Parity of the band head at 3710 keV in 99Rh using clover detector as compton polarimeter

Clover detector has been used as a Compton polarimeter to measure the linear polarization of γ-rays produced in heavy ion fusion reaction. The polarization sensitivity of the clover detector has been measured over γ-ray energies ranging from 386 to 1368 ke V. The E1 multipolarity of the 1117 keV transition in ⁹⁹Rh has been established using this polarimeter. This has resulted in the assignment of negative parity to the band head at 3710 keV in ⁹⁹Rh.     

Analysis of Powders Containing Illicit Drugs Using Magnetic Levitation

Magneto‐Archimedes levitation (MagLev) enables the separation of powdered mixtures of illicit drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and its analogues), adulterants, and diluents based on density, and allows the presumptive identification of individual components. Small samples (mass <50 mg), with low concentrations of illicit drugs, present a particular challenge to analysis for forensic chemists. The MagLev device, a cuvette containing a solution of paramagnetic gadolinium(III) chelate in a non‐polar solvent, placed between two like‐poles‐facing NdFeB magnets, allowed separation of seven relevant compounds simultaneously. In particular, initial separation with MagLev, followed by characterization by FTIR‐ATR, enabled identification of fentanyl in a sample of fentanyl‐laced heroin (1.3 wt % fentanyl, 2.6 wt % heroin, and 96.1 wt % lactose). MagLev allows identification of unknown powders in mixtures and enables confirmatory identification based on structure‐specific techniques.     

A New Dimension for Coordination Polymers and Metal–Organic Frameworks: Towards Functional Glasses and Liquids

There are two categories of coordination polymers (CPs): inorganic CPs (i‐CPs) and organic ligand bridged CPs (o‐CPs). Based on the successful crystal engineering of CPs, we here propose noncrystalline states and functionalities as a new research direction for CPs. Control over the liquid or glassy states in materials is essential to obtain specific properties and functions. Several studies suggest the feasibility of obtaining liquid/glassy states in o‐CPs by design principles. The combination of metal ions and organic bridging ligands, together with the liquid/glass phase transformation, offer the possibility to transform o‐CPs into ionic liquids and other ionic soft materials. Synchrotron measurements and computational approaches contribute to elucidating the structures and dynamics of the liquid/glassy states of o‐CPs. This offers the opportunity to tune the porosity, conductivity, transparency, and other material properties. The unique energy landscape of liquid/glass o‐CPs offers opportunities for properties and functions that are complementary to those of the crystalline state.     

Reductive carbonylation of aryl and heteroaryl iodides using Pd(acac)2/dppm as an efficient catalyst

Palladium catalyzed simple and efficient protocol for reductive carbonylation of aryl and heteroaryl compounds has been developed. The formylation of aryl and heteroaryl iodides takes place in the presence of Pd(acac)₂/dppm catalyst at 10 bar pressure of synthetic gas to give the desired aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes in good to excellent yields. Easy work-up, stability of the catalyst, low catalyst loading and less reaction time are the advantages of this method.     

Nano ceria catalyzed synthesis of α-aminophosphonates under ultrasonication

A simple, efficient and general method has been developed for the one-pot three component syntheses of α-aminophosphonates. The condensation of aldehyde, amine and triethyl phosphite by employing CeO₂ nanoparticles as catalyst gave α-aminophosphonates. The catalyst showed good recyclability. Nano CeO₂ has been found to be an excellent catalyst for the green synthesis of α-aminophosphonates under ultrasound irradiation and solvent-free condition. The α-aminophosphonates are obtained in good to excellent yield. This catalyst provides cleaner conversion, short reaction time and high selectivity which makes the protocol feasible and economical attractive.