A Comparison of Modeling Approaches for Dispersion Homopolymerization of MMA and Styrene in Supercritical CO2

A comparison of kinetic models for dispersion polymerization of MMA and styrene in supercritical CO₂ is presented. The limiting case of solution polymerization, as a simplified case, was also addressed. Calculation of the partition of components between the continuous and dispersed phases was emphasized. Experimental data for the solution and dispersion polymerizations of styrene and MMA, using different types of stabilizers, were used to guide the study. Although all the models analyzed can be considered as “adequate” in representing the behavior of the system, some of their strengths and drawbacks have been highlighted.

     

Pareto optimization in computational protein design with multiple objectives

The optimization for function in computational design requires the treatment of, often competing, multiple objectives. Current algorithms reduce the problem to a single objective optimization problem, with the consequent loss of relevant solutions. We present a procedure, based on a variant of a Pareto algorithm, to optimize various competing objectives in protein design that allows reducing in several orders of magnitude the search of the solution space. Our methodology maintains the diversity of solutions and provides an iterative way to incorporate automatic design methods in the design of functional proteins. We have applied our systematic procedure to design enzymes optimized for both catalysis and stability. However, this methodology can be applied to any computational chemistry application requiring multi-objective combinatorial optimization techniques.     

Synthesis of DNA-sequence-selective hairpin polyamide platinum complexes

Two DNA-sequence-selective hairpin polyamide platinum(II) complexes, containing pyrrole and imidazole heterocyclic rings, have been synthesised by different methods. A six-ring complex, selective for (A/T)GGG(A/T) DNA sequences, was made by using solid-phase synthesis, whilst an eight-ring complex, selective for (A/T)CCTG(A/T) DNA sequences, was made by utilising standard wet chemistry. Solid-phase synthesis resulted in a significantly higher yield, required less purification and is more efficient than the wet synthesis; as such, it is the preferred method for further work. The metal complexes were characterised by (1)H and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. The two compounds provide a foundation for the synthesis of more complex molecules containing multiple hairpins and/or platinum groups.     

Kinetics and Molecular Weight Development of Dithiolactone‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Styrene

Calculations of polymerization kinetics and molecular weight development in the dithiolactone‐mediated polymerization of styrene at 60 °C, using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and γ‐phenyl‐γ‐butirodithiolactone (DTL1) as controller, are presented. The calculations were based on a polymerization mechanism based on the persistent radical effect, considering reverse addition only, implemented in the PREDICI® commercial software. Kinetic rate constants for the reverse addition step were estimated. The equilibrium constant (K = k_add/k_‐add) fell into the range of 10⁵–10⁶ L · mol^?1. Fairly good agreement between model calculations and experimental data was obtained.

     

Urban rapid transit network design: accelerated Benders decomposition

This paper presents an urban rapid transit network design model, which consists of the location of train alignments and stations in an urban traffic context. The design attempts to maximize the public transportation demand using the new infrastructure, considering a limited budget and number of transit lines. The location problem also incorporates the fact that users can choose their transportation mode and trips. In real cases, this problem is complex to solve because it has thousands of binary variables and constraints, and cannot be solved efficiently by Branch and Bound. For this reason, some algorithms based on Benders decomposition have been defined in order to solve it. These algorithms have been compared in test networks. The project has been supported by the research project 70029/T05, from the Spanish “Ministerio de Fomento” and the research project TRA2005-09068-C03-01, from the Spanish “Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia”.     

Relationship between basicity and nucleophilicity

The empirical concepts of basicity and nucleophilicity are related but not strictly proportional. Hence, the aim of this study is to help in elucidating the range where both concepts are directly proportional. To do this, the relationship between a recently introduced nucleophilicity index and the proton affinity (PA) of several families of bases has been studied. A good correlation between the PA and the nucleophilicity index using HF and HCN as electrophilic partner has been found. Our studies show that the correlation exists only when the interaction is soft–soft in character and for strong bases with weak acids. However, the relationship is not only valid for exothermic reactions as it has been previously postulated but also for endothermic reactions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Decomposition of 1,1-dichloroethene on Pd(111)

The decomposition of 1,1-dichloroethene on Pd(111) is investigated using conventional thermal desorption, laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD), and FT reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (FT-RAIRS). The decomposition mechanism produces at least three hydrocarbon surface intermediates, including ethylidyne. Thermal desorption results differ between high and low coverages because of relative surface concentrations of Cl and H in combination with kinetic effects.