Pure and Applied Chemistry

A bidentate NO type Schiff base ligand (L) has been obtained by the condensation reaction of 4dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and 2-aminophenol and used as main ligand and l-Alanine as coligand (L 2 ), Four novel mixed ligand chelates of composition [M(L 1 L 2 )(H2O)2].nH2O, where M represents, Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, in which n= 1, 1.7, 5 and 7 as sited later for chelates. The resulting Schiff base and the mixed ligand chelates were characterized by CHN elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic moment, UV/Vis, IR, H-NMR and mass spectra. All the obtained physiochemical data showed an octahedral structures. Original Research Article El-ajaily et al.; IRJPAC, 5(3): 229-237, 2015; Article no.IRJPAC.2015.020 230

The levels of six selected heavy metals namely: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) have been investigated in cocoa beans sampled from Bekwai, Juaso, Kaspen, Asampaneye and Asamakese, five major cocoa-growing communities in Ghana. Aqua regia digestion procedure was applied for sample digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for the determination of the metals. The method for the determination of the metals was validated by analyzing standard reference material and levels of metals obtained compared favourably with reported values. Samples were also subjected to proximate analysis by determining moisture, ash, fibre, fat, protein and carbohydrate nutritional compositions of the beans. Method of proximate analysis as reported by Association of analytical chemists (AOAC) was used for estimation of nutritional compositions. Indeed, lead and cadmium concentrations were the lowest in all the samples. The generally high concentrations ...

In India food demand is increasingly doubled due to calorie consumption of fast growing population rate. For achieving and sustaining a high level of food production, especially in agriculture, soil must be regularly replenished with a balance of crop nutrients, like macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. Sulphur (S) comes under secondary nutrients after nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) at number four as an essential nutrient. It exists in group 16 and period 3 with a molecular weight of 32 in the periodic table. Naturally S occurs as an element found in many minerals like iron pyrites, galena, gypsum and Epsom salts. In Igneous and Sedimentary rocks S occurs as sulphides and in soil it is also present as organic compounds also in industrial wastes, sea water as well as gaseous emission in the atmosphere. Under temperate conditions it assumes that more than 95% of total S in soil is present in the organic matter due to low decomposition rate. In plants, s...

From the reviewed literature, it is observed that scientist’s worked on the various substrate medias used for hydroponic system. They also studied about different combinations of the media and their effect on crop growth. The reviewed literature shows that scientists have studied different organic and inorganic media viz. cocopit, saw dust, rice husk vermiculite, perlite, hydroton, pumice, sand etc. It was also found that these media are not easily, cheaply and locally available for users. Beside this, few scientists studied about physical and chemical properties of media such as particle size, porosity, bulk density, wettability, water holding capacity (WHC), Air filled porosity (AFP), Electrical conductivity, pH of these media. The crop specific suitability of combinations of the different media mixtures were also tested and reported by many scientists. It was revealed from reviewed literature that salinity of media caused linear reduction in the water consumption. The size and sh...

This study is aimed at ascertaining the levels of pollutants in some  selected vegetables samples from three agricultural areas in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno state, Nigeria. Vegetables samples from Sakwa, Thila and Marama agricultural Areas of Hawul Local government were collected and analysed for Zn, Pb, Co, Cu, Fe, Ag, Ni, Mn Cr and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric techniques. Results showed varying concentrations based on different parts of the vegetables from root, stem and leaves. High concentration of these metal pollutants were observed in the leaves of the vegetables samples as a result of transpiration process and with Fe having the highest value of 10.37±2.68 µg/g observed in the leaves of Okra Nitrate levels ranged from 11.23±6.72 to 19.66±8.20 (µg/g) in Okra; 1.17±1.04 to 2.52±1.40 (µg/g) in pepper; 2.37±1.35 to 4.03±1.11 (µg/g) in sorrel; sulphate ranged from 9.27±1.77 to 11.99±0.88 (µg/g) in Okra; 7.90±4.38 to 10.77±1.34 (µg/g) in sorrel and 6.54±0.71 to 11.76±2.45 (µg/g) in pepper. The concentrations of some cations analysed in vegetable samples revealed that calcium ion ranged from 11.23±6.72 to 19.66c ±8.20 (µg/g) in Okra; 8.37±4.82 to 14.10±4.90 (µg/g) in sorrel; 2.03±1.34 to 3.33±2.52 (µg/g) in pepper while Sodium ion ranged from 3.90±0.86 to 13.16±1.67 (µg/g) in okra; 9.35±2.87 to 12.34±0.32 (µg/g) in sorrel; 2.62±3.42 to 11.94±1.41 (µg/g) in pepper and potassium ion ranged from 8.21±1.7 to 20.12±1.15 (µg/g) in okra; 8.37±4.82 to 14.10±4.90 (µg/g) in sorrel and 2.03±1.34 to 3.33±2.52 (µg/g) in pepper (p<0.05). High levels of Fe and other metals is said to be associated with the level of mechanical activities, high vehicle exhaust. The results indicate that some of the vegetables were contaminated with abnormal levels of Pb, Cr, Ag and Ni capable of causing health hazards to the consumers nationwide.

In India, various types of unexplored edible flowers are being utilized traditionally as food and medicine by the rural communities since ancient time only during their flowering time due to short post harvest life. These flowers are rich in phytochemical (e.g. polyphenolics, anthocyanins) which possess numerous health benefits. So, the present investigations were conducted to develop a spiced beverage/appetizer (spiced squash) from rhododendron flower petals and its quality evaluation during storage. Different combinations of petals extract and total soluble solids (TSS) were tried to standardize proper combination for spiced beverage. Appetizer recipe (T3) prepared with 35% extract, 40°B TSS and 1.20% acid was found to be best based on quality characteristics of the product. The best-selected appetizer recipe was packed in glass and PET bottles and stored for 6 months under ambient (15-25°C) and refrigerated temperature conditions (4-7°C). Overall effect of packaging and storage r...

In this research, the assessment of the chemical composition of the Itobe marble deposit for comparison with the general limestone requirements for cement making was investigated.  Six pits were dug and carefully studied in the area. The research work is aimed at determining the suitability of the Itobe marble deposit in the manufacturing of cement, establish the nature, size and type of the deposit and to estimate the various impurities present and at what concentrations. The soil samples collected were analysed for their chemical properties. Samples were also obtained from river channels and from outcrops of the deposits. The result showed that an appreciable amount of the marble deposit, with CaO in the range of 32.95% to 50.05% and Silica ranging from 1.40% to 7.20%. From these chemical analyses, Itobe limestone showed a great potential in cement production to augment cement availability for building and civil engineering construction in Nigeria.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2018 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU to evaluate the effect of various sources of zinc and iron on grain yield, nutrient uptake and grain quality parameters of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 14 treatments and replicated thrice.The results revealed that application of different Zinc and iron sources at different rates significantly influenced the grain yield, nutrient (N, P and K) uptake and grain quality parameters (protein and calcium content) of finger millet. Highest grain yield (3653 kg ha-1), protein (11.25%) and calcium content (2.33%) in grain were obtained in the treatment receiving RDF + foliar application of FeSO4 @ 0.5% twice at 30 and 60 DAS which was on par with treatment receiving RDF + foliar application of Fe-humate twice at 30 and 60 DAS (3612 kg ha-1, 10.90% and 2.0%) and the lowest grain yield (1995 kg ha-1), (6.25%) and calcium content (1.10%) were recorde...

Atenolol was examined as a copper corrosion inhibitor in 1M nitric acid solution using the mass loss technique and quantum chemical studies, based on density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP level with the base 6-311G (d,p). The inhibitory efficiency of the molecule increases with increasing concentration and temperature. The adsorption of the molecule on the copper surface follows the modified Langmuir model. The thermodynamic quantities of adsorption and activation were determined and discussed. The calculated quantum chemical parameters related to the inhibition efficiency are the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital E(HOMO), the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital E(LUMO), the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, the hardness (η), softness (S), dipole moment (μ), electron affinity (A), ionization energy (I), absolute electronegativity (χ),absolute electronegativity (χ), fraction (ΔN) of electrons transferred from Atenolol to copper and electrophilicity index(ω). T...

Operating parameters of powerful UV and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excilamps with different discharge geometry excited by capacitive discharge, barrier discharge, glow discharge, and UV-preionized discharge were investigated. Intense radiation of Ar2*, Kr2*, Xe2*, ArF*, KrBr*, KrCl*, KrF*, XeI*, Cl2, XeBr*, XeCl*, XeF* molecules and I* atoms was obtained in rare gas or in rare gas­F2 (Br2, CH3Br, Cl2, Br2, HCl, I2, NF3) mixtures.

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production. High price index of chemical fertilizers coupled with mount pollution problem gave rise to interest in precision nutrient management tools. Site specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases and maintains the yield by optimizing the balance between supply and demand of nutrients. Nutrient application as per SSNM concept resulted in significantly higher grain yields of maize, rice, wheat and other important crop over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and farmer’s fertilizers practices. The SSNM is real time feeding of crops with nutrients while recognizing the inherent spatial variability which enhances crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and avoids nutrient wastage. For effective SSNM, utilization of different sensing devices of soil and plant nutrient status, decision support systems, GIS, remote sensing, simulation models and nenoparticles play an important role. Tradi...

An Randamised Block Design (RBD) field investigation with ten crop sequences under irrigation with recommended package of practices in sandy loam soils of Southern Telangana Zone (STZ), Telangana was carried out during Kharif, Rabi and summer of 2018-2019 with an objective of the nutrient uptake and soil fertility status under different cropping systems and to assess agro economic benefit. These ten cropping systems were grouped in to five categories viz., pre dominant cropping systems of the zone, ecological cropping systems, household nutritional security giving cropping systems, fodder security giving cropping systems and cropping systems involving high value crops. So that from each category, best cropping system can be identified and can be suggested to different integrated farming systems models. In the context of farming systems, under high value crops such as Okra–Marigold–Beetroot system recorded significantly higher rice grain equivalent yield (36,434 kg ha-1) over other s...

High use of machineries, fertilizer and other agrochemical in form of organic manure is noticed to be in high practice in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State. This study aimed at analysing the levels of some chemical pollutants in soils of Sakwa, Thila and Marama from Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State. Sample collection and preparation was conducted using standard procedures. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Heavy metals analyzed within the three study areas revealed that, in the soils of Sakwa had higher metal concentration for Fe and Mn with the concentration of 22.23±1.08 µg/g and 8.12±0.07 µg/g, respectively, at a depth of 20 – 30 cm. The concentrations of heavy metals at the three study sites ranged from 0.97±0.24 to 1.10±0.40 µg/g for Pb, 0.83±0.46 to 1.12±0.07 µg/g for Cu, 1.53±0.52 to 1.81±0.36 µg/g for Ni, 0.15±0.13 to 0.30±0.13 µg/g for Cd, 0.37±0.18 and 0.52±0.06 µg/g for Co, 2.62±0.47 to 3.36±0.74 µg/g for Cr, 21.80±1.21 to 22.23±1.08 µg/g for Fe, 7.82±0.35 to 8.12±0.07 µg/g for Mn and 3.51±1.09 to 3.81±1.42 µg/g for Zn. The values were statistically significant (P = 0.05). The concentration of these pollutants increased with soil depth in the three study sites as 0 – 10 cm < 10 – 20 cm < 20 – 30 cm as a result of the leaching process and the soil pH. The concentrations of the other parameters were all within the acceptable limit as compared with WHO/FAO and EPA.

The biochar derived from the dreadful weed water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was activated with phosphoric acid was utilized for adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from the simulated solution. The characterization (Zeta potential, specific surface area, Scanning Electron Microscope analysis) of biochar was done to study the surface properties of the biochar. The modified biochar (379 m2g-1) recorded 49.80% greater surface area in comparison to the pristine biochar (253 m2g-1). Zeta potential of modified biochar is 4.2 mV and pristine biochar is -13.9 mV. Positively charged modified surface enhance the sorption of negatively charged Cr (VI) ions. Study on effect of pH and concentration revealed that maximum sorption occurred at pH 2 and the increasing trend of concentration resulted in the decreased sorption respectively. The isotherm study was well supported by Langmuir isotherm (R2 value=0.976) defining the monolayer adsorption. Maximum adsorption capacity was recorded...

The present investigation was planned and conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two debittering agents viz. zinc sulphate and β-cyclodextrin in reducing bitterness of lemon rinds and to optimize the level of addition of debittered lemon rinds in lemon flavoured paneer (LFP).  Optimization of the manufacturing parameters was done by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite rotatable design. Based on the results obtained in this study it was concluded that the optimum parameters for debittering of lemon rinds was by treating lemon rinds in a solution of 50 mg zinc sulphate/100 ml water and 200 mg β-cyclodextrin/100 ml of water for 12 h at 7±1°C. The optimum level of addition of debittered lemon rind shreds in paneer milk was found to be 8.0 g/kg of milk. Both the debittering agents when used individually did not have any effect on bitterness but when used in combination resulted in significant improvement in flavour scores and total score of LFP. Yield of contro...

Very high energies of particulate (accelerated electrons, swift heavy ions) or electromagnetic wave (γ-, X-rays) radiation can be used to initiate free radical based reactions in solids, liquids or gases. Because of non-selectivity of absorption of X-rays, γ rays and accelerated electrons in matter free radicals are generated homogeneously in the bulk material. These free radicals on the polymers or monomers are used extensively in the synthesis and modification of polymeric materials. The unique properties of ionizing radiation make it a very useful tool in the top-down and bottom-up synthesis of nanomaterials. In this article the utilization of ionizing radiation in the form of swift heavy ions, accelerated electrons, X- and γ rays will be described for development of advanced materials by radiation-induced grafting in nanoscale, synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles, radiation-assisted synthesis of nanogels and nanocomposites. The properties difficult to be attained by other techn...

This project was aimed to identify the quenching chemistry of biologically important reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS, including radicals), to show antioxidant action against reactive species through H‐atom and electron transfer reactions, and to evaluate the ROS/RNS scavenging activity of antioxidants with existing analytical methods while emphasizing the underlying chemical principles and advantages/disadvantages of these methods. In this report, we focused on the applications and impact of existing assays on potentiating future research and innovations to evolve better methods enabling a more comprehensive study of different aspects of antioxidants and to provide a vocabulary of terms related to antioxidants and scavengers for ROS/RNS. The main methods comprise the scavenging activity measurement of the hydroxyl radical (•OH), dioxide(•1–) (O2 •–: commonly known as the superoxide radical), dihydrogen dioxide (H2O2: commonly known as hydrogen peroxide), hydroxidochlor...

An experiment was conducted at instructional farm Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya during kharif season, 2017 to find out a suitable chemical weed management practice in transplanted rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having 12 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were T1: Weedy check, T2: Weed free, T3: Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 20 g a.i ha-1 at 14 DAT, T4: Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 30 g a.i  ha-1 at 14 DAT, T5: Butachlor 1.5 kg a.i ha-1 at 3 DAT, T6: Pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAT, T7: Pretilachlor 0.60 kg a.i ha-1 at 3 DAT + 2,4-D sodium salt 0.50 kg a.i ha-1 at 30 DAT, T8: Butachlor 1.5 kg a.i ha-1 at 3 DAT + 2,4-D sodium salt 0.50 kg a.i ha-1 at 30 DAT, T9: Metsulfuron methyl 20% WP @ 8 g a.i ha-1 at 14 DAT, T10: Pretilachlor 0.60 kg a.i ha-1 at 3 DAT + Almix @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 at 21 DAT, T11: Butachlor 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAT + Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 20 g a.i  ha-1 at 21 DAT and T12: Almix @ 20 g a.i ha-1 at 21 DAT. The rice va...

Currently, research in the area of corrosion inhibition is focussed on the development of green corrosion inhibitors. It is with this in mind that pyridoxine hydrochloride, which is vitamin B6, has been tested as a corrosion inhibitor of aluminium in 1M HCl by mass loss, Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) methods. The results obtained show that the inhibition efficiency increases with concentration but decreases with increasing temperature. This vitamin is adsorbed on aluminium according to the modified Langmuir isotherm and occurs in two modes: physisorption and chemisorption. Thermodynamic adsorption and activation parameters have been determined and discussed. Finally, QSPR approach was used to find the best set of parameters in order to determine the theoretical inhibition efficiencies from the experimental data. Experimental measurements were found in good collaboration with the theoretical results.

In this research, the assessment of the chemical composition of the Itobe marble deposit for comparison with the general limestone requirements for cement making was investigated.  Six pits were dug and carefully studied in the area. The research work is aimed at determining the suitability of the Itobe marble deposit in the manufacturing of cement, establish the nature, size and type of the deposit and to estimate the various impurities present and at what concentrations. The soil samples collected were analysed for their chemical properties. Samples were also obtained from river channels and from outcrops of the deposits. The result showed that an appreciable amount of the marble deposit, with CaO in the range of 32.95% to 50.05% and Silica ranging from 1.40% to 7.20%. From these chemical analyses, Itobe limestone showed a great potential in cement production to augment cement availability for building and civil engineering construction in Nigeria.

Aim: Utilization of bulk availability of low cost ripe pumpkin into processed products with high nutritional and functional characteristics. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP, India, between the years 2015-2017. Methodology: A fruit bar was developed using pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) at different combinations of TSS (30, 35 and 40°Brix), citric acid (1, 1.5 and 2%) and pectin (1, 1.5 and 2%). Further, incorporation of different herbal extracts (ginger, mint, tulsi) @ 5, 10, 15 and 20% was standardized in order to enhance the functional characteristics of the product and best recipe was evaluated for quality and sensory characteristics during storage. Results: Pumpkin bar prepared at 40°Brix, 1.5% citric acid and 2% pectin got maximum sensory score and was liked very much. In case of herbal extracts, substitution by 10 % was found to be the best to prepare pumpkin-ginger, pum...

Aim: To study the phytochemical, proximate, antimicrobial and anti-malarial activities of leaf extracts of Justicia carnea Methods: The leaf sample of Justicia carnea which has been used in Nigeria folklore in treating malaria, cancer and many other diseases was extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. The extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate, anti-malarial and antimicrobial screening. Results: The results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds were present. Ethy acetate extract also exhibited the highest suppression against malaria parasite in-vitro, more than chloroquine. This inhibition and high abundance of alkaloids and glycosides gave credence to the therapeutic use of the plant as anti-malaria drug. The three extracts showed a concentration-dependent inhibition against S. aureus, Aspergillus spp and Bacillus spp. S. typhi, K. pneumonia, P. aerogenosa and C. albicans were resistant in ...

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2018 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU to evaluate the effect of various sources of zinc and iron on grain yield, nutrient uptake and grain quality parameters of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 14 treatments and replicated thrice.The results revealed that application of different Zinc and iron sources at different rates significantly influenced the grain yield, nutrient (N, P and K) uptake and grain quality parameters (protein and calcium content) of finger millet. Highest grain yield (3653 kg ha-1), protein (11.25%) and calcium content (2.33%) in grain were obtained in the treatment receiving RDF + foliar application of FeSO4 @ 0.5% twice at 30 and 60 DAS which was on par with treatment receiving RDF + foliar application of Fe-humate twice at 30 and 60 DAS (3612 kg ha-1, 10.90% and 2.0%) and the lowest grain yield (1995 kg ha-1), (6.25%) and calcium content (1.10%) were recorde...

Due to the high demand for vegetable oil by soap industries, the quest for alternative raw material is on the increase. In this study, vegetable oil was extracted from the underutilise seeds of Lagenaria siceraria using n-hexane; The Physico-chemical properties of the oil were analysed: iodine value 65 Ig/100 g, acid value 2.50 mg/KOH/g, saponification value 256 mgKOH/g, pH 6.20, specific gravity 0.902, the refractive index of 1.47 and oil yield 52%. The properties of the oil were compared with oil extracted from other sources. The properties of the oil suggest it can use for both commercial and industrial purposes. The extracted oil was then used to prepared soap and its properties were compared with the properties of soaps prepared from other oils. The physicochemical parameters of the prepared soaps which include foam height, hardness, pH and cleansing power were evaluated. The soap made from Lagenaria siceraria seeds oil has foam height of 2.0 cm lower than palm kernel oil (2.1 ...

Glenn Seaborg was born on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1912. At age 10, he moved to southern California, where his high school chemistry and physics teacher, Dwight Logan Read, sparked his interest in these fields. Seaborg was the first person to have an element named after him while he was still living. The only other person to have an element named after him while he was still alive was Yuri Oganessian.

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are widely used as plasticizers. However, they have the potential to migrate from plastic materials into the environment where they pose detrimental health impacts. Hence, they have gained wide attention. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the distribution and health risk assessment of PAEs in different bottled drinking water brands in Delta State, Southern Nigeria. Samples were collected from ten (10) bottled drinking water brands across eight (8) local government areas of the State. The 6-EPA controlled PAEs (DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DNOP) and one uncontrolled PAEs (BEP) were investigated. The individual PAE concentrations ranged from 0.005 – 2.738 µg/L while the total concentration of PAEs in the different brands ranged from 0.023 - 4.361 µg/L. The predominant PAEs across the ten brands were DMP and BEP however DBP had the highest total concentration (4.392 μg/L) making it the main contributor to PAE levels in bottled drinking wat...

The important and perspective molecular building blocks composed of hexaphenylbenzenes (HPBs) or their oxidized derivatives, hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs), and metalloporphyrins have recently received significant attention of the researchers. In this study, motivated by recent findings, we have addressed the modifications of structures and properties of HBC-porphyrin compounds by using instead of aromatic porphyrins antiaromatic 20π isophlorin derivatives of thiophene or selenophene. We have reported the first comparative computational investigation of the following systems: (i) HBC with one non-metallated aromatic porphyrin, P(N4H2), unit, HBC-P(N4H2), (ii) HBC with one S-core-modified antiaromatic porphyrin (S-isophlorin), PS4, unit, HBC-PS4, and (iii) HBC with one Se-core-modified antiaromatic porphyrin (Se-isophlorin), PSe4, unit, HBC-PSe4. The study has been done employing the B3LYP/6-31G* approach (in the gas phase and in the implicit solvents, benzene and dichloromethane), and comparison with the B3LYP/6-31G** and B3LYP/6-311G* approaches was performed, where relevant. The effects of the core-modified antiaromatic isophlorins on the structures, electronic, and other properties, potentially including reactivity, of the whole building block HBC-isophlorin have been shown to be quite pronounced and to be noticeably stronger than the effects of the original aromatic non-metallated porphyrin. Thus, we have demonstrated theoretically that the complete porphyrin core-modification with other elements, this time with S and Se leading to the formation of the antiaromatic isophlorins, should be considered as a promising way for modifying and tuning structures, electronic properties and reactivity of the hexabenzocoronene-porphyrin(s) building blocks.

The present study was carried out with the aim to screen out the nutritional characteristics of three underutilized fruit species of the genus Spondias which are seen grown wild in the forest of the north-eastern region of India, as the detail information on nutrient composition of these fruit species is scarce and people are unaware of the nutritional factor though inadvertently consuming a good amount of nutrients from these fruits. The present nutritional assessment revealed that the fruit of Spondias pinnata was found to possess highest TSS content (15.27 °Brix) however it was observed to exhibit higher acidity (4.59%) as well. The minimum titratable acidity was found in Spondias axillaris (2.45%). Spondias pinnata exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (74.16 mg/100 g) followed by Spondias axillaris (61.60 mg/100 g) while the lowest (31.55 mg/100 g) was found in Spondias cytherea. Further, from the experiment, it was found that Spondias pinnata Original Research Article An...