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Synthesis of hydrogen cyanide
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a colorless liquid known for its distinct almond-like smell It is generated when adequate energy is applied to systems containing hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon, with current economic significance primarily derived from processes involving hydrocarbons and ammonia The two primary methods for HCN production are crucial for industrial applications.
Degussa (BMA) process: CH4(g) + NH3(g) → HCN(g) + 3 H2(g)
Andrussow process: CH4(g) + NH3(g) + 3/2 O2(g) → HCN(g) + 3 H2O(g)
Both processes take place at temperatures above 1 000 °C and at near standard pressure Both of them require the use of special platinum catalysts
To calculate the change in enthalpy (Δr H m) at 1,500 K for the reactions in the Degussa (BMA) and Andrussow processes, utilize the provided enthalpy of formation (Δf H m) data This analysis will yield the specific enthalpy changes associated with each reaction under the specified temperature conditions.
1.2 Which process (Degussa BMA or Andrussow) requires the use of an external heater to keep the reaction system at 1 500 K? Why?
To calculate the equilibrium constant K for the Degussa process (BMA process) at temperatures of 1500 K and 1600 K, we start with the standard change in Gibbs free energy at 1500 K, which is Δr G m(1500 K) = −112.3 kJ mol −1 Assuming that the reaction enthalpy remains constant between 1500 K and 1600 K allows us to determine the equilibrium constant at these temperatures effectively.
1 600 K Is the result in accordance with Le Chatelier’s principle?
1.4 Referring to the Le Chatelier’s principle, estimate whether the equilibrium constant K of the reaction in the Andrussow process increases or decreases when the temperature changes from 1 500 K to 1 600 K
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Thermochemistry of rocket fuels
Common rocket engines used for transporting space probes rely on nitrogen-based fuels, particularly methylhydrazine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, often combined with nitrogen dioxide or fuming nitric acid Despite their high toxicity, these hydrazine derivatives are advantageous for rocket propulsion due to their hypergolic nature, allowing for spontaneous ignition without an additional ignition system Additionally, their low melting temperatures ensure that they remain liquid under extreme conditions, making them ideal for use in outer space.
Calorimetric experiments were conducted to investigate the thermochemical properties of hydrazine derivatives, specifically liquid hydrazine, methylhydrazine, and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, each weighing 1 gram These compounds were combusted in an adiabatic bomb calorimeter at a constant volume with a stoichiometric amount of oxygen The initial temperature of the calorimeter was 298.15 K, which increased by 8.25 K for hydrazine, 12.55 K for methylhydrazine, and 14.76 K for 1,1-dimethylhydrazine The calorimeter's heat capacity was calibrated to be 2.04 kJ K −1.
To calculate the enthalpies of combustion for the three hydrazine derivatives at 298.15 K and 101,325 Pa, we assume that their reaction with oxygen produces molecular nitrogen, water vapor, and, if applicable, carbon dioxide All gaseous species involved in the reaction are treated as ideal gases, and we disregard any variations between enthalpy and internal energy for condensed phases.
To calculate the reaction enthalpies for the combustion of three selected fuels with dinitrogen tetroxide at 298.15 K and 101,325 Pa, consider that all hydrazine species are in liquid form, simulating conditions in rocket engines, while dinitrogen tetroxide is in a gaseous state Utilize the standard enthalpies of formation for gaseous water (−241.83 kJ mol −1), carbon dioxide (−393.52 kJ mol −1), and dinitrogen tetroxide (9.08 kJ mol −1) to derive the enthalpy changes for the combustion reactions.
Comprehensive calorimetric experiments were conducted on the low-temperature phases of all chemical compounds in the studied systems, covering temperatures from near absolute zero to ambient conditions These measurements allowed for the determination of the absolute standard molar entropies at 298.15 K and 101,325 Pa, in accordance with the third law of thermodynamics.
To calculate the standard reaction Gibbs energies for the combustion reactions involving dinitrogen tetroxide, one must estimate the corresponding equilibrium constants Additionally, predicting the qualitative extent of these reactions at a pressure of 101,325 Pa and a temperature of 298.15 K is essential This analysis will provide insights into the thermodynamic feasibility and behavior of the combustion processes under standard conditions.
In the study of preparatory problems, reactions are analyzed based on stoichiometric amounts of reactants, resulting in water being produced in its standard liquid state Utilizing the provided standard entropy values and the molar vaporization enthalpy of water at 298.15 K, which is 40.65 kJ mol⁻¹, is essential for accurate calculations and understanding of thermodynamic properties.
The total pressure and temperature significantly influence chemical equilibria, affecting the extent of reactions An increase in pressure typically favors the formation of products in reactions involving a decrease in the number of gas molecules, while a rise in temperature can either enhance or diminish reaction extent, depending on whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing chemical processes.
In the adiabatic approximation, the flame temperature for a 1:1:1 molar mixture of three fuels reacting with 3.75 moles of N2O4 can be calculated by considering the reactants entering the combustion chamber at 298.15 K in liquid form The combustion reaction is assumed to occur at this initial temperature, with the total heat released during the reaction utilized to raise the temperature of the gaseous products, including water vapor, to the final flame temperature To achieve accurate results, it is essential to approximate the isobaric heat capacities of the relevant compounds using specified constants.
2.6 Compare the calculated flame temperature obtained above for the mixture of fuels, using an analogous value corresponding to burning pure liquid 1,1-dimethylhydrazine in an oxygen atmosphere
The critical temperature of oxygen is 154.6 K, while 1,1-dimethylhydrazine has a melting temperature of 216.0 K This raises the question of whether there exists a temperature range suitable for utilizing the same liquid-fuel engine for this alternative fuel setup.
2.8 Explain the extraordinarily high thermodynamic efficiency of rocket engines when compared to the other representatives of thermal engines (e.g steam or Diesel engine) and support your answer with a quantitative argument
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HIV protease
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus responsible for causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition that progressively weakens the immune system, making common infections potentially life-threatening Central to the life cycle of HIV is the enzyme HIV-1 protease, which is critical for viral replication This enzyme has become a key target for therapeutic interventions, leading to the development of HIV-1 protease inhibitors These inhibitors effectively bind to the enzyme's active site, preventing its normal function and ensuring that viral particles cannot mature into infectious virions.
In 2003, a comprehensive thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of seven licensed HIV-1 protease inhibitors was conducted in Uppsala, providing valuable insights into their efficacy for HIV therapy For those interested in the detailed findings, the original study can be found in the Journal of Molecular Biology.
Recognit DOI: 10.1002/jmr.655) The molecular structures of six of them are shown below
The affinity of selected compounds for HIV-1 protease was evaluated by measuring the equilibrium constants for the dissociation of the protease–inhibitor complex across a temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C, while maintaining consistent conditions including pH The resulting dissociation constants (K D) are reported in nanomolar (nM), equivalent to 10 −9 mol dm −3.
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Temperature °C Amprenavir Indinavir Lopinavir Nelfinavir Ritonavir Saquinavir
3.1 Which of the compounds binds most strongly to the protein at 35 °C?
3.2 Calculate the standard Gibbs energy of binding (i.e association) for each compound at each temperature It may be of advantage to use a spreadsheet application
To calculate the standard enthalpy and entropy of binding for each compound, utilize the temperature-dependent data while assuming that these thermodynamic properties remain constant between 5 and 35 °C.
The dissociation rate constants k D (in the units of 10 −3 s −1 ) of the protease–inhibitor complexes for each inhibitor at two temperatures are presented below:
Temperature °C Amprenavir Indinavir Lopinavir Nelfinavir Ritonavir Saquinavir
3.4 Identify the inhibitor with the slowest dissociation from the protease at 25 °C
3.5 Calculate the rate constants of association (i.e binding) of the protein–inhibitor complexes, k A, at 25 °C for all inhibitors Which of the inhibitors exhibits the fastest association with the protease?
Using the Arrhenius equation, we calculated the activation free energy of dissociation (ΔG ‡ or E a) for Lopinavir, alongside the slowest dissociating inhibitor identified in question 3.4 and the compound with the highest association rate constant from question 3.5 It is assumed that the activation free energy remains constant within the specified temperature range.
The inhibitor with the highest activation energy for dissociation may not necessarily be the same as the strongest binder identified previously This observation prompts an exploration of the relationship between binding strength, indicated by the dissociation constant, and the rate of dissociation, which is represented by the activation energy of dissociation Understanding this relationship can provide insights into the dynamics of inhibitor interactions.
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Enantioselective hydrogenation
The hydrogenation of acetophenone with chiral catalyst (R)-CAT (2 mol%) at −40 °C for 8 hours gives a crystalline solid, (R)-1-phenylethan-1-ol, in 70% yield and 90% enantiomeric excess (ee)
The specific rotation [α]D 20 (c 1.00, EtOH) of the product was determined to be +45°
4.1 Draw the structure of the product
4.2 The rate constant of the reaction leading to the (R)-product is k R = 2.5 × 10 −5 s −1 at −40 °C
What is the rate constant k S of the reaction that leads to the the (S)-product at the same temperature?
4.3 The activation energy for the reaction leading to the (S)-product is E a (S) = 80 kJ mol −1
Provided that the pre-exponential factor A is the same for both reactions, what is the activation energy E a (R) for the reaction leading to the (R)-product?
4.4 What temperature is needed to obtain 99% ee? What is a potential drawback?
To determine the specific rotation [α]D 20 (c 1.00, EtOH) of the product, utilize (S)-CAT at a concentration of 4 mol% as an optical antipode to the catalyst (R)-CAT, while maintaining a temperature of 0 °C Ensure that the same measurement machine and cuvette are employed for consistency in results.
4.6 How would you increase the optical purity of the final product after the reaction?
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Ultrafast reactions
The rate of true neutralization reactions has proved to be immeasurably fast
Eucken’s Lehrbuch der Chemischen Physik, 1949
The main problem with studying ultrafast reactions is mixing the reactants A smart way to circumvent this problem is the so-called relaxation technique
Neutralization is a good example of an ultrafast reaction:
The rate constants for the forward and backward reactions are denoted as k1 and k2 This reaction has a mean enthalpy of -49.65 kJ mol⁻¹ within the temperature range of 298 to 373 K Additionally, the density of water is measured at 1.000 g cm⁻³.
At 298 K, water has a pH of 7.00, leading to an apparent equilibrium constant \( K = [H^+][OH^-]/[H_2O] \) for the neutralization reaction Additionally, the entropy change for this reaction can be calculated When estimating the pH of boiling water at 373 K, one must consider the increased ionization of water at higher temperatures.
Heavy water undergoes an analogous neutralization reaction, yet it is less dissociated than light water at the given temperature: K w(D2O) = 1.35 × 10 −15 at 298 K
5.3 What is pD of heavy water at 298 K?
5.4 Write the rate law for the change of the concentration of D2O in terms of the concentrations of D + , OD − and D2O
The equilibrium composition of a system is influenced by temperature, and applying an external stimulus, such as a rapid heat pulse, disrupts this balance This disturbance leads to a relaxation process as the system returns to its equilibrium state We can quantify this relaxation using a new variable, x, which represents the deviation from the equilibrium concentrations.
𝑥 = [D 2 O] eq − [D 2 O] = [OD − ] − [OD − ] eq = [D + ] − [D + ] eq
5.5 Express the time change d𝑥 d𝑡 in terms of x Give both the exact equation and the equation in which you neglect the small terms of x 2
Solving the equation derived in 5.5, we get:
𝑥 = 𝑥(0) × exp (−𝑡 × (𝑘 1 [D + ] eq + 𝑘 1 [OD − ] eq + 𝑘 2 )) where 𝑥(0) is the deviation from equilibrium at the moment of perturbation
5.6 For heavy water at 298 K, the relaxation time 𝜏 (time at which the deviation from equilibrium drops to 1
The initial value of the reaction was measured at 162 às To determine the rate constant for both the forward and backward reactions, the density of heavy water is noted as ρ = 1.107 g cm⁻³, with a molar mass of M_r = 20.03.
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Ultrafast reactions can be initiated by a sudden pH change, achieved through an ultrafast laser pulse that activates photoacids These unique compounds exhibit significantly different acid-base characteristics between their ground and excited electronic states For instance, the pK a value of 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonate shifts from 9.12 in the ground state to 1.66 when excited.
A 5.7 cm³ solution of 5.0 × 10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonate was irradiated with light at a wavelength of 297 nm, resulting in a total absorbed energy of 2.228 × 10⁻³ J The pH values before and after irradiation were calculated, disregarding the autoprotolysis of water in both scenarios.
In a standard state for a solution, the concentration is defined as c₀ = 1 mol dm⁻³, and it is assumed that the activity coefficient (γᵢ) equals 1 for all species involved Utilizing an online cubic equation solver can be beneficial for calculations related to this context.
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Kinetic isotope effects
Different isotopes of the same atom follow identical chemical principles, yet their varying masses lead to distinct dynamic behaviors The kinetic isotope effect describes how isotopically substituted molecules react at different rates, a concept first proposed by Eyring and Polanyi in 1933 Since then, studying kinetic isotope effects has yielded valuable insights into the mechanisms of numerous organic and biochemical reactions.
Vibrational modes are quantized and we can use the harmonic oscillator approximation for the description of the stretching modes The energy level E v can be calculated as:
2) h𝜈 , where v = 0, 1, 2, is the vibrational quantum number and 𝜈 the frequency which depends on the force constant k and the reduced mass à:
Note for the following calculations: unless stated otherwise, round the isotopic mass in amu to the nearest integer
To calculate the harmonic vibrational wavenumber and the energies of the first two vibrational levels for the diatomic molecule HF, we utilize the harmonic force constant, which is k = 968 kg s⁻² The vibrational wavenumber can be determined in cm⁻¹, while the energies for the initial vibrational states are expressed in joules (J).
6.2 Isotopic substitution does not change the potential energy surface of a molecule Therefore, k remains unaffected Given the vibrational wavenumbers of 1 H A X (2 439.0 cm −1 ) and
2D A+2 X (1 734.8 cm −1 ), determine the unknown element X
The kinetic isotope effect is significantly influenced by zero-point vibrational energy, which is crucial in understanding bond cleavage Assuming that the bond is completely broken at the transition state and only the ground vibrational state is occupied, the difference in activation energies corresponds directly to the difference in zero-point vibrational energies The wave numbers for the C−H and C−D stretches are 2,900 cm⁻¹ and 2,100 cm⁻¹, respectively To determine the ratio of the rate constants k(C−H)/k(C−D) for the cleavage of the C−H/D bond at 300 K, one must consider solely the differences in zero-point vibrational energies.
Kinetic isotope effects are crucial for understanding the rate-determining step in reaction mechanisms In the case of propene formation from 1-bromopropane and 1-bromo-2,2-dideuteriopropane in a basic solution, the observed k H/k D ratio is 6.5 This value suggests a preference for the E1 mechanism, which involves a two-step process: the formation of a carbocation intermediate followed by the loss of H+ In contrast, the E2 mechanism occurs in a single step, where the halide is removed simultaneously with the neighboring hydrogen.
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When heating 2-bromo-3,3-dideuterio-2-methylbutane and its light-hydrogen counterpart in ethanol, the formation of the corresponding alkene can be analyzed for the kinetic isotope effect This effect is significant as it influences the reaction rate, highlighting the differences in bond breaking between hydrogen and deuterium Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for elucidating the mechanistic pathways of alkene formation in isotopically labeled compounds.
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Designing a photoelectrochemical cell
Maximizing energy gain from renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass poses a significant challenge for future technologies Despite their clean and abundant nature, these energy sources are often intermittent, particularly solar energy, which is unavailable during nighttime or low-wind conditions A potential solution to this issue lies in storing energy in a long-lasting and dispatchable medium, such as chemical bonds, which is the fundamental concept behind solar fuels.
Photosynthesis, a natural process used by plants to convert sunlight into carbohydrates, requires fertile soil, water, and a favorable climate In contrast, artificial photosynthetic systems can overcome these limitations, enabling the production of higher energy density fuels, such as hydrogen Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a sophisticated yet effective method within this field Engaging with the upcoming tasks will provide you with fundamental insights into photoelectrochemistry.
7.1 Which of the following half-reactions have reduction potentials dependent on pH? a) Br 2 + 2e − → 2Br − b) NO 3 − + 3H + + 2e − → HNO 2 + H 2 O c) ClO 3 − + 6H + + 6e − → Cl − + 3H 2 O d) Cr 2 O 7 2− + 14H + + 6e − → 2Cr 3+ + 7H 2 O e) 2CO 2 + 2e − → (COO) 2 2− f) 2IO 3 − + 12H + + 10e − → I 2 + 6H 2 O g) S 2 O 8 2− + 2e − → 2SO 4 2− h) TiO 2+ + 2H + + e − → Ti 3+ + H 2 O
7.2 Using the Nernst-Peterson equation and considering [A ox] = [A red], derive a formula for the dependence of the reduction potential of the following reaction on pH:
2H 2 O What is the nature of this dependence (logarithmic, exponential, quadratic, etc.)?
7.3 Let us consider two possible reactions occurring in an electrolyte:
𝐂 ox + 2e − → 𝐂 red 𝐸 𝐂 ° = +0.824 V a) Which of the two possible reactions will occur under the conditions of p = 1 atm,
At a temperature of 298.15 K, it is essential to determine whether substance B will oxidize substance C or vice versa To analyze this, a balanced chemical equation representing the reaction between substances B and C must be written Additionally, the standard potential for the reaction should be calculated, followed by determining the equilibrium constant for this chemical process.
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7.4 Now, let us consider the electrochemical system of two reactions that can occur in a cooled experimental cell, where one of them is pH-dependent and the other is not:
To calculate the change in potential (in millivolts) as a function of pH for the reaction E ox + e − + H + → E red with an initial potential of +0.95 V at pH = 0 and T = 262 K, we must consider the influence of varying pH on the reduction potentials The only variable that can be adjusted during the experiment is the pH of the electrolyte Additionally, a straight line plot should be constructed to illustrate the relationship between the reduction potentials for both D and the specified reaction.
The study investigates the effect of pH levels ranging from 0 to 13 on the oxidation of substance D, determining that the equilibrium constant for this reaction is K = 2.56 × 10^5 Additionally, it highlights the specific pH range where substance D effectively oxidizes E, as illustrated in the accompanying plot.
7.5 Calculate the time needed to electrolytically cover a 5 × 10 × 0.5 mm metallic plate fully immersed into 10 cm 3 of the solution of a gold precursor with c(Au 3+ ) = 5 mmol dm −3 with
A gold protective film of 5 mg is deposited on a metallic plate, assuming that only gold (M Au = 197 g mol −1) is involved in the process with no side reactions The surface area of the contact with the electrode is considered negligible, and the deposition occurs under a constant current of 25 mA.
To enhance the performance of testing electrodes, a highly conductive and non-reactive coating, such as gold, is applied before introducing a photocatalyst Metal oxide-based semiconductors, known for their chemical stability in aqueous environments, are ideal for photo-electrochemical applications, with titanium dioxide emerging as a leading photocatalyst As an n-type semiconductor, titanium dioxide serves effectively as a material for photoanodes The photoreaction mechanism on irradiated n-type semiconductors can be summarized as follows: when a photon with adequate energy strikes the semiconductor's surface, it excites an electron from the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), creating a positively charged hole (h+) Under an external electric field, the excited electrons move towards the counter-electrode to engage in reduction reactions, while the photogenerated holes participate in oxidation reactions, resulting in a flow of electrons known as net photocurrent.
The energy gap (E_g) between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) represents the minimum excitation energy required for irradiation To select an optimal photocatalyst for a redox reaction, two key criteria must be met: first, the E_g of the semiconductor must be sufficiently wider than the redox reaction potential; second, the HOMO energy level must be lower than the oxidation half-reaction energy, while the LUMO energy level must be higher than the reduction half-reaction energy.
7.6 In the following picture you can see a schematic view of an energy diagram comparing four materials (F–I) by positions of their HOMOs and LUMOs towards the investigated redox reaction
When selecting photocatalysts for the reaction illustrated in the diagram, it is essential to identify suitable materials that can effectively facilitate the process Additionally, calculating the maximum wavelengths (in nm) of irradiation sources required to excite these materials is crucial Based on these calculations, you will need to determine the feasibility of using the selected photocatalysts for the intended reaction.
UV and/or VIS light for the irradiation
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Fuel cells
A classical hydrogen fuel cell with porous electrodes allows for gas permeability and liquid water flow at the cathode, which is supplied with oxygen, while the anode receives hydrogen The produced water is expelled from the cathode compartment, and a membrane that selectively permits H+ ions separates the electrodes, facilitating electric current conduction This fuel cell demonstrates high efficiency as the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen occurs solely through electron transfer at the electrodes and H+ ion exchange across the membrane, assuming ideal gas behavior at standard temperature (298 K) and pressure (1 bar).
8.1 Determine the standard electromotive force (EMF) of the above described fuel cell working at
298 K with 1 bar hydrogen and 1 bar oxygen Assume that water is produced in the liquid state
8.2 Determine the standard EMF of the above described fuel cell working at 298 K with 1 bar hydrogen and 1 bar oxygen Assume that water is produced in the gas state
To calculate the ideal thermodynamic efficiency of the fuel cells discussed earlier, we assess the ratio of maximum extractable work to the heating value at a standard temperature of 298 K This efficiency, also known as thermodynamic or maximum efficiency, provides insight into the performance potential of the fuel cells.
373 K Neglect the enthalpy and entropy temperature dependence in all the calculations
It is possible to construct a fuel cell very similar to the one described above, but working with butane and oxygen
8.4 Write the balanced chemical equations for the cathode and anode half-reaction
To calculate the electromotive force (EMF) of a butane-oxygen fuel cell, we assume that butane is supplied to the electrodes at standard temperature and pressure (1 bar) and that it reacts with oxygen under the same conditions The reaction produces liquid water as a byproduct.
8.6 Calculate the ideal thermodynamic efficiency of the butane fuel cell
A modified construction of the butane fuel cell uses an oxide-conducting electrolyte, in which the following electrode half-reactions occur:
8.7 Determine the standard EMF of this modified butane fuel cell with an oxide-conducting electrolyte
Another fuel cell works with the formal combustion of methanol The EMF of such a cell at the standard temperature of 298 K is 1.21 V, and at 373 K it drops by 10 mV
8.8 Write balanced chemical equations for the cathode and anode half-reaction Write also the overall reaction that takes place in the methanol fuel cell
8.9 Write down the Nernst equation for the EMF of this cell Choose the appropriate standard states for the reactants and products
To calculate the standard reaction enthalpy and entropy for the methanol fuel cell, one must consider the balanced chemical equation with the lowest integer coefficients This involves analyzing the overall reaction, which typically includes the oxidation of methanol and the reduction of oxygen, to determine the enthalpy change and entropy associated with the process Accurate calculations of these thermodynamic properties are essential for understanding the efficiency and performance of methanol fuel cells.
Hint: Use the van ’t Hoff equation
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Useful data: Δf H°(H2O(l)) = −286 kJ mol −1 Δf H°(H2O(g)) = −242 kJ mol −1 Δf H°(CO2(g)) = −393 kJ mol −1 Δf H°(C4H10(g)) = −126 kJ mol −1
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Acid-base equilibria in blood
Acid-base homeostasis is a critically regulated process in living organisms, essential for maintaining stable pH levels Blood buffers play a key role in achieving short-term pH stability, with the bicarbonate buffer being the most significant Its components are finely tuned by the lungs and kidneys to ensure proper acid-base balance.
9.1 The daily production of acids in our body is about 60 mmol released into 6 dm 3 of blood
In a closed system with a bicarbonate buffer at a pH of 7.4 and a carbon dioxide partial pressure of 5.3 kPa, the pH can be calculated at 37 °C, considering the physiological conditions that allow the bicarbonate buffer to effectively manage the acidic burden.
9.2 However, blood is best considered to be an open system, taking into account that the partial
Respiration maintains a stable CO2 pressure, which is crucial for regulating pH levels in the bicarbonate buffer system To determine the final pH under the specified conditions, we assume that the partial pressure of CO2 remains constant despite the introduction of acids It is essential to assess whether the resulting pH value remains within the physiological range, as this has significant implications for metabolic processes.
During cardiac surgery, patients are intentionally cooled to induce hypothermia, which helps prevent brain damage and reduces metabolic activity In this state, it is essential to calculate the pH at 20 °C, assuming that the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and bicarbonate concentration remain constant.
Maintaining pH levels within a narrow range is crucial as it significantly impacts various physiological processes, including oxygen transport by red blood cells Notably, haemoglobin exhibits a reduced affinity for oxygen in tissues with lower pH, highlighting the importance of pH regulation in ensuring efficient oxygen delivery throughout the body.
During physical activity, the pH level in muscles decreases due to anaerobic metabolism, while the lungs efficiently remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream These processes significantly impact haemoglobin-mediated oxygen transport, as the lower pH in muscles facilitates the release of oxygen from haemoglobin, enhancing oxygen delivery to working tissues.
Dissociation constants of dissolved carbon dioxide: pK a (37 °C) = 6.1, pK a (25 °C) = 6.35
Enthalpy of vaporization: ΔH vap(CO2, blood) = 19.95 kJ mol −1
Henry’s solubility of CO2 in blood at 37 °C: H cp (CO2, 37 °C, blood) = 2.3 × 10 −4 mol m −3 Pa −1
Consider ideal behaviour and the concentration of carbonic acid [H2CO3] = 0
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Ion exchange capacity of a cation exchange resin
Ion exchange resins are small, porous beads with functional groups that facilitate ion exchange When ions from a solution bind to the resin, they displace other ions For instance, in a cation exchange resin, the binding of cations from seawater results in the release of an equivalent amount of hydrogen ions that were previously attached to the resin's sulfonyl acid groups.
Let us have a look at the following cation exchange resin – catex A Since n is very large, the terminal hydrogen atoms can be neglected in the following calculations
10.1 Calculate the mass percentage of sulfur and carbon
10.2 Calculate the theoretical ion exchange capacities Q m given separately by SO3H groups
(a strong catex) and COOH groups (a weak catex) in mmol g −1 of the dry catex
10.3 Calculate the total theoretical ion exchange capacity, Q m,total, in mmol g −1
Frequently, ion-exchange resins become swollen when hydrated, i.e the volume of the beads changes significantly due to the hydration of highly polar ion-exchange functional groups
To calculate the total ion exchange capacity (Q V,total) of a swollen resin in mmol cm −3, first note that the void volume to total volume ratio (ε) is 0.48, the density of the swollen resin (ρ) is 1.28 g cm −3, and the mass ratio of water bound to the resin (w) is 0.45.
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Weak and strong cation exchange resin
The total cation exchange capacity of catex B was determined through a systematic experimental procedure Initially, 4 cm³ of swollen catex was treated with excess sodium chloride solution to saturate the resin with sodium cations Unbound sodium cations were then removed by rinsing with water The column was subsequently treated with acetic acid, and the effluent was collected in a 1,000 cm³ volumetric flask, which was diluted to the mark with water (solution A), allowing H⁺ ions to bind to weak and some strong exchange sites After rinsing away excess acetic acid with water, the column was treated with a neutral MgSO₄ solution, and the resulting effluent was collected in a 500 cm³ volumetric flask, also filled to the mark with water (solution B), where Mg²⁺ ions bound to all strong exchange sites.
Structure of catex B (R = H, COOH, SO3H)
The sodium ion concentration in 100 cm³ of solution A was measured using direct potentiometry with a sodium ion-selective electrode (ISE) The recorded potential was E1 = -0.2313 V, which corresponds to sodium ion concentrations of c(Na⁺) = 10.0 mmol/dm³.
= 0.100 mmol dm −3 were E 2 = −0.2283 V and E 3 = −0.3466 V, respectively
The sodium ion concentration in 100 cm³ of solution B was measured using the same procedure outlined previously The resulting potential of the electrode in solution B was recorded for analysis.
E 4 = −0.2534 V The concentration of hydrogen ions in 100 cm 3 of solution B was determined by alkalimetry The volume of sodium hydroxide of c = 0.1000 mol dm −3 at the equivalence point was 12.50 cm 3
All potentials were measured at a temperature of 298 K
Hint: For the determination of sodium ion concentration use the equation E = k + S log10[Na + ], where E is the potential of ISE and k and S are constants
11.1 Calculate the ion exchange capacities of the catex, Q V, which correspond to sulfonyl and carboxyl ion exchange groups, respectively Provide the results in mmol cm −3
11.2 Calculate total ion exchange capacity, Q V,total, in mmol cm −3
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Uranyl extraction
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphate, also known as di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA), is utilized in the extraction of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions into organic solvents through a method referred to as the "Dapex process," which involves water-to-kerosene extraction.
Is a weak acid that is partially dissociated in water, with a dissociation constant
Can be extracted to kerosene with a distribution constant
Forms a hydrogen-bonded dimer in non-polar organic solvents, with a dimerization constant
When dissociated in an aqueous solution, it forms a neutral compound with the uranyl ion in a ratio of 2:1 (Note: In real systems, the structure of the neutral compound can vary)
This neutral compound can be extracted to kerosene with a distribution constant
The concentration of DEHPA before the extraction: c HA,org,0 = 0.500 mol dm −3 and c HA,aq,0 = 0.000 mol dm −3
2 2+ ≪ 𝑐 HA , therefore it is possible to omit the concentration of UO2A2 in the mass balance of HA in both the aqueous and organic phase
The volume ratio is V org/V aq = 1.00
Uranyl ions also form hydroxo complexes
Note: For clarity square brackets as a symbol for a complex were omitted in the numerator with decimal logarithms of the overall complexation constants log β 1 = 10.5, log β 2 = 21.2, log β 3 = 28.1, log β 4 = 31.5
2HA ⇌ (HA) 2 𝐾 p,HA =[(HA) 2 ] org
2 A 2 = [UO 2 A 2 ] aq [A − ] aq 2 × [UO 2 2+ ] aq = 4.31 × 10 11
UO 2 2+ + 𝑖OH – ⇌ [UO 2 (OH) 𝑖 ] 2–𝑖 where 𝑖 = 1– 4
2−𝑖 ] aq[UO 2 2+ ] aq ×[OH − ] aq 𝑖
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12.1 Considering that the pH of the aqueous phase after reaching equilibrium equals to 1.7, calculate the yield of uranyl ions extraction
To determine the concentration of DEHPA in the organic phase at equilibrium with the aqueous phase, it is essential to calculate [HA]org using the mass balance of HA This calculation must take into account the various forms of DEHPA present in both the organic and aqueous solutions.
12.2 Considering that the pH of the aqueous phase after reaching equilibrium equals to 10.3, calculate the yield of uranyl ions extraction
Hint: Use the same procedure as in task 12.1
In both cases, consider only the equilibria that have been mentioned so far
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Determination of active chlorine in commercial products
Traditional bleaching and disinfecting products in Czech and Slovak markets, such as the commercially available solution "SAVO," are characterized by their active chlorine content The determination of active chlorine levels is typically performed by adding excess potassium iodide to a sample, followed by titration of the released iodine with a standard sodium thiosulfate solution.
In the first reaction, chlorine reacts with water to produce products A and B, represented by the equation: Cl₂ + H₂O → A + B In the second reaction, sodium hypochlorite reacts with water to yield products A and C, illustrated by the equation: NaOCl + H₂O → A + C In an alkaline aqueous solution, the dominant form of product A will be the one produced from the reaction with sodium hypochlorite.
13.2 Commercial SAVO contains 22.4 g dm −3 of active chlorine What is the corresponding molar concentration of sodium hypochlorite in SAVO?
To determine the mass percentage of sodium hypochlorite in SAVO, 10.00 cm³ of the product (density 1.070 g/cm³) was diluted in a 250 cm³ volumetric flask with distilled water An aliquot of 10.00 cm³ from this solution was then further diluted with approximately 50 cm³ of distilled water, followed by the addition of 5 g of potassium iodide The released iodine was titrated using 10.15 cm³ of a 0.0503 mol/dm³ standard sodium thiosulfate solution to reach the equivalence point.
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Chemical elements in fireworks
Low explosive pyrotechnics in fireworks consist of inorganic elements used as fuels, oxidizers, or additives Common fuels include metal or metalloid powders, while typical oxidizers are derived from perchlorates, chlorates, and nitrates, often combined with alkali, alkaline earth, and certain transition metals These substances can be readily identified in an analytical laboratory.
14.1 Explain the principle of qualitative flame tests used for the detection of sodium, barium and lithium ions dissolved in aqueous solution Which flame colours are associated with these elements?
Complexometric titrations using EDTA can effectively determine ions of alkaline earth metals and transition metals EDTA, a weak acid with pKa values of 2.00, 2.67, 6.16, and 10.26, forms stable metal–EDTA complexes In a solution with a pH of 10 and a molar concentration exceeding 0.5% of the total, the predominant forms of EDTA present will be the fully deprotonated species, which can effectively chelate metal ions.
The determination of calcium, strontium, and barium ions using EDTA is commonly conducted with an ammonium buffer, maintaining the solution's pH at approximately 10.
14.3 What is the chemical composition of an ammonium buffer? What is the role of an alkaline pH in these reactions?
The analysis of a combustible mixture used in fireworks, containing zinc, magnesium, and lead, was conducted in three steps First, a sample weighing 0.8472 g was dissolved, and excess cyanide was added to mask the zinc ions, followed by titration with 0.01983 mol dm−3 EDTA, requiring 35.90 cm³ to reach the equivalence point In the second step, 2,3-disulfanylpropan-1-ol (DMP) was introduced, and the released EDTA was titrated with 12.80 cm³ of 0.01087 mol dm−3 Mg²⁺ standard solution to achieve the equivalence point Lastly, formaldehyde was added to release the zinc ions, which were then titrated with 24.10 cm³ of 0.01983 mol dm−3 EDTA to reach the equivalence point.
14.5 Explain the role of the DMP addition
14.6 Calculate the mass (in mg) of all three elements in 1 g of the original sample
A solution containing 14.7 cm³ of 0.0500 mol/dm³ Ca²⁺ was combined with 50.00 cm³ of 0.0400 mol/dm³ EDTA in a 100 cm³ volumetric flask, adjusting the pH to 6 before diluting to the mark with distilled water The stability constant for the Ca²⁺-EDTA complex is represented by a decimal logarithm of 10.61 The objective is to calculate the concentration of free Ca²⁺ ions in the resulting solution, considering only the equilibria previously mentioned.
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Colours of complexes
Transition metal complexes are frequently colored due to their ability to absorb certain wavelengths of visible light This article will concentrate on straightforward examples where the coloration arises from d-d transitions within the metal's electron configuration.
Titanometry is a reductometric technique utilizing a blue-violet aqueous solution of titanium(III) chloride, characterized by the presence of octahedral [Ti(H2O)6] 3+ particles This solution exhibits an absorption spectrum with a peak at 20,300 cm −1.
15.1 Draw the electron configuration of the ground and the excited state of the [Ti(H2O)6] 3+ ion into the schemes
15.2 Predict the colour of the complex Consider the absorption of the light at 20 300 cm −1
15.3 In fact, there is a second absorption band in the spectrum This band shows itself as a shoulder at 17 400 cm −1 Explain the colour of the complex based on the actual spectrum
The spectrum displays two bands due to the elongated octahedral structure of the [Ti(H2O)6] 3+ particle, which leads to additional splitting of the d-orbitals.
15.4 Draw the electron configuration of the ground (a) and the excited states (b) and (c) into the schemes
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The K3[CoF6] complex is a rare example of a high-spin cobalt(III) complex The fluorination of cobalt(II) chloride yields cobalt(III) fluoride (1) Its reaction with potassium fluoride yields the
K3[CoF6] complex (2) This reaction is carried out in non-aqueous media (HF) because cobalt(III) fluoride oxidizes water (3)
15.5 Write the equations of reactions (1) to (3)
The [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 complex is prepared by bubbling air through ammoniacal solution of cobalt(II) chloride and ammonium chloride under activated carbon catalysis
15.6 Write the equation of reaction (4)
The complex [Co(NH3)6]Cl3, commonly known as luteochloride, exhibits two absorption bands at wavenumbers of 21,050 cm−1 and 29,400 cm−1, which are located in the near UV and visible regions of the spectrum Based on these absorption characteristics, the predicted color of the complex can be inferred, establishing a connection between its color and its common name, luteochloride.
15.8 Explain why the K3[CoF6] complex is high-spin and paramagnetic, while the [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 complex is low-spin and diamagnetic
High-spin complexes with the d 6 configuration have spectra like those of d 1 configuration The [CoF6] 3− ion has the shape of an elongated octahedron
15.9 Draw the electron configuration of the ground state and excited states provided that the net spin of the particle is not changed when excited
15.10 The wavenumbers of the bands corresponding to these excitations are 11 400 cm −1 and
14 500 cm −1 Predict the colour of the [CoF6] 3− ion
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Iron chemistry
Iron is a crucial element on the periodic table due to its historical, political, economic, technological, biological, and biochemical significance This article will explore various aspects of iron's chemistry, focusing on insights from the field of physical chemistry.
First, let us explore the available redox states of iron in detail
To create a Latimer diagram for iron species at pH 0, we start with the standard redox potentials: E°(FeO4 2−, H + /Fe 3+ ) = 1.90 V, E°(Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ ) = 0.77 V, and E°(Fe 2+ /Fe) = −0.44 V We then calculate the redox potentials for the couples FeO4 2−/Fe 2+, FeO4 2−/Fe, and Fe 3+/Fe, which are essential for completing the diagram The resulting Latimer diagram will illustrate the relationships and stability of various iron oxidation states under acidic conditions.
16.2 Determine the voltage equivalents for individual redox states of iron and plot the Frost diagram Decide whether the mixture of FeO4 2− and Fe 2+ at pH = 0 will interact spontaneously
The Pourbaix diagram is a commonly utilized tool for analyzing redox and acid-base equilibria, showcasing the relationship between pH and redox potentials This diagram allows for a deeper understanding of the interactions within these chemical systems.
For clarity, this article will use equilibrium concentrations instead of activities, despite this not always reflecting reality Potentials are expressed in volts, and the notation for cationic species excludes water molecules in their coordination sphere For instance, Fe²⁺ represents [Fe(H₂O)₆]²⁺, while [Fe(OH)]⁺ indicates [Fe(H₂O)₅(OH)]⁺ It is important to note that [Fe(OH)₃] should not be interpreted as solid iron(III) hydroxide; rather, it refers to the dissolved neutral complex species [Fe(OH)₃(H₂O)₃].
Each line in the Pourbaix diagram originates from the assumption that the activities (concentrations) of both species participating in the given equilibrium are equal
(a) If only redox equilibria are considered, the resulting plot contains horizontal lines (Figure 1a)
The redox pair Tl + /Tl exhibits a standard electrode potential (E°) of −0.34 V across a pH range of 0 to 12, with the formation of hydroxido complexes in more basic solutions The relationship between the activities and concentrations of Tl + and Tl(s) is described by the equation: a(Tl,s)/[Tl + ] = 1, indicating the potential at which these two species are in equilibrium.
(Tl + /Tl): E = E° − (0.059 / n) log(a(Tl,s) / [Tl + ]) = −0.34 − 0 = −0.34 V (1)
When applying the same method to a system limited to protolytic processes, such as hydrolysis without redox reactions, vertical lines are observed (Figure 1b) For example, the stepwise hydrolysis of the Ga 3+ ion is governed by four overall stability constants of complex hydroxido species, as demonstrated in equations (2–5).
Ga 3+ + OH − = [Ga(OH)] 2+ , logβ 1 = [Ga(OH) 2+ ] / ([Ga 3+ ] × [OH − ]) = 11.4 (2)
Ga 3+ + 2 OH − = [Ga(OH)2] + , logβ 2 = [Ga(OH)2 +] / ([Ga 3+ ] × [OH − ] 2 ) = 22.1 (3)
Ga 3+ + 3 OH − = [Ga(OH)3], logβ 3 = [Ga(OH)3] / ([Ga 3+ ] × [OH − ] 3 ) = 31.7 (4)
Ga 3+ + 4 OH − = [Ga(OH)4] − , logβ 4 = [Ga(OH)4 −] / ([Ga 3+ ] × [OH − ] 4 ) = 39.4 (5) The final expressions (6–9) can be derived and calculated as follows:
PREPARATORY PROBLEMS: THEORETICAL www.50icho.eu 34 line b pH at which concentrations of Ga 3+ and [Ga(OH)] 2+ are equal, i.e pH = pK a of [Ga(H2O)6] 3+ leading to the formation of [Ga(H2O)5OH] 2+ :
The pH values for various gallium hydroxide species can be calculated using the formula pH = pK_w - logβ For the gallium species Ga³⁺ / [Ga(OH)]²⁺, the pH is determined to be 2.6 Similarly, for the species [Ga(OH)]²⁺ / [Ga(OH)₂]⁺, the pH is calculated as 3.3 For the [Ga(OH)₂]⁺ / [Ga(OH)₃] species, the pH value is 4.4, and for [Ga(OH)₃] / [Ga(OH)₄]⁻, the pH reaches 6.3 These calculations highlight the relationship between gallium hydroxide species and their corresponding pH levels.
When both redox and protolytic equilibria are present, the resulting graph displays a sloping line, as illustrated by the oxygen reduction and hydrated proton reduction examples The analytical expressions for these lines, labeled f and g, share the same slope, indicating they are parallel This parallelism defines the region of water redox stability in relation to the reduction producing hydrogen gas (H2) and the oxidation yielding oxygen gas (O2).
Figure 1 Pourbaix diagrams of (a) Tl + /Tl system, (b) Ga 3+ /[Ga(OH) n ] (3−n)+ system and (c) H2/H2O/O2 system
Now, let us turn back to iron chemistry
The construction of the Pourbaix diagram for various iron species is a complex task; however, a simplified version applicable to metallic iron and dissolved iron species across a pH range of 0 to 14 is illustrated in Figure 2.
The diagram's lines segment the area into various zones, allowing for the identification of species that dominate each zone, as illustrated in Figure 2 Additionally, by analyzing the data from section 16.1 alongside Table 1, one can determine and document the conditions for horizontal lines 11 and 17, as well as vertical lines 2 and 5.
Figure 2 Pourbaix diagram for metallic iron and dissolved iron species in water
Table 1 presents the overall stability constants (βn) of ferrous and ferric hydroxido complexes, highlighting significant differences in stability with varying hydroxide ion (OH−) concentrations For ferrous ions (Fe2+), the log βn values increase from 4.5 for n=1, while ferric ions (Fe3+) exhibit much higher stability, with log βn reaching 34.4 for n=4 Additionally, the derivation of the equation for line 6 demonstrates its sloping nature, allowing for the determination of the coordinates [pH, E] at the intersections with lines 2 and 7 Notably, the ferrate(VI) anion is identified as a stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen, as evidenced by its comparison with line f.
The ferrate ion is stable only in highly basic conditions where the potentials of O2/H2O and FeO4 2−/[Fe(OH) n ] (3−n)+ are similar Consequently, the ferrate ion generally lacks stability outside of these specific environments.
PREPARATORY PROBLEMS: THEORETICAL www.50icho.eu 36 aqueous solutions and oxidizes water to oxygen Suggest a method for generating a ferrate ion Write the corresponding stoichiometric equation
It is generally known that ferric compounds tend to hydrolyze more readily than ferrous compounds
The Pourbaix diagram illustrates the stability of various metal species in relation to pH and potential, highlighting the importance of ion size and surface charge density Each metal-ion center interacts differently with ligands based on these characteristics, influencing their coordination chemistry Smaller ions typically exhibit higher charge density, making them more favorable for coordination with ligands that can stabilize such interactions Conversely, larger ions may require bulkier ligands to accommodate their size and lower charge density Understanding these relationships is crucial for optimizing ligand selection for specific metal ions in various chemical and environmental applications.
The thermodynamic, kinetic, spectroscopic, and magnetic properties of individual species are intricately linked to their electronic structure As a d-block metal, iron's behavior can be elucidated through crystal field and ligand field theories A key qualitative concept for determining electron configurations within split d-orbital levels is the spectrochemical series.
The magnetic states of the specified iron complexes are as follows: [Fe(H2O)6]²⁺ is a high-spin state, while [Fe(CN)6]⁴⁻ is a low-spin state The complex [Fe(H2O)6]³⁺ is also a low-spin state, whereas [Fe(H2O)5OH]²⁺ exhibits a high-spin state Lastly, [Fe(CN)6]³⁻ is a low-spin state In the context of Oh symmetry, the ligand field stabilization energies (LFSEs) can be calculated and expressed in terms of ligand field strength (Δo) and electron-pairing energy (P).
Cyanido- and fluorido-complexes of manganese
Manganese exhibits the most diverse oxidation states among first-row transition metals This article focuses on the synthesis and electronic structure of manganese complexes containing cyanide and fluoride in oxidation states ranging from +I to +IV.
Metallic manganese reacts only slowly with water It dissolves readily in 2 M deaerated solution of NaCN to give colourless, diamagnetic Na5[Mn(CN)6] (1)
17.2 Draw the splitting diagram for the complex anion and fill in the electrons
Soluble manganese(II) compounds, such as manganese chloride, nitrate, and sulfate, serve as essential precursors for synthesizing manganese complexes In a deaerated aqueous solution, manganese ions (Mn²⁺) react with an excess of cyanide ions (CN⁻) to form the blue complex ion [Mn(CN)₆]⁴⁻, which exhibits a magnetic moment indicative of one unpaired electron.
The 17.3 Mn²⁺ (aq) ion is identified as a high-spin hexaaqua complex, which requires the construction of a splitting diagram to accurately fill in the electron configuration and determine the number of unpaired electrons present in the complex Additionally, for the complex [Mn(CN)₆]⁴⁻, a splitting diagram should also be drawn, followed by the appropriate filling of electrons to analyze its electronic structure.
Red [Mn(CN)6] 3− is a rare low-spin manganese(+III) complex that can be synthesized through three distinct methods The first method involves bubbling air through a solution of manganese(+II) salt and excess cyanide The second method requires the oxidation of [Mn(CN)6] 4− using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution Lastly, manganese(+II) chloride can be oxidized by nitric acid in the presence of excess phosphoric acid, resulting in the formation of nitric oxide The resulting green-grey precipitate is then filtered and dissolved in potassium cyanide solution at 80 °C, completing the synthesis without any redox reactions.
17.5 Write balanced equations (2)–(5), (2) and (3) in an ionic form
17.6 Draw the splitting diagram for [Mn(CN)6] 3− ion and fill in the electrons
Violet complex K3[MnF6] can be prepared by dissolving manganese dioxide in KHF2 aqueous solution (6)
Other manganese(+III) fluorido-complexes exist with seemingly different coordination numbers:
The compounds Na2[MnF5] and Cs[MnF4] feature manganese (Mn) atoms with a coordination number of 6 In these salts, octahedral [MnF6] units are linked together by bridging fluorine (F) atoms, creating a cohesive structural framework.
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17.8 Draw the splitting diagram for the octahedral species [MnF6] 3− and fill in the electrons 17.9 Predict the structure of anionic 1D-chains present in Na2[MnF5]
17.10 Predict the structure of anionic 2D-layers present in Cs[MnF4]
The oxidation of the [Mn(CN)6] 3− ion by nitrosyl chloride results in the formation of the [Mn(CN)6] 2− ion Upon exposure to sunlight, this ion experiences reductive photolysis, leading to the generation of a tetrahedral [Mn(CN)4] 2− ion To visualize the electronic configuration, a splitting diagram for the [Mn(CN)6] 2− ion can be drawn, with the corresponding electrons filled in accordingly.
17.12 All the regular tetrahedral complexes are high-spin Why? Draw the splitting diagram for
[Mn(CN)4] 2− and fill in the electrons
Yellow fluorido-complex K2[MnF6] can be prepared by reducing KMnO4 with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of KHF2 and HF (7)
17.14 The electronic structure of [MnF6] 2− can be described qualitatively by the same splitting diagram as [Mn(CN)6] 2− Why?
Interestingly, complex K2[MnF6] can be used for non-electrolytic fluorine preparation Upon heating, it reacts with SbF5 to give K[SbF6], MnF2 and fluorine (8)
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The fox and the stork
A cunning fox invited a stork to dinner, intending to mock his guest He served only thin soup in a shallow dish, which the fox easily lapped up, while the stork, unable to eat with her long bill, remained hungry The fox feigned concern over the stork's meager meal, pretending that the dish might not suit her taste.
The stork invited the fox to return her visit, and the fox graciously accepted the invitation to dinner the next day True to his word, the fox arrived on time, and the dinner preparations began immediately.
When the meal was served, the fox realized it was in a narrow-necked vessel that allowed the stork to easily access the food, while he could only lick the jar's neck Frustrated and unable to eat, he left gracefully, acknowledging that he couldn't blame the stork, as she was simply returning the favor in kind.
An alternative end of the fable (instead of the grey sentence) could be:
The clever fox quickly devised a plan to solve his problem by finding pebbles nearby Without hesitation, he began tossing the pebbles into the jar of soup, leaving the stork bewildered as the soup level rose to the brim With a smirk, the fox turned to the stork and confidently declared, "Of course I will taste it," before indulging in the soup.
For the fox to succeed, the jar must contain a minimum volume of soup, which is directly linked to the total volume of pebbles inside This total volume depends on the quantity, size, and arrangement of the pebbles.
Let us approximate the situation by a geometrical model:
The jar is approximated as a perfect cylinder with a diameter of 10.0 cm and a height of 50.0 cm
A pebble is approximated as a perfect hard-sphere
All the spheres have the same diameter
The spheres are arranged as close as possible so that they touch each other
The soup is approximated by water
All pebbles are fully inside the jar (i.e no part of any pebble is above the rim of the cylinder)
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Let us consider the radius of the sphere r = 5 cm
18.1 Calculate the maximum number of spheres that fit into the cylinder
18.2 Calculate the fraction (in %) of the cylinder volume occupied by this number of spheres 18.3 Calculate the free volume (in cm 3 ) among the spheres that can be filled with water
Let us consider an arrangement in which 7 spheres in the first (base) layer just fit into the cylinder:
18.4 Calculate the radius of the sphere (in cm)
In the following questions, consider an arrangement in which all the higher layers copy the positions of the spheres in the base layer
18.5 Calculate the maximum number of layers that fit in the cylinder
18.6 Calculate the maximum number of spheres that fit in the cylinder
18.7 Calculate the fraction (in %) of the cylinder volume occupied by this number of spheres 18.8 Calculate the free volume (in cm 3 ) among the spheres that can be filled with water
In the following questions, consider an arrangement in which each even layer consists of
3 spheres and each odd layer copies the positions of the spheres in the base layer:
18.9 Calculate the maximum number of layers that fit in the cylinder
18.10 Calculate the maximum number of spheres that fit in the cylinder
18.11 Calculate the fraction (in %) of the cylinder volume occupied by this number of spheres 18.12 Calculate the free volume (in cm 3 ) among the spheres that can be filled with water
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Let us consider very small spheres with diameter smaller by orders of magnitude than the diameter of cylinder (r 0)
18.13 Calculate the limiting fraction (in %) of the cylinder volume occupied by the spheres 18.14 Calculate the free volume among the spheres that can be filled with water
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Structures in the solid state
Sodium chloride (NaCl) exhibits a fundamental crystal structure characteristic of ionic compounds, featuring a face-centered cubic unit cell The lattice constant for NaCl is measured at 5.64 Å, while the radius of the sodium ion (Na⁺) is 1.16 Å.
Figure 1 Unit cell of NaCl Colour code: Na + yellow, Cl – green
19.1 Calculate the ionic radius of a chloride ion, r(Cl − )
Potassium chloride, KCl, crystallizes in the same crystal structure type The density of solid KCl is (KCl) = 1.98 g cm −3
19.2 Calculate the ionic radius of a potassium ion, r(K + )
The structure of ionic compounds can be analyzed by considering the relative sizes of cations and anions, as the ratio of their radii (r +/r −) influences the type of cavity within the anionic lattice that can accommodate the cation.
19.3 The ionic radius of a lithium ion is r(Li + ) = 0.90 Å Estimate whether LiCl adopts the same crystal structure type as NaCl or not
Some ionic compounds of divalent ions also crystallize in the crystal structure type of NaCl, for example galena, PbS Its lattice constant is a = 5.94 Å
19.4 Calculate the density of galena
Galena, a significant silver ore, allows for the substitution of silver(I) ions for lead(II) ions in its PbS structure To maintain electro-neutrality within the crystal, the reduction in positive charge is balanced by vacancies in the sulphide anions This phase can be represented by the formula Pb1−x Ag x S y.
19.5 Derive the value of y as a function of x
A silver-containing galena sample, where some lead(II) ions are replaced by silver(I) ions and the resulting charge decrease is balanced by vacancies of sulfide ions, exhibits a density of 7.21 g/cm³ and a lattice constant of 5.88 Å.
19.6 Calculate the value of the stoichiometric coefficient x
Zinc blende (sphalerite, ZnS) crystallizes in a different crystal structure type, which is closely related to the structure of diamond Both types of structures are shown in Figure 2
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Figure 2 (a) Unit cell of sphalerite
Colour code: Zn 2+ grey, S 2− yellow-green
19.7 How many formula units (ZnS) are there in the unit cell of sphalerite?
Heavier elements of group IV (i.e group 14), silicon and germanium, also adopt the structure of diamond The radius of elemental germanium is r(Ge) = 1.23 Å
19.8 Calculate the density of solid germanium
Germanium, a semiconductor akin to silicon, is utilized in electro-technology but is known for its fragility To address this limitation, the more flexible isoelectronic compound gallium arsenide (GaAs) is employed in various applications GaAs, a III–V type semiconductor, features a sphalerite structure, with lattice constants closely matching those of germanium, specifically a(GaAs) = 5.65 Å Additionally, gallium phosphide (GaP) also adopts the sphalerite structure but has a smaller unit cell, measuring a(GaP) = 5.45 Å.
19.9 Calculate the difference between the radii of P and As in the respective compounds with gallium (GaP versus GaAs)
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Cyclobutanes
20.1 Draw all possible isomers of substituted cyclobutanes with the molecular formula C7H14, including enantiomers
20.2 Mark all the asymmetric carbon atoms in the molecules from question 20.1 with an asterisk 20.3 List all the compounds from question 20.1 that do not show optical activity
20.4 List all pairs of enantiomers from question 20.1
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Fluorinated radiotracers
Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is a radiotracer used in cancer diagnostics through positron emission tomography (PET) This technique involves administering 18F-FDG, which is preferentially absorbed by cancer cells As the radiotracer undergoes radioactive decay, it produces positrons that annihilate with electrons, generating pairs of gamma photons These photons are detected, enabling precise localization of tumors with high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
21.1 The isotope 18 F is produced by a proton bombardment technique Which isotope of which element is used for the production of 18 F?
Since the amount of 18 F-FDG used in PET is very low, the dose is defined by units of radioactivity instead of the more commonly used molar concentration
21.2 What is the amount of 18 F-FDG (in moles) present in one dose of 300 MBq (3 × 10 8 s −1 )? The half-life of 18 F is 109.771 min
Assume that all molecules of 18 F-FDG decay to 18 O-glucose, which eventually undergoes standard biochemical transformation into carbon dioxide and water
21.3 At what time point will the chemical energy of 18 O-glucose, produced by the decay of
18F-FDG, be equal to the total energy of γ-photons not yet released from the remaining
The energy produced from the complete decomposition of 18O-glucose into CO2 and H2O must equal the energy released from the radioactive decay of 18F-FDG The heat of combustion for glucose is measured at 2,800 kJ per mole.
While 18 F-FDG is widely used, it is not the sole fluorinated radiotracer available Compound 1 serves as a radiotracer specifically for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease (PD) by binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein found in dopaminergic neurons The degeneration of these neurons is a key indicator of PD, making targeted imaging of DAT-expressing neural cells beneficial for diagnosing this neurodegenerative disorder.
A freshly synthesized sample of K 18 F reacts with ditosylate A, producing monofluorinated precursor B Molecule B further reacts with amine 2 to give the final radiotracer 1
21.4 Propose the structures of tosylates A and B What additive X is required to render the fluoride anion nucleophilic enough that the reaction runs to completion within minutes?
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Amine 2 can be easily produced by a sequence of reactions starting from cocaine (3), a natural product from plants of the Erythroxylaceae family
The synthesis starts with acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of cocaine (3) leading to compound C
(C9H15NO3) Subsequent elimination with POCl3 produces, after a methanolic workup, compound
The synthesis of secondary amine 2 begins with the addition of magnesium-containing reagent E to compound D, leading to the formation of precursor 4 after an aqueous workup The final step involves demethylation using 1-chloroethyl chloroformate, followed by treatment with aqueous sodium carbonate.
21.5 Draw the structures of compounds C to E
21.6 Compound 4 is not the only stereoisomer which can be formed by the addition of E to D
Draw the structures of all the stereoisomers which are unwanted side-products of the transformation
21.7 The mechanism of demethylation of 4 involves the formation of acylated intermediates F and G, and subsequent liberation of amine 2 with acidified hot methanol Draw the structures of intermediates F and G
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Where is lithium?
Aryllithium reagents play a crucial role as intermediates in the synthesis of various compounds They can be prepared through the reaction of aryl halides with lithium or butyllithium, or by an acid-base reaction involving aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds and a strong base.
The reaction of substituted iodobenzene 4 with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) exemplifies the synthesis of aromatic carboxylic acids through an acid-base process known as the halogen dance reaction This reaction primarily yields acid 6, with a minor production of acid 5.
22.1 Draw the mechanism for the reaction of general aryl halide 1 with lithium
22.2 Draw the structures of intermediates A, B, C, and D that explain the mechanism of formation of acids 5 and 6
22.3 Acid 5 can be prepared by the so-called haloform reaction Suggest a synthetic route from substrate E (C8H3F3I2O) with suitable reagents
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Synthesis of eremophilone
Eremophilone, (–)-1a, is a constituent of a commercially available oil with anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, isolated from the Australian Eremophila mitchellii shrub (buddha wood)
The synthesis of enantiomerically pure eremophilone is complex due to the cis-configuration of its methyl groups and the axial orientation of the isopropenyl group The process begins with ketone 2, which reacts with ethane-1,2-diol under acidic conditions to form compound A This is followed by regioselective reduction using a borane–THF complex, yielding substance B Mild oxidation of B produces product C, which is then stereoselectively reacted with λ 5-alkylidenephosphane (ylide) D to generate compound 3 The subsequent reduction leads to substance E, which reacts with butyl vinyl ether in the presence of mercury acetate to form compound 4 Upon heating, compound 4 rearranges to compound F, and after deprotection, it results in dioxo compound G Finally, intramolecular aldolization using reagent H produces bicyclic 5, a key intermediate in the synthesis of the eremophilone stereoisomeric mixture (1).
23.1 Draw the structures of the products and reagents A–H
The synthesis process involves a crucial thermal rearrangement of allylic vinyl ether 4, resulting in the formation of compound F For this reaction to occur effectively, compound 4 needs to achieve the correct orientation, known as orientation I, which facilitates the necessary sigmatropic transformation.
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To facilitate the sigmatropic transformation in compound 4, it is essential to illustrate the correct orientation of the allylic vinyl ether moiety I This transformation involves the movement of electrons, which can be depicted using curved arrows to indicate the rearrangement process leading to the formation of compound F The specific name for this type of rearrangement is the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.
Note: You do not have to draw 3D structures
High temperatures are usually needed for rearrangement processes, but they are not always necessary For instance, allylic esters, like ester 6, can achieve this transformation by initially reacting with a strong non-nucleophilic base, such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA).
At -78 °C, an enolate is formed, which is then trapped with chlorotrimethylsilane to produce silyl enol ether J Upon warming to room temperature, substance J spontaneously rearranges into substituted silyl ester L via conformation K.
23.3 Draw the structures of J and L and orientation K that enables the sigmatropic transformation to proceed Use curved arrows to show the flow of electrons in the rearrangement step to compound L
Note: You do not have to draw 3D structures
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Cinnamon all around
Cinnamon plays a crucial role in various dishes and desserts, such as Czech apple strudel, Swedish kanelbullar, Indian biryani, and the winter favorite mulled wine The distinct flavor and aroma of cinnamon are primarily due to compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, with (E)-cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid being more prevalent in nature than their (Z)-isomers While (E)-cinnamaldehyde has a sweet, cinnamon-like scent, (Z)-isomers are odorless This article will delve into the synthesis of both stereoisomers of cinnamic acid.
24.1 Draw the formulae of isomeric products A and B
24.2 Propose reasonable reaction conditions (X) for the interconversion of cinnamic acid isomers (A → B)
24.3 Starting from 2-bromoacetic acid, how would you prepare the phosphonate used in the above-mentioned synthesis?
Both stereoisomers of cinnamic acid and their derivatives are often used as starting material in numerous syntheses Let us have a look at some examples
Docetaxel, marketed as Taxotere, is a semisynthetic chemotherapy medication effective in treating various types of cancer Its core structure, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, is derived from yew leaves, while its side chain is synthetically produced from ethyl cinnamate.
Epoxyacid F is synthesized from both (E)- and (Z)-ethyl cinnamate The process begins with (E)-ethyl cinnamate reacting with osmium tetroxide and a chiral ligand, yielding a single enantiomer of compound C This compound is then treated with tosyl chloride, resulting in compound D, where the hydroxyl group at position 2 is tosylated In a basic environment, tosylate D is transformed into compound E Alternatively, compound E can also be obtained in one step from (Z)-ethyl cinnamate through hypochlorite-mediated oxidation, facilitated by a chiral catalyst to ensure the formation of a single enantiomer The subsequent hydrolysis of compound E leads to the formation of epoxyacid F.
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24.4 Draw the structures of compounds C, D and E, including stereochemistry The absolute configuration of all compounds can be deduced from the known structure of acid F
Epoxyacid F reacts with 10-deacetylbaccatin III (G) in the presence of N,N´-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to provide compound H A subsequent reaction with NaN3 leads to compound I, which is easily converted to docetaxel (J)
24.5 Draw the structures of compounds H and I, including stereochemistry
24.6 What is the role of DCC in the first step? Write the appropriate chemical equation
Taxifolin (K) is an inhibitor of ovarian cancer with strong hepatoprotective properties It belongs to 3-hydroxyflavanone (L) family of natural products
The synthesis of compound L begins with the asymmetric dihydroxylation of methyl cinnamate M, utilizing osmium tetroxide as a catalyst, potassium ferricyanide as an oxidant, and a chiral ligand This process is followed by the conversion of the ester group in compound N to compound O, along with the reaction of hydroxyl groups in the presence of excess chloromethyl methyl ether.
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The reaction of compound P with a protected aryllithium reagent produces a non-stereoselective mixture of compounds Q and R Subsequent treatment of this mixture with PDC leads to the formation of a single compound S Upon acidic treatment, compound S transforms into compound T Finally, compound T undergoes a reaction with diisopropyl azodicarboxylate.
(DIAD) and triphenylphosphine proceeds by formal SN2 substitution of one hydroxyl group with the other to furnish target compound L
24.7 From the known configuration of product T, decide whether compound M is the ester of (E)- or (Z)-cinnamic acid
24.8 Draw the structures of compounds N–S and L, with the correct configuration on the benzylic oxygen
24.9 Decide whether compounds Q and R are a) constitutional isomers, b) diastereoisomers or c) enantiomers
24.10 Why can we not react compound O with the aryllithium reagent directly?
24.11 Draw the structure of the PDC reagent
24.12 After whom is the reaction converting compound T to compound L named?
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