Ab initio calculations of vibronic activity in phosphorescence microwave double resonance spectra of p-dichlorobenzene

The phosphorescence spectrum of p-dichlorobenzene has been calculated using multiconfiguration self-consistent-field wave functions and the quadratic response technique. Attention has been paid to the intensity distribution of the singlet–triplet (³B_1u¹A_g) transition through a number of vibronic subbands. The second order spin–orbit coupling (SOC) contribution to the spin splitting of the ³B_1u (^3*) state is found to be almost negligible, and the calculations therefore provide a good estimate for the zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters based only on the electron spin–spin coupling expectation values. Nuclear quadrupole resonance constants for the different Cl isotopes are also calculated to accomplish the ZFS assignment. The electric dipole activity of the spin sublevels in the triplet–singlet transitions to the ground-state vibrational levels is estimated by calculations of derivatives using distorted geometries which are shifted from the equilibrium position along different vibrational modes. A vibrational analysis of the phosphorescence spectrum, based on the SOC-induced mixing of the singlet and triplet states calculated along different vibrational modes, provides reasonable agreement with experimental data.Acknowledgment O. R.-P. would like to thank the European MOLPROP network for support. The authors thank Alexander Baev for fruitful discussions. This work was supported by the Swedish Royal Academy of Science (KVA).     

Electronic tongue for quality assessment of ethanol, vodka and eau-de-vie

Rapid quality assessment of alcoholic beverages, including brand identification and detection of products of unacceptable quality or counterfeits is an important practical task. In the present work the multisensor electronic tongue system (ET), based on array of potentiometric chemical sensors was applied to recognition and classification of spirits such as vodka and ethanol used for vodka production and also for eau-de-vie in cognac production. The ET system was capable of detecting presence of contaminant substances in vodka in concentrations exceeding allowed levels as well as of distinguishing vodka complying and not complying with state quality standards. Ten brands of vodka produced at the same distillery using water and ethanol of different purity and various taste additives were discriminated using the instrument. The ET could distinguish synthetic and alimentary grain ethanol as well as alimentary ethanol of different grades (i.e. different degree of purification). A feasibility study was run on several eau-de-vie samples, which included fresh and aged eau-de-vie as well as samples produced using different distillation technology and samples kept in contact with different kinds of oak. The electronic tongue showed a promise as an analytical instrument for rapid quality assessment of spirits.     

The Fermi doublet V2−V3 + V4 of CH3CN as a probe of molecular interactions

The Fermi doublet V₂?V₃ + V₄ of CH₃CN in basic, inert and acidic solvents has been studied by IR and Raman spectroscopy. The values of W, the Fermi coupling coefficient, obtained from IR spectra varies with the nature of the solvent while W evaluated from Raman data remains constant at 12.5 ± 0.5 cm^?1. The similar effects of Bronsted and Lewis acids on the band frequencies and intensities is evidence that the CN group complexes with acids via the N atom “n” electron pair and not the π bond.     

d-xylose transport by Candida succiphila and Kluyveromyces marxianus

The kinetics and regulation of d-xylose uptake were investigated in the efficient pentose fermentor Candida succiphila, and in Kluyveromyces marxianus, which assimilate but do not ferment pentose sugars. Active high-affinity (K _m ∼ 3.8 mM; V _max ∼ 15 nmol/[mg·min]) and putative facilitated diffusion low-affinity (K _m ∼ 140 mM; V _max ∼ 130 nmol/[mg·min]) transport activities were found in C. succiphila grown, respectively, on xylose or glucose. K. marxianus showed facilitated diffusion low-affinity (K _m ∼ 103 mM; V _max ∼ 190 nmol/[mg·min]) transport activity when grown on xylose under microaerobic conditions, and both a low-affinity and an active high-affinity (K _m ∼ 0.2 mM; V _max ∼ 10 nmol/[mg·min]) transport activity when grown on xylose under fully aerobic conditions.     

Simultane Ionen-Chromatographie von Kationen und Anionen mit Komplexonen als Elutionsmittel und selektiver UV-Detektion

Summary The complexones EDTA, DCTA and EGTA were investigated as eluting agents at various pH-values for the simultaneous separation of 9 cations and 6 anions using ion chromatography on a silica gel based anion exchanger (Nucleosil 10-Anion II). 1,2-Diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid (DCTA) proved to be the best eluting agent. UV spectrophotometry was used for both direct and indirect detection of the anions and anionic metal complexes and a detailed study was carried out with respect to selectivity of detection. This was facilitated by referring to the UV absorption spectra of the anions and metal complexes involved. By choice of a suitable wavelength between 203 and 270 nm and taking into account pH effects, a number of selective determinations were possible. Examples include Pb and Cu in the presence of excess of Ca and Mg as well as nitrate, nitrite and bromide in a large excess of chloride and sulphate. Some examples of detection limits are (g/l) nitrate 2, Fe(III) 3, Cu 9 and Pb 12 (sample volume 20 l, direct UV-detection). The Chromatographie behaviour of Fe(II) and Fe(III) was studied and discussed. Drinking water was analysed for chloride, nitrate and sulphate as well as Ca and Mg using DCTA in the eluent. Complete analyses can be carried out in less than 15 min.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. R. Neeb zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Novel chemical modifications at the 4-position of chromones. Synthesis and reactivity of 4H-chromene-4-spiro-5′-isoxazolines and related compounds

Reactions of chromones with dilithiooximes proceed via nucleophilic 1,2-addition to give, on acidification, 4H-chromene-4-spiro-5′-isoxazoline derivatives in high yields. On treatment with concentrated H₂SO₄ the isoxazoline ring of this novel spiroannulated heterocyclic system opens to give α,β-unsaturated oximes, which undergo nitrosation, bromination, and the Beckmann rearrangement to the corresponding spiroisoxazolines and α,β-unsaturated amides, respectively. The latter can be obtained directly by the Beckmann rearrangement of 4H-chromene-4-spiro-5′-isoxazolines.     

Benzenoid Molecules with Uniform Distribution of π-Electrons within Rings

Summary. In a recent work it was demonstrated that in linear hexagonal chains the distribution of π-electrons into rings (as computed by means of the Randić–Balaban method) is uniform, irrespective of the nature of the terminal fragments. We now establish that an analogous, yet somewhat more complex, uniformity in the π-electron distribution exists also in double linear hexagonal chains, as well as in some other benzenoid systems.     

Ba(SbF(6))(2).5XeF(2): first xenon(II) compound with barium. Synthesis,vibrational spectra,and crystal structure

The reaction between Ba(SbF(6))(2) and excess XeF(2) in anhydrous HF at room temperature yields the white solid Ba(SbF(6))(2).5XeF(2) after the excess XeF(2) and the solvent have been removed under vacuum. Ba(SbF(6))(2).5XeF(2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m, with a = 13.599(6) A, b = 12.086(4) A, c = 9.732(5) A, beta = 134.305(6) degrees, V = 1144.7 (8) A(3), and Z = 2. The coordination sphere of each barium atom consists of 12 fluorine atoms. The structure consists of alternating layers of Ba(SbF(6))(2).XeF(2) and 4 XeF(2) molecules. The Ba atoms in the Ba(SbF(6))(2).XeF(2) layer are in a nearly rhombic-net array and are linked with trans F-bridging ligands of SbF(6)(-). A XeF(2) molecule is placed in the center of each rhombus of the Ba(2+) array so that its symmetry axis is perpendicular to the plane of the Ba(SbF(6))(2).XeF(2) layer. This layer is linked to its neighbors by a layer of centrosymmetric XeF(2) molecules. Raman spectra are in accord with all XeF(2) molecules being symmetrical.     

Stereoconvergent preparation of chiral vinylsilanes by cuprate substitution of α-acetoxyallylsilanes. Application to the synthesis of (S)-(+)-bishomomanicone

Enantiomerically enriched (E)- and (Z)-configured α-acetoxyallylsilanes have been prepared starting from a chiral acylsilane bearing an asymmetric unit at the silicon portion. Treatment of these compounds with organocuprates afforded the respective vinylogous substitution products in high yields and high stereoselectivities. The transformations proceed essentially by complete anti attack of the nucleophiles to the allylic acetates and predominantly via transition states leading to the (E)-configured vinylsilane products. By the proper choice of the double bond geometry in the starting material, the configuration of the newly formed stereogenic center can be controlled. The method represents a new and flexible entry into chiral vinylsilanes that can be used for subsequent transformations. As an example, the α,β-unsaturated γ-chiral, naturally occurring ketone (S)-(+)-bishomomanicone was synthesized with this method, which represents the first synthetic access to this compound.     

Addition of secondary phosphines to N-vinylpyrroles

Secondary phosphines 1-3 react readily with N-vinylpyrroles 4 and 5 under radical initiation to give regiospecifically anti-Markovnikov adducts, diorganyl-2-(1-pyrrolyl)ethylphosphines 6a-d, highly reactive building blocks for organic synthesis, in 88-91% yields.