­hedral geometry and that the Re(CO)₃ core is facial. The coordinated ligand forms two five‐membered rings, with the pyridine rings in a butterfly formation. The OH group is not involved in metal coordination. The packing of the mol­ecule shows a network of classical O⋯H—O and Br⋯H—O, and non‐classical Br⋯H—C and O⋯H—C hydrogen bonds between the methanol solvate mol­ecules, the metal complex cations and the bromide anions.     

Nickel(II) N‐Benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato Complexes as Precursors for the Preparation of Graphite Oxidation Accelerators

The nickel(II) N‐benzyl‐N‐methyldithiocarbamato (BzMedtc) complexes [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Cl] ( 1 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)Br] ( 2 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)I] ( 3 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)(NCS)] ( 4 ) were synthesized using the reaction of [Ni(BzMedtc)₂] and [NiX₂(PPh₃)₂] (X = Cl, Br, I and NCS). Subsequently, complex 1 was used for the preparation of [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ ( 5 ), [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]BPh₄ ( 6 ), and [Ni(BzMedtc)(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ ( 7 ). The obtained complexes 1 – 7 were characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods (IR, UV/Vis, ³¹P{¹H} NMR). The results of the magnetochemical and molar conductivity measurements proved the complexes as diamagnetic non‐electrolytes ( 1 – 4 ) or 1:1 electrolytes ( 5 – 7 ). The molecular structures of 4 and 5· H₂O were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. In all cases, the Ni^II atom is tetracoordinated in a distorted square‐planar arrangement with the S₂PX, and S₂P₂ donor set, respectively. The catalytic influence of selected complexes 1 , 3 , 5 , and 6 on graphite oxidation was studied. The results clearly indicated that the presence of the products of thermal degradation processes of the mentioned complexes has impact on the course of graphite oxidation. A decrease in the oxidation start temperatures by about 60–100 °C was observed in the cases of all the tested complexes in comparison with pure graphite.     

Volumetric and compressibility behaviour of ionic liquid, 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate in organic solvents at T = 298.15 K

Density and speed of sound measurements have been made on the systems containing the ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF₆]) and some organic solvents having a wide range of dielectric constants. Similar studies have been carried out for tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate ([TBA][PF₆]), which has common anion ([PF₆]⁻) with the studied ionic liquid. For the systems investigated, the apparent molar volumes and apparent molar isentropic compressibilities were determined and fitted to the Redlich–Mayer and the Pitzer equations from which the corresponding limiting values were obtained. These limiting values were used to obtain some information about ion–solvent interactions. Furthermore, using the ionic limiting apparent volume values for [TBA]⁺ from the literature and limiting apparent molar volume for the ionic liquid and [TBA][PF₆] obtained in this work, the ionic limiting apparent molar volume values for the cation [BMIM]⁺ in different organic solvents were also estimated.     

Reactivity Studies of η5‐ Indenyl and η5‐Cp* Ruthenium(II) Complexes towards some Polypyridyl Ligands

The reaction of [(η⁵‐L³)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl], where; L³ = C₉H₇ ( 1 ), C₅Me₅ (Cp*) ( 2 ) with acetonitrile in the presence of [NH₄][PF₆] yielded cationic complexes [(η⁵‐L³)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)][PF₆]; L³= C₉H₇ ([3]PF₆) and L³ = C₅Me₅ ([4]PF₆), respectively. Complexes [3]PF₆ and [4]PF₆ reacts with some polypyridyl ligands viz, 2,3‐bis (α‐pyridyl) pyrazine (bpp), 2,3‐bis (α‐pyridyl) quinoxaline (bpq) yielding the complexes of the formulation [(η⁵‐L³)Ru(PPh₃)(L²)]PF₆ where; L³ = C₉H₇, L² = bpp, ([5]PF₆), L³ = C₉H₇, L² = bpq, ([6]PF₆); L³ = C₅Me₅, L² = bpp, ([7]PF₆) and bpq, ([8]PF₆), respectively. However reaction of [(η⁵‐C₉H₇)Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)][PF₆] ([3]PF₆) with the sterically demanding polypyridyl ligands, viz. 2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tptz) or tetra‐2‐pyridyl‐1,4‐pyrazine (tppz) leads to the formation of unexpected complexes [Ru(PPh₃)₂(L²)(CH₃CN)][PF₆]₂; L² = tppz ([9](PF₆)₂), tptz ([11](PF₆)₂) and [Ru(PPh₃)₂(L²)Cl][PF₆]; L² = tppz ([10]PF₆), tptz ([12]PF₆). The complexes were isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts. They have been characterized on the basis of micro analytical and spectroscopic data. The crystal structures of the representative complexes were established by X‐ray crystallography.     

Increased paraoxon detection by acetylcholinesterase inactivation with ionic liquid additives

This is the first study using ionic liquids (ILs) as additive in the aqueous solvent medium for detection of paraoxon by acetylcholinesterase inhibition method. A systematic comparison of various ILs with organic solvents has been made. The aqueous buffer solution containing ionic liquid ethylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate [EtPy]⁺[PF₆]⁻ has been found to give the best results. The inhibition kinetic follows the first order model. Ionic liquids modified aqueous solutions show the potential to provide a promising and effective medium in detection of paraoxon with acetylcholinesterase.     

A Facile Route for the Synthesis of Polycationic Tellurium Cluster Compounds: Synthesis in Ionic Liquid Media and Characterization by Single‐Crystal X‐ray Crystallography and Magnetic Susceptibility

An innovative soft chemical approach was applied, using ionic liquids as an alternative reaction medium for the synthesis of tellurium polycationic cluster compounds at room temperature. [Mo₂Te₁₂]I₆, Te₆[WOCl₄]₂, and Te₄[AlCl₄]₂ were isolated from the ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl/AlCl₃ ([BMIM]⁺: 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) and characterized. Black, cube‐shaped crystals of [Mo₂Te₁₂]I₆, which is not accessible by conventional chemical transport reaction, were obtained by reaction of the elements at room temperature in [BMIM]Cl/AlCl₃. The monoclinic structure (P2₁/n, a = 1138.92(2) pm, b = 1628.13(2) pm, c = 1611.05(2) pm, β = 105.88(1) °) is homeotypic to the triclinic bromide [Mo₂Te₁₂]Br₆. In the binulear complex [Mo₂Te₁₂]⁶⁺, the molybdenum(III) atoms are η⁴‐coordinated by terminal Te₄²⁺ rings and two bridging η²‐Te₂^2– dumbbells. Despite the short Mo···Mo distance of 297.16(5) pm, coupling of the magnetic moments is not observed. The paramagnetic moment of 3.53 μ_B per molybdenum(III) atom corresponds to an electron count of seventeen. Black crystals of monoclinic Te₆[WOCl₄]₂ are obtained by the oxidation of tellurium with WOCl₄ in [BMIM]Cl/AlCl₃. Tellurium and tellurium(IV) synproportionate in the ionic liquid at room temperature yielding violet crystals of orthorhombic Te₄[AlCl₄]₂.     

Solubilities of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in aqueous salt solutions at 298.15 K

The solubilities of ionic liquids in the ternary systems (ionic liquid + H₂O + inorganic salt) were reported at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The examined ionic liquids are [C₄mim][PF₆] (1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), [C₈mim][PF₆] (1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), and [C₈mim][BF₄] (1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). The examined inorganic salts are the chloride-based salts (sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride) and the sodium-based salts (sodium thiocyanate, sodium nitrate, sodium trifluoroacetate, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium perchlorate, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium tetrafluoroborate, sodium sulfate, and sodium carbonate). The effects of the cations and the anions of the ionic liquids and of the inorganic salts on the solubility of the ionic liquids in the ternary solutions were systematically compared and discussed.     

Air‐Stable,Well‐Soluble AI2[Nb6Cl18] Cluster Compounds (AI = Organic Cation): A New Route for Preparation,Single‐Crystal Structures,Properties, and ESI‐Mass Spectra

Five niobium cluster compounds of the A^I₂[Nb₆Cl₁₈] type (A^I = organic cation: [nPr₄N]⁺, [nBu₄N]⁺, [BMIm]⁺, [Ph₄P]⁺, and [PPN]⁺) are obtained through treatment of [Nb₆Cl₁₄(H₂O)₄] · 4H₂O with excess of thionyl chloride in the presence of an organic chloride, A^ICl. Single‐crystal structure studies show that the compounds consist of discrete cations and cluster [Nb₆Cl₁₈]^2– anions. The cluster unit of the hydrated cluster starting material is oxidized by two electrons. Powder diffraction studies and NMR spectroscopic measurements show all compounds to crystallize without co‐crystallized solvent molecules. They are air and water stable. The solubility in organic solvents changes to a great extent on changing the type of cation. The ESI‐MS spectra of [nPr₄N]₂[Nb₆Cl₁₈] and [Ph₄P]₂[Nb₆Cl₁₈] show the pseudomolecular peak of the anionic cluster as well as additional signals, which involve simultaneously chloride mass loss and reduction processes.     

Molecular Recognition Properties of Biphen[4]arene

Biphen[n]arenes (n=3, 4) are a new family of macrocyclic hosts. Here, we describe the molecular recognition behavior of hydroxylated biphen[4]arene (OHBP4) for the first time. A series of cationic guests with different sizes and shapes, including quaternary ammonium salts ( 1? PF₆ and 2? PF₆), pyridinium‐based guests ( 3? 2 PF₆– 6? 2 PF₆), and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ( 7? PF₆), were chosen as model guest molecules. OHBP4 exhibits good selectivity towards the 2,7‐dibutyldiazapyrenium bis(hexafluorophosphate) ( 4? 2 PF₆) axle to form a [2]pseudorotaxane‐type complex. In contrast, hydroxylated biphen[3]arene (OHBP3) cannot bind with this big guest. In addition, OHBP4 strongly interacts with adamantane derivative 2? PF₆ and cobaltocenium 7? PF₆, which have tridimensional shape and relatively large size. The association constant of the 7 ⁺?OHBP4 complex in 1:1 (v/v) [D₆]acetone/CD₂Cl₂ solution is up to 3100±300 m ^?1.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Metal Complexes of 2‐Formylpyrrole‐4N‐ethylthiosemicarbazone (4 EL1) and 2‐Acetylpyrrole‐4N‐ethylthiosemicarbazone (4 EL2)

The reactions of ⁴N‐ethyl‐2‐[1‐(pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylidene(hydrazine carbothioamide ( 4 EL₁ ) and ⁴N‐ethyl‐2[1‐(pyrrol‐2‐yl)ethylidene(hydrazine carbothioamide ( 4 EL₂ ) with Group 12 metal halides afforded complexes of types [M(L)₂X₂] (M = Zn, Cd; L = 4 EL₁, 4 EL₂; X = Cl, Br, I; 1 – 6 , 14 – 19 ) and [M(L)X₂] (M = Hg; L = 4 EL₁, 4 EL₂; X = Cl, Br, I; 7 – 9 , 20 – 22 ). In addition, reaction of 4 EL₁ with salts of Cu^II, Ni^II, Pd^II and Pt^II afforded compounds of type [M(4 EL₁–H)₂] ( 10 – 13 ). The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB mass spectrometry, IR and electronic spectroscopy and, for sufficiently soluble compounds, ¹H, ¹³C and, when appropriate, ¹¹³Cd or ¹⁹⁹Hg NMR spectrometry. The spectral data suggest that in their complexes with Group 12 metal cations, both thiosemicarbazones are neutral and S‐monodentate; and for [Zn(4 EL₁)₂I₂] ( 3 ), [Cd(4 EL₁)₂Br₂] ( 5 ) and [Hg(4 EL₁)Cl₂]₂ ( 7 ) this was confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry. By contrast, in its complexes with Cu^II and Group 10 metal cations, 4 EL₁ is monodeprotonated and S,N‐bidentate, as was confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry for [Ni(4 EL₁–H)₂] ( 11 ) and [Pd(4 EL₁–H)₂] ( 12 ).     

Aqueous Solutions of Ionic Liquids: Microscopic Assembly

Aqueous solutions of ionic liquids are of special interest, due to the distinctive properties of ionic liquids, in particular, their amphiphilic character. A better understanding of the structure–property relationships of such systems is hence desirable. One of the crucial molecular‐level interactions that influences the macroscopic behavior is hydrogen bonding. In this work, we conduct molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of ionic liquids on the hydrogen‐bond network of water in dilute aqueous solutions of ionic liquids with various combinations of cations and anions. Calculations are performed for imidazolium‐based cations with alkyl chains of different lengths and for a variety of anions, namely, [Br]^?, [NO₃]^?, [SCN]^?, [BF₄]^?, [PF₆]^?, and [Tf₂N]^?. The structure of water and the water–ionic liquid interactions involved in the formation of a heterogeneous network are analyzed by using radial distribution functions and hydrogen‐bond statistics. To this end, we employ the geometric criterion of the hydrogen‐bond definition and it is shown that the structure of water is sensitive to the amount of ionic liquid and to the anion type. In particular, [SCN]^? and [Tf₂N]^? were found to be the most hydrophilic and hydrophobic anions, respectively. Conversely, the cation chain length did not influence the results.     

Chiral Pyrrolidinium Ionic Liquids with (−)-Borneol Fragment in the Cation – Synthesis,Physicochemical Properties and Application in Diels-Alder Reaction

A series of chiral pyrrolidinium salts containing (1 S)-endo-(−)-born-2-yloxymethyl substituent in the structure of the cation and six different anions: chloride, tetrafluoroborate [BF₄]⁻, hexafluorophosphate [PF₆]⁻, trifluoromethanesulfonate [OTf]⁻, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf₂]⁻, bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide [NPf₂]⁻ and perfluorobutanesulfonate [C₄FS]⁻ were efficiently prepared and extensively characterized. The enantiomeric purity of them was confirmed by NMR analysis with a chemical shift reagent. All salts were characterized with the specific rotation, the solubility in commonly used solvents, thermal properties, including phase transition temperatures and thermal stability. Salts with [PF₆]⁻, [C₄FS]⁻, [NTf₂]⁻ and [NPf₂]⁻ anions were classified as chiral ionic liquids (CILs). Moreover, salts with [NTf₂]⁻ and [NPf₂]⁻ anions were in the liquid state at room temperature and below. Therefore, density and dynamic viscosity, the surface tension and the contact angle on three different surfaces were also measured for them. Additionally, these chiral ionic liquids were tested as solvents in Diels-Alder reaction.     

Hydrogels Composed of Organic Amphiphiles and α‐Cyclodextrin: Supramolecular Networks of Their Pseudorotaxanes in Aqueous Media

Mixtures of N‐alkyl pyridinium compounds [py‐N‐(CH₂)_nOC₆H₃‐3,5‐(OMe)₂]⁺(X^?) ( 1b Cl: n=10, X=Cl; 1c Br: n=12, X=Br) and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) form supramolecular hydrogels in aqueous media. The concentrations of the two components influences the sol–gel transition temperature, which ranges from 7 to 67 °C. Washing the hydrogel with acetone or evaporation of water left the xerogel, and ¹³C CP/MAS NMR measurements, powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the xerogel of 1b Cl (or 1c Br) and α‐CD was composed of pseudorotaxanes with high crystallinity. ¹³C{¹H} and ¹H NMR spectra of the gel revealed the detailed composition of the components. The gel from 1b Cl and α‐CD contains the corresponding [2]‐ and [3]pseudorotaxanes, [ 1b? (α‐CD)]Br and [ 1b? (α‐CD)₂]Br, while that from 1c Br and α‐CD consists mainly of [3]pseudorotaxane [ 1c? (α‐CD)₂]Br. 2D ROESY ¹H NMR measurements suggested intermolecular contact of 3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl and pyridyl end groups of the axle component. The presence of the [3]pseudorotaxane is indispensable for gel formation. Thus, intermolecular interaction between the end groups of the axle component and that between α‐CDs of the [3]pseudorotaxane contribute to formation of the network. The supramolecular gels were transformed into sols by adding denaturing agents such as urea, C₆H₃‐1,3,5‐(OH)₃, and [py‐N‐nBu]⁺(Cl^?).     

Kinetic study on acid‐base catalyzed hydrolysis of azimsulfuron,a sulfonylurea herbicide

Pseudo‐first‐order rate constants (k_obs) for hydrolysis of a sulfonylurea herbicide, azimsulfuron, AZIM®, {N‐[[(4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐pyrimidinyl)amino]carbony]‐1‐methyl‐4‐(2‐methyl‐2H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐5‐sulfonamide} (AZS) follow an empirical relationship: k_obs =α₁ + α₂[⁻OH] + α₃[⁻OH]² within the [NaOH] range of 0.1–2.0 M at different temperatures ranging from 40 to 55°C. The contribution of α₃[⁻OH]² term is small compared with α₂[⁻OH] term and this turns out to be zero at 60°C. Pseudo‐first‐order rate constants (k_obs) for hydrolysis of AZS within the [H⁺] range from 2.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.4 M follow the relationship: k_obs = (α₁K _a + B₁[H⁺] + B₂[H⁺]²)/([H⁺] + K_a) where pK_a = 4.37 at 50°C. The value of B₁ is nearly 25 times larger than that of α₁. The rate of alkaline hydrolysis of AZIM is weakly sensitive to ionic strength. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Int J Chem Kinet 31: 253–260, 1999