International Journal of Chemistry

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 8, August 2025 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000202

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Ultrasonic Speeds, Excess Volumetric Parameters, and Intermolecular Interactions of Binary Liquid Systems of Heptanol with Aliphatic Amines

Names of Authors: E. C. Chiemeka¹, A. M. H. Al-Ghamdi²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.

Abstract: Experimental determination of ultrasonic velocities and fluid densities across varied temperature states yields critical baseline data needed to map hydrogen bond associations and molecular packing dynamics in multi-component chemical systems. This paper presents the measurement of ultrasonic velocity (u), density (rho), and dynamic viscosity (eta) for binary liquid mixtures of n-heptanol with diethylamine, triethylamine, and cyclohexylamine across the entire composition matrix at temperatures of 298.15 K, 308.15 K, and 318.15 K under atmospheric pressure. From these raw data metrics, excess molar volumes (V^E) and excess isentropic compressibilities (kappa_s^E) were calculated. The calculated excess datasets were successfully fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomial expression to compute the binary interaction coefficients and standard deviations. All investigated binary mixtures exhibited significant negative excess molar volumes (V^E) and negative excess isentropic compressibilities (kappa_s^E) across all composition bounds. These strong negative deviations reveal dense interstitial molecular packing and strong intermolecular hydrogen bond formation between the hydroxyl protons of n-heptanol and the amine nitrogen centers, which decrease in intensity as thermal motion breaks the dipole networks.

Keywords: Ultrasonic velocity; Excess molar volume; Isentropic compressibility; Aliphatic amines; Redlich-Kister equation; Hydrogen bonding

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 05, 2024; Revised: March 12, 2024; Accepted: April 08, 2024; Published: August 03, 2025.

Citation: Chiemeka, E. C., & Al-Ghamdi, A. M. H. (2025). Ultrasonic Speeds, Excess Volumetric Parameters, and Intermolecular Interactions of Binary Liquid Systems of Heptanol with Aliphatic Amines. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(8), 57–64.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 11, November 2025 | pp. 81–88

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000205

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Adsorptive Sequestration of Divalent Cadmium Ions Using Chemically Modified Wheat Straw Biomass

Names of Authors: E. N. Chidi¹, L. M. van der Westhuizen²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Abstract: Heavy metal contamination of surface waters by industrial manufacturing operations requires the development of low-cost, chemically stable, and highly active biosorption matrices. This investigation reports the adsorptive efficiency of a modified agricultural adsorbent derived from wheat straw prepared via chemical modification with citric acid under alkaline conditions. The chemical transformations and surface porous architectures of the matrix were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The analytical data confirmed that the modification process successfully integrated carboxyl-rich active ligand networks across the cellulosic biomass strands. Batch extraction experiments evaluated parameters of solution pH, equilibrium contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Cd(II) concentrations. Maximum cadmium adsorption occurred at an optimum solution pH of 5.5, using an equilibrium contact period of 90 minutes. Equilibrium data matched the Langmuir model closely, showing a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 58.45 mg/g at 298 K. Sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model with a high correlation coefficient (R² > 0.998), proving that chemical surface complexation reactions controlled the mass transfer rates. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed process spontaneity and endothermic characteristics, highlighting this modified biomass as an affordable choice for industrial water treatment.

Keywords: Wheat straw; Citric acid modification; Cadmium removal; Adsorption kinetics; Chemisorption; Wastewater treatment

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 02, 2024; Revised: July 15, 2024; Accepted: August 10, 2024; Published: November 09, 2025.

Citation: Chidi, E. N., & van der Westhuizen, L. M. (2025). Adsorptive Sequestration of Divalent Cadmium Ions Using Chemically Modified Wheat Straw Biomass. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(11), 81–88.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 10, October 2025 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000204

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Novel Europium(III) β-Diketone Complexes: Synthesis, Photoluminescence, and Targeted Cytoplasmic Cell Imaging

Names of Authors: A. O. Balogun¹, J. E. Kim²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.

Abstract: Rare-earth coordination materials displaying highly sensitive photoluminescent behaviors are increasingly sought for biochemical sensor and cellular imaging fabrications due to their specific emission bands and high signal-to-noise ratios. This study reports the synthesis, material characterization, and analytical sensor optimization of a novel europium(III) complex using thenoyltrifluoroacetone and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands. Structural configurations were verified using elemental analysis, molar conductance, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Analytical calculations confirmed a 1:3:1 metal-to-ligand stoichiometric coordination pattern, conforming to the formula [Eu(TTA)₃(phen)]. Molar conductivity tests in acetonitrile confirmed a completely non-electrolytic layout. Photoluminescence scanning at room temperature showed narrow red emission lines characteristic of the central Eu(III) ion framework. The analytical potential of the complex as a cell-permeable fluorimetric sensor for tracking cancerous cellular structures was evaluated in vitro. The complex demonstrated exceptionally low cytotoxicity and high photostability within cellular networks over extended tracking periods. Fluorescent imaging confirmed distinct accumulation inside target cytoplasmic zones, establishing this coordination matrix as a promising bio-imaging candidate for clinical pathology fields.

Keywords: Europium complexes; Rare earth elements; Photoluminescence; Fluorimetric sensor; Cell imaging; Coordination chemistry

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2024; Revised: June 25, 2024; Accepted: July 18, 2024; Published: October 05, 2025.

Citation: Balogun, A. O., & Kim, J. E. (2025). Synthesis, Photoluminescence Properties, and Target Cytoplasmic Cell Imaging of Novel Europium(III) β-Diketone Complexes. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(10), 73–80.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 5, May 2025 | pp. 33–40

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000199

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis, Computational Modeling, and Enzymatic Inhibition Screening of Novel N-Substituted Succinimide Derivatives

Names of Authors: O. M. Kolawole¹, E. R. Watson²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Abstract: Inhibiting alpha-glucosidase represents a critical therapeutic target for managing postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this work, five novel N-substituted succinimide derivatives were synthesized via the condensation of succinic anhydride with various substituted aniline compounds in the presence of catalytic glacial acetic acid. The molecular frameworks of the synthesized targets were verified using elemental analysis, FT-IR, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. In vitro alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays revealed that compound 3c, bearing a p-nitro substituent, possessed the highest inhibitory potency, showing an IC50 value of 12.4 μM, compared to the acarbose clinical standard (IC50 = 38.2 μM). To investigate specific binding configurations, in silico molecular docking simulations were run inside the catalytic domain of alpha-glucosidase using AutoDock Vina software. The computational docking models demonstrated that the succinimide carbonyl forms stable hydrogen bonds with Asp214 and Arg315 residues. The aromatic ring extensions fit well into the hydrophobic pocket, engaging in significant pi-pi stacking interactions with Phe178. These structural contacts stabilize the ligand-protein topology, explaining the sub-micromolar inhibition constants and presenting a potential scaffold for further antidiabetic drug design.

Keywords: Succinimide; Chemical synthesis; Alpha-glucosidase; Enzyme inhibition; Molecular docking; Antidiabetic drug design

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 02, 2023; Revised: October 12, 2023; Accepted: November 05, 2023; Published: May 04, 2025.

Citation: Kolawole, O. M., & Watson, E. R. (2025). Synthesis, Computational Modeling, and Enzymatic Inhibition Screening of Novel N-Substituted Succinimide Derivatives. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(5), 33–40.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 12, December 2025 | pp. 89–96

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000206

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: GC-MS Volatile Characterization, Bioactive Compound Mapping, and Insecticidal Efficacy of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils

Names of Authors: S. A. Abdulrahman¹, G. E. D. M. Santos²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.

Abstract: The continuous emergence of chemical resistance among stored-grain insect pests requires the formulation of alternative botanical insecticides to minimize chemical pesticide hazards in agricultural facilities. This research reports the qualitative chemical characterization, volatile compound identification via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and in vitro insecticidal efficacy of Lavandula angustifolia leaf essential oil against Rhyzopertha dominica (Lesser grain borer). Essential oils obtained via hydro-distillation in a Clevenger apparatus were separated into 20 distinct peaks through GC-MS profiling, with linalool (42.5%), linalyl acetate (18.2%), and camphor (12.4%) emerging as the primary bioactive constituents. Insecticidal bioassays were conducted utilizing contact toxicity tests across a suite of oil concentrations (10 to 50 microliters/square meter) over 24-hour exposure periods. The essential oil demonstrated significant lethal potency, yielding an LC50 value of 18.4 microliters/square meter and an LC90 value of 34.2 microliters/square meter against the borer populations. A linear correlation was observed between the concentration of oxygenated monoterpenes and insect mortality rates. This confirms that volatile monoterpenoids actively disrupt the respiratory and acetylcholinesterase enzymes of borers, providing a sustainable botanical framework for grain storage protection.

Keywords: Lavandula angustifolia; Essential oils; GC-MS analysis; Linalool; Contact toxicity; Rhyzopertha dominica

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 15, 2024; Revised: July 28, 2024; Accepted: August 22, 2024; Published: December 04, 2025.

Citation: Abdulrahman, S. A., & Santos, G. E. D. M. (2025). GC-MS Volatile Characterization, Bioactive Compound Mapping, and Insecticidal Efficacy of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(12), 89–96.

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 16, No. 7, July 2025 | pp. 49–56

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJC/000201

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Green Synthesis of Silver-Platinum Core-Shell Nanoparticles Using Extract of Podocarpus latifolius and Their Catalytic Efficiencies

Names of Authors: S. I. Musa¹, K. A. Al-Jubouri²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.

Abstract: The biological synthesis of bimetallic noble metal nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and economically sustainable alternative to traditional chemical reduction protocols. This study details the green synthesis of stable platinum-silver (Pt-Ag) core-shell nanoparticles utilizing the aqueous leaf extract of Podocarpus latifolius as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The bioreduction process was monitored via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, which revealed the gradual decay and disappearance of the metal precursor bands over 60 minutes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed highly spherical nanoparticles with an average particle diameter of 16 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the shell crystalline structure of the biosynthesized bimetallic system. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated that water-soluble biomolecules, primarily flavonoids and terpenoids within the leaf matrix, were responsible for capping and protecting the nanoparticles against structural agglomeration. The catalytic efficiency of the synthesized Pt-Ag nanoparticles was evaluated by tracking the reduction of rhodamine B dye by sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) in an aqueous system. In the absence of a catalyst, the reaction proceeded slowly, but the introduction of bimetallic nanoparticles accelerated the degradation process, achieving 97.4% decolorization within 10 minutes, outperforming monometallic controls.

Keywords: Bimetallic nanoparticles; Green synthesis; Podocarpus latifolius; Core-shell structure; Heterogeneous catalysis; Rhodamine B degradation

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 12, 2024; Revised: November 24, 2024; Accepted: December 18, 2024; Published: July 08, 2025.

Citation: Musa, S. I., & Al-Jubouri, K. A. (2025). Green Synthesis of Silver-Platinum Core-Shell Nanoparticles Using Extract of Podocarpus latifolius and Their Catalytic Efficiencies. International Journal of Chemistry, 16(7), 49–56.