MULTIFUNCTIONAL HEAVY-DUTY ROBOTIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

In this paper there is considered the creation of a multifunctional heavy-duty robotic fire extinguishing complex with improved tactical and technical characteristics on a tracked chassis. It is designed to eliminate man-made accidents and fires associated with the risks of fatalities and injury of personnel as well as to conduct reconnaissance in fire seats and to deliver fire extinguishing agents to them. With appropriate retrofitting, it is planned to use this system during elimination of the consequences of accidents with chemical and radiation pollution and work with explosive objects

From Humorous Post to Detailed Quantum-Chemical Study: Isocyanate Synthesis Revisited

Isocyanates play an essential role in modern manufacturing processes, especially in polyurethane production. There are numerous synthesis strategies for isocyanates both in industrial and laboratory conditions, which do not prevent searching for alternative highly efficient synthetic protocols. Here, we report a detailed theoretical investigation of the mechanism of sulfur dioxide-catalyzed rearrangement of the phenylnitrile oxide into phenyl isocyanate, which was first reported in 1977. The DLPNO-CCSD(T) method and up-to-date DFT protocols were used to perform a highly accurate quantum-chemical study of the rearrangement mechanism. An overview of various organic and inorganic catalysts has revealed other potential catalysts, such as sulfur trioxide and selenium dioxide. Furthermore, the present study elucidated how substituents in phenylnitrile oxide influence reaction kinetics. This study was performed by a self-organized collaboration of scientists initiated by a humorous post on the VK social network