The determination of beryllium and manganese in aerosols by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization

The determination of beryllium and manganese in air particulate matter collected on filter material is discussed. Destruction by digestion with nitric and perchloric acids and by low-temperature ashing with dissolution of the ash in a hydrofluoric-nitric acid mixture were tested. The graphite furnace parameters were investigated for different acid solutions. Interferences of some cations and anions that are abundant in aerosol material are described. Accuracy was checked against standard samples. For manganese, the results are compared with those obtained by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence.     

Size control of dendrimer-templated silica

One of the most significant challenges facing the biomimetic synthesis of materials is achieving the requisite level of dimensional and spatial control. Typical reaction conditions for biomimetic silica synthesis allow for continued growth and ripening leading to the formation of larger nanospheres on the order of 200-600 nm in diameter. Herein, we have used polyamidoamine and polypropylenimine dendrimers as templates to expand the reaction conditions of biogenic silica production to produce a more robust synthesis leading to size-selective precipitation of silica nanospheres. Through the use of defined concentrations of phosphate buffer and main group metal chloride salts, we have shown that the biomimetic silica growth process is controlled by cationic neutralization of the anionic silica nanosphere surface. Neutralization minimizes electrostatic repulsions, allowing for agglomerization and continued growth of nanospheres. By controlling these concentrations, we can selectively produce silica nanospheres of desired dimensions between 30 and 300 nm without adversely affecting the template's activity.     

Development of a gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry based method for the quantification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in adipose tissue

A combined gas chromatographic mass spectrometric (GC/MS/MS) method for the determination of seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and seven marker polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in adipose tissue has been developed. Adipose tissue was melted and filtered through anhydrous sodium sulphate to obtain pure fat. Clean-up was performed using a glass column containing acidified silica, deactivated alumina and anhydrous sodium sulphate. Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) 155 and Mirex were added as internal standards for PBDEs and PCBs, respectively. Injection standards, PBB 103 and PCB 143, for PBDEs and PCBs, respectively, were added before analysis with GC/MS/MS. The developed GC/MS/MS method has the advantage of being more selective than single MS methods because matrix effects are largely eliminated. Validation of this method was conducted according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Decision limits for PBDEs and PCBs ranged from 0.06-0.15 ng g(-1) and from 0.35-1.22 ng g(-1), respectively. Detection capabilities were all between 0.23-0.55 ng g(-1) for PBDEs and between 0.98-2.29 ng g(-1) for PCBs. Precision, recovery, bias and selectivity were tested, with satisfactory results.     

The synthesis and structure of bis(acetonitrile)nitrosyl tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borato molybdenum hexafluorophosphate

Summary Treatment of [Mo{HB(3,5-Me₂C₃HN₂)₃}(NO)I₂] with one or two moles of AgPF₆ in acetonitrile afforded the paramagnetic (one unpaired electron) complex [Mo{HB(3,5-Me₂C₃NH₂)₃}(NO)(NCMe)₂][PF₆]. The structure of this complex was determined crystallographically, and the six-coordinate geometry of the complex cation confirmed.     

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.     

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.