Combination of XDrawChem and Inkscape as an open-source molecular editor

There are dozen molecular editor for chemistry and biology [1], but very few of them are open source (or even free for education), and the lasts are feature-limited. Thus, XDrawChem [2] can draw quiet complicated molecules, but draws them not very beautifully. In the other side, this open source program can export images in SVG format, used as default in Inkscape [3], a famous vector editor, which is used to produce very beautiful drawings.

Our action is:
First, draw the molecule (or parts of it) in XDrawChem, then export the image in SVG format:

Draw part of the future molecule (Tinuvin 320) in XDrawChem

Open and edit the SVG file in Inkscape, and don't forget to convert text to path, if you want to edit the file in other system:

Tinuvin 320 (antioxidant)

Finally, save as pdf to use in a LaTeX document, or export to PNG to use in OpenOffice.org.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style_(chemistry)/Structure_drawing
2. http://xdrawchem.sourceforge.net/
3. http://www.inkscape.org/

My first (and maybe last) publication in Russian Academy of Sciences' journal

Podolina E. A., Rudakov O. B., Phan Vinh Thinh, Rudakova L. V. Low-Temperature Liquid Extraction as Sample Preparation of Phenols for reversed-phase HPLC Analysis // Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii (Russian Journal of Analytical Chemistry), 2010, Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 121–123.
DOI: 10.1134/S1061934810020036

The article is shared by Google Docs.

Extraction with freezing-out - new techniques and application

Extraction with freezing-out was used in the past in analytical chemistry for sample preparations. Not long ago, in 2007, a Russian scientist-chemist Victor N. Bekhterev published new techniques of this method, which resolved many problems of the old usage and as the result, extraction with freezing-out is renew. It is a genius idea.

In the new techniques, solvable in matrix solution solvents are used instead of insolvable (the old technique). For example, acetonitrile is added to extract organic compounds from aqueous samples. The mixture then freeze in a normal fridge under temperature -15 degree Celsius. In this condition a liquid phase is located on surface of solid water - ice. The acetonitrile liquid phase then separate from solid by decantation and can be analyzed.

Read more about these techniques in Victor Bekhterev's publication and patent (Russian Federation):

1. Bekhterev V.N. // Mendeleev Communication. 2007. V. 17. p.241. Doi: 10.1016/j.mencom.2007.06.021
   Theory and compare with other separation techniques (in English).
2. Patent Russian Federation N2303476 Method of isolating from aqueous media via extraction combined with freezing.
   Details of techniques (in Russian).

Lomonosov-2008 finished successfully!

It was very pleasure for me to participate in this conference. I met many interesting people - scientists from other cities, even from other countries outside Russia. Also got a diploma for the oral contribution in subsection analytical chemistry.

The illustration material can be found in LaTeX Beamer file archives with 3 themes files (in a tar ball).

Fig. 1. Title page of the presentation.


Fig. 2. Three fields theme.

Second and third reffered articles

1. Rudakov O.B., Chorochordina E. A., Phan Vinh Thinh, Podolina E.A., Rudakova L.V. Determination of capsaicinoids and ionol (BHT) in pepper plasters by microcolumn HPLC // Sorption and chromatographical processes, volume 8, issue 2, pp. 332-338.

Abstract

Liquid extraction of capsaicinoids and ionol from water-salting liquids of sulphate of ammonium is investigated by isopropanol. Conditions of extraction of these analyts from a pepper plaster are optimized. The technique microcolumn HPLC definitions of capsaicinoids and ionol in extracts are offered.

2. Horohordina E. A., Phan Vinh Thinh, Rudakov O.B., Podolina E.A. Influence of structure of phenols on interfacial tension in extraction systems hexane - chloroform - water-salting solution // Sorption and chromatographical processes, volume 8, issue 2, pp. 339-345.

Abstract

Definitely interfacial energy in systems hexane - chloroform – an alkyl phenol - water-salting solution. Influence of structure on character of isotherms of interfacial tension and partition coefficients of phenols in the investigated extraction systems is considered.

See also other publications on my web page.

Participant on International Conference "Lomonosov 2008"

Lomonosov International Conference opens every year for young scientists - (post-graduate) students in Russia and outside countries. The main organizer is Lomonosov Moscow State University. Reports are choice by subsection's committee.

In this year, Lomonosov 2008 Conference will be held on April 8th-12th. Read more in English http://lomonosov-msu.ru/Lomonosov_eng.pdf .

I have 2 accepted reports:

1. Extraction of phenolic compounds from hydrophobic mediums and analysis by HPLC. (Coauthors - Tran Thi Hoang Quyen)
   
2. Determination of capsaicinoids in pepper plasters by HPLC (Coauthors - Horohordina E. A.)

The first one is oral contribution on April 9th.

I have first referred article

Yes, I knew I have it a month a go, but today it is really published.

Rudakov O.B, Phan Vinh Thinh, Podolina E.A., Charitonova L.A. Application of microcolumn HPLC to control ionol (BHT) in transformer oil // Sorption and chromatographical processes, volume 8, issue 1, pp. 141-146.

Abstract

The technique of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol extraction from transformer oil and its chromatographical determination by reversed-phase microcolumn HPLC are developed. The extraction system includes 2-propanol, liquid solution of ammonia and sulfate ammonia (for salting). Method provides definition of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol in circuit-breaker oil in the interval of 1000-5000 mg/kg.

Thanks my supervisor, Oleg Borisovich and all people, who supports me!

See also other publications on my web page.

An arsenic biosensor suitable for field use

You'll find it in the middle of the following page
http://www.eawag.ch/forschung/chemikalien_effekte/index_EN

Chemistry conference in Belgorod, Russia on September 22-26th 2008

Registration is opened.

Information (language: Russian)
Registration card (language: Russian)