Determination of the anchoring constant for a compensated binary cholesteric mixture

The optical transmission and the electric power was simultaneously recorded for the binary compensated cholesteric mixture cholesteryl chloride + cholesteryl nonanoate (70:30 molar). The values of the critical voltages U₁ and U₂ (at which the planar texture changes into a conic focal one, and the cholesteric-nematic transition take place) at different temperatures were obtained. The temperature dependence of the anchoring constant is determined.     

High precision density studies near the smectic A-nematic tricritical point

We have carried out very accurate density measurements (with a precision of ±5 × 10^-5g cm^-3) near the smectic A-nematic transition in binary mixtures of 4-n-nonyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (9CB) and 4-n-decyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl (10CB). The transition crosses over from second to first order as the temperature range of the nematic phase decreases. For mixtures with the shortest nematic range the data deviate noticeably from a single power law behaviour. Such a deviation is an indication of the first order nature of the transition. Very good fits to a single power law have been obtained for pure 9CB and the x = 0·04 mixture where x is the mole fraction of 10CB in 9CB. The critical exponent obtained from the power law fitting has enabled us to locate the tricritical point to be very close to x=0·04, which is in agreement with the results obtained previously by high resolution calorimetric [1] and X-ray scattering studies [2].     

Synthesis and characterization of a series of side chain chiral smectic liquid crystalline elastomers

A series of new chiral smectic liquid crystalline elastomers was prepared by graft polymerization of a nematic monomer with a chiral and non-mesogenic crosslinking agent, using polymethylhydrosiloxane as backbone. The chemical structures of the monomers and polymers obtained were confirmed by FTIR and ¹H NMR. The mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Monomer M₁ showed a nematic phase during heating and cooling. Polymer P₀ exhibited a smectic B phase; elastomers P₁-P₃ showed the smectic A phase, P₄-P₆ showed a chiral smectic C(SmC*), and P₇ displayed stress-induced birefringence. Elastomers containing less than 15 mol % M₂ displayed elasticity, reversible phase transitions with wide mesophase temperature ranges, and high thermal stability. With increasing content of the crosslinking unit, glass transition temperatures first increased, then fell, then increased again; isotropization temperatures and mesophase temperature ranges steadily decreased.     

Heat capacities of NaNO3 and KNO3 from 350 to 800 K

The heat capacities of NaNO₃ and KNO₃ were determined from 350 to 800 K by differential scanning calorimetry. Solid-solid transitions and melting were observed at 550 and 583 K for NaNO₃ and 406 and 612 K for KNO₃, respectively. The entropies associated with the solid-solid transitions were measured to be (8.43± 0.25) J K⁻¹ mole⁻¹ for NaNO₃ and (13.8±0.4) J K⁻¹ mole⁻¹ for KNO₃. At 298.15 K the values of C⁰_P S⁰_P, {H⁰(T)-H⁰(0)}/T and -{G⁰(T)-H⁰(0)}/T, respectively, are 91.94, 116.3, 57.73, and 58.55 J K⁻¹ mole⁻¹ for NaNO₃ and 95.39, 133.0, 62.93, and 70.02 J K⁻¹ mole⁻¹ for KNO₃. Values for S⁰_T, {H⁰(T)-H⁰(0)}/T, and -{G⁰(T)-H⁰(0)}/T were calculated and tabulated from 15 to 800 K for NaNO₃ and KNO₃.     

The temperature dependence of the two positronium bubble states in liquid SF6

Positron lifetime measurements have been performed on liquid SF₆ in the temperature range from −45°C to 71°C (T_c = 45.65°C). The positron lifetime spectra were resolved into four lifetime components. In the order of increasing lifetimes the four lifetime components are associated with the decay of para-positronium (p-Ps), free positrons, ortho-positronium (o-Ps) from a small bubble state, and o-Ps from a large bubble state. The lifetime of o-Ps annihilating from the large bubble state τ₄ increases from 5.7 ns at −45°C to 19.5 ns at 53°C. The lifetime of o-Ps annihilating from the small bubble state τ₃ was found to be 2–2.5 ns in the main part of the temperature range studied. Apparently, this is the first observation of two different o-Ps states in a liquid. The intensity I₄ (I₃) increases (decreases) from 16.9% (16%) at −45°C to 47.2% (6.4%) at the critical point while above I₃ and I₄ are essentially temperature independent. The large Ps bubble state seems to be similar to the Ps bubble state found in most liquids.     

Thermokinetic studies for reactions of lanthanum(III) and nickel(III) oxides with barium perchlorate trihydrate

TG, DTG and DTA have been used in non-isothermal investigations of binary systems of Ni₂O₃ and La₂O₃ with barium perchlorate trihydrate, BP·3 H₂O, in various molar ratios, carried out under an air (static) atmosphere from ambient to 1000°C. Ni₂O₃ catalysed the dehydration process of BP·3 H₂O and lowered its T_f by 20°C. The discontinuity on the TG curve due to an incomplete perchlorate—chlorate reaction vanished in the presence of either of the oxides: a mechanism is proposed. La₂O₃ lowered T_f by 50°C; T_i for the decomposition of BP was lowered by 150 and 100°C in the presence of La₂O₃ and Ni₂O₃, respectively. X-Ray diffractometry did not reveal any reaction between BP and the two oxides. Kinetic parameters for the decomposition steps in the presence of either of the oxides have been determined.     

Kinetics study of the gas-phase reactions of C2F5OC(O)H and n-C3F7OC(O)H with OH radicals at 253–328 K

The rate constants, k₁ and k₂ for the reactions of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured using an FT-IR technique at 253–328 K. k₁ and k₂ were determined as (9.24 ± 1.33) × 10⁻¹³ exp[−(1230 ± 40)/T] and (1.41 ± 0.26) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1260 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The random errors reported are ±2 σ, and potential systematic errors of 10% could add to the k₁ and k₂. The atmospheric lifetimes of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated at 3.6 and 2.6 years, respectively.     

Solid state synthesis of lithiated manganese oxides from mechanically activated Li2CO3–Mn3O4 mixtures

The solid state formation of lithium manganese oxides has been studied from the thermal decomposition of mixtures Li₂CO₃–Mn₃O₄ with X_Li (lithium cationic fraction)=0.33 (LiMn₂O₄), 0.50 (LiMnO₂) and 0.66 (Li₂MnO₃). The analysis of the reactivity has been performed mainly by thermoanalytical (TG/DSC) and diffractometric (XRPD) techniques either on physical mixtures and on mixtures subjected to mechanical activation by high energy milling. At X_Li=0.33, the cubic lithium manganese spinel oxide (LiMn₂O₄) forms in air. TG measurements showed that the reaction starts at a considerably lower temperature in the activated mixture. By variable temperature X-ray diffraction it has been assessed that, upon mechanical activation, LiMn₂O₄ forms directly and its formation is completed within 700 °C whereas, starting from a physical mixture, the formation goes through Mn₂O₃ and is complete only at 800 °C. At T>820 °C LiMn₂O₄ reversibly decomposes to LiMnO₂ and Mn₃O₄ with an enthalpy of 30.05 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMn₂O₄. At X_Li=0.50, by annealing under nitrogen flow for 6 h at 650 °C the activated mixture, the orthorhombic LiMnO₂ is formed. Such a formation goes through a mixture of LiMnO₂ and LiMn₂O₄. The enthalpy of LiMnO₂ solid state formation from the activated mixture has been determined to be 57.4 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMnO₂. At X_Li=0.66 in air the mechanical activation considerably lowers the temperature within the monoclinic phase Li₂MnO₃ forms. Besides the reaction enthalpy could be determined as 40.13 kJ mol⁻¹ of Li₂MnO₃. The reaction, when performed under nitrogen flow, goes through the formation of LiMnO₂. Such a first stage of the reaction is affected by the temperature of reaction rather than by mechanical activation. The activation greatly enhances the second stage of the reaction leading from LiMnO₂ to Li₂MnO₃.     

Theoretical study of the thermal interconversion mechanism between the norbornadiene and quadricyclane radical cations

Geometry optimizations at the UHF/6-31G^* and UMP2/6-31G^* levels of theory were performed to find the transition state in the interconversion between norbornadiene (N) and quadricyclane (Q) radical cations. Two transition structures, TS^+·₁ and TS^+·₂, were obtained which have C₁ and C₂ symmetry, respectively. Vibrational analysis at the UHF and UMP2 levels of theory and IRC calculation showed that TS^+·₁ is the true transition state connecting N^+· and Q^+·, while TS^+·₂ is a second order saddle point.     

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the reaction CF3 + NO + M → CF3NO + M from 0.5 to 12 Torr and from 253 to 373 K

The kinetics of the association reaction of CF₃ with NO was studied as a function of temperature near the low-pressure limit, using pulsed laser photolysis and time-resolved mass spectrometry. CF₃ radicals were generated by photolysis of CF₃I at 248 nm and the kinetics was determined by monitoring the time-resolved formation of CF₃NO. The bimolecular rate constants were measured from 0.5 to 12 Torr, using nitrogen as the buffer gas. The results are in very good agreement with recent data published by Vakhtin and Petrov, obtained at room temperature in a higher pressure range and, therefore, the two studies are quite complementary. A RRKM model was developed for fitting all the data, including those of Vakhtin and Petrov and for extrapolating the experimental results to the low- and high-pressure limits. The rate expressions obtained are the following: k₁(0) = (3.2 ± 0.8) × 10⁻²⁹ (T/298)^{−(3.4±0.6)} cm⁶ molecule⁻² s⁻¹ for nitrogen used as the bath gas and k₁(∞) = (2.0 ± 0.4) × 10⁻¹¹ (T/298)^(0±1) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. RRKM calculations also help to understand the differences in reactivity between CF₃ and other radicals, for the same association reaction with NO.     

Non-linear dielectric studies of the isotropic-smectic phase transition in 6-DBT and 7-DBT

Results are reported for measurements of Δε/E₂ for 6-DBT and 7-DBT (5-trans-n-alkyl-2(4'-isothiocyanianophenylo)-1,3-dioxane, n = 6, 7) in the isotropic phase, in the vicinity of T_SA1, and for 6-DBT solutions in dioxane over a broad range of temperatures. In the immediate vicinity of T_SA1 divcrgence from the Landau-de Gennes model was observed. From measurements made in solutions of 6-DBT in dioxane it was concluded that the antiparallel orientation of dipoles is preferred.     

NH2/ND2-vapour pressure isotope effect of cyclopropylamine

The NH₂/ND₂-vapour pressure isotope effect has been determined between 283 and 333 K for cyclopropylamine, an amine with a strong ring strain. The measurements are represented by the relation ln[P(C₃H₅N²H₂)/P(C₃H₅NH₂)] = −(8821.73 ± 68.949) (K/T)² + (23.379 ± 0.223)K/T and correspond to a normal (P_D/P_H < 1) effect. They suggest an association that is slightly weaker than that of propylamine and nearly agrees with that of isopropylamine. The differences are discussed in terms of acidities and steric factors.     

Calorimetric study on oxidation of alumina supported rhodium by dioxygen

Rhodium particles in nanometer size were prepared by impregnating alumina powders with aqueous solutions containing rhodium salts. The dispersion (D) of rhodium crystallites on the prepared samples was estimated by dioxygen adsorption measured at 300 K. Phenomena of oxidizing the supported crystallites with 2.5 × 10⁴ Pa O₂ in a temperature range between 280 and 870 K were calorimetrically studied. Extent of oxidation may be distinguished into three stages, i.e., adsorption on surface (T < 300 K), progressive penetration into bulk, and formation of a stable bulk oxide (T> 700 K), on raising the oxidation temperature. Heat of dioxygen adsorption varies only slightly with the dispersion (D) of rhodium and has a value of 294 ± 6 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹. Chemical stoichiometry of the bulk oxide formed, however, varies with the dispersion of rhodium crystallites. A dioxide (RhO₂) (_f H = 225 ± 3 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹) and a sesquioxide (Rh₂O₃) (_f H = 273 ± 3 kJ (mol O₂)⁻¹) was formed at D < 60% and D> 80%,     

Dehydration of magnesium sulphate heptahydrate investigated by quasi isothermal—quasi isobaric TG

With the help of the quasi isothermal-quasi isobaric technique, completed with DTA and thermomicroscopic examinations, several new observations have been made regarding the dehydration process of MgSO₄ · 7 H₂O. It was found that under given conditions the material, first at 50°C and then at 95°C, melts in an incongruous way. In the course of the latter transformation, a ternary system consisting of solid MgSO₄ · 3 H₂O, a solution phase saturated with respect to the trihydrate, and a water vapour phase, is formed. The saturated solution reaches its boiling point at 105°C. Without any temperature change, the system loses four moles of water and solid MgSO₄ · 3 H₂O remains. This decomposes at 115°C and a mixture consisting of MgSO₄ · H₂O and MgSO₄ · 2 H₂O forms, the proportion of which depends on the experimental conditions. At 150°C, the latter compound loses one mole of water. The MgSO₄ · H₂O maintains constant weight up to 310°C, above which temperature the remaining water of crystallization is removed.     

Thermodynamic stabilities of NiTeO3 and Ni3TeO6 by solid oxide electrolyte e.m.f. method

The e.m.f. of the galvanic cells Pt,C,Te(l),NiTeO₃,NiO/15 YSZ/O₂ (P_o2 = 0.21 atm),Pt and Pt,C,NiTeO₃,Ni₃TeO₆,NiO/15 YSZ/O₂ (P_o2 = 0.21 atm),Pt (where 15 YSZ=15 mass% yttria-stabilized zirconia) was measured over the ranges 833–1104 K and 624–964 K respectively, and could be represented by the least-squares expressions E₍₁₎±1.48 (mV) = 888.72 − 0.504277 (K) and E_(II) ±4.21 (mV) = 895.26 − 0.81543T (K).

After correcting for the standard state of oxygen in the air reference electrode, and by combining with the standard Gibbs energies of formation of NiO and TeO₂ from the literature, the following expressions could be derived for the ΔG^°_f of NiTeO₃ and Ni₃TeO₆: ΔG_f^°(NiTeO₃) ± 2.03 (kJ mol⁻¹) = −577.30 + 0.26692T (K) and ΔG^°_f(Ni₃TeO₆)±2.54 (kJ mol⁻¹) = −1218.66 + 0.58837T (K).     

Location of the discotic lamellar-nematic tricritical point and isotope effects in the caesium pentadecafluorooctanoate (CsPFO)/water system as established by 133 Cs N.M.R. spectroscopy

¹³³Cs N.M.R. spectroscopy has been used to locate the discotic lamellar (smectic A)-nematic tricritical point in the CsPFO/H₂O and CsPFO/²H₂O systems. In both systems this occurs at the same volume fraction of 0·25, but at different temperatures (302·05 and 304·80 K, respectively). The phase diagram for the CsPFO/H₂O system has also been studied for the first time and a comparison of the corresponding fixed points shows there to be large isotope effects.     

Influence of hydrostatic pressure on the phase transition in Ni(NH3)6I2: EPR studies

Electron paramagnetic resonance techniques are used to determine the phase transition temperature T_c of Ni(NH₃)₆I₂ as a function of hydrostatic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure causes T_c to increase and the value of the pressure coefficient dT_c/dp is (10 ± 2) K/GPa. T_c and dT_c/dp for hexammine halides is calculated on the basis of the “rigid-sphere model” and good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.     

Three interpenetrated frameworks constructed by long flexible N,N′-bipyridyl and dicarboxylate ligands

Three interpenetrated polymeric networks, {[Co(bpp)(OH-BDC)] · H₂O}_n (1) [Ni(bpp)_1.5(H₂O)(OH-BDC)]_n (2) and {[Cd(bpp)(H₂O)(OH-BDC)] · 2H₂O}_n (3), have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions of 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (OH-H₂BDC), with Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O, Ni(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and Cd(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the three compounds all exhibit interpenetrated but entirely different structures. Compound 1 is a fourfold interpenetrated adamantanoid structure with water molecules as space fillers, in which bpp adopts a TG conformation (T = trans, G = gauche). Compound 2 is an interdigitated structure from the interpenetrated long arms of one-dimensional molecular ladders, while bpp in 2 adopts both TT and TG conformations. Compound 3 is a twofold interpenetrated three-dimensional network from a one-dimensional metal-carboxylate chain bridged by TG conformational bpp. The hydrogen bonding interactions in 1–3 further stabilize the whole structural frameworks and play critical roles in their constructions.     

Temperature dependence of the reaction C2H (C2D) + O2 between 295 and 700 K

The rate coefficients for the reactions of C₂H and C₂D with O₂ have been measured in the temperature range 295 K T 700 K. Both reactions show a slightly negative temperature dependence in this temperature range, with k_C2H+O2 = (3.15 ± 0.04) × 10⁻¹¹ (T/295 K)^{−(0.16 ± 0.02)} cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The kinetic isotope effect is k_C2H/k_C2D = 1.04 ± 0.03 and is constant with temperature to within experimental error. The temperature dependence and the C₂H + O₂ kinetic isotope effect are consistent with a capture-limited metathesis reaction, and suggest that formation of the initial HCCOO adduct is rate-limiting.