Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The alcoholic beverage industry needs objective analysis of grape juice and liqueur quality. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy with multivariate data analysis techniques is widely used in wine laboratories across South Africa for accurate, fast and high sample throughput analyses. In this study the potential of FT-IR spectroscopy is evaluated for the quantification of ammonia in freshly pressed grape juice. FT-IR spectroscopy is evaluated, using two different spectrometers, in respectively attenuated total reflection (ATR) - and transmission scanning modes for the quantification of alcohol, pH and invert sugar in spirit-based liqueurs. The ultimate aim was to implement the PLS regression algorithms developed at an industrial cellar and replace the complex and lengthy reference methods used at the time of this study. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to the calibration step to identify groupings and patterns within the spectra. The PLS calibration models were developed from samples collected at the cellar and using partial least square (PLS) regression. The models were evaluated using the performance criteria coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error of cross validation (RMSECV) at calibration stage, and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and residual predictive deviation ratio (RPD) at validation stage. The average RMSEP (1.88 mg/L) of the ammonia PLS calibration model was in agreement with the standard error of laboratory (SEL = 1.54 mg/L). The R2 (92.05) and average RPD (3.3) proposed a model with excellent precision for screening purposes that was ready to be transferred for use by the laboratory. The r2 values for the alcohol, pH and invert sugar PLS calibration models obtained in ATR and transmission, indicated good to excellent precision (80<r2<100). The alcohol PLS calibration model obtained in transmission was suitable for quality- and process control purposes (RPD = 21.2), while the invert sugar PLS calibration model for quality control purposes (5<RPD<6.4). The pH and invert sugar calibration models obtained in ATR were suitable for screening purposes with RPD = 3.6 and RPD = 4.8, respectively. These PLS regression algorithms were implemented at the cellar. The pH PLS calibration model obtained in transmission was suitable for rough screening of samples (RPD = 2.7) and future development was neccesary to increase the predictability of the model. The results obtained in this study made a significant contribution towards validation of FT-MIR as a powerful tool for rapid quantification of quality indicating parameters in wine and spirit-based liqueurs. The contribution is particularly valuable in the context of ongoing research to improve the quality of products at the cellar to meet consumer demands. The knowledge gained on quantification of quality indication parameters of spirit-based liqueurs is novel and this is one of the first reports on implementation of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the quality control of South African spirit-based liqueurs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die wynindustrie benodig objektiewe analises van druiwesap- en likeurgehalte. Fourier-transformasie- infrarooi (FT-IR) spektroskopie met multiveranderlike statistiese metodes word gebruik in wynlaboratoriums regoor Suid-Afrika vir akkurate, vinnige en hoë monsterdeurset ontledings. In hierdie studie is die potensiaal van FT-IR spektroskopie geëvalueer vir die kwantifisering van ammoniak in die sap van vars geparste wyndruiwe. Twee verskillende FT-IR spektroskopie instrumente, in onderskeidelik (verswakte totale refleksie, ATR) - en transmissie skandering is gebruik vir die kwantifisering van alkohol, pH en invertsuiker in spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs. Die uiteindelike doel was om die parsiële kleinste kwadraat (PKK)- regressie algoritmes wat ontwikkel is, by 'n industriële kelder te implementeer en die komplekse en tydrowende verwysingmetodes wat tydens die studie in die kelder gebruik is te vervang. Verskeie multiveranderlike hoofkomponentanalise (MVK) is uitgevoer voor die kalibrasie stap, met die doel om groeperings en patrone in die spektra te identifiseer. Die PKK kalibrasiemodelle is ontwikkel van monsters wat by die kelder versamel is en die spektra is gebruik in die PKK regressies. Tydens die kalibrasiefase is die modelle geëvalueer met behulp van die bepalingskoëffisiënt (R2) en gemiddelde kalibrasieprediksiefout en tydens die validasiefase, met behulp van die standaardvoorspellingsfout (SVF) en relatiewe voorspellingsafwyking (RVA). Die gemiddelde SVF (1.88 mg/L) van die ammoniak kalibrasiemodel was in ooreenstemming met die standaard fout van die laboratorium (SEL = 1.54 mg/L). Die R2 (92.05) en die gemiddelde RVA (3.3) dui op ‘n model met uitstekende presiesheid wat gereed is vir oordra en gebruik deur die industrie. Die R2 waardes vir die alkohol-, pH- en invertsuiker –kalibrasie-modelle wat met ATR en transmissie vir die likeurmonsters ontwikkel is, dui op goeie tot uitstekende presiesheid (80<R2<100). Die alkoholkalibrasiemodel wat ontwikkel is in transmissie, is geskik vir kwaliteits- en prosesbeheerdoelwitte (RVA = 21.2), terwyl die invertsuiker kalibrasiemodel geskik is vir kwaliteitsbeheer doelwitte (5<RVA<6.4). Die pH en invertsuiker kalibrasiemodelle in ATR is geskik vir vinnige evalueringsdoelwitte, met RVA = 3.6 en RVA = 4.8 waardes, onderskeidelik. Hierdie algoritmes is ook in die kelder geimplementeer. Die pH kalibrasiemodel in transmissie was geskik vir vinnige evalueringsdoelwitte (RVA = 2.7) en toekomstige ontwikkeling is nodig om die voorspellingsakkuraatheidvan die model te verbeter. Die resultate van hierdie studie het ‘n betekenisvolle bydrae gelewer tot bevestiging van infrarooi spektroskopie as 'n kragtige tegnologie vir die vinnige kwantifisering van gehalteparameters in druiwesap en spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs. Die bydrae is veral waardevol in die konteks van voortgesette navorsing om die kwaliteit van produkte by die kelder te verbeter en aan verbruikerseise te voldoen. Die studie vir die kwantifisering van gehalteparameters in spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs is eerste in sy soort en een van die gerapporteerde verslae vir die implementering van infrarooi spektroskopie vir gehaltebeheer van Suid-Afrikaanse spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs.

O comércio ilegal de medicamentos é um problema mundial que afeta milhões de pessoas todos os anos. A inclusão digital contribui para a ascensão das vendas, transformando-se no principal veículo de comércio de medicamentos falsificados no mundo. No Brasil, o número de medicamentos contrabandeados apreendidos pela Polícia Federal aumentou nos últimos anos, principalmente, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Sendo que grande parte destes, entraram pelo país pelo Paraguai. Os medicamentos falsificados que predominam no Brasil são para tratamento de disfunção erétil e para perda de peso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar amostras de sibutramina de origens distintas a fim de detectar falsificações e agrupar amostras com propriedades semelhantes, através da quantificação por Cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CL-EM); da identificação por espectroscopia de infravermelho (IV) e do perfil físico (determinação do peso médio e exames físicos dos pós e cápsulas). Fez-se previamente o perfil físico das amostras, no qual foi possível identificar grupos com características semelhantes, mas adquiridos por diferentes vias. No entanto, o perfil físico sozinho não é definitivo para determinar uma falsificação e muito menos determinar uma origem comum para a mesma. Na espectroscopia de IV observou-se que quase todas as amostras apresentaram sinais nas regiões características dos grupamentos químicos da sibutramina. Nesta análise, foi possível identificar quatro grupos distintos. Em relação ao método de CL-EM validado, ele se mostrou específico, linear, exato, preciso e robusto. Os resultados da análise por CL-EM revelaram que apenas uma das amostras ilegais da faixa de 90-110%. Duas amostras apresentaram teor acima e sete abaixo. Por fim, das doze amostras analisadas, apenas as duas originais e uma das ilegas apresentaram teor adequado. Assim, pudemos verificar que é muito fácil obter sibutramina de fontes ilegais e que estes medicamentos não têm qualidade. A divulgação destes resultados é a melhor maneira de desencorajar as pessoas a não utilizarem estas fontes para a obtenção de medicamentos. / The illegal trade in drugs is a global problem that affects millions of people every year. Digital inclusion contributes to the rise of the sale of these drugs, making internet the main option in the world. In Brazil, the number of smuggled drugs seized by the Federal Police increased in recent years, mainly in the South and Southeast regions. Since most of them have entered Brazil via Paraguay. Counterfeit drugs that predominate in Brazil are those used to treat erectile dysfunction and to promote weight loss. The objective of this study was to compare samples of sibutramine with different origins in order to detect counterfeits and grouping samples with similar properties through quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in previously developed and validated method; identification by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and physical profile (determination of average weight and physical examinations powders and capsules). In order to do so, 12 samples were examined, two original products acquired from local pharmacies and 10 from internet and street vendors. Based on visual examination at least three potential sources of capsules were identified, but acquired from different sources. However, the physical profile alone cannot be used to identify counterfeit drugs. Using infrared spectroscopy we found out that almost all samples showed signals that could be attributed to sibutramine functional groups. Based on IR spectra, four groups were identified, with six, three, two and one brand. Regarding the LC-MS method validated, it proved to be showed specific, linear, accurate, precise and robust. The results of LC-MS analysis revealed that only one of the illegally acquired samples were within the 90-110%. Two samples were above and the other seven were bellows those limits. Overall we found out that is very easy to buy sibutramine in the informal market and most of them are of poor quality and maybe the publication of these data coulb be the best way to discourage people to seek these sources.

O comércio ilegal de medicamentos é um problema mundial que afeta milhões de pessoas todos os anos. A inclusão digital contribui para a ascensão das vendas, transformando-se no principal veículo de comércio de medicamentos falsificados no mundo. No Brasil, o número de medicamentos contrabandeados apreendidos pela Polícia Federal aumentou nos últimos anos, principalmente, nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Sendo que grande parte destes, entraram pelo país pelo Paraguai. Os medicamentos falsificados que predominam no Brasil são para tratamento de disfunção erétil e para perda de peso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar amostras de sibutramina de origens distintas a fim de detectar falsificações e agrupar amostras com propriedades semelhantes, através da quantificação por Cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CL-EM); da identificação por espectroscopia de infravermelho (IV) e do perfil físico (determinação do peso médio e exames físicos dos pós e cápsulas). Fez-se previamente o perfil físico das amostras, no qual foi possível identificar grupos com características semelhantes, mas adquiridos por diferentes vias. No entanto, o perfil físico sozinho não é definitivo para determinar uma falsificação e muito menos determinar uma origem comum para a mesma. Na espectroscopia de IV observou-se que quase todas as amostras apresentaram sinais nas regiões características dos grupamentos químicos da sibutramina. Nesta análise, foi possível identificar quatro grupos distintos. Em relação ao método de CL-EM validado, ele se mostrou específico, linear, exato, preciso e robusto. Os resultados da análise por CL-EM revelaram que apenas uma das amostras ilegais da faixa de 90-110%. Duas amostras apresentaram teor acima e sete abaixo. Por fim, das doze amostras analisadas, apenas as duas originais e uma das ilegas apresentaram teor adequado. Assim, pudemos verificar que é muito fácil obter sibutramina de fontes ilegais e que estes medicamentos não têm qualidade. A divulgação destes resultados é a melhor maneira de desencorajar as pessoas a não utilizarem estas fontes para a obtenção de medicamentos. / The illegal trade in drugs is a global problem that affects millions of people every year. Digital inclusion contributes to the rise of the sale of these drugs, making internet the main option in the world. In Brazil, the number of smuggled drugs seized by the Federal Police increased in recent years, mainly in the South and Southeast regions. Since most of them have entered Brazil via Paraguay. Counterfeit drugs that predominate in Brazil are those used to treat erectile dysfunction and to promote weight loss. The objective of this study was to compare samples of sibutramine with different origins in order to detect counterfeits and grouping samples with similar properties through quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in previously developed and validated method; identification by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and physical profile (determination of average weight and physical examinations powders and capsules). In order to do so, 12 samples were examined, two original products acquired from local pharmacies and 10 from internet and street vendors. Based on visual examination at least three potential sources of capsules were identified, but acquired from different sources. However, the physical profile alone cannot be used to identify counterfeit drugs. Using infrared spectroscopy we found out that almost all samples showed signals that could be attributed to sibutramine functional groups. Based on IR spectra, four groups were identified, with six, three, two and one brand. Regarding the LC-MS method validated, it proved to be showed specific, linear, accurate, precise and robust. The results of LC-MS analysis revealed that only one of the illegally acquired samples were within the 90-110%. Two samples were above and the other seven were bellows those limits. Overall we found out that is very easy to buy sibutramine in the informal market and most of them are of poor quality and maybe the publication of these data coulb be the best way to discourage people to seek these sources.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy are combined to trace kinetics of mutarotation in L-fucose. After quenching molten samples down to temperatures between T=313 K and 328 K, the concentrations of two anomeric species change according to a simple exponential time dependence, as seen by an increase in absorbance of specific IR-vibrations. In contrast, the dielectric spectra reveal a slowing down of the structural (α-) relaxation process according to a stretched exponential time dependence (stretching exponent of 1.5 ± 0.2). The rates of change in the IR absorption for α- and β-fucopyranose are (at T = 313 K) nearly one decade faster than that of the intermolecular interactions as measured by the shift of the α-relaxation. This reflects the fact that the α-relaxation monitors the equilibration at a mesoscopic length scale, resulting from fluctuations in the anomeric composition.

Cette thèse s’intéresse aux signatures spectroscopiques des nano-particules carbonées dans l’infrarouge proche et moyen dans les disques protoplanétaires. Ces signatures sont largement observées dans le milieu interstellaire et les galaxies et représentent ainsi un outil essentiel pour étudier les conditions physiques qui y règnent. Notamment, leur étude dans les environnements circumstellaires d’étoiles de type Herbig contribue à notre connaissance de la formation des systèmes planétaires et du cycle de la matière dans la Voie lactée. Même si la poussière ne représente qu’un faible pourcentage de la matière galactique, elle est essentielle dans la formation d’espèces chimiques complexes, le chauffage photo-électrique du gaz, la balance énergétique ou ladynamique des structures. Ainsi, elle participe directement à l’évolution des disques protoplanétaires.Ce travail s’appuie notamment sur les données d’observations spectroscopiques résolues spatialement obtenues avec l’instrument NaCo au VLT dans l’infrarouge proche entre 3 et 4 μm. Le modèle THEMIS fournit un cadre d’interprétation pour les observations en proposant un modèle physique de la poussière dans lequel les propriétés optiques sont calculées en considérant la composition, la structureet la taille de populations de grains. THEMIS propose un scénario d’évolution de celle-ci au travers des différentes phases du milieu interstellaire.Les résultats obtenus montrent que des particules carbonées sub-nanométriques ayant une forte aromaticité sont présentes de manière étendue et structuréeà la surface des disques protoplanétaires. Leur degré d’aromaticité augmente avec l’intensité du champ de rayonnement de l’étoile. De plus, l’observation de ces particules près de l’étoile suggère leur renouvellement continu. La odélisation de l’émission de la poussière dans les conditions des disques met enévidence les contributions des différentes populations selon la longueur d’onde et les conditions d’irradiation.Ce travail s’inscrit dans la préparation de la mission du James Webb Space Telescope qui permettra d’observer notamment les disques ptrotoplanétaires surune large gamme infrarouge (0.6-28 μm). Ce travail a également conduit à la production de deux articles, un publié et l’autre soumis dans la revue Astronomy & Astrophysics. / This thesis focuses on spectroscopic signatures of carbon nanoparticles in the near and mid-infrared in protoplanetary disks. These signatures are widely observed in the interstellar medium and galaxies and thus represent an essential tool for studying their physical conditions. In particular, their study in the circumstellar environments of Herbig stars contributes to our knowledge of the formation of planetary systems and the dust cycle in the MilkyWay. Even if dust represents only a small percentage of galactic matter, it is key to the formation of complex chemical species, photoelectric gas heating, energy balance or structural dynamics. Thus, it participates directly in the evolution of protoplanetary disks.This work is based in particular on spatially resolved spectroscopic observation data obtained with the NaCo instrument at the VLT in the near infrared between 3 and 4 μm. The THEMIS model provides an interpretative framework for observations by proposing a physical dust model in which optical properties are calculated by considering the composition, structure and size of grain populations. THEMIS proposes a scenario of its evolution through the different phasesof the interstellar medium.The results obtained show that carbon sub-nanoparticles with high aromaticity are present in a widespread and structured manner at the surface ofprotoplanetary disks. Their degree of aromaticity increases with the intensity of the stellar radiation field. Moreover, the observation of these particles close to the star suggests their continuous replenishment. Modelling the dust emission under disk conditions highlights the contributions of dust populations according to the wavelength and the radiation field.This work is related to the preparation of the James Webb Space Telescope mission which will allow to observe protoplanetary disks over a wide infrared range (0.6-28 μm) with a resolution of 0.1”. This work also led to the production of two articles, one published and the other submitted to the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Pulsed laser flash photolysis of M(CO)6 (M = Cr, W) in cyclohexane with a small amount of benzene results in three sequential reactions. The first is the photodissociation of the parent to yield a M(CO)5:C6H12 complex, which takes place faster than the time resolution of our experiments. The second reaction is the replacement of the cyclohexane ligand with benzene to form a M(CO)5:C6H6 complex, in which benzene is coordinated to the metal via one side of the ring. This complex then falls apart in solution as M(CO)5 coordinates with a trace impurity in the solution that is likely water. Kinetic studies over a range of temperatures result in the following activation energies: 39 kJ/mol for the dissociation of W(CO)5:C6H6; 30 kJ/mol for conversion of Cr(CO)5:C6H12 to Cr(CO)5:C6H6; 33 kJ/mol for the dissociation of Cr(CO)5:C6H6. DFT calculations of binding energies for each complex suggest that all reactions proceed through a combination of an associative and dissociative mechanism. Further calculations of carbonyl vibrational frequencies for 13 weak metal–solvent complexes using three different density functionals: B3LYP, M06, and M06-L allowed us to calculate scale factors for predicting experimental vibrational frequencies. The scale factors are: 0.952 for B3LYP, 0.943 for M06, and 0.957 for M06-L. Using these scale factors leads to average errors in predicted experimental vibrational frequencies of less than 1% for each functional.

The theory of orientation polarization and dielectric relaxation was developed by P. Debye more than 100 years ago. It is based on approximating a molecule by a sphere having one or more dipole moments. By that the detailed intra- and intermolecular interactions are explicitly not taken into consideration. In this article, the principal limitations of the Debye approximation are discussed. Taking advantage of the molecular specificity of the infrared (IR) spectral range, measurements of the specific IR absorption of the stretching vibration (OH) (at 3370 cm1) and the asymmetric as(CH2) (at 2862.9 cm1) are performed in dependence on the frequency and the strength of external electric fields and at varying temperature. The observed effects are interpreted as caused by orientation polarization of the OH and the adjacent CH2 moieties.

No description available.

No description available.

Organic conducting polymers are essential for the development of various electronic devices, including field-effect transistors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and thermoelectric devices. Understanding the charge transport mechanisms within these materials, particularly the roles of polarons and bipolarons as charge carriers, is crucial. Despite the recognized importance of these carriers, there are ongoing debates regarding the interpretation of their mid-IR absorption spectral signatures in the 0.3-0.7 eV range. This is mainly due to challenges in applying the conventional mid-gap state model, especially in the context of doped P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)) films. The conventional model predicts a blueshift for the mid-IR P1 band of bipolarons compared to polarons, yet recent experiments reveal both blueshifted and redshifted bands, at elevated oxidation levels, leading to confusion about the true mid-IR spectral hallmark of spinless singlet bipolarons. This thesis aims to resolve these inconsistencies by proposing a Holstein-style model for singlet bipolarons in π-conjugated polymers with nondegenerate ground states. The model incorporates hole hopping, electron−vibration coupling involving the prominent aromatic-quinoidal mode, and Coulombic interactions between (hole) polarons and between polarons and dopant anions. In contrast to the conventional interpretation where bipolaron formation results from self-trapping, our findings indicate that it is primarily driven by attractive electrostatic interactions with dopant anions. Without these anions, two holes would not pair to form singlet bipolarons. More importantly, our results indicate that the observed blueshift at lower oxidation levels signifies the increased localization of Coulombically interacting polarons, whereas at higher oxidation levels, the simultaneous emergence of both redshifted and blueshifted bands is indeed the spectral signature of spinless singlet bipolarons formation. Furthermore, we find that the binding energy of bipolarons in π-stacks of P3HT chains is significantly higher, nearly threefold, than in a single chain, highlighting the profound influence of long-range order and chain stacking on bipolarons formation. This work contributes to resolving the theoretical ambiguities surrounding charge carrier dynamics in organic conjugated polymers and enhances our understanding of their optoelectronic properties. / Chemistry