Collisional depolarization of NO2 fluorescence as studied by Hanle effect measurements

We report on collisional depolarization of NO₂ fluorescence with use of Hanle effect (zero magnetic field level crossing) experiments. Single fine structure levels of NO₂ in several regions of the visible absorption spectrum predominantly near 593 nm and 514 nm are prepared by selective optical excitation and the depolarization of the fluorescence light versus a magnetic field is investigated. We find that the Hanle signal is in general a superposition of two Lorentzian shaped signals, each with a characteristic dependence on light intensity and NO₂ pressure. For NO₂ pressures >1 µ bar the collisional depolarization follows simple Stern-Volmer kinetics. However, an unusual pressure dependence is observed at NO₂ pressures <1 µ bar. In the same pressure range (<1 µ bar) we see also an unexpected resonance with significantly different properties as the Hanle signal.     

Molecular polarization and laser photopredissociation in the presence of a magnetic field

The theory of the angular distribution of the photofragment resulting from weak predissociation in a diatomic molecule is worked out in the density matrix formalism. Special attention is given to the relationship between photofragment anisotropy, molecular polarization and fluorescence light polarization. The effect of a steady applied magnetic field is discussed and compared with classical Hanle effect. Application to the case of O₂⁺, b⁴σ_R^? state studied by fast ion beam laser spectroscopy (FIBLAS) is presented. Zeeman effect of the low J levels is observed in good agreement with theory and the angular distribution of the photofragments arising from a few selected Zeeman sublevels offers qualitative experimental confirmation of the theoretically predicted behavior.     

NO2 lifetimes by hanle effect measurements

We explain controversial results of previous Hanle effect (zero magnetic field level crossing) experiments on NO₂. It is shown that the magnetic resonance signal is in general associated with two characteristic times, the radiative lifetime τ_R ≳ 40 μs and an intramolecular decay time τ₀ ≈ 3 μs. The contributions of both times to the magnetic resonance signal have to beclearly separated to give reliable results. The two times τ_R and τ₀ are observed for all investigated absorption lines near 593 and 514 nm.     

Radiative lifetime determination for the 3s4p-1P1 state of magnesium using pulsed level-crossing spectroscopy

The natural radiative lifetime of the 3s4p ¹ P ₁ level of neutral magnesium was measured by pulsed level-crossing spectroscopy at the short excitation wavelength of 202.6 nm. We obtained =13.4(5) ns for this state, strongly deviating from a previous beam-foil result, but in good agreement with a multi-configuration Hartree-Fock calculation. A discussion of the applicability of the pulsed Hanle effect method is given.     

Oscillator strengths in first row neutral,singly and doubly ionized atoms: Comparison of recent theoretical and experimental values

Using correlated wave functions, oscillator strengths for transitions of the type 1s²2s²2pⁿ → 1s²2s2pⁿ⁺¹ in neutral, singly and doubly ionized B, C, N, O and F atoms are calculated. Such oscillator strengths are extremely sensitive to the details of electronelectron interactions. Comparison with results for other many-body calculations and beam-foil, phase-shift, emission and Hanle spectroscopies shows an overall agreement in the case of ionized atoms but an occasional discrepancy in the case of the neutrals. It appears that, assuming experiment is correct, in these cases one still needs a better understanding of electron correlation and its effect on oscillator strengths.     

Studies on Systems of Salts and Mixed Solvents. XXXIX. On the solvation of Al3+. Cations in hexamethylphosphoric triamide-water mixtures

The solvation behaviour of Al³⁺ cations in HMPT-water mixtures was investigated by means of Rama and ²⁷ Al NMR spectroscopy. Basing on results got on aqeous HMPT solutions solvation processes in the coordination sphere of the cation are discussed mainly with the aid of PN and PO valence vibration of the organic molecule. Strong interactions could be proved between Al³⁺ ions and HMPT molecules. In Raman as well as in ²⁷Al-NMR spectra a time dependence of band shapes was observable.     

Magnetic depolarization of atomic fluorescence in flames

The Hanle effect has been observed on the 2288 Å fluorescence line of cadmium atoms sprayed in a flame under atmospheric pressure. A signal width of 1400 G, and a polarization between 7 and 20% have been observed. The results are discussed from the point of view of quenching.     

A simple model for the difference between coherence time and radiative lifetime in NO2

An intramolecular mechanism is proposed to reconcile the different lifetimes obtained from direct radiative decay measurements and from Hanle effect measurements on NO₂. This mechanism predicts a dependence of the coherence lifetime on the excited state rotational quantum number which is in good agreement with the previous experiments.     

Selective Preparation of Phosphorus Mononitride (P≡N) from Phosphinoazide and Reversible Oxidation to Phosphinonitrene

The interstellar candidate phosphorus mononitride PN, a metastable species, was generated through high-vacuum flash pyrolysis of (o-phenyldioxyl)phosphinoazide in cryogenic matrices. Although the PN stretching band was not directly detected because of its low infrared intensity and possible overlaps with other strong bands, o-benzoquinone, carbon monoxide, and cyclopentadienone as additional fragmentation products were clearly identified. Moreover, an elusive o-benzoquinone-PN complex formed when (o-phenyldioxyl)phosphinoazide was exposed to UV irradiation at λ=254 nm. Its recombination to (o-phenyldioxyl)-λ⁵-phosphinonitrile was observed upon irradiation with the light at λ=523 nm, which demonstrates for the first time the reactivity of PN towards an organic molecule. Energy profile computations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVP density functional theory level reveal a concerted mechanism. To provide further evidence, UV/Vis spectra of the precursor and the irradiation products were recorded and agree well with time-dependent DFT computations.     

Hemin‐Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Reveal Peroxynitrite Reduction and Isomerization Activity

Facile and efficient reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and novel applications of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based materials are of current interest. Herein, we report a novel and facile method for the reduction of GO by using a biocompatible reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). Stabilization of DTT by the formation of a six‐membered ring with internal disulfide linkage upon oxidation is responsible for the reduction of GO. The reduced graphene oxide is characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Dispersion of RGO in DMF remained stable for several weeks suggesting that the RGO obtained by DTT‐mediated reduction is hydrophobic in nature. This method can be considered for large scale production of good quality RGO. Treatment of RGO with hemin afforded a functional hemin‐reduced graphene oxide (H‐RGO) hybrid material that exhibited remarkable protective effects against the potentially harmful peroxynitrite (PN). A detailed inhibition study on PN‐mediated oxidation and nitration reactions indicate that the interaction between hemin and RGO results in a synergistic effect, which leads to an efficient reduction of PN to nitrate. The RGO also catalyzes the isomerization of PN to nitrate as the RGO layers facilitate the rapid recombination of ^.NO₂ with Fe^IV=O species. In the presence of reducing agents such as ascorbic acid, the Fe^IV=O species can be reduced to Fe^III, thus helping to maintain the PN reductase cycle.     

Direct Resonance Raman Characterization of a Peroxynitrito Copper Complex Generated from O2 and NO and Mechanistic Insights into Metal‐Mediated Peroxynitrite Decomposition

We report the formation of a new copper peroxynitrite ( PN ) complex [Cu^II(TMG₃tren)(κ¹‐OONO)]⁺ ( PN1 ) from the reaction of [Cu^II(TMG₃tren)(O₂^.?)]⁺ ( 1 ) with NO^._(g) at ?125 °C. The first resonance Raman spectroscopic characterization of such a metal‐bound PN moiety supports a cis κ¹‐(^?OONO) geometry. PN1 transforms thermally into an isomeric form ( PN2 ) with κ²‐O,O′‐(^?OONO) coordination, which undergoes O?O bond homolysis to generate a putative cupryl (LCu^II?O^.) intermediate and NO₂^.. These transient species do not recombine to give a nitrato (NO₃^?) product but instead proceed to effect oxidative chemistry and formation of a Cu^II–nitrito (NO₂^?) complex ( 2 ).     

Emission spectra produced from thermal energy charge transfer reactions of Ar+ ions with CS and PN radicals

CS⁺(B²Σ⁺-A²Π_i) and PN⁺(B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺) emissions were observed for υ′ = 0 and 1 from argon afterglow reactions of CS and PN radicals. The rotational constant (B₀) of the CS⁺(B) state was estimated to be 0.696±0.002 cm^?1 from the difference between band head and band origin. The dependence of each emission intensity on the voltage applied to the ion-collector grids and on the argon pressure indicated that Ar⁺ was a plausible candidate. Vibrational populations of the CS⁺(B) and PN⁺(B) states obtained from the emission spectra shifted to lower vibrational levels in comparison with those expected from the energy resonance and Franck-Condon factors for ionization. This is explainable as the distortion of target radicals by approach of reactant ions.     

Novel fluorescent cyanide-selective chemosensor based on a functionalised pillar[5]arene copper(II) complex

As a novel macrocyclic host, pillar[5]arene can selectively recognise guest molecules in organic solvents. In this study, a fluorescent chemosensor composed of a functionalised-pillar[5]arene and Cu²⁺ metal complex (PN–Cu), which shows good selectivity for CN^? anions, has been designed and synthesised. Complexation between PN–Cu and anions has been probed by means of various fluorescence-based methods. PN–Cu, as a turn-on fluorescence chemosensor showed high selectivity towards CN^? ions in comparison to other anions, and its detection limit for CN^? was calculated as 9.03 × 10^?7 M. The PN–Cu sensor can serve as a recyclable component in sensing materials. Moreover, the interaction between the singly functionalised pillar[5]arene and Cu²⁺ has been probed through various tests. Based on the remarkable selectivity of the chemosensor PN–Cu, we propose that it might be used as a potential material for CN^? recognition.     

A High‐Pressure Polymorph of Phosphorus Nitride Imide

Phosphorus nitride imide, PN(NH), is of great scientific importance because it is isosteric with silica (SiO₂). Accordingly, a varied structural diversity could be expected. However, only one polymorph of PN(NH) has been reported thus far. Herein, we report on the synthesis and structural investigation of the first high‐pressure polymorph of phosphorus nitride imide, β‐PN(NH); the compound has been synthesized using the multianvil technique. By adding catalytic amounts of NH₄Cl as a mineralizer, it became possible to grow single crystals of β‐PN(NH), which allowed the first complete structural elucidation of a highly condensed phosphorus nitride from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The structure was confirmed by FTIR and ³¹P and ¹H solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. We are confident that high‐pressure/high‐temperature reactions could lead to new polymorphs of PN(NH) containing five‐fold‐ or even six‐fold‐coordinated phosphorus atoms and thus rivalling or even surpassing the structural variety of SiO₂.     

Coherence retention during rotationally inelastic collisions of selectively excited diatomic sulfur

Hanle effect broadening rates have been measured for selectively excited S₂ (B ³Σ⁻_u, υ′ = 4, N′ = 40, J′ = 41) with a variety of collision partners. In the cases of N₂ and the rare gases, a comparison with previously determined rotational and vibrational energy transfer rates shows that coherence is retained throughout transfer collisions. This is confirmed by direct observation of the Hanle effect in nearby rotational levels populated by collision, using a monochromator to disperse the fluorescence. These results indicate that collisions which change the magnitude of the rotational angular momentum (even by several quanta) do not severely alter its orientation.     

Development of an LC Method for Simultaneous Analysis of Cinnamic Acid and Paeonol in Rat Plasma, and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study after Intragastric Administration of Guizhi–Fuling Capsule

A specific and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of cinnamic acid (CA) and paeonol (PN) in rat plasma has been developed and validated. Plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol, and the supernatant was injected for reversed-phase separation on a C₁₈ column with acetonitrile–0.1% phosphoric acid 24:76 (v/v) as mobile phase at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL min^?1. Phenylbutyric acid was used as the internal standard. Good linear relationships were obtained between response and concentration in the range 0.130–52.0 μg mL^?1 (r = 0.9980) and 0.1785–71.4 μg mL^?1 (r = 0.9950) for CA and PN, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day assay precision (RSD, n = 6) at three concentrations was not above 15.1% for either CA and PN, and accuracy was from 94.3 to 104.7% and from 103.3 to 113.1% for CA and PN, respectively. Mean recovery of CA and PN from plasma samples was 87.5 and 86.8%, respectively, and recovery of the internal standard at a concentration of 1.00 mg mL^?1 was 88.5%. Results from a stability study suggested CA and PN were stable under the experimental conditions used. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of CA and PN in rats after intragastric administration of Guizhi–Fuling capsule. The results obtained would be very useful for evaluation of the clinical efficacy of GFC.     

Experiment‐Driven Modeling of Crystalline Phosphorus Nitride P3N5: Wide‐Ranging Implications from a Unique Structure

Nitridophosphates have emerged as advanced materials due to their structural variability and broad technical applicability. Their binary parent compound P₃N₅, a polymeric network of corner‐ and edge‐sharing PN₄ tetrahedra with N 2 and N 3 sites, is a particularly interesting example. We present a study of the band gap and electronic structure of α‐P₃N₅ by using soft X‐ray spectroscopy measurements and DFT calculations. The band gap, which is crucial for all applications, is measured to be 5.87±0.20 eV. This agrees well with the calculated, indirect band gap of 5.21 eV. The density of states are found to show dramatic variation between the nonequivalent N sites and a high degree of covalency. Coupled to these results is what is, to our knowledge, the largest core hole shift reported to date for a soft X‐ray absorption spectrum. We propose an intuitive bonding scheme for α‐P₃N₅ that explains the observed band gap and unique density of states, while providing a framework for predicting these properties in known and yet to be discovered PN compounds. We briefly consider the implications of these results for new low‐dimensional P and PN materials, which alongside graphene, could become important materials for nanoelectronics.     

Novel Fluorescent Chemosensor for Detection of F− Anions Based on a Single Functionalized Pillar[5]arene Iron(III) Complex

Novel fluorescent chemosensor with good selectivity for F^? anion was designed and synthesized. The sensor has a bearing on a single functionalized pillar[5]arene and Fe³⁺ metal complex (PN‐Fe), which showed prominent fluorescent response for F^? anion over other common anions (Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, AcO^?, HSO4^?, H₂PO₄^?, ClO₄^?, CN^? and SCN^?). These results were evaluated by fluorescent method. The detection limit of PN‐Fe to F^? was calculated to be 2.50×10^?7 mol/L. Moreover, the sensor PN‐Fe³⁺ might serve as a recyclable component in sensing materials.     

The magnetic circular dichroism of the A band in CF3I,C2H5I and t-BuI

The MCD (magnetic circular dichroism) of CF₃I, C₂H₅I and (t-BuI has been studied in the A band region (n→σ^* continuum). A complex MCD signal was observed for all these molecules. The contribution of the excited electronic states to the A band is resolved and the results are compared with data obtained using other experimental techniques.     

Directional Study of the Optical Properties of Tb3+‐ and Eu3+‐Doped Nanoparticles Embedded in Silica Photonic Crystals

The effects of the stop band (SB) in colloidal photonic crystals composed of silica spheres containing Eu³⁺‐ and Tb³⁺‐doped yttria nanoparticles are analysed. Reflection and transmission spectra indicate movement of the stop band, due to the 111 series of planes, towards shorter wavelengths with increasing angle of observation. The profile of the emission spectra is modified by the presence of the SB depending on the angle of measurement. Such a modification is more effective for a narrow emission band and it is thus more evident in the case of Tb³⁺ than Eu³⁺. An angular effect is also observed in the lifetime, which presents two maxima and one minimum. In the case of Tb³⁺ the maxima are at observation angles of 35 and 50°, and the minimum at 45°. We attribute this behaviour to penetration of the excitation beam at 475 nm modulated by the stop band. The ions excited in this way emit from different depths in the crystal, and therefore their lifetime will be affected differently by the same stop band, depending on the thickness of the crystal that must be crossed. Eu³⁺ shows a similar but less pronounced effect for two reasons: first, the main stop band (due to the 111 planes) is not effective at the excitation wavelength of 392 nm; second, the broadness of the Eu³⁺ emission is comparable to the width of the SB, and a decrease in the transition rate at the wavelength of the SB maximum is compensated by an increase at the sides of the SB.