A new method for the synthesis of organic–polyoxometallate hybrid compounds

The reaction of the Na₂MoO₄ or Na₂WO₄ salt with organic amine and PCl₅, SiCl₄ or TiCl₄ in hydrochloric acid medium under hydrothermal conditions yields organic–polyoxometallate hybrid compounds, with the following reaction formula: Na₂MO₄ + Lewis-base + XCl_n + HCl → (Lewis-baseH)_m(XM₁₂O₄₀) + NaCl + H₂O (M = Mo or W; X = P, Si, Ti,; n = 3–5). By using this method, four new complexes, [(CH₃)₂NH]₃[H₃PW₁₂O₄₀] (1), (C₂H₅OH)₃(H₃PMo₁₂O₄₀) (2), [DMDA]₂[H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀]·H₂O (3) (DMDA = 1 N,3 N-dimethyl-1,3-diazolidine) and [(DAN)₆][H₄TiW₁₂O₄₀]·4H₂O (DAN = 4,4′-dianiline) (4), were obtained, and their crystal structures are reported. Thermal analysis of 1, 2 and 4 has been carried out. The thermal analysis indicates that the Keggin anion skeleton begins to decompose at about 300 °C. The possibility of constructing hydrogen-bond interactions by association between the polyoxometallate and the organic compound is explored. The roles of solvents and organic groups in the formation of specific crystalline architectures are discussed. The crystal structure of [H₄TiW₁₂O₄₀], a hetero-transition-metal Keggin polyoxometallate with a square-plane TiO₄, has been reported. Four architectures developed by hydrogen-bond associations of different Keggin polyoxometallates and organic bearing N–H or O–H donor functions are described. The selected organic modules (4,4′-dianiline, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidine, dimethylamine and ethanol) possess hydrogen-donor functions to allow them to act as bridges between polyoxometallate groups. Depending on the nature of the donor group, the number of hydrogens available for bonding, the geometric features and the sizes of the organic modules, diverse assembling patterns have been observed ranging from one-dimensional to three-dimensional networks. For all the networks, H₃O⁺ and H⁺ act as actual linkers between the molecular units.     

A general method for the preparation of N-heterocyclic carbene–silver(I) complexes in water

A new synthetic method leading to N-heterocyclic carbene–silver(I) complexes [(R₂-NHC)₂Ag]⁺ [AgX₂]^? is developed by using benzimidazolium compounds, NaOH (as a base), silver salts and water (as the reaction medium). Single-crystal X-ray structure revealed that compound 1 comprises a linear [Ag-(Et₂-Bimy)₂]⁺ cation and a linear [AgBr₂]^? anion. These two ions are linked through an Ag^I–Ag^I association and staggered at an angle of 90.3°.     

A quantitative HPLC–MS/MS method for studying internal concentrations and toxicokinetics of 34 polar analytes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

An analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed to determine internal concentrations of 34 test compounds such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides in zebrafish embryos (ZFE), among them, cimetidine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, metoprolol, atropine and phenytoin. For qualification and quantification, multiple reaction monitoring mode was used. The linear range extends from 0.075 ng/mL for thiacloprid and metazachlor and 7.5 ng/mL for coniine and clofibrate to 250 ng/mL for many of the test compounds. Matrix effects were strongest for nicotine, but never exceeded ±20 % for any of the developmental stages of the ZFE. Method recoveries ranged from 90 to 110 % from an analysis of nine pooled ZFE. These findings together with the simple sample preparation mean this approach is suitable for the determination of internal concentrations from only nine individual ZFE in all life stages up to 96 h post-fertilization. Exemplarily, the time course of the internal concentrations of clofibric acid, metribuzin and benzocaine in ZFE was studied over 96 h, and three different patterns were distinguished, on the basis of the speed and extent of uptake and whether or not a steady state was reached. Decreasing internal concentrations may be due to metabolism in the ZFE.

A new two-step hybrid method for the numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation

With this paper, a new algorithm is developed for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The new method uses the minimum order of the phase-lag and its derivatives. Error analysis and the numerical results illustrate the efficiency of the new algorithm.     

A validated LC–MS/MS method for fast detection of thiodiglycolic acid in aqueous samples

A novel sensitive screening method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has shown the feasibility of separation and detection of thiodiglycolic acid in aqueous samples. The analysis of this compound is of interest since it is specific microbiological metabolite of thiodiglycol, which is precursor and degradation product of chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. The LC–electrospray ionisation (ESI)–MS method provides a sensitive and direct approach for thiodiglycolic acid identification and quantification using non-extracted non-derivitised samples from aqueous solutions. Chromatographic separation of the thiodiglycolic acid was produced using a reverse phase LC column with gradient mobile phases consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. Identification and quantification of species were achieved using ESI–tandem MS monitoring two precursor-to-product ion transitions for thiodiglycolic acid. The method demonstrates linearity over at least two orders of magnitude and detection limit of 10 ng...mL^–1 in environmental water samples.     

A rapid and sensitive GC–MS method for determination of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol in water

A rapid analytical method for sensitive determination of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) in river water has been developed. 1,3-DCP is extracted from water with ethyl acetate. After filtration through sodium sulfate the ethyl acetate phase is analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method uses 1,3-DCP-d₅ as internal standard. Different extraction solvents, concentrations of ammonium sulfate in the water samples, and the effect of humic acid were tested and their influence on the recovery of DCP has been evaluated. The method quantification limit was 0.1 g L^–1. For spiked water samples (0–5.2 g L^–1, n=21) a repeatability coefficient of variation of 5.4% was obtained. The average recovery rate of 1,3-DCP was 105±3% (n=21). Stability tests, which were carried out with Danube river water, led to an estimated 1,3-DCP degradation rate of 0.008±0.0008 day^–1 at 6°C.     

Supramolecular assembly of a new squaraine and β-cyclodextrin for detection of thiol-containing amino acids in water

A new unsymmetrical aniline-based squaraine (SQ2) bearing binding unit of Hg²⁺ ion was designed and synthesised. SQ2 can form 1:2 inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin, and the resulting complex, which undergoes absorption and fluorescence bleaching upon binding Hg²⁺, can serve as a turn-on colorimetric or fluorescent chemosensor in organic solvent-free aqueous solution for thiol-containing amino acids with high selectivity and tunable measuring range.     

Double molecular imprinting – a new sensor concept for improving selectivity in the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water

It is now well recognised that the quality control (QC) of all types of analyses, including environmental analyses depends on the appropriate use of reference materials. One of the ways to check the accuracy of methods is based on the use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), whereas other types of (not certified) Reference Materials (RMs) are used for routine quality control (establishment of control charts) and interlaboratory testing (e.g. proficiency testing). The perception of these materials, in particular with respect to their production and use, differs widely according to various perspectives (e.g. RM producers, routine laboratories, researchers). This review discusses some critical aspects of RM use and production for the QC of environmental analyses and describes the new approach followed by the Measurements & Testing Generic Activity (European Commission) to tackle new research and production needs.     

A new method for the synthesis of β-halonitroalkanes

Summary A new method is elaborated for the synthesis of -chloronitroalkanes; it consists in the reaction of phosphorus pentachloride with acetals obtained by the addition of primary -nitro alcohols to vinyl alkyl ethers.     

A new method for inversion of hydroxyl group of carbocyclic nucleosides

The hydroxyl group of carbocyclic nucleosides was inversed when the compounds were treated with Me_3SiCl,KCN and a catalytic amount of NaI in DMF/CH_3CN.     

A new electrochemical method for DNA sequence detection with homogeneous hybridization based on host–guest recognition technology

This communication reports on a new electrochemical method to detect the hybridization specificity by using host–guest recognition technique. A hairpin DNA with dabcyl-labeled at its 3′ and NH₂ group at 5′ terminal was combined with CdS nanoparticle to construct a double-labeled probe (DLP), which could selectively hybridize with its target DNA in homogeneous solution. A β-CD modified Poly(N-acetylaniline) glassy carbon electrode was used for capturing the dabcyl label in DLP. When without binding with target DNA, the DLP kept its stem-loop structure which shielded the dabcyl molecule due to the loop of the hairpin DNA and CdS nanoparticle blocking dabcyl enter into the cavity of these β-CD molecules on the electrode. However, in present of complementary sequence, the target-binding DLP was incorporated into double stranded DNA, causing the DLP’s loop-stem structure opened and then the dabcyl was easily captured by the β-CD modified electrode. During electrochemical measurement, the signal from the dissolved Cd²⁺ was used for target DNA quantitative analysis.     

A thorough experimental study of CH/π interactions in water: quantitative structure–stability relationships for carbohydrate/aromatic complexes

CH/π interactions play a key role in a large variety of molecular recognition processes of biological relevance. However, their origins and structural determinants in water remain poorly understood. In order to improve our comprehension of these important interaction modes, we have performed a quantitative experimental analysis of a large data set comprising 117 chemically diverse carbohydrate/aromatic stacking complexes, prepared through a dynamic combinatorial approach recently developed by our group. The obtained free energies provide a detailed picture of the structure–stability relationships that govern the association process, opening the door to the rational design of improved carbohydrate-based ligands or carbohydrate receptors. Moreover, this experimental data set, supported by quantum mechanical calculations, has contributed to the understanding of the main driving forces that promote complex formation, underlining the key role played by coulombic and solvophobic forces on the stabilization of these complexes. This represents the most quantitative and extensive experimental study reported so far for CH/π complexes in water.     

A miniaturized flow-injection analysis ( μ FIA) system with on-line chemiluminescence detection for the determination of iron in estuarine water

A miniaturized flow-injection analysis system constructed from a glass base plate and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) top plate was employed for the determination of iron in river water. Two designs were investigated, one utilizing a syringe pump and the other utilizing EOF pumping with a mini-filtration system incorporated. The syringe pump system was used to optimize the analytical method on chip, where the pump was used to deliver both the analyte and the reagents to the reactor chip. The highly sensitive chemiluminescence reaction between alkaline luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide) and 0.1?M of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the presence of iron(II) was utilized. The bright blue light (λ _max?～?440?nm) emitted was detected using a miniaturized photomultiplier tube interfaced directly under the chip. The light intensity signals were recorded, and the corresponding concentration of iron(II) concentration was determined. The calibration for iron(II) standards was linear up to 0.75?µg?mL^?1 (y?=?5.7839x?+?0.0378, r² ?=?0.9939) with a precision value of up to 3.72% RSD, for n?=?3. The limits of detection (blank?+?3s _y/x) were found to be 28?ng?mL^?1. The system which utilized EOF pumping and incorporated a minifiltration unit provided a linear calibration for 0–5?µg?mL^?1 (y?=?3.316x?+?0.1831; correlation coefficient, r ²?=?0.9996) over a working range of 0.0–0.5?µg?mL^?1. This system provided lower limits of detection 5.1?ng?mL^?1 and better repeatability (%RSD less than 0.5% for n?=?4), but problems occurred with the mini-filtration system at higher iron(II) concentrations. The EOF pumping system provided slightly higher results for the concentration of iron(II) in the Humber estuary (0.058?µg?mL^?1), but these results were in line with the results expected by the Environment Agency.     

A simple method for determining water content in organic solvents based on cobalt(Ⅱ)complexes

A method to determine water content in organic solvents was developed based on the color change of cobalt(Ⅱ) nitrate in different solvents.The color-change mechanism and optimal conditions for determining the water content were investigated.The results showed that there was a good linear relationships between the absorbance of cobalt(Ⅱ) complexes in organic solvents and water contents withγin 0.9989～0.9994.This method has the advantages of low cost,good reproducibility,good sensitivity,simple in operation,fast in detection,friendly to the environment and no limitation on linear range for determining water content.It was used to determine water in samples with a satisfactory recovery in 97.81%～101.24%.     

A perturbation theoretical method for determination of the dependence of the intramolecular X–H(D) potential on the hydrogen bond strength

A perturbation theoretical method is proposed that allows determination of the function describing the dependence of the intramolecular XH(D) potential on the hydrogen bond strength. Treating the XH(D) oscillators as mixed cubic–quartic oscillators in which the stretch–stretch couplings of the ν(X–H(D)) mode with the internal modes of the radical X may be neglected, and introducing the hydrogen bonding influence through the changes in the harmonic diagonal force constants (as proposed by Sceats and Rice [41]), it is possible to extract the analytical form of the function ) from the experimental versus correlations. The other parameters obtained by the empirical correlations, within this model, also have an exact physical meaning. The method is applicable to weak hydrogen bonds as well as to hydrogen bonds of intermediate strength, and, strictly speaking, to linear X– systems. However, extension to arbitrary geometry may be easily done. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A new convenient method for the synthesis of mixed-ligand β-diketonato Tc(III) complexes

A new convenient method has been proposed to synthesize mixed-ligand -diketonato Tc(III) complexes, using the ligand exchange reaction [Tc(acac)₂(CH₃CN)₂]⁺+L^–[Tc(acac)₂L]+ +2CH₃CN where L is bza, dpm or dbm. The yield was about 30–40%. UV-visible and IR spectra of these complexes were measured. Characteristic features of the compounds were compared with those of the corresponding complexes of ruthenium.     

A comparison of different types of gold–carbon composite electrode for detection of arsenic(III)

A study has been conducted using abrasively modified basal and edge-plane graphite, carbon-paste, and carbon–epoxy electrodes to create gold–carbon composite electrodes. Using either nano or micro-sized gold particles their suitability for use in detecting arsenic(III) is assessed. It was found that gold arrays prepared from micron-sized particles gave the best performance for arsenic detection. In particular micron arrays produced in carbon-paste electrodes with an easily renewable surface work well for detection of arsenic, producing a detection limit of 5(±2)×10^–9 mol L^–1, with a high sensitivity of 10(±0.1) A mol^–1 L.