Electrochemical determination of acetaminophen at a carbon electrode modified in the presence of β-cyclodextrin: role of the activated glassy carbon and the electropolymerised β-cyclodextrin

Acetaminophen is a well-known drug commonly used to provide pain relief, but it can also lead to acute liver failure at high concentrations. Therefore, there is considerable interest in monitoring its concentrations. Sensitive and selective acetaminophen electrochemical sensors were designed by cycling a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to high potentials in the presence of β-CD in a phosphate electrolyte, or by simply activating the GCE electrode in the phosphate solution. Using cyclic voltammetry, adsorption-like voltammograms were recorded. The acetaminophen oxidation product, N-acetyl benzoquinone imine, was protected from hydrolysis, and this was attributed to the adsorption of acetaminophen at the modified GCE. The rate constants for the oxidation of acetaminophen were estimated as 4.3 × 10^–3 cm² s^–1 and 3.4 × 10^–3 cm² s^–1 for the β-CD-modified and -activated electrodes, respectively. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the limit of detection was calculated as 9.7 × 10^–8 M with a linear concentration range extending from 0.1 to 80 μM. Furthermore, good selectivity was achieved in the presence of caffeine, ascorbic acid and aspirin, enabling the determination of acetaminophen in a commercial tablet. Similar electrochemical data were obtained for both the β-CD-modified and activated GCE surfaces, suggesting that the enhanced detection of acetaminophen is connected mainly to the activation and oxidation of the GCE. Using SEM, EDX and FTIR, no evidence was obtained to indicate that the β-CD was electropolymerised at the GCE.

     

Molecular simulation of the Joule–Thomson inversion curve of carbon dioxide

The complete Joule–Thomson (JT) inversion curve for carbon dioxide is calculated using molecular simulations. A two center Lennard–Jones model with an embedded point quadrupole is used to model the fluid–fluid interactions. The simulation results agree quantitatively with all available experimental data. Comparison with commonly used equations of state provides only a modest agreement, with the highest discrepancies being observed at the high temperature branch of the inversion curve.     

Evolution of the composition and structure of PAN carbon fiber during preoxidation

Using scanning electronic microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, PYR-GCMS and IR etc., we studied the evolving process of the composition and structure of PAN carbon fiber during preoxidation. In the initial stage of preoxidation, PAN filament tows disappear and become semi-thaw. At first, reactions happen between the copolymers and esters disappear. The molecules annularly crosslink and the index of cyclation slowly increases. It is easy to fix the structure and form defects during the initial and the medium stages, which are most reactive. More traction is advised in these stages to minimize the structural deficiencies. In the medium stage of preoxidation, the fiber was reshaped into new sheet stacks and gradually changed to sheet sectors, and this structure tends to be stable in the final stage. Induced by acid and ester copolymer, PAN fiber forms a very stable cycle structure in the final stage. Besides, monomer, dimmer and trimer obviously decrease. In the final stage of the preoxidation, there exi     

Is the dominance of even carbon atom molecules odd?

The unexpected higher frequency of occurrence of even carbon atom molecules over odd carbon atom ones revealed through previous database searches is shown to be a consequence of the predominantly bimolecular nature of bond formation processes and the fact that combinations of odd and odd as well as even and even atom molecules result in even atom products whereas odd and even atom molecule combinations alone lead to odd atom products.     

Quantum chemical explanation of the “hyper” spectrum of the carbon monoxide complex of cytochrome P-450

π INDO CI calculations for the carbon monoxide complex of cytochrome P-450 show that the “hyper” spectrum is produced by strong interaction between the UV and the Soret bands. This interaction depends on the sulfur ligand charge and on the iron-sulfur distance. The “hyper” spectrum can only be explained assuming a partial negative sulfur charge less than “−0.6”.     

Effect of the functionalizing of carbon nanotubes on the electrodeposited catalysts’ structure and catalytic properties

The structure and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes are studied by the standard porosimetry method. It is shown that the functionalized nanotubes have highly hydrophilic surface; at that the summary surface area measured “by octane” decreased, as a result of the functionalizing, due to the blocking of the nanotubes’ inner channels by the functional groups located at the nanotubes’ ends. The nanotubes’ capacitive properties are studied; their charging-discharging curves appeared being highly reversible, unlike those of other carbonaceous materials. Catalytic properties of the functionalized nanotubes are studied, with particular tendency toward their using as a carrier of platinum catalysts for the methanol oxidation and oxygen electroreduction reactions. When minor amounts (5–10 μg cm⁻²) of platinum or platinum-ruthenium alloy are deposited onto the nanotubes’ hydrophilic surface, uniform layer of the catalyst is formed, with specific surface area up to 150–300 m² g⁻¹; high current of the methanol oxidation or oxygen electroreduction is observed at these catalysts. When the catalyst deposit mass increased, its specific surface area decreased, as well as the specific current of the reactions occurring thereon. When the current is related to the electrochemically active unit surface, the catalytic activity is nearly the same both for different catalyst mass deposited onto the nanotubes and the same catalyst mass at different carbonaceous carriers.     

Sensitive electrochemical determination of calcium dobesilate on the carbon–iron nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode

A carbon–iron nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode (CIN-GCE) has been developed for the determination of calcium dobesilate (CD) in pharmaceutical formulations. The CINs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the CIN has strong electrocatalytic effect for CD and leads to a greatly improved anodic detection of CD including higher sensitivity and better reproducibility. A detection limit of 2.0 × 10⁻⁷ M (S/N = 3) was obtained. The proposed CIN-GCE was applied to detect CD in pharmaceutical formulations with satisfactory results. The proposed CIN electrochemical sensing platform holds great promise for simple, rapid and accurate detection of CD in pharmaceutical formulations.     

Tetrabutylammonium salts of tritransition-metal-substituted A-α-tungstogermanate:Halogen-free and single-component catalysts for the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epichlorohydrin

The green synthesis of chloropropylene carbonate via the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and epichlorohydrin had been achieved using halogen-free and single-component catalysts tetrabutylammonium salts of tritransition-metal-substituted A-α-tungstogermanate [（n-C₄H₉）₄N]₃H₇GeW₉M₃（H₂O）₃O₃₇（M = Cu^Ⅱ,Ni^Ⅱ,Co^Ⅱand Mn^Ⅱ） without any solvent.The catalytic activity was significantly depended on the transition metal introduced in polyoxometalates.[（n-C₄H₉）₄N]₃H₇GeW₉Mn₃（H₂O）₃O₃₇ exhibited the highest catalytic activity with 94.9%conversion for epichlorohydrin and 98%selectivity for chloropropylene carbonate in 3 h.Plausible mechanism was proposed based on the results.     

Thermogravimetrical investigations of the dealkoxycarbonylation of N-acyl-α-triphenylphosphonioglycinates

Thermogravimetrical experiments revealed that immediately after the endothermic process of the melting of N-acyl-α-triphenylphosphonioglycinates 1, an exothermic demethoxycarbonylation of phosphonioglycinates commenced, accompanied by the release of CO₂. The residues contained the corresponding N-acylaminomethyltriphenylphosphonium salts 2 (18.3–49.5%), methyltriphenylphosphonium salts 7 (21.8–67.9%), and the corresponding 1,2-di(N-acylamino)fumaric acid dimethyl ester 6 (2.1–26.0%). When the reaction was carried out in the presence of Ph₃P and the corresponding triphenylphosphine hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or tetrafluoroborate, N-acyl-α-triphenylphosphoniumglycinate bromides and iodides 1a–f underwent demethoxycarbonylation to form the corresponding N-acylaminomethyltriphenylphosphonium salts 2a–f at 95–130 °C in good to excellent yields (79–100%). On the other hand, tetrafluoroborates 1g–i underwent corresponding reactions at about 170–175 °C to give phosphonium tetrafluoroborates 2g–i in much lower yields (34–67%). Plausible mechanisms of the investigated reaction are discussed. It was also demonstrated that the obtained crude α-(N-acylamino)alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts 2 could be applied as valuable α-amidoalkylating agents in spite of their contamination with inert methyltriphenylphosphonium salts 7.     

Effect of γ-ray radiation on the polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers

To investigate the effect of γ-ray radiation on the microstructural and mechanical properties of carbon fibers, carbon fibers were irradiated by ⁶⁰Co source. The interlayer spacing d₀₀₂ of carbon fibers decreased after irradiation. The Young’s modulus and density of the fibers increased with increasing dose. The tensile strength of fibers was found to increase at low dose and decrease at high dose. Additionally, Compton scattering effect caused by γ-ray is proposed to be responsible for the structural and mechanical changes of fibers. The results indicated that γ-ray irradiation was an effective method for improving the mechanical properties and graphitization degree of polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibers.     

Investigation of lipase-catalyzed Michael-type carbon–carbon bond formations

Conjugate additions of carbon nucleophiles to appropriate acceptor molecules were investigated with respect to the synthetic potential and stereochemistry of the products. Reactions of short-chain α,β-unsaturated ketones and mono-substituted nitroalkenes with CH-acidic carboxylic ester derivatives were catalyzed by various immobilized lipases. Using methyl nitroacetate complete conversion with methyl vinyl ketone and trans-β-nitrostyrene was obtained. The reactions proceeded without enantioselectivity. Evidence for enzyme catalysis is provided by the observation that after denaturation of Candida antarctica lipase B or inhibition no reaction took place. Docking studies with the chiral addition product methyl 2-methyl-2-nitro-5-oxohexanoate did not reveal any specific binding mode for this reaction product, which would have been the requirement for stereoselective additions. These results support the experimental findings that the conjugate addition takes place without enantiopreference.     

Interaction of the carbon—tin bond with beta positive charge

Participation of the CSn bond in the development of beta positive charge in aqueous trifluoroethanol does not depend on solvent nucleophilicity but does depend on SnCCX stereochemistry. These observations favor a hyperconjugative interaction and predict a phenomenal acceleration in the antiperiplanar arrangement.     

Investigation of the electrical resistance of single-walled carbon nanotube films in the temperature range 4.2–290 K

Electrical resistance of films made of the source material and purified HiPCO and Arc single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a thickness of 20−40 μm is 2.4 to 45 Ω (electrical conductivity of 0.42 × 10³ to 5.03 × 10³ S/m) at room temperature. The films have been formed by vacuum microfiltration of SWCNT suspensions in toluene and characterized by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The conductivity of the films at room temperature depends on the type and degree of purity of the material of nanotubes. The resistance of the films decreases with the increasing temperature over the range of 4.2–290 K, and the rate of the step-down decreases with increasing purity of the material of the nanotubes. The conductivity of the films is semiconducting in character, and the electron transport is consistent with three-dimensional hopping conductivity.     

Development of a gas chromatography — mass spectrometry method for the determination of carbon disulfide in the atmosphere

Carbon disulfide (CS₂), a relevant reduced sulfur compound in air, is well-known for its malodor and its significant effect on global atmospheric chemistry. Therefore, a reliable method for determining CS₂ in atmospheric samples has been developed based on solid-phase sampling and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Two types of solid-phase sampling supports (Orbo-32 and SKC) and the elution with organic solvents — hexane and toluene — were evaluated for low-volume outdoor sampling. Recovery studies and the standard addition method were carried out to demonstrate the proper determination of CS₂ in the absence of the influence of interferences such as ozone, hydrogen sulfide or water — important atmospheric pollutants —. The proposed methodology was validated by performing experiments in a high-volume smog chamber and by comparison with two reference optical methods, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) installed in these facilities. Satisfactory analytical parameters were reported: fast analysis, a correct repeatability of 6 ± 1% and reproducibility of 14 ± 3%, and low detection limits of 0.3–0.9 pg m^? 3. Finally, the method was successfully applied to industrial samples near a pulp factory area, where a high correlation between industrial emissions and reported carbon disulfide concentrations were observed.     

Enantioselective addition of carbon acids to α-nitroalkenes: the first asymmetric aminocatalytic reaction in liquefied carbon dioxide

Carbon acids, in particular malonates, malononitrile, and anthranone, react enantioselectively with α-nitroalkenes in the presence of Takemoto’s organocatalyst in liquid carbon dioxide medium (100 bar, rt), under homogeneous conditions, to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in moderate to high yields and with enantioselectivities comparable with those obtained in organic solvents.     

Synthesis ofα-substitutedα-amino acids by the alkylation of 5-oxazolinone derivatives

Methods have been developed for the alkylation of 5-oxazolinone derivatives in DMF in the presence of K₂CO₃, KOH, or diisopropylethylamine and a phase transfer catalyst as well as for the preparation of-methyl-phenylalanine,-methylalanine,-methylalanine, and the methyl ester of N-benzoyl--methylalanine. Increasing the initial concentration of the starting 5-oxazolinone in the reaction mixture leads to a sharp drop in the yield of reaction products due to side condensation reactions. The reaction of 2-phenyl-4-benzyl-5- oxazolinone with ethyl iodide gave a dimer namely, 3-(benzoylamino)-3,5-dibenzylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione.Latvian Institute of Organic Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga. Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 829–833, June, 1994. Original article submitted January 21, 1994.     

Assessment of the possibility of the performance of a chromatomembrane mass-exchange process on granular composite carbon–fluoroplastic sorbents for the generation of standard gas mixtures

A principal possibility of the performance of continuous and discrete versions of a chromatomembrane mass-exchange process (CMP) in a liquid–gas system on granular supports and composite carbon–fluoroplastic sorbents is shown. In contrast to the previously used block (monolithic) composite sorbents, for their granular analogues, an increase in the concentration of sorption-active materials up to 40% of the support weight is possible. It is shown that composite sorbents included in the CMP scheme are most effective for the generation of standard gas mixtures of volatile organic substances.