"Complexes of carbohydrates with magnesium-ions" : "the isolation of an oligosaccharide containing L-galactose from the polysaccharide of Aeodes orbitosa" : "horizontal cellulose colum chromatography of sugars"
- Authors: Van der Linde, Michael John
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Magenesium , Ions , Carbohydrates , Oligosaccharides , Polysaccharides , Chromatographic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013282
- Description: Sugar complexes with anions and cations are reviewed. Evidence is presented for the formation of a complex of stoichiometry 1:1 in aqueous solution between methyl-α-Dglucopyranoside and magnesium perchlorate. The complex may be detected by the method of continuous variations. Measurements of changes in the proton chemical shifts of the glucoside in dauterium oxide, indicate that the complex is probably formed between the vicinal hydroxyl groups at C-2 and C-3 of the pyranoside ring and the hydrated cation. At elevation temperatures there is evidence for the presence of a complex of stoichiometry 2:1. Experiments conducted on cellulose indicate the possible formation of cellulose - magnesium-ion complexes . These complexes provide an explanation for the "protective action" of mEgnesium compounds on the cellulose portion of pulp during alkali-oxygen bleaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
- Authors: Van der Linde, Michael John
- Date: 1974
- Subjects: Magenesium , Ions , Carbohydrates , Oligosaccharides , Polysaccharides , Chromatographic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013282
- Description: Sugar complexes with anions and cations are reviewed. Evidence is presented for the formation of a complex of stoichiometry 1:1 in aqueous solution between methyl-α-Dglucopyranoside and magnesium perchlorate. The complex may be detected by the method of continuous variations. Measurements of changes in the proton chemical shifts of the glucoside in dauterium oxide, indicate that the complex is probably formed between the vicinal hydroxyl groups at C-2 and C-3 of the pyranoside ring and the hydrated cation. At elevation temperatures there is evidence for the presence of a complex of stoichiometry 2:1. Experiments conducted on cellulose indicate the possible formation of cellulose - magnesium-ion complexes . These complexes provide an explanation for the "protective action" of mEgnesium compounds on the cellulose portion of pulp during alkali-oxygen bleaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1974
"The isolation and estimation of low molecular weight N-nitrosamines in biological materials"
- Authors: Du Plessis, Leo Stephen
- Date: 1973
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:21176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6750
- Description: Summary: Low molecular weight N-nitrosamines were detected by ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectral, thin-layer chromatographic and gas liquid chromatographic means. A method for the estimation of dimethylnitrosamine, diethylnitrosamine, ethal-n-propylnitrosamine and di-n-propylnitrosamine has been developed. The method involves the isolation of the nitrosamines in an aqueous distillate by freeze-drying. After extraction of the nitrosamines from the aqueous distillate by means of dichloromethane, their separation and quantitative estimation are achieved by gas liquid chromatography of the extract. The procedure can be extended down to the ppb range. Dimethylnitrosamine was isolated from an extract of Solanum incanum and identified by gas liquid chromatography on four different columns, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
- Authors: Du Plessis, Leo Stephen
- Date: 1973
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:21176 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6750
- Description: Summary: Low molecular weight N-nitrosamines were detected by ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectral, thin-layer chromatographic and gas liquid chromatographic means. A method for the estimation of dimethylnitrosamine, diethylnitrosamine, ethal-n-propylnitrosamine and di-n-propylnitrosamine has been developed. The method involves the isolation of the nitrosamines in an aqueous distillate by freeze-drying. After extraction of the nitrosamines from the aqueous distillate by means of dichloromethane, their separation and quantitative estimation are achieved by gas liquid chromatography of the extract. The procedure can be extended down to the ppb range. Dimethylnitrosamine was isolated from an extract of Solanum incanum and identified by gas liquid chromatography on four different columns, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
A bioinorganic investigation of some metal complexes of the Schiff base, N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylaldimine)propan-2-ol
- Authors: Mopp, Estelle
- Date: 2010 , 2012-04-13
- Subjects: Schiff bases , Bioinorganic chemistry , Metal complexes , Transition metal complexes , Transition metals , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Ligands -- Toxicity , Antineoplastic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006768 , Schiff bases , Bioinorganic chemistry , Metal complexes , Transition metal complexes , Transition metals , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Ligands -- Toxicity , Antineoplastic agents
- Description: This thesis includes the synthesis, characterisation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Cu(II)-, Co(II)- and Co(III) complexes with N,N'-bis(3- methoxysalicylaldimine)propan-2-ol, 2-OH-oVANPN. The Schiff base ligand, 2-OHoVANPN, is derived from o-vanillin and 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol. The o-vanillin condensed with 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol in a 2:1 molar ratio yields this potential tetraor pentadentate ligand. The complexes synthesized are tetra (or penta or hexa) coordinated. Formation of the complexes is symbolized as follows:- MX₂ + 2-OH-oVANPN (2:1) -> [M(2-OH-oVANPN)Xn] + HnX MX₂ + 2-OH-oVANPN (2:1) -> [Mn(2-OH-oVANPN)OH] + H₂X₂ MX₂ + (o-vanillin : diaminopropanol) (1:1) -> [M(1:1)X₂] MX₂ + (o-vanillin : diaminopropanol) (1:1) -> [M₃(1:1)X₄] M = Cu(II), Co(II) or Co(III); X = Cl; n = 1, 2. Their structural features have been deduced from their elemental analytical data, IR spectral data, and electronic spectral data. With the exception of {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆}(A4), the Cu(II) complexes were monomeric with 2-OH-oVANPN acting as a tetradentate ligand. A binuclear Co(II) complex, [Co₂(C₁₉H₁₉N₂O₅)(OH)] (B1), was synthesised and the rest of the Co(II) and Co(III) complexes were monomeric with chloride ions coordinating to the metal centre in some cases. Electronic data suggest that the cobalt(II) complexes have octahedral geometries and the copper(II) complexes have square planar structures – Co(III) is likely to be octahedral. Thermal analyses, which included the copper-block-method for determining sublimation temperatures, revealed that some copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes are hygroscopic and sublime at 200 °C and below. DSC analyses of the Cu(II) complexes gave exotherms around 300 °C for complexes K[Cu(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(OH)]·2H₂O (A1) and [Cu(C₁₁H15N₂O₃)(Cl)₂]·2H₂O (A2) and above 400 °C for [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂] (A3) and {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆} (A4). Antioxidant studies were carried out against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·). The cobalt(II) complex, [Co₂(C₁₉H₁₉N₂O₅)(OH)] (B1), which was synthesized in the presence of KOH, had no antioxidant activity, whilst the other cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(C₁₇H₁₇N₂O₅(Cl))]·1½H₂O (B2), [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅) (Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B3) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅)(Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B4), which were synthesised in the absence of KOH, demonstrated antioxidant activity. The latter complexes are candidates for cancer cell line testing, while [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂] (A3), {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆} (A4), [Co(C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₅)(Cl)₂ ]·5H₂O (C2) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(Cl)]·3H₂O (C3) may show anticancer activity through possible hydrolysis products. Most of the complexes synthesized displayed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The results indicated that complexes [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂](A3), [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅)(Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B3) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₅)(Cl)₂ ]·5H₂O (C2) are active against the Gram-negative Ps. aeruginosa and that the ligand, 2-OH-oVANPN, did not have any activity. The same trend was observed with 2-OH-oVANPN, {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)4(H₂O)₆} (A4) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(Cl)]·3H₂O (C3) against the Gram-positive S. aureus. As for activity against E. coli and C. albicans, some complexes showed more activity than the ligand. There is an observed trend here that the metal complexes are more active (toxic) than the corresponding ligand, which is in agreement with Tweedy’s chelation theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mopp, Estelle
- Date: 2010 , 2012-04-13
- Subjects: Schiff bases , Bioinorganic chemistry , Metal complexes , Transition metal complexes , Transition metals , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Ligands -- Toxicity , Antineoplastic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006768 , Schiff bases , Bioinorganic chemistry , Metal complexes , Transition metal complexes , Transition metals , Cancer -- Chemotherapy , Ligands -- Toxicity , Antineoplastic agents
- Description: This thesis includes the synthesis, characterisation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Cu(II)-, Co(II)- and Co(III) complexes with N,N'-bis(3- methoxysalicylaldimine)propan-2-ol, 2-OH-oVANPN. The Schiff base ligand, 2-OHoVANPN, is derived from o-vanillin and 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol. The o-vanillin condensed with 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol in a 2:1 molar ratio yields this potential tetraor pentadentate ligand. The complexes synthesized are tetra (or penta or hexa) coordinated. Formation of the complexes is symbolized as follows:- MX₂ + 2-OH-oVANPN (2:1) -> [M(2-OH-oVANPN)Xn] + HnX MX₂ + 2-OH-oVANPN (2:1) -> [Mn(2-OH-oVANPN)OH] + H₂X₂ MX₂ + (o-vanillin : diaminopropanol) (1:1) -> [M(1:1)X₂] MX₂ + (o-vanillin : diaminopropanol) (1:1) -> [M₃(1:1)X₄] M = Cu(II), Co(II) or Co(III); X = Cl; n = 1, 2. Their structural features have been deduced from their elemental analytical data, IR spectral data, and electronic spectral data. With the exception of {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆}(A4), the Cu(II) complexes were monomeric with 2-OH-oVANPN acting as a tetradentate ligand. A binuclear Co(II) complex, [Co₂(C₁₉H₁₉N₂O₅)(OH)] (B1), was synthesised and the rest of the Co(II) and Co(III) complexes were monomeric with chloride ions coordinating to the metal centre in some cases. Electronic data suggest that the cobalt(II) complexes have octahedral geometries and the copper(II) complexes have square planar structures – Co(III) is likely to be octahedral. Thermal analyses, which included the copper-block-method for determining sublimation temperatures, revealed that some copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes are hygroscopic and sublime at 200 °C and below. DSC analyses of the Cu(II) complexes gave exotherms around 300 °C for complexes K[Cu(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(OH)]·2H₂O (A1) and [Cu(C₁₁H15N₂O₃)(Cl)₂]·2H₂O (A2) and above 400 °C for [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂] (A3) and {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆} (A4). Antioxidant studies were carried out against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·). The cobalt(II) complex, [Co₂(C₁₉H₁₉N₂O₅)(OH)] (B1), which was synthesized in the presence of KOH, had no antioxidant activity, whilst the other cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(C₁₇H₁₇N₂O₅(Cl))]·1½H₂O (B2), [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅) (Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B3) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅)(Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B4), which were synthesised in the absence of KOH, demonstrated antioxidant activity. The latter complexes are candidates for cancer cell line testing, while [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂] (A3), {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)₄(H₂O)₆} (A4), [Co(C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₅)(Cl)₂ ]·5H₂O (C2) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(Cl)]·3H₂O (C3) may show anticancer activity through possible hydrolysis products. Most of the complexes synthesized displayed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The results indicated that complexes [Cu(C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃)(Cl)₂](A3), [Co(C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₅)(Cl)₂]·5½H₂O (B3) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₅)(Cl)₂ ]·5H₂O (C2) are active against the Gram-negative Ps. aeruginosa and that the ligand, 2-OH-oVANPN, did not have any activity. The same trend was observed with 2-OH-oVANPN, {Cu₃(C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₃)(Cl)4(H₂O)₆} (A4) and [Co(C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₅)(Cl)]·3H₂O (C3) against the Gram-positive S. aureus. As for activity against E. coli and C. albicans, some complexes showed more activity than the ligand. There is an observed trend here that the metal complexes are more active (toxic) than the corresponding ligand, which is in agreement with Tweedy’s chelation theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A bioinorganic study of some cobalt(II) Schiff base complexes of variously substituted hydroxybenzaldimines
- Authors: Shaibu, Rafiu Olarewaju
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cobalt Schiff bases Artemia Spectrum analysis Ligands -- Analysis Bioinorganic chemistry Antineoplastic agents Cancer -- Chemotherapy Ligands -- Toxicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006009
- Description: Syntheses of Schiff bases were carried out by reacting salicylaldyhde, ortho-vanillin, para-vanillin or vanillin with aniline, 1-aminonaphthalene, 4- and 3-aminopyridine, and also with 2- and 3-aminomethylpyridine. The various Schiff bases obtained from the condensation reaction were reacted with CoCl₂.6H₂0, triethylamine stripped CoCl₂.6H₂0 or Co(CH₃COO)₂ to form cobalt(Il) complexes of ratio 2:1. The complexes obtained from cobalt chloride designated as the "A series" are of the general formulae ML₂X₂.nH₂0 , (L = Schiff base, X = chlorine) while those obtained from cobalt acetate or triethylamine stripped cobalt chloride denoted as "B" and C" are of the general formulae ML₂. nH₂0. The few complexes that do not follow the general formulae highlighted above are: IA [M(HL)₃.Cl₂], (L = N-phenylsalicylaldimine), 4A = (MLCl₂), (L = N-phenylvanaldiminato), 7 A and 21 A (ML₂), (L = N-naphthyl-o-vanaldiminato, and N-methy-2-pyridylsalicylaldiminato respectively), 8A = MLCI, (L = N-naphthylvanaldiminato), 12A = M₂L₃Cl₂, (L = N-4-pyridylvanaldiminato), 15A (MLCI), (L = N-3-pyridyl-o-vanaldiminato). The ligands and their complexes were characterized using elemental analyses and cobalt analysis using ICP, FT-IR spectroscopy (mid and far-IR), NIR-UV/vis (diffuse reflectance), UV/vis in an aprotic and a protic solvents, while mass spectrometry, ¹HNMR and ¹³CNMR, was used to further characterized the ligands. The tautomeric nature of the Schiff bases were determined by examining the behaviour of Schiff bases and their complexes in a protic (e.g. MeOH) and non-protic (e.g. DMF) polar solvents. The effects of solvents on the electronic behaviour of the compounds were also examined. Using CDCl₃, the NMR technique was further used to confirm the structures of the Schiff bases. The tentative geometry of the complexes was determined using the spectra information obtained from the far infrared and the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. With few exceptions, most of the "A" series are tetrahedral or distorted tetrahedral, while the "B + C" are octahedral or pseudooctahedral. A small number of complexes are assigned square-planar geometry owing to the characteristic spectral behaviour shown. In order to determine their biological activity, two biological assay methods (antimicrobial testing and brine shrimp lethality assay) were used. Using disc method, the bacteriostatic and fungicidal activities of the various Schiff bases and their respective complexes to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as Aspergillus niger, were measured and the average inhibition zones are tabulated and analysed. Both the Schiff bases and their complexes showed varying bacteriostatic and fungicidal activity against the bacteria and fungus tested. The inhibition activity is concentration dependent and potential antibiotic and fungicides are identified. To determine the toxicity of the ligands and their corresponding cobalt(II) complexes, brine shrimp lethality assay was used. The LD₅₀ of the tested compounds were calculated and the results obtained were tabulated for comparison.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Shaibu, Rafiu Olarewaju
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cobalt Schiff bases Artemia Spectrum analysis Ligands -- Analysis Bioinorganic chemistry Antineoplastic agents Cancer -- Chemotherapy Ligands -- Toxicity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006009
- Description: Syntheses of Schiff bases were carried out by reacting salicylaldyhde, ortho-vanillin, para-vanillin or vanillin with aniline, 1-aminonaphthalene, 4- and 3-aminopyridine, and also with 2- and 3-aminomethylpyridine. The various Schiff bases obtained from the condensation reaction were reacted with CoCl₂.6H₂0, triethylamine stripped CoCl₂.6H₂0 or Co(CH₃COO)₂ to form cobalt(Il) complexes of ratio 2:1. The complexes obtained from cobalt chloride designated as the "A series" are of the general formulae ML₂X₂.nH₂0 , (L = Schiff base, X = chlorine) while those obtained from cobalt acetate or triethylamine stripped cobalt chloride denoted as "B" and C" are of the general formulae ML₂. nH₂0. The few complexes that do not follow the general formulae highlighted above are: IA [M(HL)₃.Cl₂], (L = N-phenylsalicylaldimine), 4A = (MLCl₂), (L = N-phenylvanaldiminato), 7 A and 21 A (ML₂), (L = N-naphthyl-o-vanaldiminato, and N-methy-2-pyridylsalicylaldiminato respectively), 8A = MLCI, (L = N-naphthylvanaldiminato), 12A = M₂L₃Cl₂, (L = N-4-pyridylvanaldiminato), 15A (MLCI), (L = N-3-pyridyl-o-vanaldiminato). The ligands and their complexes were characterized using elemental analyses and cobalt analysis using ICP, FT-IR spectroscopy (mid and far-IR), NIR-UV/vis (diffuse reflectance), UV/vis in an aprotic and a protic solvents, while mass spectrometry, ¹HNMR and ¹³CNMR, was used to further characterized the ligands. The tautomeric nature of the Schiff bases were determined by examining the behaviour of Schiff bases and their complexes in a protic (e.g. MeOH) and non-protic (e.g. DMF) polar solvents. The effects of solvents on the electronic behaviour of the compounds were also examined. Using CDCl₃, the NMR technique was further used to confirm the structures of the Schiff bases. The tentative geometry of the complexes was determined using the spectra information obtained from the far infrared and the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. With few exceptions, most of the "A" series are tetrahedral or distorted tetrahedral, while the "B + C" are octahedral or pseudooctahedral. A small number of complexes are assigned square-planar geometry owing to the characteristic spectral behaviour shown. In order to determine their biological activity, two biological assay methods (antimicrobial testing and brine shrimp lethality assay) were used. Using disc method, the bacteriostatic and fungicidal activities of the various Schiff bases and their respective complexes to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as Aspergillus niger, were measured and the average inhibition zones are tabulated and analysed. Both the Schiff bases and their complexes showed varying bacteriostatic and fungicidal activity against the bacteria and fungus tested. The inhibition activity is concentration dependent and potential antibiotic and fungicides are identified. To determine the toxicity of the ligands and their corresponding cobalt(II) complexes, brine shrimp lethality assay was used. The LD₅₀ of the tested compounds were calculated and the results obtained were tabulated for comparison.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A chemical investigation of Tulbaghia Violacea
- Authors: Burton, Stephanie Gail
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Liliaceae , Plants -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015725
- Description: Tulbaghia violacea, a member of the family Alliaceae is indigenous to the Eastern Cape and is widely used as a herbal remedy for various febrile and gastro-enteric ailments, particularly in young children. Adverse effects, and even fatalities, have been reported following treatment with the plant extract. The project has involved synthesis of model compounds, chromatographic analysis of flavonoid and other constituents of the plant, and examination of the volatile components. Some fifteen flavones were synthesised as chromatographic models and in the course of this work, the development of a new method for synthesis of carboxylic anhydrides was completed. Use of the flavone standards permitted identification of the flavonols kaempferol and quercetin in hydrolysed glycosidic plant extracts. In addition, several sugars were identified, viz., D-glucose, D-fructose, L-arabinose and D-galactose as free sugars, and D-glucose, D-galactose , 1-rhamnose, D- fucose, D-xylose, 1-arabinose and D-fructose as glycosidic sugars, by g.l.c. and g. c. - m. s. analysis of derivatives of isolated sugar mixtures. The presence in the plant extracts of steroidal saponins was also demonstrated. The sulphur compounds, 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane-2,2-dioxide and 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane were isolated from the plant and characterised spectroscopically. This result, together with analysis of volatiles from the plant, has led to a proposal concerning the nature and origin of sulphur compounds in Tulbaghia violacea, showing close correlation with the sulphur compounds in Allium species. Investigation of the biological activity of Tulbaghia violacea extracts showed bacteriostatic activity, particularly of extracts which had not been heated, and which had been prepared from mature plants. Treatment of isolated smooth muscle preparations with Tulbaghia violacea extracts indicated the presence of a β-adrenergic agonist having an inhibitory effect on normal muscle contraction. The results of the investigations indicate that while there may be some basis for use of the plant as an antibacterial, or to treat colic, the adverse effects, caused possibly by the sulphur compounds and/or steroidal saponins present, may override the beneficial effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: Burton, Stephanie Gail
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Liliaceae , Plants -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015725
- Description: Tulbaghia violacea, a member of the family Alliaceae is indigenous to the Eastern Cape and is widely used as a herbal remedy for various febrile and gastro-enteric ailments, particularly in young children. Adverse effects, and even fatalities, have been reported following treatment with the plant extract. The project has involved synthesis of model compounds, chromatographic analysis of flavonoid and other constituents of the plant, and examination of the volatile components. Some fifteen flavones were synthesised as chromatographic models and in the course of this work, the development of a new method for synthesis of carboxylic anhydrides was completed. Use of the flavone standards permitted identification of the flavonols kaempferol and quercetin in hydrolysed glycosidic plant extracts. In addition, several sugars were identified, viz., D-glucose, D-fructose, L-arabinose and D-galactose as free sugars, and D-glucose, D-galactose , 1-rhamnose, D- fucose, D-xylose, 1-arabinose and D-fructose as glycosidic sugars, by g.l.c. and g. c. - m. s. analysis of derivatives of isolated sugar mixtures. The presence in the plant extracts of steroidal saponins was also demonstrated. The sulphur compounds, 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane-2,2-dioxide and 2,4,5,7-tetrathiaoctane were isolated from the plant and characterised spectroscopically. This result, together with analysis of volatiles from the plant, has led to a proposal concerning the nature and origin of sulphur compounds in Tulbaghia violacea, showing close correlation with the sulphur compounds in Allium species. Investigation of the biological activity of Tulbaghia violacea extracts showed bacteriostatic activity, particularly of extracts which had not been heated, and which had been prepared from mature plants. Treatment of isolated smooth muscle preparations with Tulbaghia violacea extracts indicated the presence of a β-adrenergic agonist having an inhibitory effect on normal muscle contraction. The results of the investigations indicate that while there may be some basis for use of the plant as an antibacterial, or to treat colic, the adverse effects, caused possibly by the sulphur compounds and/or steroidal saponins present, may override the beneficial effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
A comparative kinetic study of the reaction between chromium nitrate solutions and the carboxyl groups of acetate and collage
- Authors: Russell, Allan Edward
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Chemical kinetics , Chromium , Spectrophotometry , Electrophoresis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013101
- Description: The kinetics of the coordination reaction between the carboxyl group of the acetate radical and the trivalent chromium ion has been examined by independent methods at a temperature selected to yield reasonably accurate rate data. The study has been extended to an examination of the rate of chromium "fixation" by the carboxyl groups of hide collagen in a series of miniature tannages carried out under similar conditions for comparative purposes. The effect of olation of the chromium ions in solution on the kinetics of t he coordination reaction has also been examined. The rate of coordination of the acetate radical was followed by solvent extraction and spectrophotometric techniques over a range of concentration and pH levels. The rate data revealed a reaction having typical mass-action characteristics, the rate of reaction depending on the concentration levels of the chromium ion and the ionised acetate radical. An attempt made to distinguish a differential reaction rate in the case of a parallel reaction series using boiled and aged chromium nitrate reactant solutions, failed to reveal any significant differences between the series. The reactant solutions gave absorption spectra characteristic of the trivalent chromium ion with maxima in the 420 mµ and 570 mµ wavelength regions. The changes in optical density occurring in the vicinity of the maxima were followed spectrophotometrically, the height of the 570 mµ being found to increase during the course of reaction, while the height of the 420 mµ peak decreased. The variation in optical density at the 570 mµ peak was found to be directly related to the increase in concentration of the product complex in solution in accordance with the Baer-Bougher law, while the decrease in the height of the 420 mµ peak was related to the properties of unolated OH groups associated with the chromium complex as governed by pH and olation changes during the course of reaction. Boiled and aged chromium nitrate solutions gave reactant solutions having initial optical densities greater than those of the correspending fresh reactant solutions at the 570 mµ peak, and less than those of the fresh solutions at the 420 mµ peak. During the course of reaction, however, the two series converged to the same values. The equilibrium reaction solutions were subjected to paper electrophoretic study which indicated that all tho chromium was present in the form of cationic species. This finding was in accordance with stoicheiometric indications in the solvent extraction studies where coordination in a l : 1 ratio was reflected, giving rise to positively charged complex ions only. Making due allowance for band spreading the numbers of species predicted from the kinetic studies correspond with the electrophoretic patterns found. Application of the classical second order kinetic expression to the solvent extraction rate data, yielded plots having two distinctly linear sections, apparently indicating consecutive second order processes occurring in solution, contrary to the findings of previous workers who assign a first order mechanism to the reaction. This finding was consistent with the view that in the case of both the fresh and aged series, reaction consisted of successive coordination of an acetate radical to each chromium atom of a diol complex. Second order rate "constants" were calculated for each step and their dependency on pH level demonstrated. The findings of Hamm et al that these were first order reactions independent of acetate co'ncentration are believed to be due to their use of a large excess of acetate in their experiments. The kinetic study was further extended to an examination of the rate of "fixation"of trivalent chromium by the carboxyl groups of hide collagen under comparable conditions in a series of miniaturv tanning experiments in which the tannage substrate was provided in each of two physical forms:- (a) As hide powder where surface development was large, and (b) as prepared pelt pieces in which the fibrous weave pattern was retained. In view of the heterogeneity of the tannage systems, remarkable similarity was observed in the reaction course when compared with that of the acetate coordination studies, particularly in the case of the hide powder tannages. The dependency of the tannage rate data upon concentration and pH conditions was also found to be the same as in the case of the pure chemical system. The exact correlation between the rate data for the tannage and pure chemical systems was demonstrated by means of correlation plots. Close correlation was revealed in the case of hide powder tannage while the smaller degree of correlation observed in the case of the pelt tannage systems was attributed to the modifying effects of diffusion, particularly on the initial reaction velocity. The effect of using boiled and aged chromium solutions in the tannages was to increase the initial rate of chroniill!l "fixation" apparently due to tho coordination of a dial species at each coordination site. After the initial reaction period, the two series showed a tendency to converge as in the case of the spectrophotometric studies on the acetate reaction. The convergence trend was regarded as indicative of the tendency for the chromium in fresh solutions to under go rapid olation to the ame level as in the boiled and aged solutions. The experimental observations made on the various systems lead to the following conclusions:- (a) The mechanism of coordination of the acetate radical ttrivalent chromium appears to involve the successive coordination of ligand to each of the chromium atoms of a diol complex, both coordination steps proceeding by second order reaction mechanisms. (b) At the pH levels at which the reaction is carried out, the formation of elated bodios is rapid so that reaction in the case of both fresh and aged solutions essentially occurs between an elated species and the ionised acetate radical. (c) Modificati0ns in the absorption spectrum of the reactant solution at the 570 mµ peak are directly related to coordination, while changes at the 420 mµ peak are related to the formation of loosely-bound hydroxo chromium compounds, the concentrations of which depend on the pH level. (d) The mechanism of chromium fixation in hide is essentially similar to that operating in the case of coordination of the acetate radical to chromium, involving attachment of chromium to the side chain acid r sidues of collagen. (e ) The effect of olation is to enhance the rate of chromium fixation by hide protein during the initial reaction stages and to render possible bridge formation between adjacent side chains by secondary coordination during the latter reaction stages. (f) Where pelt pieces are used instead of hide powder, the initial rate of chromium fixation is dominated by the rate of diffusion of chromium into the fibrous structure. It should be stressed that the observations made on the various reaction systems cannot be regarded as exhaustive and the conclusions are subject to further confirmation. Consequently, the present study is essentially of a preliminary nature, but it is felt that the need for further investigation along similar lines has been demonstrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
- Authors: Russell, Allan Edward
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Chemical kinetics , Chromium , Spectrophotometry , Electrophoresis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4493 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013101
- Description: The kinetics of the coordination reaction between the carboxyl group of the acetate radical and the trivalent chromium ion has been examined by independent methods at a temperature selected to yield reasonably accurate rate data. The study has been extended to an examination of the rate of chromium "fixation" by the carboxyl groups of hide collagen in a series of miniature tannages carried out under similar conditions for comparative purposes. The effect of olation of the chromium ions in solution on the kinetics of t he coordination reaction has also been examined. The rate of coordination of the acetate radical was followed by solvent extraction and spectrophotometric techniques over a range of concentration and pH levels. The rate data revealed a reaction having typical mass-action characteristics, the rate of reaction depending on the concentration levels of the chromium ion and the ionised acetate radical. An attempt made to distinguish a differential reaction rate in the case of a parallel reaction series using boiled and aged chromium nitrate reactant solutions, failed to reveal any significant differences between the series. The reactant solutions gave absorption spectra characteristic of the trivalent chromium ion with maxima in the 420 mµ and 570 mµ wavelength regions. The changes in optical density occurring in the vicinity of the maxima were followed spectrophotometrically, the height of the 570 mµ being found to increase during the course of reaction, while the height of the 420 mµ peak decreased. The variation in optical density at the 570 mµ peak was found to be directly related to the increase in concentration of the product complex in solution in accordance with the Baer-Bougher law, while the decrease in the height of the 420 mµ peak was related to the properties of unolated OH groups associated with the chromium complex as governed by pH and olation changes during the course of reaction. Boiled and aged chromium nitrate solutions gave reactant solutions having initial optical densities greater than those of the correspending fresh reactant solutions at the 570 mµ peak, and less than those of the fresh solutions at the 420 mµ peak. During the course of reaction, however, the two series converged to the same values. The equilibrium reaction solutions were subjected to paper electrophoretic study which indicated that all tho chromium was present in the form of cationic species. This finding was in accordance with stoicheiometric indications in the solvent extraction studies where coordination in a l : 1 ratio was reflected, giving rise to positively charged complex ions only. Making due allowance for band spreading the numbers of species predicted from the kinetic studies correspond with the electrophoretic patterns found. Application of the classical second order kinetic expression to the solvent extraction rate data, yielded plots having two distinctly linear sections, apparently indicating consecutive second order processes occurring in solution, contrary to the findings of previous workers who assign a first order mechanism to the reaction. This finding was consistent with the view that in the case of both the fresh and aged series, reaction consisted of successive coordination of an acetate radical to each chromium atom of a diol complex. Second order rate "constants" were calculated for each step and their dependency on pH level demonstrated. The findings of Hamm et al that these were first order reactions independent of acetate co'ncentration are believed to be due to their use of a large excess of acetate in their experiments. The kinetic study was further extended to an examination of the rate of "fixation"of trivalent chromium by the carboxyl groups of hide collagen under comparable conditions in a series of miniaturv tanning experiments in which the tannage substrate was provided in each of two physical forms:- (a) As hide powder where surface development was large, and (b) as prepared pelt pieces in which the fibrous weave pattern was retained. In view of the heterogeneity of the tannage systems, remarkable similarity was observed in the reaction course when compared with that of the acetate coordination studies, particularly in the case of the hide powder tannages. The dependency of the tannage rate data upon concentration and pH conditions was also found to be the same as in the case of the pure chemical system. The exact correlation between the rate data for the tannage and pure chemical systems was demonstrated by means of correlation plots. Close correlation was revealed in the case of hide powder tannage while the smaller degree of correlation observed in the case of the pelt tannage systems was attributed to the modifying effects of diffusion, particularly on the initial reaction velocity. The effect of using boiled and aged chromium solutions in the tannages was to increase the initial rate of chroniill!l "fixation" apparently due to tho coordination of a dial species at each coordination site. After the initial reaction period, the two series showed a tendency to converge as in the case of the spectrophotometric studies on the acetate reaction. The convergence trend was regarded as indicative of the tendency for the chromium in fresh solutions to under go rapid olation to the ame level as in the boiled and aged solutions. The experimental observations made on the various systems lead to the following conclusions:- (a) The mechanism of coordination of the acetate radical ttrivalent chromium appears to involve the successive coordination of ligand to each of the chromium atoms of a diol complex, both coordination steps proceeding by second order reaction mechanisms. (b) At the pH levels at which the reaction is carried out, the formation of elated bodios is rapid so that reaction in the case of both fresh and aged solutions essentially occurs between an elated species and the ionised acetate radical. (c) Modificati0ns in the absorption spectrum of the reactant solution at the 570 mµ peak are directly related to coordination, while changes at the 420 mµ peak are related to the formation of loosely-bound hydroxo chromium compounds, the concentrations of which depend on the pH level. (d) The mechanism of chromium fixation in hide is essentially similar to that operating in the case of coordination of the acetate radical to chromium, involving attachment of chromium to the side chain acid r sidues of collagen. (e ) The effect of olation is to enhance the rate of chromium fixation by hide protein during the initial reaction stages and to render possible bridge formation between adjacent side chains by secondary coordination during the latter reaction stages. (f) Where pelt pieces are used instead of hide powder, the initial rate of chromium fixation is dominated by the rate of diffusion of chromium into the fibrous structure. It should be stressed that the observations made on the various reaction systems cannot be regarded as exhaustive and the conclusions are subject to further confirmation. Consequently, the present study is essentially of a preliminary nature, but it is felt that the need for further investigation along similar lines has been demonstrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
A comparative study of the catechin components in the barks of wattle species related to Acacia Mernsii
- Authors: Maihs, Edwin Alfred
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) Acacia mearnsii Acacia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012793
- Description: The distribution of flavonoid constituents in the barks of Acacia mearnsii De Wild.(black wattle) , A· decurens Willd. (green wattle), A. dealbata Link.(silver wattle) and A. pycnantha Benth.(golden wattle) has been studied. Bark extracts of the four wattle species have been fractionated into low molecular weight fractions containing mainly catechins and other low molecular weight constituents, and high molecular weight fractions containing the bulk of the polymerized tannins. The low molecular weight fractions have been further fractionated by "preparative paper chromatography". (-)-Robinetinidol, (-)-7:3': 4': 5'-tetrahydroxy flavan- 3-ol, a new naturally occurring catechin, (+)-catechin and (+)-gallocatechin have been isolated from the barks of A. mearnsii, A. dealbata and A. pycnantha. (-)-Epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin have been identified in the bark extracts of A. dealbata and A. pycnantha, but appeared to be absent in the barks of A. mearnsii and A. decurrens. (-)-Epicatechin has been isolated fron A. dealbata, and both (-}-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin were isolated from A. pycnantha. (-)-Epicatechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and gallic acid were isolated from A. pycnantha only. These three constituents appeared to be absent in the barks of the three other wattle species. (-)-Epigallocatechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate which were not available for direct comparison, were subsequently isolated from green tea where they are present as major phenolic constituents. A method for the quantitative estimation of polyphenolic substances on two dimensional paper chromatograms has been developed, and a photoelectric densitometer constructed. Two spray reagents, ammoniacal silver nitrate and bisdiazotised benzidine, were found to give straight line relationships of instrument deflection against log concentration for flavonoid substances. This estimation method for the first time supplied means for a detailed study of the concentration of catechin constituents in the bark extracts of A. mearnsii, A. decurrens, A. dealbata, A. pycnantha and of A. mearnsii x A. decurrens hybrids. The concentration of catechin constituents has been shown to vary considerably between species whereas variation within species was small. In the latter respect silver wattle is an exception. Taxonomic significance may possibly be attached to the distribution of catechin constituents in the bark of the four Acacia species. The concentration of (-)-robinetinidol, which appears to be the characteristic compound of these Acacias, progressively decreases in the sequence black-, black x green hybrid, green-, silver- and golden wattle, while the number of catechin constituents of the "phloroglucinol series" increases in the same sequence. It thus appears, that by the examination of their bark components, a differentiation between species of a subgenera may be possible. Two tannins, constituents D and B, which are related to the leuco-anthocyanidins (flavan-3:4-diols) have been found in the barks of the four wattle species. One of the two, constituent D, was isolated in a pure form from the barks of A. mearnsii and A. pycnantha. Constituent D was found to generate robinetinidin and an orange pigment, the structure of which has not yet been fully identified. Compound D and its acetyl- and methoxyl derivatives did not crystallize. From the results of alkaline-, acidic- and enzymatic degradations, colour reactions and light-absorption studies, combustion analysis of the compound and its derivatives and molecular weight estimations, constituent D is surmised to be a dimer of 7:3': 4': 5'-tetrahydroxyflavan-3:4-diol (leuco-robinetinidin), The isolation of this complex leuco-anthocyanidin tannin represents the first isolation of a flavonoid tannin from commercial vegetable tannin sources. The second tannin obtained from the bark of A.mearnsii, "constituent B" appears to consist of two overlapping substances, which have not yet been separated. The tannin (B) was found to have an average molecular weight of 676 and it is considered likely that both substances may be dimolecular. On heating with mineral acid robinetinidin, fisetinidin and an orange pigment are generated, the pigment being identical with the pigment generated from constituent D. It may therefore be assumed that "Constituent B" consists of a mixture of complex leuco-robinetinidins and leucofisetinidins. The distribution of complex leuco-anthocyanidins in the bark extracts of Acacia mearnsii, A. decurrens, A. dealbata and A. pycnantha has been examined. A correlation between the distribution of leuco-anthocyanidins in the bark of the four wattle species, and accepted systematics, does not, apparently, exist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
- Authors: Maihs, Edwin Alfred
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) Acacia mearnsii Acacia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012793
- Description: The distribution of flavonoid constituents in the barks of Acacia mearnsii De Wild.(black wattle) , A· decurens Willd. (green wattle), A. dealbata Link.(silver wattle) and A. pycnantha Benth.(golden wattle) has been studied. Bark extracts of the four wattle species have been fractionated into low molecular weight fractions containing mainly catechins and other low molecular weight constituents, and high molecular weight fractions containing the bulk of the polymerized tannins. The low molecular weight fractions have been further fractionated by "preparative paper chromatography". (-)-Robinetinidol, (-)-7:3': 4': 5'-tetrahydroxy flavan- 3-ol, a new naturally occurring catechin, (+)-catechin and (+)-gallocatechin have been isolated from the barks of A. mearnsii, A. dealbata and A. pycnantha. (-)-Epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin have been identified in the bark extracts of A. dealbata and A. pycnantha, but appeared to be absent in the barks of A. mearnsii and A. decurrens. (-)-Epicatechin has been isolated fron A. dealbata, and both (-}-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin were isolated from A. pycnantha. (-)-Epicatechin gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and gallic acid were isolated from A. pycnantha only. These three constituents appeared to be absent in the barks of the three other wattle species. (-)-Epigallocatechin, (-)-epicatechin gallate and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate which were not available for direct comparison, were subsequently isolated from green tea where they are present as major phenolic constituents. A method for the quantitative estimation of polyphenolic substances on two dimensional paper chromatograms has been developed, and a photoelectric densitometer constructed. Two spray reagents, ammoniacal silver nitrate and bisdiazotised benzidine, were found to give straight line relationships of instrument deflection against log concentration for flavonoid substances. This estimation method for the first time supplied means for a detailed study of the concentration of catechin constituents in the bark extracts of A. mearnsii, A. decurrens, A. dealbata, A. pycnantha and of A. mearnsii x A. decurrens hybrids. The concentration of catechin constituents has been shown to vary considerably between species whereas variation within species was small. In the latter respect silver wattle is an exception. Taxonomic significance may possibly be attached to the distribution of catechin constituents in the bark of the four Acacia species. The concentration of (-)-robinetinidol, which appears to be the characteristic compound of these Acacias, progressively decreases in the sequence black-, black x green hybrid, green-, silver- and golden wattle, while the number of catechin constituents of the "phloroglucinol series" increases in the same sequence. It thus appears, that by the examination of their bark components, a differentiation between species of a subgenera may be possible. Two tannins, constituents D and B, which are related to the leuco-anthocyanidins (flavan-3:4-diols) have been found in the barks of the four wattle species. One of the two, constituent D, was isolated in a pure form from the barks of A. mearnsii and A. pycnantha. Constituent D was found to generate robinetinidin and an orange pigment, the structure of which has not yet been fully identified. Compound D and its acetyl- and methoxyl derivatives did not crystallize. From the results of alkaline-, acidic- and enzymatic degradations, colour reactions and light-absorption studies, combustion analysis of the compound and its derivatives and molecular weight estimations, constituent D is surmised to be a dimer of 7:3': 4': 5'-tetrahydroxyflavan-3:4-diol (leuco-robinetinidin), The isolation of this complex leuco-anthocyanidin tannin represents the first isolation of a flavonoid tannin from commercial vegetable tannin sources. The second tannin obtained from the bark of A.mearnsii, "constituent B" appears to consist of two overlapping substances, which have not yet been separated. The tannin (B) was found to have an average molecular weight of 676 and it is considered likely that both substances may be dimolecular. On heating with mineral acid robinetinidin, fisetinidin and an orange pigment are generated, the pigment being identical with the pigment generated from constituent D. It may therefore be assumed that "Constituent B" consists of a mixture of complex leuco-robinetinidins and leucofisetinidins. The distribution of complex leuco-anthocyanidins in the bark extracts of Acacia mearnsii, A. decurrens, A. dealbata and A. pycnantha has been examined. A correlation between the distribution of leuco-anthocyanidins in the bark of the four wattle species, and accepted systematics, does not, apparently, exist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
A Comparative study of two copper(II) based metal-organic frameworks : Cu2¼(OH)½B4C•8H2O and Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O
- Authors: Coombes, Matthew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Copper , Organometallic compounds , Supramolecular organometallic chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016245
- Description: This study focussed on two copper(II)-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O and Cu2¼(OH)½B4C•8H2O (B4C = 1,2,4,5- benzenetetracarboxylate). They are both covalent, three-dimensional metalorganic framework polymers containing voids filled with water molecules. Both were characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry (both in situ and regular), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These two MOFs are essentially identical, with the only difference being the substitution of sodium by copper at every 4th site (disordered throughout the crystal). The guest inclusion properties of both MOFs were studied and compared. Although both structures collapse on dehydration, it was observed that Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O is able to take up signifcant amounts of water, methanol and ethanol. All these processes are fully reversible. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics studies suggest that it is a strong interaction between the oxygen atoms on these molecules with the sodium cation of the MOF that is responsible for this signifcant uptake. In contrast, Cu2¼ (OH)½ B4C•8H2O, the MOF without a sodium cation, did not demonstrate any methanol or ethanol uptake, but was able to take up some water. The uptake of water, however, is not a fully reversible process. The absence of sodium likely results in insuffcient energy to draw methanol and ethanol into the framework, while a subtle rotation of a carboxylate group on dehydration decreases the ability of the framework to form hydrogen bonds, thus reducing the ability to take up water. A series of hydrothermal syntheses were performed in order to develop a method of synthesis superior to the current gel-based synthesis that requires several months and has poor yields. The hydrothermal products were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. It was shown that the MOF Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O may be synthesised in almost 100% yield by using a temperature of 120°C over a period of 72 hours. It was not possible to synthesise Cu2¼ (OH)½ B4C•8H2O in a 100% yield - it was only obtained as a minor product.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Coombes, Matthew
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Copper , Organometallic compounds , Supramolecular organometallic chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016245
- Description: This study focussed on two copper(II)-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O and Cu2¼(OH)½B4C•8H2O (B4C = 1,2,4,5- benzenetetracarboxylate). They are both covalent, three-dimensional metalorganic framework polymers containing voids filled with water molecules. Both were characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry (both in situ and regular), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These two MOFs are essentially identical, with the only difference being the substitution of sodium by copper at every 4th site (disordered throughout the crystal). The guest inclusion properties of both MOFs were studied and compared. Although both structures collapse on dehydration, it was observed that Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O is able to take up signifcant amounts of water, methanol and ethanol. All these processes are fully reversible. Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics studies suggest that it is a strong interaction between the oxygen atoms on these molecules with the sodium cation of the MOF that is responsible for this signifcant uptake. In contrast, Cu2¼ (OH)½ B4C•8H2O, the MOF without a sodium cation, did not demonstrate any methanol or ethanol uptake, but was able to take up some water. The uptake of water, however, is not a fully reversible process. The absence of sodium likely results in insuffcient energy to draw methanol and ethanol into the framework, while a subtle rotation of a carboxylate group on dehydration decreases the ability of the framework to form hydrogen bonds, thus reducing the ability to take up water. A series of hydrothermal syntheses were performed in order to develop a method of synthesis superior to the current gel-based synthesis that requires several months and has poor yields. The hydrothermal products were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. It was shown that the MOF Cu2Na(OH)B4C•7H2O may be synthesised in almost 100% yield by using a temperature of 120°C over a period of 72 hours. It was not possible to synthesise Cu2¼ (OH)½ B4C•8H2O in a 100% yield - it was only obtained as a minor product.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A conductimetric investigation of phenomena in extremely dilute aqueous solutions
- Authors: Faure, Pierre Knobel
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Adsorption , Solution (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014891
- Description: 1. The apparatus used in this investigation is fully described, and a new method is outlined for the calibration of bridge resistances "in situ". 2. A chart is given for the accurate correction of weights in air to weights in vacuum for a range of temperatures extending from 10° to 28°C, and for pressures from 690 to 730 mm. 3. An automatic recycling still has been designed for the continuous production of "ultra-pure" water. This still is capable of delivering daily, in routine operation, 16 l. of water of conductivity less than 100 nm/cm after aeration with "C0₂- and NH₃-free" air. 4. A very soluble layer appears to form on the surface of' glass when it is dried; this layer is readily removed on contact with water. 5. The removal of carbon dioxide and of ammonia from aqueous solution by aeration with an indifferent gas has been fully investigated, and it has been shown that these gases can be completely eliminated by such a process. Whereas the carbon dioxide is removed fairly rapidly, however, the ammonia, whether present alone or together with carbon dioxide, only goes out of solution rather slowly. 6. It has been shown that ammonia is adsorbed from aqueous solution on the glass walls of the cell. 7. There does not appear to be any ammonium bicarbonate in the residual impurity left in the "ultra-pure" water obtained from the still; the impurity can, in fact, be regarded as neutral salt with sufficient accuracy for most purposes. 8. The resistance change which accompanies any variation in the rate of bubbling of the stirring gas through the water has been investigated, but no solution has been found as to the cause of this change. 9. A comparison has been made of the efficiency of different gases for stirring purposes, and it seems that, for general work, nitrogen is by far the most suitable of the common gases. 10. The extrapolation to be used for converting resistances to their values at infinite frequency appears ...
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1957
- Authors: Faure, Pierre Knobel
- Date: 1957
- Subjects: Adsorption , Solution (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014891
- Description: 1. The apparatus used in this investigation is fully described, and a new method is outlined for the calibration of bridge resistances "in situ". 2. A chart is given for the accurate correction of weights in air to weights in vacuum for a range of temperatures extending from 10° to 28°C, and for pressures from 690 to 730 mm. 3. An automatic recycling still has been designed for the continuous production of "ultra-pure" water. This still is capable of delivering daily, in routine operation, 16 l. of water of conductivity less than 100 nm/cm after aeration with "C0₂- and NH₃-free" air. 4. A very soluble layer appears to form on the surface of' glass when it is dried; this layer is readily removed on contact with water. 5. The removal of carbon dioxide and of ammonia from aqueous solution by aeration with an indifferent gas has been fully investigated, and it has been shown that these gases can be completely eliminated by such a process. Whereas the carbon dioxide is removed fairly rapidly, however, the ammonia, whether present alone or together with carbon dioxide, only goes out of solution rather slowly. 6. It has been shown that ammonia is adsorbed from aqueous solution on the glass walls of the cell. 7. There does not appear to be any ammonium bicarbonate in the residual impurity left in the "ultra-pure" water obtained from the still; the impurity can, in fact, be regarded as neutral salt with sufficient accuracy for most purposes. 8. The resistance change which accompanies any variation in the rate of bubbling of the stirring gas through the water has been investigated, but no solution has been found as to the cause of this change. 9. A comparison has been made of the efficiency of different gases for stirring purposes, and it seems that, for general work, nitrogen is by far the most suitable of the common gases. 10. The extrapolation to be used for converting resistances to their values at infinite frequency appears ...
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1957
A critical evaluation of the analytical method used for the separation and estimation of copper and nickel
- Authors: Sismey, J E
- Date: 1948
- Subjects: Copper -- Analysis , Nickel -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014335
- Description: [From Introduction]. This thesis deals with the determination of copper and nickel both separately and in each other's presence. The work is divided into two sections, one of which treats the subject from the theoretical side while the other contains an account of the practical work performed by the author. In the theoretical section, an attempt is made to summarise the better-known methods for the determination of copper and nickel, and at the same time, to incorporate such improvements, criticism and variations as have appeared in the literature. The subject is so vast that its summary in so short a space must necessarily be incomplete. Yoe and Server, for example, quote 111 references on the subject of the nickel-dimethylglyoxine with other ions. Only a fraction of the literature was available, and space permitted only a fraction of this to be abstracted in the following pages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1948
- Authors: Sismey, J E
- Date: 1948
- Subjects: Copper -- Analysis , Nickel -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014335
- Description: [From Introduction]. This thesis deals with the determination of copper and nickel both separately and in each other's presence. The work is divided into two sections, one of which treats the subject from the theoretical side while the other contains an account of the practical work performed by the author. In the theoretical section, an attempt is made to summarise the better-known methods for the determination of copper and nickel, and at the same time, to incorporate such improvements, criticism and variations as have appeared in the literature. The subject is so vast that its summary in so short a space must necessarily be incomplete. Yoe and Server, for example, quote 111 references on the subject of the nickel-dimethylglyoxine with other ions. Only a fraction of the literature was available, and space permitted only a fraction of this to be abstracted in the following pages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1948
A critical investigation into the methods of determining sulphur in plant material
- Authors: Smith, Anthony John Hibbert
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Plants -- Effect of sulfur on , Plants -- Nutrition , Sulfur
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014526
- Description: Although sulphur is one of the more abundant elements present in plants, its importance as a plant nutrient has been underestimated until comparatively recently. Scientific literature over the past few years, however, shows that interest in the determination of sulphur in natural waters, soil and plant materials has been renewed. Perhaps the main reason for the non-recognition of the importance of sulphur as a plant nutrient is the fact that sulphur-deficiency seldom occurs since sufficient sulphur is usually added to the soil in rainfall (particularly near industrial towns) to supply all the sulphur requirements of plants. In addition, sulphur is frequently present in fertilizers added to soils to counteract deficiency in other elements, especially phosphorus. Superphosphates, for example contain up to 60%, gypsum. Sulphur is also added to the soil in some instances in order to reduce the soil pH, the elemental sulphur being fairly readily oxidised in the soil to sulphuric acid. The organic fraction in the soil also contains sulphur. , [From Introduction]. Although sulphur is one of the more abundant elements present in plants, its importance as a plant nutrient has been underestimated until comparatively recently. Scientific literature over the past few years, however, shows that interest in the determination of sulphur in natural waters, soil and plant materials has been renewed. Perhaps the main reason for the non-recognition of the importance of sulphur as a plant nutrient is the fact that sulphur-deficiency seldom occurs since sufficient sulphur is usually added to the soil in rainfall (particularly near industrial towns) to supply all the sulphur requirements of plants. In addition, sulphur is frequently present in fertilizers added to soils to counteract deficiency in other elements, especially phosphorus. Superphosphates, for example contain up to 60%, gypsum. Sulphur is also added to the soil in some instances in order to reduce the soil pH, the elemental sulphur being fairly readily oxidised in the soil to sulphuric acid. The organic fraction in the soil also contains sulphur.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1962
- Authors: Smith, Anthony John Hibbert
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Plants -- Effect of sulfur on , Plants -- Nutrition , Sulfur
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014526
- Description: Although sulphur is one of the more abundant elements present in plants, its importance as a plant nutrient has been underestimated until comparatively recently. Scientific literature over the past few years, however, shows that interest in the determination of sulphur in natural waters, soil and plant materials has been renewed. Perhaps the main reason for the non-recognition of the importance of sulphur as a plant nutrient is the fact that sulphur-deficiency seldom occurs since sufficient sulphur is usually added to the soil in rainfall (particularly near industrial towns) to supply all the sulphur requirements of plants. In addition, sulphur is frequently present in fertilizers added to soils to counteract deficiency in other elements, especially phosphorus. Superphosphates, for example contain up to 60%, gypsum. Sulphur is also added to the soil in some instances in order to reduce the soil pH, the elemental sulphur being fairly readily oxidised in the soil to sulphuric acid. The organic fraction in the soil also contains sulphur. , [From Introduction]. Although sulphur is one of the more abundant elements present in plants, its importance as a plant nutrient has been underestimated until comparatively recently. Scientific literature over the past few years, however, shows that interest in the determination of sulphur in natural waters, soil and plant materials has been renewed. Perhaps the main reason for the non-recognition of the importance of sulphur as a plant nutrient is the fact that sulphur-deficiency seldom occurs since sufficient sulphur is usually added to the soil in rainfall (particularly near industrial towns) to supply all the sulphur requirements of plants. In addition, sulphur is frequently present in fertilizers added to soils to counteract deficiency in other elements, especially phosphorus. Superphosphates, for example contain up to 60%, gypsum. Sulphur is also added to the soil in some instances in order to reduce the soil pH, the elemental sulphur being fairly readily oxidised in the soil to sulphuric acid. The organic fraction in the soil also contains sulphur.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1962
A critical study of methods for the determination of zinc in soils and plant materials
- Authors: Eve, Desmond John
- Date: 1955
- Subjects: Soils -- Zinc content , Soils -- Analysis , Plants -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011770 , Soils -- Zinc content , Soils -- Analysis , Plants -- Analysis
- Description: Although it is only fairly recently that the importance of trace elements in plant nutrition has been established, enormous advances have been made in this field of research and numerous publications of considerable scientific and economic importance, dealing with the subject, have appeared. The physiological functions of zinc in promoting plant growth have not all been satisfactorily identified as yet. There are indications, however, that zinc acts as a catalyst or regulator in plant metabolism. It appears too, that the element plays some role in chlorophyll formation. Zinc deficiency is associated with leaf chlorosis and a general collapse of v ital processes. The analysis of leaves and soils has become an essential part of the study of the nutritional diseases of plants and it is imperative that accurate and reliable methods of analysis should be available. Intro. p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1955
- Authors: Eve, Desmond John
- Date: 1955
- Subjects: Soils -- Zinc content , Soils -- Analysis , Plants -- Analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4468 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011770 , Soils -- Zinc content , Soils -- Analysis , Plants -- Analysis
- Description: Although it is only fairly recently that the importance of trace elements in plant nutrition has been established, enormous advances have been made in this field of research and numerous publications of considerable scientific and economic importance, dealing with the subject, have appeared. The physiological functions of zinc in promoting plant growth have not all been satisfactorily identified as yet. There are indications, however, that zinc acts as a catalyst or regulator in plant metabolism. It appears too, that the element plays some role in chlorophyll formation. Zinc deficiency is associated with leaf chlorosis and a general collapse of v ital processes. The analysis of leaves and soils has become an essential part of the study of the nutritional diseases of plants and it is imperative that accurate and reliable methods of analysis should be available. Intro. p. 1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1955
A critical study of the curcumin method for the determination of boron in plant material
- Authors: Davidson, Raymond John
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Plants -- Nutrition , Boron , Turmeric
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011003
- Description: Methods for the determination of boron are reviewed. A thorough investigation of the curcumin method was undertaken. Factors such as spectral absorption, boron volatilisation and the effects of pH, the stability of reagents and colour solutions, the drying of reaction products and the interference from certain elements, were investigated. A study of the efficiency of extracting boron from plant material using an ashing procedure is presented. The modified curcumin method for the determination of boron in plant material is described. The statistical accuracy and precision of the modified method is presented. The modified method was used to determine the boron content in citrus and pineapple leaf samples obtained from various parts of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
- Authors: Davidson, Raymond John
- Date: 1958
- Subjects: Plants -- Nutrition , Boron , Turmeric
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011003
- Description: Methods for the determination of boron are reviewed. A thorough investigation of the curcumin method was undertaken. Factors such as spectral absorption, boron volatilisation and the effects of pH, the stability of reagents and colour solutions, the drying of reaction products and the interference from certain elements, were investigated. A study of the efficiency of extracting boron from plant material using an ashing procedure is presented. The modified curcumin method for the determination of boron in plant material is described. The statistical accuracy and precision of the modified method is presented. The modified method was used to determine the boron content in citrus and pineapple leaf samples obtained from various parts of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1958
A critical study of the determination of molybdenum in plant material
- Authors: Gore, William Tompson
- Date: 1961
- Subjects: Molybdenum , Plants -- Analysis , Spectrophotometry , Polarography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012071 , Molybdenum , Plants -- Analysis , Spectrophotometry , Polarography
- Description: 1. Polarographic and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of molybdenum were reviewed. 2. The inclusion of salicylaldoxine in several supporting electrolytes was examined with a view to developing a polarographic procedure, suitable for routine analyses, which did not necessitate a preliminary time-consuming separation stage. A stable molybdenum wave was obtained from an electrolyte having a composition similar to the test solution obtained after the wet digestion of plant material. The height of the wave was found to be, over an optimum range, independent of the reagent concentrations. The wave was however distorted by a maximum, which rendered it unsuitable for quantitative analytical application. 3. The spectrophotometric procedure for molybdenum using thiocyanate is virtually specific and was examined critically. Modifications were found to improve the sensitivity of the procedure, and the stability of the chromatic compound. 4. The modified spectrophotometric procedure is recommended for the routine determination of molybdenum in plant material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1961
- Authors: Gore, William Tompson
- Date: 1961
- Subjects: Molybdenum , Plants -- Analysis , Spectrophotometry , Polarography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012071 , Molybdenum , Plants -- Analysis , Spectrophotometry , Polarography
- Description: 1. Polarographic and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of molybdenum were reviewed. 2. The inclusion of salicylaldoxine in several supporting electrolytes was examined with a view to developing a polarographic procedure, suitable for routine analyses, which did not necessitate a preliminary time-consuming separation stage. A stable molybdenum wave was obtained from an electrolyte having a composition similar to the test solution obtained after the wet digestion of plant material. The height of the wave was found to be, over an optimum range, independent of the reagent concentrations. The wave was however distorted by a maximum, which rendered it unsuitable for quantitative analytical application. 3. The spectrophotometric procedure for molybdenum using thiocyanate is virtually specific and was examined critically. Modifications were found to improve the sensitivity of the procedure, and the stability of the chromatic compound. 4. The modified spectrophotometric procedure is recommended for the routine determination of molybdenum in plant material.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1961
A dielectric and spectroscopic study of molecular association in solutions of alcohols
- Authors: Campbell, Colin
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Alcohols , Dielectrics , Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010424
- Description: This study is concerned with the association characteristics of solutions of alcohols in some non-polar solvents. The permittivities at 2 MHz and 25°C for solutions of the straight chain octanols in cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride and benzene have been examined over the entire solute concentration range, with particular attention -1 being paid to the range below 0.1 molℓ⁻¹ By applying the Kirkwood- Fröhlich equation to these data, the apparent dipole moments of the alcohols as a function of concentration have been evaluated. These concentration dependencies have been correlated with infrared absorption results on the same systems to provide information on the sizes and configurations of the proposed hydrogen bonded multimers. It is concluded that, at very low solute concentrations, the alcohol molecules exist as monomers; but with increasing concentration, two types of hydrogen bonded multimers are formed, the first (at low concentrations) being of high dipole moment and the second (at higher concentrations) being of low dipole moment. At high concentrations, the molecules associate to form a three-dimensional network. Attempts have been made to determine equilibrium parameters for molecular models which are consistent with the qualitative understanding of the association behaviour. These parameters were obtained by applying least-squares, curve-fitting techniques to the low concentration permittivity data. A similar investigation has been conducted on solutions of 2,3,4-trimethyl-3-pentanol in the same solvents. The steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group of this alcohol modifies the association behaviour so that a three-dimensional network does not form at high solute concentrations. Proton magnetic resonance chemical shifts for the hydroxyl proton of this alcohol in carbon tetrachloride solutions have been measured. Attempts have also been made to determine equilibrium parameters which describe formation of the hydrogen bonded multimers. To extend this study to include solutes other than octanols, similar experiments have been conducted on solutions of t-butanol in hexadecane, a system which has recently been investigated by other workers using different experimental techniques. The association behaviour of this system is qualitatively similar to that of the straight-chain octanols. The combination of permittivity and infrared measurements, although proving extremely powerful in interpreting the association characteristics of dilute alcohol solutions, is less adequate at high solute concentrations. Attention was therefore directed towards dielectric relaxation and viscosity studies to investigate concentrated solutions. The relaxation times at 20°C of the low frequency dispersion have been measured for solutions of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol and 1-decanol in cyclohexane using time domain reflectometry techniques. Similar measurements have also been made on solutions of 1-butanol and 1-octanol in carbon tetrachloride and in benzene. The concentration dependence of the viscosities of certain of these systems has also been examined in an independent study. The ratio of the dielectric relaxation time to the viscosity, the "reduced relaxation time", is qualitatively similar for each system studied. This similarity leads to an explanation of the molecular process responsible for the low frequency dispersion in terms of the proximity of the hydroxyl groups in concentrated alcohol solutions and the fraction of the groups which are not involved in hydrogen bonding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
- Authors: Campbell, Colin
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Alcohols , Dielectrics , Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010424
- Description: This study is concerned with the association characteristics of solutions of alcohols in some non-polar solvents. The permittivities at 2 MHz and 25°C for solutions of the straight chain octanols in cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride and benzene have been examined over the entire solute concentration range, with particular attention -1 being paid to the range below 0.1 molℓ⁻¹ By applying the Kirkwood- Fröhlich equation to these data, the apparent dipole moments of the alcohols as a function of concentration have been evaluated. These concentration dependencies have been correlated with infrared absorption results on the same systems to provide information on the sizes and configurations of the proposed hydrogen bonded multimers. It is concluded that, at very low solute concentrations, the alcohol molecules exist as monomers; but with increasing concentration, two types of hydrogen bonded multimers are formed, the first (at low concentrations) being of high dipole moment and the second (at higher concentrations) being of low dipole moment. At high concentrations, the molecules associate to form a three-dimensional network. Attempts have been made to determine equilibrium parameters for molecular models which are consistent with the qualitative understanding of the association behaviour. These parameters were obtained by applying least-squares, curve-fitting techniques to the low concentration permittivity data. A similar investigation has been conducted on solutions of 2,3,4-trimethyl-3-pentanol in the same solvents. The steric hindrance around the hydroxyl group of this alcohol modifies the association behaviour so that a three-dimensional network does not form at high solute concentrations. Proton magnetic resonance chemical shifts for the hydroxyl proton of this alcohol in carbon tetrachloride solutions have been measured. Attempts have also been made to determine equilibrium parameters which describe formation of the hydrogen bonded multimers. To extend this study to include solutes other than octanols, similar experiments have been conducted on solutions of t-butanol in hexadecane, a system which has recently been investigated by other workers using different experimental techniques. The association behaviour of this system is qualitatively similar to that of the straight-chain octanols. The combination of permittivity and infrared measurements, although proving extremely powerful in interpreting the association characteristics of dilute alcohol solutions, is less adequate at high solute concentrations. Attention was therefore directed towards dielectric relaxation and viscosity studies to investigate concentrated solutions. The relaxation times at 20°C of the low frequency dispersion have been measured for solutions of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol and 1-decanol in cyclohexane using time domain reflectometry techniques. Similar measurements have also been made on solutions of 1-butanol and 1-octanol in carbon tetrachloride and in benzene. The concentration dependence of the viscosities of certain of these systems has also been examined in an independent study. The ratio of the dielectric relaxation time to the viscosity, the "reduced relaxation time", is qualitatively similar for each system studied. This similarity leads to an explanation of the molecular process responsible for the low frequency dispersion in terms of the proximity of the hydroxyl groups in concentrated alcohol solutions and the fraction of the groups which are not involved in hydrogen bonding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
A green approach for the synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes as anti-protozoal agents
- Authors: Cossa, Teresa Manuel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192786 , vital:45264
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Cossa, Teresa Manuel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192786 , vital:45264
- Description: Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A marine chemical ecology study of the sea hare, Bursatella leachii in South Africa
- Authors: D'Souza, Nicole
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-22
- Subjects: Sea hares (Mollusks) -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Defenses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002952 , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Defenses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea
- Description: The large cosmopolitan sea hare Bursatella leachii is a common resident in Eastern Cape river mouths during summer and late autumn where they congregate in beds of Zostera capensis to breed. In this thesis, the previously known toxic formamide marine secondary metabolite (-)-bursatellin (2.2), which may deter predators of South African specimens of the globally distributed sea hare Bursatella leachii, was isolated and identified (Chapter 2). There have been no previous chemical ecology studies of B. leachii and the latter half of this thesis is devoted to chemical ecology studies of this organism. Interestingly, the isolation of the (-)-diastereomer of 2.2 from specimens of B. leachii collected from the Kariega River mouth (near Kenton-on-Sea) suggests that the South African specimens of this species are similar to specimens collected from Puerto Rico and from the Mediterranean Sea. Two different chromatographic techniques for isolating 2.2 were compared in order to maximize the amount of 2.2 isolated from the Kariega River mouth sea hares. The doubling of selected resonances observed in both the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the bursatellin isolated in this study suggest one of three possibilities; either firstly, the presence of closely related compound(s), secondly, the presence of diastereomers or thirdly the presence of rotamers. Through NMR kinetic studies, we were able to establish that the presence of rotamers was very unlikely due to no change in the relative ratio (3:1) of the ¹H NMR signals with an increase in temperature. Although the attempted synthesis of the acetate derivative (2.28), as a means of separating a diastereomeric mixture was successful, the chromatographic separation of the proposed acetylated diastereomers was not successful. Preparation of the camphanate ester derivatives (e.g. 2.30) proved to be unsuccessful. Five B. leachii specimens were dissected, their organs separated and individually extracted with methanol. The methanol extracts were individually chromatographed on HP-20 media, and the distribution of bursatellin determined by isolation and NMR. It was evident from this investigation that the distribution of 2.2 within individual B. leachii specimens was found to be highest within the B. leachii ink gland. The lower amounts of 2.2 contained in the digestive system, relative to other organs, was hypothesized to occur because 2.2 is sequestered from the diet of the sea hare and efficiently moved from the gut to various organs around the body where it is stored. The absence of 2.2 from the skin was surprising and may be a result of a smaller mass of skin relative to other organs coupled with the limitations of the chromatographic separation techniques employed. Surprisingly, no bursatellin was found within juvenile sea hares. Chapter three discusses the isolation of ilimaquinone (3.1) and pelorol (3.19) from the sponge Hippospongia metachroma and the structure elucidation of each compound using computer modeling to illustrate the conformation. It was deemed necessary to isolate these well known and abundant bioactive marine natural products from a sponge as standard compounds in the bioassays given the paucity of 2.2 available for this study. Chapter four describes the assays used to test the biological activity of the bursatellin 2.2 compared to the generally bioactive ilimaquinone and the structurally related and commercially available broad spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol. B. leachii, a shell-less marine mollusc inhabits a variety of intertidal habitats and, therefore, is exposed to several different predators, yet does not appear to have any specific predators. Potential predators of this sea hare in the Kariega Estuary could be fish and amphipods which are found in close proximity to these sea hares. Results of the assays showed that at roughly natural concentrations, (calculated from the isolated chromatographic yield) feeding was deterred by the fish and amphipods, which implied that 2.2 may confer a defensive role within the organism. The relatively high concentration present within the ink gland of B. leachii may support this hypothesis. Surprisingly, given its structural similarity to chloramphenicol, 2.3 did not show any antimicrobial action against five of the six bacterial strains against which it was screened [chloramphenicol inhibited the growth of all the bacterial strains at very low concentrations (0.25 mg/mL)]. Bursatellin was found to be only active against Staphylococus aureus at high concentrations ca. 2 mg/mL when compared to chloramphenicol. Neither bursatellin nor chloramphenicol showed anti-fungal activity. Although this study suggests that the sea hares may use chemical defences in addition to opaline ink to defend themselves, they also live within the seagrass Z. capensis, which possibly provides the sea hare with a cryptic form of physical defence against several predators that are unable to swim freely within the weed beds in the littoral zone of the estuary. , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: D'Souza, Nicole
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-22
- Subjects: Sea hares (Mollusks) -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Defenses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002952 , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea , Sea hares (Mollusks) -- Defenses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Kenton-on-Sea
- Description: The large cosmopolitan sea hare Bursatella leachii is a common resident in Eastern Cape river mouths during summer and late autumn where they congregate in beds of Zostera capensis to breed. In this thesis, the previously known toxic formamide marine secondary metabolite (-)-bursatellin (2.2), which may deter predators of South African specimens of the globally distributed sea hare Bursatella leachii, was isolated and identified (Chapter 2). There have been no previous chemical ecology studies of B. leachii and the latter half of this thesis is devoted to chemical ecology studies of this organism. Interestingly, the isolation of the (-)-diastereomer of 2.2 from specimens of B. leachii collected from the Kariega River mouth (near Kenton-on-Sea) suggests that the South African specimens of this species are similar to specimens collected from Puerto Rico and from the Mediterranean Sea. Two different chromatographic techniques for isolating 2.2 were compared in order to maximize the amount of 2.2 isolated from the Kariega River mouth sea hares. The doubling of selected resonances observed in both the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the bursatellin isolated in this study suggest one of three possibilities; either firstly, the presence of closely related compound(s), secondly, the presence of diastereomers or thirdly the presence of rotamers. Through NMR kinetic studies, we were able to establish that the presence of rotamers was very unlikely due to no change in the relative ratio (3:1) of the ¹H NMR signals with an increase in temperature. Although the attempted synthesis of the acetate derivative (2.28), as a means of separating a diastereomeric mixture was successful, the chromatographic separation of the proposed acetylated diastereomers was not successful. Preparation of the camphanate ester derivatives (e.g. 2.30) proved to be unsuccessful. Five B. leachii specimens were dissected, their organs separated and individually extracted with methanol. The methanol extracts were individually chromatographed on HP-20 media, and the distribution of bursatellin determined by isolation and NMR. It was evident from this investigation that the distribution of 2.2 within individual B. leachii specimens was found to be highest within the B. leachii ink gland. The lower amounts of 2.2 contained in the digestive system, relative to other organs, was hypothesized to occur because 2.2 is sequestered from the diet of the sea hare and efficiently moved from the gut to various organs around the body where it is stored. The absence of 2.2 from the skin was surprising and may be a result of a smaller mass of skin relative to other organs coupled with the limitations of the chromatographic separation techniques employed. Surprisingly, no bursatellin was found within juvenile sea hares. Chapter three discusses the isolation of ilimaquinone (3.1) and pelorol (3.19) from the sponge Hippospongia metachroma and the structure elucidation of each compound using computer modeling to illustrate the conformation. It was deemed necessary to isolate these well known and abundant bioactive marine natural products from a sponge as standard compounds in the bioassays given the paucity of 2.2 available for this study. Chapter four describes the assays used to test the biological activity of the bursatellin 2.2 compared to the generally bioactive ilimaquinone and the structurally related and commercially available broad spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol. B. leachii, a shell-less marine mollusc inhabits a variety of intertidal habitats and, therefore, is exposed to several different predators, yet does not appear to have any specific predators. Potential predators of this sea hare in the Kariega Estuary could be fish and amphipods which are found in close proximity to these sea hares. Results of the assays showed that at roughly natural concentrations, (calculated from the isolated chromatographic yield) feeding was deterred by the fish and amphipods, which implied that 2.2 may confer a defensive role within the organism. The relatively high concentration present within the ink gland of B. leachii may support this hypothesis. Surprisingly, given its structural similarity to chloramphenicol, 2.3 did not show any antimicrobial action against five of the six bacterial strains against which it was screened [chloramphenicol inhibited the growth of all the bacterial strains at very low concentrations (0.25 mg/mL)]. Bursatellin was found to be only active against Staphylococus aureus at high concentrations ca. 2 mg/mL when compared to chloramphenicol. Neither bursatellin nor chloramphenicol showed anti-fungal activity. Although this study suggests that the sea hares may use chemical defences in addition to opaline ink to defend themselves, they also live within the seagrass Z. capensis, which possibly provides the sea hare with a cryptic form of physical defence against several predators that are unable to swim freely within the weed beds in the littoral zone of the estuary. , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
a pH-metric speciation and anti-diabetic study of oxovanadium (IV) amino acid derivatives
- Authors: Gundhla, Isaac Zvikomborero
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-15
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006691
- Description: Novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes of glycine, ʟ-alanine, 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-caboxylic acid and imidazole-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized and isolated in the solid state. The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The IR studies showed that glycine and ʟ-alanine coordinate monodentately through the amine nitrogen whilst the imidazole-carboxylic acid derivatives assume a bidentate chelation. The electronic spectroscopic studies indicate distorted octahedral geometry for the oxovanadium complexes of amino acids and a square pyramidal geometry for oxovanadium(IV) complexes of imidazole carboxylic acid derivatives. The reaction of vanadyl (VO2+) with glycine, ʟ-alanine, imidazole-2-cabrboxylic acid, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was studied in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometry under oxygen and carbon dioxide-free conditions. The data obtained from these titrations were used to calculate the protonation and stability constants. The results showed that all ligands are suitable for bidentate coordination in the formation of monomeric species although the solid state studies of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of amino acids showed a monodentate coordination. The overall stability constants for the (VIVO)-ʟ-alanine system (log β120 = 18.27(6)), (VIVO)-glycine system (β120 = 17.22(6)), (VIVO)-imidazole-4-carboxyic acid (β120 = 11.38(8)), (VIVO)-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 11.62(6)) and (VIVO)-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 15.49(9)) were obtained. The calculations for the species distribution in the experimental pH range showed that the neutral bis-coordinated complexes are dominant over the biological pH range. The glucose uptake effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex of ʟ-alanine, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells at various concentrations. The compounds had significant glucose uptake on Chang liver cells only at a concentration of 0.1-10 μM whilst in the C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 cells the compounds showed little to no activity probably due to the lower concentrations employed as a result of the cytotoxicity of these compounds on these two cell lines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gundhla, Isaac Zvikomborero
- Date: 2011 , 2011-03-15
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006691
- Description: Novel oxovanadium(IV) complexes of glycine, ʟ-alanine, 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-caboxylic acid and imidazole-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized and isolated in the solid state. The ligands and complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The IR studies showed that glycine and ʟ-alanine coordinate monodentately through the amine nitrogen whilst the imidazole-carboxylic acid derivatives assume a bidentate chelation. The electronic spectroscopic studies indicate distorted octahedral geometry for the oxovanadium complexes of amino acids and a square pyramidal geometry for oxovanadium(IV) complexes of imidazole carboxylic acid derivatives. The reaction of vanadyl (VO2+) with glycine, ʟ-alanine, imidazole-2-cabrboxylic acid, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was studied in aqueous solution by pH-potentiometry under oxygen and carbon dioxide-free conditions. The data obtained from these titrations were used to calculate the protonation and stability constants. The results showed that all ligands are suitable for bidentate coordination in the formation of monomeric species although the solid state studies of the oxovanadium(IV) complexes of amino acids showed a monodentate coordination. The overall stability constants for the (VIVO)-ʟ-alanine system (log β120 = 18.27(6)), (VIVO)-glycine system (β120 = 17.22(6)), (VIVO)-imidazole-4-carboxyic acid (β120 = 11.38(8)), (VIVO)-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 11.62(6)) and (VIVO)-1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid (β120 = 15.49(9)) were obtained. The calculations for the species distribution in the experimental pH range showed that the neutral bis-coordinated complexes are dominant over the biological pH range. The glucose uptake effect of oxovanadium(IV) complex of ʟ-alanine, imidazole-4-carboxylic acid, imidazole-2-carboxylic acid and 1-methylimidazole-2-carboxylic acid was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells at various concentrations. The compounds had significant glucose uptake on Chang liver cells only at a concentration of 0.1-10 μM whilst in the C2C12 muscle and 3T3-L1 cells the compounds showed little to no activity probably due to the lower concentrations employed as a result of the cytotoxicity of these compounds on these two cell lines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A physico-chemical investigation of refractory hard metals
- Authors: Philip, Hamish Ian
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Refractory materials Heat resistant alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007630
- Description: In this investigation, the resistivity of vanadium nitride at elevated temperatures has been measured using a resistance bridge based on the Dauphinée/Mooser (1955) chopper system. In general, an almost linear increase of resistivity with temperature was observed for VN, but at certain temperatures, deviations from linearity (anomalies) were observed, these have been classified into three types. Attempts have been made to correlate the anomalous behaviour and temperature coefficients of resistivity with the ambient atmospheres and with the impurities, (especially oxygen), stoichiotmetry and density of this material. Oxygen and excess nitrogen appear to be electron donors in their effects on VN and result in a decrease in the slope of resistivity vs temperature curves. Oxygen and excess nitrogen also appear to increase the overall resistivity due to an increase in defect concentration. No effects due to the ambient atmosphere have been observed in the case of hot-pressed samples. lndicating that reaction can only occur if the reacting gases can reach the interior of the samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
- Authors: Philip, Hamish Ian
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Refractory materials Heat resistant alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007630
- Description: In this investigation, the resistivity of vanadium nitride at elevated temperatures has been measured using a resistance bridge based on the Dauphinée/Mooser (1955) chopper system. In general, an almost linear increase of resistivity with temperature was observed for VN, but at certain temperatures, deviations from linearity (anomalies) were observed, these have been classified into three types. Attempts have been made to correlate the anomalous behaviour and temperature coefficients of resistivity with the ambient atmospheres and with the impurities, (especially oxygen), stoichiotmetry and density of this material. Oxygen and excess nitrogen appear to be electron donors in their effects on VN and result in a decrease in the slope of resistivity vs temperature curves. Oxygen and excess nitrogen also appear to increase the overall resistivity due to an increase in defect concentration. No effects due to the ambient atmosphere have been observed in the case of hot-pressed samples. lndicating that reaction can only occur if the reacting gases can reach the interior of the samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1973
A polarographic study : the estimation of sodium and potassium in the presence of each other
- Authors: Carter, Austin John
- Date: 1938
- Subjects: Polarographs , Polarography , Potassium , Sodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010434
- Description: The polarographic method has been described, and an attempt made to describe the difficulty of the simultaneous deposition of sodium and potassium. Various methods have been examined, of which precipitation of potassium with magnesium dipicrylaminate seems the most promising. The quantitative results were unsatisfactory, and possible sources of error are discussed. The method, while very convenient, rapid and labour-saving, is not sufficiently standardised to be trustworthy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1938
- Authors: Carter, Austin John
- Date: 1938
- Subjects: Polarographs , Polarography , Potassium , Sodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010434
- Description: The polarographic method has been described, and an attempt made to describe the difficulty of the simultaneous deposition of sodium and potassium. Various methods have been examined, of which precipitation of potassium with magnesium dipicrylaminate seems the most promising. The quantitative results were unsatisfactory, and possible sources of error are discussed. The method, while very convenient, rapid and labour-saving, is not sufficiently standardised to be trustworthy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1938