Study of the peak effect phenomenon in single crystals of 2H-NbSe2

The weakly pinned single crystals of the hexagonal 2H-NbSe₂ compound have emerged as prototypes for determining and characterizing the phase boundaries of the possible order-disorder transformations in the vortex matter. We present here a status report based on the ac and dc magnetization measurements of the peak effect phenomenon in three crystals of 2H-NbSe₂, in which the critical current densities vary over two orders of magnitude. We sketch the generic vortex phase diagram of a weakly pinned superconductor, which also utilizes theoretical proposals. We also establish the connection between the metastability effects and pinning.     

Dimerization of some substituted benzoic acids in aqueous solution from conductance measurements

Precision molar conductances of benzoic, o-toluic, 2,6-dimethylbenzoic, 2,3,6-trimethylbenzoic, and, o-fluorobenzoic acids have been determined in aqueous solution as a function of temperature and of concentration up to near saturation (<0.035 M). At the higher concentrations molar conductances are found to be less than anticipated for the simple dissociation of a 1-1 electrolyte. Although the deviations are only 1% or less they have been interpreted to show that these acids are dimerized in solution. The interpretation includes an assumption that the dimer ionizes to produce a triple ion. Increasing numbers of methyl groups lead to increasing dimerization. For those acids with two ortho groups the dimerization increases with increasing temperature while the other three show decreasing dimerization with increasing temperature. Temperature functions have been determined for the dimerization constants and from these functions standard changes in enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity have been determined. Comparisons are made with dimerization studies in non-aqueous solvents. From these as well as the behavior of benzene in water it is concluded that a major factor driving the dimerization is hydrophobic interaction. To provide a limiting conductance of the triple ion needed in the dimerization calculations a conductance study was also made for o-Phenylbenzoic acid on the assumption that its anion provides an approximate model of the triple ion.     

Ionization of aqueous toluic acids: Conductance and thermodynamics

Conductivities of aqueous solutions ofortho-, meta-, andpara-toluic acids have been measured for the concentration range 0.1–2 millimolar and at 5° intervals from 5 to 100°C. At each temperature pK _a(m) andA ₀ have been calculated using the paired ion model recently described by Fuoss. Thermodynamic parameters have been calculated for the ionization of each acid, and Walden products for the anions. Results are discussed in terms of contributions to acidity by enthalpy and entropy changes as well as by hydration of the various solute species.     

Shaping Solid-State Supramolecular Cavities: Chemically Induced Accordionlike Movement of gamma-Zirconium Phosphate Containing Polyethylenoxide Pillars

The hydrophilic oxygen atoms of polyethylenoxide chains inserted as pillars in gamma-zirconium phosphate form hydrogen bonds with the acid groups of the host. As a result the pillars are almost perpendicular to the gamma layers. Upon changing the pH level of the supernatant solution the hydrogen bonds are broken and the pillars become almost perpendicular to the layers (shown schematically). Thus there is a reversible enlargement-shortening of the interlayer space.     

Determination of gold in copper-bearing sulphide ores and metallurgical flotation products by atomic-absorption spectrometry

A method is described which is specific for the determination of gold in sulphide copper ores and concentrates. Direct decomposition with aqua regia was found to be incomplete. A carefully controlled roasting stage followed by treatment with hydrochloric acid and then aqua regia was effective for dissolving all the gold. The gold is extracted into 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyli-sobutylketone) then aspirated into a very lean air—acetylene flame and the gold determined by atomic-absorption spectrometry. No interferences were observed from large concentrations of copper, iron or nickel.     

The structure of PR toxin,a mycotoxin from Penicillium roqueforti

An earlier report from our laboratories described the isolation, partial characterization, and biological activity of a new mycotoxin from cultures of Penicillium roqueforti, and the name “PR toxin” was tentatively assigned to the compound. On the basis of further chemical and spectral evidence we propose that PR toxin has the structure shown in formula 1.¹