A novel approach to modelling counter-current chromatography

Literature lists a number of counter-current chromatography (CCC) models that can predict the retention time and to a certain extent the peak width of a solute eluting from a CCC column. The approach described in this paper distinguishes itself from previous reports by relating all model parameters directly to column dimensions and experimental settings. Most importantly, this model can predict a chromatogram from scratch without resorting to traditional calibration using empirical values. The model validation with experimental results obtained across a range of CCC instruments demonstrated that the solute retention time, peak width, and peak resolution could be predicted within reasonable accuracy. Additionally, the effect of several process parameters, such as mobile phase flow rate, rotational speed of the column or β-value, showed that the model is robust and applicable to a wide range of CCC instruments. Overall, this model proved to be a useful tool for parameter estimation and, most significantly, separation optimisation.     

Synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles via a palladium-catalysed allene insertion-nucleophile incorporation-Michael addition cascade

A novel palladium catalysed three-component cascade process is described involving allenylation of an aryl iodide to generate a (π-allyl)palladium species which is intercepted by a carbon or nitrogen nucleophile followed by intramolecular Michael addition to afford carbo- and heterocycles in good yield.     

A fuzzy approach to cooperative n-person games

The object of this paper is to provide a systematic treatment of bargaining procedures as a basis for negotiation. An innovative fuzzy logic approach to analyze n-person cooperative games is developed. A couple of indices, the Good Deal Index and the Counterpart Convenience Index are proposed to characterize the heuristic of bargaining and to provide a solution concept. The indices are examined theoretically and experimentally by analyzing three case studies. The results verify the validity of the approach.     

Mössbauer spectra of “stannite group” minerals

Stannite group minerals were studied by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy. In particular we examined the problem of stannite-kesterite miscibility. From the behaviour of the Mössbauer linewidth as a function of the mineral composition it follows that all the samples have a single phase structure, in disagreement with the existence of a miscibility gap.     

Volumetric and transport properties of aerosol-OT reversed micelles containing light and heavy water

Densities and viscosities of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT in-heptane system containing light and heavy water, as a function of the molar ratio R (R=[H₂O or D₂O]/[AOT]) were measured at 0, 5, 25 and 40°C. At low R values, the apparent molar volume of deuterium oxide is smaller than that of light water. The difference is related to the strength of the hydrogen bonding H₂O and D₂O. The viscosities of both H₂O-AOT-n-heptane and D₂O-AOT-n-heptane systems were explained in terms of intermicellar interactions mainly governed by hydration of the head groups of AOT.     

Controlled Formation of Polymer Nanocapsules with High Diffusion‐Barrier Properties and Prediction of Encapsulation Efficiency

Polymer nanocapsules with high diffusion‐barrier performance were designed following simple thermodynamic considerations. Hindered diffusion of the enclosed material leads to high encapsulation efficiencies (EEs), which was demonstrated based on the encapsulation of highly volatile compounds of different chemical natures. Low interactions between core and shell materials are key factors to achieve phase separation and a high diffusion barrier of the resulting polymeric shell. These interactions can be characterized and quantified using the Hansen solubility parameters. A systematic study of our copolymer system revealed a linear relationship between the Hansen parameter for hydrogen bonding (δ_h) and encapsulation efficiencies which enables the prediction of encapsulated amounts for any material. Furthermore EEs of poorly encapsulated materials can be increased by mixing them with a mediator compound to give lower overall δ_h values.     

Diels-Alder reactions of N-tosylpirroles developed in protic ionic liquids. Theoretical studies using DFT methods

N-Tosyl-2-nitropirrole and N-tosyl-3-nitropirrole react with poorly and activated dienes using protic ionic liquids as reaction media. They exhibit a dienophile character producing the corresponding indoles through a Diels-Alder process. In all cases the presence of protic ionic liquids as reaction media improves the yields with respect to use of molecular solvent, while the temperature and the reaction time decrease. Part of this work is specifically concerned with theoretical studies using DFT methods. The global and local electrophilicity and nucleophilicity indices were calculated for the dienophiles and dienes used in this study in order to evaluate reactivity and regioselectivity.     

IMEP-24 analysis of eight trace elements in toys

The International Measurement Evaluation Program (IMEP) organised the IMEP-24 interlaboratory comparison after reports in the media about high levels of lead in toys. The aim of this comparison was to verify the laboratories’ capacity to evaluate trace-element levels in a possible toy-like material according to the European Standard EN 71-3:1994. As test material, it used a former certified reference material containing levels of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead and selenium around the limits set in the standard.Four expert laboratories confirmed the reference values (Xref) for all elements but Hg, and established a reference value for Hg. The scatter of the results reported by the participants was large, as expected, but showed a close to normal distribution around the reference values for five of the eight trace elements. The spread of results was mainly attributed to sampling and sample preparation.One major issue observed in this exercise was the lack of legislative rules about how to report the result, or, more specifically, the use of the analytical correction, which was introduced in EN 71-3:1994 to achieve consistent interpretation of results and which is to be applied when values are equal to or above the maximum limits set in the standard. Its application by the participants was very inconsistent and led to problems in their evaluation. There is clearly a need for clarification and for more formal regulations with regard to result reporting in order to minimise the risk of confusion.Participants were also asked to give their opinion with regard to the acceptability of the test material for the market. The majority correctly considered the material as non-compliant. However, almost one-third incorrectly assessed the material as compliant.