Zn2+-dependent peptide nucleic acids probes

Binding of bis-picolylamine-naphthalene diimide-peptide nucleic acid conjugates to complementary DNA is strongly dependent upon Zn2+; ultimately, hybridization is switched ON in the presence muM Zn2+.     

The extraction of Cr(III) from aqueous thiocyanate solutions and its separation from Co(II) and Ni(II)

For the system liquid anion-exchanger—Cr(III)−NCS⁻, an investigation has been made of the dependence of the percentage extraction of Cr(III) on parameters such as standing time of the Cr(III)−NCS⁻ solution, temperature, pH and type of exchanger. Quantitative extraction of e.g. 4·10⁻⁴ M Cr(III) by 0.1M Aliquat in CCl₄ is easily achieved at room temperature, using 4.75M KNCS−0.05N HCl as aqueous phase. At high Cr(III) concentrations, the complex anion present in the organic phase is Cr(NCS) ₆ ³⁻ ; when working with dilute metal ion solutions, the species extracted is Cr(NCS)₄ (H₂O) ₂ ⁻ . Separations of mixtures containing 10⁻²−10⁻⁴ M Co(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III) have successfully been accomplished.     

Zur Kenntnis des Calciumbromats und - iodats,Kristallstruktur, röntgenographische,IR- und Raman-spektroskopische und thermoanalytische Untersuchungen

On Calcium Bromated and Iodates – Crystal Structure, X-Ray, IR and Raman Spectroscopical and Thermoanalytical Investigations The phase relationships (and both decomposition and disproportionation)of bromates and iodates of alkaline earth metals are studied by means of thermal analyses (DTA, DSC, TG) and (high-temperature) X-Ray, IR-, and (high-temperature) Raman spectroscopic measurements. The following compounds have been established: Ca(IO₃)₂ · 6 H₂O oF 216, the isotypic Ca(BrO₃)₂ · H₂O and Ca(IO₃)₂ · H₂O mP 48, Ca(IO₃)₂ I (Lautarit) mP 36, Ca(IO₃)₂ II and Ca(BrO₃)₂. The Crystal structure of Ca(IO₃)₂ · H₂O (brüggenite) (space group P2₁/c, Z = 4) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (MoKα). The final R value for 3888 reflections with I_o > 3σ₁ is 0.0487. The structures of bromates and iodates of alkaline earth metals known so far are discussed with respect to the energetic (mode frequencies) and geometric (bond lengths) distortion of the XO₃–ions as well as the strengths of H-bonds present in the respective hydrates.     

A new route to achiral and chiral 1,2-bis(phosphino)ethanes, 1-arsino-2-phosphinoethanes, and 1,3-bis(phosphino)propanes and the molecular structure and catalytic activity of some rhodium(I) complexes derived thereof

A series of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)ethanes R(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PR'(2) and 1-arsino-2-phosphinoethanes R(2)AsCH(2)CH(2)PR'(2) mainly with bulky substituents R and R' were prepared from the cyclic sulfate by stepwise cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bonds by LiPR(2) and LiPR'(2) or LiAsR(2) and LiPR'(2), respectively. Analogously, racemic mixtures of R(2)PCH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R =iPr, Cy ) as well as the enantiomers (R)-, (R)- and (R)-tBu(2)PCH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R)- were obtained from the corresponding unsymmetrical cyclic sulfates and (S)-. On a similar route, the racemates of the 1,3-bis(phosphino)propanes R(2)PCH(2)CH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(R =iPr, tBu ), optically pure (R)- and (S,S)-iPr(2)PCH(Me)CH(2)CH(Me)PPh(2)(S,S)- were prepared. The reaction of [[RhCl([small eta](4)-C(8)H(12))](2)] with chelating ligands L-L, where L-L is R(2)PCH(2)P(men)(2)(R =iPr, Ph; men =(1S,2R,5S)-menthyl), Cy(2)AsCH(2)P(men)(2), or (R)-, (R)-, (R)-, (R)- and (S,S)-, in the presence of AgPF(6), gave the complexes [Rh(eta(4)-C(8)H(12))(L-L)]PF(6) which were used as pre-catalysts in the hydrogenation of the methyl ester of alpha-acetamidocinnamic acid (ACM). Depending on L-L, the solvent, the temperature and the pressure of H(2), optical yields of up to 69% ee were achieved. For two of the rhodium complexes, and, the molecular structures were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

CeAgAs2 — a New Derivative of the HfCuSi2 Type of Structure: Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties

Single crystals of CeAgAs₂ have been obtained by chemical transport reactions starting from a pre‐reacted powder sample. The crystal structure was solved using X‐ray diffraction (space group Pmca, No. 57, a = 5.7586(4) Å, b = 5.7852(4) Å, c = 21.066(3) Å, Z = 8) and refined to a residual of R(F) = 0.029 for 46 refined parameters and 1020 reflections. The structure of CeAgAs₂ represents a new distorted and ordered variant of the HfCuSi₂ type. The characteristic feature of this structure are infinite cis‐trans chains of As atoms with As—As distances of 2.563(1) Å and 2.601(1) Å. CeAgAs₂ is paramagnetic (μ_eff = 2.37 μ_B, θ = —10.5(2) K), with antiferromagnetic ordering at 5.5(2) K and exhibits a metamagnetic transition starting at 4.6 kOe and T = 1.8 K.     

Synthesis and properties of niobia films derived from niobium pentaethoxide

The hydrolysis of niobium pentaethoxide precursor in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) is discussed. Three precursors with TEA/Nb(OEt)₅ mole ratios of 0.25, 0.4 and 0.8 were prepared. Niobia colloids with different appearance were obtained after autoclaving the above precursors at 250°C during 12 h. The surface roughness and microstructure of niobia films prepared with the colloids by spread coating method are strongly dependent on the TEA/Nb(OEt)₅ mole ratio. At a value of 0.4 TEA/Nb(OEt)₅ mole ratio, a niobia film with large surface roughness can be achieved. It is opaque and mechanically stable and has differently ordered needle microstructure. The crystalline structure and photoelectrochemical property of niobia film with the largest surface roughness were examined. The effect of CO₂ gas bubbling, reflux and addition of 2-methoxyethanol on the hydrolysis of Nb(OEt)₅ and the nature of the Nb₂O₅ films is also discussed.     

Drying agents for water-free introduction of desorption solvent into a GC after on-line SPE of aqueous samples

Summary A small cartridge containing a drying agent is inserted between a solid phase extraction (SPE) column and a gas chromatograph (GC) to enable the introduction of water-free desorption solvent into the GC in on-line liquid chromatography (LC)-type enrichment of trace-level analytes from water samples. Some characteristics of the drying agents, such as their capacity to retain water and their re-usability after heating, have been tested. Possible interactions of the drying agent with the analytes, e.g., irreversible adsorption or catalyzed degradation, have been checked for a wide range of alkanes, alkylbenzenes chlorobenzenes, chlorophenols and phthalate esters. Using the on-line SPE-GC system with flame ionization detection (FID) and spiked samples containing different levels of the test compounds, the repeatability was shown to be satisfactory (6–17%). For 10 mL samples, the detection limits were lower than 0.1 g/L. The on-line SPE-GC-FID system here presented can be used for the repeated analysis of water samples without exchange of the dyring cartridge. The technique is applied to the analysis of tap water.     

Global activities in the world of reference materials including the needs of developing countries

Proceedings of previous BERM meetings have been used to assess emerging trends in the development of RMs to meet AQC requirements of clinical, food, nutrition, and environmental health areas. BRM-1 reflected a strong need to initiate and expand RM activities for certifying organic nutrients in foods. BRM-2 highlighted the distinction between primary (certified) and secondary (e.g. check samples for proficiency testing) RMs¹. BRM-3 identified the need for producing different levels of an analyte in a given matrix (spiked standards) to address matrix related measurement problems in foods. BERM-4 highlighted the need for a global vision in dealing with standards, illustrated by the activities of GESREM. Also, the logistics required for setting up intercomparison programs related to food safety monitoring programs were outlined. BERM-5 presented the changing outlook of the AOAC International in recognizing the usefulness of incorporating RMs for use in conjunction with their methods validation protocol. BERM-6 brought to the forefront the concern for traceability of chemical measurements to internationally recognized standards. BERM-7 recognized the need for multidisciplinary approaches for preparing certain types of CRMs, partly in response to the measurement needs arising from governmental regulations dealing with food safety and environmental health criteria. Finally, BERM symposia have promoted a meaningful dialogue on the RM needs of African, Asian and South American countries and provided the developing countries opportunities to discuss their problems with the international analytical community. The issue of health safety is involved in movement of foodstuffs between countries, and therefore, international efforts as voiced by the World Health Organization to provide guidance and assistance in AQC matters to the needy countries deserve consideration.     

Thermochemical Investigations of Calcium Carbonate Phase Transitions I. Thermal activated vaterite—calcite transition

The vaterite—calcite transition above 630 K has been studied by isothermal and non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry. Vaterite samples prepared under different conditions were investigated. The transition temperature is strongly dependent on the sample preparation. The observed transition enthalpy H_tr is nearly equal for different samples and experimental conditions. From 28 measurements a value of H_tr–(3.12±0.11) kJ mol^–1 was obtained. The activation energy for the polymorphic transition was calculated from the Arrhenius plot and by use of isoconversional methods, as a function of the degree of conversion. The influence of the kinetic model distortion and experimental uncertainties on the obtained data was discussed. The actual value of the activation energy was assessed at E_a=(250±10) kJ mol^–1 for nearly all examined samples. Functions, corresponded to the model mechanism of nuclei formation and growth, provide the unambiguous consideration of the transition kinetic for the investigated vaterite samples. Differences in the dynamic behaviour of several samples at the transition are established.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Rotationally resolved ultraviolet spectra of benzene-noble gas van der Waals clusters

Sub-Doppler electronic spectra with hundreds of resolved rotational lines are now available for benzene-Ar dimers and trimers. From their analysis the structure of these clusters is precisely determined. The analysis of two bands, 6 ₀ ¹ and 16 ₀ ² , of C₆H₆ · Ar is presented in detail. It leads to accurate values of the van der Waals bond length in the electronic ground and excited state. The change in frequency upon clustering is found to be a factor of 17 larger for the overtone of the out-of-plane modev ₁₆ than for the in-plane vibrationv ₁. This can be tentatively explained by an interaction of the low frequency out-of-plane motion of the ring with the van-der-Waals motion of the Ar atom.