Gold nanowire networks: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity

Gold nanowire networks (AuNWNs) with average widths of 17.74 nm (AuNWN(1)) or 23.54 nm (AuNWN(2)) were synthesized by direct reduction of HAuCl(4) with sodium borohydride powder in deep eutectic solvents, such as ethaline or reline, at 40 °C. Their width and length were dependent on the type of solvent and the NaBH(4)/HAuCl(4) molar ratio (32 in ethaline and 5.2 in reline). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis of the gold nanowire networks showed clear lattice fringes of polycrystalline nanopowder of d = 2.36, 2.04, 1.44, and 1.23 ? corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), or (311) crystallographic planes of face centered cubic gold. The purified AuNWNs were used as catalysts for the chemical reduction of p-nitroaniline to diaminophenylene with sodium borohydride in aqueous solution. The reaction was monitored in real time by UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the reduction process is six times faster in the presence of gold nanowire networks stabilized by urea from the reline (AuNWN(2)) than in the presence of gold nanowire networks stabilized by ethylene glycol from ethaline (AuNWN(1)). This is due to a higher number of corners and edges on the gold nanowires synthesized in reline than on those synthesized in ethaline as proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns recorded for both types of gold nanowire networks. Nevertheless, both types of nanomaterials determined short times of reaction and high conversion of p-nitroaniline to diaminophenylene. These gold nanomaterials represent a new addition to a new generation of catalysts: gold based catalysts.     

Theoretical and experimental studies on the carbon-nanotube surface oxidation by nitric acid: interplay between functionalization and vacancy enlargement

The nitric acid oxidation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes leading to surface carboxylic groups has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results show that such a reaction involves the initial rapid formation of carbonyl groups, which are then transformed into phenol or carboxylic groups. At room temperature, this reaction takes place on the most reactive carbon atoms. At higher temperatures a different mechanism would operate, as evidenced by the difference in activation energies. Experimental data can be partially related to first-principles calculations, showing a multistep functionalization mechanism. The theoretical aspects of the present article have led us to propose the most efficient pathway leading to carboxylic acid functional groups on the surface. Starting from mono-vacancies, it ends up with the synergistic formation of dangling -COOH groups and the enlargement of the vacancies.     

Unprecedented luminescent heteropolynuclear aggregates with gold thiolates as building blocks

The reaction of [AuCl(P-N)], in which P-N represents a heterofunctional phosphine ligand, with pentafluorothiophenol, HSC(6)F(5), gives the thiolate gold derivatives [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] (P-N = PPh(2)py (1), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (2), or PPhpy(2) (3)). Complex [Au(SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)] (1) reacts with [Au(OTf)(PPh(2)py)] in a 1:1 or 1:2 molar ratio to afford the di- or trinuclear species [Au(2)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)(2)]OTf (4) and [Au(3)(μ(3)-SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)(3)](OTf)(2) (5), with the thiolate acting as a doubly or triply bridging ligand. The reactivity of the mononuclear compounds [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] toward silver or copper salts in different ratios has been investigated. Thus, the treatment of [Au(SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] with Ag(OTf) or [Cu(NCMe)(4)]PF(6) in a 1:1 molar ratio gives complexes of stoichiometry [AuAg(OTf)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(P-N)] (P-N = PPh(2)py (6), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (7), or PPhpy(2) (8)) or [AuCu(μ-SC(6)F(5))(P-N)(NCMe)]PF(6) (P-N = PPh(2)py (9), PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)py (10), or PPhpy(2) (11)). These complexes crystallize as dimers and display different coordination modes of the silver or copper center, depending on the present functionalized phosphine ligand. The treatment of [Au(SC(6)F(5))(PPh(2)py)] with silver and copper compounds in other molar ratios has been carried out. In a 2:1 ratio, the complexes [Au(2)M(μ-SC(6)F(5))(2)(μ-PPh(2)py)(2)]X (M = Ag, X = OTf (12); M = Cu, X = PF(6) (13)) are obtained. The same reaction in a 4:3 molar ratio affords the species [Au(4)M(2)(μ-SC(6)F(5))(3)(μ-PPh(2)py)(4)]X(3) (M = Ag, X = OTf (14); M = Cu, X = PF(6) (15)). The crystal structures of some of these complexes reveal different interactions among the metallic d(10) centers. The complexes display dual emission. The band at higher energy has been attributed to intraligand (IL) transitions, and the one at lower energy has been assigned to a ligand to metal (LM) charge transfer process. The latter emission is modulated by the heterometal (silver or copper).     

Formation of self-assembled chains of tetrathiafulvalene on a Cu(100) surface

Formation of self-assembled chains of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) on the Cu(100) surface has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations that include semiempirical van der Waals (vdW) interaction corrections. The calculations show that the chain structures observed in the experiments can only be explained by including the vdW interactions. The molecules are tilted along the chain in order to achieve maximal intermolecular interaction. The chains are metastable on the surface, which is consistent with the experimental observation that they disappear after annealing. The fact that all TTF chains observed in the experiment are short might be possibly explained by the interplay between the stabilizing vdW molecule-molecule interaction and the destabilizing rearrangement of surface atoms due to the strong molecule-substrate interaction.     

Raman spectroscopic analysis of real samples: Brazilian bauxite mineralogy

In this investigation, Raman spectroscopy with 1064 and 632.8 nm excitation was used to investigate real mineral samples of bauxite ore from mines of Northern Brazil, together with Raman mapping and X-rays diffraction. The obtained results show clearly that the use of microRaman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the identification of all the minerals usually found in bauxites: gibbsite, kaolinite, goethite, hematite, anatase and quartz. Bulk samples can also be analysed, and FT-Raman is more adequate due to better signal-to-noise ratio and representativity, although not efficient for kaolinite. The identification of fingerprinting vibrations for all the minerals allows the acquisition of Raman-based chemical maps, potentially powerful tools for process mineralogy applied to bauxite ores.     

On the mechanism of the aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction: ESI-MS interception of a unique new intermediate

Solutions of aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman (aza-MBH) reactions were directly monitored by ESI(+)-MS(/MS) spectrometry to obtain information on their mechanism. A unique bis-sulfonamide intermediate was intercepted and characterized and, based on this novel species, a mechanism that rationalizes the uniqueness of aza-MBH reactions is proposed.     

A facile and efficient four-step enantioselective synthesis of (+)-vernolepin from (+)-minimolide, the major germacranolide of Mikania minima

Enantiomerically pure (+)-vemolepin was semi-synthesized for the first time using the synthon (6S,7R,8S)-8,14-diacetoxy-15-hydroxygermacra-1(10),4,11(13)-trien-6, 12-olide [(+)-minimolide], the major sesquiterpene lactone of the Argentinean vine Mikania minima. After performing four consecutive reactions (Cope rearrangement, two oxidations, and selective hydrolysis of the acetate groups) on the synthon (+)-minimolide, a (+)-vernolepin yield of ca. 40% was achieved, proving to be a suitable semi-synthetic strategy for the production of quantities between 0.5-1.0 g of (+)-vernolepin. The transformations described here mimetize the biogenetic pathway for the production of (+)-vernolepin in the genus Vernonia. The synthesized (+)-vernolepin, but not its precursors, shows antifungal activity similar to amphotericin B. The semi-synthesis reported here combines affordable and easily available chemical reagents with classical organic methodologies.     

A simple protocol for the preparation of β-enamino ketones catalyzed by NbOPO4 under solvent free conditions

A novel application of the highly stable niobium oxide phosphate (NbOPO₄) as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of β-enamino ketones under solvent-free conditions is described. This protocol, exhibits attractive yields, short reaction periods, lower loading of catalyst and high chemoselectivity.     

Study of the catalytic behavior of montmorillonite/iron(III) and Mn(III) cationic porphyrins

Two samples of montmorillonite (one of Brazilian origin, BNC1 clay, and the other STX-1, supplied by the Clay Mineral Society Repository (University of Missouri, USA) were allowed to react with biomimetic metalloporphyrins of Fe(III) and Mn(III) in cationic form. The compounds were characterized by several techniques, showing that the metalloporphyrins molecules were adsorbed at the surface of the clay platelet crystals. The catalytic activities of the intercalated complexes for the oxidation of alkane were dependent upon the concentration of the porphyrin immobilized in the clay and factors such as the metal ion species in the porphyrins, choice of solvent, and concentration of the iodosylbenzene oxidant. Good selectivity to cyclohexanol instead of cyclohexanone was observed for the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane by iodosylbenzene.     

Drying of guaco leaves: experimental and modeling kinetic,equilibrium isotherms and heat of desorption

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Due to the huge variety of therapeutic properties found in plant leaves, many of these are widely used in traditional medicine. Among these plants,...