Densities,Ultrasonic Velocities,Excess Properties and IR Spectra of Binary Liquid Mixtures of Organic Esters (Ethyl Lactate,Some Organic Carbonates)

Organic esters of carbonic acid {dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC)/propylene carbonate (PC)}, in combination with a lactate ester {ethyl lactate (EL)}, with green chemistry characteristics were chosen for the present study of molecular interactions in binary liquid mixtures. Densities (ρ) and ultrasonic velocities (U) of the pure solvents and liquid mixtures were measured experimentally over the entire composition range at temperatures (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. The experimental data was used to calculate thermodynamic and acoustic parameters \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \), \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{{}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \bar{V}_{ 1}^{\text{E,0}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{ 2}^{\text{E,0}} \) and the excess functions were fitted with the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation to obtain the binary solution coefficients and the standard deviations. It was observed that the values of \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) are positive for the mixtures of (EL + DMC/DEC) and negative for those of (EL + PC) over the entire range of composition and temperature. The positive values of \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) indicate the action of dispersion forces between the component molecules of (EL + DMC/DEC) mixtures whereas negative values for the mixture (EL + PC) suggest the existence of strong specific interactions between the component molecules, probably resulting from chemical and structural contributions. The excess properties have also been analyzed by using the reduced (\( Y^{\text{E}} /x_{1} x_{2} \)) excess function approach and the results are found to be in agreement with those from the corresponding \( Y^{\text{E}} \)(= \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \) and \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \)) values. This is further supported by FTIR spectral analysis.     

Thermodynamic Properties of Ternary Ionic Liquid Mixture Containing a Common Ion: Excess Molar Volumes,Excess Isentropic Compressibilities,Excess Molar Enthalpies and Excess Heat Capacities

In the present investigations, the excess molar volumes, \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), excess isentropic compressibilities, \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), and excess heat capacities, \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), for ternary 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (i) + 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (j) + 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (k) mixture at (293.15, 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15) K and excess molar enthalpies, \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), of the same mixture at 298.15 K have been determined over entire composition range of x _i and x _j . Satisfactorily corrections for the excess properties \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) have been obtained by fitting with the Redlich–Kister equation, and ternary adjustable parameters along with standard errors have also been estimated. The \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) data have been further analyzed in terms of Graph Theory that deals with the topology of the molecules. It has also been observed that Graph Theory describes well \( V_{ijk}^{\text{E}} \), \( \left( {\kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \), \( \left( {H^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) and \( \left( {C_{p}^{\text{E}} } \right)_{ijk} \) values of the ternary mixture comprised of ionic liquids.     

Thermo Physical and Spectroscopic Properties of Binary Liquid Systems: Ethanoic Acid/Propanoic Acid/Butanoic Acid with 2-Methylaniline

Densities (ρ), speeds of sound (u), and viscosities (η) are reported for binary mixtures of 2-methylaniline with carboxylic acids (ethanoic acid, propanoic acid and butanoic acid) over the entire composition range of mole fraction at T?=?(303.15–318.15) K and at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa). The excess properties such as excess molar volume (V _m ^E ), excess isentropic compressibility (κ _S ^E ) and excess Gibbs energy of activation of viscous flow (G^*E) are calculated from the experimental densities, speeds of sound and viscosities. Excess properties are correlated using the Redlich–Kister polynomial equation. The partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}} \), partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}} \), excess partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{\text{E}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{\text{E}} \), over whole composition range, partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{ \circ } \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{ \circ } \), partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{ \circ } \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{ \circ } \), excess partial molar volumes, \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{{{\text{m}},2}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \), and excess partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,1}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \) and \( \bar{K}_{\text{s,m,2}}^{{ \circ {\text{E}}}} \), of the components at infinite dilution have also been calculated from the analytically obtained Redlich–Kister polynomials. The excess molar volume V^E results are analyzed using the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory. Analysis of each of the three contributions viz. interactional V^E(int.), free volume V^E(fv.) and characteristic pressure p* to V^E showed that the interactional contributions are positive for all systems while the free volume and characteristic pressure p* contributions are negative for all the binary mixtures. The results are analyzed in terms of attractive forces between 2-methylaniline and carboxylic acids molecules. Good agreement is obtained between excess quantities and spectroscopic data.     

Solubility Thermodynamics of CyMe$$_{}$$-BTBP in Various Diluents Mixed with TBP

The two organic ligands 6,6′-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)[2,2′]bipyridine (CyMe\(_{4}\)-BTBP) and tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) have previously been investigated in different diluents for use within recycling of used nuclear fuel through solvent extraction. The thermodynamic parameters, \(K_{\mathrm{S}}\), \(\Delta C_{p}\), \(\Delta H^{0}\) and \(\Delta S^{0}\), of the CyMe\(_{4}\)-BTBP solubility in three diluents (cyclohexanone, octanol and phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone) mixed with TBP have been studied at 288, 298 and 308 K, both as pristine solutions and pre-equilibrated with 4 mol\(\cdot \)L\(^{-1}\) nitric acid. In addition, the amount of acid in the organic phase and density change after pre-equilibration have been measured. The solubility of CyMe\(_{4}\)-BTBP increases with an increased temperature in all systems, especially after acid pre-equilibration. This increased CyMe\(_{4}\)-BTBP solubility after pre-equilibration could be explained by acid dissolution into the solvent. Comparing the \(\Delta H^{0}\) and \(\Delta S^{0}\) calculated using \(\Delta C_{p}\) with the same parameters derived from a linear fit indicates temperature independence of all three thermodynamic systems. The change in enthalpy is positive in all solutions.     

The Radial Distribution of Ions and Electrons in RF Inductively Coupled H<Subscript>2</Subscript>/T<Subscript>2</Subscript>B Plasmas

A glow discharge polymer (GDP) was fabricated using trans-2-butene (T₂B) and hydrogen (H₂) via a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The uniformity of the GDP films was significantly affected by the radial distribution of the H₂/T₂B plasma parameters. The plasma properties while discharging by a multi-carbon gas source of mixed H₂/T₂B were investigated during the GDP deposition process. The main positive ions and ion energy distributions in inductively coupled H₂/T₂B plasmas were analyzed by energy-resolved mass spectrometer (MS), and the electron density and the effective electron temperature were mainly analyzed using a Langmuir probe. The MS results show that the main positive ions in the plasmas are \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 4}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 3}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 3} {\text{H}}_{ 8}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 4} {\text{H}}_{ 5}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 4} {\text{H}}_{ 1 0}^{ + }\), \({\text{C}}_{ 5} {\text{H}}_{ 5}^{ + }\), and \({\text{C}}_{ 5} {\text{H}}_{ 7}^{ + }\) with mass-to-charge ratios (m/e) of 28, 30, 39, 42, 44, 53, 58, 65, and 67, respectively. For a normalized ion intensity, the relative intensities of saturated CH ions increase with increasing radial distance, while the unsaturated CH ions decrease with increasing radial distance. The ion energy distribution of \({\text{C}}_{ 2} {\text{H}}_{ 6}^{ + }\) (m/e = 30) presents a bimodal structure. Additionally, both the electron density and the effective electron temperature decrease with increasing radial distance.     

The Study of Intermolecular Interactions for <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">dl</Emphasis>-Alanine and Glycine in Aqueous <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>(+)-Arabinose Solutions at Different Temperatures and Ambient Pressure,Using the Volumetric Approach

Density measurements are used to calculate the apparent molar volumes V_φ, limiting apparent molar volumes \(V_{\varphi }^{0}\), limiting apparent molar volumes of transfer, \(\Delta_{\text{t}} V_{\varphi }^{0}\), limiting apparent molar expansibilities, \(E_{\varphi }^{0}\), and hydration numbers n_H, for dl-alanine and glycine in aqueous solutions of l(+)-arabinose at T?=?293.15 to 313.15 K. To obtain the limiting apparent molar volume, the V_φ values are extrapolated to zero molality using the linear form of the Redlich–Meyer equation. Also, the limiting apparent molar volumes of transfer, \(\Delta_{\text{t}} V_{\varphi }^{0}\), for the amino acids, from water to aqueous l(+)-arabinose solutions, are calculated from the \(V_{\varphi }^{0}\) values. The limiting apparent molar expansibility, \(E_{\varphi }^{0}\), values have been obtained from the first derivative of limiting apparent molar volumes with respect to temperature. Also the hydration number, n_H, for both amino acids in the ternary solutions are estimated. Possible solute–solvent interactions in the studied ternary systems are discussed.     

Solvent extraction of calcium and strontium into nitrobenzene by using synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate and diphenyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-butylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide

Extraction of microamounts of calcium and strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) in the presence of diphenyl-N-butylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (DPBCMPO, L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \( {\text{HL}}_{2}^{ + } \), \( {\text{ML}}_{2}^{2 + } \), \( {\text{ML}}_{3}^{2 + } \) and \( {\text{ML}}_{4}^{2 + } \) (M²⁺ = Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺) are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined. In the considered nitrobenzene medium, it was found that the stability of the \( {\text{SrL}}_{2,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) complex is somewhat higher than that of species \( {\text{CaL}}_{2,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \), while the stability constants of the remaining strontium complexes \( {\text{SrL}}_{3,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) and \( {\text{SrL}}_{4,{\text{org}}}^{2 + } \) are smaller than those of the corresponding complex species \( {\text{CaL}}_{n}^{2 + } \) (n = 3, 4).     

Nested wreath groups and their applications to phylogeny in biology and Cayley trees in chemistry and physics

Nested wreath product groups arise from looped or recursive structures that contain repeated copies of the same structure one within the other. Phylogeny trees in biology, Cayley trees, Bethe lattices, NMR graphs of non-rigid molecules, ammoniated ammonium ions are all examples of structures that exhibit such nested wreath product automorphism groups. We show that the conjugacy classes, irreducible representations and character tables of these nested group structures can be generated using multinomial generating functions cast in terms of matrix types that can be simplified into generalized cycle type polynomials. The nested wreath product groups rapidly increase in orders, for example, a simple wreath product group \(\hbox {S}_{7}[\hbox {S}_{7}]\) consists of \((7!)^{8}\) or \(4.1633\times 10^{23}\) operations, 481,890 conjugacy classes, spanning a 481,891 \(\times \) 481,891 character table that would occupy 232,217,972 pages. We have obtained powerful recursive relations for the conjugacy classes, character tables and the orders of various conjugacy cases of any nested wreath product \(\{[\hbox {S}_{\mathrm{n}}]\}^{\mathrm{m}}\) or \(\hbox {S}_{\mathrm{n}}[\hbox {S}_{\mathrm{n}}[\hbox {S}_{\mathrm{n}}{\ldots }.[\hbox {S}_{\mathrm{n}}]]{\ldots }.]\) with order \(\left( {n!}\right) ^{a_m},\,\hbox {a}_{\mathrm{m}}=(\hbox {n}^{\mathrm{m}}-1)/(\hbox {n}-1)\). We have obtained the character tables of phylogenetic trees of any order, character tables of Cayley trees of degrees 3 and 4 and for Cayley trees of larger degrees, we have derived exact analytical expressions for the conjugacy classes and IRs for up to \(\{[\hbox {S}_{7}]\}^{\mathrm{m}}\) with order \((7!)^{137257}\) for \(\hbox {m}=7\). Applications to colorings of phylogenic trees in biology are considered.     

Densities and Speeds of Sound of Binary Liquid Mixtures of 1,4-Butanediol with 2-Methoxyethanol and 2-Propoxyethanol at <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> = (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K

Densities, ρ, and speeds of sound, u, for the binary liquid mixtures of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) + 2-alkoxyethanols {2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), or 2-propoxyethanol (2-PE)} over the whole composition range have been measured at T = (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K, and at atmospheric pressure (p = 0.1 kPa). Experimental data for the densities and speeds of sound have been used to derive the quantities like excess molar volume, \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \), excess isentropic compressibility, \( \kappa_{S}^{\text{E}} \), excess molar isentropic compressibility, \( K_{{S,{\text{m}}}}^{\text{E}} \), excess speed of sound, \( u^{\text{E}} \), and excess isobaric thermal expansion \( \alpha_{p}^{\text{E}} \). These excess parameters were correlated by Redlich–Kister polynomials. Excess partial molar volumes (\( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{\text{E}} \) and \( \bar{V}_{\text{m,2}}^{\text{E}} \)) and their limiting values at infinite dilution (\( \bar{V}_{\text{m,1}}^{{ 0 {\text{E}}}} \) and \( {\bar{\text{V}}}_{\text{m,2}}^{{ 0 {\text{E}}}} \)) have been calculated from the experimental density measurements and were analytically obtained using the Redlich–Kister polynomials. The results are discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions and their dependence on composition and temperature.     

Deposition Morphology and Magnetism of Co,Pt Adatoms and Small CoPt Adclusters on Ni(100) Substrate

Theoretical calculations of Co\(_{n-x}\)Pt\(_x\) (n = 1–3; \(x \le n\)) clusters on Ni(100) surface for their spin and orbital magnetic moments, as well as the magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE), are performed by using the density-functional theory (DFT) method including a self-consistent treatment of spin–orbit coupling (SOC). The results reveal that the ferromagnetic Co atoms in intra Co\(_{n-x}\)Pt\(_x\) adclusters couple ferromagnetically to their underlayer Ni atoms. The predominant inter-interactions between Co adatoms and Ni surface with the partly filled 3d band, together with the secondary intra-interactions between Co adatoms and Pt adatoms with fully filled 5d band, lead to a strongly quenched orbital moment (\(\mu _{\mathrm{{orb}}}^{\mathrm{{Co}}}\) = 0.18–0.14 \(\mu _B\); \(\mu _{\mathrm{{orb}}}^{\mathrm{{Pt}}} \approx \) 0.24–0.19 \(\mu _B\)) but a less quenched spin moment (\(\mu _{\mathrm{{spin}}}^{\mathrm{{Co}}} \approx \) 2.0 \(\mu _B\); \(\mu _{\mathrm{{spin}}}^{\mathrm{{Pt}}} \approx \) 0.35 \( \mu _B\)). The MAEs of CoPt adclusters exhibit a strong dependence on alloying effect rather than size effect, which is direly proportional to SOC strength and orbital moment anisotropy. The oxidations of CoPt clusters always reduce orbital magnetic moments and consequently decrease the corresponding MAEs.     

Volumetric Investigations on Molecular Interactions of Glycine/<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-alanine in Aqueous Citric Acid Solutions at Different Temperatures

Apparent molar volumes \((\phi_{V})\) of glycine/l-alanine in water and in aqueous citric acid (CA) solutions of varying concentrations, i.e. (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50) mol·kg^?1 were determined from density measurements at temperatures T?=?(288.15, 298.15, 308.15, 310.15 and 318.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. Limiting partial molar volumes \((\phi_V^{\text{o}})\) and their corresponding partial molar volumes of transfer \((\Delta_{\text{tr}} \phi_{V} )\) have been calculated from the \(\phi_{V}\) data. The negative \(\Delta_{\text{tr}} \phi_{V}\) values obtained for glycine/l-alanine from water to aqueous CA solutions indicate the dominance of hydrophilic–hydrophobic/hydrophobic–hydrophilic and hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions over ion/hydrophilic–dipolar interactions. Further, pair and triplet interaction coefficients, i.e. \((V_{\text{AB}} )\;{\text{and}}\; (V_{\text{ABB}} )\) along with hydration number \((n_{\text{H}} )\) have also been calculated. The effect of temperature on the volumetric properties of glycine/l-alanine in water and in aqueous CA solutions has been determined from the limiting partial molar expansibilities \((\partial \phi_{V}^{\text{o}} /\partial T)_{p}\) and their second-order derivative \((\partial^{2} \phi_{V}^{\text{o}} /\partial T^{2} )_{{P}}\). The apparent specific volumes \((\nu_{\phi} )\) for glycine and l-alanine tend to approach sweet taste behavior both in the presence of water and in aqueous CA solutions. The \(\nu_{\phi}\) values for glycine/l-alanine increase with increase in concentration of CA at all temperatures studied. This reveals that CA helps in enhancing the sweet taste behavior of glycine/l-alanine which also supports the dominance of hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions.     

Vibratio nal assig nme nts,co nformatio nal a nalysis,a nd molecular structures of $$\left[ {\text{C}_{\text{ n}} \text{mim}} \right]\left[ {\text{NTF}_{\text{2}} } \right]$$C nmimNTF2 ( n = 2, 4, 6, a nd 8) imidazolium-based io nic liquids: a combi ned experime ntal a nd qua ntum chemical approach

This work is aimed at providing physical insights about the interactions of cations, anion, and ion pairs of four imidazolium-based ionic liquids of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{\text{n}} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) with varying alkyl chain lengths (n = 2, 4, 6, and 8) using both DFT calculations and vibrational spectroscopic measurements (IR absorption and Raman scattering) in the mid- and far regions. The calculated Mulliken charge distributions of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{\text{n}} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) ion pairs indicate that hydrogen-bonding interactions between oxygen and nitrogen atoms (more negative charge) on \(\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]^{ - }\) anion and the hydrogen atoms (more positive charge) on the imidazolium ring play a dominating role in the formation of ion pair. Thirteen stable conformers of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) were optimized. According to our results, the strongest and weakest hydrogen bonds were existing in \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) and \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), respectively. A redshift of 290, 262, 258, and 257 cm^?1 has been observed for cations involving \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\), \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\),\(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{6} {\text{mim}}} \right]^{ + }\), and stretching vibrations of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\), respectively. By increasing the chain length, the strength of hydrogen bonds decreases as a result of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\) bond elongation and less changes are observed in stretching vibrations of \({\text{C}}12{-}{\text{H}}3\) compared to the free cations. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first work which reports the far-IR of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{6} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\), and \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\) and the mid-IR of \(\left[ {{\text{C}}_{8} {\text{mim}}} \right]\left[ {{\text{NTF}}_{2} } \right]\).     

Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Containing the Trifluoroacetate Anion: Thermodynamic Study

New experimental vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies of the ionic liquids \( [ {\text{C}}_{2} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \) and \( [ {\text{C}}_{4} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \) have been measured by the QCM method. The solution enthalpies of these ionic liquids were measured by using high-precision solution calorimetry and were used for calculation the aqueous enthalpy of formation \( \Delta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{ \circ } ({\text{CF}}_{ 3} {\text{CO}}_{2}^{ - } ,_{{}} {\text{aq}}) \) of the anion for combination with quantum-chemical results. The solubility parameters of the ILs under study have been derived from experimental \( \Delta_{\text{l}}^{\text{g}} H_{\text{m}}^{ \circ } \)(298.15 K) values and were used for estimation of miscibility of some common solutes with \( [ {\text{C}}_{n} {\text{mim][CF}}_{3} {\text{CO}}_{2} ] \).     

Assessing protein–ligand binding modes with computational tools: the case of PDE4B

In a first step in the discovery of novel potent inhibitor structures for the PDE4B family with limited side effects, we present a protocol to rank newly designed molecules through the estimation of their IC\(_{50}\) values. Our protocol is based on reproducing the linear relationship between the logarithm of experimental IC\(_{50}\) values [\(\log\)(IC\(_{50}\))] and their calculated binding free energies (\(\Delta G_\mathrm{binding}\)). From 13 known PDE4B inhibitors, we show here that (1) binding free energies obtained after a docking process by AutoDock are not accurate enough to reproduce this linear relationship; (2) MM-GB/SA post-processing of molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories of the top ranked AutoDock pose improves the linear relationship; (3) by taking into account all representative structures obtained by AutoDock and by averaging MM-GB/SA computations on a series of 40 independent MD trajectories, a linear relationship between \(\log\)(IC\(_{50}\)) and the lowest \(\Delta G_\mathrm{binding}\) is achieved with \(R^2=0.944\).     

Dinormal graphs

A novel type of graph is described, where the graph G has an orientation \({\stackrel{\rightarrow}G}\) and reverse orientation \({\stackrel{\leftarrow}G}\) such that \({G={\stackrel{\rightarrow}G\cup\stackrel{\leftarrow}G}}\) and the adjacency matrices \({A(\stackrel{\rightarrow}G)}\) and \({A(\stackrel{\leftarrow}G)}\) of \({\stackrel{\rightarrow}G}\) and \({\stackrel{\leftarrow}G}\) commute. Some general characterization and examples are given, e.g., for toroidal graphs.     

The Partial Molar Isothermal Compressions of the Nucleosides Adenosine,Cytidine, and Uridine in Aqueous Solution at <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> = (288.15 and 313.15) K

Sound speeds have been measured for aqueous solutions of the nucleosides adenosine, cytidine, and uridine at T = (288.15 and 313.15) K and at ambient pressure. The partial molar isentropic compressions at infinite dilution, \( K_{S,2}^{\text{o}} \), were derived from the speed of sound data. The partial molar heat capacities at infinite dilution, \( C_{p,2}^{\text{o}} \), for the three nucleosides at T = (288.15 and 313.15) K were also determined. These \( K_{S,2}^{\text{o}} \) and \( C_{p,2}^{\text{o}} \) results, along with partial molar isobaric expansions at infinite dilution, \( E_{2}^{\text{o}} = \, (\partial V_{2}^{\text{o}} /\partial T)_{p} \), that were derived using data from the literature, were used to evaluate the partial molar isothermal compressions at infinite dilution, \( K_{T,2}^{\text{o}} \{ K_{T,2}^{\text{o}} = - \, (\partial V_{2}^{\text{o}} /\partial p)_{T} \} \), for the nucleosides. The \( K_{T,2}^{\text{o}} \) results were rationalized in terms of nucleoside hydration and its temperature dependence.     

Transition-metal dichalcogenide heterostructure solar cells: a numerical study

We evaluate the tunneling short-circuit current density \(J_{TU}\) in a p–i–n solar cell in which the transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructure (\(\hbox {MoS}_2/\hbox {WS}_2\) superlattice) is embedded in the intrinsic i region. The effects of varying well and barrier widths, Fermi energy levels and number of quantum wells in the i region on \(J_{TU}\) are examined. A similar analysis is performed for the thermionic current \(J_{TH}\) that arises due to the escape and recapture of charge carriers between adjacent potential wells in the i-region. The interplay between \(J_{TU}\) and \(J_{TH}\) in the temperature range (300–330 K) is examined. The thermionic current is seen to exceed the tunneling current considerably at temperatures beyond 310 K, a desirable attribute in heterostructure solar cells. This work demonstrates the versatility of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides when utilized as fabrication materials for van der Waals heterostructure solar cells.     

Structural,Energetic, and Magnetic Properties of Ag$$_{}$$Rh$$_{m}$$m and Ag$$_{m}$$mRh$$_{}$$ Clusters with $$n \le 20$$n≤20 and $$m=0,1$$m=0,1

At first, a genetic algorithm in combination with either the parametrized density-functional tight-binding method or a Gupta-potential is used to determine the putative global minimum energy structures of mixed Ag\(_{n-m}\)Rh\(_{m}\) and Ag\(_{m}\)Rh\(_{n-m}\) clusters with \(n\le 20\) and \(m=0,1\). Subsequently, the resulting structures are re-optimized with a first-principles method. The results demonstrate that the exchange of a single silver atom by rhodium leads to compact core-shell-like structures with structural motifs well known from the Lennard-Jones system. For the systems of the present study, AgRh\(_{n-1}\) clusters retain their cube-based structural motif and the silver atoms typically avoid the corner positions within a cube if possible. Population analysis of both cluster systems shows that the total magnetic moment is mainly due to unpaired electrons on the rhodium atoms with a small ferro-magnetic contribution of the silver host in Ag\(_{n-1}\)Rh and virtually no contribution to the total magnetic moment from the single silver atom in AgRh\(_{n-1}\) clusters.     

Magnetic Silicon Fullerenes: Experimental Exploration and Theoretical Insight

The present article summarizes progress in research on silicon clusters with encapsulated metal atoms, and specifically focuses on the recent identification of magnetic silicon fullerenes. Considering that C\(_{20}\) forms the smallest known fullerene, the Si\(_{20}\) cluster is of particular interest in this context. While the pure hollow Si\(_{20}\) cage is unstable due to the lack of \(sp^2\) hybridization, endohedral doping with a range of metal atoms has been considered to be an effective way to stabilize the cage structure. In order to seek out suitable embedded atoms for stabilizing Si\(_{20}\), a broad search has been made across elements with relatively large atomic radius. The rare earth elements have been found to be able to stabilize the Si\(_{20}\) cage in the neutral state by forming R@Si\(_{20}\) fullerene cages. Among these atoms, Eu@Si\(_{20}\) has been reported to yield a stable magnetic silicon fullerene. The central europium atom has a large magnetic moment of nearly 7.0 Bohr magnetons. In addition, based on a stable Eu\(_2\)Si\(_{30}\) tube, a magnetic silicon nanotube has been constructed and discussed. These magnetic silicon fullerenes and nanotubes may have potential applications in the fields of spintronics and high-density magnetic storage.