NaGaS2: An Elusive Layered Compound with Dynamic Water Absorption and Wide-Ranging Ion-Exchange Properties

Most ternary sulfides belonging to the MGaS₂ structure-type have been known for many years and are well-characterized. Surprisingly, there have been no reports of the NaGaS₂ composition, which contains Na, a monovalent cation slightly larger in size than Li, found in LiGaS₂, a compound known for its non-linear optical properties. Now it is demonstrated for the first time that the unique reversible water absorption in NaGaS₂ has resulted in its absence from previous reports owing to difficulties encountered when characterizing this compound by SC XRD. The layered structure of this compound coupled with uniquely easy migration of water molecules between the layers allows for ion exchange with 3d and 5f metal cations. Some cations, for example, Ni²⁺, facilitate exfoliation of the layers, providing a facile synthetic route to a new class of 2D chalcogenide materials and furthermore demonstrating that NaGaS₂ can readily uptake uranyl species from aqueous solutions.     

The Role of Lignocellulosic Composition and Residual Lipids in Empty Fruit Bunches on the Production of Humic Acids in Submerged Fermentations

The aim of this research was to study the production of humic acids (HA) by Trichoderma reesei from empty fruit bunches (EFBs) of palm oil processing, with a focus on the effects of lignocellulosic content and residual lipids. EFBs from two different soils and palm oil producers were previously characterized about their lignocellulosic composition. Submerged fermentations were inoculated with T. reesei spores and set up with or without residual lipids. The results showed that the soil and the processing for removal of the palm fresh fruits were crucial to EFB quality. Thus, EFBs were classified as type 1 (higher lignocellulosic and fatty acids composition similar to the palm oil and palm kernel oil) and type 2 (lower lignocellulosic content and fatty acids composition similar to palm oil). Despite the different profiles, the fungal growth was similar for both EFB types. HA production was associated with fungal growth, and it was higher without lipids for both EFBs. The highest HA productivity was obtained from type 1 EFB (approximately 90 mg L⁻¹ at 48 h). Therefore, the lignocellulosic composition and the nature of the residual lipids in EFBs play an important role in HA production by submerged fermentation.

     

An efficient method for the synthesis of 2-thiazoleacetic acid N-sulfonyl amidines

Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds - A three-step method was designed and developed on the basis of retrosynthetic analysis for the synthesis of hybrid molecules containing a thiazole ring and an...     

Cyclic hydroxamic acids derived from α-amino acids 1. Regioselective synthesis,structure, NO-donor and antimetastatic activities of spirobicyclic hydroxamic acids derived from glycine and DL-alanine

The reactions of glycine hydroxamic and DL-alanine hydroxamic acids with triacetonamine are chemoselective and afford 1-hydroxy-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one (3) and (±)-1-hydroxy-3,7,7,9,9-pentamethyl-1,4,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one (4), respectively. The X-ray diffraction study showed that compound 3 crystallizes as a solvate with MeCN (1: 1). As shown by ESR measurements, spiro hydroxamic acids 3 and 4 are NO donors in in vitro biological systems. The NO-donor activity of compounds 3 and 4 was found to be substantially higher in the presence of DMSO. Homologue 4 is a stronger NO donor than 3. Compound 4 also exhibits high antimetastatic activity (81%) on the B16-melanoma model.     

E—Z-Izomerization of 2-methylenethiazolidin-4-ones

The equilibrium concentrations of E- and Z-isomers of thiazolidin-4-ones containing exocyclic double bonds in positions 2 and 5 of the cycle were determined in DMSO-d₆. The influence of the nature of the substituents on the equilibrium position was found. Electron-releasing substituents stabilize the E,Z-configuration and electron-withdrawing substituents stabilize the Z,Z-configuration. The association constants of E- and Z-2-ethoxycarbonylmethylenethiazolidin-4-ones with the sodium cation were determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy.     

Properties of ZnSe films pulse electrodeposited in the presence of phosphotungstic acid

ZnSe films were pulse-electrodeposited on conducting glass substrates with and without the addition of phosphotungstic acid. X-ray diffraction studies indicated the formation of single phase cubic ZnSe. Addition of phosphotungstic acid resulted in films with nanocrystallites. The band gap of the films was found to increase due to addition of phosphotungstic acid. The films had a crystallite size of the order of 15nm and a surface roughness of 1.8nm. Laser Raman studies exhibited the LO phonon peaks of ZnSe. The films were found to possess a slight excess of Se as evident from the energy dispersive X-ray analysis measurements.     

Hetaryl 1,2,3-Thiadiazolyl Sulfides

The synthesis of hetaryl 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl sulfides has been carried out by nucleophilic substitution of the chlorine atom in 5-chloro-1,2,3-thiadiazole by mercaptoheterocycles.