Degradative chain transfer in vinyl acetate polymerizations using toluene as solvent

In this work, we propose that retardation in vinyl acetate polymerization rate in the presence of toluene is due to degradative chain transfer. The transfer constant to toluene (C_trs) determined using the Mayo method is equal to 3.8 × 10^?3, which is remarkably similar to the value calculated from the rate data, assuming degradative chain transfer (2.7 × 10^?3). Simulations, including chain‐length‐dependent termination, were carried out to compare our degradative chain transfer model with experimental results. The conversion–time profiles showed excellent agreement between experiment and simulation. Good agreement was found for the M_n data as a function of conversion. The experimental and simulation data strongly support the postulate that degradative chain transfer is the dominant kinetic mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3620–3625, 2007     

Serial magnetic resonance imaging in patients following acute myocardial infarction.

The detection of serial changes in magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity of the heart following acute myocardial infarction may provide a useful method of characterizing tissue healing. Fourteen patients with acute Q-wave infarction underwent T2-weighted, spin-echo cardiac imaging during hospitalization, followed by one or more additional MR studies (total 31) over a 6- to 27-wk period (mean: 3 mo). Visual assessment of the images demonstrated a gradual reduction in signal intensity and localization of the bright signal to the subendocardium of the infarction region over the three-mo study period. A quantitative measurement of signal intensity (infarction/normal myocardium) fell from 1.81 +/- 0.42 on the initial study to 1.34 +/- 0.37 (p less than 0.05) at a mean of 14 wk. Two patients had an increase in signal intensity on the follow-up study and both patients had been readmitted with acute coronary syndromes. In summary, characterization of changes in signal intensity may provide a useful method of assessing myocardial healing following acute myocardial infarction. Further studies are indicated to determine the prognostic significance of these parameters.     

Polymerization of pyromellitic dianhydride with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine in aprotic solvents I. Reaction variables

The solution polymerization of pyromellitic dianhydride with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine to form poly(amide acid amine) was investigated under a variety of reaction conditions. Polymer viscosity and gel formation were highly affected by changes in the order of monomer addition, the type of process (powder or solution), monomer concentration, monomer stoichiometry, and type of solvent. Minor effects were noted with changes in polymerization temperature and the presence of small amounts of water. A limiting intrinsic viscosity of 1.2–1.5 dl/g was observed, regardless of polymerization conditions. The polymerization had a strong tendency to gel at high concentrations and when monomer molar ratios approached 1:1. The conditions which retarded or promoted the formation of macrogel were well-defined, and macrogel but not microgel could be prevented. The polymerization was conducted successfully only in aprotic solvents. No imidazopyrrol-one units were detected in polymer made in polyphosphoric acid at elevated temperatures.     

Thermal degradation of bromine-containing polymers. Part 2—Characteristics and products of degradation of copolymers of 2-bromoethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate

Reactivity ratios for the system 2-bromoethyl methacrylate (M₁)/methyl acrylate (M₂) have been obtained as follows using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic technique: r₁ = 2·77 ± 0·03, r₂ = 0·19 ± 0·02. The principal characteristics of the thermal degradation of this copolymer system have been established by the application of Thermal Gravimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermal Volatilisation Analysis and Sub-ambient Thermal Volatilisation Analysis, the products being identified principally by infra-red and NMR spectroscopic analysis. A quantitative analysis of the products of degradation is presented.     

Thianaphthenoyltrifluoroacetone as an analytical reagent: The keto-enol tautomerism of the 2- and 3-isomers of thianaphthenoyltrifluoroacetone

Summary The keto-enol tautomerism of the 2- and 3-isomers of thianaphthenoyltrifluoroacetone has been studied and the results explained by considering the relative negativities of the 2- and 3-position of thianaphthene. The results of the comparison of the keto-enol tautomerism of 3-thianaphthenoyltrifluoroacetone to that of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone in 80% benzene-20% ethanol may explain in part the greater sensitivity of the former in trace metal analysis.

---

Zusammenfassung Die Keto-Enol-Tautomerie der 2- und 3-Isomeren des Thianaphthenoyltrifluoracetons wurde untersucht und mit der relativen Negativität der 2- und 3-Stellung des Thianaphtens zu erklären versucht. Der Vergleich der Keto-Enol-Tautomerie von II mit der des 2-Thenoyltrifluoracetons in BenzolÄthanol (80+20) könnte eine Erklärung für die größere Sensitivität von II bei der Spurenmetallanalyse bieten.

     

Development of delta(15)N stratification of NO(3)(-) in soil profiles

New evidence, obtained using a robust method for measuring the delta(15)N of NO(3)(-)-N in soil, is consistent with denitrification being the major determinant in the vertical distribution of NO(3)(-)-delta(15)N in soil profiles. These data also suggest that varying moisture regimes result in different effects of soil NO(3)(-)-N leaching on residual whole soil delta(15)N.