Decomposition pathway of diaquabis(N,N'-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediamine)Ni(II) acesulfamate

Summary Prediction of the thermal decomposition pathway of the metal complexes is very important from the theoretical and experimental point of view to determine the properties and structural differences of complexes. In the prediction of the decomposition pathways of complexes, besides the thermal analysis techniques, some ancillary techniques e.g. mass spectroscopy is also used in recent years. In the light of the molecular structures and fragmentation components, it is believed that the thermal decomposition pathway of most molecules is similar to the ionisation mechanism occurring in the mass spectrometer ionisation process. In this study, the thermal decomposition pathway of [Ni(dmen)₂(H₂O)₂](acs)₂ complex have been predicted by the help of thermal analysis data (TG, DTG and DTA) and mass spectroscopic fragmentation pattern. The complex was decomposed in four stages: a) dehydration between 84-132°C, b) loss of N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (dmen) ligand, c) decomposition of remained dmen and acesulfamato (acs) by releasing SO₂, d) burning of the organic residue to resulting in NiO. The volatile products observed in the thermal decomposition process were also observed in the mass spectrometer ionisation process except molecular peak and it was concluded that the ionisation and thermal decomposition pathway of the complex resembles each other.     

Thermal decomposition and antimicrobial activity of zinc(II) 2-bromobenzoates with organic ligands

New zinc(II) 2-bromobenzoate complex compounds with general formula Zn(2-BrC₆H₄COO)₂·nL·xH₂O (where L = urea, nicotinamide, N-methylnicotinamide, N,N-diethylnicotinamide, isonicotinamide, phenazone n = 0–2, x = 0–2) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds started with dehydration process. During the thermal decomposition organic ligand, carbon dioxide and bis(2-bromophenyl)ketone were evolved. The solid intermediates and volatile products of thermal decomposition were proved by IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The final solid product of the thermal decomposition heated up to 1073 K was zinc oxide. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was tested against various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, R. oryzae, A. alternate and M. gypseum). It was found that the selected bacteria were more sensitive to the studied zinc(II) complex compounds than the yeast and the filamentous fungi.     

A pyrolysis-GC–MS investigation of poly(vinyl phenyl ketone)

The thermal decomposition process and pyrolysis products of poly(vinyl phenyl ketone) (PVPK) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and on-line pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS). TGA showed a largest weight loss rate around 380 °C. Py-GC–MS was used for the qualitative analysis of the pyrolysis products at 350, 500, 600, 700 and 850 °C. The major volatile thermal decomposition product was found to be 1-phenyl-2-propenone, which dominated all other volatile species especially under the least severe pyrolysis conditions (<600 °C). At higher temperatures a much wider range of pyrolysis products was obtained. The results have been interpreted assuming that primary random chain scission reactions occur followed by typical unzipping mainly producing monomer units; detachment of the side-group occurs only under more severe pyrolysis conditions. Py-GC–MS showed to be effective in PVPK detection in ink and paint formulations.     

First field application of a thermal desorption resonance-enhanced multiphoton-ionisation single particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer for the on-line detection of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The on-line analysis of single aerosol particles with mass spectrometrical methods is an important tool for the investigation of aerosols. Often, a single laser pulse is used for one-step laser desorption/ionisation of aerosol particles. Resulting ions are detected with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. With this method, the detection of inorganic compounds is possible. The detection of more fragile organic compounds and carbon clusters can be accomplished by separating the desorption and the ionisation in two steps, e.g. by using two laser pulses. A further method is, using a heated metal surface for thermal desorption of aerosol particles. If an ultraviolet laser is used for ionisation, a selective ionisation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated PAH is possible via a resonance-enhanced multiphoton-ionisation process. Laser velocimetry allows individual laser triggering for single particles and additionally delivers information on aerodynamic particle diameters. It was shown that particles deriving from different combustion sources can be differentiated according to their PAH patterns. For example, retene, a C₄-alkylated phenanthrene derivative, is a marker for the combustion of coniferous wood. In this paper, the first field application of a thermal desorption resonance-enhanced multiphoton-ionisation single particle time-of-flight mass spectrometer during a measurement campaign in Augsburg, Germany in winter 2010 is presented. Larger PAH-containing particles (i.e. with aerodynamic diameters larger than 1 μm), which are suspected to be originated by re-suspension processes of agglomerated material, were in the focus of the investigation. Due to the low concentration of these particles, an on-line virtual impactor enrichment system was used. The detection of particle-bound PAH in ambient particles in this larger size region was possible and in addition, retene could be detected on several particles, which allows to identify wood combustion as generic source of these particles. The observed diurnal distribution of these larger particles, however, support the origin by traffic induced re-suspension of sedimented/agglomerated material.     

Hyphenation of a thermobalance to soft single photon ionisation mass spectrometry for evolved gas analysis in thermogravimetry (TG-EGA)

The potential of hyphenating thermogravimetry (TG) and soft photo ionisation mass spectrometry (EBEL-SPI-MS) for fundamental and applied research and material analysis has been demonstrated by a newly developed TG-SPI quadrupole MS coupling (TG-SPI-QMS). Thermal decomposition of three common plastics, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) has been studied. While the decomposition of PE and PS in inert atmosphere takes place in a one step process (main mass loss at about 490 and 420 °C, respectively), PVC decomposes in a two step mechanism. The organic signature of the PE decomposition shows homologous series of alkenes and polyenes, while PS is forming mainly styrene mono- and oligomers. In the PVC decomposition, firstly hydrogen chloride (HCl) is eliminated in a hydro-dechlorination reaction (1st mass loss step: 285–305 °C), this is accompanied by the emission of the carbon skeletons of small aromatics (predominately benzene and naphthalene). In the second step (2nd mass loss step: 490–510 °C), the residual cross-linked polyolefin moieties decompose under release of heavily alkylated aromatics, including larger PAH. Chlorinated aromatics are formed only in trace levels.     

Study on thermal decomposition of polymers by evolved gas analysis using photoionization mass spectrometry (EGA-PIMS)

Photoionization mass spectrometry (PIMS) with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light source provides an efficient and fragmentation-free method for the soft ionization of gaseous compounds, in order to facilitate an understanding of thermal decomposition behavior and chemical composition of polymeric materials. The PIMS was applied to the evolved gas analysis (EGA) system equipped with a skimmer interface which is constituted based upon a jet separator principle between a vacuum MS chamber and an atmospheric sample chamber in a furnace. A photoionization source with a deuterium (D₂) lamp was closely installed to the vacuum ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer to improve the ionization efficiency. The thermal decomposition of typical polymers in inert gas atmosphere was investigated by the EGA-PIMS and the resulting PI mass spectrum was characterized satisfactorily by only the parent ions with no contribution as a result of fragmentation during the ionization. The results suggested that the EGA-PIMS was an especially powerful and desirable in situ thermal analysis method for polymeric materials which evolve organic gases simultaneously and concurrently. The combination of EGA equipped with skimmer interface with no change of evolved gaseous species and PIMS with fragmentation-free during the ionization is described briefly, and the effective results are presented by comparing with EGA using conventional electron impact ionization mass spectrometry.     

Evolved gas analysis (EGA) in TG and DSC with single photon ionisation mass spectrometry (SPI-MS): molecular organic signatures from pyrolysis of soft and hard wood,coal, crude oil and ABS polymer

A combined thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry device (TG/DSC) was coupled to single photon ionisation mass spectrometry (SPI-MS) for evolved gas analysis (EGA). Single photon ionisation (SPI) was performed with a new type of VUV light source, the so called electron beam pumped rare gas excimer lamp (EBEL). SPI does not fragment molecules upon the ionisation process. Thus the molecular mass signature of the evolving gases from thermal composition of carbonaceous material can be directly on-line recorded. In this work the thermo-analytical data and the SPI-MS information on the released organics is presented and discussed for various samples. Namely biomass (soft and hard wood), fossil fuel (crude oil and coal) as well as a complex polymer (ABS) are investigated. The general potential of hyphenating thermal analysis and soft photo ionisation mass spectrometry (EBEL-SPI-MS) for fundamental and applied research and material analysis is discussed.     

Thermal analysis/mass spectrometry using soft photo-ionisation for the investigation of biomass and mineral oils

The combined analytical methods of thermal analysis and mass spectrometry have been applied in form of a newly developed prototype of a thermogravimetry — single photon ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometer coupling (TG-SPI-TOFMS) to investigate the molecular patterns of evolved gases from several biomass samples as well as a crude oil sample. Single photon ionization (SPI) was conducted by means of a novel electron beam pumped argon excimer lamp (EBEL) as photon source. With SPI-TOFMS various lignin decomposition products such as guaiacol, syringol and coniferyl alcohol could be monitored. Furthermore, SPI allows the detection of aliphatic hydrocarbons, mainly alkenes, carbonylic compounds such as acetone, and furan derivatives such as furfuryl alcohol and hydroxymethylfurfural. More alkaline biomass such as coarse colza meal show intense signals from nitrogen containing substances such as (iso-)propylamine and pyrrole. Thermal degradation of crude oil takes place in two steps, evaporation of volatile components and pyrolysis of larger molecular structures at higher temperatures. Due to the soft ionisation, homologue rows of alkanes and alkenes could be detected on basis of their molecular ions. The obtained information from the thermal analysis/photo ionisation mass spectrometry experiments can be drawn on in comparison to the investigation of the primary products from flash pyrolysis of biomass for production of biofuels and chemicals.     

Thermal Behaviour of New Zinc(II) Bromobutyrate Complex Compounds

New zinc bromobutyrate complexes of general formula ZnX₂·1−L·nH₂O (X=CH₂Br(CH₂)₂COO⁻; CH₃CH₂CHBrCOO⁻) containing one or two molecules of caffeine, nicotin-amide and phenazone as ligands (L) were prepared. The compounds were characterized by MS-, IR- spectroscopy, chemical and thermal analysis. The thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds starts by the release of water molecules. In anhydrous compounds the loss of organic ligands takes place followed by the decomposition of the bromobutyrate anion at higher temperatures. Zinc bromide was found among the final products of thermal decomposition. Water, carbon monoxide, propylaldehyde, vinylaldehyde and formaldehyde were detected in the gaseous products of the thermally decomposed samples on heating up to 700°C. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal study of zinc(II) 4-chlorosalicylate complex compounds with bioactive ligands

Three new complex compounds of general formula Zn{4-ClC₆H₃-2-(OH)COO}₂⋅L₂⋅nH₂O (where L=thiourea (tu), nicotinamide (nam), caffeine (caf), n=2,3), were prepared and characterized by chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy and their thermal properties were studied by TG/DTG, DTA methods. It was found that the thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds starts with the release of water molecules. During the thermal decomposition of anhydrous compounds the release of organic ligands take place followed by the decomposition of salicylate anion. Zinc oxide was found as the final product of the thermal decomposition performed up to 650°C. RTG powder diffraction method, IR spectra and chemical analysis were used for the determination of products of the thermal decomposition.     

Analytical and thermal investigations of new solid Y(III) and La(III) complexes

New compounds with formulae Y(2,4′-bpy)_1.5Cl₃·8H₂O (I), Y(2,4′-bpy)_0.5Br₃·8H₂O (II), La(2,4′-bpy)Cl₃·5H₂O (III) and La(2,4′-bpy)_1.5Br₃·5H₂O (IV) were prepared and characterized by chemical and elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The thermal properties of compounds in the solid state were studied using TG-DTA techniques under dry air atmosphere. The thermal behavior of investigated compounds was studied in the temperature range 298–1273 K. They are stable up to 323 K. The complexes decompose in several stages, accompanied by endo- and exothermic effects. In all cases, the first step of pyrolysis is partial or total dehydration. When the temperature rises, deamination takes place. The solid final products of decomposition are Y₂O₃ and La₂O₃, respectively. Additionally, for all complexes mass spectrometry was used to analyze principal volatile thermal decomposition and fragmentation products evolved during pyrolysis under dry air atmosphere.

     

Analytical method for biomonitoring of endocrine-disrupting compounds (bisphenol A,parabens, perfluoroalkyl compounds and a brominated flame retardant) in human hair by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

In this paper, a method for the determination of four groups of endocrine-disrupting compounds in human hair is proposed. Target compounds were a plastic monomer (bisphenol A), three parabens commonly used as preservatives (methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben), six perfluoroalkyl compounds commonly used as water, oil and dirt repellents (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and five perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, with alkyl chains from four to eight carbon atoms) and a brominated flame retardant (hexabromocyclododecane). All of them are of especial concern to human health because they are utilized in many everyday products. The method is based on hair incubation with methanol/acetic acid solution (85:15, v/v), extraction with acetone for 15 min in an ultrasonic bath and analysis by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode. Limits of quantification in hair samples ranged from 0.6 ng g⁻¹ to 6.1 ng g⁻¹, except for hexabromocyclododecane (36 ng g⁻¹). Recoveries were higher than 69%. Intra-day and inter-day precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, were lower than 15% and 10%, respectively. The applicability of the method was proven by analyzing the target compounds in hair samples from six volunteers. High frequencies of detection and concentrations were obtained for bisphenol A (83% of samples; concentrations up to 158 ng g⁻¹) and parabens (100% of samples; concentrations up to 624 ng g⁻¹). Lower concentrations were detected for the perfluoroalkyl compounds (up to 13 ng g⁻¹). Hexabromocyclododecane was not detected.     

Thermoanalytical, spectral and biological study of 4-bromobenzoatozinc(II) complexes containing bioactive organic ligands

New zinc(II) 4-bromobenzoate complex compounds with general formula [Zn(4-BrC₆H₄COO)₂L₂]·xH₂O (where L?=?urea, nicotinamide, phenazone or thiourea, x?=?0?C2) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds started with dehydration process. During the thermal decomposition, the neutral organic ligand, bis(4-bromophenyl)methanone and carbon dioxide were evolved. The solid intermediates and volatile products of thermal decomposition were proved by IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The final solid product of the thermal decomposition heated up to 800?°C was zinc oxide, which was confirmed by X-ray powder diffractometry. Antimicrobial activity of the prepared compounds was tested against various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, R. oryzae, A. alternata and M. gypseum). It was found that bacterium S. aureus and fungi A. alternata are the most sensitive to the studied compounds.     

Soft ionisation analysis of evolved gas for oxidative decomposition of an epoxy resin/carbon fibre composite

Soft ionisation mass spectrometry was used to investigate the oxidative decomposition of an epoxy resin/carbon fibre composite using thermogravimetry (TG) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). Through comparison between decomposition in air and in argon, it was recognized that the first step of the oxidative decomposition of the epoxy resins was similar to the decomposition in argon. During the devolatilisation process, the oxidative decomposition underwent a thermal decomposition leading to the formation of a large amount of volatile products which were subsequently oxidized into water and carbon dioxide. The gas produced in the thermal decomposition was not oxidized completely leaving some organic volatiles in the emissions. Using soft ionisation, the components of the evolved gases were identified by mass spectrometry.     

The study of new zinc(II) aliphatic carboxylate complex compounds by methods of thermal analysis

Four new complex compounds were prepared by the reaction of zinc bromobutyrate and organic ligands. The general formula of the synthetized complex compounds are (2-Brbut)₂ZnL and (4-Brbut)₂ZnL₂nH₂O (but=butyrate, L=theobromine (tbr), theophylline (tph), methyl-3-pyridyl carbamate (mpc), n=0-1). The compounds were characterized by chemical analysis and IR spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour of the zinc(II) complexes was studied by thermal analysis. Thermal decomposition in the case of hydrated compounds starts with the release of water molecules. Then molecules of organic ligands and the bromobutyrate anion are released and decomposed. CH₃CH₂CH=O, CO, CH₂=CHCH=O, CH₂O and ZnBr₂ were found as gaseous products of thermal decomposition during heating up to 700°C. IR, mass spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and chemical analysis were used for the determination of solid and gaseous intermediates and products of the thermal decomposition.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synthesis,biological and physicochemical properties of Zinc(II) salicylate and 5-chlorosalicylate complexes with theophylline and urea

New zinc(II) salicylate complex compounds of general formula (X-C₆H₃-2-(OH)COO)₂Zn · L_n · xH₂O (where X = H, 5-Cl; L = theophylline, urea; n = 2, 4; x = 1, 2, 4) were prepared and their thermal, spectral and biological properties were studied. It was found that the thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds starts with the release of water. During the thermal decomposition of anhydrous compounds, the release of salicylic acid, theophylline, urea, CO₂, H₂O and C₆H₅Cl takes place. Zinc oxide was found as the final product of the thermal decomposition heated up to 900 °C. The complexes were tested against bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi. The highest biological activity show 5-chlorosalicylate compounds.     

A new method of synthesis of BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> prepared by thermal decomposition of Bi[Fe(CN)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]·4H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

In order to investigate the formation of the multiferroic BiFeO₃, the thermal decomposition of the inorganic complex Bismuth hexacyanoferrate (III) tetrahydrate, Bi[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O has been studied. The starting material and the decomposition products were characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, laboratory powder X-ray diffraction, and microscopic electron scanning. The crystal structures of these compounds were refined by Rietveld analysis. BiFeO₃ were synthesized by the decomposition thermal method at temperature as low as 600 °C. There is a clear dependence of the type and amount of impurities that are present in the samples with the time and temperature of preparation.     

Synthesis,thermal, spectral and biological properties of zinc(II) 4-hydroxybenzoate complexes

New zinc(II) 4-hydroxybenzoate complex compounds with general formula [Zn(4-OHbenz)₂L_n]·xH₂O, where 4-OHbenz = 4-hydroxybenzoate; L = isonicotinamide, N-methylnicotinamide, N,N-diethylnicotinamide, thiourea, urea, phenazone, theophylline, methyl-3-pyridylcarbamate; n = 2, 3; x = 0–3, 5, were synthesized and characterised by elemental analysis, thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour of the prepared compounds was studied by TG/DTG and DTA methods in argon atmosphere. The thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds started with dehydration. During the thermal decomposition, organic ligand, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and phenol were evolved. The final solid product of the thermal decomposition was zinc or zinc oxide. The volatile gaseous product, solid intermediate products and the final product of thermal decomposition were identified by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, qualitative chemical analyses and X-ray powder diffraction method. The antimicrobial activity of zinc(II) carboxylate compounds was tested against various strains of bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi (S. aureus, E. coli, C. parapsilosis, R. oryzae, A. alternata, M. gypseum). The presence of zinc in complexes led to the increase in their antimicrobial activity in comparison with free 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.     

Thermal study of zinc(II) salicylate complex compounds with bioactive ligands

Five new complex compounds of general formula Zn(Hsal)_2·L₂·nH₂O (where Hsal=OHC₆H₄COO^-, L=thiourea (tu), nicotinamide (nam), caffeine (caf), theobromine (tbr), n=2-4), were prepared and characterized by chemical analysis, IR spectroscopy and studied by methods of thermal analysis (TG/DTG, DTA). It was found that the thermal decomposition of hydrated compounds starts with the release of water molecules. During the thermal decomposition of anhydrous compounds the release of organic ligands take place followed by the decomposition of salicylate anion. Zinc oxide was found as the final product of the thermal decomposition heated up to 800°C. RTG powder diffraction method, IR spectra and chemical analysis were used for the determination of products of the thermal decomposition. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Solid-state NMR on thermal and fire residues of bisphenol A polycarbonate/silicone acrylate rubber/bisphenol A Bis(diphenyl-phosphate) (PC/SiR/BDP) and PC/SiR/BDP/zinc borate (PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB) — Part II: The influence of SiR

Solid residues of bisphenol A polycarbonate (containing 0.45 wt% poly(tetrafluoroethylene))/silicone acrylate rubber/bisphenol A bis(diphenyl-phosphate) (PC/SiR/BDP) and PC/SiR/BDP/zinc borate (PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB) after thermal treatment were investigated by solid-state and liquid-state NMR, focusing on the role and interaction of SiR with the other components of the polymer blend.In PC/SiR/BDP, part of the SiR reacts to an amorphous silicate network rather than being completely released in the gas phase. The silicate network consists of Q₄ and Q₃ groups formed via intermediate D and T groups. The D groups are formed by a reaction of SiR with bisphenol-A units as well as phenyl groups of PC and BDP. In addition a small amount of silicon diphosphate was observed after thermal treatment at temperatures higher than 810 K. The same decomposition products (without SiP₂O₇) occur in the solid residues of PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB samples. The formation of intermediate D and T groups occurs earlier, at slightly lower temperatures. Any formation of a borosilicate network was excluded.The results also apply for the fire residues of PC/SiR/BDP and PC/SiR/BDP/ZnB and are thus valuable for understanding the impact of SiR on pyrolysis and flame retardancy mechanisms in the condensed phase during the burning of PC/SiR/BDP blends. SiR was found to influence the pyrolysis and the char formed. Beyond the replacement of highly combustible mechanical modifiers, SiR harbours the potential to enhance flame retardancy.