Core-shell like Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O nanocubes enfolded with Co(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> on reduced graphene oxide for the amperometric detection of caffeine

The authors report on the fabrication of Co(OH)₂-enfolded Cu₂O nanocubes on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and the use of this material in an electrochemical caffeine sensor. The rGO/Cu₂O/Co(OH)₂ composite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction pattern analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. A rotating disc glassy carbon electrode covered with the nanocomposite displays enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the electro-oxidation of caffeine. The peak oxidation potential is at 1.4  V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and hence is strongly shifted to the negative side when compared to other modified electrodes. The calibration plot is linear in the 0.83 to 1200 μM concentration range, with a 0.4 μM detection limit (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The modified electrode is sensitive, selective and stable. It was successfully applied to the determination of caffeine in (spiked) caffeine-containing beverages and coffee powder and gave recoveries that ranged from 95.7 to 98.3 %.

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Graphical abstract Co(OH)₂ enfolded Cu₂O nanocubes on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for the caffeine sensor

     

Green-synthesised nanoparticles from Melia azedarach seeds and the cyclopoid crustacean Cyclops vernalis: an eco-friendly route to control the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi?

The impact of green-synthesised mosquitocidal nanoparticles on non-target aquatic predators is poorly studied. In this research, we proposed a single-step method to synthesise silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) using the seed extract of Melia azedarach. Ag NP were characterised using a variety of biophysical methods, including UV–vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In laboratory assays on Anopheles stephensi, Ag NP showed LC₅₀ ranging from 2.897 (I instar larvae) to 14.548 ppm (pupae). In the field, the application of Ag NP (10 × LC₅₀) lead to complete elimination of larval populations after 72 h. The application of Ag NP in the aquatic environment did not show negative adverse effects on predatory efficiency of the mosquito natural enemy Cyclops vernalis. Overall, this study highlights the concrete possibility to employ M. azedarach-synthesised Ag NP on young instars of malaria vectors.     

Thermo-Raman Studies on Dehydration of Na4P2O7⋅10H2O and Phase Transformations of Na4P2O7

In this work, dehydration of sodium diphosphate decahydrate Na₄P₂O₇⋅10H₂O and phase transformations of Na₄P₂O₇ in open air have been studied in detail by thermo-Raman spectroscopy. The spectra were measured continuously in a temperature range from room temperature up to 600°C for the bands of P₂O₇ ^4- and H₂O. The spectral variation showed one step of dehydration and four-phase transformations. The thermo-Raman intensity(TRI) and differential thermo-Raman intensity (DTRI) curves calculated from the characteristic bands of H₂O also showed one step of dehydration with the loss of all hydrated water in the temperature interval from 45 to 69°C. Thermogravimetric measurements supported this result. The thermo-Raman investigation indicated the transformation of Na₄P₂O₇ from low temperature phase to high temperature phase proceed through pre-transitional region from 75 to 410°C before the major orientational disorder at 418°C and minor structural modifications at 511,540 and 560°C. The results from differential scanning calorimetry and differential thermal analysis on Na₄P₂O₇ showed endotherms at 407,517, 523, 548, 557°C and 426, 528, 534, 555, 565°C, respectively. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Multilevel and multidimensional Hadamard matrices

Multilevel Hadamard matrices (MHMs), whose entries are integers as opposed to the traditional restriction to {±1}, were introduced by Trinh, Fan, and Gabidulin in 2006 as a way to construct multilevel zero-correlation zone sequences, which have been studied for use in approximately synchronized code division multiple access systems. We answer the open question concerning the maximum number of distinct elements permissible in an order n MHM by proving the existence of an order n MHM with n elements of distinct absolute value for all n. We also define multidimensional MHMs and prove an analogous existence result.      

Regio-selective synthesis of 1,2-aminoalcohols from epoxides and chlorohydrins

A simple and efficient procedure for the regio-selective synthesis of 1,2-aminoalcohols from terminal epoxides and chlorohydrins by using NaHMDS as the source of amine is reported. The wider scope and utility of this method is demonstrated.     

NMR Spin–Spin Coupling Constants in Polymethine Dyes as Polarity Indicators

Herein, we explore the use of spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs) in merocyanine (MCYNE) dyes as indicators of polarity. For this purpose, we use Car–Parrinello hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) to determine the structures of MCYNE in solvents of different polarity, followed by computations of the SSCCs by using QM/MM linear‐response theory. The molecular geometry of MCYNE switches between neutral, cyanine‐like, and zwitterionic depending on the polarity of the solvent. This structural variation is clearly reflected in the proton SSCCs in the polymethine backbone, which are highly sensitive to the dielectric nature of the environment; this mechanism can be used as a “polarity indicator” for different microenvironments. This result is highlighted by computing the SSCCs of the MCYNE probe in the cavity of the beta‐lactoglobulin protein. The computed SSCCs clearly indicate a non‐polar hydrophobic dielectric nature of this cavity.     

Numerical visualization of counter rotating vortex ring formation ahead of shock tube generated vortex ring

Graphical Abstract