Conformational Control of Polysilanes: Use of CH2 Spacers in the Silicon Backbone
By the reaction of a number of oligosilyl potassium compounds with (trimethylsilyl)chloromethane, derivatives containing the (trimethylsilyl)methyl substituent were prepared. Using X-ray single-crystal structure analysis and UV spectroscopy the conformational properties of some of the compounds were studied. It was found that the (trimethylsilyl)methylated examples exhibit UV absorption properties which correspond to lower energy transitions in comparison to those of analogous trimethylsilylated molecules. The influence of this effect decreases, however, with increasing chain lengths.
all-anti-Pentasilane: Conformation Control of Oligosilanes Based on the Bis(tetramethylene)-Tethered Trisilane Unit
A bicyclic trisilane unit affords all-anti peralkylated pentasilane with dihedral angles ω > 178°. Its UV and MCD spectra as well as the X-ray crystallography of a related compound demonstrate the highly σ-conjugated system due to the rigidity of the silicon chain conformation.
Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review
An overview is provided of spectrometric methods useful for age estimation of historical manuscripts (medieval ones in particular), in order to confirm their authenticity. Individual methods (infrared and Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy) are discussed and examples of their application described. The following general strategy can be recommended for dating and/or authenticating of historical manuscripts. First of all, the pigment analysis should be carried out using Raman spectroscopy (distinguishing the period and modern pigments), followed by PIXE ink analysis (solving the question of ink homogeneity). Finally, the radiocarbon dating of the writing support, potentially supplemented by the ink dating using scanning Auger microscopy should be performed.