Matrix-isolation FT-IR spectra and theoretical study of dimethyl sulfate

The preferred conformations of dimethyl sulfate and their vibrational spectra were studied by matrix-isolation FT-IR spectroscopy and theoretical methods (DFT and MP2, with basis sets of different sizes, including the quadruple-zeta, aug-cc-pVQZ basis). Conformer GG (of C2 symmetry and exhibiting OSOC dihedral angles of 74.3 degrees ) was found to be the most stable conformer in both the gaseous phase and isolated in argon. Upon annealing of the matrix, the less stable observed conformer (GT; with C1 symmetry) quickly converts to the GG conformer, with the resulting species being embedded in a matrix-cage which corresponds to the most stable matrix-site for GG form. The highest energy TT conformer, which was assumed to be the most stable conformer in previous studies, is predicted by the calculations to have a relative energy of ca. 10 kJ mol-1 and was not observed in the spectra of the matrix-isolated compound.     

Nucleophilic additions of lithiated allylphenylsulfone to nitrones: experimental and theoretical investigations

The nucleophilic addition of lithiated allylphenylsulfone to nitrones at −80 °C proceeds exclusively α to the phenylsulfonyl group affording anti adducts in high yield. At 0 °C isoxazolidines are obtained with complete all-trans selectivity. The formation of these compounds involves isomerization of the allylsulphonyl moiety to give a transient vinylsulfone that then undergoes a subsequent intramolecular Michael addition. The addition to several nitrones has been studied and theoretical calculations have been refined to accurately explain the selectivity of the allylation reaction.     

A multisite molecular mechanism for Baeyer-Villiger oxidations on solid catalysts using environmentally friendly H2O2 as oxidant

The molecular mechanism of the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by the Sn-beta zeolite has been investigated by combining molecular mechanics, quantum-chemical calculations, spectroscopic, and kinetic techniques. A theoretical study of the location of Sn in zeolite beta was performed by using atomistic force-field techniques to simulate the local environment of the active site. An interatomic potential for Sn/Si zeolites, which allows the simulation of zeolites containing Sn in a tetrahedral environment, has been developed by fitting it to the experimental properties of quartz and SnO2(rutile). The tin active site has been modeled by means of a Sn(OSiH3)3OH cluster, which includes a defect in the framework that provides the flexibility necessary for the interaction between the adsorbates and the Lewis acid center. Two possible reaction pathways have been considered in the computational study, one of them involving the activation of the cyclohexanone carbonyl group by Sn (1) and the other one involving hydrogen peroxide being activated through the formation of a tin-hydroperoxo intermediate (2). Both the quantum-chemical results and the kinetic study indicate that the reaction follows mechanism 1, and that the catalyst active site consists of two centers: the Lewis acid Sn atom to which cyclohexanone has to coordinate, and the oxygen atom of the Sn-OH group that interacts with H2O2 forming a hydrogen bond.     

Das Schwingungsspektrum von Barium-Divanadat

The infrared and laser-Raman spectra of crystalline Ba₂V₂O₇ are reported and discussed by means of a Site Symmetry analysis.

28. Mitt. der Reihe Orthovanadate und verwandte Verbindungen. 27. Mitt.:E. J. Baran undM. E. Escobar, J. Phys. Chem. Solids, im Druck; 26. Mitt.:E. J. Baran, I. L. Botto, J. F. Ramos undP. J. Aymonino, Mh. Chem.109, 1139 (1978); 25. Mitt.:E. J. Baran, J. Mol. Struct.48, 441 (1978); 24. Mitt.:E. J. Baran undI. L. Botto, J. inorg. nucl. Chem.40, 1603, (1978); 23. Mitt.:M. E. Escobar undE. J. Baran, Z. Anorg. allg. Chem.,441, 273 (1978).     

On-line preconcentration and determination of mercury in biological samples by flow injection vapour generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

An FI-ICP-AES method for the determination of trace levels of mercury in biological samples has been described, which is based on the extraction of the mercury complex with 1,5-bis (di-2-pyridyl)methylene thiocarbonohydrazide (DPTH) on-line into isobuthyl-methyl ketone (IBMK). The organic phase (containing the complex) has been mixed on-line with SnCl₂ in N,N-dimethylformamide. Thus, mercury vapour can be generated directly from the organic phase and separated in a gas-liquid separation device. The detection limit for mercury is 4 ng/ml and the calibration curve is linear at least from 10 to 2500 ng/ml. The relative standard deviation for 10 replicate measurements is ±1% for 100 ng/ml of Hg(II). Results from the analysis of some certified biological reference materials are given.     

Effects of UV-B radiation on the Patagonian Jaborosa magellanica Brisben

Treatment of Jaborosa magellanica with artificial UV-B radiation caused changes in plant growth, plant chemistry and increase DNA polymorphisms. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that UV-B radiation decreases the chlorophylls content, and increases the amount of UV-B absorbing compounds (e.g., phenylpropanoids). Other UV-induced alterations include reduction in leaf area, alterations in plant architecture, and DNA damage. Using random primers and PCR amplification procedure, a high degree of polymorphism was detected when treated plants were compared to non-irradiated plants. These biochemical changes may be interpreted as plant response to UV-B radiation stress and as an indicator of DNA damage.     

Organocatalytic ring expansion of beta-lactams to gamma-lactams through a novel N1-C4 bond cleavage. direct synthesis of enantiopure succinimide derivatives

Tetrabutylammonium cyanide (20 mol %) catalyzes ring expansion of 4-(arylimino)methylazetidin-2-ones 2 to 5-aryliminopyrrolidin-2-ones 3 through a novel N1-C4 bond cleavage of the beta-lactam nucleus. New, efficient one-pot protocols to enantiopure succinimide derivatives 3 and 4 from beta-lactam aldehydes 1 have also been developed. [reaction: see text]     

Sol-gel ZrO2 coatings for chemical protection of stainless steel

ZrO₂ coatings deposited on 316 L stainless steel sheets were synthesized by sol-gel method using Zr(OC₃H₇)₄ as precursor and isopropanol, glacial acetic acid, and water as solvents for application with ultrasounds. Different solutions for dip-coating were prepared with compositions varying between 0.025 and 0.9 mol/dm³ of ZrO₂. X-ray diffraction shows that the films densified at 800°C are crystalline with a tetragonal structure. The thickness of the coatings varied from 0.35–0.75 m. The influence of the ZrO₂ coatings on the corrosion behavior of stainless steel substrates in aqueous NaCl was studied through potentiodynamic polarization curves at 1 mV/s. The values of the electrochemical parameters allow for an explanation of the role of the films in the increased resistance of steel against corrosion in moderately aggressive environments.     

First seco-C oleananes from nature

[structure: see text] The triterpenes 8,14-seco-oleana-8(26),13-dien-3beta-ol (1) and its acetyl derivative 2 were isolated from Stevia viscida and Stevia eupatoria, respectively. Their structures were elucidated by 2D NMR, including carbon-carbon connectivity experiments, and confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis of ketone 3. The absolute configuration was determined by NMR analysis of the Mosher esters of 1. The biogenetic implications of the new substances are discussed.     

Sorption of spruce O-acetylated galactoglucomannans onto different pulp fibres

Sorption of spruce acetylated galactoglucomannans (GGM) onto different pulps, among which unbleached and peroxide-bleached mechanical pulps, and unbleached and bleached kraft (BK) pulps, was studied as a means of understanding the retention of acetylated GGMs in mechanical pulping and papermaking. The fibre surface coverage of lignin and carbohydrates was estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). GGM sorption was clearly favoured on kraft pulps. Hardly any differences in sorption were, however, observed between unbleached and BK pulps, even if the surface coverage of lignin was lower on the bleached pulp. Neither thermomechanical pulp (TMP) nor chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) manufactured from spruce sorbed any acetylated GGMs. Peroxide bleaching of the pulp did not increase sorption. Only CTMP produced from aspen sorbed some GGMs. The anionic charge of neither chemical nor mechanical pulps influenced GGM sorption.