Surface-structured molecular sensor for the optical detection of acidity

In this letter, we report on the development of a surface molecular sensor for the detection of acidity. Lithographically controlled wetting deposition has been applied to form the nanostructure of a new fluorescent compound with three protonation states featuring different optical properties on a glass substrate. Atomic force microscopy demonstrates the functionalization of the surface with ordered arrays of the sensor molecules. The fluorescence properties of the resulting nanopattern at different pH values have been investigated by confocal fluorescene microsopy, thus revealing the fast, sensitive, reversible response of the prepared nanosensor to gas flows of varying acidity.     

How many electrons form chemical bonds in the NgBeS (Ng = Ar,Kr, Xe) molecules? Topological study using the electron localisation function (ELF) and electron localisability indicator (ELI-D)

Nature of bonding in the NgBeS (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) molecules has been studied using topological analysis of ELF, ELI-D functions with the wave function approximated at the DFT (M062X, B3LYP + ZORA), MP2, CCSD and CASSCF level of calculations. Both Xe–Be and Be=S bonds display topological features typical for the covalent-dative bonding. The V₂(Xe) attractor characterising electron density, involved in interaction with the beryllium atom, is closer to the C(Be) core than to C(Xe). The population of the respective basin ranges between 1.59e (B3LYP + ZORA) and 1.83e (CCSD). The beryllium–sulphur bond is described by the bonding disynaptic basin V(Be,S) with the population between 3.22e (CASSCF) and 3.48e (M062X). The approximate weights for the Be–S and Be=S resonance forms are 0.3 and 0.7, respectively, in all molecules. Both the NgBe and BeS bonds are highly polarised with the values of the p _SBe and p _NgBe polarity indices (CCSD) of 0.8 and 0.9–1.0 for all studied molecules.     

Hydration of aprotic donor solvents studied by means of FTIR spectroscopy

The paper attempts to explain the mutual influence of nonpolar and electron-donor groups on solute hydration, the problem of big importance for biological aqueous systems. Aprotic organic solvents have been used as model solutes, differing in electron-donating power. Hydration of acetonitrile, acetone, 2-butanone, and triethylamine has been studied by HDO and (partially) H2O spectra. The quantitative version of difference spectra method has been applied to determine solute-affected water spectra. Analysis of the data suggests that solvent-water interaction via the donor center of the solute is averaged between water-water interactions around the solute. Such behavior can be simply explained by the model of solute rotating in a cavity of water structure, which is formed by clathratelike hydrogen-bonded water network. On the basis of the band shape of solute-affected HDO spectra and the corresponding distribution of intermolecular distances, the criterion for hydrophobic type hydration has been proposed. From that point of view, all the studied solutes could be treated as hydrophobic ones. The limiting band position and the corresponding intermolecular distance of affected water, gained with increasing electron-donating power of solutes, has been inferred from the data obtained. These observations are important for interpretation of vibrational spectra of water as well as for volumetric measurements of solutions. The simple model of hydration, proposed to better justify the results, connects the values obtained from the methods providing microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of the system studied.     

TrainMiC®: a programme for life-long learning in metrology in chemistry

This article gives an overview of the programme TrainMiC^®, a European programme for Life-Long Learning in metrology in chemistry. It explains its raison d’être and puts it into perspective to other European and EU member states initiatives. The TrainMiC^® system (http://www.trainmic.org) is described in detail. It is explained how it has developed into a truly unique system which is operational across many parts of Europe (19 countries) via national teams. These teams use shareware pedagogic tools. The learning content has been harmonised at the European level by a joint effort of many experts across Europe working via an Editorial Board. The material has been translated in ten different languages. Possible future evolution of this Life Long Learning programme is discussed.     

Changes in the vascular tissue of fresh Hass avocados treated with cobalt 60

This research was based on fresh avocado fruit treated with gamma rays at quarantine doses and stored at room temperature. The effects of irradiation were analyzed and measured by three different types of studies: histological, biochemical and physiological. Histological studies were focused on the effect of Cobalt 60 gamma rays in the mesocarp of avocado irradiated at three different doses; 150, 250, and 350 Gy. Damage was observed principally in the parenchyma tissue where the cell membrane was plazmolized and a red color was observed due to the development of phenol compounds. Another important effect was an increase in the size of xylem and phloem cells in the vascular tissue even at the minimum dose of 150 Gy. The biochemical and the physiological studies were done on avocado fruit irradiated at 100 and 150 Gy. An increase in L-phenilalanine ammonialyase activity was observed and therefore, an increase in the concentration of phenol compounds. These changes were not perceived by panelists in a sensorial test. Irradiated fruits were accepted by panelists as well as control fruit as regards parameters of taste, internal color and external color. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using irradiation to disinfest avocado fruit using a minimum dose of 100 Gy.     

Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum in Non‐Uniform Electric Fields

The present paper discusses the effect of the geometrical structure of the electric fieldon the corrosion of aluminum cathodes by electrolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride. A correlation between the mass of the aluminum dissolved from the cathode and the factors electric current density, distance between the electrodes, electrolysis time and sodium chloride concentration by electrolysis with direct current in electric fields of various geometries was found.