The synthesis and characterisation of Sn(IV) complexes of 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate--the molecular structure of divinyltin(IV) derivative

A series of organotin(IV) derivatives were obtained employing 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate as ligand: [{SnBu3(OOC)2C5H3N}n] (1), [SnBuCl(OOC)2C5H3N] (2) and [Sn(CHCH2)2(OOC)2C5H3N] (3). They were fully characterised by multinuclear NMR [1H, 13C{1H}, and 119Sn{1H}], IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. In addition suitable crystals of (3) have shown a dimmeric arrangement by X-ray crystallographic studies, held together by Sn-O intermolecular interactions which persists in solution. The crystal packing shows hydrogen bonds joining the dimmers, forming two infinite one-dimensional chain. Each monomer comprises a Sn(IV) centre bonded to a pyridinecarboxylate-containing ring, through both nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms. It is also co-ordinated by a water molecule and two vinyl groups.     

Assessing the practical utility of the hole-pressure method for the in-line rheological characterization of polymer melts

The most promising method capable of providing accurate measurements of the first and second normal-stress differences in shear flows at shear rates typical of polymer processing is the so-called hole-pressure method, but its use has not been as widespread as would be expected, namely due to the experimental difficulties associated with performing such experiments accurately. In this work, we use a small-scale modular slit die to assess the practical utility of the method for in-line monitoring of polymer melt flow. We provide a quantitative analysis of intrinsic error sources and use state-of-the-art data acquisition tools to minimize errors associated with pressure transducers. Our results demonstrate that the method can be used to accurately measure the viscosity and first normal-stress difference in melts but probably not the second normal-stress difference because the intrinsic errors are too high, even when the influence of all the potential error sources is minimized or eliminated.     

Effect of the composition on the thermal behaviour of the SrSn1−xTixO3 precursor prepared by the polymeric precursor method

Strontium stannate titanate Sr(Sn, Ti)O₃ is a solid solution between strontium stannate (SrSnO₃) and strontium titanate (SrTiO₃). In the present study, it was synthesized at low temperature by the polymeric precursor method, derived from the Pechini process. The powders were calcined in oxygen atmosphere in order to eliminate organic matter and to decrease the amount of SrCO₃ formed during the synthesis. The powders were annealed at different temperatures to crystallize the samples into perovskites-type structures. All the compositions were studied by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The lattice former, Ti⁴⁺ and Sn⁴⁺, had a meaningful influence in the mass loss, without changing the profile of the TG curves. On the other hand, DTA curves were strongly modified with the Ti⁴⁺:Sn⁴⁺ proportion in the system indicating that intermediate compounds may be formed during the synthesis being eliminated at different temperature ranges, while SrCO₃ elimination occurs at higher temperature as shown by XRD and IR spectra.     

In vitro antioxidant and in vivo photoprotective effects of an association of bioflavonoids with liposoluble vitamins

A new tendency in cosmetic formulations is the association of botanical extracts and vitamins to improve skin conditions by synergic effects. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of associated bioflavonoids, retinyl palmitate (RP), tocopheryl acetate (TA) and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (ATIP), as well as their photoprotective effects in preventing increased erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sunburn cell formation in hairless mouse skin. The antioxidant activity of solutions containing the association or each substance separately was evaluated in vitro by a chemiluminescence assay. The photoprotective effect was evaluated by means of in vivo tests. Dorsal skin of hairless mice was treated daily by topical applications for 5 days with formulations containing or not containing (vehicle) the flavonoid-vitamins association (5%). The skin was irradiated (UVA/B) 15 minutes after the last application. The results showed that bioflavonoids had in vitro antioxidant properties and also that when they were associated with vitamins their antioxidant activity was more pronounced. On the other hand, erythema and UV damage to the permeability barrier function (TEWL) was not significantly reduced by previous treatment with the flavonoid-vitamin-association formulations, when compared to the irradiated vehicle-treated area. However, the treatment protected the skin from UV damage because it reduced the number of sunburn cells, when compared to the vehicle-treated area. Finally, the association of vitamins and bioflavonoids added to a dermocosmetic formulation showed a relevant biological activity in terms of photoprotection, because the association of bioflavonoids and vitamins acted by different mechanisms, such as antioxidation and absorption of UV radiation, which suggests its use in antiaging and photoprotective products.     

Enantioseparation of selected chiral sulfoxides in high‐performance liquid chromatography with polysaccharide‐based chiral selectors in polar organic mobile phases with emphasis on enantiomer elution order

The separation of the enantiomers of 17 chiral sulfoxides was studied on polysaccharide‐based chiral columns in polar organic mobile phases. Enantiomer elution order (EEO) was the primary objective in this study. Two of the six chiral columns, especially those based on amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) and cellulose tris(4‐chloro‐3‐methylphenylcarbamate) (Lux Cellulose‐4) proved to be most successful in the separation of the enantiomers of the studied sulfoxides. Interesting examples of EEO reversal were observed depending on the chiral selector or the composition of the mobile phase. For instance, the R‐(+) enantiomer of lansoprazole eluted before the S‐(?) enantiomer on Lux Cellulose‐1 in both methanol or ethanol as the mobile phase, while the elution order was opposite in the same eluents on amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) with the S‐(?) enantiomer eluting before the R‐(+) enantiomer. The R‐(+) enantiomer of omeprazole eluted first on Lux Amylose‐2 in methanol but it was second when acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase with the same chiral selector. Several other examples of reversal in EEO were observed in this study. An interesting example of the separation of four stereoisomers of phenaminophos sulfoxide containing chiral sulfur and phosphor atoms is also reported here.     

LLE for (water + ionic liquid) binary systems using [Cxmim][BF4] (x = 6, 8) ionic liquids

Liquid–liquid equilibrium diagrams were determined for (IL + water) systems using the family of ILs 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborates, where the alkyl groups are hexyl and octyl ([C_xmim][BF₄] with x = 6 and 8). The gravimetric method was used to determine the equilibrium compositions at temperatures ranging from 278.15 to 340.15 K. Both systems present an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), which increases from [C₆mim][BF₄] to [C₈mim][BF₄]. The experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and eNRTL models. The binary interaction parameters were calculated for each system and model, and good agreement between experimental and calculated equilibrium compositions was obtained. Finally, the apparent Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of water solution in the ILs were calculated using a modified van’t Hoff equation. The three thermodynamic functions were found to be positive for both ILs.     

α‐Haloketal (1′R,4S,5S)‐dimethyl 2‐(1′‐bromoethyl)‐2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dicarboxylate

The crystal structure and absolute configuration of the title compound, C₁₇H₂₁BrO₈, have been determined by X‐ray analysis. They confirmed the 1′R absolute configuration at the 1′‐bromoethyl moiety which has been assigned previously on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic data. Cohesion of the crystal can be attributed to weak intermolecular C—H?O and van der Waals interactions.     

Efficacy of cosmetic formulations containing dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid and kinetin

The present study aimed to evaluate the photoprotective effects of cosmetic formulations containing a dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and kinetin, as well as their effects on the hydration and viscoelastic skin properties. The photoprotection was determined in vitro (antioxidant activity) and in vivo on UV-irradiated hairless mouse skin. The hydration effects were performed with the application of the formulations under study on the forearm of human volunteers and skin conditions were analyzed before and after a single application and daily applications during 4 weeks in terms of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisture and viscoelastic properties. The raw material under study possessed free-radical scavenging activity and the formulation with it protected hairless mouse skin barrier function against UV damage. After 4 weeks of application on human skin, the formulation under study enhanced stratum corneum skin moisture and also showed hydration effects in deeper layers of the skin. Thus, it can be concluded that the cosmetic formulation containing a dispersion of liposome with MAP, ALA and kinetin under study showed photoprotective effects in skin barrier function as well as pronounced hydration effects on human skin, which suggests that this dispersion has potential antiaging effects.     

Benefits of combinations of vitamin A, C and E derivatives in the stability of cosmetic formulations

Chemically stable ester derivatives of vitamins A, C and E have become a focus of interest for their role in the satisfactory results in skin aging treatments. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical stability of a cosmetic formulation containing 1% retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and tocopheryl acetate, alone or in combination. In the studies of physical stability, a Brookfield rheometer was used to determine rheological behavior of formulations containing the vitamins. Chemical stability was determined by HPLC on a Shimadzu system with UV detection. Results showed that formulations had pseudoplastic behavior and that vitamins did not alter their apparent viscosity and thixotropy. In the chemical stability studies, first-order reaction equations were used for determinations of the shelf-life of vitamins derivatives considering a remaining concentration of 85%. Combined vitamins in a single formulation had a slightly lower degradation rate as compared to different preparations containing only one of the vitamins. Considering that many cosmetic formulations contain vitamin combinations it is suggested that the present study may contribute to the development of more stable formulations containing liposoluble vitamins.