Dimethyl carbonate as a novel methylating reagent for fatty acids in analytical pyrolysis

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was investigated as a mild, harmless and odorless reagent for pyrolytic methylation of fatty acids. Soybean oil was selected as test material for its high content of (poly)unsaturated fatty acids. Pyrolyses were performed at 500, 700 and 900 degrees C by means of a heated platinum filament pyrolyser on-line and off-line to the GC-MS apparatus. Methyl esters of palmitic, linoleic, oleic and stearic acid were formed as prominent products from off-line pyrolysis of soybean oil in the presence of DMC and zeolite 13X. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were not observed at important levels in the absence of zeolite, while on-line Py-GC-MS experiments resulted principally in the formation of free fatty acids and hydrocarbons. The FAME profiles obtained from the DMC/zeolite off-line pyrolysis were compared to those resulting from tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis and BF3-methanol procedure. The observed differences between pyrolysis and methanolysis methods were principally attributed to the thermal degradation of unsaturated fatty acids. The effectiveness of the DMC/zeolite pyrolytic methylation was further demonstrated by the analysis of tripalmitine and soybean seeds.     

Investigation of surface structure and composition of in situ annealed Fe–Mn binary alloy samples using RHEED and electron spectroscopy

The formation of oxides at the surface of Fe–1.5%Mn and Fe–0.6%Mn binary alloys was investigated as a function of the conditions of the heat treatments. Both the influence of temperature and the atmosphere under which the experiments were performed were studied. The range of annealing temperatures was adjusted to 800°C. The atmosphere consisted of a mixture of N₂–5%H₂ and traces of water vapour, with different fixed dew points ranging from −10°C to −30°C. The state of the annealed surfaces was determined using in situ analytical devices attached to the annealing reactor in order to avoid surface contamination or the formation of native oxides after the experiments due to contact with air. The structure and composition of the surfaces were determined by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and electron spectroscopy (XPS, AES). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative determination of sotolon, maltol and free furaneol in wine by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-ion-trap mass spectrometry

A method for the analytical determination of sotolon [4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone], maltol [3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one] and free furaneol [2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone] in wine has been developed. The analytes are extracted from 50 ml of wine in a solid-phase extraction cartridge filled with 800 mg of LiChrolut EN resins. Interferences are removed with 15 ml of a pentane-dichloromethane (20:1) solution, and analytes are recovered with 6 ml of dichloromethane. The extract is concentrated up to 0.1 ml and analyzed by GC-ion trap MS. Maltol and sotolon were determined by selected ion storage of ions in the m/z ranges 120-153 and 79-95, using the ions m/z 126 and 83 for quantitation, respectively. Furaneol was determined by non-resonant fragmentation of the m/z 128 mother ion and subsequent analysis of the m/z 81 ion. The detection limits of the method are in all cases between 0.5 and 1 microg l(-1), well below the olfactory thresholds of the compounds. The precision of the method is in the 4-5% range for levels in wine around 20 microg l(-1). Linearity holds at least up to 400 microg l(-1), and is satisfactory in all cases. The recoveries of maltol and sotolon are constant (70 and 64%, respectively) and do not depend on the type of wine. On the contrary, in the case of furaneol, red wines show constant and high recoveries (97%), while the recoveries on white wines range between 30 and 80%. Different experiments showed that this behavior is probably due to the existence of complexes formed between furaneol and sulphur dioxide or catechols. Sensory experiments confirmed that the complexed forms found in white wines are not perceived by orthonasal olfaction, and that the furaneol determined by the method can be considered as the free and odor-active fraction.     

Robust interface on ENR-50/TiO2 nanohybrid material based sol-gel technique: Insights into synthesis,characterization and applications in optical

In this work, the sol–gel technique was used to prepare a new organic–inorganic hybrid from Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR-50) and Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) by blending different content of titania precursors (10, 30, and 50 wt%) with an ENR-50 matrix. A wide range of analyses was conducted to understand the nature of this hybrid and also to evaluate its potential uses in applications required high refractive index such as micro optical and optoelectronic devices. Results indicated that the ring-opening reaction of epoxide groups in ENR-50 increased with the increase of titania content in the hybrid resulting a strong bonding between titania and ENR-50 through TiOC bond, which was observed in FTIR spectrum at 1027–1028 cm⁻¹. It is also observed a slight decrease in the intensity of the amorphous peak along with a new crystalline peak appeared at 2θ = 23 and 27° due to the crystalline nature of titania. The hybrids showed three thermal degradation steps in the range of temperature 76 to 769 °C due to the existence of the Ti moieties with the mixture of polymer chains, which in turn shifted the T_g at 24.3, 26.9 and 28.1 °C for the hybrid at 10, 30, and 50 wt% TiO₂ compared to the T_g of ENR-50 at −18.4 °C respectively. The morphology of the ENR-50 showed clear changes during of the synthesis of ENR-50/TiO₂ hybrids, these changes were proven by SEM, TEM, and AFM analyses. Uv–Vis results showed that the higher wavelength peak at 293 nm has shifted to 296, 298 and 300 nm for the hybrid at 10, 30, and 50 wt% TiO₂ respectively due to the strong interaction between titania precursors and ENR-50 matrix. Furthermore, the hybrids showed good optical transparency in the visible light range.     

Reaction of carboxamide with Cu2Oisonitrile complex; formation of a new chelated copper(I) complex

Reaction of carboxamides with Cu₂O in the presence of t-butyl isocyanide gave new chelated copper(I) complexes, which probably are formed by the insertion of t-butyl isocyanide into the coppernitrogen bond of copper(I) amide isonitrile complexes, which were initially produced from the carboxamides and Cu₂Ot-butyl isocyanide complex. The same chelated copper(I) complexes were prepared more readily by the reaction of the corresponding N-trimethylsilyl-carboxamides with Cu₂Ot-butyl isocyanide complex. Reactions of the copper(I) complexes thus obtained with alkylating agents, such as alkyl halides, alkyl tosylates and triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate, also were described.     

N-Heterocyclic Olefins as Electron Donors in Combination with Triarylborane Acceptors: Synthesis,Optical and Electronic Properties of D–π–A Compounds

N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs), relatives of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), exhibit high nucleophilicity and soft Lewis basic character. To investigate their π-electron donating ability, NHOs were attached to triarylborane π-acceptors (A) giving donor (D)–π–A compounds 1 – 3 . In addition, an enamine π-donor analogue ( 4 ) was synthesized for comparison. UV–visible absorption studies show a larger red shift for the NHO-containing boranes than for the enamine analogue, a relative of cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes (CAACs). Solvent-dependent emission studies indicate that 1 – 4 have moderate intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) behavior. Electrochemical investigations reveal that the NHO-containing boranes have extremely low reversible oxidation potentials (e.g., for 3 , =−0.40 V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium, Fc/Fc⁺, in THF). Time-dependent (TD) DFT calculations show that the HOMOs of 1 – 3 are much more destabilized than that of the enamine-containing 4 , which confirms the stronger donating ability of NHOs.     

Sol-gel approach to in situ creation of high pH-resistant surface-bonded organic-inorganic hybrid zirconia coating for capillary microextraction (in-tube SPME)

A novel zirconia-based hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coating was developed for capillary microextraction (CME) (in-tube SPME). High degree of chemical inertness inherent in zirconia makes it very difficult to covalently bind a suitable organic ligand to its surface. In the present work, this problem was addressed from a sol-gel chemistry point of view. Principles of sol-gel chemistry were employed to chemically bind a hydroxy-terminated silicone polymer (polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane, PDMDPS) to a sol-gel zirconia network in the course of its evolution from a highly reactive alkoxide precursor undergoing controlled hydrolytic polycondensation reactions. A fused silica capillary was filled with a properly designed sol solution to allow for the sol-gel reactions to take place within the capillary for a predetermined period of time (typically 15-30 min). In the course of this process, a layer of the evolving hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel polymer got chemically anchored to the silanol groups on the capillary inner walls via condensation reaction. At the end of this in-capillary residence time, the unbonded part of the sol solution was expelled from the capillary under helium pressure, leaving behind a chemically bonded sol-gel zirconia-PDMDPS coating on the inner walls. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and aldehydes were efficiently extracted and preconcentrated from dilute aqueous samples using sol-gel zirconia-PDMDPS coated capillaries followed by thermal desorption and GC analysis of the extracted solutes. The newly developed sol-gel hybrid zirconia coatings demonstrated excellent pH stability, and retained the extraction characteristics intact even after continuous rinsing with a 0.1 M NaOH solution for 24 h. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a sol-gel zirconia-based hybrid organic-inorganic coating as an extraction medium in solid phase microextraction (SPME).     

Application of HPLC to measure vanadium in environmental,biological and clinical matrices

Vanadate and vanadium compounds exist in many environmental, biological and clinical matrices, and despite the need only limited progress has been made on the analysis of vanadium compounds. The vanadium coordination chemistry of different oxidation states is known, and the result of the characterization and speciation analysis depends on the subsequent chemistry and the methods of analysis. Many studies have used a range of methods for the characterization and determination of metal ions in a variety of materials. One successful technique is high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that has been used mainly for measuring total vanadium level and metal speciation. Some cases have been reported where complexes of different oxidation states of vanadium have been separated by HPLC. Specifically reversed phase (RP) HPLC has frequently been used for the measurement of vanadium. Other HPLC methods such as normal phase, anion-exchange, cation-exchange, size exclusion and other RP-HPLC modes such as, ion-pair and micellar have been used to separate selected vanadium compounds. We will present a review that summarizes and critically analyzes the reported methods for analysis of vanadium salts and vanadium compounds in different sample matrices. We will compare various HPLC methods and modes including sample preparation, chelating reagents, mobile phase and detection methods. The comparison will allow us to identify the best analytical HPLC method and mode for measuring vanadium levels and what information such methods provide with regard to speciation and quantitation of the vanadium compounds.     

Novel anti-inflammatory and wound healing controlled released LDH-Curcumin nanocomposite via intramuscular implantation,in-vivo study

One of the most common problems in wounds is delayed healing and complications such as infection. Therefore, the need for novel materials accelerates the healing of wounds especially abdominal wounds after surgery besides high efficiency and safety is mandatory. The rate of wound healing, anti-inflammatory and biocompatibility of Zn-Al LDH (Zn-Al layer double hydroxide) alone and loaded with Curcumin (Zn-Al LDH/Curcumin) was screened via in-vivo assays through intramuscular implantation in rat abdominal wall with intact peritoneum cavity. The implanted drugs were formed through Curcumin loaded into LDH of Zn-Al with drug release of 56.78 ± 1.51% within 24 h. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by (TGA/DTA) thermal analysis, (XRD) X-ray diffraction, (FESEM) Field emission scanning electron microscopy, (HRTEM) high resolution transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and low-temperature N₂ adsorption, pore volume and average pore size distribution. The integrity of blood circulation, inflammatory signs, wound healing rate, capacity of tissue integration, antigenicity and composite biocompatibility, auto fluorescence ability of collagen bundles and the tensile strength of the muscle were assessed histopathologically after 7 and 30 days’ post-implantation. Excellent wound healing ability was achieved with shortest length between the wound gap edges and higher tensile strength of the muscle. Besides emit florescence very well followed by good healing and tensile muscles strength in Curcumin while very low strength with scar formation in Zn-Al LDH/Curcumin in both acute and chronic wound. No signs of inflammation in Curcumin & Zn-Al LDH. No vessels obstruction or bleeding observed in both Zn-Al LDH and Curcumin more than Zn-Al LDH/Curcumin and control which examined through candling. Good healing & infiltrated immune cells in same groups through histopathological examination. This work supports the anti-inflammatory, wound healing and biocompatibility of both LDH and Curcumin with living matter, increasing their biomedical applications in this era with safety and increasing efficacy with prolonged drug release.     

Quantitative analysis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in preserved oral fluid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive method for the analysis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in preserved oral fluid was developed and fully validated. Oral fluid was collected with the Intercept, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sampling device that is used on a large scale in the U.S. for workplace drug testing. The method comprised a simple liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a XTerra MS C18 column, eluted isocratically with 1 mM ammonium formate-methanol (10:90, v/v). Selectivity of the method was achieved by a combination of retention time, and two precursor-product ion transitions. The use of the liquid-liquid extraction was demonstrated to be highly effective and led to significant decreases in the interferences present in the matrix. Validation of the method was performed using both 100 and 500 MicroL of oral fluid. The method was linear over the range investigated (0.5-100 ng/mL and 0. 1-10 ng/mL when 100 and 500 microL, respectively, of oral fluid were used) with an excellent intra-assay and inter-assay precision (relative standard deviations, RSD <6%) for quality control samples spiked at a concentration of 2.5 and 25 ng/mL and 0.5 and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively. Limits of quantification were 0.5 and 0.1 ng/mL when using 100 and 500 microL, respectively. In contrast to existing GC-MS methods, no extensive sample clean-up and time-consuming derivatisation steps were needed. The method was subsequently applied to Intercept samples collected at the roadside and collected during a controlled study with cannabis.