Double addition of H2 to transition metal-borane complexes: a 'hydride shuttle' process between boron and transition metal centres

The addition of H(2) across a transition metal-borane bond is reported for the first time providing a mechanism for recharging borane functional groups to borohydride.     

Natural products from medicinal plants: non-alkaloidal natural constituents of the Thalictrum species

Thalictrum is an important plant genus that is widely used in traditional medicine. In this review considerable attention has been given to triterpenoid saponins in connection with their specific distribution in the Thalictrum genus and with their biological activity. All other non-alkaloid compounds isolated from the Thalictrum genus are also reviewed; these metabolites are discussed in relation to their structural features and to their role in the plants.     

Synthesis, structures and spectroelectrochemistry of methyl-substituted bis(η-indenyl)iron(II) complexes

Several new methyl-substituted indenyl ferrocenes were prepared by metathesis reactions of the indenide (generated from the appropriate indene with BuLi) with ferrous chloride. The indenides used to prepare new ferrocenes were: 2-methyl-, 1,2-dimethyl-, 4,7-dimethyl-, 1,4,7-trimethyl-, and 1,3,4,7-tetramethyl-indenide. These indenyl ferrocenes, along with those prepared from indenide, 1-methylindenide, and 1,3-dimethylindenide, were then characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, UV/visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and mass spectrometry. The cyclic voltammetry showed an additive relationship between oxidation potential and the number of methyl groups which is also position-dependent, whereas the UV/visible spectra showed two absorptions essentially unaffected by methyl substitution. Additionally, bis(2-methylindenyl)iron(II) and bis(4,7-dimethylindenyl)iron(II) were characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Acrylamide analysis: assessment of results from six rounds of Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) proficiency testing

Six proficiency tests have now been completed in an ongoing program of the UK Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) for the analysis of acrylamide in a range of food matrixes. Homogeneous test material samples were requested by laboratories throughout the world, with 29 to 45 submitting results for each test. Results were analyzed by appropriate statistical procedures, and z-scores were awarded for reported values. In the absence of both legislation and collaborative trial data, the target standard deviation was derived from the Horwitz equation, although it is acknowledged that there is a need to establish a "fit for purpose" target standard deviation specifically for acrylamide analysis. Participants were encouraged to use the analytical method routinely used in their own laboratory and to provide details of their procedure. Close examination of the data submitted indicates that performance is generally acceptable in terms of accuracy. There is no significant difference between results submitted by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography (GC and LC) methods, and no method dependency on the use of internal standards or sample size. However, choice of extraction solvent may be important, with indications that plain water is an acceptable extraction method. There is evidence from the most recent test that direct (underivatized) GC methodology may present problems, but more data are required and this aspect will be monitored in the continuing proficiency testing program.     

A C2-symmetric analogue of dppf: synthesis and structures of the indenyl-diphosphine complex 1,3-(Ph2PSe)2(C9H6) and the racemic and meso isomers of the heterobimetallic complex Mo(CO)4(1-PPh2-η-C9H6)2Fe

The preparation, isolation and characterisation of 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)indene (1) from indene and chlorodiphenylphosphine is described. The reaction of 1 with selenium gives the diselenide adduct 1,3-bis(diphenylselenophosphino)indene (2) which was characterised crystallographically. Deprotonation of 1 and treatment with ferrous chloride gives the unstable tetraphosphine complex bis(1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)indenyl)iron(II) (3). Complex 3 decomposes to the diphosphine complex bis(1-diphenylphosphinoindenyl)iron(II) (4) via replacement of one diphenylphosphine substituent per indenyl ligand by a hydrogen atom. Complex 4 was also prepared by treatment of two equivalents of 1-diphenylphosphinoindenide with ferrous chloride. The heterobimetallic complex tetracarbonyl(bis(1-diphenylphosphinoindenyl)iron(II))molybdenum(0) (5) was also prepared and crystal structures of both the meso (5a) and C₂-symmetric racemic (5b) isomers are reported.     

Nodal Sets for Groundstates of Schrödinger Operators with Zero Magnetic Field in Non Simply Connected Domains

We investigate nodal sets of magnetic Schr?dinger operators with zero magnetic field, acting on a non simply connected domain in ℝ². For the case of circulation 1/2 of the magnetic vector potential around each hole in the region, we obtain a characterisation of the nodal set, and use this to obtain bounds on the multiplicity of the groundstate. For the case of one hole and a fixed electric potential, we show that the first eigenvalue takes its highest value for circulation 1/2. Received: 23 July 1998 / Accepted: 17 November 1998     

Acid reflux and hoarseness

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of acid reflux in patients complaining of hoarseness where no organic disease or functional dysphonia could be found. We also aimed to determine whether anti-reflux treatment improved their symptoms. Patients were not selected on the basis of symptoms of reflux. Fifty patients with hoarseness took part in a prospective study that sought to establish objectively whether acid reflux was present. All patients were given a 6-week course of ranitidine and Gaviscon. Patients were asked to score their voice quality before and after treatment. Although 72% of patients complained of heartburn more than once a week, only 40% proved to have acid reflux. Although subjective improvement after anti-reflux treatment was found in a larger proportion of those with than without proven reflux, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited as there were no satisfactory objective measurements of voice or controls.