UNT Theses and Dissertations - 609 Matching Results

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Derivatives of 1,4-Naphthoquinone and 1,4-Anthraquinone: The purpose of this investigation was the synthesis of some 1,4-naphthoquinones and 1,4-anthraquinones. It will be shown that some of these substituted quinones exhibit physiological properties.
Pressure Controlled Topochemical Polymerization in Two-Dimensional Hybrid Perovskite: Mechanical pressure offers unique control over the energy landscape of chemical reactions, opening up pathways that are inaccessible through conventional thermochemistry. We hypothesize that the reduced dimensionality defines the conformational space of the high-pressure reaction, giving rise to new selectivity that is unavailable in 3D systems. Here, we demonstrate this concept through the pressure-controlled topochemical polymerization of the diacetylene molecule deca‐3,5‐diyn‐1‐amine (DDA) incorporated in the two-dimensional (2D) perovskite [DDA]2PbBr4. Compression at 3 GPa drives the first topochemical polymerization through 1,2 addition, forming a polyene product at room temperature. The reaction is initiated by the mechanical bending of the linear DDA molecule, a mechanism fundamentally different from the 1,4-addition in 3D solids. Importantly, pressure hinders the second 1,2-addition by disfavoring the gauche conformation between the remaining acetylene groups, allowing for the selective formation of polyene versus polyacene products. We characterize the reaction mechanisms and products using spectroscopies (Raman, X-ray photoelectron, ultraviolet-visible), X-ray diffraction and density-functional theory simulations. These results highlight the important role of dimensionality in high-pressure chemistry, and offers a new paradigm for creating low-dimensional functional materials.
Vibrational Spectra and Potential Function of Tetrachlorocyclopropene: The laser Raman spectra of tetrachlorocyclopropene in the liquid and solid phases have been recorded and vibrational assignments are presented. These results along with root mean squared vibrational amplitudes from electron diffraction data have been employed in a normal coordinate analysis in which a 19 parameter potential function is refined. This potential function, originally expressed in terms of compliance constants, is then used to derive the corresponding conventional and relaxed force constants.
Base Effects on the Thermal Decomposition of Sec-butyllithium Solutions: The pyrolysis of sec-butyllithium in solution was studied in an attempt to understand the loss of stereo-specificity and the atypical kinetics that have been reported. Additionally, the effect of added lithium alkoxides was studied to determine their effects on the highly reactive sec-butyllithium substrate.
Magnetron Sputtering of Transition Metal Oxynitrides and Their Characterization with Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Transition metal oxynitrides are of growing interest for their use as electrocatalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction. The metals in the oxynitride used for catalytic process are stabilized in intermediate state for effective activation of nitrogen. Therefore, studying the interaction of metal oxynitrides films to ambient exposure is necessary. Here, sputter deposited vanadium oxynitride is compared to cobalt oxynitride using insitu Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After deposition in Ar/N2 environment, in situ AES spectra indicate that film is vanadium oxynitride despite oxygen is not the reactive gas. In contrast, in situ AES indicate film is pure cobalt nitride at the same base pressure and deposition condition (as vanadium). For ambient exposure, in situ AES indicate the incorporation of oxygen in the cobalt nitride film to form cobalt oxynitride. Ex situ XPS indicate both films get more oxidized but uniformly distributed as there is only slight difference in grazing and normal emission XPS. XRD and SEM also indicate how homogeneously distributed both films are. These finding confirms how important it is that transition metal centers are kept in intermediate oxidation state for the activation of nitrogen bond.
(4+2)-Cycloaddition Reactions of Ketenes; Pyranones: This study deals with the (4+2)-cycloaddition reactions of 4-π electron compounds with ketenes. Chloroketenes were generated in situ from the corresponding chlorinated acid chlorides in the presence of the ketenophiles. Chloro-, dichloro- and diphenylketenes reacted with 1-methoxy-3-trimethylsiloxy-l,3-butadiene, and 2,4-bis(trimethylsiloxy)-1,3-pentadiene to yield the corresponding dihydropyrans. The dihydropyrans yielded substituted 4-pyranones on hydrolysis.
Applications of Metallic Clusters and Nanoparticles via Soft Landing Ion Mobility, from Reduced to Ambient Pressures: Nanoparticles, simple yet groundbreaking objects have led to the discovery of invaluable information due to their physiological, chemical, and physical properties, have become a hot topic in various fields of study including but not limited to chemistry, biology, and physics. In the work presented here, demonstrations of various applications of chemical free nanoparticles are explored, from the determination of a non-invasive method for the study of the exposome via using soft-landing ion mobility (SLIM) deposited nanoparticles as a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI-MS) matrix replacement, to the direct SLIM-exposure of nanoparticles onto living organisms. While there is plenty of published work in soft-landing at operating pressures of 1 Torr, the work presented here shows how this technology can be operated at the less common ambient pressure. The ease of construction of this instrument allows for various modifications to be performed for a wide array of applications, furthermore the flexibility in metallic sample, operating pressure, and deposition time only open doors to many other future applications. The work presented will also show that our ambient SLIM system is also able to be operated for toxicological studies, as the operation at ambient pressure opens the door to new applications where vacuum conditions are not desired.
Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation of 1,7- & 1,9-dibromopentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione: Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 1,9-dibromopentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane-8,11-dione (1,9-dibromo-PCU-8,11-dione) was performed by using an excess amount of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (3 equivalents) and resulted in the formation of the corresponding monolactone. The reaction would not proceed to the dilactone stage. The structure of the reaction product was established unequivocally via single crystal X-ray diffraction. Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 1,9-dibromo-PCU-8,11-dione using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) was also performed and afforded a mixture of lactones. Only one of these lactones, which also contained an alkene functionality, could be isolated and characterized. 1,7-dibromo-PCU-8,11-dione was also reacted with CAN, yielding the mono-lactone, which has also been characterized.
Theoretical Studies of Photoactive Metal Complexes with Applications in C-H Functionalization and Quantum Computing: Previous work was successful at delineating reaction pathways for the photoactivated synthesis of an amine, [CztBu(PyriPr)(NH2−PyriPr)], by double intramolecular C−H activation and functionalization via irradiating a metal(II) azido complex, [CztBu(PyriPr)2NiN3. The present work seeks to expand upon earlier research, and to substitute the metal with iron or cobalt, and to expand the study to photocatalyzed intermolecular C−H activation and functionalization of organic substrates. Density functional theory (DFT) – B3LYP/6-31+G(d') and APFD/Def2TZVP – and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) were used to propose a detailed pathway comprised of intermediates of low, intermediate, or high spin multiplicity and photo-generated excited states for the reaction of the azido complex, [CztBu(PyriPr)2MN3] to form the amine complex [CztBu(PyriPr)M(NH2−PyriPr)], M = Co, Ni or Fe, and the intermediates along the reaction pathway. For applications on quantum computing, the photophysical properties of photoactive d8 nickel(II) complexes are modeled. Such systems take advantage of a two-level system pathway between ground to excited state electronic transitions and could be useful for the discovery of successful candidates for a room temperature qubit, the analogue of a classical computational bit. A modified organometallic model, inspired by a nitrogen vacancy selective intersystem crossing model in diamond, was developed to take advantage of the formation of excited states. Tanabe-Sugano diagrams predict areas where these excited states may relax via phosphorescent emission. Under Zeeman splitting, these transitions create the conditions required for a two-level system needed to design a functional organometallic qubit.
The Synthesis and Reactivity of Bis(silyl)acetylenes: Six bis(silyl)acetylenes with the following varied silicon substituents were prepared: I (Me, Me); II (H, H); III (Cl, H); IV (Cl, Cl); V (OMe, H); VI (OMe, OMe). While I and II may be prepared by the reaction of dilithio- or bis(bromomagnesium)-acetylide with appropriate chlorosilane, similar reactions designed to give III - VI give oligomers, YMe_2Si(C≡C-SiMe_2)_nY, VII, Y = Cl, OMe, as the major products indicating that the acetylenic functionality on silicon activates the chlorosilane toward nucleophilic substitution. Compounds III and IV were prepared by free radical chlorination of II. Methanolysis of III and IV gave quantitative yields of V and VI, respectively. In the presence of mineral acid, VI readily cyclized to give high yields of the cyclic siloxane octamethyl-4,9-dioxa-3,5,8,10-tetrasila-cyclodeca-1,6-diyne, VIII, and the analogous triyne, IX. It was determined that V and VI could be prepared directly from II in high yield by methanolysis with palladium catalyst. Vaska's complex also accomplished the conversion. I attempted to prepare bis(ethoxydimethylsilyl)acetylene by using of Wilkinson 's catalyst for hydrosilylation with acetaldehyde. The principal product of this reaction was 1-(dimethylsilyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-4-oxa-3-silacyclopent-1-ene, XI.
Kinetic studies and computational modeling of atomic chlorine reactions in the gas phase.: The gas phase reactions of atomic chlorine with hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, benzene, and ethylene are investigated using the laser flash photolysis / resonance fluorescence experimental technique. In addition, the kinetics of the reverse processes for the latter two elementary reactions are also studied experimentally. The absolute rate constants for these processes are measured over a wide range of conditions, and the results offer new accurate information about the reactivity and thermochemistry of these systems. The temperature dependences of these reactions are interpreted via the Arrhenius equation, which yields significantly negative activation energies for the reaction of the chlorine atom and hydrogen sulfide as well as for that between the phenyl radical and hydrogen chloride. Positive activation energies which are smaller than the overall endothermicity are measured for the reactions between atomic chlorine with ammonia and ethylene, which suggests that the reverse processes for these reactions also possess negative activation energies. The enthalpies of formation of the phenyl and β-chlorovinyl are assessed via the third-law method. The stability and reactivity of each reaction system is further rationalized based on potential energy surfaces, computed with high-level ab initio quantum mechanical methods and refined through the inclusion of effects which arise from the special theory of relativity. Large amounts of spin-contamination are found to result in inaccurate computed thermochemistry for the phenyl and ethyl radicals. A reformulation of the computational approach to incorporate spin-restricted reference wavefunctions yields computed thermochemistry in good accord with experiment. The computed potential energy surfaces rationalize the observed negative temperature dependences in terms of a chemical activation mechanism, and the possibility that an energized adduct may contribute to product formation is investigated via RRKM theory.
Metal Nitride Complexes as Potential Catalysts for C-H and N-H Bonds Activation: Recognizing the dual ability of the nitride ligand to react as a nucleophile or an electrophile – depending on the metal and other supporting ligands – is a key to their broad-range reactivity; thus, three DFT studies were initiated to investigate these two factors effects (the metal and supporting ligands) for tuning nitride ligand reactivity for C-H and N-H bond activation/functionalization. We focused on studying these factors effects from both a kinetic and thermodynamic perspective in order to delineate new principles that explain the outcomes of TMN reactions. Chapter 2 reports a kinetic study of C–H amination of toluene to produce a new Csp3–N (benzylamine) or Csp2–N (para-toluidine) bond activated by diruthenium nitride intermediate. Studying three different mechanisms highlighted the excellent ability of diruthenium nitride to transform a C-H bond to a new C-N bond. These results also revealed that nitride basicity played an important role in determining C–H bond activating ability. Chapter 3 thus reports a thermodynamic study to map basicity trends of more than a one hundred TMN complexes of the 3d and 4d metals. TMN pKb(N) values were calculated in acetonitrile. Basicity trends decreased from left to right across the 3d and 4d rows and increases from 3d metals to their 4d congeners. Metal and supporting ligands effects were evaluated to determine their impacts on TMNs basicity. In Chapter 4 we sought correlations among basicity, nucleophilicity and enhanced reactivity for N–H bond activation. Three different mechanisms for ammonia decomposition reaction (ADR) were tested: 1,2-addition, nitridyl insertion and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Evaluating nitride reactivity for the aforementioned mechanisms revealed factors related to the metal and its attached ligands on TMNs for tuning nitride basicity and ammonia N–H activation barriers.
A Complete Chemical Analysis of Samples Taken from the Three Artesian Waters of Denton County: The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical content of Denton County's (Texas) water. Based on the analysis of the three samples, the water of Denton County is classed as poor for irrigation.
Silver(I) and Copper(I) Complexes from Homoleptic to Heteroleptic: Synthesis, Structure and Characterization: A plethora of novel scientific phenomena and practical applications, such as solid-state molecular solar cells and other optoelectronic devices for energy harvesting and lighting technologies, have catalyzed us to synthesize novel compounds with tunable properties. Synthetic routes, single crystal structures, and spectral and materials properties are described. Reactions of Ag(I) and Cu(I) precursors with various types of ligands -- including the azolates, diimines, and diiphosphines -- lead to the corresponding complexes in high yield. Varying the metal ions, ligands, synthetic methods, solvents, and/or stoichiometric ratio can change the properties including the molecular geometry or packing structure, reactivity, photophysical and photochemical properties, semiconducting behavior, and/or porosity of the functional coordination polymers obtained. For solar cells purposes, the absorption energy can be extended from the ultraviolet (UV) region, through the entire visible (Vis) region, onto a significant portion of the near-infrared (NIR) portion of the solar spectrum with high absorption coefficients due to the infinite conjugation of Cu(I) with diimine ligands. Twenty-eight crystal structures were obtained by conventional crystal growth methods from organic solvents, whereas their bulk product syntheses also included "green chemistry" approaches that precluded the use of hazardous organic solvents. The resulting products are characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), UV/Vis/NIR absorption/diffuse reflectance/photoluminescence spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Regarding the scientific phenomena investigated, the highlighting work in this dissertation is the discovery of novel bonding/photophysical/optoelectronic properties of the following materials: a black absorber with absorption from 200- 900 nm, a very stable compound with a bright green luminescence obtained by a solventless reaction, and a novel coordination polymer showing uncommon interaction of Ag(I) with three different types of diimine ligands simultaneously.
A Comprehensive Investigation of Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Charge Transfer Mechanisms in Push-Pull Donor-Acceptor Systems: Implications for Energy Harvesting Applications: Donor-acceptor systems exhibit distinctive attributes rendering them highly promising for the emulation of natural photosynthesis and the efficient capture of solar energy. This dissertation is primarily devoted to the investigation of these unique features within diverse donor-acceptor system typologies, encompassing categories such as closely covalently linked, push-pull, supramolecular, and multi-modular donor- acceptor conjugates. The research encompasses an examination of photosynthetic analogs involving compounds such as chelated azadipyromethene (AzaBODIPY), N,N-dimethylaminophenyl (NND), phenothiazine (PTZ), triphenylamine (TPA), phenothiazine sulfone (PTZSO2), tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD), and expanded tetracyanobutadiene (exTCBD). The strategic configuration of the donor (D), acceptor (A), and spacer elements within these constructs serves to promote intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), which are crucial for efficient charge and electron transfer. The employment of cutting-edge analytical techniques, such as ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, is integral to the study. Furthermore, a comprehensive suite of analytical methodologies including steady-state UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and phosphorescence spectroscopies, electrochemical techniques (including cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry), spectroelectrochemistry, and density functional theory calculation (DFT), collectively contribute to the comprehensive characterization of push-pull donor-acceptor systems, with a particular emphasis on their potential as highly effective solar energy harvesting application.
Spectral, Electrochemical, and Solar Cell Studies of Peripheral Modified Carboxy Zinc Porphyrins: Six peripherally meso-modified Zn (II) porphyrin sensitizer dyes are designed and their J-V performance in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) evaluated. Electron-donating groups including phenothiazine, carbazole and pyrene are used to modify the porphyrin macrocycle at the meso-carbon position(s). To compare the effect of donor substitution on the performance of the cells in terms of short circuit current (Jsc), light harvesting efficiency (LHE) and power conversion efficiency (η), two sets of sensitizers with different degrees of substitution are synthesized. One set of dyes (mono-substituted) have one electron donor at trans-position to the acceptor, while the second set (tri-substituted) dyes have three of the same type electron donor groups at 5, 10 and 15 meso-carbon positions making all the six dyes push-pull type sensitizers incorporating 4'-carboxyphenyl as an electron-acceptor/anchor group. Different spectroscopic and electrochemical methods are used to study the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the dyes, while the photovoltaic performance of their cells under 1.5 A.M is studied using solar simulator. Meso-substitution of Zinc (II) porphyrin with these small donor molecules is shown to improve the light harvesting character of the Zinc (II) porphyrin macrocycle in the UV-Vis absorption while at same time improving its fluorescence quantum yield, excited-state life time and electron donating potential. All these factors combined make these meso-modified dyes better sensitizers with suitable Δ0 Δ0, and much improved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) compared to unsubstituted Zn (II) porphyrin. In particular, as a result of the peripheral modification, a doubling in efficiency in the mono- substituted series (RA-200-Zn; η=^M 4.2%, Jsc= -13.13 mA cm-2, Voc=0.54 ) and tripling in the tri-substituted series ( tri-phenothiazine Zn (II) Porphyrin; η= 7.3%, Jsc= -18.15 mA cm-2, Voc= 0.55 ) compared to unsubstituted Zn (II) porphyrin (η= 2.11%, Jsc= -5.7 mA cm-2, Voc= 0.53 V) has been accomplished.
Pressure Effects on Electric Field Spectra of Molecular Rydberg States: Electric field studies, electrochromism, were used to obtain excited-state data for analogous divalent sulfur compounds. The sulfides investigated were dimethyl sulfide and small cyclic sulfides including the three to six member ring compounds. The excited-state dipole moments and polarizabilities are reported for the first s, p, and d Rydberg absorption bands which occur in the near vacuum ultraviolet region from 230 to 170 nm. The excited-state data are interpreted in terms of the particular excited-state (s, p, or d) for the molecules and the bending differences due to the presence of the ring and the number of atoms in the ring. The next section describes the use of electrochromism to investigate the pressure effect of argon, carbon tetrafluoride and sulfur hexafluoride on the spectra for molecular Rydberg states.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(II) Complexes: A series of dihydroxy bridged copper(II) complexes of the type [(L)Cu(OH)₂Cu(L)]x₂ * nH₂0, where L is 2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline, x is a counter ion, and n is the number of water molecules, was synthesized. In the case of monohydroxy bridged copper(II) complexes, we have found a new method of synthesis for [ (L)₂Cu(OH)Cu(L)₂ ] (ClO₄)₃, where L is 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline. We have synthesized five new monohydroxy bridged copper(II) complexes, thus increasing the number of monohydroxy bridged copper(II) complexes to nine. All complexes have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, magnetic moments, and elemental analysis. The electron spin resonance results establish that the fulvic acids contain organic free radicals as an internal part of their molecular structure. The concentration of unpaired electrons will increase by increasing the pH. The unpaired electron in fulvic acid interacts with the unpaired electron on copper(II) through the Π system, and this will decrease the spin concentration of fulvic acid complexed with copper(II). The displacement of titration curve from a free ligand (fructose-1,6-diphosphate, ribulose-1,5-diphosphate, phospherine, phosphothreonine, and 3-phosphoglyceric acid, to a ligand plus copper(II) (1:1 ratio) shows there is a strong interaction between copper(II) and the corresponding ligand. All complexes absorb UV-visible at 250-300 nm. The absorption intensity changes as a function of pH. Copper (II) forms a complex with fructose-1,6-diphosphate, ribulose-1,5-diphosphate, phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, and 3-phosphoglyceric acid by the ratio of 1:3, 1:3, 1:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively.
Instrumental Development and Implementation of Portable Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry for Homeland Security and Environmental Applications: A rapidly growing topic of great interest is the adaptation of benchtop analytical instrumentation for use in outdoor harsh environments. Some of the areas that stand to benefit from field instrumentation development include government agencies involved with the preservation of the environment and institutions responsible for the safety of the general public. Detection systems are at the forefront of the miniaturization movement as the interest in analyte identification and quantitation appears to only be accessible through the use of analytical instrumentation. Mass spectrometry is a distinguished analytical technique known for its ability to detect the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of gas-phase ions of interest. Although these systems have been routinely limited to research lab-based analysis, there has been considerable development of miniaturized and portable mass spectrometry systems. Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) is becoming a common method of sample introduction that is subject to significant development. MIMS allows for minimal sample preparation, continuous sampling, and excludes complicated analyte introduction techniques. Sampling is accomplished using a semipermeable membrane that allows selective analyte passage into the vacuum of the mass spectrometer. MIMS is becoming the preeminent choice of homeland security and environmental monitoring applications with increasing opportunities for the future development of specialized systems. The steadfast development of miniaturized mass spectrometry systems with efficient operation capabilities for a variety of applications gives promise to the further development of MIMS technology as well as other analytical instrumentation.
Surface Engineering of Materials for Beyond-Microelectronics: All oxide heterostructure Cr2O3/TiO2-x was deposited on Al2O3(0001) single crystal via MBE. The analysis of interfacial interactions involving two metal oxides resulting in magnetic properties gave insights for using such heterostructures as potential spintronic device materials. The corundum phase epitaxial growth of TiO2-x on Al2O3 was characterized using XPS, AES, EELS, and LEED. The data obtained gives evidence of presence of two-dimensional electron gas at titania surface due to oxygen vacancies formation after deposition. On titania, the deposition of chrome in UHV results in the formation of oxidized chromia overlayer by abstraction of oxygen from the TiO2-x underlayer further increasing the number of vacancies present. In industrial R&D project, dry etching of multiple optical device components was performed using a novel angled etch prototype tool. The first set of experiments involved plasma etching of SiC thin films optimized for target application. The best-known method (BKM) worked from 300mm full wafer to 200mm product. In second experimentation, a variety of gray-tone photoresist received from customers were etched using BKM. Customer received etch rate on each gray-tone material. The third experiments compared recipe R1 to test recipe R2 on the test vehicle VDC. R2 showed faster etch rate but lower process repeatability (RMSE%). With continuous improvement of the tool and the process, two tools are operating products every day, a third prototype tool is about to be in pilot production.
Nitrogen Derivatives of I-phenylazimidoquinone: A series of analogous reactions employing as a nucleus I-phenylazimidoquinone has been investigated.
Mercury-Sensitized Photochemical Reactions of Isopropyl Alcohol: This thesis describes the reactions of mercury-sensitized isopropyl alcohol when bombarded with 2537 Angstrom radiation.
The Reactions and Emission Spectra of Propylene in Electrodeless Discharge: This thesis describes the reactions and emission spectra of propylene under radio frequency energy radiation.
A Study of the Reduction Products of N-(4-Nitrophenacyl)-4-(1-Hexyl)pyridinium Bromide: Because of the structural analogies between these compounds and several other physiologically active compounds, such as chloroamphenicol, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and 2,2-bis-(p-aminophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, a more complete study of the reduction products and the sequence of catalytic reduction of N-(4-nitrophenacyl)-4-(1-hexyl)pyridinium bromide was made in this investigation.
Sensitization of Lanthanides and Organic-Based Phosphorescence via Energy Transfer and Heavy-Atom Effects: The major topics discussed are the phosphorescence sensitization in the lanthanides via energy transfer and in the organics by heavy atom effects. The f-f transitions in lanthanides are parity forbidden and have weak molar extinction coefficients. Upon complexation with the ligand, ttrpy (4'-p-Tolyl-[2,2':6',2"]-terpyridine) the absorption takes place through the ligand and the excitation is transferred to the lanthanides, which in turn emit. This process is known as "sensitized luminescence." Bright red emission from europium and bright green emission from terbium complexes were observed. There is ongoing work on the making of OLEDs with neutral complexes of lanthanide hexafluoroacetyl acetonate/ttrpy, studied in this dissertation. Attempts to observe analogous energy transfer from the inorganic donor complexes of Au(I) thiocyanates were unsuccessful due to poor overlap of the emissions of these systems with the absorptions of Eu(III) and Tb(III). Photophysics of silver-aromatic complexes deals with the enhancement of phosphorescence in the aromatics. The heavy atom effect of the silver is responsible for this enhancement in phosphorescence. Aromatics such as naphthalene, perylene, anthracene and pyrene were involved in this study. Stern Volmer plots were studied by performing the quenching studies. The quenchers employed were both heavy metals such as silver and thallium and lighter metal like potassium. Dynamic quenching as the predominant phenomenon was noticed.
Acenaphthene and 1,10-Phenanthroline-Fused Βeta-Functionalized Porphyrins: A series of acene-fused porphyrins and 1,10-phenanthroline-fused porphyrins were synthesized and characterized via NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The acene-fused porphyrins exhibit unique optoelectronic properties, most notably they exhibit highly red-shifted absorption bands. The 1,10-phenanthroline-fused porphyrins are of interest for their ability to bond to as variety of metals to form chelation complexes.
Sites of Reactivity During Ligand-Exchange Reactions in Octahedral Group VIB Metal Carbonyls: The site of initial metal-carbonyl bond-breaking during ligand-exchange reactions in a series of octahedral metal carbonyls of the type (L2)M(CO)4 (M = Cr, Mo, W; L2 = diphos, phen, dipy) has been determined employing infrared spectroscopy and Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results of this study reveal, for all metal carbonyl complexes of the type mentioned above, that loss of CO occurs exclusively at an axial position (cis to the bidentate ligand, I^)• The dynamic nature of the five-coordinate intermediates, such as (diphos)Mo(CO)3, (phen)M(CO)3 (M = Cr, Mo, W), and (dipy)Cr(CO)3, which are generated in solution upon CO dissociation, is reported and discussed. The results of this investigation confirm that these intermediates are fluxional on the time scale of CO-exchange process. A mechanism which describes the site of initial metal-carbonyl bond-breaking and the fluxionality of the five-coordinate intermediate during ligand-exchange reactions in the complexes (L2)M(CO)4 is proposed. A kinetic study of reactions of W(CO)6 with pseudo-halide anions (NCS-, NCO-, CN-) has been initiated. The results indicate that these reactions proceed via a bimolecular path, which involves initial attack of the pseudo-halide anion at a carbonyl carbon of W(CO)6,
The Synthesis and Testing of Differential Herbicides: This investigation was limited to the preparation of substituted phenoxyacetic acids and related compounds. The types of substances prepared for testing can, in general, be placed in three groups. These are: aryloxyacetic acids, arylmercaptoacetic acids, and those acids containing the thiophene nucleus.
Corrosion Mechanism and Prevention of Wire Bonded Device in Microelectronic Manufacturing and Spectroscopic Investigation of Copper Etch Chemical Equilibria for High Density Interconnect Application: In the first part of this dissertation work, Al bond pad corrosion behavior was investigated in the presence of common industrial contaminants such as chloride (Cl-) and fluoride (F-). Al corrosion while in direct contact with Cu displayed rapid hydrogen (H2) gas evolution and dendrite propagation. In contrast, Al without bimetallic contact showed only minor surface roughening. This observed difference in the corrosion mechanism between Cl- and F- is attributed to the solubility of the corrosion products (AlCl3 vs. AlF3) formed on the Al surface. Our subsequent work explored corrosion prevention inhibition of wire-bonded devices (WBD) in the Cl- environment. Our research shows that the Al bond pad was protected against corrosion by chemically modifying the surface of the Cu wires, thereby preventing the H2 evolution. The inhibitor was observed to be highly selective, thermally stable, hydrophobic, and cost-effective, making it viable for industrial application of this coating for Al bond pad corrosion prevention. In the second part of the dissertation work, we utilized a novel approach of using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) as a chemical-sensitive monitoring tool of the chemical environment in Cu etch bath. The UV-Vis technique illuminates the roles of H+, Cl-, Cu+, and Cu2+ to the etch bath while also providing a means to monitor the Cl- in the broad UV peak at 250 nm. The UV-Vis probe successfully demonstrated the etch rate difference between the two etch bath solutions and help in the restoration of the etching bath. Additionally, the proof-of-concept experiments (POC) to investigate UV enhanced etching for achieving anisotropic etching in PCB fabrication showed promising preliminary results with the need to develop additional etching techniques.
Copper Wire-Bonding Reliability: Mechanism and Prevention of Galvanic Aluminum Bond Pad Corrosion in Acidic Chloride Environments: With the reliability requirements of automobile microelectronics pushing towards near 0 ppb levels of failure control, halide induced corrosion issues in wire bonded devices have to be tightly controlled to achieve such a high reliability goal. With real-time corrosion monitoring, for the first time we demonstrated that the explosive H2 evolution coupled with the oxygen reduction reaction, occurring at the critical Al/Cu interfaces, is the key driving force for the observed aggressive corrosion. Several types of passivation coating on Cu wire surfaces to effectively block the cathodic H2 evolution were explored with an aim to disrupt this explosive corrosion cycle. The properties of the protective coating were evaluated using various analytical techniques. The surface coating exhibited high thermal stability up to 260 °C (evaluated using TGA analysis). A uniform, highly hydrophobic coating (surface contact angle of >130° with water), was achieved by carefully controlling CVD parameters such as time of deposition, surface control of Cu metal, amount of inhibitor compound loading, temperature of coating process etc. FTIR spectroscopy combined with corrosion screening was used to optimize the CVD passivated coating with strong chemisorption. SEM and EDX, XPS were carried out on various coated surfaces to understand the composition and selectivity of the film formed through this surface treatment. The surface selective nature of this coating (towards Cu) proved helpful in preventing potential delamination issues during epoxy molding process. The corrosion testing was carried out via HAST testing at 130°C, 2 atm pressure and 100% RH for 48 hours. Delamination analysis and continuity test showed that the inhibitor compound was able to effectively prevent the corrosion even after exposure to harsh HAST conditions.
Design and Synthesis of Gold (I) Acyclic Diamino Carbene Complexes as Metallodrugs for Cancer and for Asymmetric Catalysis: Many previous studies have demonstrated that gold compounds possess successful results in catalysis and in medicinal chemistry. The central aim of this dissertation is the design and synthesis of novel gold (I) acyclic diamino carbene complexes as a chemotherapeutic agent for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and for catalysis. In this study, a series of chiral neutral and cationic gold (I) acyclic diamino carbene (ADC) complexes and neutral gold (I) bis- ADC complexes have been synthesized. As the chiral neutral gold (I) ADCs, four diastereomers of S binaphthyl L proline tertiary butyl ester gold (I) chloride, S binaphthyl D proline tertiary butyl ester gold (I) chloride, R binaphthyl L proline tertiary butyl ester gold (I) chloride, and R binaphthyl D proline tertiary butyl ester gold (I) chloride have been synthesized and characterized. Different chiral gold (I) ADC complexes with bulky chiral binaphthyl group and with different amine groups of morpholine, chiral proline methyl ester, and benzyl ester have been synthesized and characterized. After that four diastereomers of the nitrile adduct of cationic binaphthyl proline tertiary butyl ester nitrile and four diastereomers of the isonitrile versions of it have been synthesized and characterized. A series of gold (I) cationic bis ADC complexes have been synthesized and characterized. All these novel gold ADC complexes were tested for biological activity against TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and cationic S binaphthyl D proline ester isonitrile adduct, S binaphthyl D proline ester isonitrile adduct and R binaphthyl D proline ester isonitrile adduct gave promising inhibition rates. According to Lipinski's rule, lipophilicity determines the effectiveness of the drug absorption to the body through the lipid membrane. To determine the drug-likeness of the gold ADC complexes, log P values were calculated for some of the synthesized complexes using a modified shake flask method. Gold (I) ADC complexes have been …
Manufacturer [Sic] of Densified-Refuse Derived Fuel (d-RDF) Pellets and Methods for the Determination of d-RDF Pellet Densities: There are 150 million tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) annually produced in the United States, which is approximately equivalent to 150 million barrels of oil. MSW production is inexhaustible, and is increasing on an annual per capita basis of approximately three per cent. After controlling the moisture and adding a binder, the combustible portion of MSW was converted to pellets. The objects of this project were to 1) evaluate the binder, 2) prepare the pellets, and 3) evaluate the pellets with regard to density. The manufacture of pellets was conducted at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. The evaluation of the binders and the pellets was done at North Texas State University (NTSU). There were three procedures for measuring the density. The first, using water displacement, was from the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). The second, using wax coating, was also from ASTM. The third, using sharply-cut cylindrical pellets, was developed at NTSU.
Thermal and Flash Photolysis Studies of Ligand-Exchange Reactions of Substituted Metal Carbonyl Complexes of Cr and Mo: Thermal and flash photolysis studies of ligand-substitution reactions of cis-(pip)(L)M(CO)_4 by L' (pip = piperidine; L, L' = CO, phosphines, phosphites; M = Cr, Mo) implicate square-pyramidal [(L)M(CO)_4], in which L occupies a coordination site in the equatorial plane, as the reactive species. In chlorobenzene (= CB) solvent, the predominant species formed after flash photolysis and a steady-state intermediate for the thermal reaction is cis—[(CB)(L)M(CO)_4], for which rates of CB-dissociation increase with increasing steric demands of coordinated L. Rates of CB-dissociation from trans-[(CB)(L)M(CO)_4] intermediates, formed after photolysis but not thermally, exhibit no observable dependence on the steric properties of the coordinated L.
A Comparative Quantitative Study of the Common Elements Found in the Hackenberry: This comparative study attempts to determine the importance of soil fertility in determining how much of an element a plant absorbs.
Hydantoin Derivatives as Anticonvulsants. I. 5-Cyclohexylalkyl-5-(2-Thienyl)Hydantoins: The study herein described represents a continuation of the work on 5-(2-thienyl)-5-substituted hydantoins which has been in progress in the laboratories of the North Texas State College for the past several years. It has for its purpose the study of the effect of lengthening the carbon chain connecting a cyclohexyl radical to 5-(2-thienyl)hydantoin in the 5- position.
Studies in the Hydantoin Series. II. 5-(3-Pyridyl)hydantoin and Its Derivatives: It is the purpose of this investigation to study the chemistry of 5-(3-pyridyl)hydantoin and to compare its properties with those of 5-phenylhydantoin.
Computational Studies of Selected Ruthenium Catalysis Reactions.: Computational techniques were employed to investigate pathways that would improve the properties and characteristics of transition metal (i.e., ruthenium) catalysts, and to explore their mechanisms. The studied catalytic pathways are particularly relevant to catalytic hydroarylation of olefins. These processes involved the +2 to +3 oxidation of ruthenium and its effect on ruthenium-carbon bond strengths, carbon-hydrogen bond activation by 1,2-addition/reductive elimination pathways appropriate to catalytic hydrogen/deuterium exchange, and the possible intermediacy of highly coordinatively unsaturated (e.g., 14-electron) ruthenium complexes in catalysis. The calculations indicate a significant decrease in the Ru-CH3 homolytic bond dissociation enthalpy for the oxidation of TpRu(CO)(NCMe)(Me) to its RuIII cation through both reactant destabilization and product stabilization. This oxidation can thus lead to the olefin polymerization observed by Gunnoe and coworkers, since weak RuIII-C bonds would afford quick access to alkyl radical species. Calculations support the experimental proposal of a mechanism for catalytic hydrogen/deuterium exchange by a RuII-OH catalyst. Furthermore, calculational investigations reveal a probable pathway for the activation of C-H bonds that involves phosphine loss, 1,2-addition to the Ru-OH bond and then reversal of these steps with deuterium to incorporate it into the substrate. The presented results offer the indication for the net addition of aromatic C-H bonds across a RuII-OH bond in a process that although thermodynamically unfavorable is kinetically accessible. Calculations support experimental proposals as to the possibility of binding of weakly coordinating ligands such as dinitrogen, methylene chloride and fluorobenzene to the "14-electron" complex [(PCP)Ru(CO)]+ in preference to the formation of agostic Ru-H-C interactions. Reactions of [(PCP)Ru(CO)(1-ClCH2Cl)][BAr'4] with N2CHPh or phenylacetylene yielded conversions that are exothermic to both terminal carbenes and vinylidenes, respectively, and then bridging isomers of these by C-C bond formation resulting from insertion into the Ru-Cipso bond of the phenyl ring of PCP. The QM/MM and DFT calculations on full complexes …
Quantitative Chemical Analysis of the Soils of Erath County, Texas: A chemical analysis of representative samples of Windthorst sand, Denton sand, and Denton clay has been made, and this analysis shows that their composition has a strict correlation with respect to their geological origins. The analyses of the different soils have shown the Windthorst sand to be highly deficient in all of the essential elements, whereas the Denton sand is deficient in only one; namely, phosphorus. The analysis of the Denton clay showed it to be highly fertile. From the consideration of the pH and the lime content, it has been determined to some extent what crops will grow in each of the soils.
Infrared Studies of Anions of Barbituric Acids: As long ago as 1881, it was realized that a functional group of atoms in a molecule would cause an absorption band to appear at a particular frequency in the infrared spectrum of the molecule. In more recent years, the concept of characteristic group frequencies has become firmly established and has resulted in the present widespread use of infrared spectroscopy. There appear to have been relatively few studies of infrared absorption of organic acids as compared with their salts.
The Stereochemistry of Silenes and Alpha-Lithio Silanes: When E- or Z-l-methyl-l-phenyl-2-neopentylsilene was generated by the retro-Diels-Alder vacuum-sealed tube thermolysis of its corresponding anthracene adduct, in the presence of various alkoxysilanes, only one diastereomeric adduct was formed in each case, showing that the reactions are stereospecific. An x-ray crystal structure of the methoxytriphenylsilane adduct of the E-silene confirmed its relative configuration as (R,S) or (S,R). This demonstrated that the addition of alkoxysilanes to silenes is stereospecific and syn. The relative configurations of similar alkoxysilane and alkoxystannane adducts to E- and Z-l-methyl-l-phenyl-2-neopentylsilene were assigned based on a combination of xray structures and *3C NMR data. A strong, nonbonded oxygen-metal interaction is apparent in all of those compounds studied. Treatment of the alkoxystannane adducts with alkyl lithium reagents results in tin-lithium exchange in some cases. The results indicate that the resulting <x-lithio alkoxysilanes are not configurationally stable in either THF or hydrocarbon solvents. The reaction of tert butyl lithium with a-trimethylsilylvinylmethylphenylchlorosilane in hydrocarbon solvents yields E- and Z-l-methyl-l-phenyl-2-neopentyl-2-trimethylsilylsilene. In the absence of any traps these silenes undergo a novel tert butyl lithium catalyzed rearrangement to 2-phenyl-3-trimethylsilyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-silahex-3-ene. These silenes were also trapped as their [4+2] cycloadducts with anthracene. The Z-isomer of the anthracene adduct was separated and its stereochemistry confirmed by an x-ray crystal structure. The anthracene adducts of both E- and Z-l-methyl-1-phenyl-2-neopentyl-2-trimethylsilylsilene undergo a facile, stereospecific decomposition at temperatures as low as 190°C to regenerate their respective silenes, the mildest stereospecific route to a silene yet reported. The E- and Z-silenes react stereospecifically with methanol under vacuum-sealed tube conditions. The stereochemistry of the addition is syn and a common mechanism is proposed for the addition of alcohols and the addition of alkoxysilanes to silenes.
Stereoisomerism of Dimethyl Muconate: The acid which is analogous to the next member of the diphenylpolyenes, 1,4-diphenylbutadiene, is muconic acid. This acid has been chosen to be investigated in an effort to isolate all the stereoisomers of a set containing more than two isomers.
Comparison of Homework Systems (Four Web-Based) used in First-Semester General Chemistry: Web-based homework systems are becoming more common in general chemistry as instructors face ever-increasing enrollment. Yet providing meaningful feedback on assignments remains of the utmost importance. Chemistry instructors consider completion of homework integral to students' success in chemistry, yet only a few studies have compared the use of Web-based systems to the traditional paper-and-pencil homework within general chemistry. This study compares the traditional homework system to four different Web-based systems. Data from eight, semester classes consisting of a diagnostic pre-test, final semester grades, and the number of successful and unsuccessful students are analyzed. Statistically significant results suggest a chemistry instructor should carefully consider options when selecting a homework system.
Porphyrin and BODIPY Derived Donor-Acceptor Multi-Modular Systems: Synthesis, and Excited State Energy and Electron Transfer Studies: This dissertation demonstrates that it is possible to create a donor-acceptor system that can transform sunlight into electrons. By using site-directed synthesis, it was possible to create a novel trans-A2B2 porphyrin. In the pursuit of creating a supramolecular system, both the novel (TPA-BT)2ZnP and C60imidazole combined in solution such that the nitrogenous lone pair of C60 imidazole would coordinate axially to the zinc atom in the porphyrin. The conjugates' characterization utilized spectral, electrochemical, and computational techniques. Computational studies revealed in the optimized structure that the HOMO localized on the porphyrin and LUMO centered over the C60imidazole entity. Rehm-Weller calculations showed feasibility of singlet-electron transfer. Femtosecond transient absorption studies documented an efficient photoinduced charge separation in the conjugate. The subsequent work through steady-state and time-resolved transient absorption techniques that photoinduced electron transfer takes place between the synthesized phenylimidazole functionalized bisstyrylBODIPY (BDP(Im)2) and three selected zinc tetrapyrroles. This dyad consisted of BDP(Im)2 and either zinc tetratolylporphyrin (ZnP), zinc-tetra-t-butyl phthalocyanine (ZnPc), or zinc tetra-t-butyl naphthalocyanine (ZnNc) in a solution solvated by σ-dichlorobenzene (DCB). The three dyads (BDP(Im)2:ZnP, BDP(Im)2:ZnPc, and BDP(Im)2:ZnNc) were investigated by spectroscopic, computational, and electrochemical methods. The 1:1 complex of the dyads in optical absorption studies were approximately ~104 M-1 suggesting moderately stable binding. Spectral and electrochemical studies of the dyads used to generate energy level diagrams indicated that PET was thermodynamically unfavorable in BDP(Im)2:ZnP but favorable when the zinc tetrapyrrole is selectively excited dyads—as confirmed in femtosecond transient absorption studies. In the third work, two novel tetrads, consisting of charge stabilizing triphenylamine (TPA) to either bithiophene (BT) or terthiophene (TT) via a covalent linker that is attached to the meso-position of a BODIPY. This BODIPY was further extended by linking it to fulleropyrrolidine via a catechol linker to a modified BODIPY. Computational studies revealed the electronic structures of the tetrads, …
Development and Testing of Gold(I) and Europium(III) Based Sensors for Environmental Applications: This dissertation focuses on the development, characterization, and analysis of luminescent materials and coatings for sensing applications, including CO2, heavy metals, and silver. Chapter 2 involves the use of a gold(I) pyrazolate trimer that is able to detect silver ions with an AgNP medium. Detection of silver is vital, because there is an influx of silver into our environment caused by the increased use of AgNP. Therefore, having a sensor that is able to differentiate between and detect only Ag ions is an important first step to solving the toxicity mystery of AgNPs. Chapter 3 focuses on the development of sensor coatings containing a Eu(III) based luminescent system for sensing dissolved CO2 without the aid of an absorption-based dye. It is well-known that monitoring CO2 levels in our environment is important since even at low concentrations it can cause adverse health effects to the human body. This work demonstrates a pH-sensitive Eu complex being used directly as a CO2 sensor without the aid of any other absorption-based dye. Chapter 4 explores the idea of developing a heavy metal sensor for lead and its ability to detect lead in wide concentration range upon changing the pH of the medium and the polymer matrix. Different heavy metals have toxicity at different concentrations, therefore, being able to change the dynamic range of the sensor is advantageous. This research is the first step towards developing a luminescent Pb sensor with a tunable dynamic range.
A Fractionation Column for the Separation of Products of the Alkylation of Isobutane and Isobutene: This thesis describes a fractionation column method of separating isobutane and isobutene to isolate isooctane.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Products of the Reaction Between Chlorosulfonic Acid and 2, 2, 4-Trimethylpentane: This study was made in an attempt to analyze qualitatively the reaction products formed when chlorosulfonic acid reacts with 2, 2, 4-trimethylpentane.
Photochemical Silene Syntheses: We report the attempted syntheses of two photochemical dimethylsilene precursors, both of which are derived from polyphenyl silanorbornadiene skeletons. Possible synthetic schemes and our results are reported herein. Photolysis of 1,2-divinyl-1,1,2,2-tetramethyl-1,2-disilane at room temperature in a cyclohexane solution of 1,3-butadiene produces 1,1-dimethyl-2-(vinyldimethylsilylmethyl) silene which is trapped in high yields to afford the E- and Z-1,1-dimethyl-2-(vinyldimethylsilylmethyl)-3-vinyl-1-silacyclobutanes in 42 and 29% yields, respectively, along with minor amounts of 1,1-dimethyl-2-(vinyldimethylsilylmethyl)-1-silacyclohex-3-ene, 9%. Low Pressure Flow Pyrolysis at 450º C of either the E- or Z-isomer provides a relatively mild thermal source of the silene in the gas phase. Two products, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisilacyclohex-3-ene and 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disilabicyclo[2.2.1]hexane, are formed from an intramolecular rearrangement of the silene. Other reactions of the 3-vinylsilacyclobutanes include geometric isomerization, ring expansion to the silacyclohex-3-ene, and a homodienyl-1,5-hydrogen shift to 3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,6-disiladeca-1,4,8-triene. Synthetic schemes, successful and unsuccessful, for hydrido silene, acylpolysilene, and fluorine substituted silene precursors are discussed in the final chapter.
Thermodynamic and Structural Studies of Layered Double Hydroxides: The preparation of layered double hydroxides via titration with sodium hydroxide was thoroughly investigated for a number of M(II)/M(III) combinations. These titration curves were examined and used to calculate nominal solubility product constants and other thermodynamic quantities for the various LDH chloride systems.
"You get what you pay for" vs "You can alchemize": Investigating Discovery Research Experiences in Inorganic Chemistry/Chemistry Education via an Undergraduate Instructional Laboratory: Synthesis of d10 complexes of monovalent coinage metals, copper(I) and gold(I), with dithiophosphinate/diphosphine ligands -- along with their targeted characterization and screening for inorganic or organic light emitting diodes (LEDs or OLEDs, respectively) -- represents the main scope of this dissertation's scientific contribution in inorganic and materials chemistry. Photophysical studies were undertaken to quantify the phosphorescence properties of the materials in the functional forms required for LEDs or OLEDs. Computational studies were done to gain insights into the assignment of the phosphorescent emission peaks observed. The gold(I) dinuclear complexes studied would be candidates of OLED/LED devices due to room temperature phosphorescence, visible absorption/excitation bands, and low single-digit lifetimes -- which would promote higher quantum yield at higher voltages in devices with concomitant lower roll-off efficiency. The copper(I) complexes were not suited to the OLED/LED applications but can be used for thermosensing materials. Crystallographic studies were carried to elucidate coefficients of thermal expansion of the crystal unit cell for additional usage in materials applications besides optoelectronic devices. This has uncovered yet another unplanned potential application for both copper(I) and gold(I) complexes herein, as both types have been found to surpass the literature's threshold for "colossal" thermal expansion coefficients. Two other investigations represent contribution to the field of chemistry education have also been accounted for in this dissertation. First, a 12-week advanced research discovery experiment for inorganic chemistry has been designed to help students develop application-based content expertise, as well as to introduce students to research experiences that are similar to those found in academia, industry, and government research laboratories. Students are expected to develop a novel research project through conducting a literature search to find suitable reaction protocols, incorporating synthetic techniques, collecting data, characterizing products and applications of those products, and presenting their results. This multi-week research discovery experiment is centered …
Electrodeposition of Cadmium: This thesis presents findings of experiments conducted to determine the most feasible method to electroplate metal.

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