Chemistry of O-Benzoquinones and Masked O-Benzoquinones IV. Synthesis of O-Spirodienonelactones from Unsymmetric Catechols

We describe the syntheses of 6, 8-di-tert-butyl-, 7, 9-di-tert-butyl., 6,7-di-n-propyl and 8, 9-di-n-propyl-O-spirodienonelactone from 3, 5-di-tert-butylcatechol and 3, 4-di-n-propylcatechol.     

Effect of evaporation temperature on the formation of particulate membranes from crystalline polymers by dry-cast process

The membrane formation of crystalline poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and polyamide (Nylon-66) membranes prepared by dry-cast process was studied. Membrane morphologies from crystalline polymers were found to be strongly dependent on the evaporation temperature. At low temperatures, all the casting solution evaporated into a particulate morphology that was governed by the polymer crystallization mechanism. The rise in the evaporation temperature changed EVAL membrane structure from a particulate to a dense morphology. However, as the temperature increased PVDF and Nylon-66 membranes still exhibited particulate morphologies. The membrane structures obtained were discussed in terms of the characteristics of polymer crystallization in the casting solution theoretically. At elevated temperatures the crystallization was restricted for the EVAL membrane because the increase rate in the polymer concentration was fast relative to the time necessary for growth of nuclei. Nonetheless, the time available for PVDF and Nylon-66 with stronger crystalline properties was large enough to form the crystallization-controlled particulate structure that differed in particle size only. In addition, particles in the PVDF membrane were driven together to disappear the boundary, but those in the Nylon-66 membrane exhibited features of linear grain boundary. The difference in particle morphology was attributed to the Nylon-66 with the most strongly crystalline property. Therefore, the kinetic difference in the crystallization rate of the polymer solution play an important role in dominating the membrane structure by dry-cast process.     

Hair as an indicator of environmental exposure in Hong Kong

Eleven human hair samples were taken from the Chinese residents of Hong Kong for the study of hair trace elemental level and environmental exposures. Absolute neutron activation analysis and Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometry were applied in the determination of the trace elemental level. All results are reported in parts per million except for sulfur and oxygen which are reported in percent. The trace element content of hair from a drug addict was found to be considerably different from other sampled people. Comparison of the normal concentrations of the trace elements of the Chinese residents of Hong Kong was made with those from people of various other national, socio-cultural and environmental backgrounds. It was found that together with a few other trace elements, Ni, Sr, Zr and Hg content of the Chinese Residents of Hong Kong show a higher level than those of the other sampled people.     

The Studies of Free Radical Cyclization Reactions Mediated by Sulfonyl Chloride (II)

A study on the free radical cyclization reaction of substituted 1,6-dienes mediated by p-toluenesulfonyl chloride is described.     

CO disproportionation on Ni-based catalysts

Ni/SiO₂ exhibits higher activity for CO dissociation than coprecipitated Na–Mn–Ni, which is a higher oxygenate synthesis catalyst at 303 K, while Na–Mn–Ni exhibited higher CO dissociation activities at 673 K.     

Free Radical Reaction between 1,6-Dienes and P-Toluenesulfonyl Cyanlde

A sulfonyl-radical-induced addition-cyclization reaction of 1,6-dienes with p-toluenesulfonyl cyanide giving functionalized cyclopentane systems is described.     

X-Ray Structure and Proton NMR Study of a Hexacoordinated Lithium Complex

The structure of the lithium complex with1,3,5-tris[oxymethylene(N,N-dicyclohexyl)carboxyamido]cyclohexanehas been determined by the X-ray method.The compound is triclinic, space group P¯1,a = 15.623(3), b = 19.279(4),c = 19.295(4)Å = 102.32(3), = 92.45(3), = 105.67(3)0, V = 5436(2)Å3, Z = 4. Itscomposition is represented by the formulaC48H82N3O6LiI 0.5H2O. The lithium cationis encapsulated in a polar pseudo-cavity of six oxygen atoms of the ligandmolecule and displays a distorted trigonal prism coordination. The conformationof the ligand in the solid state complex has been compared with the conformationof the complex in solution determined by 1H-NMR measurements.Supplementary data relevant to this publication have been deposited with the British Library, No. SUP 82224 (21 pages).