N-methylformamide Research Articles

Carbonyl stretching band in amides as Lorentz oscillator. Insights into anharmonicity and local environment in the liquid phase from NIR and MIR spectra of N-methylformamide and di-N,N-methylformamide

We investigated the anharmonicity and intermolecular interactions of N-methylformamide (NMF) and di-N,N-methylformamide (DMF) in the neat liquid phase with particular interest in the amide bands. The vibrational spectra, complex refractive index, and complex electric permittivity were determined in in the mid- (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) regions (11,500–560 cm−1; 870–17857 nm). Dispersion analysis was based on the Classical Damped Harmonic Oscillator (CDHO) and simultaneous modelling of the real and imaginary components of the spectra. This data delivered insights into the vibrational energy dissipation and self-association in liquid amides. Identification of the MIR and NIR bands was based on anharmonic GVPT2//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations. DMF and NMF follow distinct self-association, evidenced in the MIR fingerprint by the two components of the νCO, the analog of the Amide I band. These conclusions are supported by the structural information derived from the NIR spectra. Furthermore, the contribution of overtones and combination bands in the MIR spectra of amides was examined. The conclusions on molecular interactions and structural dynamics of NMF and DMF contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects of changes in the local environment of the amide group.

Research on triamterene equilibrium solubility in mono-solvents and aqueous solutions according to solvent effect, models, thermodynamic analysis and quantum chemical calculation

The equilibrium solubilities of triamterene in pure solvents {isopropanol, methanol, n-propanol, water, 1,2-dichloroethane, 2-methoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, N-methylformamide (NMF), n-butanol, isobutanol and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)}, as well as solvent mixtures of methanol/DMSO + water, were determined by dint of the saturation shake-flask technique. Triamterene solubility (105x) rose as the determination temperature rose and fell in the order at 298.15 K: 2-methoxyethanol (453.9) > DMSO (281.3) > NMF (142.6) > methanol (8.424) > n-propanol (1.432) > n-butanol (1.152) > ethyl acetate (0.9441) > isobutanol (0.8738) > acetonitrile (0.7991) > isopropanol (0.7419) > 1,2-dichloroethane (0.5232) > water (0.1795). No crystal transition or solvation in the trial process was shown via X -ray power diffraction patterns. The solvent effects, in which the interactions of solvent–solvent and solvent–solute were considered, were studied via linear solvation energy relationship. Using equations such as Wilson, Apelblat, λh, and NRTL for mono-solvents and Jouyban-Acree as well as modified van't Hoff-Jouyban-Acree for solvent mixtures, the magnitudes of equilibrium solubility were associated. The greatest relative average deviation of 5.787 × 10−2 and the maximum deviation value of root mean square of 219.1 × 10−4 were computed for neat solvents. According to the solubility information in pure solvents, the Wilson equation was used to compute the mixing solution parameters. At 298.15 K, the inverse Kirkwood-Buff integral was utilized here to examine the preferred solvation of triamterene. In blends of DMSO/methanol + water with middle and rich DMSO/methanol compositions, the parameters of preferred solvation for DMSO/methanol were positive, indicating the preferential solvation of triamterene by DMSO/methanol. In addition, the electrostatic acidity-basicity properties were demonstrated using the lowest negative electrostatic potential in company with the minimum m local ionization energy of molecular surface. The N in ring of the triamterene is the preferential target for electrophilic assault; and –NH2 of the triamterene, for nucleophilic assault. The weak triamterene-solvent interactions were graphically displayed by the use of the independent gradient approach on the basis of Hirshfeld partition analysis.

N-methyl Formamide Electrolyte Additive Enabling Highly Reversible Zn Anodes.

Parasitic side reactions and dendrites formation hinder the application of aqueous zinc ion batteries due to inferior cycling life and low reversibility. Against this background, N-methyl formamide (NMF), a multi-function electrolyte additive is applied to enhance the electrochemical performance. Studied via advanced synchrotron radiation spectroscopy and DFT calculations, the NMF additive simultaneously modifies the Zn2+ solvation structure and ensures uniform zinc deposition, thus suppressing both parasitic side reactions and dendrite formation. More importantly, an ultralong cycling life of 3115h in the Zn||Zn symmetric cell at a current density of 0.5mAcm-2 is achieved with the NMF additive. Practically, the Zn||PANI full cell utilizing NMF electrolyte shows better rate and cycling performance compared to the pristine ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. This work provides useful insights for the development of high-performance aqueous metal batteries.

Polarity of Organic Solvent/Water Mixtures Measured with Reichardt’s B30 and Related Solvatochromic Probes—A Critical Review

The UV/Vis absorption energies (νmax) of different solvatochromic probes measured in co-solvent/water mixtures are re-analyzed as a function of the average molar concentration (Nav) of the solvent composition compared to the use of the mole fraction. The empirical ET(30) parameter of Reichardt’s dye B30 is the focus of the analysis. The Marcus classification of aqueous solvent mixtures is a useful guide for co-solvent selection. Methanol, ethanol, 1,2-ethanediol, 2-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-butoxyethanol, formamide, N-methylformamide (NMF), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N-formylmorpholine (NFM), 1,4-dioxane and DMSO were considered as co-solvents. The ET(30) values of the binary solvent mixtures are discussed in relation to the physical properties of the co-solvent/water mixtures in terms of quantitative composition, refractive index, thermodynamics of the mixture and the non-uniformity of the mixture. Significant linear dependencies of ET(30) as a function of Nav can be demonstrated for formamide/water, 1,2-ethanediol/water, NMF/water and DMSO/water mixtures over the entire compositional range. These mixtures belong to the group of solvents that do not enhance the water structure according to the Marcus classification. The influence of the solvent microstructure on the non-linearity ET(30) as a function of Nav is particularly clear for alcohol/water mixtures with an enhanced water structure.

DMF mineralization and substrate specificity mechanism of Aminobacter ciceronei DMFA1

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is widely used in various industries, but its direct release into water poses high risks to human beings. Although a lot of DMF-degrading bacteria has been isolated, limited studies focus on the degradation preference among DMF and its analogues. In this study, an efficient DMF mineralization bacterium designated Aminobacter ciceronei DMFA1 was isolated from marine sediment. When exposed to a 0.2% DMF (∼1900 mg/L), strain DMFA1 exhibited a degradation efficiency of 100% within 4 days. The observed growth using formamide as the sole carbon source implied the possible DMF degradation pathway of strain DMFA1. Meanwhile,the strain DMFA1 possesses a broad-spectrum substrate degradation, which could effectively degraded 0.2% N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and N-methylformamide (NMF). Genomic analysis further confirmed the supposed pathway through annotating the genes encoding N, N-dimethylformamidase (DMFase), formamidase, and formate dehydrogenase. The existence of sole DMFase indicating its substrate specificity controlled the preference of DMAc of strain DMFA1. By integrating multiple sequence alignment, homology modeling and molecular docking, the preference of the DMFase in strain DMFA1 towards DMAc are related to: 1) Mutations in key active site residues; 2) the absence of small subunit; and 3) no energy barrier for substrates entering the active site.

Involvement of Fenton Reaction on Biodecolorization and Biodegradation of Methylene Blue Dye by Brown Rot Fungi <i>Daedalea dickinsii</i>

The disposal of dye wastewater has become a major global concern. Meanwhile, microorganisms have shown high potential in the treatment of wastewater pollutants. In this study, the involvement of the Fenton reaction in the biodecolorization and biodegradation of methylene blue (MB) by the brown rot fungus Daedalea dickinsii was investigated. Subsequently, D. dickinsii is a fungus capable of producing hydroxyl radicals (•OH). This experiment was conducted with an initial MB concentration of 75 mg/L, and different incubation times of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d respectively. The result showed that the Fenton reaction played an important role, and this was demonstrated by the addition of FeSO4 as a Fe2+ source. The removal of MB by D. dickinsii with the addition of Fe2+ reached 91.454% at 28 d in a mineral salt medium. It was higher compared to D. dickinsii culture treatment without Fe2+ addition, 86.427%. Furthermore, the metabolic degradation product was analyzed using LC-TOF/MS and identified as 2-amino-3-hydroxy-5-(methylamino) benzenesulfonic acid and N-(3,4-dihydroxy phenyl)-N-methyl formamide.

High-permittivity Solvents Increase MXene Stability and Stacking Order Enabling Ultraefficient Terahertz Shielding.

2Dtransition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) suggest an uncommonly broad combination of important functionalities amongst 2D materials. Nevertheless, MXene suffers from facile oxidation and colloidal instability upon conventional water-based processing, thus limiting applicability. By experiments and theory, It is suggested that for stability and dispersibility, it is critical to select uncommonly high permittivity solvents such as N-methylformamide (NMF) and formamide (FA) (εr =171, 109), unlike the classical solvents characterized by high dipole moment and polarity index. They also allow high MXene stacking order within thin films on carbon nanotube (CNT) substrates, showing very high Terahertz (THz) shielding effectiveness (SE) of 40-60dB at 0.3-1.6 THz in spite of the film thinness <2µm. The stacking order and mesoscopic porosity turn relevant for THz-shielding as characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The mechanistic understanding of stability and structural order allows guidance for generic MXene applications, in particular in telecommunication, and more generally processing of 2D materials.

Acoustic and volumetric study of binary mixtures containing Ethyl propionate with amides at various temperatures

The development of biofuels to replace fossil fuels has recently increased at an exponential rate. Many chemical molecules with a wide range of functional groups make up biofuels. There is a strong correlation between the interactions between these molecules and the performance of biofuels. In this paper, the authors presented the new findings related to interactions existing in ethyl propionate and Formamide(F), N-Methylformamide (NMF), and N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) in a pure state as well as in their mixtures. Densities and speeds of sound at various temperatures (298.15–323.15 K) and at ambient pressure 0.1 MPa have been measured for these mixtures. From experimental data, the excess properties such as excess molar volume, VmE, excess isentropic compressibility, κsE, excess molar isentropic compressibility, Ks,mE, excess speed of sound, uE, and excess isobaric thermal expansivity, αpE, of the investigated mixtures were calculated. All the excess parameter values were fitted using the Redlich-Kister polynomial smoothing equation. The results were analysed in terms of molecular interactions. The excess partial molar volume, V¯m,1E, V¯m,2E , excess partial molar isentropic compressibility, K¯s,m,1EK¯s,m,2E over the whole composition range together with partial molar volume, V¯m,10, V¯m,20, partial molar isentropic compressibility K¯s,m,10, K¯s,m,20, excess partial molar volume, V¯m,10E, V¯m,20E and excess partial molar isentropic compressibility, K¯s,m,10E,K¯s,m,20E at infinite dilution have also been calculated from the experimental density measurements and analytically obtained using Redlich-Kister polynomials. The variations of these parameters with changes in composition and temperature have been discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions prevailing in these mixtures.

Relay catalysis for conversion of secondary amine to formamide

The direct formylation of amines with CO is an ideal way to produce formamides with 100% atom economy. However, the conversion of secondary amines via this process remains a great challenge owing to their low reactivity. In this study, a relay catalysis strategy was developed to lower the activation energy of dimethylamine to N,N′-dimethyl formaldehyde (DMF) over a Ru-hydroxyapatite (Ru-HAP) catalyst, with methylamine as a promoter. Through the relay catalysis of RuOx and HAP, the formylation of dimethylamine consists of two steps: (1) efficient direct formylation of methylamine with CO to produce the active intermediate methylformamide (MF) over RuOx species owing to its low activation energy, and (2) transformylation reaction of dimethylamine with the generated MF to produce DMF under the acid-base catalysis of HAP. Up to 82% yield of DMF was achieved, which is much higher than that with direct formylation of dimethylamine (32%). In addition, the lower environmental impact factor suggested that the relay catalysis strategy not only decreased the waste of DMF production, but also lowered the energy consumption for separation. This study presents a new path for the conversion of secondary amines to formamides.

A microporous dysprosium-based MOF for selective CO2 capture at ambient temperature

A new microporous dysprosium-based metal–organic framework, {[Dy(BTC)(H2O)](NMF)2(H2O)}n (Dy-MOF, H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, NMF = N-methyl formamide), was solvothermal synthesized. Gas adsorption studies reveal the CO2 uptake of Dy-MOF reaches to 55.9 cm3 g–1 at 293 K and 1 atm, in contrast to lower than 13.6 cm3 g–1 for CH4, Ar, and N2. Meanwhile, the IAST selectivities (50:50, v/v) of CO2/CH4, CO2/Ar, and CO2/N2 for Dy-MOF are calculated to be 5.1, 26.7 and 24.3, respectively, showing its ability to be a potential candidate for selective CO2 capture at ambient temperature.

Delaminated and Pit-rich Nano-kaolinites obtained via an Intercalation-etching Method and their Application to Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis

AbstractModified kaolinites possess excellent adsorption properties and, therefore, are regarded widely as potential catalytic components. The use of modified kaolinites as a catalytic component for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has remained unexplored, however. In the current study, delaminated and pit-rich nano-kaolinite was prepared via acid treatment of N-methylformamide (NMF)-intercalated kaolinite (intercalation-etching strategy), and was used as a support to prepare a cobalt-based FTS catalyst (denoted as 15%-Co-HNKln). Compared with other FTS catalysts, the supports for which were raw kaolinite or directly acid-treated kaolinite, the 15%-Co-HNKln showed several advantages such as large specific surface area, dispersed Co particles with small particle size, more new active sites, and significant surface acidity. Given the aforementioned advantages, the 15%-Co-HNKln catalyst demonstrated very good FTS performance. Compared with that of the raw kaolinite-supported FTS catalyst, the CO conversion rate and C5–C12 hydrocarbon selectivity of 15%-Co-HNKln increased by 20% and 15%, respectively.

Comparison of different cryoprotectants for freezing donkey jack (Equus asinus) semen

The objective of this study was to extrapolate a rapid sperm freezing technique developed in horses to Remonta Argentino donkey semen, evaluating, in vitro and in vivo, the effect of freezing media that included two cryoprotectants, dimethylformamide (DMF) and methylformamide (MF) at two different concentrations (5 and 7%). Twenty-four ejaculates from 8 fertile jacks (n=8; r=3) were processed with 8 extenders: BotuSemen Gold with 5% or 7% MF and 5% or 7% DMF and EDTA-glucose with 5% or 7% MF and 5% or 7% DMF, all containing 11% lactose, 20% egg-yolk and Equex and frozen: to -15°C (10-12°C/min) then to -120°C (25-40°C/min.), then plunged in N2. Post-thaw evaluations included sperm motility (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis; AndroVision, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany), morphology (Diff Quick stain), membrane function and acrosome status (combined hypoosmotic test and Coomassie blue stain). Sperm data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and pregnancy data using Chi-Square test. Values are mean ± SD. Differences were observed in the post-thaw progressive sperm motility between individuals (p<0.05) resulting in three subgroups (low: 9.23 ± 0.16; intermediate: 22.92 ± 9.81 and high: 41.33 ± 5.41). Within each subgroup, there were no in vitro differences among the 8media used for any of the sperm characteristics evaluated. Samples in BotuSemen Gold with 5% DMF, however, tended to show highest percentages (P>0.05) of sperm with acrosomes and functional membranes (DMF: 5%: 53.67 ± 22.01; 7%: 33.92 ± 23.4; MF: 5%: 44.5 ± 20.46; 7%: 38.75 ± 27.4). In vivo, 300 × 106 PM sperm were deeply inseminated post-ovulation in 30 mares: 15 with BotuSemen Gold 5% DMF and 15 with BotuSemen Gold 7% DMF. A 46% (7/15) pregnancy rate was obtained using the extender with 5% DMF and no pregnancies (0%; 0/15) were obtained using the extender with 7% DMF (P=0.003). Perhaps uterine inflammatory response post-insemination was too high when using 7% DMF or sperm chromatin was damaged, affecting in vivo results. In conclusion, the rapid semen freezing technique was successfully applied in jacks. Regarding the extenders, no significant in vitro differences were observed using either BotuSemen Gold or EDTA-glucose media, whether adding MF or DMF at either 5% or 7%. However, when inseminating mares, pregnancies were only obtained using 5% DMF. It would be interesting to analyze sperm DNA and peroxidation characteristics as well as the uterine response to insemination to determine possible reasons for the failure in fertility and the variability observed among individuals.

High-Current Capable and Non-Flammable Protic Organic Electrolyte for Rechargeable Zn Batteries.

Rechargeable Zinc batteries (RZBs) are considered a potent competitor for next-generation electrochemical devices, due to their multiple advantages. Nevertheless, traditional aqueous electrolytes may cause serious hazards to long-term battery cycling through fast capacity fading and poor Coulombic efficiency (CE), which happens due to complex reaction kinetics in aqueous systems. Herein, we proposed the novel adoption of the protic amide solvent, N-methyl formamide (NMF) as a Zinc battery electrolyte, which possesses a high dielectric constant and high flash point to promote fast kinetics and battery safety simultaneously. Dendrite-free and granular Zn deposition in Zn-NMF electrolyte assures ultra-long lifespan of 2000 h at 2.0 mA cm-2/2.0 mAh cm-2, high CE of 99.57 %, wide electrochemical window (~3.43 V vs. Zn2+/Zn), and outstanding durability up to 10.0 mAh cm-2. This work sheds light on the efficient performance of the protic non-aqueous electrolyte, which will open new opportunities to promote safe and energy-dense RZBs.

High‐Current Capable and Non‐Flammable Protic Organic Electrolyte for Rechargeable Zn Batteries

AbstractWiederaufladbare Zinkbatterien (RZBs) gelten aufgrund ihrer zahlreichen Vorteile als potente Konkurrenten für elektrochemische Geräte der nächsten Generation. Dennoch können herkömmliche wässrige Elektrolyte aufgrund der komplexen Reaktionskinetik in wässrigen Systemen durch schnellen Kapazitätsabfall und schlechte Coulomb′sche Effizienz (CE) ernsthafte Gefahren für den langfristigen Batteriebetrieb verursachen. Wir haben hier die neuartige Verwendung des protischen Amid‐Lösungsmittels N‐Methylformamid (NMF) als Zinkbatterie‐Elektrolyt vorgeschlagen, dass eine hohe Dielektrizitätskonstante und einen hohen Flammpunkt besitzt, um gleichzeitig eine schnelle Kinetik und Batteriesicherheit zu fördern. Die dendritenfreie und körnige Zn‐Abscheidung im Zn‐NMF‐Elektrolyten gewährleistet eine ultralange Lebensdauer von 2000 Stunden bei 2.0 mA cm−2/2.0 mAh cm−2, ein hohes CE von 99.57 %, ein breites elektrochemisches Fenster (≈3.43 V vs. Zn2+/Zn) und eine hervorragende Haltbarkeit bis zu 10.0 mAh cm−2. Diese Arbeit wirft ein Licht auf die effiziente Leistung des protischen nichtwässrigen Elektrolyten, der neue Möglichkeiten zur Förderung sicherer und energiedichter RZBs eröffnen wird.

Exploring the Microscopic Aspects of 1-Methyl-3-octylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Mixtures with Formamide, N-Methylformamide, and N,N-Dimethylformamide by Multiple Spectroscopic Techniques and Computations.

The microscopic aspects of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([MOIm][BF4]) mixtures with formamide (FA), N-methylformamide (NMF), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) were investigated using spectroscopic techniques of femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (fs-RIKES), FT-IR, and NMR. Molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry calculations were also performed. According to fs-RIKES, the first moment of the low-frequency spectrum bands mainly originating from the intermolecular vibrations in the [MOIm][BF4]/FA and [MOIm][BF4]/DMF systems changed gradually with the molecular liquid mole fraction XML but that in the [MOIm][BF4]/NMF system was constant up to XNMF = 0.7 and then gradually increased in the range of XNMF ≥ 0.7. Excluding the contribution of the 2D hydrogen-bonding network due to the presence of FA in the low-frequency spectrum band, the XML dependence of the normalized first moment of the low-frequency band in the [MOIm][BF4]/FA and [MOIm][BF4]/NMF systems revealed that the normalized first moment did not remarkably change in the range of XML < 0.7 but drastically increased in XML ≥ 0.7. FT-IR results indicated that the amide C═O band shifted to the low-frequency side with increasing XML for the three mixtures due to the hydrogen bonds. The imidazolium ring C-H band also showed a similar tendency to the amide C═O band. 19F NMR probed the microenvironment of [BF4]- in the mixtures. The [MOIm][BF4]/NMF and [MOIm][BF4]/DMF systems showed an up-field shift of the F atoms of the anion with increasing XML, and the [MOIm][BF4]/FA system exhibited a down-field shift. Steep changes in the chemical shifts were confirmed in the region of XML > 0.8. On the basis of the quantum chemistry calculations, the observed chemical shifts with increasing XML were mainly attributed to the many-body interactions of ions and amides for the [MOIm][BF4]/FA and [MOIm][BF4]/DMF systems. Meanwhile, the long distance between the cation and the anion was due to the high dielectric medium for the [MOIm][BF4]/NMF system, which led to an up-field shift.

Thermoacoustic Parameters of Some Liquid Mixtures of O-chloroaniline with F, NMF and N, N-DMF

In this study, the density (ρ), speed of sound (u), and viscosity (η) of the binary liquid mixtures of an industrially important solvent O-Chloroaniline (O-CA) with Formamide (F), N-Methylformamide (NMF) and N,N-Dimethyl formamide (N,N-DMF) have been measured over the entire composition range and From these experimental values, thermo-acoustic parameters like Z, Ks, V, Lf, Vf, i, H and  are calculated at temperatures from T = 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15K at atmospheric pressure. These results were compared with literature values.

Electrolyte Solvation Structure Design for High Voltage Zinc‐Based Hybrid Batteries

Zinc (Zn) metal anodes have enticed substantial curiosity for large‐scale energy storage owing to inherent safety, high specific and volumetric energy capacities of Zn metal anodes. However, the aqueous electrolyte traditionally employed in Zn batteries suffers severe decomposition due to the narrow voltage stability window. Herein, we introduce N‐methylformamide (NMF) as an organic solvent and modulate the solvation structure to obtain a stable organic/aqueous hybrid electrolyte for high‐voltage Zn batteries. NMF is not only extremely stable against Zn metal anodes but also reduces the free water molecule availability by creating numerous hydrogen bonds, thereby accommodating high‐voltage Zn‖LiMn2O4 batteries. The introduction of NMF prevented hydrogen evolution reaction and promoted the creation of an F‐rich solid electrolyte interphase, which in turn hampered dendrite growth on Zn anodes. The Zn‖LiMn2O4 full cells delivered a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% over 400 cycles.

Degradation of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate in an ultrasonic zero-valent zinc and activated carbon micro-electrolysis system

Increased attention has been given to the removal of ionic liquids (ILs) from natural water environments. In this work, 5 kinds of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazoliumtetrafluoroborate ([Cnmim][BF4] (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)) ILs were degraded in an ultrasonic zero-valent zinc (ZVZ) and activated carbon (AC) micro-electrolysis system. Optimization of degradation conditions and the degradation levels were studied by high performance liquid chromatography, the surface morphology of the ZVZ and AC changed before and after the reaction were observed by scanning electron microscope. The degradation intermediates were detected by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry and ion chromatography, and inferred the degradation pathway. The degradation effect of [C4mim][BF4] was best with ultrasonic assistance, pH 3 and an AC/ZVZ ratio of 1:1. The degradation of [Cnmim][BF4] in aqueous solution exceeded 91.7% in 120 min, and the mineralization level exceeded 88.9%. The surface of smooth and dense ZVZ particles became loose flocculent and the porous surface of AC became larger and rougher after reaction. The degradation pathway suggested that the imidazolium ring was sulfurized or oxidized, and then the ring was opened to form N-alkyl formamide and N-methyl formamide. ZVZ/AC micro-electrolysis combined with ultrasonic irradiation is an effective method to remove ILs, which provides new insight into IL degradation.

N-methylformamide induces multiple organ toxicity in Fischer 344 rats.

N-Methylformamide (NMF) is a widely used chemical (CAS No.: 123-39-7) in several industries and its usage is continuously increasing. However, studies for NMF have been focused on hepatotoxicity from now. Its toxicity profile has not yet been established owing to limited toxicity data. Therefore, we evaluated systemic toxicity via NMF inhalation. We exposed 0, 30, 100, and 300ppm NMF to Fischer 344 rats for 6h/day, 5days a week for 2weeks. Clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, hematologic parameters, serum chemistry measurements, organ weights, necropsy, and histopathology were performed. Two females exposed to 300ppm NMF died during exposure period. Decrease of food consumption and body weight in both sexes exposed to 300ppm in females exposed to 100ppm were noted during exposure period. Increased RBC and HGB were noted in females exposed to 300ppm. A decrease in the levels of ALP and K and increase in the levels of TCHO and Na were observed in both sexes exposed to 300 and 100ppm. Increased levels of ALT, AST, BUN and decreased levels of TP, ALB, Ca were observed in females exposed to 300 and 100ppm. The relative liver weight was elevated in both sexes exposed to 300 and 100ppm NMF. Hypertrophy in the liver and submandibular glands and nasal cavity injuries were noted in both sexes exposed to 300 and 100ppm NMF. Tubular basophilia of the kidneys were noted in females exposed to 300ppm NMF. We revealed that NMF affect several organs including the kidneys not only the liver and NMF-related toxicity is predominant in female rats. These results could contribute to the development of NMF toxicity profile and may help in developing strategies for the control of occupational environmental hazards related to NMF.

Realizing high reversibility and safety of Zn anode via binary mixture of organic solvents

The conventional aqueous electrolyte in Zn batteries often induces a chain of interconnected marvels including dendrites, passivation and hydrogen evolution leading to catastrophic battery failures. Herein, we propose a new organic electrolyte comprising of mixed solvents {trimethyl phosphate (TMP), N-methyl formamide (NMF)} and Zn(OTf)2 salt, which not only enables highly reversible and dendrite-free Zn anode but ensures excellent non-flammability endorsing battery safety. The enhanced electrolyte-electrode (Zn) interactions and changes in solvation structure of electrolyte due to NMF incorporation in TMP, assisted uniform Zn deposition free from dendrites. Consequently, Zn anode exhibited long cycling of over 1200 h at high current densities of 3.0 and 5.0 mA cm−2 with high average Coulombic efficiency (CE）99.83% and affords promising areal capacity of 20.0 mAh cm−2. Much stronger TMPNMF-Zn2+ and NMF-Zn surface interactions revealed by molecular simulations provided insights to the beneficial role of NMF as co-solvent in stabilizing Zn anode. Moreover, Zn/NaV3O8 full battery delivered remarkable capacity retention and cycling stability in TMPNMF electrolyte. The present research work proposes promising route for designing new electrolyte systems for sustainable and safe non-aqueous Zn batteries.