Synthesis of aryl- and heteroaryl[a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazoles

Synthesis of aryl- and hetero[a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazoles by photochemical oxidation and Heck cyclization are described. Photochemical oxidation of 2-naphthyl indolyl maleimide affords two different carbazole regioisomers, depending on the reaction conditions. The regiochemistry of the cyclization can be controlled using the Heck reaction.     

Epoxidized HTPB‐based Polyurethane Membranes for Pervaporation Separation

Polyurethane (PU) solutions were synthesized with hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H₁₂MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐BD). PU membranes were prepared by dry/wet method from PU solutions, while epoxidized membranes were prepared by dipping the dried PU membranes into a mixture of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide for the reaction with C=C double bonds of HTPB soft segments. The extent of epoxidized reaction, which forms epoxide or ether groups, on the PU membranes was quantified by the absorbance ratio of the epoxide group to the butadiene group (A_epoxide/A_C=C ratio). Effect of epoxidized time on the polymer composition, morphology, and polarity of these HTPB‐based PUs was investigated by FTIR‐ATR, DMA and contact angle meter. Both permeabilities and permselectivity of a water/ethanol mixture, which is measured by pervaporation method, were improved through the epoxidation of PU membranes.     

Solid Polymer Electrolyte Based on Pluronic P123 Triblock Copolymer‐Siloxane Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid

A novel organic‐inorganic hybrid electrolyte based on poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(propylene oxide)‐poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (Pluronic P123) complexed with LiClO₄ via the co‐condensation of an epoxy trialkoxysilane and tetraethylorthosilicate was prepared. Characterization was made by a variety of techniques including powder X‐ray diffraction, AC impedance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and multinuclear solid state NMR measurements. The hybrid with [O]/[Li] = 16 exhibited a mesophase with a certain degree of ordering, which arose by the self‐assembly of P123 with the silica network. The P123 triblock copolymer acts as a structure‐directing surfactant to organize with silica networks and as a polymer matrix to dissolve alkali lithium salts as well. The DSC results indicated the formation of transient crosslinking between Li⁺ ions and the ether oxygens of the EO and PO segments, resulting in an increase the T_g with increasing salt concentrations. Variable temperature ⁷Li‐{¹H} MAS NMR spectra revealed the presence of two different local environments for lithium cations, probably due to the lithium cations in the polymer‐rich domain and in the silica‐rich domain, respectively. A combination of XRD and conductivity results suggests that the drastically enhanced conductivity for the ordered hybrid electrolyte is closely related to the formation of mesophase, which may provide unique Li⁺ conducting pathways.     

Determination of theophylline in tea and drug formulation using a Nafion(R)/lead-ruthenium oxide pyrochlore chemically modified electrode

Square-wave voltammetry was used for the determination of trace amounts of theophylline in tea and drug formulation at a Nafion(R)/lead-ruthenium oxide pyrochlore chemically modified electrode. This chemically modified electrode exhibits a marked enhancement of the current response compared to a bare glassy carbon electrode. The calibration graph for the determination of theophylline was linear up to 100 muM in 0.1 M, pH 3 phosphate solution with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 0.1 muM. The results of 15 successive repetitive measurement-regeneration cycles showed a relative standard deviation of 1.3% for 10 muM theophylline indicating that the electrode renewal gives a good reproducible surface. Quantitative analysis was performed by the standard addition method for the theophylline content in commercially available tea and drug.     

The Synthesis,Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma‐Complexes of BN‐Cyclohexanes

The coordination chemistry of the 1,2‐BN‐cyclohexanes 2,2‐R₂‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ (R₂=HH, MeH, Me₂) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy₃)₂(H)₂(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH) and [Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)(η²η²‐H₂BNR₂C₄H₈)][BAr^F₄] (NR₂=NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂). For NR₂=NH₂ subsequent metal‐promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC₄H₈]₃, via amino‐borane and, tentatively characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR₂=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino‐borane HBNMeC₄H₈. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2‐H,Me‐1,2‐B,N‐C₄H₁₀ using the {Rh(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)}⁺ catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh₂(iPr₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PiPr₂)₂H₅][BAr^F₄]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first‐order relationship to [amine‐borane], but half‐order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating.     

SnFe2O4 Nanocrystals as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogen‐Peroxide Sensing

SnFe₂O₄ nanocrystals (NC), prepared with a simple one‐step carrier‐solvent‐assisted interfacial reaction process, were developed as highly efficient catalysts for hydrogen peroxide sensing. These NCs, with a size of around 7 nm, served as the sensing catalyst and were decorated onto the pore surfaces of a porous fluorine‐doped tin oxide (PFTO) host electrode, prepared from commercial FTO glass with a simple anodic treatment, to form the sensing electrode for hydrogen peroxide. The SnFe₂O₄ NCs‐loaded PFTO electrode exhibited an ultra‐high sensitivity of 1027 mA m ^?1 cm^?2 toward hydrogen peroxide, outperforming Pt NCs‐loaded PFTO electrodes. The SnFe₂O₄ NCs‐loaded PFTO electrode proved a promising relatively low cost, high performance sensing electrode for hydrogen peroxide.     

Full-capillary sample stacking/sweeping-MEKC for the separation of naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde-derivatized tryptophan and isoleucine

In an attempt to improve the sensitivity of detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE), a novel online sample-concentration method, full-capillary sample stacking (FCSS)/sweeping-micellar electrokinetic chromatography (sweeping-MEKC) mode, is proposed. Naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA)-derivatized tryptophan and isoleucine were selected as model compounds. In the initial step, the weakly acidic compounds, dissolved in a low-conductivity buffer (35.1 microS/cm; apparent ph (pH*) in a mixed solution of acetonitrile/methanol/water, 4.6), fill the entire capillary, two vials of a high-conductivity buffer (2.06 mS/cm; pH* 2.0) are placed on each end, and a negative polarity is then applied. Under these conditions, the direction of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) is toward the inlet. Meanwhile, the anionic analytes move in the reverse direction and are neutralized and stacked at the boundary of a dynamic pH-junction (between the sample matrix and the nonmicellar background solution (BGS)). When the sample concentration is completed, the BGS is quickly changed to solutions containing SDS-BGS for the subsequent separation. Since the mobility of SDS-analytes is then greater than the EOF, the following steps occur by the sweeping (for focusing) and MEKC (for separation) mode. Using these steps, a full-capillary sample injection/separation can be achieved.     

Kinetics of Phase Transfer Catalytic Preparation of Benzyl Phenyl Ether

Benzyl phenyl ether is prepared in a well-stirred batch reactor from phenol and benzyl chloride using tetrabutylammonium iodide as phase transfer catalyst. Phenol with sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water as the aqueous phase, and benzyl chloride is dissolved in toluene as the organic phase. Tetrabutylammonium iodide gives high reaction rate without the formation of micelles during the reaction. The reaction mechanism is verified by infrared spectrum study and other experimental observations. The kinetics of the reaction of benzyl chloride is modelled as a first-order chemical reaction. The cocatalytic effect of the iodide ion, and salting out effect on the overall reaction rate are discussed in detail using experimental data.     

Periodic extinction bands composed of all flat‐on lamellae in poly(dodecamethylene terephthalate) thin films crystallized at high temperatures

Using in‐house synthesized poly(dodecamethylene terephthalate) (P12T) as a model, periodic extinction‐banded spherulites melt‐crystallized at high T_cs (100–115 °C) are expounded in terms of growth mechanism. The extinction‐banded spherulites wildly differing from the usual blue/orange double ring‐banded spherulites are composed of all flat‐on discrete single‐crystalline lamellae packed like roof shingles (or fish scales) along the circularly curved bands and the lamellae in the extinction bands are flat with a lozenge shape with no continuous twisting at all. For P12T films of more than 10 µm crystallized at T_c = 105–115 °C, no periodic bands were seen, and all spherulites were ringless, where periodic growth precipitation of crystals to extinction does not occur until impingement. Extinction bands in the P12T spherulites with the inter‐ring spacing steadily decrease with decreasing film thickness, because for thinner films (submicrons to 2 µm), draining or depletion of available molten species takes place more frequently, leading to bands of smaller inter‐ring spacing. The petal‐like extinction bands are discussed and analyzed in detail using 3D AFM imaging. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 601–611