The synthesis and structural characterization of Os3(CO)8[Si(OMe)3][μ-PMe2(C6H4](μ-H)2: An unusual unsaturated triosmium cluster complex

The reaction of Os₃(CO)₁₀(NCMe)[Si(OMe)₃](-H),1, with PMe₂Ph yielded the new complex Os₃(CO)₁₀(PMe₂Ph)[Si(OMe)₃](-H),2 by substitution of the MeCn ligand with the phosphine ligand. When heated to 125°C compound2 was decarbonylated and transformed into the new unsaturated cluster complex Os₃(CO)₈[-PMe₂(C₆H₄)][Si(OMe)₃](-H)₂,3 in 54% yield. Compound3 was characterized by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, osmium bonds. The phenyl ring of the phosphine ligand has undergoneortho-metallation by a neighboring metal atom. A terminally coordinated Si(OMe)₃ ligand is coordinated to the third osmium atom. The cluster is unsaturated by the amount of 2 electrons, and there is an open coordination site on the siloxyl substituted osmium atom that is partially filled by a weak interaction with one of the -bonds of theortho-metalled phenyl ring. Complex3 reacts with CO at 1 atm to reform compound2 in 85% yield in 5 h at 40°C. Crystal Data: for3: space group = P2₁/n,a = 9.911(2) Å,b = 18.451(6) Å,c = 14.872(2) Å, = 95.64(2)°,Z = 4, 1994 reflections,R = 0.028.     

Surface characterization of pure and chemically modified minerals by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Applications of the laser microprobe mass analyzer for characterizing the surface of chemically modified minerals (crown ether/montmorillonite and organosilane/sepiolite) and for detecting micro-crystallites at the surface of an inorganic matrix (brucite surface layer of chrysotile fibers) were investigated using laser desorption conditions. The laser microprobe is shown to be a versatile tool for these applications.     

Examining the role of surfactant packing in phase transformations of periodic templated silica/surfactant composites

In this work, we examine the role of curvature and surfactant packing in controlling the structure of periodic silica/surfactant composites by driving such materials through a transformation from a hexagonal to a lamellar phase. We focus on how the interplay of desired packing and volume constraints dictates the resulting structures. In general, surfactants expand in a complex way upon heating, and this can cause a change in the optimal packing geometry. However, the presence of a rigid silica framework may prevent surfactants from reaching this preferred volume and/or curvature. Real-time in situ X-ray diffraction is used to monitor the structural evolution of these materials heated under hydrothermal treatments. Because the thermal-driven disorder of the surfactant tails drives the phase transition, we examine four types of composites with varying tail density. Ordinarily, composites consist of surfactants with one 20-carbon tail and one positively charged ammonium headgroup. Tail density is varied by replacing a small amount (0-16%) of these single-tail, single-head surfactants with single-tail, double-head 'gemini' surfactants. A greater head--tail ratio indeed produces different results, causing the phase transition to occur at higher temperatures. Using simple geometric models to gain better understanding of our experimental results, we find that, while both unfavorable curvature and limited volume may exist for the surfactants in these composites, the constrained curvature appears to be the dominant effect in driving structural rearrangement.     

Preparation and structural characterization of the hexatungsten cluster complex (EDTEH)2[W6(μ3-Cl)8Cl6], (EDTEH=(MeO2CCH2)2N(H)CH2CH2N(CH2CO2Me)2+

The hexanuclear tungsten cluster complex [W₆(₃-Cl)₈Cl₆]^2–,1 was isolated as a salt of the cation (MeO₂CCH₂)₂N(H)CH₂CH₂N(CH₂CO₂Me)₂₊, EDTEH⁺, by crystallization from methanol solvent of the product obtained from the reaction of (H₃O)₂[W₆(₃-Cl)₈Cl₃] with the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The compound was charcterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The cluster anion contains an octahedral arrangement of six tungsten atoms with chloride ligands bridging the eight triangular faces of the cluster and one chloride ligand terminally coordinated to each of the six tungsten atoms. The cation (EDTEH)⁺ achieves its positive charge by protonation of one of the nitrogen atoms. Crystal data: space group = P2₁/a,a=10.689(2) Å,b=22.931(6) Å,c=12.093(3) Å, =98.41(2)°,Z=2, 2476 reflections,R=0.028.     

Representation theory of so(4,2) for the perturbation treatment of hydrogenic-type hamiltonians by algebraic methods

The representations of so(4,2) which are applicable to the perturbation treatment of one-electron Hamiltonians of the form H = H₀ + λV are discussed, where H₀ is a hydrogenic Hamiltonian. A unified construction of the representations of so(2,1) and so(3) is outlined and the representations of so(4) [and also so(3,1)] are then obtained using both the vector operator method and angular momentum recoupling techniques. The merging of so(2,1) and so(4) then leads in a natural way to so(4,2). An outline of perturbation theory applications such as the Stark and Zeeman effects is also given.     

Classificatin of chinese tea samples according to origin and quality by principal component techniques

Three categories of tea, black, green and oolong tea, with those varieties in each category were analyzed for their contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, polyphenols, caffeine and amino acids. The data were subjected to multivarige analysis. Principal component analysis and principal component classification provide discrimination between the different categories and varieties. The quality index, assigned to these tea standards by experts, could be predicted form the principal component scores.     

Metal phosphonates applied to biotechnologies: a novel approach to oligonucleotide microarrays

A new process for preparing oligonucleotide arrays is described that uses surface grafting chemistry which is fundamentally different from the electrostatic adsorption and organic covalent binding methods normally employed. Solid supports are modified with a mixed organic/inorganic zirconium phosphonate monolayer film providing a stable, well-defined interface. Oligonucleotide probes terminated with phosphate are spotted directly on to the zirconated surface forming a covalent linkage. Specific binding of terminal phosphate groups with minimal binding of the internal phosphate diesters has been demonstrated. The mixed organic/inorganic thin films have also been extended for use arraying DNA duplex probes, and therefore represent a viable general approach to DNA-based bioarrays. Ideas for interfacing mixed organic/inorganic interfaces to other bioapplications are also discussed.     

Reductive activation of nitrate reductases

Protein film voltammetry of Paracoccus pantotrophus respiratory nitrate reductase (NarGH) and Synechococcus elongatus assimilatory nitrate reductase (NarB) shows that reductive activation of these enzymes may be required before steady state catalysis is observed. For NarGH complementary spectroscopic studies suggest a structural context for the activation. Catalytic protein film voltammetry at a range of temperatures has allowed quantitation of the activation energies for nitrate reduction. For NarGH with an operating potential of ca. 0.05 V the activation energy of ca. 35 kJ mol-1 is over twice that measured for NarB whose operating potential is ca. -0.35 V.     

Ion chromatographic determination of nitrate and nitrite in vegetable and fruit baby foods

An ion chromatographic method was developed for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in vegetable and fruit baby foods. The introduction of nitrate or nitrite to food may be natural or artificial as a preservative. Because of the higher pH found in babies' stomachs, nitrate can act as a reservoir for the production of nitrite by nitrate-reducing bacteria that can be harbored in the intestinal tract. This problem does not exist in adults because of the lower pH of the adult stomach. Exposure to nitrite by infants can result in methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome). There are also indications that carcinogenic nitrosamines can be formed from nitrates at the higher pH. These gastric conditions disappear at approximately 6 months of age. In this method, nitrate and nitrite were separated on a hydroxide-selective anion exchange column using online electrolytically generated high-purity hydroxide eluant and detected using suppressed conductivity detection. Average recoveries of spiked nitrite residue ranged from 91 to 104% and spiked nitrate residue ranged from 87 to 104%. This method and the AOAC Official Method yield comparable results for samples containing incurred nitrate residue. In addition, this method eliminates the hazardous waste associated with the use of cadmium found in the AOAC Official Method.     

A comparison of two methods for the preparation of 3-Deazapurine ribonucleosides

The reaction of the trimethylsilyl derivative of 4,6-dichloroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine with 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl- D -ribofuranosyl bromide gave four nucleosides-the α- and β-anomers of the 1-isomer and the α- and β-anomers of the 3-isomer (3.9:2.7:1.5:1). In contrast, the fusion reaction of 4,6-dichloroimidazo[4,5-c ]pyridine with 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-β- D -ribofuranose gave a high yield of the 1-β-isomer, which was converted to the known 3-deazaadenosine (4-amino-l-β- D -ribofuranosylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine).