Electrochemical dissolution of magnetite in acid solutions

The present paper deals with the electrochemical behavior of magnetite microcrystals in an acid medium. A voltammetric method employing a carbon-paste electroactive electrode (CPEE) with an organic binder was used. It was found that the cathodic voltammograms, which were recorded at different scan rates, formed a set bounded in the space of i–E parameters by a generalizing voltammetric curve corresponding to the effective potential scan rate _eff. In other words, all curves are situated under one enveloping curve, just as the smaller dolls sit in the largest doll of a Russian doll. Reverse currents (a cathodic current in the anodic direction of the potential scan) were observed on the cyclic voltammogram. Forward and reverse currents obey the same laws and have one and the same generalizing curve, which could be taken as the magnetite characteristic.     

Reagentless amperometric formaldehyde-selective biosensors based on the recombinant yeast formaldehyde dehydrogenase

Novel formaldehyde-selective amperometric biosensors were developed based on NAD(+)- and glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase isolated from a gene-engineered strain of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Electron transfer between the immobilized enzyme and a platinized graphite electrode was established using a number of different low-molecular free-diffusing redox mediators or positively charged cathodic electrodeposition paints modified with Os-bis-N,N-(2,2'-bipyridil)-chloride ([Os(bpy)(2)Cl]) complexes. Among five tested Os-containing redox polymers of different chemical structure and properties, complexes of osmium-modified poly(4-vinylpyridine) with molecular mass of about 60 kDa containing diaminopropyl groups were selected. The positively charged cathodic paint exhibited the best electron-transfer characteristics. Moreover, the polymer layers simultaneously served as a matrix for keeping the negatively charged low-molecular cofactors, glutathione and NAD(+), in the bioactive layer. Additionally, covering the enzyme/polymer layer with a negatively charged Nafion membrane significantly decreased cofactors leakage and simultaneously enhanced the sensor' stability. The developed sensors revealed a high selectivity to formaldehyde (FA) and a low cross-sensitivity to other substances (such as, e.g. butyraldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde, methylglyoxal). The maximum current value was 34.2+/-0.72 microA/mm(2) (3.05 mm diameter electrode) and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K(M)(app)) derived from the FA calibration curves was 120+/-5mM with a linear detection range for FA up to 20mM. The best observed sensitivity for reagentless sensor was 1.8 nA microM(-1) (358 Am(-2)M(-1)). The developed sensors had a good operational and storage stability. The laboratory prototype of the sensor was applied for FA testing in some real samples of pharmaceutical (formidron), disinfectant (descoton forte) and industrial product (formalin). A good correlation was revealed between the concentration values measured using the developed FdDH-based sensor, an enzymatic method and standard chemical methods of FA determination.     

Vinylation of cellulose in superbase catalytic systems: towards new biodegradable polymer materials

Diverse celluloses including non-mercerized and mercerized ones have been successfully vinylated with acetylene in the superbase catalytic systems MOH/DMSO and MOH/THF (M = Na, K) at 85–140 °C. Depending on the reaction conditions, degree of substitution of the hydroxyl groups by highly reactive polymerazable vinyloxy groups ranges 0.11–1.22, the yields of vinylated celluloses (insoluble in water, but soluble in DMSO) being 41–89 %. Vinylated celluloses are easily decomposed under the action of white rot fungi: Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor and Trametes hirsutus, and can constitute a basis for the preparation of biodegradable polymer materials (due to polymerization or polyaddition at the vinyloxy group).     

One-pot synthesis of 1-substituted-5-alkylselanyl-1H-tetrazoles from isoselenocyanates: unexpected formation of N-alkyl-N-arylcyanamides and (Z)-Se-alkyl-N-cyano-N,N′-diarylisoselenoureas

1-Substituted-5-alkylsulfanyl-1H-tetrazoles are well known class of organic substances with various applications in medicinal chemistry or photographic industry. Their selenium analogues, 1-substituted-5-alkylselanyl-1H-tetrazoles are, however, much less explored because of the lack of suitable methods for their preparation. In this work we investigated the synthesis of 1-alkyl/aryl-5-alkylselanyl-1H-tetrazoles from synthetically available alkyl/arylisoselenocyanates. One-pot reactions of arylisoselenocyanates with sodium azide and alkylating agent led to the target 5-alkylselanyl-1-aryl-1H-tetrazoles but also to interesting side products, namely N-alkyl-N-arylcyanamides and (Z)-Se-alkyl-N-cyano-N,N′-diarylisoselenoureas. Nevertheless, when alkylisoselenocyanates were utilized as the substrates, the reactions led exclusively to the formation of 1-alkyl-5-alkylselanyl-1H-tetrazoles in good yields. This simple one-pot procedure brings new possibilities for the preparation of variously substituted selenium compounds. It also opens the way to further investigations of selenium isosteres of the widely utilized 5-thiotetrazole moiety in biomedical applications.     

Transformations of 5-(2-arylethynyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazoles under superelectrophilic activation

Reaction of 5-arylethynyl-2-methyl-2H-tetrazoles (acetylene tetrazoles) with arenes under the action of Brønsted superacid CF₃SO₃H or acidic zeolite HUSY CBV-720 gives rise to E-/Z-5-(2,2-diarylethenyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazoles, as products of hydroarylation of acetylene bond, in yields up to 98% with predominant formation of E-isomers. Cationic intermediates of these reactions have been studied theoretically by DFT calculations. Addition of CF₃SO₃H to the triple bond of acetylene tetrazoles leads to the corresponding E-/Z-vinyl triflates in high yields. Hydration of triple bond in these tetrazoles in H₂SO₄ results in the formation of 5-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazoles. Tandem hydroarylation-ionic hydrogenation of acetylene tetrazoles in the systems acid(CF₃SO₃H or AlCl₃)-arene-cyclohexane affords 5-(2,2-diarylethyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazoles.     

Novel purine conjugates with N-heterocycles: synthesis and anti-influenza activity

Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds - A number of novel amides were synthesized by coupling of 6-[(9H-purin-6-yl)amino]hexanoic acid to heterocyclic amines. The antiviral activity of the obtained...     

Biodegradable liposome–chitosan complexes: enzyme-mediated release of encapsulated substances

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Crystal and molecular structures of Si-(iodomethyl)silatranes with methyl substituents in β-position relative to the nitrogen atom

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