Sulfur-linked cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal dimers and the twist-bend nematic phase

ABSTRACT

The synthesis and characterisation of two series of cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal dimers containing sulfur links between the spacer and mesogenic units, the 4?-[1,ω-alkanediylbis(thio)]bis-[1,1?-biphenyl]-4-carbonitriles (CBSnSCB), and 4?-({ω-[(4?-cyano[1,1?-biphenyl]-4-yl)oxy]alkyl}thio)[1,1?-biphenyl]-4-carbonitriles (CBSnOCB) are described. The odd members of both series show twist-bend nematic and nematic phases, whereas the even members exhibit only the nematic phase. An analogous cyanoterphenyl-based dimer, 3⁴-{6-[(4?-cyano[1,1?-biphenyl]-4-yl)thio]-hexyl}[1¹,2¹:2⁴,3¹-terphenyl]-1⁴-carbonitrile (CT6SCB), is also reported and shows enantiotropic N_TB and N phases. The transitional properties of these dimers are discussed in terms of molecular curvature, flexibility and biaxiality. The same molecular factors also influence the birefringence of nematic phases. Resonant X-ray scattering studies of the twist-bend nematic phase at both the carbon and sulfur absorption edges were performed, which allowed for the determination of critical behaviour of the helical pitch at the transition to the nematic phase, the behaviour was found to be independent of molecular structure. It was also observed that despite the different molecular bending angle and flexibility, in all compounds the helical pitch length far from the N-N_TB transition corresponds to 4 longitudinal molecular distances.     

On automorphisms of n-dimensional Laguerre space

We examine some properties of two types of inversions in the isotropical model of n-dimensional Laguerre space. Moreover we establish an isomorphism between the isotropical and the cylinder models of the n-dimensional Laguerre space. We prove also that every automorphism of the n-dimensional Laguerre space is a composition of a pseudodilatation and some involutive maps.     

The use of thin-layer chromatography in the assessment of the quality of lutein-containing dietary supplements

Bivariant multiple development thin-layer chromatography technique (BMD–TLC) along with high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS) analysis was used in determination of lutein or lutein mixed with zeaxanthin in eight dietary supplements. The developed two-step TLC separation procedure combined purification, compaction of samples and separation of the analyzed compounds what significantly shortened and simplified samples preparation. Qualitative analysis was based on co-chromatography with reference substances and HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS analysis. It was revealed that three of eight dietary supplements did not contain lutein. In turn, quantitative analysis with the use of developed TLC conditions along with densitometry showed that the amount of lutein or its mixture with zeaxanthin in the others differed from that claimed by producers.

     

Kinetics of esterification of the levulinic acid with n-hexanol,n-octanol,and n-decanol in the presence of dodecatungstophosphoric acid as a catalyst

Levulinic acid was esterified with n-hexanol, n-octanol, and n-decanol at 393–413 K and at molar ratios of between 3:1 and 10:1 (alcohol: acid) in the presence of the dodecatungstophosphoric acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀) as catalyst (0.1 wt%) to study the reaction kinetics. The results of such study are the precise form of kinetic equation, which is indispensable in design and optimization of industrial-scale chemical reactors. The authors stated that reactions were of second order and that the activation energy (E) decreased from 66 to 53 kJ/mol in the following alcohol sequence: n-hexanol > n-octanol > n-decanol.     

Fixed point theorem of Leggett-Williams type and its application

We establish a norm-type cone expansion and compression fixed point theorem for completely continuous operators. Our theorem is then applied to prove the existence of positive solution of second order three-point boundary value problem.     

Conversion of nitrogen oxides in N2:O2:CO2 and N2:O2:CO2:NO2 mixtures subjected to a dc corona discharge

This paper concerns the influence of a direct current (dc) corona discharge on production and reduction of NO, NO₂ and N₂O in N₂:O₂:CO₂ and N₂:O₂:CO₂:NO₂ mixtures. The corona discharge was generated in a needle-to-plate reactor. The positively polarized electrode consisted of 7 needles. The grounded electrode was a stainless steel plate. The gas flow rate through the reactor was varied from 28 to 110 cm³/s. The time-averaged discharge current ranged from 0 to 6 mA. It was found that in the N₂:O₂:CO₂ mixture the corona discharge produced NO, NO₂ and N₂O. In the N₂:O₂:CO₂:NO₂ mixture the reduction of NO₂ was between 6–56%, depending on the concentration of O₂, gas flow rate and corona discharge current. The NO₂ reduction was accompanied by production of NO and N₂O. The results show that efficient reduction of nitrogen oxides by a corona discharge cannot be expected in the mixtures containing N₂ and O₂ if reducing additives are not employed.     

Application of Densitometry to the Determination of Catechin in Rose-Hip Extracts

JPC – Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC - Thin-layer chromatography and densitometry have been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of catechin in methanolic...     

Potentiometric titration of trace amounts of mercury after a preliminary separation by a reduction method

Isolation and concentration of mercury by reduction of mercury(II) with acidic tin(II) chloride solution and absorption of mercury vapour in acidic permanganate solution is combined with potentiometric titration with dithiooxamide. The simple procedure is applicable to 5–100 ppb mercury in 1-dm³ samples. Recoveries from organomercurials are discussed.