Spectral studies of dimeric copper(II) complexes of acid amide derivatives as models for type III copper enzymes

Dimeric (hydrated and anhydrated) complexes of Cu(II) with N,N'-bis(3-carboxy-1-oxo-2-prop-2-enyl)ethylenediamine(BCOPENH(2), A) and N,N'-bis(2-carboxy-1-oxo-phenylenyl)ethylenediamine(BCOPHENH(2), B) have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR, thermal and spectral (IR, UV/Vis) studies. EPR parameters and magnetic behaviour indicates that the complexes are antiferromagnetic in nature and most likely adopt the typical carboxylate cage structure. Interesting amide bonding patterns have been observed and various EPR parameters have been evaluated on the basis of these studies, tentative probable structures of the complexes have been proposed.     

Symmetry structure and phase transitions

We study chiral symmetry structure at finite density and temperature in the presence of external magnetic field and gravity, a situation relevant in the early Universe and in the core of compact stars. We then investigate the dynamical evolution of phase transition in the expanding early Universe and possible formation of quark nuggets and their survival.     

Linear balls and the multiplicity conjecture

A linear ball is a simplicial complex whose geometric realization is homeomorphic to a ball and whose Stanley–Reisner ring has a linear resolution. It turns out that the Stanley–Reisner ring of the sphere which is the boundary complex of a linear ball satisfies the multiplicity conjecture. A class of shellable spheres arising naturally from commutative algebra whose Stanley–Reisner rings satisfy the multiplicity conjecture will be presented.     

Electrodeposition of Ni-Co composites containing nano-CeO2 and their structure, properties

One of the most powerful rare earth oxides, ceria CeO₂ was incorporated in Ni matrix and the effect of cobalt addition in the matrix, on the structure and properties has been studied. The amount of cobalt incorporated in the Ni matrix was in the range of 25-85 wt.%. The presence of cobalt resulted in a marginal variation in CeO₂ content from 5 to 8 wt.%. The microhardness studies revealed that a maximum value of 540 Hk_50gf was obtained in the presence of 25 wt.% cobalt in Ni-CeO₂ matrix compared to 50 and 85 wt.% addition. The presence of 25 wt.% cobalt in Ni-CeO₂ matrix also improved its wear resistance as seen from Tribology studies. The wear products were identified using Raman Spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that an increase in cobalt content from 25 to 85 wt.% resulted in a change in crystal structure from fcc to hcp. A change in surface morphology with variation in cobalt content was seen from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was perceived from the thermal stability studies that the presence of 85 wt.% cobalt in Ni-CeO₂ matrix imparted better stability in microhardness at temperatures up to 800 °C. Although, the incorporation of cobalt in Ni-CeO₂ matrix enhanced the microhardness, wear resistance and thermal stability it did not improve the corrosion resistance as noticed from immersion corrosion studies.     

Structural, thermal and conductive properties of Bi4−xMxV2O11 (M = La, Gd; 0 x 0.4) compounds

Bi_4−xM_xV₂O₁₁ (M = La, Gd) was prepared by solid state reactions. The amount of La and Gd in the (Bi_4−xM_xV₂O₁₁) was varied in the range of (0 x 0.4). The addition of La and Gd to Bi₄V₂O₁₁ electrolyte was found to stabilize the β crystalline phase for x 0.3. In addition, the phase transition corresponding β- to γ-phases are evident in the ionic conductivity plots as well as in XRD, DSC profiles of x 0.3 samples. The highest ionic conductivity was observed in Bi_3.9La_0.1V₂O₁₁ and Bi_3.8Gd_0.2V₂O₁₁ samples in the range of 10⁻³–10⁻⁴ S/cm for 700–500 °C. These results were supported by impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).     

Nickel-catalyzed synthesis of five-membered heterocycles

In recent decades, a large number of reports related to the synthesis of N-, O- and S-containing heterocycles have appeared owing to a wide variety of their biological activity. The investigation of methods for the chemical synthesis is a growing area of interest due to increasing environmental issues. The use of catalysts in organic reactions has gained extensive interest. Metal and nonmetal catalysts provided a new improved alternative to traditional methods in modern synthetic chemistry. The aim of present review is to focus on the applications of nickel for the synthesis of five-membered heterocylces.     

Excess molar volumes of methylcyclohexane+benzene, +methylbenzene, +1,4-dioxane,and +tetrahydrofuran at 303.15 K

Excess molar volumes V_m^E as function of mole fraction x for methylcyclohexane + benzene, + methylbenzene, + 1,4-dioxane, and + tetrahydrofuran are reported at 303.15 K. The excess molar volumes are positive and indicate the presence of weak interactions.