Table of contents

Data on the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions in organic synthesis are considered systematically and generalized. These processes are of particular practical interest in view of the energy saving. Examples are given of the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions for the synthesis of different classes of organic compounds under electrolysis conditions. The bibliography includes 123 references.

Published data on the properties and determination of caffeine, theophylline, theobromine and some other methylxanthines in various objects are surveyed and described systematically. Different sample preparation procedures such as liquid extraction from solid matrices and liquid–liquid, supercritical fluid and solid-phase extraction are compared. The key methods of analysis including chromatography, electrophoresis, spectrometry and electrochemical methods are discussed. Examples of methylxanthine determination in plants, food products, energy beverages, pharmaceuticals, biological fluids and natural and waste waters are given. The bibliography includes 393 references.

Kinetic data on concerted molecular decomposition of alkenes, alcohols, ethers and esters, unsaturated acids and nitro compounds are summarized and analyzed. Experimental data are analyzed within the framework of semiempirical models treating the decomposition as (i) one-centre reaction involving transfer of hydrogen atom and (ii) two-centre reaction with simultaneous H atom transfer and cleavage of C–C, C–O or C–N bond. The effects of the molecular geometry of compounds and other factors on the activation energy of decomposition are discussed. The results of calculations of the spectrum of activation energy for concerted decomposition and the results of quantum chemical calculations of the transition-state geometries and energy characteristics are presented. The bibliography includes 59 references.

Since CO₂ facilitates pipeline corrosion and contributes to a decrease of the calorific value of gaseous fuels, its removal has become an issue of significant economic importance. The present review discusses various types of traditional CO₂ capture technologies in terms of their efficiency, complexity in system design, costs and environmental impact. The focus is hereby not only on conventional approaches but also on emerging "green" solvents such as ionic liquids. The suitability of different ionic liquids as gas separation solvents is discussed in the present review and a description on their synthesis and properties in terms of CO₂ capture is provided. The bibliography includes 136 references.

The review concerns the results of studies reported in the last decade and concerning oxide ferromagnetic semiconductors which retain the spin orientation of charge carriers above room temperature. Particular attention is paid to methods of preparation of diluted magnetic semiconductors. Methods of synthesis and peculiarities of the physicochemical properties of films and coatings based on ferromagnetic semiconductors are described and prospects for application of these compounds as materials for spintronics are discussed. The bibliography includes 160 references.