In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as an efficient tool for determination of reaction kinetics

The performance of new FTIR-based monitoring technology to representatively determine reaction kinetics has been demonstrated on an example of homogeneously catalyzed liquid-phase sucrose hydrolysis to fructose and glucose. The reaction kinetics were investigated by using the ReactIR 1000 reaction analysis system, which enables determination of the component concentration from its characteristic FTIR spectrum. During the sucrose inversion, the ReactIR 1000 instrument connected to a computer controlled standard glass batch reactor provided the required operating conditions and information about the component concentration in real-time. We have studied the influence of hydrogen ion concentration, temperature and initial concentration of sucrose on the sucrose disappearance rate. It was found out that the inversion of sucrose is an irreversible reaction, which is not affected by the formation of fructose and glucose in the liquid-phase. Then, the parameters of the kinetic model (i.e., reaction rate constant and activation energy) were calculated. A comparison of the model output and the measured data showed that the kinetics of the sucrose inversion could be well described by means of the pseudo first-order kinetic model. Finally, the method of determining the kinetic model by FTIR spectroscopy was verified by comparing the results obtained in the batch reactor with the results obtained in the continuously stirred tank reactor.     

π-Olefin—iridium -komplexe : III. Über (η4-cyclodien)(η5-cyclodienyl)iridium-verbindungen,einen neuartigen hydridoiridium-komplex und das (η4-cyclooctadien)(η6-cyclooctatrien)iridium-kation

The complexes [Ir(COD)(η⁵-C₇H₉)] and [Ir(COD)(η⁵-C₈H₁₁)] are obtained by the isoprophyl Grignard synthesis of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ (COD = η⁴-1,5-cyclooctadiene) in the presence of cycloheptatriene, and cyclooctatriene, respectively. The later reaction yields [IrH(COD)(δ⁴-1,3,6-C₈H₁₀)] as a by-product which, in contrast to other [IrH(η⁴-cyclodiene)₂] complexes, does not show H-addition-elimination equilibria. Reduction of [Ir(1,3-C₇H₁₀)₂Cl] with C₂H₅OH/Na₂CO₃ yields [Ir(η⁴-1,3-C₇H₁₀)](η⁵-C₇H₉)] which was characterized by X-ray analysis. [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ reacts with Na₂C₈H₈, and after hydrolysis unstable [Ir(COD)(η⁵-C₈H₉)] is formed which by protonation with HPF₆ is converted into the [Ir(COD)(η⁶-1,3,5-C₈H₁₀)]⁺ cation. All these compounds are fluxional in solution.     

TPR, TPO, and TPD examinations of Cu0.15Ce0.85O(2-y) mixed oxides prepared by co-precipitation, by the sol-gel peroxide route, and by citric acid-assisted synthesis

Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), oxidation (TPO), and desorption (TPD) studies were performed on three copper-ceria mixed oxide samples having the same nominal composition, Cu0.15Ce0.85O(2-y), but prepared in three different ways: by co-precipitation, the sol-gel peroxide route, and the sol-gel citric acid route. The obtained results reveal that despite a drastic initial drop in specific surface area after consecutive redox cycles, the hydrogen consumption remains constant. This is because CuO is highly dispersed over the surface of CeO2 nanocrystallites and remains highly dispersed even after the agglomeration of CeO2 nanocrystallites in a denser secondary structure. The dispersed CuO is reduced to Cu(0) during the TPR, forming agglomerated metal particles on the surface of partially reduced CeO2. However, after subsequent temperature-programmed oxidation all the Cu(0) is oxidized back into CuO and redispersed over the CeO2 crystallites.     

Micro-method for the determination of roxithromycin in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography using electrochemical detection

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic micro-method for the determination of roxithromycin in human plasma and urine is described. A dichloromethane extract of the sample was chromatographed on a C18 reversed-phase column with acetonitrile-83 mM ammonium acetate-methanol (55:23:22, v/v) adjusted to pH 7.5 with acetic acid as the mobile phase. Roxithromycin and the internal standard, erythromycin, were detected by dual coulometric electrodes operated in the oxidative screen mode. The applied cell potential of the screen electrode was set at +0.7 V and the sample electrode at +0.9 V. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than or equal to 7.0%. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) was 0.1 microgram/ml for both plasma and urine. A study of drug stability during sample storage at 4, 20 and 37 degrees C showed no degradation of roxithromycin. The method is convenient for clinical monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies.     

Using staggered grids with characteristic boundary conditions when solving compressible reactive Navier–Stokes equations

A specific (hybrid) arrangement of variables is discussed to solve reactive compressible Navier–Stokes equations on staggered‐like grids with high‐order finite difference schemes. The objective is to improve the numerical flow solution at boundaries. Hybrid arrangement behaviour is compared with ‘pure’ colocated and staggered strategies. Classical Fourier analysis shows accuracy to be significantly improved in the hybrid case. One‐dimensional laminar flame test demonstrates increased robustness (in terms of mesh resolution), whereas computation of 1D exiting pressure wave propagation gives evidence that the method also improves accuracy in the prediction of non‐reflecting outflows, compared e.g. with the fully staggered scheme of (J. Comput. Phy. 2003). Multidimensional extension is illustrated through turbulent 2D planar and 3D expanding flames simulations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A brief remark on van der Waerden spaces

We demonstrate that Martin's axiom for -centered notions of forcing implies the existence of a van der Waerden space that is not a Hindman space. Our proof is an adaptation of the one given by M. Kojman and S. Shelah that such a space exists if one assumes the continuum hypothesis to be true.

     

Design of a high-power NMR probe for low-temperature studies

A low-temperature, high-power NMR probe head design is described which eliminates the problem of electric arc discharge commonly experienced during radiofrequency pulse cycling in a helium environment. A polychlorotrifluoroethylene (Kel-F) coil former, fitted with a solenoid coil, is heat-shrunk onto stainless-steel flanges and spot-welded inside a stainless-steel probe head assembly connected to a hollow coaxial transmission-line probe shaft. By this means, the sample coil and all high-voltage elements can effectively be isolated in a vacuum, while at the same time permitting good thermal contact between the sample and cryogenic gas. This design was used in NMR studies in the 4.6 K < or = T < or = 77 K temperature range for RF pulse durations < or = 50 ms (and longer for low RF amplitudes) and amplitudes up to approximately 60 G.