Synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior on solid tartrates of light trivalent lanthanides
Solid state Ln–L compounds, where Ln stands for light trivalent lanthanides (L–Gd) and L is tartrate, have been synthesized. Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry, elemental analysis and complexometry were used to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds. The results led to information about the composition, dehydration and thermal decomposition of the isolated compounds.
Studies on the thermal decomposition of lanthanum(III) valerate and lanthanum(III) caproate in argon
Abstract The decomposition of La-valerate (La(C4H9CO2)3·xH2O (x ≈ 0.45)) and La-caproate (La(C5H11CO2)3·xH2O (x ≈ 0.30)) was studied upon heating at 5 °C/min in a flow of argon. Using a variety of techniques including simultaneous TG-DTA, FTIR, X-ray diffraction with both laboratory Cu Kα and synchrotron sources as well as hot-stage microscopy, it was found that both compounds melt prior to decomposition and that the main decomposition stage from the molten, anhydrous state leads to the formation of La-dioxycarbonate (La2O2CO3) via an unstable intermediate product and release of symmetrical ketones. Final decomposition to La2O3 takes place with release of CO2.
Socially responsible enterprise in Cuba: a positive role model for Corporate Social Responsibility?’
This article examines the unique institutional environment of socialist Cuba, where currently a process of controlled marketization and expansion of private enterprise is taking place. The article investigates business behaviour in Cuba with particular reference to implicit assumptions relating to socially responsible enterprise, or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the term is understood in Western Liberal Democracies. It draws upon a series of interviews with business practitioners and business commentators (both Cuban and non-Cuban residents on the island). The interviews focused on the participants’ awareness of business ethics and socially responsible enterprise, and the cultural differences in assumptions and expectations relating to the concept of CSR between the Cuban and non-Cuban interviewees. We find that Cuba at this early stage of tentative marketization presents a positive role model of socially responsible enterprise. Both the highly regulated State economy and the embedded norms and values of social equity that have emerged as a consequence of Cuba’s socialist revolution facilitate business social responsibility. The relevance of this research to current debates in relation to CSR is discussed and it is argued that capitalist economies may similarly benefit from tighter regulatory control and by cultivating more pro-social business norms that prioritise ethical over economic concerns.