Syntheses, Characterization, Crystal Structures and Antimicrobial Activity of Schiff Base Copper(II) Complexes Derived from 2-Bromo-6-((2-(isopropylamino) ethylimino)methyl)phenol

Three new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(LH)2]Br2 (1), [Cu(LH)2]NCS2 (2), and [Cu(LH)2](NO3)2 (3), where LH is the zwitterionic form of 2-bromo-6-((2-(isopropylamino)ethylimino)methyl)phenol (HL), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The structures of the complexes were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray structure determination. All compounds are mononuclear copper(II) complexes. The Cu atoms in the complexes are coordinated by two imino N and two phenolate O atoms from two LH ligands, forming square planar coordination. The compounds were assayed for their antimicrobial activities.

Identification of Phytochemicals from the Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia Roots using Solid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid Extraction Based Fractionation Techniques

Phytochemicals in the water extract of Eurycoma longofolia roots were identified using both solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction based fractionation techniques. A reversed phase C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) was used as solid-liquid extraction, whereas solvent partition was applied as liquid-liquid extraction. Total saponin was increased after fractionation. A few known quassinoids; eurycomanone, 13α(21)-epoxyeurycomanone, pasakbumin D, 13β,18-dihydroeurycomanol and 13β,21-dihydroxyeurycomanol were identified from the 40% and 60% methanol fractions of SPE. Solvent partition extract using ethyl acetate was found to have the highest saponin content compared to butanol and chloroform fractions. Subsequent acetone precipitation of the organic fractions recovered a formylated hexose trimer and other saccharide-containing compounds. Ethyl acetate effectively recovered saponins from E. longofolia water extract using liquid-liquid extraction followed by acetone precipitation.

Some Nitrogen Rich Energetic Material Synthesis by Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction from Polynitro Aromatic Compounds

Three new nitrogen-rich energetic compounds, N-(5-chloro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazine (1), N-(5-chloro-2,4-dinitrophenyl) guanidine (2) and N-(5-chloro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-4-aminopyrazole (3) prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 1,3-dichloro-4,6-dinitrobenzene with hydrazine, guanidinium carbonate and 4-aminopyrazole. The compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. Only compound 2 could be prepared in a suitable crystal and molecular model was determined by X-ray analysis. Compounds were investigated by TG and DSC. Thermal degradation and thermokinetic behavior were investigated by Ozawa–Flynn–Wall and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose techniques. Compounds were observed to be prone to exothermical thermal decomposition. HOMO and LUMO levels, theoretical formation enthalpy and electrostatic maps were calculated by Gaussian09. The detonation velocity and pressure were calculated by Kamlet–Jacobs equation. The compounds were assayed for antimicrobial properties.

Selective Removal of Sodium Ions from Aqueous Media Using Effective Adsorbents: Optimization by RSM and Genetic Algorithm

This study aimed to determine the best adsorbent among Moringa oleifera-derived activated carbon (AC), eggshell-derived CaO nanoparticles and CaO/Fe3O4 for sodium (Na+) removal from aqueous media. In the first step, the appropriate adsorbent for sodium adsorption was determined among the three adsorbents, which the results showed that the AC had the highest sorption efficiency. Then, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the impact of different factors on the Na+ ion sorption efficiency using the AC. The highest removal efficiency was obtained to be 95.91% at optimum conditions such as pH of 11, contact time of 45 min, temperature of 25 °C, sodium ion concentration of 900 mg/L, and adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L. Also, the best conditions using the genetic algorithm was obtained at contact time of 94.97 min, adsorbent dosage of 3.52 g/L, Na+ ion concentration of 939.92 mg/L and pH value of 10.92. Moreover, the maximum sorption capacity using the Langmuir model was obtained to be 249.67 mg/g, which was a significant value. Besides, the equilibrium and kinetic studies indicated that the experimental data of sodium adsorption process were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. Furthermore, the thermodynamic study indicated that the sorption process was endothermic. Generally, among the three adsorbents used, activated carbon with a high removal efficiency and significant sorption capacity can be considered as a promising adsorbent for the removal of sodium from wastewater on an industrial scale.

Determination of Some Elements in Legumes Using ICP-MS and EDXRF Methodology Applications

The current study involves two analytical research techniques, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy, used to determine the elemental composition of different legumes usually produced and consumed in Slovenia. Results indicate that data obtained using these methods are in agreement with certified reference materials. In total, nineteen elements were determined from twenty legume samples. An intercomparison between four macro- (P, S, K, Ca) and three microelements (Fe, Zn, Mo) measured using ICP-MS and EDXRF methods showed a strong correlation. The EDXRF was found to be a cheaper, simpler and more environmentally friendly method for determination of elements P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mo, Sr, Rb, Ti and Br in legumes, while for the identification and determination of Na, Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Co and Cu content ICP‐MS was the method of choice due to its excellent sensitivity and accuracy. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the samples of the studied legumes were classified into four groups according to their elemental composition.

Synthesis and Spectral Studies of Some Homo Dinuclear Lanthanide(III) Complexes of a Mesogenic Schiff Base

A mesogenic Schiff base, N,N’-di(4-decyloxysalicylidene)-1’,8’-diamino-3’,6’-dioxaoctane (H2L) and a series of homo dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes of the type [Ln2(LH2)3(NO3)4](NO3)2, (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Ho) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FTIR, and NMR spectral techniques. The IR and NMR spectral evidences imply bonding of a neutral bidentate H2L species through two phenolate oxygen atoms in its zwitterionic form to LnIII, rendering the overall geometry of the complexes as a seven-coordinate polyhedron – possibly distorted mono-capped octahedron. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical icroscopic (POM) studies reveal mesogenic properties (smectic-X, smectic-A and nematic mesophases) in the ligand over a wide range of temperature but none mesomorphism in the LnIII complexes synthesized under this study. Luminescence studies exhibit emissions of H2L and TbIII complex.

Synthesis of CuO by Electrospinning Method for Sensing of Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide Gases

The pure CuO nanofibers were synthesized via the electrospinning method successfully. The calcinated CuO nanofibers were investigated for sensing hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases. Structural properties of the synthesized calcinated nanofibers were studied using Fourier –transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and particle morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images confirmed string-like structures, nanofibers. The sensor based on the calcinated CuO nanofibers exhibited excellent gas sensing performance at the low operating temperature of 175 °C and the fast response and recovery characteristics at a low concentration. Moreover, good stability, prominent reproducibility, and excellent selectivity are also observed based on the calcinated nanofibers. These results demonstrate the potential application of calcinated CuO nanofibers for sensing hydrogen (10–200 ppm) and carbon monoxide (400–700 ppm) gases.

Reactivity of Microcrystalline Cellulose with Methyltrimethoxysilane and 3-(2-Aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilanes

In the presented research, two trialkoxysilanes were used to investigate their reactivity with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) applied as a model material. As a continuation of the previous study, the research aimed at evaluation of the durability and potential reversibility of the silane treatment. Two different solvents and a mixture thereof were used for cellulose modification. The influence of amino group/pH, an excess of silanes and re-soaking with water on binding with cellulose was examined. The results obtained confirm that both selected silanes can effectively modify MCC. However, the treatment with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane occurred more effective than with Methyltrimethoxysilane due to the presence of amino groups. Among the three tested solvents, the most effective was pure water. In contrast, the use of ethanol and a mixture of ethanol and water gave significantly worse results. Summarising, the presented research clearly shows how important the type of the functional group in alkoxysilanes is for its chemical reactivity with natural polymers, which is crucial for their application in waterlogged wood conservation.

Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structures of Schiff Base Copper Complexes with Urease Inhibitory Activity

Urease inhibitors can inhibit the decomposition rate of urea, and decrease the air pollution caused by ammonia. In this paper, four new copper(II) complexes [CuL(ONO2)]n (1), [Cu2L2(μ1,3-N3)2] (2), [CuBrL] (3), and [CuClL] (4), where L = 5-bromo-2-(((2-methylamino)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenolate, have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, molar conductivity, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analysis reveals that Cu atoms in complexes 1 and 2 are in square pyramidal coordination, and those in complexes 3 and 4 are in square planar coordination. The molecules of the complexes are linked through hydrogen bonds and π···π interactions. The inhibitory effects of the complexes on Jack bean urease were studied, which showed that the complexes have effective activity on urease.

Developing Students’ Problem-Solving Skills Using Learning Tasks: an Action Research Project in Secondary School

Studies on students’ problem-solving skills worldwide suggest there is a room for improvement. This study aimed at improving upper-secondary school students’ problem-solving skills in chemistry lessons. They were given a problem tasks pre-test focused on their conceptual knowledge regarding the periodic table, ability to apply knowledge on the factors affecting chemistry reaction rate and compounds’ properties. Most students (72 out of 112) did not succeed to solve the tasks. For this reason, an intervention was designed based on a study using eye-tracking combined with think-aloud. It consisted of students’ working on (PISA-like) context-based chemistry problem tasks with a special scaffolding. A teacher provided formative assessment promoting students’ expansive strategies. The intervention’s effect was again assessed using problem tasks in two post-tests. The results showed the action plan was successful in helping the majority of students reach above-average test score. The ratio of successful solvers also rose and unsuccessful significantly declined.