Self-assembly and intra-cluster reactions of erbium and ytterbium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinates in the gas phase

RATIONALE The study of surfactant organization in vacuum allows surfactant–surfactant interaction to be unveiled in the absence of surrounding solvent molecules. Knowledge on their chemical-physical properties may also lead to the definition of more efficient gas-phase carriers, air-cleaning agents and nanoreactors. In addition, the presence of lanthanide-group ions adds unique photochemical properties to surfactants. METHODS The structural features, stability and fragmentation patterns of charged aggregates formed by lanthanide-functionalized surfactants, ytterbium and erbium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate ((AOT)3Yb and (AOT)3Er), have been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spe…

The role of calprotectin in predicting endoscopic post-surgical recurrence in asymptomatic Crohn's disease: a comparison with ultrasound