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.     

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.     

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.     

The biogenetic law

We develop one criterion for the selection of the content of a mathematics syllabus. We advocate the importance of the biogenetic law and stress the importance of a historical perspective in mathematical education.     

Revised structure of paederoside,a novel monoterpene S-methyl thiocarbonate

On the basis of its mass spectrum, nmr and hydrolysis products, the iridoid glucoside, paederoside, is identified as an S-methyl thiocarbonate.