The determination of the gases released during heating of a flame retardant for polymers

The oxidative degradation of HET-acid (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-en-2, 3-dicarboxylic acid) is studied by the combination of TG, FTIR, MS and GC-MS. The gases evolved during the decomposition of this flame retardant are investigated on-line by FTIR and by MS. Simultaneously the evolved gases are collected by an adsorbent and, after the thermal experiment, desorbed to release the volatile products for identification using GC-MS. The combination of these techniques offers the unambiguous identification of the evolved products as a function of temperature. The main identified products are CO₂, H₂O, Cl₂, HCl, C₂Cl₄, maleic acid anhydride, HET-acid anhydride, chlorinated cyclic hydrocarbons and chlorinated unsaturated linear hydrocarbons.     

Reaction of N,N'-dialkyldithiodianilines with β-ketoesters. A new synthesis of N-alkyl-2-acyl-3-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzothiazines

The title compounds 3a-j together with the N-alkylacylketene S,N-acetals 12a-j were obtained by reaction of N,N'-dialkyldithiodianilines with β-ketoesters compounds. A possible reaction pathway is suggested.     

Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid with Liposomes and Crocin Confers Cytoprotection in an Experimental Model of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition caused by tear deficiency and accompanied by ocular surface damage. Recent data support a key role of oxidative and inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of DED. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used in artificial tears to treat DED by improving ocular hydration and reducing surface friction. Crocin (Cr), the main constituent of saffron, is a renowned compound that exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was undertaken to assess the viscosity and muco-adhesiveness of a photoactivated formulation with crosslinked HA (cHA), Cr, and liposomes (cHA-Cr-L). Our aim was also to evaluate whether cHA-Cr-L may exert cytoprotective effects against oxidative and inflammatory processes in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Viscosity was measured using a rotational rheometer, and then the muco-adhesiveness was evaluated. Under hyperosmolarity (450 mOsm), the HCECs were treated with cHA-Cr-L. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using the DCF assay. The combined action of cHA-Cr-L produced a higher viscosity and muco-adhesiveness compared to the control. The anti-inflammatory effect of cHA-Cr-L was achieved through a significant reduction of IL-1β and TNFα (p < 0.001). The results also showed that cHA-Cr-L reduces ROS production under conditions of hyperosmolarity (p < 0.001). We conclude that cHA-Cr-L has potential as a therapeutic agent in DED, which should be further investigated.     

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Based Processes in Photocatalytic Applications

Conventional methods generally used to synthesize heterogeneous photocatalysts have some drawbacks, mainly the difficult control/preservation of catalysts’ morphology, size or structure, which strongly affect the photocatalytic activity. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂)-assisted techniques have recently been shown to be a promising approach to overcome these limitations, which are still a challenge. In addition, compared to traditional methods, these innovative techniques permit the synthesis of high-performance photocatalysts by reducing the use of toxic and polluting solvents and, consequently, the environmental impact of long-term catalyst preparation. Specifically, the versatility of scCO₂ allows to prepare catalysts with different structures (e.g., nanoparticles or metal-loaded supports) by several supercritical processes for the photocatalytic degradation of various compounds. This is the first updated review on the use of scCO₂-assisted techniques for photocatalytic applications. We hope this review provides useful information on different approaches and future perspectives.     

Modern Synthetic Strategies with Organoselenium Reagents: A Focus on Vinyl Selenones

In recent years, vinyl selenones were rediscovered as useful building blocks for new synthetic transformations. This review will highlight these advances in the field of multiple-bond-forming reactions, one-pot synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles, enantioselective construction of densely functionalized molecules, and total synthesis of natural products.     

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Eugenia patrisii Vahl,E. punicifolia (Kunth) DC., and Myrcia tomentosa (Aubl.) DC., Leaf of Family Myrtaceae

Essential oils (EOs) were extracted from Eugenia patrisii, E. punicifolia, and Myrcia tomentosa, specimens A and B, using hydrodistillation. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify the volatile constituents present, and the antioxidant capacity of EOs was determined using diphenylpicryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. For E. patrisii, germacrene D (20.03%), bicyclogermacrene (11.82%), and (E)-caryophyllene (11.04%) were identified as the major constituents of the EOs extracted from specimen A, whereas specimen B primarily comprised γ-elemene (25.89%), germacrene B (8.11%), and (E)-caryophyllene (10.76%). The EOs of E. punicifolia specimen A contained β-Elemene (25.12%), (E)-caryophyllene (13.11%), and bicyclogermacrene (9.88%), while specimen B was composed of (E)-caryophyllene (11.47%), bicyclogermacrene (5.86%), β-pinene (5.86%), and γ-muurolene (5.55%). The specimen A of M. tomentosa was characterized by γ-elemene (12.52%), germacrene D (11.45%), and (E)-caryophyllene (10.22%), while specimen B contained spathulenol (40.70%), α-zingiberene (9.58%), and γ-elemene (6.89%). Additionally, the chemical composition of the EOs was qualitatively and quantitatively affected by the collection period. Furthermore, the EOs of the studied specimens, especially specimen A of E. punicifolia, showed a greater antioxidant activity in DPPH rather than TEAC, as represented by a significantly high inhibition percentage (408.0%).     

Driving Organic Nanocrystals Dissolution Through Electrochemistry

We have recently discussed how organic nanocrystal dissolution appears in different morphologies and the role of the solution pH in the crystal detriment process. We also highlighted the role of the local molecular chemistry in porphyrin nanocrystals having comparable structures: in water-based acid solutions, protonation of free-base porphyrin molecules is the driving force for crystal dissolution, whereas metal (Zn^II) porphyrin nanocrystals remain unperturbed. However, all porphyrin types, having an electron rich π-structure, can be electrochemically oxidized. In this scenario, a key question is: does electrochemistry represent a viable strategy to drive the dissolution of both free-base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals? In this work, by exploiting electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM), we monitor in situ and in real time the dissolution of both free-base and metal porphyrin nanocrystals, as soon as molecules reach the oxidation potential, showing different regimes according to the applied EC potential.     

Tracing (r)bST in cattle: Liquid-based options for extraction and separation

Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropin (ST) is a species-specific polypeptide hormone produced in the pituitary gland of vertebrates. When administered exogenously to dairy cattle, it has galactopoietic effects and is capable of increasing the milk yield. The beginning of the commercial production of recombinant variants of bovine somatotropin (rbST), by the end of the 20th century, had a major economic impact in the dairy industry. Recombinant bST enabled large-scale applications in farms, enhancing significantly milk production. While it is banned in the European Union (EU), several countries permit the trade and use of recombinant somatotropins in animal husbandry. Also, rbST-free dairy products can be frequently found in the market of those countries, even though these labels are not actually verified in a laboratory. In this context, effective analytical methods are needed for residue control to avoid an illegal use of rbST but also to prevent fraudulent labeling in some cases. The present review includes studies published in the last 5 years (from 2012 to 2017) to monitor rbST in bovine animals, using liquid-based applications. It is then intended to serve as a practical guide to help those laboratories interested in developing analytical methods to detect rbST use and abuse.     

Asymmetric synthesis by chiral ruthenium complexes : VI. Enantiomer-discrimination in the hydrogen transfer from racemic alcohols to prochiral ketones in the presence of H4Ru4(CO)8[(−)-diop]2

Hydrogen transfer from racemic alcohols to prochiral ketones in the presence of H₄Ru₄(CO)₈[(?)-DIOP]₂ has been examined. The enantiomer-discrimination is influenced by the structure of the reactants, temperature and the excess of phosphine present.     

Quasi-classical trajectories study of the chemisorption of H2 on the Pt(111) surface: effect of surface motion

The effect of energy exchange on the dynamics of the chemisorption of H₂ on Pt (111) is studied within a LEPS potential quasi-classical trajectories treatment. The Einstein model is assumed for the solid. The rigidity of the surfaces is shown to be an acceptable approximation.