Thermogravimetric and kinetic methods to date wood finds. First results

Fresh (larch and fir, in its white and red varieties) and ancient wood samples (dating respectively to the 13th, 15th and 17th centuries) were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TG and DTG). The resulting thermogravimetric data were then used to construct archeometric curves for the wood varieties tested. In a preliminary approach, it was attempted to correlate the onset temperature of the thermogravimetric step corresponding to cellulose decomposition with the age (expressed in centuries) of the samples, although the results obtained were anything but brilliant. More encouraging results were obtained by examining the relationship between wood sample age and the value of the (percent cellulose/percent lignin) ratio computed from the thermogravimetric data. Lastly, a procedure for processing data obtained from the TG curves was applied to a kinetic analysis of the processes that take place when wood samples are subjected to a temperature regime with a constant heating rate, obtaining values for the activation energy of the TG step corresponding to the decomposition of cellulose. Also using these data it was attempted to construct archeometric curves, obtaining results that varied quite significantly according to the wood species tested.     

Efficient microwave-assisted synthesis of 4-amino-2-benzazepin-3-ones as conformationally restricted dipeptide mimetics

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of conformationally constrained dipeptide mimetic derivatives. Microwave flash heating was used in several synthetic steps providing the opportunity to perform the reactions in dramatically shortened time as well as to increase the obtained yields. The efficiency of the methodology makes it useful in order to prepare other dipeptides containing the 4-amino-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one motif.     

Phase transitions in the H+-conducting perovskite ceramics by the quasi-elastic neutron and high-pressure Raman scattering

H⁺-containing lanthanide-doped perovskites A(Ba, Sr etc.)B(Zr, Ce, Ti etc.)O₃ are potential ceramic membranes for fuel cell and medium temperature water electrolysis (300–800 °C). The comparison studies of the hydrated and non-hydrated Yb-doped BaZrO₃ and SrZrO₃ were performed by thermal expansion, medium–high temperature neutron and room-temperature high-pressure Raman scattering. Neutron diffraction and elastic/quasi-elastic studies carried out for BaZrO₃ ceramic show the presence of the protons, their successive diffusion above ∼600 °C, and then their departure above 750 °C (under vacuum). Phase transitions and their modification by proton insertion are discussed. A high-pressure Raman study of SrZrO₃ performed at room temperature in the diamond anvil cell reveals the presence of two pressure-induced phase transitions at about 5 and 22 GPa and confirms that proton insertion modifies the phase transition sequences. Paper presented at the 11th EuroConference on the Science and Technology of Ionics, Batz-sur-Mer, Sept. 9–15, 2007.     

Lubricated squeezing flow of a Newtonian liquid between elastic and rigid plates

Theoretical force-time relationships were derived for squeezing flow of a Newtonian liquid between lubricated rigid and elastic plates. It is shown how the elastic number, representing the ratio between the elastic plate's rigidity and the specimen's viscosity, affects the force-time curve and under what circumstances the fluid specimen's thickness becomes a significant factor. Potential implications of the analysis in oral sensory evaluations of viscous foods are also considered.     

1,3-Cycloaddition of nitrones in ionic liquids catalyzed by Er(III): an easy access to isoxazolidines

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of nitrones with alkenes afforded the corresponding isoxazolidines in ionic liquids in the presence of Er(OTf)₃. The ionic liquid and the catalyst are recycled up to five times without any specific treatment or loss of activity. Extension of the procedure to the synthesis of isoxazolidinyl nucleosides has been investigated.     

Suitable potentiometric enzyme sensors for urea and creatinine

Enzyme sensors for urea and creatinine were developed by coupling an ammonia gas-diffusion electrode with triacetate cellulose membranes entrapping urease or creatinine deiminase enzymes. Satisfactory results were obtained by using these sensors both in standard solutions and in authentic biological matrices.     

One of the most complex "small molecule structures" ever reported: 16 independent molecules in the asymmetric unit for an ortho-palladated primary amine

The presumably "small molecule structure" of the organopalladium complex rac-PdCl(C(6)H(3)-4-OMe-CHMeNH(2))(py) crystallizes with 16 molecules in the asymmetric unit, a highly unusual situation according to the CSD database. The symmetrically independent residues differ with respect to soft conformational degrees of freedom. Packing in the acetonitrile solvate of the same compound is unexceptional.