Facile synthesis of unsymmetrical benzotetrathiafulvalenes via cleavage of the corresponding hexathioorthooxalates

Unsymmetrical hexathioorthooxalates of types ($\text{1}$) and ($\text{2}$) undergo elimination of dialkyl disulfide on heating in an organic solvent; the reaction, which is catalyzed by acid, proceeds without fission of the central C:C bond and provides the first general, high yield synthesis of unsymmetrical benzotetrathiafulvalenes of types ($\text{3}$) and ($\text{4}$).     

Curvature effects on leaky modes in weakly guiding optical fibres

The effect of curvature on leaky modes with low losses in weakly guiding optical fibres is investigated, within a theoretical model where the cladding (outer cladding in case of multiclad fibres) is extended to infinity. Such modes already radiate rays in the cladding when the fibre is straight and two cases can be considered according to whether this ray pattern is modified near the core area in the bent fibre (strong curvature) or is not modified (weak curvature). A general loss formula is given for the case of weak curvature. The rays which are emitted in the curvature plane, towards the inner side of the bend are captured later on by the core and induce an oscillating modulation of the leakage loss, with an amplitude varying asR ^–1/2 but limited to a few per cent in practical cases (for weak curvatures). The case of strong curvatures is analysed in the special case of the LP 01 mode in fibres with a large depressed inner cladding, through a 2-D ray method. It is found that the loss oscillations are rapidly damped while the average loss is considerably increased.     

Nanoclusters of Silicon and Germanium

Synthetic routes for the preparation of Si or Ge nanoclusters as gaseous species, colloids, supported composites, or as unsupported powders are reviewed along with selected characterization data. The optical properties of these and related materials, such as porous Si, are summarized with particular emphasis on photo- or electroluminescence phenomena. Research opportunities related to Si and Ge cluster chemistry are suggested.     

The mass spectra of substituted 2-methylbenzophenones

The mass spectra of some methoxy and methyl derivatives of 2-methylbenzophenone have been examined. Loss of a substituents from 3′-and 4′-positions as well as the previously known loss from 2′-positions are important fragmentation processes. Thus, these fragmentations are of little use in locating substituents on benzophenones of unknown structure. Deuterium labelling shows the [M - 1]⁺ ion from 3′,4,4′,5,5′-pentamethoxy-2-methyl benzophenone to be due largely to loss of hydrogen from 2′- and 6′-positions.     

Studies on indian medicinal plants-XLIV: Solanoforthine,a new steroidal alkaloid from solanum seaforthianum. a note on the mass spectrum of solanocapsine

The structure of solanoforthine, m.p. 208–10°, [α]_D- 26.6°, a new steroidal alkaloid isolated from Solanum seaforthianum Andr., has been established as 3β-amino-22,26-epimino-16α,23-epoxy-22αH,25βH-cholest- 5- en -23β - ol 3, based on chemical and spectroscopic evidence and by its reduction to solanocapsine 2, another steroidal alkaloid encountered in the same species. The mass spectra of2 and 3 are discussed.     

A molecular orbital study of the changing role ofd-orbitals in transition metal compounds: ZnS,FeS and CrS

SCF-MO studies as FeS, CrS and ZnS illustrate the changing role ofd-orbitals along a transition series, where they become at first good acceptors playing an important role in the bonding, then so stable that their electrons behave essentially as “core” electrons in agreement with the conjecture of Phillips and Williams [1].     

A sequential stereocontrolled cyclopropane ring formation and semi-pinacol rearrangement

Treatment of an unsaturated 2,3-epoxy alcohol with SnBr₄ leads to a stereoselective formation of a cyclopropane ring, and an α-ketol unit as part of a subsequent ring expansion.     

Solid products from thermal decomposition of polyethylene terephthalate: Investigation by CP/MAS 13C-NMR and fourier transform-IR spectroscopy

The solid reaction products from pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate in the presence and absence of red phosphorus were characterized by CP/MAS ¹³C-NMR, FR-IR, and MAS ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. Over the temperature range of 300–400°C, polyethylene terephthalate was converted in a sealed vial to a highly crosslinked polymer of terephthalic acid. Pyrolysis in the presence of red phosphorus, which functions as a flame retardant by increasing the amount of char, yielded an intractible polyaromatic phosphate ester. After thermal cleavage of polyethylene terephthalate with formation of free carboxyl and vinyl ester groups, there are two competing reaction pathways. The smaller molecular weight fragments may enter the vapor phase where they undergo further degradation primarily to CO₂, CO, and acetaldehyde, as described by others. However, if volatilization of the oligomeric fragments is inhibited, an alternate reaction pathway gives rise to the formation of highly crosslinked char. Red phosphorus decreases the volatility of the oligomeric fragments by converting them to phosphates and thereby enhances char formation.     

Heterogeneous binding of lipoteichoic acid to the surface of titanium dioxide as determined with 31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy

The adsorption of lipoteichoic acid onto the surface of titanium dioxide is shown to be heterogeneous. 31P CPMAS solid-state NMR reveals two distinct phosphate species. The chemical shift anisotropy, asymmetry parameter, and rotating-frame spin-lattice relaxation suggest that 50% of the phosphates are bound to the surface. The remaining phosphates also exhibit restricted molecular motion, but do not have a direct surface bond.