Synthesis and X-ray structural analysis of a unique Co-crystallization complex of [NaSal]2DB24C8 and [KSal]2DB24C8

Sodium salicylate (NaSal where Sal=2-hydroxybenzoate), when mixed with dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) yields a bimetallic complex [NaSal]₂DB24C8 in most polar organic media, while potassium salicylate (KSal) under similar conditions shows a tendency to yield 11 or 21 complexes depending upon medium or synthesis. However, the presence of both NaSal and KSal together results in a unique mixed cation complex of composition NaKSal₂DB24C8. This product melts sharply (190-92°C) without decomposition, displays IR spectral characteristics comparable to those of [Na(Sal)]₂DB24C8, and is stable in aqueous media as shown by the detectable cation effect on the UV absorption bands of Sal and DB24C8. Single crystal X-ray analysis of NaK(Sal)₂DB24C8 reveals that the system represents a co-crystallization complex of individual (KSal)₂DB24C8 and (NaSal)₂DB24C8 molecules. The crystals are monoclinic,P2₁/c,a=19.976(2) Å,b=9.031(1) Å,c=25.541(5) Å,=122.065(9)°, ų,T=298 K,Z=2+2, CuK =1.5418 Å, and 2 (2.5°–100°). FinalR factor for the 3012 observed reflections (F>3) is 0.092. Both the Na₂- and K₂-molecules possess crystallographic centers of symmetry with one metal and its associated anion on each side of the crown ring. However, the conformations of the crowns are very different in the two molecules, with the K₂-crown being nearly planar and the Na₂-crown being quite puckered. Four oxygen atoms from the DB24C8 (KO, 2.680–2.908 Å) and three carboxyl oxygen atoms (KO, 2.472–2.708 Å) from separate salicylate ions coordinate with each potassium. Three oxygens from the crown (NaO, 2.536–2.65 Å) and three carboxyl oxygens (NaO, 2.31–2.563 Å) coordinate with each sodium. The salicylate ions lie on opposite sides and nearly perpendicular (77.2°, Na₂-molecule; 82.7° K₂-molecule) to each crown but coordinate to both of the metal ions within a molecule. The K⁺K⁺ and Na⁺Na⁺ distances in the respective molecules are 3.95 and 3.34 Å. Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82044 (18 pages).     

Solvent extraction of Co/II/ with isonitrosobenzoylacetone into chloroform

A rapid and selective method has been developed for the extraction of Co/II/ with isonitrosobenzoylacetone into chloroform. The effect of various parameters on the extraction coefficient value such as effect of pH, time of equilibration, effect of various cations and anions have been evaluated. The stoichiometry of metal to reagent determined by the method of substoichiometric extraction was found to be 12. It was further supported by the slope ratio method.     

Statistics and schools

This paper considers the place of statistics in school, putting forward the view that it should be seen as an interdisciplinary subject, relevant to all pupils, rather than solely as a separate specialism for a minority of children.     

Zeolite‐Supported One‐Pot Synthesis of Bis‐azetidinones under Microwave Irradiation

In an attempt to synthesize antibacterial agents effective against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, the efficient synthesis of novel bis‐azetidinones ( 3a–j ) has been established. Thus, cycloaddition reaction of substituted bis‐imines with chloroacetylchloride under microwave irradiation in the presence of zeolite yielded bis‐azetidinones ( 3a–j ). Structures of the synthesized compounds have been elucidated on the basis of their elemental analysis and spectral data (IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, and mass spectra). The synthesized bis‐azetidinones were screened for their antibacterial activity against five microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. They were found to exhibit good to moderate antibacterial activity.     

Trash GGBFS-based geopolymer as a novel sunlight-responsive photocatalyst for dye discolouration

In this study, we report a waste material-ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as a low cost geopolymer, hybridised with ZnO to form a novel and efficient photocatalyst capable of discolouring textile wastewater. GGBFS is a waste material in an iron industry. Methylene blue was used as the probe dye and natural sunlight was used for activation of the photocatalyst. It was observed that under the experimental conditions, ZnGP-40 exhibited twice the discoloration efficiency than conventionally used ZnO or TiO₂. This enhanced performance is majorly attributed to increased surface area of ZnO when strewn in the GGBFS matrix. The photocatalysts were characterized by SEM, TEM, PSA, TGA, BET and UV–Vis/NIR. The effect of photocatalyst loading, speed of agitation and solar insolation has also been studied. Since this study has been performed in direct sunlight, it exhibits a realizable application of solar energy in the treatment of wastewater.     

An immunoradiometric assay for human follicle stimulating hormone using a monoclonal antibody coupled to magnetisable cellulose

A simple immunoradiometric assay for human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) was developed using a pair of monoclonal antibodies obtained from commercial sources. The system developed makes use of a capture antibody covalently coupled to magnetisable cellulose, which is a more economical and stable immunosorbent as compared to the other solid phases. The detector antibody is labeled with¹²⁵I using the chloramine-T oxidation method and purified by gel filtration. After initial cross-matching of the capture and detector antibodies, various assay parameters have been optimised. This assay does not show any significant cross reactivity with homologous hormones. A number of serum samples from men and women from reproductive age group was screened and compared with another commercially available kit (r=0.98). Sensitivity of the assay is 1.4 mIU/ml, interassay variation is <5% and intraassay variation around 15%. The assay is reproducible and sensitive enough for regular estimation of serum hFSH and is relatively inexpensive.     

Competitive Self and Induced Aggregation of Calix[4]arene Ethers and Their Interaction with Pinacyanol Chloride and Methylene Blue in Nonaqueous Media

Long chain calix[4]arene ethers have been examined for aggregation in nonaqueous solvents by using UV-vis molecular absorbance spectroscopy. It has been observed that tetraalkylated (alkyl = hexadecyl and octadecyl, respectively) calix[4]arene ethers tend to aggregate in chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, possibly via π–π stacking interactions of the phenyl moieties, and the aggregation process appears to be facilitated by the alkyl chains. The analogous dialkylated compounds do not show any self-aggregation, plausibly due to strong hydrogen bonding between the –OH and the –O– of calix aryl ether which seems to disrupt the aggregation process. Addition of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) appears to hinder the aggregation process in nonpolar chloroform but the same surfactant facilitates aggregation in the polar tetrahydrofuran. The cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) and the nonionic surfactant (Brij-35) have no effect on this aggregation process. Unexpectedly, SDS induces aggregation of dialkylated calix[4]arene ethers in chloroform. It has been observed that the aggregated form of the tetraalkylated calix[4]arene ethers tend to increase the dimerization efficiency of cationic dyes (pinacyanol chloride and methylene blue) in chloroform.     

Static and dynamic properties of KCN<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Cl<Subscript>1−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>

An extended three-body force shell model (ETSM) has been applied to investigate the static and dynamic properties of KCN _x Cl_1−x for the compositionx = 0.56 and 1.0 at 300 K. The phonon dispersion curves computed by us are compared with the single crystal neutron diffraction data. The unusual features of these curves are the upward curvature seen in some of the acoustic branches. This is a result ofK-dependent softening of the phonon due to translation-rotation coupling. The transverse acoustic branch is more soft near the zone centre.     

Facile green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of antidiabetic potent Cassia auriculata

A simple biological method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Cassia auriculata aqueous leaf extract has been carried out in the present study. The reduction of auric chloride led to the formation of AuNPs within 10 min at room temperature (28°C), suggesting a higher reaction rate than chemical methods involved in the synthesis. The size, shape and elemental analysis were carried out using X-ray diffraction, TEM, SEM-EDAX, FT-IR and visible absorption spectroscopy. Stable, triangular and spherical crystalline AuNPs with well-defined dimensions of average size of 15-25 nm were synthesized using C. auriculata. Effect of pH was also studied to check the stability of AuNPs. The main aim of the investigation is to synthesize AuNPs using antidiabetic potent medicinal plant. The stabilizing and reducing molecules of nanoparticles may promote anti-hyperglycemic if tested further.     

Chemical modification of L-glutamine to alpha-amino glutarimide on autoclaving facilitates Agrobacterium infection of host and non-host plants: A new use of a known compound

Background

Accidental autoclaving of L-glutamine was found to facilitate the Agrobacterium infection of a non host plant like tea in an earlier study. In the present communication, we elucidate the structural changes in L-glutamine due to autoclaving and also confirm the role of heat transformed L-glutamine in Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation of host/non host plants.

Results

When autoclaved at 121°C and 15 psi for 20 or 40 min, L-glutamine was structurally modified into 5-oxo proline and 3-amino glutarimide (α-amino glutarimide), respectively. Of the two autoclaved products, only α-amino glutarimide facilitated Agrobacterium infection of a number of resistant to susceptible plants. However, the compound did not have any vir gene inducing property.

Conclusions

We report a one pot autoclave process for the synthesis of 5-oxo proline and α-amino glutarimide from L-glutamine. Xenobiotic detoxifying property of α-amino glutarimide is also proposed.