The reduced density matrix method for electronic structure calculations and the role of three-index representability conditions

The variational approach for electronic structure based on the two-body reduced density matrix is studied, incorporating two representability conditions beyond the previously used P, Q, and G conditions. The additional conditions (called T1 and T2 here) are implicit in the work of Erdahl [Int. J. Quantum Chem. 13, 697 (1978)] and extend the well-known three-index diagonal conditions also known as the Weinhold-Wilson inequalities. The resulting optimization problem is a semidefinite program, a convex optimization problem for which computational methods have greatly advanced during the past decade. Formulating the reduced density matrix computation using the standard dual formulation of semidefinite programming, as opposed to the primal one, results in substantial computational savings and makes it possible to study larger systems than was done previously. Calculations of the ground state energy and the dipole moment are reported for 47 different systems, in each case using an STO-6G basis set and comparing with Hartree-Fock, singly and doubly substituted configuration interaction, Brueckner doubles (with triples), coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbational treatment of triples, and full configuration interaction calculations. It is found that the use of the T1 and T2 conditions gives a significant improvement over just the P, Q, and G conditions, and provides in all cases that we have studied more accurate results than the other mentioned approximations.     

Influence of electroless nickel plating of hydrogen-absorbing alloys on cycle characteristics of nickel-metal hydride batteries

The effects of electroless nickel plating of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy on the cycle characteristics of a nickel-metal hydride battery were investigated. The cycle life was improved by employing an electroless nickel-plated hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode, which retained the same high-rate level and low-temperature characteristics compared to a cell using a non-plated hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The electroless nickel-plated hydrogen-absorbing alloy provided better electrochemical characteristics when its surface was partly and tightly covered by nickel particles under optimal electroless plating conditions.     

Potential neuroleptic agents, N-[(2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-carboxamide derivatives

A series of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-carboxamides, presenting a stabilized intramolecular hydrogen bond, was synthesized and evaluated in pharmacological models for antipsychotic activity. Among them, N-[(1-butyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-2-methyl-5-sulfamoyl-2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-carboxamide (15) showed an atypical neuroleptic profile similar to that of sulpiride (1) and more lipophilic properties than 1. Compound 15 was 11 times more potent in antagonistic activity on apomorphine-induced hyperactivity in mice (ED50 = 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and stronger in potentiation of methamphetamine lethality in rats than 1, while it was as weak in inhibitory activity of apomorphine-induced stereotype in rats (ED50 greater than 500 mg/kg, p.o.) as 1. On the other hand, N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-2-methyl-5-methylthio-2, 3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-carboxamide (30) showed a classical neuroleptic profile with a potency comparable to haloperidol in antagonistic activity on apomorphine-induced hyperactivity in mice (ED50 = 0.65 mg/kg, p.o.). The structure-activity relationships were also discussed.     

Rotational excitation of ions produced by the He(2 S) Penning ionization of CO and N2

Rotational-state distributions of the CO⁺ (A–X, B–X) and N₂⁺(B–X) emissions produced by the collisions of He(2 ³S) with CO and N₂ were studied in the collision energy (E_R range 100–200 meV. The rotational populations of the emitting states can be fitte by single Boltzmann temperatures (T_R. The T_R (320 ± 30 K) for the ν′ = 3 and 4 levels of the CO⁺ (A²Π) state are nearly independent of, or slightly increase with, E_R, while T_R for the CO⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state increases rapidly with E_R.The T_R (430 ± 20 K) for the N₂⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state is nearly independent or slightly decreases with increasing E_R. Interactions providing these trends are discussed.     

The kinetic study of specific adsorption of phosphate species on Pt(111) in acidic solutions

The study of the adsorption/desorption mechanism of phosphate anions at Pt(111) in acidic solution of pH 4.3 and 0.8 was performed by the potential step method in order to reveal the kinetics of anion adsorption. The current-time curve due to phosphate adsorption/desorption showed various decay features, being dependent on the potential region. The rate of current decay depended on pH, being faster in a lower pH solution. Specific adsorption processes were analyzed by the Langmuir and Elovich adsorption equations and also in terms of a two-dimensional nucleation-growth mechanism in different adsorption/desorption regions. In the case of adsorption in 0.3M phosphate buffer solution of pH 4.3, random adsorption without interaction following the Langmuir adsorption, takes place at low coverage, while random adsorption with repulsive force was observed at high coverage. In the desorption process, random desorption with repulsive force takes place at high coverage, and the repulsive force disappears where random adsorption without interaction takes place at medium coverage. When the surface coverage becomes further lower, the desorption mechanism changes dramatically into a two-dimensional nucleation-growth type, suggesting that an ordered adsorbate structure is formed after a rapid discharge process of anion adsorption.     

Determination of trace element in a silicon single crystal

Neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of trace impurity elements in a silicon ingot. Detection limits of 36 elements were calculated semi — empirically and compared with minimum concentrations detected in a silicon single crystal. The sources of the impurities were estimated from element concentrations detected in polycrystalline silicon and a quartz crucible. Segregation coefficients were determined from the concentration curves in a single crystal and discussed by comparing with reported values.     

Further investigation on the solid-liquid extraction of trace impurities from basic bismuth nitrate

Summary The effect of heat treatment of basic bismuth nitrate on the extraction ofg quantities of iron, cobalt and zinc with a 0.07M phosphoric acid-0.12M hydrochloric acid mixture or water has been studied to optimize the extraction procedure as a preconcentration technique in trace element analysis.

---

Zusammenfassung Der Effekt der Hitzebehandlung von basischem Wismutnitrat auf die Extraktion von Mikrogrammengen Eisen, Kobalt und Zink mit einer Mischung aus 0,07-m Phosphorsäure und 0,12-m Salzsäure oder auch mit Wasser wurde untersucht, um den Extraktionsvorgang zwecks Anreicherung in der Spurenanalyse zu verbessern.

     

Asymmetric total synthesis of fredericamycin A: an intramolecular cycloaddition pathway

The asymmetric total synthesis of the potent antitumor antibiotic fredericamycin A ((S)-1) was achieved by the intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of the silylene-protected styrene derivative (S)-7 followed by the aromatic Pummerer-type reaction of the sulfoxide (S)-5. Although we had already succeeded in the total synthesis of racemic 1 by the same approach, synthesis of its asymmetric version was more complicated than we had expected due to the difficulties involved in constructing the quaternary carbon center and the tendency of this center to undergo facile racemization. Racemization of this center during the installation of the acetylene moiety on the dione (R)-8 was the most serious aspect. Systematic studies of its DE-ring analogue (R)-25 revealed that racemization of the quaternary carbon center proceeded by a retro-aldol-aldol reaction of the initial adduct, (1R)-39 a-Li, and that the degree of racemization was dependent on the reaction temperature. The racemization process could be completely depressed by keeping the reaction temperature at -78 degrees C. The construction of the stereogenic quaternary carbon center was achieved by the lipase-catalyzed desymmetrization of the prochiral 1,3-diol 9 a bearing the DEF-ring moiety. These studies enabled us to attain the asymmetric total synthesis of (S)-1 while completely retaining the chiral integrity created by the enzymatic reactions.     

The importance of lipophobicity in surfactants: methods for measuring lipophobicity and its effect on the properties of two types of nonionic surfactant

In researching the properties of surfactants, lipophobicity is an important consideration. Increasing surfactant lipophobicity corresponds to a decrease in the saturation concentration of a singly dispersed surfactant in oil, i.e., a decrease in the critical micelle concentration in oil (CMC(oil)). This, in turn, is the crucial property in discussing the efficiency of a surfactant. Lipophobicity is influenced by the structure and length of the hydrophilic moiety of the surfactant. Surfactants that consist of OH or CO groups are effective for use in both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon-rich systems because they are highly lipophobic and of a compact size and function independent of temperature. These characteristics are also reflected in their phase behavior. Phase diagrams illustrate the following properties: temperature independence; strong absorption at the water-oil interface and efficient action even with a very small amount of surfactant with a low CMC; high solubilization of water and oil into an aggregated surfactant solution phase. Through phase diagrams, the CMC(oil) of R10EO8 was obtained and the result used to compare the many different characteristics of the more typical oxyethylene nonionic surfactants with the new polyglyceryl nonionic surfactants.