Novel diapocarotenoid dications with VIS/NIR absorption

Isoprenoid acyclic polyene carbodications with 6, 14 and 18 π electrons have been synthesized and characterized in comparison with previously prepared dicyclic C₄₀-carotenoid dications. An equation correlating λ_max (400-1100 nm region) and the number of sp² hybridized carbon atoms in the dication is presented.     

Electrophilic intermediates and their reactions in superacids

Acid-catalyzed reactions have played a major role in hydrocarbon chemistry involving electron-deficient intermediates such as carbocations, carbodications, onium ions, etc. The pioneering discovery of the use of superacids by George A. Olah, in the early 1960s, to characterize such intermediates under so-called long-lived stable ion conditions led to the understanding of their structures and reactivity patterns much more clearly. Continuing studies in this area in the past 30 years have resulted in a paradigm shift in comprehending the stability and reactivity of electrophilic intermediates in superacid media.     

Self-consistent perturbation-INDO calculations of nuclear magnetic resonance carbon–carbon coupling constants for methylcycloalkanes

One bond ¹³C,¹³C coupling constants have been calculated for some methylcycloalkanes, as well as for 2-methylbutane, using the self-consistent perturbation theory as formulated by Blizzard and Santry at the INDO (intermediate neglect of differential overlap) level of approximation. Together with previously published experimental data, the results can be interpreted satisfactorily on the basis of the Walsh model for cyclopropane and the known s character relationship ¹J(¹³C¹³C) = 575·s(i)· s(j).     

Rapid separation of carrier-free inorganic and organic compounds of radioiodine and astatine by high-pressure liquid chromatography

The radioisotopes¹²³I (T=13.3 h) and, potentially,²¹¹At(T=7.2 h) find increasing interest for radiopharmaceutical applications in diagnosis and therapy. They were produced via the¹²²Te(α, 3n)¹³Xe(α⁺)¹³I and the²⁰⁹Bi(α, 2n)²¹¹At processes. Fast and efficient separations of carrier-free species obtained from target processing, as well as from classical or decay-induced synthesis were archieved by means of high-pressure ion-exchange and partition chromatography. Inorganic forms (X⁻, XO ₃ ⁻ , At⁺) could be identified and separated on pretreated Aminex A 27 and A 7 resins, and biomolecules such as 5-halodeoxyuridines and-uracils on Aminex A 25 resins and Merckosorb Si 60 silica. The chromatographic methods can also be used for stability tests of radiopharmaceuticals in biochemical mixtures, notably physiological fluids.     

Organylselenoacetylene und selenocyanate; 77Se- und 13C-NMR-chemische verschiebungen und 77Se- 13C-spin-kopplungskonstanten

⁷⁷Se and ¹³C NMR chemical shifts and ⁷⁷Se-¹³C spinspin coupling constants of mono- and bis(organylseleno)acetylenes and organyl selenocyanates are shown. The changes of ⁷⁷Se chemical shifts caused by variation of the organyl groups are well reflected by known increments. The δ(⁷⁷Se) and ¹J(⁷⁷Se¹³C) values of the investigated compounds are discussed in relation to the corresponding alkyl- and vinyl-selenides. The ¹J(⁷⁷Se¹³C) values of the selenoacetylenes and selenocyanates as well as alkyl- and vinyl-selenides are linearly dependednt (i) on ¹J(¹³C¹H) values of the corresponding hydrocarbons, hydrogen cyanide respectively and (ii) on the product of the s-characters of the coupled Se and C atoms. These linear correlations prove the predominance of the Fermi contact term for changes of the one-bond ⁷⁷Se¹³C coupling in dependence on hybridization.     

Evaluation of a pulsed glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometer as a detector for gas chromatography and the influence of the glow discharge source parameters on the information volume in chemical speciation analysis

The figures of merit of a pulsed glow discharge time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GD-TOFMS) as a detector for gas chromatography (GC) analysis were evaluated. The mass resolution for the GD-TOFMS was determined on FWHM in the high mass range (²⁰⁸Pb⁺) as high as 5,500. Precision of 400 subsequent analyses was calculated on ⁶³Cu⁺ to be better than 1% RSD with no significant drift over the time of the analysis. Isotope precision based on the ⁶³Cu⁺/⁶⁵Cu⁺ ratio over 400 analyses was 1.5% RSD. The limits of detection for gaseous analytes (toluene in methanol as solvent) were determined to be as low as several hundred ppb or several hundred pg absolute without using any pre-concentration technique. Furthermore, the different GD source parameters like capillary distance, cathode–anode spacing, and GD source pressure with regards to the accessible elemental, structural, and molecular information were evaluated. It was demonstrated that each of these parameters has severe influence on the ratio of elemental, structural, and parent molecular information in chemical speciation analysis.     

Emissive Synthetic Cofactors: A Highly Responsive NAD+ Analogue Reveals Biomolecular Recognition Features

Apart from its vital function as a redox cofactor, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( NAD⁺ ) has emerged as a crucial substrate for NAD⁺ -consuming enzymes, including poly(ADP-ribosyl)transferase 1 (PARP1) and CD38/CD157. Their association with severe diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and depressions, necessitates the development of new analytical tools based on traceable NAD⁺ surrogates. Here, the synthesis, photophysics and biochemical utilization of an emissive, thieno[3,4-d]pyrimidine-based NAD⁺ surrogate, termed N^thAD⁺ , are described. Its preparation was accomplished by enzymatic conversion of synthetic ^th ATP by nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1). The new NAD⁺ analogue possesses useful photophysical features including redshifted absorption and emission maxima as well as a relatively high quantum yield. Serving as a versatile substrate, N^thAD⁺ was reduced by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) to N^thADH and afforded ^thADP-ribose ( ^th ADPr ) upon hydrolysis by NAD⁺ -nucleosidase (NADase). Furthermore, N^thAD⁺ was engaged in cholera toxin A (CTA)-catalyzed mono(^thADP-ribosyl)ation, but was found incapable in promoting PARP1-mediated poly(^thADP-ribosyl)ation. Due to its high photophysical responsiveness, N^thAD⁺ is suited for spectroscopic real-time monitoring. Intriguingly, and as an N7-lacking NAD⁺ surrogate, the thieno-based cofactor showed reduced compatibility (i.e., functional similarity compared to native NAD⁺ ) relative to its isothiazolo-based analogue. The distinct tolerance, displayed by diverse NAD⁺ producing and consuming enzymes, suggests unique biological recognition features and dependency on the purine N7 moiety, which is found to be of importance, if not essential, for PARP1-mediated reactions.     

Solvent donor and acceptor properties of pyridine

Polarographic and cyclovoltammetric measurements on the perchlorates of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Tl⁺, Ba²⁺ and Ni²⁺ as well as on the trifluoromethane sulfonates of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cu⁺, Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺ were carried out. The data allowed the evaluation of the different donor behavior of pyridine towards hard, border line and soft cations. The conclusions drawn from electrochemical investigations were supported by Gibbs energies of transfer for cations, which were derived from both electrochemical measurements based on the bis(biphenyl)chromium assumption and from solubility studies based on the tetraphenylarsonium tetraphenylborate assumption. The acceptor properties of pyridine were obtained from the solvatochromic dyes bis(cyano)bis(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) and bis(cyano)bis(3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) and the results were compared with the acceptor number and the E _T -value.     

Radiochemical determination of plutonium in marine samples by extraction chromatography

Very low levels of plutonium (^239,240Pu and ²³⁸Pu) in marine samples (sea water,sediments, marine organisms) are determined by extraction on columns of tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide supported on microporous polyethylene (Micro thene-710), electrode- position, and α-spectrometry. ²³⁶Pu or ²⁴²Pu is added as the yield detector and a high-resolution α-spectrometer is used for counting. The final recoveries are 62.6% ± 9.7(σ)for sea water, 45.4% ± 9.6(0) for sediments and 81.7%± 4.5(σ) for marine organisms. Themethod enables ^239.240pu and ²³⁸Pu to be detected at the femtocurie level.     

Simultaneous determination of silicon and phosphorus in cast iron by 14 MeV neutron activation analysis

A fast (10 min), non-destructive simultaneous determination of silicon and phosphorus in cast iron and steel by 14 MeV neutron activation was developed. The 1.78 MeV²⁸Al activity (T=2.24 min) induced by the reaction²⁸Si(n, p)²⁸Al is counted on a NaI(Tl) detector. Two measurements are made to correct for the 1.81 MeV⁵⁶Mn activity (T=2.58 hr) from the iron matrix. However,²⁸Al is also produced via³¹P(n, α)²⁸Al. By (n, 2n) reaction, phosphorus yields also³⁰P (T=2.6 min), the 0.511 MeV annihilation radiation of which is counted by two opposite NaI(Tl) detectors in coincidence. Again, two successive coincidence measurements are carried out in order to take into account the⁵³Fe activity (β⁺; T=8.9 min) from⁵⁴Fe(n, 2n)⁵³Fe. The²⁸Al measurement is appropriately corrected via the computed phosphorus content. An oxygen flux monitor was used to normalize to the same flux. Nuclear interferences have been examined. Special attention has been paid to the presence of copper. The standard deviation for phosphorus being as high as ca. 0.09% P for a single determination, this technique can only be practical as an independent phosphorus analysis for high phosphorus cast irons. The precision on the²⁸Al measurement is 5% relative for 0.2% Si and 2.5% above 1% Si. Aspirant of the N.F.W.O.     

Decomposition of meta- and para-phenylphenol during ozonation process

The decomposition of meta-phenylphenol (m-PP) and para-phenylphenol (p-PP) in a heterogeneous gas-liquid system using ozone was investigated. The influence of different reaction parameters such as ozone and PP isomers concentration as well as pH and temperature of the reaction mixture on the PP decay rate was determined. The second-order rate constants for the direct reaction of molecular ozone, determined in a homogeneous system, were (5.85 ± 0.35) × 10² M^?1 s^?1 and (8.90 ± 0.33) × 10² M^?1 s^?1 for m-PP and p-PP, respectively. The rate constants for the reaction of m-PP and p-PP with ozone increased with increasing pH. The reaction rate constants with ozone were found to be (1.75 ± 0.02) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1 and (1.86 ± 0.02) × 10⁹ M^?1 s^?1 for m-PP and p-PP anions, respectively.     

Applications of Macrocyclic Polyethers in Analytical Sensors and Ion Separation

Artificial macrocyclic polyethers were synthesized and applied as neutral carriers for ion-selective PVC membrane electrodes, ion-chromatographic packing materials, extractants and adsorbents for ion separation, coating materials for piezoeletrical membrane sensors for organic species, and ion-transport carriers through liquid membranes. Ion-selective electrodes such as those for K⁺ Na⁺, UO₂²⁺, Cs⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ ions based on crown ether-phosphotungstic acid (PW) precipitates and dithio crown ethers respectively were prepared and showed good sensitivity and selectivity. Crown ether-PW precipitates were applied as adsorbents of rare-earth ions and some common heavy-metal ions. Some rare-earth ions were easily extracted with crown ethers, especially 15-crown-5. Poly(stytene/divinyl benzene) cryptand-22 resin was synthesized and applied as a bifunctional stationary phase of ion chromatography to separate bom cations and anions, even some organic carboxylate geometric isomers. Crown ethers such as mono-benzo-15-crown-5 was successfully applied as a coating material on piezoelectric quartz membrane sensors for some organic species. The oscillation frequency of the crown-ether quartz-membrane sensor was sensitive to organic vapours such as amines and alcohols. Upon adsorption of organic species on the crown-ether quartz membrane, the oscillation frequency of the sensor decreased obviously. Special crown ether such as dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid, decyl-cryptand-22 and 1, 4-dihydro-pyridine-18-crown-5 were synthesized and successfully applied as ion-transport carriers (ionophores) for transport of Na⁺ K⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions through liquid membranes.     

Synthesis and application of imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid copolymer for Pb determination by flow-injection thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel ion imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid copolymer (IIHC) was synthesized and used as a selective solid sorbent for Pb²⁺ ions preconcentration using an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) system coupled to TS-FF-AAS. The ionic hybrid sorbent was prepared using 1-vinylimidazole and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate as monomers, Pb²⁺ ions as template, tetraethoxysilane as reticulating agent and 2,2′-azobis-isobutyronitrile as initiator. The best on-line SPE conditions concerning sorption behavior, including sample pH (6.46), buffer concentration (9.0 mmol L⁻¹), eluent (HNO₃) concentration (0.5 mol L⁻¹) and preconcentration flow rate (4.0 mL min⁻¹), were optimized by means of full factorial design and Doehlert matrix. The analytical curve ranged from 2.5 to 65.0 μg L⁻¹ (r = 0.999) with limit of detection of 0.75 μg L⁻¹; the precision (repeatability) calculated as relative standard deviation (n = 10) was 5.0 and 3.6% for Pb²⁺ concentration of 10.0 and 60.0 μg L⁻¹, respectively. From on-line breakthrough curve, column capacity was 3.5 mg g⁻¹. Preconcentration factor (PF), consumptive index (CI) and concentration efficiency (CE) were 128.0, 0.16 mL and 25.6 min⁻¹, respectively. The selective performance of the sorbent, based on relative selectivity coefficient, was compared to NIC (non imprinted copolymer) for the binary mixture Pb²⁺/Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺/Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺. The results showed that ion imprinted polyvinylimidazole-silica hybrid polymer had higher selectivity for Pb²⁺ than NIC at 64.9, 16.0 and 8.8 folds. The developed method was successfully applied for highly sensitive and selective Pb²⁺ determination in different kinds of water samples, parenteral solutions and urine. Accuracy was also assessed by analyzing certified reference fish protein (DORM-3) and marine sediment (MESS-3 and PACS-2) with satisfactory results.     

Selective removal of heavy metal ions using sol-gel immobilized and SPE-coated thiacrown ethers

Sorbent materials based on three thiacrown ethers, 1,4,7,10-tetrathiacyclododecane (12S4), 1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane (15S5) and 1,4,7,10.13,16-hexathiacyclooctadecane (18S6) were prepared either by immobilizing the ligands into sol-gel (SG) matrix or coating on commercial solid phase extraction (SPE) column. SG sorbents were characterized by FT-IR, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG). A marked thermal stability of the ligands when immobilized in sol-gel matrix was noted. The competitive sorption characteristics of a mixture of eleven metal ions (Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ag⁺, V⁴⁺, Hg²⁺) using: (i) batch method with ligands trapped in SG matrices, and (ii) off-line SPE column containing coated ligands were studied using ICP-MS. The extraction of metals were optimized for key parameters such as pH, contact time/flow rate, particle size (for SG sorbents) and ligand concentration. Under the optimized conditions, all the immobilized thiacrown ethers exhibited highest selectivity toward Ag⁺, with lesser responses to Hg²⁺ while the extraction of other metal ions were negligible. Among the SG sorbents, 18S6-SG offer the highest capacity and the best selectivity over Hg²⁺. However, for practical applications such as for selective isolation and preconcentration of Ag⁺, the SPE type especially based on 18S6 is preferred as analysis time and recoveries are favorable. The sorbents can be repeatedly used three times as there was no significant deterioration in the metal uptake (%E > 90%) or interference from other metal ions. The optimized procedures were successfully applied for the separation and preconcentration of traces Ag⁺ in different water samples.     

The double K+/Ca2+ sensor based on laser scanned silicon transducer (LSST) for multi-component analysis

In the present work a double ion sensor based on a laser scanned semiconductor transducer (LSST) for the simultaneous determination of K⁺- and Ca²⁺-ions in solutions has been developed. Specially elaborated ion-sensitive membrane compositions based on valinomycin and calcium ionophore calcium bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl] phosphate (t-HDOPP-Ca) were deposited as separate layers on a silanized surface of the Si/SiO₂/Si₃N₄-transducer. The proposed multi-sensor exhibits theoretical sensitivities and the detection limits of the sensor were found to be 2×10⁻⁶ mol l⁻¹ for K⁺ and 5×10⁻⁶ mol l⁻¹ for Ca²⁺. The elaborated double sensor is proposed for the first time as a prototype of a new type of multi-sensor systems for chemical analysis.     

Voltammetric evaluation of the electrode material on the oxidation of cyanide catalyzed by copper ions

The cyanide oxidation on vitreous carbon (VC), stainless steel 304 (SS 304) and titanium (Ti) was investigated through a voltammetric study of cyanide solutions also containing copper ions. Results showed that cyanide oxidation occurs by means of a catalytic mechanism involving adsorbed species as CN^–, Cu(CN)₄^3– or Cu(CN)₄^2– depending on the electrode material. It was observed that on VC, the adsorption of Cu(CN)₄^3– controlled the oxidation rate. Instead, for SS 304 and Ti, the adsorption of CN^– controlled the global process. However, in all cases, the adsorption of Cu(CN)₄^3– on the electrode surface was required for the catalytic oxidation of CN^–. Voltammetric experiments for solutions containing cyanide oxidation products, such as cyanogen (CN)₂ and cyanate (CNO^–), confirmed that the adsorbed species mentioned above controlled the catalytic oxidation of CN^– depending on the electrode material. A voltammetric identification of the oxidation products showed that cyanogen, (CN)₂ tended to adosorb on VC, while the formation of cyanate, CNO^– predominated on SS 304.     

Sorption of lead(II) on transition metal hexacyanoferrates(II) and on nickel(II)-potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) resin composite in hydrochloric acid medium

Sorption of lead(II) on very poorly soluble hexacyanoferrates(II) of transition metals: Cu^II, Ni^II, Zn^II, Co^II and on the ion-exchange composite obtained by mixing of nickel(II)-potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) with sulfonated phenolic resin serving as matrix was studied. Sorption was performed from solutions of hydrochloric acid at concentrations ranging from 10^–4 to 10^–1 mol·dm^–3. Analytical distribution coefficients for lead(II) sorption on these adsorbents were determined. Lead(II) sorption on Dowex 50 and the composite resin was studied as well.     

INAA for the determination of trace elements and evaluation of their enrichment factors in lichens of high altitude areas

Sorption of lead(II) on very poorly soluble hexacyanoferrates(II) of transition metals: Cu^II, Ni^II, Zn^II, Co^II and on the ion-exchange composite obtained by mixing of nickel(II)-potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) with sulfonated phenolic resin serving as matrix was studied. Sorption was performed from solutions of hydrochloric acid at concentrations ranging from 10^–4 to 10^–1 mol·dm^–3. Analytical distribution coefficients for lead(II) sorption on these adsorbents were determined. Lead(II) sorption on Dowex 50 and the composite resin was studied as well.     

Tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)cobalt(III)-doped silica nanoparticle DNA probe for the electrochemical detection of DNA hybridization

A new and sensitive electrochemical DNA hybridization detection assay, using tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)cobalt(III) [Co(bpy)₃³⁺]-doped silica nanoparticles as the oligonucleotide (ODN) labeling tag, and based on voltammetric detection of Co(bpy)₃³⁺ inside silica nanoparticles, is described. Electro-active Co(bpy)₃³⁺ is not possible for directly linking with DNA, it is doped into the silica nanoparticles in the process of nanoparticles synthesis for DNA labeling with trimethoxysilylpropydiethylenetriamine (DETA) and glutaraldehyde as linking agents. The Co(bpy)₃³⁺ labeled DNA probe is used to hybridize with target DNA immobilized on the surface of glassy carbon electrode. Only the complementary sequence DNA (cDNA) could form a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with the DNA probe labeled with Co(bpy)₃³⁺ and give an obvious electrochemical response. A three-base mismatch sequence and non-complementary sequence had negligible response. Due to the large number of Co(bpy)₃³⁺ molecules inside silica nanoparticles linked to oligonucleotide DNA probe, the assay showed a high sensitivity. It allows the detection at levels as low as 2.0×10⁻¹⁰ mol l⁻¹ of the target oligonucleotides.     

13C NMR/DFT/GIAO studies of phenylene bis(1,3-dioxolanium) dications and 2,4,6-triphenylene tris(1,3-dioxolanium) trication

The o-, m-, and p-phenylene bis(1,3-dioxolanium) dications (4-6) and 2,4,6-triphenylene tris(1,3-dioxolanium) trication (7) have been prepared by the ionization of the corresponding 2-methoxyethyl benzoates in FSO(3)H or CF(3)SO(3)H at 40 and 60 degrees C, respectively. The charge delocalization in these carbocations was probed by (13)C NMR chemical shifts and substantiated by GIAO/DFT calculations. Relatively less charge is delocalized into the aromatic ring of the carbotrication 7. The rotational barrier around the C(+)-Ar bond for carbodications 4 and 5 was also estimated to be 8-10 kcal/mol.