Determination of diphenylamine stabilizer and its nitrated derivatives in smokeless gunpowder using a tandem MS method

A novel method for determination of diphenylamine (DPA) and its nitrated derivatives, which are considered as characteristic components in smokeless powder and gunshot residues, is described. A tandem mass spectrometric method is established and mass spectrometer parameters optimized for each compound to obtain higher sensitivity. Under optimum conditions, quantitative analysis was carried out. The linear ranges are 5.0-200.0, 2.0-200.0 and 5.0-250.0 ng ml-1 and the detection limits are 1.0, 0.5 and 2.5 ng ml-1 for diphenylamine (DPA), N-NO-diphenylamine (N-NO-DPA) and 4-NO2-diphenylamine (4-NO2-DPA), respectively. Intra-assay and inter-assay precision and accuracy of analysis of these three samples were investigated. Based on the regression lines obtained above, smokeless samples were analyzed. It was found that there are 0.952% DPA, 0.384% N-NO-DPA and 0.128% 4-NO2-DPA in smokeless powder. Recovery tests showed that using cotton swabs, 80.3 +/- 4.9% DPA, 79.6 +/- 3.1% N-NO-DPA and 83.1 +/- 5.4% 4-NO2-DPA could be recovered from human hands.     

A comparative semi-empirical study of the effect of ring ortho-substitution on the conformation of diphenylamine

An extensive theoretical study of the structural and energy properties of diphenylamine (DPA) and derivatives was carried out. The effect of ring substitution on geometrical parameters, inversion barriers and ionisation potentials was investigated for rings containing methyl, methoxy and chloro groups. The dihedral angles between phenyl rings and pyramidality of the nitrogen atom were also studied. Results were compared to the optimised geometry of the unsubstituted DPA. Calculations were carried out using the AM1 semi-empirical method.     

UV-vis spectroscopy for following the kinetics of homogeneous polymerization of diphenylamine in p-toluene sulphonic acid

Kinetics of chemical oxidative polymerization of diphenylamine (DPA) was followed in aqueous 1M para-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TSA) using potassium peroxomonosulphate (PMS) or peroxodisulphate (PDS), independently as an oxidant. The medium was found to be homogeneous and became dark green in colour during the course of polymerisation. The course of polymerization was followed by UV-vis spectroscopy. Rate of polymerization (R(p)) was determined for various conditions by following the absorbance values corresponding to poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) for different concentrations of DPA and PMS or PDS at various time intervals of polymerization. The observed dependences of DPA, PDS or PMS on R(p) were used to deduce rate equations for PDS or PMS initiated polymerization of DPA. The rate constant for the formation of poly(diphenylamine), was estimated. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies on the polymerization of DPA were also carried out on an ITO electrode in 1M p-TSA. The results are in accordance with the intermediates suggested in chemical oxidative polymerization.     

Theoretical investigation study based on PM3MM and ONIOM2 calculations of β-Cyclodextrin complexes with diphenylamine

The inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and diphenylamine (DPA) was investigated by using PM3MM, DFT, HF and ONIOM2 methods. The most stable structure was obtained at the optimum position and angle. The results indicate that the inclusion complex formed by DPA entering into the cavity of β-CD from its wide side (the secondary hydroxyl group side) is more stable than that formed by DPA entering into the cavity of β-CD from its narrow side (the primary hydroxyl group side). The structures show the presence of several intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions that were studied on the basis of natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis, employed to quantify the donor–acceptor interactions between diphenylamine and β-CD. A study of these complexes in solution was carried out using the CPCM model to examine the influence of solvation on the stability of the diphenylamine β-CD complex.     

Spectroelectrochemical characterization of Si-bridged diphenylamines: influence of Si-bridging upon electronic structures of diphenylamines.

Spectroelectrochemical properties of monosilane bridged diphenylamine (5,10-dihydro-2,8-diphenyl-5, 10,10-trimethylphenazasiline, Phenaz) and disilane bridged diphenylamine (2,8-diphenyl-10,11-dihydro-10,11-disila-5,10,10,11,11-pentamethyldibenzo[b,f]azepine, DSiAzep) were investigated. The electrochemical oxidation of Phenaz was reversible and its cyclic voltammogram was almost the same shape as that of diphenylamine (DPA). The electrochemical oxidation of DSiAzep was followed by irreversible reactions leading to the cleavage of the Si-Si bond. On electrochemical oxidations of Phenaz and DPA, the formation of a stable radical cation was observed with UV-Vis spectroscopy. In comparison with the absorption characteristics of oxidized radical cations, it was seen that the oxidized radical cation of Phenaz was more delocalized than that of DPA. In the same way, absorption characteristics of oxidized DSiAzep were observed to be different from those observed in Phenaz and DPA.     

Effect of inclusion complexation on the photophysical behavior of diphenylamine in β-cyclodextrin medium: a study by electronic spectra

Spectral characteristics of diphenylamine (DPA) have been investigated in β-cyclodextrin (β-CDx) solution. The formation of the complex was revealed by UV, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The stoichiometry of DPA:β-CDx complex, determined using Benesi-Hildebrand equation and Job's continuous variation method is 1:1. The binding constants calculated from various methods are reported. This inclusion complex formation from DPA and β-CDx was also confirmed by the FT-IR spectral study and SEM image analysis of solid complex prepared by co-precipitation method.     

氧极谱催化波法测定二苯胺

本文报道一种极谱测定二苯胺的新方法,它是基于二苯胺引起的氧极谱催化波.这个氧极谱催化波是由于二苯胺催化了电生超氧离子O_2~(-)的歧化反应产生的.本方法简单方便,有良好选择性.应用本方法测定了化工原料二苯胺的含量,结果令人满意.     

A general powder dusting method for latent fingerprint development based on AIEgens

Powder dusting method is the most practically useful approach for latent fingerprint development in the crime scene. Herein, a general powder dusting method has been explored for latent fingerprint development based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens). A series of tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives with multiple diphenylamine (DPA), namely, TPE-DPA, TPE-2DPA and TPE-4DPA, were selected as candidates to dope with magnetic powders and applied for latent fingerprint development. After screening, the magnetic powder 3 doped with TPE-4DPA proves to be the best, in terms of fluorescent intensity, resolution and adhesiveness. Afterwards, the magnetic powder 3 was applied for visualization of latent fingerprint on various smooth and porous substrates, including glass, stainless steel, leaf, ceram, plastic bag, lime wall, wood and paper money. Specific details, such as island, core, termination and bifurcation, can be clearly observed for the fluorescent fingerprint images.     

Study of inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin and diphenylamine: photophysical and electrochemical behaviors

The photophysical, electrochemical and photoprototropic behaviors of diphenylamine (DPA) in aqueous β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) solution have been investigated using absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric techniques. Absorption of the neutral and cationic form of DPA is enhanced due to the formation of a 1:1 complex with β-CD. The formation of this complex has been confirmed by Benesi-Hildebrand plot and docking studies by RasMol tool methods. The solid complex of β-CD with DPA is investigated by FT-IR, XRD and AFM methods. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) of inclusion process are also determined. The pK(a) values of neutral-monocation equilibria have been determined with absorption (conjugate acid-base) titrations. A mechanism is proposed to explain the inclusion process.     

In situ UV-visible spectroelectrochemical studies on the copolymerization of diphenylamine with ortho-methoxy aniline

UV-visible spectroelectrochemical studies on copolymerization of diphenylamine (DPA) with ortho-methoxy aniline (OMA) were carried out for different feed ratios of DPA and OMA using indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass as working electrode. The UV-visible spectra show clear dependencies on the molar feed composition of DPA or OMA used in electropolymerization. Derivative cyclic voltabsorptogram (DCVA) was deduced at the wavelengths corresponding to the absorption by the intermediate species and used to confirm the intermediates generated during the electropolymerization. The composition of DPA and OMA in the copolymer for the copolymers synthesized with different molar feed ratios of DPA and OMA was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. Reactivity ratios of DPA and OMA were deduced by using Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods and correlated with spectroelectrochemical results.     

Effect of diphenylamine on photodissociation of aryl azides

The charge-transfer complexes of aromatic azides with diphenylamine (DPA) were studied. Irradiation of 4-nitrophenyl azide in the presence of DPA was found not to give rise to the dissociation of the azido group in the azide radical anionvia intracomplex electron transfer. The photodissociation slows down due to both the static (the formation of a photostable complex with diphenylamine) and dynamic quenching. When 4-azidoacetophenone is irradiated in the presence of DPA, the amine-sensitized decomposition of azide and the photodecomposition of the azide—DPA complex occur along with the direct photolysis of azide, which results in acceleration of the photodissociation due to an increase in the efficiency of the light absorption by the reaction system. A possible sensitization of photodecomposition of aromatic azidesvia an electron transfer mechanism by irradiation of the azide-donor complex is shown.     

In situ UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical studies to identify electrochromic sites in poly(1-naphthylamine) modified by diphenylamine

Poly(1-napthylamine) (PNPA) was modified by incorporation of diphenylamine (DPA) to result copolymer film on the indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass electrode using cyclic voltammetry. Detailed static and dynamic UV-Vis spectroelectrochemical studies were performed on the copolymer films to identify the electrochromic sites corresponding to individual DPA and NPA units. Absorbance-wavelength-potential (AWP) profiles were constructed from the dynamic spectroelectrochemical results to infer the electrochromic sites. The advantages of using AWP profile in the analysis of electrochromic sites are discussed.     

Studies on monitoring the composition of the copolymer by cyclic voltammetry and in situ spectroelectrochemical analysis

Electrochemical copolymerization of diphenylamine (DPA) with ortho-toluidine (OT) was carried out in 4 M sulphuric acid medium by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of the copolymer films were recorded to deduce the electrochemical characteristics. In situ UV-visible spectroelectrochemical studies on copolymerization were carried out using indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass plate as working electrode for different feed ratios of DPA and OT. UV-visible spectral characteristics show clear dependencies on the molar feed composition of DPA or OT used in electropolymerization. Derivative cyclic voltabsorptogram (DCVA) was deduced at the wavelength corresponding to the absorption by the intermediate species and used to identify the intermediates generated during the electropolymerization. The molar composition of DPA and OT units in the copolymer for the copolymers synthesized with different molar feed ratios of DPA and OT was determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. Reactivity ratios of DPA and OT were deduced by using Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods and the observed differences in the composition of DPA/OT in the copolymers were correlated with CV characteristics and results obtained from in situ spectroelectrochemical studies.     

Decomposition of diphenylamine in nitrocellulose based propellants-II. Application of a numerical model to concentration-time data determined by liquid chromatography and dual-wavelength detection

A continued investigation of the primary steps in diphenylamine (DPA) decomposition in nitrocellulose (NC) propellants is presented. The study is based on analytical data obtained by reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of the initial degradation products of DPA. Spectrophotometric detection, rather than the amperometric detection used in part I of this work (A. Bergens and R. Danielsson, Talanta, 1995, 42, 171), was employed in order to detect N-nitroso-DPA as well as DPA, 2-nitro-DPA and 4-nitro-DPA. The results have been studied with the rate parameter optimization program described in part I and simulations suggest that the decomposition of DPA includes unknown reaction steps. More satisfying curve fits were, for example, obtained when the initial reaction for conversion of DPA into N-nitroso-DPA was considered to consist of a two step process with an intermediate. This intermediate could act as a stabilizer as well as DPA and N-nitroso-DPA, particularly at lower temperatures.     

Spectral and photochemical properties of bifunctional compounds and their complexes

Quantum yields of the step-by-step photocyclization of diphenylamine (DPA) derivatives Ph₂N−(CH₂)n−NPh₂,n=3–6, 9, to the corresponding α,ω-di(carbazolyl)alkanes were measured. Atn>3, the presence of the second DPA group had no effect on the cyclization of the first DPA group; however, cyclization of the second DPA group was retarded after cyclization of the first DPA group. The effect was explained by quenching of the excited DPA group by the carbazole group newly formed in the semi-cyclic compound. For disubstituted propane (n=3), the mutual influence of the two groups at both stages of the reaction was found. For Part 1, see Ref. 1. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1510–1515, August, 1999.     

Copolymer Formation Between Two N‐Substituted Anilines—Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Studies

Abstract

Electrochemical polymerization of diphenylamine, DPA with N‐methyl aniline, NMA was performed using cyclic voltammetry in a 4?M sulfuric acid medium. The electrochemical parameters representing the polymer deposition showed a strong dependence on the molar concentration ratios of DPA or NMA in the feed. In situ spectroelectrochemical studies were performed during the electropolymerization with different molar concentration feed ratios of DPA. The results reveal the formation of intermediates together with DPA and NMA units. Derivative cyclic voltabsorptograms (DCVAs) were deduced at the wavelength of absorbance corresponding to the intermediates and explained with redox characteristics in cyclic voltammogram. Results from cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical studies favor copolymer formation between DPA and NMA. Copolymers were prepared for different molar concentrations feed ratios of DPA and the composition of the monomer units in the copolymers were determined. Reactivity ratios of DPA and NMA were deduced using Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tudos methods and correlated with the results from cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical studies.     

Kinetic Modelling of the Concentrations of the Stabilizer DPA and Some of Its Consecutive Products as Function of Time and Temperature

By kinetic modelling of the possible reactions of diphenylamine (DPA) and its nitrated consecutive products used to stabilize cellulose nitrate (CN), one can get reactivities for the nitrated DPA compounds for the situation inside a real CN formulation and therewith determine their stabilizing contribution. Concentration data of DPA and seven of its consecutive products have been determined by HPLC from isothermal ageing of a CN formulation at temperatures between 65 and 90°C for up to 344 days. A comparison between the modelling presented and modellings published in the literature using the steady-state approximation is made. The steady-state approximation oversimplifies the stabilizer reaction behaviour in a CN formulation. From the applied modelling the question about N—NO—DPA as a key intermediate can be answered.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

In situ analysis of agrochemical residues on fruit using ambient ionization on a handheld mass spectrometer

We describe a rapid in situ method for detecting agrochemicals on the surface or in the tissue of fruit using a portable mass spectrometer equipped with an ambient ionization source. Two such ionization methods, low temperature plasma (LTP) and paper spray (PS), were employed in experiments performed at a local grocery store. LTP was used to detect diphenylamine (DPA) directly from the skin of apples in the store and those treated after harvest with DPA were recognized by MS and MS/MS. These data therefore allowed ready distinction between organic and non-organic apples. DPA was also found within the internal tissue of purchased apples and its distribution was mapped using LTP. Similarly, thiabendazole residues were detected on the skin of treated oranges in a grocery store experiment in which paper spray was performed by wiping the orange surface with a moist commercial lens wipe and then applying a high voltage to ionize the chemicals directly from the wipe. The handheld mass spectrometer used in these measurements is capable of performing several stages of tandem mass spectrometry (up to MS(5)); the compounds on the fruit were identified by their MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Protonated DPA (m/z 170) produced a characteristic MS(2) fragment ion at m/z 92, while thiabendazole was identified by MS(3) using precursor to fragment ion transitions m/z 202 →m/z 175 →m/z 131. These particular examples exemplify the power of in situ analysis of complex samples using ambient ionization and handheld mass spectrometers.     

Fluorescence labeling method for aryl halides with 4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenylboronic acid based on Suzuki coupling reaction

For the first time, fluorescence labeling methods for aryl halides with a fluorescent arylboronic acid was developed on the basis of a Suzuki coupling reaction. 4-(4,5-diphenyl-lH-imidazol-2-yl)phenylboronic acid (DPA) was used as a fluorescence labeling reagent. In order to explore its analytical performance, the reaction conditions were optimized using simple bromobenzene derivatives. The reactivity was then investigated with chloro- and iodobenzene derivatives, and also bromobenzene derivatives with different position of substituents. The order of reactivity with DPA: iodobenzene > bromobenzene more more than chlorobenzene derivatives, and p- > m- > o-substituted bromobenzenes. The detection limits of bromobenzene, 4-bromotoluene, and 4-bromoanisole ranged from 0.2 to 1.4 pmol/injection at a signal-to-noise ratio, (S/N) of 3. The applicability of the method to biological samples was also evaluated using clofibrate as the analyte. The reaction was found not only to proceed well but also to be selective for clofibrate even in the presence of plasma components. The method allowed the sensitive detection of clofibrate in human plasma with the detection limit of 170 pmol/mL (260 fmol/injection) at a S/N = 3. The proposed method is highly selective and sensitive and thus would be useful for labeling of aryl halides that do not have other functional groups that could be labeled by currently available fluorescent labeling reagents.     

Spectral and photochemical properties of bifunctional compounds and their charge-transfer complexes. Derivatives of diphenylamine

Spectral properties of diphenylamine (DPA) derivatives Ph₂N-(CH₂) _n -NPh₂ (n = 1, 3, 5, and 9) and their charge-transfer complexes with CBr₄ have been studied. The interaction of two Ph₂N groups results in hypsochromic shifts of absorption bands and changes in their intensities in spectra of diamines whenn = 1 and 3 compared to the spectra ofN-alkyl-substituted derivatives of DPA. The spectrum of the diamine complex whenn = 1 is shifted hypsochromically, while those of the other diamine complexes are shifted bathochromically relative to the spectrum of theN-methyldiphenylamine complex. The positions of absorption maxima in the spectra correlates with the values of redox potentials of amines. Irradiation at the charge-transfer band ( 365 nm) of complexes between diamines and CBr₄ results in the formation of dyes, which absorb at 550 to 700 nm and presumably have di- and triphenylmethane structures.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1725–1730, September, 1995.This work was financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Project No. 93-03-08673).