Reactions of oxidizing radicals with 2- and 3-aminopyridines: a pulse radiolysis study

Reactions of OH radicals and some one-electron oxidants with 2-aminopyridine (2-AmPy) and 3-aminopyridine (3-AmPy) were studied in aqueous solutions using pulse radiolysis technique. The OH adduct of 2-AmPy at pH 9 has an absorption maximum at 360 nm along with a weak absorption band in the visible region and was found to be reactive with oxygen. The rate constant for its reaction with O₂ was determined to be 1.0×10⁸ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. At pH 4 also, the OH adduct of 2-AmPy has an absorption band at 360 nm. However, there are differences in the absorption at other wavelengths. From the plot of ΔOD vs. pH at 340 nm, the pK_a of the OH adduct was determined to be 6.5. Among the specific oxidants, only SO₄^−√ radicals were able to oxidize 2-AmPy. In the case of 3-aminopyridine (3-AmPy), the transient species formed by OH radical reaction at pH 9 has an absorption maximum at 410 nm with shoulder bands on both the sides. Its absorption spectrum at pH 4 was different indicating the existence of a pK value for the OH adduct. pK_a of 3-AmPy-OH radical adduct species was evaluated to be 5.7. This adduct species was also found to be reactive with oxygen (k=7.6×10⁶ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹). Specific one-electron oxidants like N₃^√, Br₂^−√ C₂^−√ and SO₄^−√ were able to oxidize 3-AmPy indicating that it is easier to oxidize 3-AmPy as compared to 2-AmPy.     

Radiation induced decomposition of halogenated organic compounds in water

Decomposition by ionizing radiations of p-chlorophenol and tetrachloroethylene in synthetic water samples at about 2 mg Cl L⁻¹, has been studied on laboratory-scale experiments. Bicarbonate/carbonate and nitrate ions, at two concentration levels (20 and 200 mg HCO₃⁻¹ and 1 and 50 mg NO₃⁻L⁻) were added to synthetic samples in order to evaluate their influence on decomposition yield. At 5 kGy γ dose level, a quantitative degradation of p-chlorophenol is obtained whereas only qualitative consideration can be drawn on tetracholoroethylene. Comparative study with respect to degradation of p-cholophenol solutions (about 2 mg Cl L⁻¹) by γ-rays and electron beam irradiation treatment at 0.5 kGy dose level, are in progress; preliminary results indicate that irradiation with γ-rays seems to be more efficient in terms of removal efficiency respect to electron beams source.     

Temperature dependence of adlayers on Pt(1 1 1) and Au(1 1 1) in a sulfuric acid solution studied by in situ IRAS

Temperature dependence studies of adsorption of sulfuric acid species on Pt(1 1 1) and Au(1 1 1) electrodes were carried out using in situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. A temperature-dependent shift of the interconversion potential between HSO₄⁻/H₃O⁺ and H₂SO₄ on a Pt(111) electrode was observed. A temperature-dependent frequency shift of the absorption bands of HSO₄⁻ was also observed on both Pt(1 1 1) and Au(1 1 1) electrodes in the potential region where a √3×√7 structure evolved. Modelling experiments in ultrahigh vacuum revealed that ordering of the overlayer water molecules played an important role in the frequency of the absorption bands of HSO₄⁻.     

Electronic absorption spectrum of Ba(MnO4)2·3H2O/Ba(ClO4)2·3H2O

Polarized absorption spectra of Ba(MnO₄)₂·3H₂O/Ba(ClO₄)₂·3H₂O mixed single crystals are reported at 4.2°K. Previous ¹T₂ → ¹A₁ assignments for the 5200 Å and 3000 Å absorption bands of MnO₄⁻ are substantiated; further support is provided for the ¹T₁ → ¹A₁ assignment of the 3600 Å absorption band of MnO₄⁻. The site-splitting of the 5200 Å ¹T₂ state is E(¹E)−E(¹A) ≈ −150 cm⁻¹; that of the 3000 Å ¹T₂ state is E(¹E)−E(¹A) ≈ 300 cm⁻¹. A significant e vibronic intensity component is observed in the 5200 Å ¹T₂ state.     

Specific adsorption of halogen anions on hydrous γ-Al2O3

The paper reports results of a study on the specific adsorption of F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, ClO₃⁻, BrO₃⁻, IO₃⁻ and IO₄⁻ on hydrous γ-Al₂O₃. The isotherms of the anion adsorption and the adsorption dependencies on pH and the ionic strength of the solution have been determined under the equilibrium conditions. According to the degree of affinity to γ-Al₂O₃, the anions can be ordered as: I⁻3⁻−−3⁻3⁻4⁻−. It has been established that the sorption of IO₄⁻ and F⁻ involves the formation of surface complexes in the inner co-ordination sphere, whereas that of Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, ClO₃⁻, BrO₃⁻ and IO₃⁻ takes place through formation of ion pair complexes in the outer co-ordination sphere. In the dynamic system, the exchange isoplanes and elution curves have been determined for selected anions on columns filled with Al₂O₃. It has been shown that γ-Al₂O₃ can be used for isolation and concentration of IO₃⁻ from natural waters in order to decrease the limit of the ions determination to 2 μg l⁻¹. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), after isolation and concentration on γ-Al₂O₃, the content of iodates has been determined in mineral, marine and tap water doped with these ions.     

Determination of nanomolar concentrations of phosphate in freshwaters using flow injection with luminol chemiluminescence detection

A simple and rapid flow injection (FI) method is reported for the determination of phosphate (as molybdate reactive P) in freshwaters based on luminol chemiluminescence (CL) detection. The molybdophosphoric heteropoly acid formed by phosphate and ammonium molybdate in acidic conditions generated chemiluminescence emission via the oxidation of luminol. The detection limit (3× standard deviation of blank) was 0.03 μg P l⁻¹ (1.0 nM), with a sample throughput of 180 h⁻¹. The calibration graph was linear over the range 0.032–3.26 μg P l⁻¹ (r²=0.9880) with relative standard deviations (n=4) in the range 1.2–4.7%. Interfering cations (Ca(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III)) were removed by passing the sample through an in-line iminodiacetate chelating column. Silicate interference (at 5 mg Si l⁻¹) was effectively masked by the addition of tartaric acid and other common anions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, HCO₃⁻, NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻) did not interfere at their maximum admissible concentrations in freshwaters. The method was applied to freshwater samples and the results (26.1±1.1–62.0±0.4 μg P l⁻¹) were not significantly different (P=0.05) from results obtained using a segmented flow analyser method with spectrophotometric detection (24.4±4.45–84.0±16.0 μg P l⁻¹).     

Flow injection determination of bismuth in urine by successive retention of Bi(III) and tetrahydroborate(III) on an anion-exchange resin and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Bismuth as BiCl₄⁻ and BH₄⁻ ware successively retained in a column (150 mm × 4 mm, length × i.d.) packed with Amberlite IRA-410 (strong anion-exchange resin). This was followed by passage of an injected slug of hydrochloric acid resulting in bismuthine generation (BiH₃). BiH₃ was stripped from the eluent solution by the addition of a nitrogen flow and the bulk phases were separated in a gas–liquid separator. Finally, bismutine was atomized in a quartz tube for the subsequent detection of bismuth by atomic absorption spectrometry. Different halide complexes of bismuth (namely, BiBr₄⁻, BiI₄⁻ and BiCl₄⁻) were tested for its pre-concentration, being the chloride complexes which produced the best results. Therefore, a concentration of 0.3 mol l⁻¹ of HCl was added to the samples and calibration solutions. A linear response was obtained between the detection limit (3σ) of 0.225 and 80 μg l⁻¹. The R.S.D.% (n = 10) for a solution containing 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi was 0.85%. The tolerance of the system to interferences was evaluated by investigating the effect of the following ions: Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The most severe depression was caused by Hg²⁺, which at 60 mg l⁻¹ caused a 5% depression on the signal. For the other cations, concentrations between 1000 and 10,000 mg l⁻¹ could be tolerated. The system was applied to the determination of Bi in urine of patients under therapy with bismuth subcitrate. The recovery of spikes of 5 and 50 μg l⁻¹ of Bi added to the samples prior to digestion with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ was in satisfactory ranges from 95.0 to 101.0%. The concentrations of bismuth found in six selected samples using this procedure were in good agreement with those obtained by an alternative technique (ETAAS). Finally, the concentration of Bi determined in urine before and after 3 days of treatment were 1.94 ± 1.26 and 9.02 ± 5.82 μg l⁻¹, respectively.     

Capillary electrophoresis for measuring major and trace anions in thermal water and condensed-steam samples from hydrothermal springs and fumaroles

A new application of capillary electrophoresis for measuring major and trace anions in thermal water and condensed-steam samples is presented. Ten fluid samples were collected from hydrothermal springs and fumaroles located in a volcanic zone of Deception Island, Antarctica. Anion separation was achieved in less than 6 min using indirect UV detection at 254 nm with a negative power supply (−15 kV). The electrolyte consisted of 4.7 mM sodium chromate, 4.0 mM electroosmotic flow modifier (OFM) hydroxide, 10 mM 2-(N-cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid and 0.1 mM calcium gluconate (pH 9.1). Major anions (Cl⁻, SO₄², PO₄H²⁻, and CO₃H⁻) were measured using hydrostatic injection (10 cm for 30 s) at 25°C. Trace amounts of anions (F⁻, Br⁻, and NO₃⁻) were better determined by electromigration injection (4 kV, 10 s) at 15°C. Good reproducibility of the migration times (<0.72% RSD), a satisfactory linear response and accuracy as well as acceptable detection limits were successfully obtained.     

Redox reactions of 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (o-vanillin) in aqueous solution

Pulse radiolysis technique has been employed to study the reactions of oxidizing (^√OH, N₃^√) and reducing radicals (e⁻_aq, CO₂^√−, acetone ketyl radical) with 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (o-vanillin) at different pH. Hydroxyl radicals react mostly by addition reaction forming radical adducts (λ_max=420 nm) and the oxidation is only a minor process even in the alkaline region. The reaction with azide radicals produced phenoxyl radicals (λ_max=340 nm), which are formed on fast deprotonation of solute radical cation. Using PMZ^√+/PMZ and ABTS^√−/ABTS²⁻ as the reference couple, different methods are employed to determine the one-electron reduction potential of o-vanillin and the average value is estimated to be 1.076±0.004 V vs. NHE at pH 6. The phenoxyl radicals of o-vanillin were able to oxidize ABTS²⁻ quantitatively. The e_aq⁻ is observed to react with o-vanillin with rate constant value of 2×10¹⁰ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. CO₂^√− and acetone ketyl radical are also observed to react with o-vanillin by electron transfer mechanism and showed the formation of transient absorption bands with λ_max at 350 and 390 nm at pH 4.5 and 9.7, respectively. The pK_a of the one-electron reduced species was determined to be 8.1. The results indicate that the aldehydic group is the most preferred site for electron addition.     

Spectroscopic and structural analysis of Ca substituted La orthoferrite

Samples of orthoferrites La_1−xCa_xFeO₃ (0.15≤x≤0.45) were synthesized by double sintering ceramic technique. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy experiments were carried out and discussed for the investigated samples. The data showed the formation of single-phase orthorhombic structure of space group Pbnm. The FTIR spectra were performed in the region (1200–200 cm⁻¹). Four main absorption bands were present with some side bands and shoulders in the range (1200–400 cm⁻¹). Another four bands were appeared in the range (400–200 cm⁻¹). The positions, intensities and values of the absorptions bands vary depending on the Ca content in the samples. The first absorption band appeared at about 920 cm⁻¹ was assigned to the La–O stretching vibration.     

Influence of operating conditions on the retention of phosphate in water by nanofiltration

The objective of this study was to investigate the retention of phosphate anions, H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻, by nanofiltration. The first part of this study deals with the characterisation of the NF200 membrane used in permeation experiments with aqueous solutions of neutral organic and charged inorganic solutes. In the second part the effects of feed pressure, ionic strength, concentration and pH on the retention of phosphate anions were investigated. Results show that the membrane is negatively charged, its pore radius is around 0.5 nm and the retention order for the salts tested was R(Na₂SO₄) > R(NaCl) > R(CaCl₂). The retentions of phosphate anions are in the order of 85% for H₂PO₄⁻ and 96% for HPO₄²⁻. They are relatively high when compared to retentions of other anions with the same charge. The retentions of phosphate anions, particularly the monovalent species, depend on the chemical parameters (feed concentration, ionic strength, and pH) and applied pressure. The experimental data were analysed using the Speigler–Kedem model and the transport parameters, i.e., the reflection coefficient (σ) and solute permeability (P_s) have been determined.     

Calorimetric study of the adducts CdBr2·nL (n = 1 and 2; L = ethyleneurea and propyleneurea)

A calorimetric study was performed for adducts of general formula CdBr₂·nL (n=1 and 2; L=ethyleneurea (eu) and propyleneurea (pu)). The standard molar reaction enthalpy in condensed phase: CdBr₂(c)+nL(c)=CdBr₂·nL(c); Δ_rH_m^θ, were obtained by reaction–solution calorimetry, to give the following values for mono- and bis-adducts: −19.54 and −34.59; −7.77 and −19.05 kJ mol⁻¹ for eu and pu adducts, respectively. Decomposition (Δ_DH_m^θ) and lattice (Δ_MH_m^θ) enthalpies, as well as the mean cadmium---oxygen bond dissociation enthalpy, DCd---O, were calculated for all adducts.     

Mechanistic model for bond scission in a polymeric system by radiation

A mechanistic model for the kinetics of polymeric bond scission by X-rays has been developed, with certain assumptions and approximations. The equation governing the number of bonds broken by radiation is found to be Y=1−ae^−cD−be^−dD where a–d are constants and D the dose. The model has been tested for the case of CR-39 plastic irradiated with X-rays for doses from 50 to 600 kGy. The concentration of CO₂ molecules produced inside the plastic, which gave a direct measure of the number of bonds broken by irradiation, was measured using the FTIR absorption bands at 670 and 2350 cm⁻¹. The fraction of the broken bonds was plotted against the radiation dose and the experimental data were found to fit well with the mechanistic model. The values of the various breaking constants for the CR-39 plastic under the mechanistic model were also determined.     

Manipulation of separation selectivity of inorganic anions in electrostatic ion chromatography by the use of mixed cationic–zwitterionic micelles as the column coating solution

This paper describes an electrostatic ion chromatographic system in which the separation selectivity for inorganic anions, especially for sulfate and phosphate, could be manipulated by altering the molar ratio of the zwitterionic and cationic surfactants in the column coating solution used to prepare the stationary phase. The zwitterionic surfactant used for this study was 3-(N,N-dimethyltetradecylammonio)propanesulfonate (Zwittergent-3-14) and the cationic surfactant was tetradecyltrimethylammonium (TTA). Using a reversed-phase C₁₈ column (250×4.6 mm I.D.) coated with 10/10 (mM/mM) of TTA/Zwittergent-3-14 mixed micelles as the stationary phase and either NaHCO₃ or Na₂CO₃ aqueous solution as the eluent, together with suppressed conductivity detection, baseline separation of seven model inorganic anions was obtained. The elution order for those anions was found to be F⁻4²⁻−4²⁻2⁻−3⁻. Under the same conditions but using 1/10 (mM/mM) of TTA/Zwittergent-3-14 mixed micelles as the column coating solution, the elution order for these model ions was F⁻4²⁻4²⁻−2⁻−3⁻. The early elution of phosphate and sulfate is a unique attribute of this system. Detection limits for F⁻, HPO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻ and NO₃⁻ (S/N=3, sample injection volume 100 μl) were 0.11, 0.12, 0.12, 0.18, 0.49, 0.49, 0.52 μM, respectively.     

Calorimetric comparison of the interactions between salivary proteins and Streptococcus mutans with and without antigen I/II

Antigen I/II can be found on streptococcal cell surfaces and is involved in their interaction with salivary proteins. In this paper, we determine the adsorption enthalpies of salivary proteins to Streptococcus mutans LT11 and S. mutans IB03987 with and without antigen I/II, respectively, using isothermal titration calorimetry. In addition, protein adsorption to the cell surfaces was determined spectrophotometrically. S. mutans LT11 with antigen I/II, yielded a much higher, exothermic adsorption enthalpy at pH 6.8 (ranging from −2073 × 10⁻⁹ to −31707 × 10⁻⁹ μJ per bacterium) when mixed with saliva than did S. mutans IB03987 (−165 × 10⁻⁹ to −1107 × 10⁻⁹ μJ per bacterium) at all bacterial concentrations studied (5 × 10⁹, 5 × 10⁸, and 5 × 10⁷ ml⁻¹), largest effects per bacterium being observed for the lowest concentration. However, the enthalpy of salivary protein adsorption to S. mutans LT11 became smaller at pH 5.8. Adsorption isotherms for the S. mutans LT11 showed considerable protein adsorption at pH 6.8 (1.2–2.1 mg/m²), that decreased only slightly at pH 5.8 (1.1–1.6 mg/m²), with the largest amount adsorbed at the lowest bacterial concentration. This suggests that the protein(s) in the saliva with the strongest affinity for antigen I/II is (are) readily depleted from saliva. In conclusion, antigen I/II surface proteins on S. mutans play a determinant role in adsorption of salivary proteins through the creation of enthalpically favorable adsorption sites.     

Are excimers formed along with hydrated electrons in the UV excitation of cyanocuprate(I) ions in aqueous solution?

The three cyanocuprate(I) complexes, Cu(CN)₂⁻, Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Cu(CN)₄³⁻, photoeject electrons with high efficiency when excited in aqueous solution by 266 nm laser pulses of 7 ns duration with quantum yields of 0.37±0.06, 0.224±0.021, and 0.240±0.005, for Cu(CN)₂⁻ (at 2 M ionic strength), Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Cu(CN)₄³⁻ (both measured at 1 M ionic strength). Along with hydrated electrons, two transient intermediates, absorbing at 460 and 340 nm, respectively, form consecutively after excitation through bimolecular reactions with ground-state Cu(I) in solutions of Cu(CN)₂⁻, and Cu(CN)₃²⁻, but not in Cu(CN)₄³⁻. All photoprocesses are essentially monophotonic. A mechanism is proposed that suggests the formation of a dinuclear excited-state complex such as an excimer.     

Simultaneous determination of bromide and nitrate in contaminated waters by ion chromatography using amperometry and absorbance detectors

This study describes a new ion chromatography method using a low-capacity anion exchange column with amperometric and absorbance detection for rapid and simultaneous determination of Br⁻ and NO₃⁻ in contaminated waters where one of these ions is present in excess compared to other. The use of two detectors overcomes the problem of baseline separation for Br⁻ and NO₃⁻ for accurate quantification, which was commonly encountered when using a low-capacity anion exchange column and suppressed conductivity detection mode. The method achieved accurate quantification of these two ions without requirement of baseline separation. The accuracy of 2.8% for NO₃⁻ was determined using a quality control sample obtained from UN GEMS/Water PE Study No. 6. The detection limits for Br⁻ and NO₃⁻ were 20 and 6 μg l⁻¹ (25 μl sample), respectively. Linearity of these two ions was over three orders of magnitude with a correlation coefficient >0.998. The influence of potential interfering ions was also studied followed by the determination of Br⁻ and NO₃⁻ in seawater, unsaturated zone water, soil extract and groundwater.     

Determination of pK(a)'s for thymol blue in aqueous medium: evidence of dimer formation

Formation constants for recrystallized thymol blue were determined in water, using the SQUAD and SUPERQUAD programs. The best model correlating spectrophotometric, potentiometric and conductimetric data was fitted with the dissociation of HL⁻=L²⁻+H⁺−log K=8.918±0.070 and H₃L₂⁻=2L²⁻+3H⁺−log K=29.806±0.133 with the SUPERQUAD program at variable low ionic strength (1.5×10⁻⁴–3.0×10⁻⁴ M); and HL=L²⁻+H⁺−log K=8.9±0.000, H₃L₂⁻ =2L²⁻+3H⁺−log K=30.730±0.032, H₄L₂=2L²⁻+4H⁺−log K=32.106±0.033 with SQUAD at 1.1 M ionic strength.     

Structure and redox properties of CexPr1−xO2−δ mixed oxides and their catalytic activities for CO, CH3OH and CH4 combustion

A series of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method and characterized by Raman, XRD and TPR techniques. The oxidation activity for CO, CH₃OH and CH₄ on these mixed oxides was investigated. When the value x was changed from 1.0 to 0.8, only a cubic phase CeO₂ was observed. The samples were greatly crystallized in the range of the value x from 0.99 to 0.80, which is due to the formation of solid solutions caused by the complete insertion of Pr into the CeO₂ crystal lattices. Raman bands at 465 and 1150 cm⁻¹ in Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ samples are attributed to the Raman active F_2g mode of CeO₂. The broad band at around 570 cm⁻¹ in the region of 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 can be linked to oxygen vacancies. The new band at 195 cm⁻¹ may be ascribed to the asymmetric vibration caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies. The TPR profile of Pr₆O₁₁ shows two reduction peaks and the reduction process is followed: . The reduction temperature of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides is lower than those of Pr₆O₁₁ or CeO₂. TPR results indicate that Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides have higher redox properties because of the formation of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ solid solutions. The presence of the oxygen vacancies favors CO and CH₃OH oxidation, while the activity of CH₄ oxidation is mostly related to reduction temperatures and redox properties.     

Structures of propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and pivalaldehyde complexes of the chiral rhenium fragment [(η-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]

The crystal structures of propionaldehyde complex (RS,SR)-(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1b⁺ PF₆^s−; monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), a = 10.166 (1) Å, b = 18.316(1) Å, c = 14.872(2) Å, β = 100.51(1)°, Z = 4) and butyraldehyde complex (RS,SR)-[(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHCH₂CH₂CH₃)]⁺ PF₆⁻ (1c⁺PF₆⁻; monoclinic, P2₁/a (No. 14), a = 14.851(1) Å, b = 18.623(3) Å, c = 10.026(2) Å, β = 102.95(1)°, Z = 4) have been determined at 22°C and −125°C, respectively. These exhibit C O bond lengths (1.35(1), 1.338(5) Å) that are intermediate between those of propionaldehyde (1.209(4) Å) and 1-propanol (1.41 Å). Other geometric features are analyzed. Reaction of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(ClCH₂Cl)]⁺ BF₄⁻ and pivalaldehyde gives [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(η²-O=CHC(CH₃)₃)]⁺BF₄⁻ (81%), the spectroscopic properties of which establish a π C O binding mode.