Mass Spectrometric Study on the Combustion of Tetramethylsilane and the Formation of Silicon Oxide Clusters in Premixed Laminar Low-Pressure Synthesis Flames.

This work investigates the decomposition of tetramethylsilane and the formation of silicon oxide clusters in a laminar premixed low-pressure hydrogen flame using molecular-beam mass spectrometry (MBMS). A comprehensive list of the species that exist in the gas phase was compiled and spatially resolved mole fraction profiles of species in the flame were obtained. Quantitative data in dependence of height above the burner were obtained for all major species and intermediates. The MBMS detection technique allowed to monitor Si-C-O-H, and Si-O-H-containing compounds as well as C1-C2 species. The measured data show that the reaction of tetramethylsilane is initiated by H-abstraction from a methyl group and subsequent formation of oxygenated species. The measurements suggest that combustion of tetramethylsilane in a hydrogen flame proceeds mainly by a stepwise substitution of the methyl ligands by hydroxyl groups. Molecular and radical intermediates like Si(CH3)2OH, Si(OH)3, and Si(OH)4 are formed in the reaction zone. Significant amounts of Si(OH)4 are present at large distances above the burner. A repetitive growth pattern suggests that the monomer Si(OH)4 is a likely species initiating the formation and growth of larger silicon oxide clusters, e.g., Si4O10H4, Si5O12H4, and Si6O14H4, that can form nanoparticles in subsequent reactions.

Shock-tube study of the decomposition of tetramethylsilane using gas chromatography and high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The decomposition of tetramethylsilane was studied in shock-tube experiments in a temperature range of 1270-1580 K and pressures ranging from 1.5 to 2.3 bar behind reflected shock waves combining gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HRR-TOF-MS). The main observed products were methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6), and acetylene (C2H2). In addition, the formation of a solid deposit was observed, which was identified to consist of silicon- and carbon-containing nanoparticles. A kinetics sub-mechanism with 13 silicon species and 20 silicon-containing reactions was developed. It was combined with the USC_MechII mechanism for hydrocarbons, which was able to simulate the experimental observations. The main decomposition channel of TMS is the Si-C bond scission forming methyl (CH3) and trimethylsilyl radicals (Si(CH3)3). The rate constant for TMS decomposition is represented by the Arrhenius expression ktotal[TMS → products] = 5.9 × 1012 exp(-267 kJ mol-1/RT) s-1.

Spatial variation in soil properties and diffuse losses between and within grassland fields with similar short-term management.

One of the major challenges for agriculture is to understand the effects of agricultural practices on soil properties and diffuse pollution, to support practical farm-scale land management. Three conventionally managed grassland fields with similar short-term management, but different ploughing histories, were studied on a long-term research platform: the North Wyke Farm Platform. The aims were to (i) quantify the between-field and within-field spatial variation in soil properties by geostatistical analysis, (ii) understand the effects of soil condition (in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon contents) on the quality of discharge water and (iii) establish robust baseline data before the implementation of various grassland management scenarios. Although the fields sampled had experienced the same land use and similar management for at least 6 years, there were differences in their mean soil properties. They showed different patterns of soil spatial variation and different rates of diffuse nutrient losses to water. The oldest permanent pasture field had the largest soil macronutrient concentrations and the greatest diffuse nutrient losses. We show that management histories affect soil properties and diffuse losses. Potential gains in herbage yield or benefits in water quality might be achieved by characterizing every field or by area-specific management within fields (a form of precision agriculture for grasslands). Permanent pasture per se cannot be considered a mitigation measure for diffuse pollution. The between- and within-field soil spatial variation emphasizes the importance of baseline characterization and will enable the reliable identification of any effects of future management change on the Farm Platform. HIGHLIGHTS: Quantification of soil and water quality in grassland fields with contrasting management histories.Considerable spatial variation in soil properties and diffuse losses between and within fields.Contrasting management histories within and between fields strongly affected soil and water quality.Careful pasture management needed: the oldest pasture transferred the most nutrients from soil to water.

High-temperature shock tube and modeling studies on the reactions of methanol with D-atoms and CH3-radicals.

The shock tube technique has been used to study the hydrogen abstraction reactions D + CH3OH → CH2O + H + HD (A) and CH3 + CH3OH → CH2O + H + CH4 (B). For reaction A, the experiments span a T-range of 1016 K ≤ T ≤ 1325 K, at pressures 0.25 bar ≤ P ≤ 0.46 bar. The experiments on reaction B, CH3 + CH3OH, cover a T-range of 1138 K ≤ T ≤ 1270 K, at pressures around 0.40 bar. Reflected shock tube experiments, monitoring the depletion of D-atoms by applying D-atom atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS), were performed on reaction A using gas mixtures of C2D5I and CH3OH in Kr bath gas. C2D5I was used as precursor for D-atoms. For reaction B, reflected shock tube experiments monitoring H-atom formation with H-ARAS, were carried out using gas mixtures of diacetyl ((CH3CO)2) and CH3OH in Kr bath gas. (CH3CO)2 was used as the source of CH3-radicals. Detailed reaction models were assembled to fit the D-atom and H-atom time profiles in order to obtain experimental rate constants for reactions A and B. Total rate constants from the present experiments on D + CH3OH and CH3 + CH3OH can be represented by the Arrhenius equations kA(T) = 1.51 × 10(-10) exp(-3843 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (1016 K ≤ T ≤ 1325 K) and kB(T) = 9.62 × 10(-12) exp(-7477 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (1138 K ≤ T ≤ 1270 K). The experimentally obtained rate constants were compared with available rate data from the literature. The results from quantum chemical studies on reaction A were found to be in good agreement with the present results. The present work represents the first direct experimental study on these bimolecular reactions at combustion temperatures and is important to the high-temperature oxidation of CH3OH.

Direct measurements of rate constants for the reactions of CH3 radicals with C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 at high temperatures.

The shock tube technique has been used to study the reactions CH3 + C2H6 → C2H4 + CH4 + H (1), CH3 + C2H4 → Products + H (2), and CH3 + C2H2 → Products + H (3). Biacetyl, (CH3CO)2, was used as a clean high temperature thermal source for CH3-radicals for all the three reactions studied in this work. For reaction 1, the experiments span a T-range of 1153 K ≤ T ≤ 1297 K, at P ~ 0.4 bar. The experiments on reaction 2 cover a T-range of 1176 K ≤ T ≤ 1366 K, at P ~ 1.0 bar, and those on reaction 3 a T-range of 1127 K ≤ T ≤ 1346 K, at P ~ 1.0 bar. Reflected shock tube experiments performed on reactions 1-3, monitored the formation of H-atoms with H-atom Atomic Resonance Absorption Spectrometric (ARAS). Fits to the H-atom temporal profiles using an assembled kinetics model were used to make determinations for k1, k2, and k3. In the case of C2H6, the measurements of [H]-atoms were used to derive direct high-temperature rate constants, k1, that can be represented by the Arrhenius equation k1(T) = 5.41 × 10(-12) exp(-6043 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (1153 K ≤ T ≤ 1297 K) for the only bimolecular process that occurs, H-atom abstraction. TST calculations based on ab initio properties calculated at the CCSD(T)/CBS//M06-2X/cc-pVTZ level of theory show excellent agreement, within ±20%, of the measured rate constants. For the reaction of CH3 with C2H4, the present rate constant results, k2', refer to the sum of rate constants, k(2b) + k(2c), from two competing processes, addition-elimination, and the direct abstraction CH3 + C2H4 → C3H6 + H (2b) and CH3 + C2H4 → C2H2 + H + CH4 (2c). Experimental rate constants for k2' can be represented by the Arrhenius equation k2'(T) = 2.18 × 10(-10) exp(-11830 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (1176 K ≤ T ≤ 1366 K). The present results are in excellent agreement with recent theoretical predictions. The present study provides the only direct measurement for the high-temperature rate constants for these channels. Lastly, measurements of H-atoms from the reaction of CH3 with C2H2 provided direct unambiguous determinations of the rate constant for the dominant process under the present experimental conditions, the addition-elimination, CH3 + C2H2 → p-C3H4 + H (3b). Experimental rate constants for k(3b) can be represented by the Arrhenius equation k(3b)(T) = 5.16 × 10(-13) exp(-3852 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (1127 K ≤ T ≤ 1346 K). The present determinations for k(3b) represent the only direct measurements for this reaction and are also in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions. The present experimental k(3b) values were also used to derive rate constants, k(-3b), for the more extensively studied back-process, the reaction of H-atoms with propyne. The best fit Arrhenius equation, combining the presently derived k(-3b) values with a recent experimental determination for k(-3b), can be represented by k(-3b)(T) = 3.87 × 10(-11) exp(-1313 K/T) cm(3) molecules(-1) s(-1) (870 K ≤ T ≤ 1346 K). The present studies represent a novel implementation of the sensitive H-ARAS technique to measure rate constants for poorly characterized and difficult to isolate "slow" CH3-radical reactions with stable C2 hydrocarbons.

High temperature shock tube studies on the thermal decomposition of O3 and the reaction of dimethyl carbonate with O-atoms.

The shock tube technique was used to study the thermal decomposition of ozone, O3, with a view to using this as a thermal precursor of O-atoms at high temperatures. The formation of O-atoms was measured behind reflected shock waves by using atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS). The experiments span a T-range, 819 K ≤ T ≤ 1166 K, at pressures 0.13 bar ≤ P ≤ 0.6 bar. Unimolecular rate theory provides an excellent representation of the falloff characteristics from the present and literature data on ozone decomposition at high temperatures. The present decomposition study on ozone permits its usage as a thermal source for O-atoms allowing measurements for, O + CH3OC(O)OCH3 → OH + CH3OC(O)OCH2 [A]. Reflected shock tube experiments monitoring the formation and decay of O-atoms were performed on reaction A using mixtures of O3 and CH3OC(O)OCH3, (DMC), in Kr bath gas over the T-range, 862 K ≤ T ≤ 1167 K, and pressure range, 0.15 bar ≤ P ≤ 0.33 bar. A detailed model was used to fit the O-atom temporal profile to obtain experimental rate constants for reaction A. Rate constants from the present experiments for O + DMC can be represented by the Arrhenius expression: kA(T) = 2.70 × 10(-11) exp(-2725 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) (862-1167 K). Transition state theory calculations employing CCSD(T)/cc-pv∞z//M06-2X/cc-pvtz energetics and molecular properties for reaction A are in good agreement with the experimental rate constants. The theoretical rate constants can be well represented (to within ±10%) over the 500-2000 K temperature range by: kA(T) = 1.87 × 10(-20)T(2.924) exp(-2338 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1). The present study represents the first experimental measurement and theoretical study on this bimolecular reaction which is of relevance to the high temperature oxidation of DMC.

High temperature shock tube and theoretical studies on the thermal decomposition of dimethyl carbonate and its bimolecular reactions with H and D-atoms.

The shock tube technique was used to study the high temperature thermal decomposition of dimethyl carbonate, CH3OC(O)OCH3 (DMC). The formation of H-atoms was measured behind reflected shock waves by using atomic resonance absorption spectrometry (ARAS). The experiments span a T-range of 1053-1157 K at pressures ∼0.5 atm. The H-atom profiles were simulated using a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism for DMC thermal decomposition. Simulations indicate that the formation of H-atoms is sensitive to the rate constants for the energetically lowest-lying bond fission channel, CH3OC(O)OCH3 → CH3 + CH3OC(O)O [A], where H-atoms form instantaneously at high temperatures from the sequence of radical ß-scissions, CH3OC(O)O → CH3O + CO2 → H + CH2O + CO2. A master equation analysis was performed using CCSD(T)/cc-pv∞z//M06-2X/cc-pvtz energetics and molecular properties for all thermal decomposition processes in DMC. The theoretical predictions were found to be in good agreement with the present experimentally derived rate constants for the bond fission channel (A). The theoretically derived rate constants for this important bond-fission process in DMC can be represented by a modified Arrhenius expression at 0.5 atm over the T-range 1000-2000 K as, kA(T) = 6.85 × 10(98)T (-24.239) exp(-65250 K/T) s(-1). The H-atom temporal profiles at long times show only minor sensitivity to the abstraction reaction, H + CH3OC(O)OCH3 → H2 + CH3OC(O)OCH2 [B]. However, H + DMC is an important fuel destruction reaction at high temperatures. Consequently, measurements of D-atom profiles using D-ARAS allowed unambiguous rate constant measurements for the deuterated analog of reaction B, D + CH3OC(O)OCH3 → HD + CH3OC(O)OCH2 [C]. Reaction C is a surrogate for H + DMC since the theoretically predicted kinetic isotope effect at high temperatures (1000 - 2000K) is close to unity, kC ≈ 1.2 kB. TST calculations employing CCSD(T)/cc-pv∞z//M06-2X/cc-pvtz energetics and molecular properties for reactions B and C are in good agreement with the experimental rate constants. The theoretical rate constants for these bimolecular processes can be represented by modified Arrhenius expressions over the T-range 500-2000 K as, kB(T) = 1.45 × 10(-19)T(2.827) exp(-3398 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) and kC(T) = 2.94 × 10(-19)T(2.729) exp(-3215 K/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1).

The frequency of occurrence of anti-cardiac receptor autoantibodies and their correlation with clinical manifestation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence of autoantibodies against G-protein coupled cardiovascular receptors and their relation to the clinical manifestation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Autoantibodies against beta1-receptors, Muscarin-2-receptors, Angiotensin-II-receptor subtype 1 and alpha1-receptors were determined with ELISA in 52 patients with HCM (37 male, 15 female, mean age 55 +/- 15 years) and 40 healthy, age and sex matched controls. The clinical characterization of the HCM-patients included ECG, 24-h Holter, and echocardiography. The results showed that there is no significant difference in the frequency of a single autoantibody between HCM-patients and controls. However, if the number of patients who have autoantibodies against beta1-receptors and/or Muscarin-2-receptors were counted together, there are significantly more autoantibodies in HCM compared to controls (11 vs. 2, p = 0.035). Analysis of clinical data from this pooled group of patients showed that in patients with autoantibodies, heart rate variability (HRV), ultra low frequency (ULF) and very low frequency (VLF) were decreased (HRV by 20%, ULF by 50%, and VLF by 46%, p < 0.008) whereas the QTc-interval was increased by 8% (p < 0.02 each). The ratio of septal to posterior wall thickness was increased by 23% (p = 0.05), and the preejection period was prolonged by 46% in patients with autoantibodies (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the existence of these autoantibodies could be associated with an advanced stage or a severe manifestation of HCM.

Enantioselective parallel synthesis using polymer-supported chiral Co(salen) complexes.

[formula: see text] The kinetic resolution of epoxides with phenols catalyzed by a polymer-supported Co(salen) complex is applied to the first enantioselective catalytic synthesis of parallel libraries. The corresponding 1-aryloxy-2-alcohols are obtained in high yield, purity, and enantiomeric excess. Further elaboration with diversity elements provides highly efficient access to important classes of pharmacologically active compounds.

Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Phases from Symmetric Double-Tailed Surfactants: Sodium 1'-(6)-Undecylbenzenesulfonate, 1'-(7)-Tridecylbenzenesulfonate, and 1'-(8)- Pentadecylbenzenesulfonate in Water.

Phase diagrams of binary symmetric double-tailed alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant/water systems, as well as the structure of the phases, were determined using crossed polars, polarized light microscopy, 2H NMR spectroscopy, Nomarski differential interference contrast optics, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. The isotropic phase, the lamellar phase, and a high-viscosity solution representing an intermediate between the isotropic phase and the mesophase, which refers to the beginning of the formation of vesicles, were found. As may be expected, the isotropic phases at higher concentrations are formed mostly at higher temperatures. Isotropic regions are followed by regions characterized as the isotropic solutions containing vesicles; the optically isotropic phase contains a lamellar dispersion of vesicles in solution. The viscosity of these phases is found to be high near the borderline of the two-phase regions. At the same concentrations two-phase regions were found to contain the isotropic + lamellar phases at the higher temperature and the isotropic + crystalline phase at the lower temperature. Molecular-mechanical and semiempirical quantum-mechanical calculation searches for the global minimum in the conformational space of alkylbenzenesulfonate ions were conducted to examine the influence of monomer molecular structure on the micellar shape. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.