Carbyne-fluoro complexes of rhenium. Single-pot synthesis of trans-[ReF(CCH2R)-(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2][BF4]

Treatment of a THF solution of trans-[ReCl(N₂)(dppe)₂] (dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂) with a 1-alkyne HCCR (R =^tBu, CO₂Me, CO₂Et, or C₆H₄Me-4), in the presence of Tl[BF₄]/[NH₄][BF₄], under sunlight, affords the corresponding carbyne-fluoro complexes trans-[ReF(CCH₂R)(dppe)₂][BF₄] in an unprecedented single-pot synthesis. Further reaction with [BU₄N]OH leads to the vinylidenefluoro compounds trans-[ReF(=C=CHR)(dppe)₂] (R = CO₂Me, CO₂Et, or C₆H₄Me-4).     

Amperometric detection of nitrite and nitrate at tetraruthenated porphyrin-modified electrodes in a continuous-flow assembly

The modification of a glassy carbon surface by coating with an electrostatically assembled film of tetraruthenated cobalt porphyrin/(meso-tetra(4-sulphonatephenyl)porphyrinate zinc(II) yields an indicator electrode that allows the determination of nitrite to be performed with a limit of detection of 0.1 μM in a flow injection configuration. The dynamic range extends up to 1000 μM and the repeatability of the measurements was evaluated to be 1.5% with a throughput of 50 samples per hour. The efficiency of the bilayered film to mediate the electron transfer allows the determinations to be performed at a less positive potential (+0.75 V) with enhanced sensitivity. The coating also prevents the surface poisoning and its stability is maintained over several weeks. The same detector was used for determination of nitrate after reduction to nitrite in a reductor column containing copperised cadmium. This method was used for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in mineral water, saliva and cured meats, the results being in agreement with certified values and those obtained by using recommended procedures.     

Kalman filtering of data from first- and second-order kinetics

The Kalman filter algorithm was used to process data obtained in the simultaneous determination of species following first- and second-order kinetics. The performance of the algorithm in the quantification of chemical components from simulated data was assessed, and the influence of various parameters involved was estimated. The algorithm was applied to the resolution of cysteine-ascorbic acid and glutathione-ascorbic acid mixtures where the ascorbic acid followed pseudo first-order kinetics and the amino acids second-order kinetics in the reaction with the copper(II)-neocuproine system. Some features of the determinations (namely, afforded concentration ratios, accuracy and precision) are discussed.     

Mild one-pot conversion of carboxylic acids to amides or esters with Ph3P/trichloroisocyanuric acid

The reaction of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA) and triphenylphosphine in the presence of a carboxylic acid results in the in situ formation of the corresponding acid chloride under mild conditions. Subsequent addition of amines or alcohols, in the presence of a tertiary amine affords the corresponding amides, or esters, in good to excellent yields. The methodology was applied to the synthesis of a dipeptide.     

Two-step upflow anaerobic sludge bed system for sewage treatment under subtropical conditions with posttreatment in waste stabilization ponds

A pilot-scale sewage treatment system consisting of two upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors followed by five waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) in series was studied under subtropical conditions. The first UASB reactor started up in only 1 mo (stable operation, high chemical oxygen demand [COD] removal efficiency, low volatile fatty acids concentration in the effluent, alkalinity ratio above 0.7, biogas production above 0.1 Nm3/kg of CODremoved). Removal efficiencies up to 90% were obtained in the anaerobic steps at a hydraulic retention time of 6 + 4 h (80% removal in the first step). Fecal coliform removal in the whole system was 99.9999% (99.94% in anaerobic steps and 99.98% in WSPs). COD balances over UASB reactors are provided. A minimum set of data necessary to build COD balances is proposed. Intermittent sludge washout was detected in the reactors with the COD balances. Sludge washout from single-step UASB reactors should be monitored and minimized in order to ensure constant compliance with discharge standards, especially when no posttreatment is provided. The system combined high COD and fecal coliform removal efficiency with an extremely low effluent concentration, complying with discharge standards, and making it an attractive option for sewage treatment in subtropical regions.     

Clean osmium-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins in ionic liquids and supercritical CO2 product recovery

The combination of ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents in the asymmetric Sharpless dihydroxylation (AD) with the use of scCO(2) in the separation process allows a very simple, efficient, clean and robust system for the reuse of the AD catalytic system, which also does not need the use of organic solvents either for the reaction or for the separation of products and allows the isolation of the diol, in high yield and enantiomeric excess and basically without contamination with osmium.     

Maximizing the xylitol production from sugar cane bagasse hydrolysate by controlling the aeration rate

Batch fermentations of sugar cane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate treated for removing the inhibitors of the fermentation were performed byCandida guilliermondii FTI20037 for xylitol production. The fermentative parameters agitation and aeration rate were studied aiming the maximization of xylitol production from this agroindustrial residue. The maximal xylitol volumetric productivity (0.87 g/L h) and yield (0.67 g/g) were attained at 400/min and 0.45 v.v.m. (K_La 27/h). According to the results, a suitable control of the oxygen input permitting the xylitol formation from sugar cane bagasse hydrolysate is required for the development of an efficient fermentation process for large-scale applications.     

Crystal,Molecular, and Electronic Structure of 1-Acetyl-indoline and Derivatives

The crystal and molecular structures of the following molecules have been determined: 1-acetyl-indoline, 1-acetyl-5-nitro-indoline, l-acetyl-5-nitro-7-bromo-indoline, 1-acetyl-5-bromo-7-nitroindoline, and l-acetyl-5-bromo-7-nitro-indol. Molecular orbital calculations are performed for these compounds and two related species.