Cu-superconductors in organic catalysis I. Isomerization and hydrogenation of allyl alcohol on YBa2Cu3O7?x

On the superconductor YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x between 150 and 300°C, allyl alcohol is isomerized to propionaldehyde (70%) and hydrogenated to 1-propanol (30%) in hydrogen.     

Efficient syntheses of the versatile phthalide building blocks, 5,6-diaminoisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one and 5H,7H-furo[3,4-f][2,1,3]benzothiadiazol-5-one

A new and efficient synthesis of 5,6-diaminophthalide and a novel thiadiazolophthalide has been accomplished. Both molecules are useful starting compounds for the construction of more complex heterocyclic systems and for the preparation of bioisosteres of methylenedioxyphenyl derivatives.     

On the Behavior of [Zn(Propyltetrazole)6](BF4)2 Single Crystal Under High-Vacuum Conditions

We studied the long-term (190 hours) behaviour of [Zn(propyltetrazole)₆](BF₄)₂ single crystal under high-vacuum (HV) conditions (10^–8 torr) with a depth-sensitive technique of positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The obtained data indicate the slow formation of a new near-surface structure which is formed by the decomposition of the [Zn(propyltetrazole)₆]²⁺ ions. The assumption of such a decomposition process was confirmed by additional mass spectroscopic measurements.     

Self-Inconsistencies of the U(1) Theory of Electrodynamics: Michelson Interferometry

The Michelson interferogram from perfectly reflecting mirrors does not exist in the U(1) gauge theory of electrodynamics, which is therefore seriously flawed. The adoption of an O(3) internal gauge field symmetry allows these flaws to be remedied self-consistently and leads to several developments in electrodynamics, enriching the subject considerably.     

A Mössbauer study of the binary system LiNbO3-Fe2O3 in a broad concentration range

The binary system LiNbO₃-Fe₂O₃ has been studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy in the concentration range up to 24 mol% Fe₂O₃. For Fe₂O₃ concentrations up to 6 mol% iron is incorporated into the matrix of LiNbO₃ as Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, whereby the Fe²⁺ content decreases with increasing Fe₂O₃ concentration. Samples containing 9 and 11 mol% Fe₂O₃ showed only the Fe³⁺ valence state. There were no indications of any considerable formation of superparamagnetic Fe₂O₃ clusters up to 11 mol% Fe₂O₃. This is in agreement with the X-ray and DTA investigations of Takei and Katsumata (1982) who found that a solid solution exists between 0 and 11 mol% Fe₂O₃. Above 11 mol% the appearance of magnetically split sextets in the Mössbauer spectra indicated the formation of a second α-Fe₂O₃ phase. The isomer shift, which reflects the electron density at the Fe nucleus, measured as a function of the Fe₂O₃ concentration showed two steps, one at 6 mol% Fe₂O₃ (the turning point of the C_H axis parameter (Takei et al. 1982) and one at 11 mol% Fe₂O₃ (phase boundary). These steps were tentatively related to abrupt changes in the spontaneous polarization.     

Dynamic micro-Hall detection of superparamagnetic beads in a microfluidic channel

We report integration of an InAs quantum well micro-Hall magnetic sensor with microfluidics and real-time detection of moving superparamagnetic beads. Beads moving within and around the Hall cross area result in positive and negative Hall voltage signals, respectively. Relative magnitudes and polarities of the signals measured for a random distribution of immobilized beads over the sensor are in good agreement with calculated values and explain consistently the shape of the dynamic signal.     

Surface plasmons reveal spin crossover in nanometric layers

Nano-objects and thin films displaying molecular spin-crossover phenomena have recently attracted much attention. However, the investigation of spin crossover at reduced sizes is still a big challenge. Here we demonstrate that surface plasmon polariton waves propagating along the interface between a metal and a dielectric layer can be used to detect the spin-state changes in the latter with high sensitivity, even at the nanometer scale.