Finite-size scaling analysis of isotropic-polar phase transitions in an amphiphilic fluid

We present Monte Carlo simulations of the isotropic-polar (IP) phase transition in an amphiphilic fluid carried out in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble. Our model consists of Lennard-Jones spheres where the attractive part of the potential is modified by an orientation-dependent function. This function gives rise to an angle dependence of the intermolecular attractions corresponding to that characteristic of point dipoles. Our data show a substantial system-size dependence of the dipolar order parameter. We analyze the system-size dependence in terms of the order-parameter distribution and a cumulant involving its first and second moments. The order parameter, its distribution, and susceptibility observe the scaling behavior characteristic of the 3D Ising universality class. Because of this scaling behavior and because all cumulants have a common intersection irrespective of system size we conclude that the IP phase transition is continuous. Considering pressures 1.3 ≤ P ≤ 3.0 we demonstrate that a line of continuous phase transitions exists which is analogous to the Curie line in systems exhibiting a ferroelectric transition. Our results are qualitatively consistent with Landau's theory of continuous phase transitions.     

The formation of biaxial nematic phases in binary mixtures of thermotropic liquid-crystals composed of uniaxial molecules

ABSTRACT

Monte Carlo simulations in the isothermal-isobaric ensemble are used to investigate the formation of an ordered, biaxial nematic phase in a binary mixture of thermotropic liquid crystals. The orientational dependence of the interaction between molecules of each pure component is the same as in the well-known Maier-Saupe model; each pure component of the mixture is therefore capable of forming a uniaxial nematic phase. For the interaction between molecules of different components, we use the same Maier-Saupe model but change the sign of the coupling constant. As a consequence a T-shaped arrangement of these molecules is energetically favoured. The formation of the biaxial phase occurs in two steps. At higher temperatures T, one of the components forms a uniaxial nematic phase whereas the other is in a quasi two-dimensional restricted isotropic liquid state. We develop a simple theoretical model to understand the high degree of (ostensible) nematic order in the latter. At lower T, the second component becomes nematic and then the entire mixture of the two compounds has biaxial symmetry. The biaxial nematic phase does not demix into domains rich in molecules of one or the other species.     

On the parametrization of finite-gap solutions by frequency and wavenumber vectors and a theorem of I. krichever

We discuss the parametrization of real finite-gap solutions of an integrable equation by frequency and wavenumber vectors. This parametrization underlies perturbation and averaging theories for the finite-gap solutions. Out of the framework of integrable equations, the parametrization gives a convenient coordinate system on the corresponding manifold of Riemann curves.     

Vibrational spectra of monolayer islands on single crystal faces. Island size and shape effects on infrared frequencies,intensities and bandwidths

A method for theoretical analysis spectra of rectangular segments (islands) of two-dimensional ordered overlayers of adsorbed species has been proposed. The simple formulae for frequencies, absorption coefficients and bandwidths as functions of island size and shape have been deduced. If frequencies and bandwidths of appropriate bands in infrared spectra of chemisorbed monolayers are measured simultaneously, the size and shape of the islands can be estimated.     

Ionization of aniline and its N-methyl and N-phenyl substituted derivatives by (free) electron transfer to n-butyl chloride parent radical cations

The electron transfer from aniline and its N-methyl as well as N-phenyl substituted derivatives (N-methylaniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, diphenylamine, triphenylamine) to parent solvent radical cations was studied by electron pulse radiolysis in n-butyl chloride solution. The ionization results in the case of aniline (ArNH2) and the secondary aromatic amines (Ar2NH, Ar(Me)NH) in the synchronous and direct formation of amine radical cations, as well as aminyl radicals, in comparable amounts. Subsequently, ArNH2*+ deprotonates in a delayed reaction with the present nucleophile Cl-, and forms further ArNH*. In contrast, tertiary aromatic amines such as triphenylamine and dimethylaniline yield primarily the corresponding amine radical cations Ar3N*+ or Ar(Me2)N*+, only. The persistent Ar3N*+ forms a charge transfer complex (dimer) with the parent amine molecule, whereas Ar(Me2)N*+ deprotonates to carbon-centered radicals Ar(Me)NCH2*.     

Darstellung und Molekülstruktur des (μ-Alkylidenamido)titanocenkomplexes [(C5H5)2TiCl]2[μ-{N=C(CH2C6H5)C(CH2C6H5)=N}]

Reduction of (C₅H₅)₂TiCl₂ with Zn in presence of benzyl cyanide gives the (μ-alkyl-ideneamido)titanocene complex [(C₅H₅)₂TiCl]₂[μ-{N=C(CH₂C₆H₅)---C(CH₂C₆H₅)=N}] with C---C bond formation between two benzyl cyanide molecules.

X-ray structure investigation indicates a symmetrical structure. The C=N distances are smaller than usual, the Ti---N distances are very short, and the Ti---N---C angle differs only a little from 180°, which infers a heteroallene structure of the complex.     

The magnetic field influence on the polymorph composition of CaCO3 precipitated from carbonized aqueous solutions

One of the most debated effects the magnetic fields exert on aqueous solutions and dispersions is their influence on the crystal structure of the main scale component, CaCO3. This study presents the results of an experimental program performed to quantitatively evaluate influence of the key magnetic treatment parameters--magnetic induction, exposure time, and fluid velocity--on the polymorph composition of CaCO3, precipitated from carbonized aqueous solutions. The results show that magnetic treatment favored the precipitation of aragonite. The key treatment parameters affecting the aragonite content were the magnetic induction and the exposure time, while the fluid velocity exerted no significant influence. The magnetic field has no significant influence on the zeta potential of the precipitated particles in any stage of the treatment. These experimental findings indicate that the magnetic field influence on the crystal structure of CaCO3 cannot be attributed to the magnetohydrodynamic influence on the charge distribution within the electrical double layer of the forming crystallites. The results rather suggest that the magnetic fields influence the CaCO3 polymorph phase equilibrium either by influencing the CO2/water interface or through the hydration of CO3(2-) ions prior to the formation of stable crystal nuclei in the solution.     

EPR studies of amine radical cations. Part 2. Thermal and photo-induced rearrangements of propargylamine and allylamine radical cations in low-temperature freon matrices

Matrix EPR studies and quantum chemical calculations have been used to characterize the consecutive H-atom shifts undergone by the nitrogen-centered parent radical cations of propargylamine (1b*+) and allylamine (5*+) on thermal or photoinduced activation. The radical cation rearrangements of these unsaturated parent amines occur initially by a 1,2 H-atom shift from C1 to C2 with pi-bond formation at the positively charged nitrogen; this is followed by a consecutive reaction involving a second H-atom shift from C2 to C3. Thus, exposure to red light (lambda > 650 nm) converts 1b*+ to the vinyl-type distonic radical cation 2*+ which in turn is transformed on further photolysis with blue-green light (lambda approximately 400-600 nm) to the allene-type heteroallylic radical cation 3*+. Calculations show that the energy ordering is 1b*+ > 2*+ > 3*+, so that the consecutive H-atom shifts are driven by the formation of more stable isomers. Similarly, the parent radical cation of allylamine 5*+ undergoes a spontaneous 1,2-hydrogen atom shift from C1 to C2 at 77 K with a t1/2 of approximately 1 h to yield the distonic alkyl-type iminopropyl radical cation 6*+; this thermal reaction is attributed largely to quantum tunneling, and the rate is enhanced on concomitant photobleaching with visible light. Subsequent exposure to UV light (lambda approximately 350-400 nm) converts 6*+ by a 2,3 H-shift to the 1-aminopropene radical cation 7*+, which is confirmed to be the lowest-energy isomer derived from the ionization of either allylamine or cyclopropylamine. Although the parent radical cations of N, N-dimethylallylamine (9*+) and N-methylallylamine (11*+) are both stabilized by the electron-donating character of the methyl group(s), the photobleaching of 9*+ leads to the remarkable formation of the cyclic 1-methylpyrrolidine radical cation 10*+. The first step of this transformation now involves the migration of a hydrogen atom to C2 of the allyl group from one of the methyl groups (rather than from C1); the reaction is then completed by the cyclization of the generated MeN + (=CH2) CH2CH2CH2* distonic radical cation, possibly in a concerted overall process. In contrast to the ubiquitous H-atom transfer from carbon to nitrogen that occurs in the parent radical cations of saturated amines, the alternate rearrangements of either 1b*+ or 5*+ to an ammonium-type radical cation by a hypothetical H-atom shift from C1 to the ionized NH2 group are not observed. This is in line with calculations showing that the thermal barrier for this transformation is much higher (approximately 120 kJ mol-1) than those for the conversion of 1b*+ --> 2*+ and 5*+--> 6*+ (approximately 40-60 kJ mol-1).     

Optical ratchets with discrete cavity solitons

We propose a setup to observe soliton ratchet effects using discrete cavity solitons in a 1D array of coupled waveguide optical resonators. The net motion of solitons can be generated by an adiabatic shaking of the holding beam with zero average inclination angle. The resulting soliton velocity can be controlled by different parameters of the holding beam.