A supramolecular hydrogen‐bonded complex between 1,3,5‐tris(diisobutylhydroxysilyl)benzene and trans‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene

The trisilanol 1,3,5‐(HOi‐Bu₂Si)₃C₆H₃ ( 7 ), prepared in three steps from 1,3,5‐tribromobenzene via the intermediates 1,3,5‐(Hi‐Bu₂Si)₃C₆H₃ ( 8 ) and 1,3,5‐(Cli‐Bu₂Si)₃C₆H₃ ( 9 ) forms an equimolar complex with trans‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), 7 ·bpe, whose structure was investigated by X‐ray crystallography. The hydrogen‐bonded network features a number of SiO? H(H)Si and SiO? H hydrogen bridges. Evidence was found for cooperative strengthening within the sequential hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Properties of (InGa)As/GaAs QW (λ ≈ 1.2 µm) facet-coated edge emitting diode laser

In this paper, we report on the design and optical properties of laser diodes with an emission wave-length of ～1170 nm based on an (InGa)As/GaAs double quantum well active layer. The back and front facet of the laser diodes were coated with SiO_x dielectric films that influence the output optical power by enhancing or lowering the facet reflectivity. The measurements show improvement of the facet-coated laser diode properties in the threshold-current-density reduction along with light output power enhancement. Furthermore, a narrow far field pattern and high side mode suppression have been observed.     

Stereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted 1,2-diamines by aza-Michael reaction with trans-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-nitropropene

Aza-Michael addition of optically pure 4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone to 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-nitropropene proceeds smoothly at low temperature with a high yield. Diastereoselectivity of the addition depends on the base used and lithiated species proved to be highly efficient affording 92% de. Optically pure 1,2-diamino-3,3,3-trifluoropropane is prepared in 58% yield from the aza-Michael addition product through a three-step procedure.     

A Model for Spacetime: The Role of Interpretation in Some Grothendieck Topoi

We analyse the proposition that the spacetime structure is modified at short distances or at high energies due to weakening of classical logic. The logic assigned to the regions of spacetime is intuitionistic logic of some topoi. Several cases of special topoi are considered. The quantum mechanical effects can be generated by such semi-classical spacetimes. The issues of: background independence and general relativity covariance, field theoretic renormalization of divergent expressions, the existence and definition of path integral measures, are briefly discussed in the proposal. The connection with some problems in foundations of mathematics and differential topology are also discussed.     

Determination of Surface Functional Groups in Lignocellulosic Materials by Chemical Derivatization and ESCA Analysis

Simple and convenient methods for determining surface chemical composition of lignocellulosic materials are described. The methods are based on vapor phase fluorine surface derivatization with either trifluoro acetic anhydride (TFAA), tri-fluoro ethanol (TFE) or pentafluorophenyl hydrazine (PFPH) and subsequent Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). Model cellulosic surfaces with well defined functionalities were used to optimize the derivatization reaction conditions. Detection and accessibility of surface hydroxyl functional groups were investigated in cotton and regenerated cellulose as models. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as a model surface for detection and quantification of carboxylic acid groups. Theoretical conversion curves for derivatization reactions were calculated and used to evaluate the extent of the reactions on the model surfaces. It was found that the conversion was higher for the regenerated cellulose and CMC than for cotton. The protocols developed using the model surfaces were applied to a case study on wood fibers with different degrees of complexity, namely dissolving and chemithermomechanical (CTMP) pulp. Untreated and oxygen-plasma modified pulps were compared with respect to the surface composition of functional groups. According to the derivatization reactions, functionalities containing oxygen were significantly increased on the plasma-treated samples. The effect of the treatment was found to be dependent on the type of pulp. Fluorine derivatization is shown to be an unambiguous method for clear assessment of the chemical functionalities of cellulosic surfaces.