The comparison of the speed of solving chemistry calculation tasks in the traditional way and with the use of ICT.

Efficiency of time use is a key factor in chemistry calculation tasks, affecting both, personal and professional domains. This study is dedicated to finding the fastest methods for accomplishing chemistry tasks. Our investigation delves into the comparative temporal outlays made by students as they engage three different approaches: using an electronic calculator, a basic calculator app on a smartphone, and a desktop computer calculator. As part of our research, we examine a cohort of 52 Slovenian university students, preservice teachers who were actively enrolled in chemistry and related science programs, spanning the academic years of 2019 and 2022.  The results from 2019 show that students can solve the chemistry tasks most quickly using electronic calculator and take the most time to calculate the tasks using smartphones (Δmean = 133 s; ΔSD = 5 s; Δmin = 97 s; Δmax = 131 s). An even larger difference is observed from the 2022 study year (Δmean = 189 s; ΔSD = 129 s; Δmin = 170 s; Δmax = 625 s). In summary, although smartphones are recognised as a multitasking device, replacing traditional single-purpose devices, they have not been able to outperform them.

Synthesis of nickel and cobalt sulfide nanoparticles using a low cost sonochemical method.

Nickel and cobalt sulfides are promising materials in different cutting-edge research areas like solar cells, supercapacitors, catalysts, and electrode materials. Nickel and cobalt sulfides with various stoichiometries have been synthesized sonochemically from Ni(CH3COO)2 ∙ 4H2O, Co(CH3COO)2 ∙ 2H2O and different sulfur precursors using a direct immersion ultrasonic probe. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including EDX analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Following products have been obtained: NiS, Ni3S4, CoS1.097 and Co9S8, with average crystallite sizes in the range 7-30 nm. Effects of different reaction conditions on the size, morphology and optical band-gap energy were evaluated. Optical band-gap energies in the range 3.3 eV-3.8 eV were observed for the obtained nanoparticles.

Two new zinc(II) acetates with 3- and 4-aminopyridine: syntheses and structural properties.

The synthesis and characterization of two new zinc(II) coordination compounds with 3- and 4-aminopyridine are reported. They were obtained after adding a water solution of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O or dissolving solid Zn(CH3COO)2 ∙ 2H2O in methanol solutions of 3- and 4-aminopyridine. The products were characterized structurally by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Colourless crystals of the compound synthesized by the reaction of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and 3-aminopyridine (3-apy), are built of trinuclear complex molecules with the formula [Zn3(O2CCH3)6(3-apy)2(H2O)2] (1). The molecules consists of two terminal Zn atoms, coordinated tetrahedrally, and one central Zn atom, coordinated octahedrally. Colourless crystals, obtained by the reaction of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O with 4-aminopyridine (4-apy), consist of a mononuclear complex [Zn(O2CCH3)2(4-apy)2] (2). Hydrogen‒bonding interactions in the crystal structures of both complexes are reported.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a new Hydroxylammonium Fluoroferrate.

This paper reports on the synthesis of a new hydroxylammonium fluoroferrate, with the formula (NH3OH)3FeF6, obtained after dissolving iron powder in hydrofluoric acid and adding solid NH3OHF. This new compound has been characterized by chemical and thermal analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The title compound crystallizes trigonal, R3c, with cell parameters a = 11.4154(2) Å, c = 11.5720(2) Å, Z = 6. The structure consists of NH3OH+ cations and isolated FeF63- octahedra in which the central ion lies on a threefold axis. The oxygen and nitrogen atoms of the hydroxylammonium cations are donors of hydrogen bonds to fluoride anions, resulting in a network of hydrogen bonds between counterions. The effective magnetic moment µeff = 5.8 BM was calculated and perfectly matches the expected value of high-spin Fe(III) ions. The thermal decomposition of the compound was studied by TG, DSC, and X-ray powder diffraction.