Structure and Polymorphism of M(thd)3 (M = Al,Cr, Mn,Fe, Co,Ga, and In)

Formation, crystal structure, polymorphism, and transition between polymorphs are reported for M(thd)₃, (M = Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ga, and In) [(thd)^– = anion of H(thd) = C₁₁H₂₀O₂ = 2, 2, 6, 6‐tetramethylheptane‐3, 5‐dione]. Fresh crystal‐structure data are provided for monoclinic polymorphs of Al(thd)₃, Ga(thd)₃, and In(thd)₃. Apart from adjustment of the M–O_k bond length, the structural characteristics of M(thd)₃ complexes remain essentially unaffected by change of M. Analysis of the M–O_k, O_k–C_k, and C_k–C_k distances support the notion that the M–O_k–C_k–C_k–C_k–O_k– ring forms a heterocyclic unit with σ and π contributions to the bonds. Tentative assessments according to the bond‐valence or bond‐order scheme suggest that the strengths of the σ bonds are approximately equal for the M–O_k, O_k–C_k, and C_k–C_k bonds, whereas the π component of the M–O_k bonds is small compared with those for the O_k–C_k, and C_k–C_k bonds. The contours of a pattern for the occurrence of M(thd)₃ polymorphs suggest that polymorphs with structures of orthorhombic or higher symmetry are favored on crystallization from the vapor phase (viz. sublimation). Monoclinic polymorphs prefer crystallization from solution at temperatures closer to ambient. Each of the M(thd)₃ complexes subject to this study exhibits three or more polymorphs (further variants are likely to emerge consequent on systematic exploration of the crystallization conditions). High‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction shows that the monoclinic polymorphs convert irreversibly to the corresponding rotational disordered orthorhombic variant above some 100–150 °C (depending on M). The orthorhombic variant is in turn transformed into polymorphs of tetragonal and cubic symmetry before entering the molten state. These findings are discussed in light of the current conceptions of rotational disorder in molecular crystals.     

Finding optimal finite field strengths allowing for a maximum of precision in the calculation of polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities

The finite field method, widely used for the calculation of static dipole polarizabilities or the first and second hyperpolarizabilities of molecules and polymers, is thoroughly explored. The application of different field strengths and the impact on the precision of the calculations were investigated. Borders could be defined and characterized, establishing a range of feasible field strengths that guarantee reliable numerical results. The quality of different types of meshes to screen the feasible region is assessed. Extrapolation schemes are presented that reduce the truncation error and allow to increase the precision of finite field calculations by one to three orders of magnitude. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Studies on the Uptake of Rare Earth Elements on Polyacrylamidoxime Resins from Natural Concentrate Leachate Solutions

Synthesis of poly(acrylamidoxime) resin from polyacrylonitrile performed with different crosslinking ratios 2, 5, and 10 wt% of divinylbenzene as crosslinking agent, using methylbenzoate and dioctylphthalate as pore producing solvent, the reaction mixture occurred under nitrogen. Studies carried out on diluted solution from rare earth elements (REEs) concentrate contains impurities as Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Si⁴⁺, Th⁴⁺, U⁶⁺, Ca²⁺, and K⁺. Changing some parameters as pH of the solution, time of feeding and type of acid as HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄. The adsorption efficiency of resin is in the order pH 6 > pH 5 > pH 4 > pH 2 with excluding pH 6 due to the precipitation of some of REEs with the impurities and complete precipitation of Dy ion during pH adjustment, the adsorption in HNO₃ > HCl > H₂SO₄ media.     

Stability, rheological, magnetorheological and volumetric characterizations of polymer based magnetic nanofluids

The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with oleic acid have been dispersed in base fluid of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Stability and particle size distribution of these nanofluids have been studied by result analysis of UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. Blue shift of UV–Vis spectra has been related to quantum effects such as band gap enlargement with particle size decreasing and also to effect of oleic acid on the ultraviolet wavelength. Flow behavior and suspension structure of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles dispersed in PEG have been determined by rheological properties. Viscosity values of Fe₃O₄-PEG nanofluid as a function of temperature have also been investigated. The chain-like structure of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with oleic acid in base fluid of PEG has been verified by measuring the magnetorheological properties. The effect of temperature on magnetorheological properties of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with oleic acid has also been investigated in base fluid of PEG. The volumetric properties of Fe₃O₄-PEG and Fe₃O₄ coated with oleic acid–PEG nanofluids and PEG–oleic acid solution have also been measured at different temperatures to specify the suspension structure and also interactions of Fe₃O₄, PEG and oleic acid molecules.     

Spectrophotometric determination of Chromium(VI) using cyclam as a reagent

A simple, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive method for spectrophotometric determination of chromium(VI), based on the absorbance of its complex with 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) is presented. The complex showed a molar absorbtivity of 1.5?×?10⁴?L?mol^?1?cm^?1 at 379?nm. Under optimum experimental conditions, a pH of 4.5 and 1.960?×?10³?mg?L^?1 cyclam were selected, and all measurements were performed 10?min after mixing. Major cations and anions did not show any interference; Beer's law was applicable in the concentration range 0.2–20?mg?L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.001?mg?L^?1. The standard deviation in the determination is ±0.5?mg?L^?1 for a 15.0?mg?L^?1 solution (n?=?7). The described method provides a simple and reliable means for determination of Cr(VI) in real samples.     

Two Unusual Carbohydrate Reactions: Nucleophilic Ring Opening of an Anhydrosugar and Reductive Elimination with Co‐occurring Hydrogenation

Treatment of the 1,6‐anhydrosugar epoxide 5 with a cyano‐Gilman cuprate [(CuCN (6 eq.), MeLi (12 eq.)] surprisingly led to the open chain rearranged (2S,3R)‐1,2‐dihydroxy‐3,6‐dimethylheptan‐4‐one (7), structurally confirmed by conversion to the corresponding diacetate 8. Another unusual reaction was found by hydrogenation of the 2‐tosyl‐1‐bromosugar 11, leading in one operation to the twofold deoxygenated chiral pyran derivative 14. This procedure might prove to be useful in the rapid deoxygenation of sugar derivatives.     

Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of conducting polythiophene/tin phosphate nano tetrapod composite cation-exchanger and its application as Hg(II) selective membrane electrode

Nano tetrapod based on conducting polythiophene (PTh) and tin-phosphate (SnP) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The morphology of the resulting polythiophene tinphosphate composite was characterized by elemental analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The physico-chemical characterization carried out on the composite showed that SnP was modified by conducting PTh with an enhancement of various properties. On the basis of highest distribution coefficient values for Hg(II), the composite was also used for the preparation of Hg(II) selective membrane electrode. The electrode showed working concentration range of 1 × 10^?1 to 1 × 10^?7 with Nernstian slope of 29.29 mV per decade change in concentration and the electrode may be used for wide working pH range of 4–8 having quick response time about 23 s. The life of electrode is 4 months without any notable drift in potential.     

Potentiometric determination of moxifloxacin in some pharmaceutical formulation using PVC membrane sensors

Background

The construction and electrochemical response characteristics of Poly (vinyl chloride) membrane sensors for moxifloxacin HCl (MOX) are described. The sensing membranes incorporate ion association complexes of moxifloxacin cation and sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) (sensor 1), phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) (sensor 2) or phosphotungstic acid (PTA) (sensor 3) as electroactive materials.

Results

The sensors display a fast, stable and near-Nernstian response over a relative wide moxifloxacin concentration range (1 × 10^-2 - 4.0 × 10^-6, 1 × 10^-2 - 5.0 × 10^-6, 1 × 10^-2 - 5.0 × 10^-6 M), with detection limits of 3 × 10^-6, 4 × 10^-6 and 4.0 × 10^-6 M for sensor 1, 2 and 3, respectively over a pH range of 6.0 - 9.0. The sensors show good discrimination of moxifloxacin from several inorganic and organic compounds. The direct determination of 400 μg/ml of moxifloxacin show an average recovery of 98.5, 99.1 and 98.6% and a mean relative standard deviation of 1.8, 1.6 and 1.8% for sensors 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed sensors have been applied for direct determination of moxifloxacin in some pharmaceutical preparations. The results obtained by determination of moxifloxacin in tablets using the proposed sensors are comparable favorably with those obtained using the US Pharmacopeia method. The sensors have been used as indicator electrodes for potentiometric titration of moxifloxacin.