Monolayer arrays of a series of meso-tetra-substituted porphyrins containing octadecyloxy and carboxyl (or pyridyl) groups were prepared on the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface at the liquid/solid interface. It was found by means of scanning tunneling microscopy that some porphyrins from this family assemble into various patterns. Specifically, slightly undulated rows are obtained from 5,10,15-tris(4-octadecyloxyphenyl)-20-(4-pyridyl)porphyrin. Meanwhile, rows with more pronounced kinks result from 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-octadecyloxyphenyl)porphyrin. The occurrence of the kinks is dependent on the arrangement of surrounding porphyrin molecules and is determined by intricate interplay between directional hydrogen-bonding interactions and packing forces, including molecule-molecule and molecule-substrate interactions. A double-layer structure is obtained from 5,10-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)-15,20-bis(4-octadecyloxyphenyl)porphyrin, probably through cyclic hydrogen bond formation. This work proves the concept that programmed surface patterning is possible by using porphyrins incorporating directional intermolecular interaction sites.
A new method enabling sensitive real-time air monitoring of highly reactive chemical warfare agents, namely, mustard gas (HD) and Lewisite 1 (L1), by detecting ions of their in-line reaction products instead of intact agents, is proposed. The method is based on corona discharge-initiated atmospheric pressure chemical ionization coupled with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (MS(n)) via counterflow ion introduction. Therefore, it allows for highly sensitive and specific real-time detection of a broad range of airborne compounds. In-line chemical reactions, ionization reactions, and ion fragmentations of these agents were investigated. Mustard gas is oxygenated in small quantity by reactive oxygen species generated in the corona discharge. With increasing air humidity, the MS(2) signal intensity of protonated molecules of mono-oxygenated HD decreases but exceeds that of dominantly existing intact HD. This result can be explained in view of proton affinity. Lewisite 1 is hydrolyzed and oxidized. As the humidity increases from zero, the signal of the final product, namely, didechlorinated, dihydroxylated, and mono-oxygenated L1, quickly increases and reaches a plateau, giving the highest MS(2) and MS(3) signals among those of L1 and its reaction products. The addition of minimal moisture gives the highest signal intensity, even under low humidity. The method was demonstrated to provide sufficient analytical performance to meet the requirements concerning hygienic management and counter-terrorism. It will be the first practical method, in view of sensitivity and specificity, for real-time air monitoring of HD and L1 without sample pretreatment.
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