Preparation, properties, and reduction of a novel TCNQ-type thienoquinoid

[Structure: see text] TCNQ-type bithienoquinoid condensed with a alpha-dicarbonyl group was synthesized. The compound revealed a reversible reduction wave at +0.32 V vs SCE. The radical anion species was cleanly generated by a reduction with Na-Hg and characterized: lambdamax=1027 nm in vis-NIR and a large spin density of the beta-carbon atoms on the fused ring by EPR spectroscopy. The radical anion salts were isolated by a reduction with iodide and showed moderate conductivity.     

Selective ultratrace detection of Al(III) and Ga(III) complexed with a calcein isomer by capillary zone electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection. Comparison of emissive polyaminocarboxylates as derivatizing ligands

A highly sensitive and selective capillary zone electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CZE-LIF) for Al(3+) and Ga(3+) was developed using a calcein 4',5'-isomer as a pre-capillary complexing agent. Direct fluorescent detection without an agent added to the carrier buffer provided the notable detection limits of 3.9x10(-10) and 4.6x10(-10)moldm(-3) for Al and Ga, respectively. By applying this system successfully to a river water sample, its potential for practical applications was ascertained. A comparison of three aromatic polyaminocarboxylate ligands related to the coordination structure and the distance between the fluorophore and the chelating moiety, revealed some interesting factors regarding their selectivity.     

The Active Phase of Nickel/Ordered Ce(2) Zr(2) O(x) Catalysts with a Discontinuity (x=7-8) in Methane Steam Reforming

Breaking news: A unique discontinuous property and an active phase of Ni/ordered Ce(2) Zr(2) O(x) (x=7-8) solid-solution catalysts were observed during methane steam reforming. The catalytic performance of Ni/Ce(2) Zr(2) O(x) strongly depended on the phase and oxygen content of the Ce(2) Zr(2) O(x) support.     

Mineral composition of frozen taro for determination of geographic origin

The mineral composition of frozen food of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] was analyzed to categorize the geographical production place of taro. The concentrations of Co and H₂PO₄ ⁻ were found to be useful to separate the producing place between Japan and China. The analysis was performed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and ion chromatography (IC). In the case of INAA, the samples were dried and sealed in a vinyl bag and irradiated with thermal neutrons from JRR3M, installed at Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The activated samples were cooled down for a few weeks and the elements (Co, Cr, Fe, Rb, Zn) were determined. Cobalt concentration of frozen taro from China was higher than that from Japan. The tendency was the same in the fresh sample of taro. When concentration of H₂PO₄ ⁻ of frozen sample was measured, taro from Japanese product was higher than that of Chinese one, contrary to fresh sample. This result might be caused by the leakage of H₂PO₄ ⁻ during freezing process, indicating that we should be careful to apply the discrimination indicators. In addition to Co, there was a significant difference of Rb and Fe concentrations between frozen taro from Japan and China.     

Application of 28Mg to the kinetic study of Mg uptake by rice plants

The time course of Mg uptake and release using intact rice plants and ²⁸Mg as a tracer is presented. Since there is no conventional Mg tracer available, ²⁸Mg was produced via ²⁷Al(α, 3p)²⁸Mg reaction using a cyclotron. Using the purified ²⁸Mg tracer, it was found that the uptake amount of ²⁸Mg by the rice plants increased linearly during 30 min of application. After ²⁸Mg treatment for 90 min, the roots were sequentially washed with iced solution for 120 min. Within about 10 min, almost all of the ²⁸Mg, that was thought to be weakly bound to the apoplast, was washed away.