Amine functionalized MCM-41: An active and reusable catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction

This paper reports preparation, characterization of amine modified mesoporous crystalline MCM-41 and its application in Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Amine modified MCM-41 was prepared by co-condensation and post-synthesis methods. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), ²⁹Si magic-angle spinning (MAS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), nitrogen adsorption–desorption and CHN analysis. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the modified materials retain the standard MCM-41 structure. SEM study exhibits that the arrangement of particles for 12.8% amine modified MCM-41 is well ordered and spherical in nature. CHN analysis supports that complete hydrolysis of ethoxy groups take place in 12.8% amine modified sample. From the NMR study it is confirmed that the surface coverage is 40% in 12.8% amine modified sample. The base catalytic activity of hybrid MCM-41 materials such as amine (post-synthesis and co-condensation methods) and surfactant functionalized materials for condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and diethyl malonate in solvent free, room temperature synthesis of cinnamic acid was evaluated and correlated with the surface and textural properties. Sample containing 12.8 wt% amine loaded by co-condensation method showed highest malonic ester conversion (92%) and selectivity (98%) for cinnamic acid.     

Late-Stage Alkylation of Heterocycles Using N-(Acyloxy)phthalimides

Synthetic methods enabling late-stage modification of heterocycles hold tremendous importance in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry and drug discovery. Accordingly, efficient, functional group tolerant and selective late-stage alkylation of valuable molecular entities is of enormous significance and well-acknowledged in medicinal chemistry. Radical alkylation of heteroarenes employing carboxylic acids as the alkyl radical precursor represents one of the most direct ways of C−H functionalizations of heterocycles. Recently, the field has undergone a revolutionary development especially with regard to the generation of alkyl radicals under much milder conditions. In this regard N-(acyloxy)phthalimides (NHPI esters) have emerged as a suitable precursor of a diverse set of alkyl radicals allowing formal C−H alkylation of not only N-heteroarenes but a diverse set of non-aromatic heterocycles under visible light photocatalysis or electrochemical conditions. This review delineates all these discoveries and provides readers a comprehensive overview of this rapidly expanding field.     

Local charge compensation in the quark-cascade jet-production model

The charge correlations and the local charge compensation mechanism in rapidity space for quark jets are analysed in the framework of the quark-cascade jet-production model. The calculated results are compared with those observed experimentally in antineutrino-nucleon processes, and for the short range charge correlations observed ine ⁺ e ⁻ annihilation experiments. The results appear consistent with the quark-cascade model. The treatment of Snider (1975) is essentially based on Chew and Pignotti (1968). Pinskyet al (1973) showed the similarity of multiperipheral and Muller-Regge concepts.     

Phase transition in tungsten–bronze Li2Pb2Nd2W2Ti4Nb4O30 ferroelectric

The polycrystalline sample of Li₂Pb₂Nd₂W₂Ti₄Nb₄O₃₀ was prepared by a solid-state reaction technique. Room temperature X-ray structural analysis confirms the formation of a single-phase compound. The morphology of the sintered sample recorded by scanning electron microscope exhibits a uniform grain distribution. Detailed studies of the nature of variation of dielectric constant, tangent loss, and polarization with temperature and frequency confirmed the existence of ferroelectricity in the material at room temperature. The temperature and frequency dependence of impedance parameters (impedance, modulus, etc.) of the material exhibits a strong correlation of its microstructure (i.e., bulk, grain boundary, etc.). Furthermore, the temperature dependence of DC conductivity shows a typical Arrhenius behavior of the material. The nature of variation of pyroelectric coefficient and current with temperature suggests that material has good pyroelectric properties useful for pyroelectric detector.     

Dielectric properties of Bi4Ti3O12–SrBi4Ti4O15 intergrowth ceramics synthesized by a modified oxalate route

In this study, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂–SrBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ (BIT–SBTi) intergrowth ferroelectric ceramics was synthesized by a modified oxalate route. The phase formation behaviour, structure, morphology and electrical properties of the intergrowth ceramics were also investigated. The phase formation takes place through intermediate phases like SrBi₂O₄ and Bi₁₂TiO₂₀. The precursor mostly changes to Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ at 600°C and to BIT–SBTi intergrowth at 800°C. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the structure of the intergrowth compound was orthorhombic with lattice parameters a = 5.4408(3), b = 5.4505(1) and c = 74.0851(4) Å. The intergrowth ferroelectrics showed a phase transition at 610°C and a frequency-stable permittivity and dielectric loss behaviour. The intergrowth ferroelectrics also showed a larger 2P_r than their constituents BIT and SBTi.     

Effect of hydrogen defects on nanocrystallite layers of Si solar cells by hydrogen implantation

The Si solar cells were irradiated with high energy hydrogen ions of 10, 30, 60 and 120?keV at the dose rate of 10¹⁷ H⁺ ions (proton)/cm². The structural, optical and electrical properties of the implanted samples and fabricated cells were studied. The implantation induced defects bringing structural changes before and after annealing was evidenced by the transmission electron microscopy. The Raman spectrum showed a change of crystalline to amorphous state at 480?cm^?1 when the sample was implanted by hydrogen ion of 30?keV energy. Formation of nanocrystallite layers were observed after annealing. The electroluminescence images showed that hydrogen-related defect centers were involved in the emission mechanism. The photoluminescence emission from the implanted cells was attributed to nanocrystallite layers. From current–voltage measurements, the conversion efficiencies of implanted Si solar cells were found lower than the un-implanted reference cell. The ion implantation did not passivate the defects rather acted as recombination centers.     

Dielectric and impedance properties of Bi(Zn2/3V1/3)O3 electronic material

A polycrystalline vanadium doped lead free dielectric material of Bi(Zn_2/3V_1/3)O₃ (BZV) has been prepared using a standard high-temperature solid state reaction technique. Its temperature and frequency dependent capacitive, conductive and resistive characteristics are outlined though experimental investigation. The formation of single phase compound of BZV material with orthorhombic crystal symmetry is identified through X-ray diffraction data analysis, and the homogeneous distribution of grains are realized through scanning electron micrograph. The acquaintance of frequency–temperature dependent electrical parameters with the obtained micrograph provides the experimental evidence of contributions of grain as well as grain boundary in its capacitive and resistive characteristics. The negative temperature coefficient of resistance behaviour of the material is revealed from impedance characteristic, and non-Debye type relaxation has been realized from the Nyquist plot. The charge carriers of this electronic compound have both long & short range order that has been validated from the complex modulus and impedance analysis. The prepared electronic material substantiate some important dielectric features which props up the material as promising component for electronic devices.