High-precision Monte Carlo test of the conformai-invariance predictions for two-dimensional mutually avoiding walks

Let _l be the critical exponent associated with the probability thatl independentN-step ordinary random walks, starting at nearby points, are mutually avoiding. Using Monte Carlo methods combined with a maximum-likelihood data analysis, we find that in two dimensions ₂=0.6240±0.0005±0.0011 and ₃=1.4575±0.0030±0.0052, where the first error bar represents systematic error due to corrections to scaling (subjective 95% confidence limits) and the second error bar represents statistical error (classical 95% confidence limits). These results are in good agreement with the conformal-invariance predictions ₂=5/8 and ₃=35/24.     

Planning systems and artificial intelligence

Traditional O.R. systems are compared with problem solving in Artificial Intelligence via Expert Systems. The discussion centers on explicit knowledge representation. The general aspects are illustrated by two planning systems:

1. LESP 2: A learning system for inspection plan generation
2. IDA: A system for finding functions and solutions in construction

     

Rhodathiaboranes with `anomalous' electron counts: synthesis, structure and reactivity

Analysis of the structures of 8,8-(PPh₃)₂-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ and 9,9-(PPh₃)₂-9,7,8-nido-RhC₂B₈H₁₁ by RMS misfit calculations has confirmed that these rhodaheteroboranes possess nido 11-vertex cluster geometries in apparent contravention of Wade's rules. However, examination of the molecular structures of both species shows that the {RhP₂} planes are inclined by ca. 66° with respect to the metal-bonded SB₃ or CB₃ faces, and that two weak ortho-CHRh agostic interactions occupy the vacant co-ordination position thereby created. As a consequence of these agostic bonds the Rh atom, and hence the overall cluster, is provided with an additional electron pair, meaning that their nido structures are now fully consistent with Wade's rules. The chelated diphosphine compound 8,8-(dppe)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ is similar to the PPh₃ compound in showing the same agostic bonding. Attempts to prepare a bis-P(OMe)₃ analogue result in ligand scavenging and the formation of 8,8,8-{P(OMe)₃}₃-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀. Similarly, reaction between Cs[6-arachno-SB₉H₁₂] and RhCl(dmpe)CO does not result in CO loss but in formation of 8,8-(dmpe)-8-(CO)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀, shown to exist as a mixture of two of three possible rotamers. Deprotonation of 8,8-(PPh₃)₂-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ and 8,8-(dppe)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ with MeLi yields the anions [1,1-(PPh₃)₂-1,2-closo-RhSB₉H₉]⁻ and [1,1-dppe-1,2-closo-RhSB₉H₉]⁻, respectively, with octadecahedral cage structures. It is argued that anion formation causes the agostic bonding to be `switched-off' and results in the cluster adopting the closo architecture predicted by Wade's rules. This structural change is fully reversible on reprotonation, and if reprotonation of [1,1-(dppe)-1,2-closo-RhSB₉H₉]⁻ is carried out in MeCN, the product 8,8-(dppe)-8-(MeCN)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ forms. Interestingly, 8,8-(dppe)-8-(MeCN)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ reconverts to 8,8-(dppe)-8,7-nido-RhSB₉H₁₀ on standing in CDCl₃, suggesting that the agostic bonding is sufficiently strong to displace co-ordinated MeCN. All new compounds are fully characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and, in many cases, by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Application of stir bar sorptive extraction for wine analysis

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyse wine samples for three applications: flavour and compositional analysis; 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), a common off-aroma in wine; and agrochemicals. SBSE was found to be orders of magnitude more sensitive than modern conventional methodology, allowing for lower detection and quantitation levels, and improved confirmation of identity; SBSE often gave better signal to noise in scan mode than other methods in selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode. With the help of their characteristic mass spectra all agrochemicals could be identified unambiguously at concentrations of 10 microg L(-1) in wine and a further 100 constituents were detected in a Cabernet Sauvignon sample. Thus it is now possible to analyse complex samples such as wine by scan mode, with better confirmation of identity, and without sacrificing sensitivity, where previously SIM methodology had to be used.     

A cobalt(III)-salen complex with an axial substituent in the diamine backbone: stereoselective recognition of amino alcohols

A cobalt(III)-salen complex (3) with an axial substituent on the diamine backbone has been synthesized. Crystal structure reveals that the axial substituent (p-nitrophenyl group) is positioned in close proximity to the metal binding site. The stereoselectivity of the cobalt complex for binding amino alcohols increases with increasing steric bulk of the amino alcohol from alaninol (2.9) to valinol (6.2) and t-leucinol (36.0).