Effect of particle geometry on phase transitions in two-dimensional liquid crystals

Using a version of density-functional theory which combines Onsager approximation and fundamental-measure theory for spatially nonuniform phases, we have studied the phase diagram of freely rotating hard rectangles and hard discorectangles. We find profound differences in the phase behavior of these models, which can be attributed to their different packing properties. Interestingly, bimodal orientational distribution functions are found in the nematic phase of hard rectangles, which cause a certain degree of biaxial order, albeit metastable with respect to spatially ordered phases. This feature is absent in discorectangles, which always show unimodal behavior. This result may be relevant in the light of recent experimental results which have confirmed the existence of biaxial phases. We expect that some perturbation of the particle shapes (either a certain degree of polydispersity or even bimodal dispersity in the aspect ratios) may actually destabilize spatially ordered phases thereby stabilizing the biaxial phase.     

The ETACS European project for testing the comparability of sensors and analysers

ETACS is the official acronym for the European project "European Testing and Assessment of Comparability of On-line Sensors/Analysers". This project has three main objectives to achieve the comparability of performance data for sensors and analysers in the environmental field. First, to develop a test protocol for validation and comparison of the performance of on-line sensors/analysers. The test protocol is intended to be generic, that is independent of the specific sensors/analysers and the specific parameters to be monitored. Second, the practical testing of this test protocol to assess its applicability and to develop the techniques used. Finally, to achieve widespread acceptance of the test protocol by producer/suppliers, users and relevant authorities to assist its early adoption as an agreed European standard. Laboratory tests for producing the test protocol have been carried out and completed to check the applicability of such a protocol.     

Chronocoulometry of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt(II) and related transition metal complexes

Integrated pulse polarography and similar techniques have been used for study of reduction of bipyridine complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and partially also Fe(II) in aqueous solutions. By proper choice of pulse and detection intervals, it is possible to confirm or separate the contribution of reactant adsorption. The pulse polarography of the product reoxidation shows a finite charge transfer rate in the case of tris-2,2′-bipyridine cobalt complex.     

Neurotrope und psychotrope Substanzen, 5. Mitt.: Synthese neuer Aminoderivate von 10,11-Dihydrodibenzo-[a,d]cyclohepten und 10,11-Dihydrodibenzo[b,f]thiepin

Zusammenfassung Im Rahmen der Suche nach neuen neurotropen und psychotropen Substanzen, besonders nach antidepressiv wirkenden Psychopharmaka, wurde eine systematische präparative Arbeit in den Gruppen der 10-substituierten Derivate des 10,11-Dihydrodibenzo[a,d]cycloheptens (I) und des 10,11-Dihydrodibenzo[b,f]-thiepins (II) unternommen. Im ersten Fall war die Ausgangssubstanz das Keton XIV, das mit üblichen Methoden zum basischen Äther XVI, zu Aminen und Derivaten XVIII–XXII und schließlich in dieMannich-Base XXVI übergeführt wurde. DieBeckmannsche Umlagerung des Oxims XVII eröffnete den Weg zu Derivaten eines neuen Systems, des 5,6,7,12-Tetrahydrodibenz[b,e]azocins (Verbindungen XXVIII, XXX und XXXI). Auch im zweiten Fall bildete das entsprechende Keton (XXXVIII) die Schlüsselsubstanz, die einerseits zu Aminen mit der Aminogruppe in der Seitenkette (XXXIX, XL, XLII, LV, LVI), anderseits zu Aminen mit der direkt am Skelett haftenden Aminogruppe (XLIV–LIII) umgesetzt wurde. Außer den angeführten Aminen wurde in allen drei Gruppen eine Reihe von neutralen Verbindungen hergestellt (Zwischenprodukte und Nebenprodukte), deren Struktur meistens mit Hilfe der Spektren geklärt wurde. Die vorläufigen Ergebnisse der pharmakologischen Prüfung einiger Produkte deuten interessante Wirksamkeit an, besonders vom Standpunkt der erwarteten neurotropen und psychotropen Eigenschaften aus.

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In the effort to find new neurotropic and psychotropic substances a systematic chemical study was undertaken in the groups of the 10-substituted derivatives of 10,11-dihydrodibenzo[a,d]-cycloheptene (I) and 10,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,f]thiepine (II). In the first case the ketone XIV was transformed by usual methods into the basic ether XVI, to the amines and derivatives XVIII–XXII, and to theMannich base XXVI. TheBeckmann rearrangement of the oxime XVII opened the way to derivatives of a new system — 5,6,7,12-tetrahydrodibenz[b,e]azocine (compounds XXVIII, XXX and XXXI). In the second case (derivatives of II) the syntheses started from the ketone XXXVIII and two series of amines were prepared: with the amino group in the side chain (XXXIX, XL, XLII, LV, LVI) and with the amino group attached directly to the skeleton (XLIV–LIII). In addition to the amines several neutral compounds in either group were synthesized (intermediates and byproducts), the structure of which was elucidated mainly by means of the spectra. Preliminary results of the pharmacological testing show a rather important degree of activity of some substances, especially in the line of the expected neurotropic and psychotropic properties.

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mit technischer Hilfe von

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Herrn Professor Dr.Hermann Bretschneider zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet

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4. Mitt.:J. O. Jílek, K. Pelz, D. Pavlíková undM. Protiva, Coll. Czechoslov. Chem. Commun.30, im Druck (1965).     

The acid-catalyzed and neutral solvolysis of benzoylphenyldiazomethane in water,aqueous t-butanol,and aqueous salt solutions

The acid-catalyzed and water-catalyzed solvolysis ofbenzoylphenyldiazomethane (1) have been studied in water and in t-butanol-water mixtures, the mole fraction of water (n_H2O) being varied from 0·75-1·00. Increasing t-butanol concentrations produce a pronounced decrease in both k_H⊕ and k_H2O. In the “water reaction” mutually compensatory changes of AH

and AS

are associated with the rate variations, with minima in AH

and AS

at about n_H2O = 0·95. In addition it was found that the magnitude of the salt effect of (n-Bu)₄NCl on the rate of hydrolysis of 1 in water at 25° is much larger than that of LiCl, NaCl and NaBr. Assuming that the rate of the “water reaction” is largely determined by water acidity, the data are suggestive for the existence of a relation between water acidity and solvent structural integrity in highly aqueous t-butanol-water solutions.     

Mineral speciation of copper and zinc in flying ash from a thermal power plant

Summary We studied the mineral speciation of Cu, Zn and Hg in fly ash from a large thermal plant burning lignite. By applying various treatments carried out under different conditions and taking into account the solubility and physical properties (boiling and melting point, etc.) and the behaviour towards combustion of the different possible compounds, we concluded that the ash assayed contained 109.6, 114.4 and 14.30 g/g of zinc silicate, zinc oxide and/or zinc sulphide and metal zinc, respectively, as well as 24.5 g/g of copper silicate and 31.2 g/g of a mixture of copper oxide, sulphide and metal. The formation of these compounds in the combustion of lignite is discussed.     

FIA-fluorimetric determination of adrenaline in pharmaceutical formulations by oxidation with molecular oxygen

The fluorimetric determination of adrenaline is carried out in a continuous-flow assembly and by means of the molecular dissolved oxygen. The sample solution merges with an NaOH stream, then the resulting mixture is heated at 73 °C and led to the flow-cell of the fluorimeter. The flow-assembly is very simple and the procedure is quick (107 samples h^–1) reproducible (R.S.D. 0.6%), selective and suitable to be applied to determination of adrenaline in formulations. Calibrations graph are linear over the ranges 0.05–15 and 20–40 mgl^–1.