Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically distinguishing between a control solution and an actual patient/user sample in a biosensor are provided. The solution is introduced into an electrochemical cell having a working and counter electrode. Electric pulses are applied to the cell and resultant signals are measured. Based on a comparison of the measured signals, a meter can determine whether the sample is a control solution or an actual patient/user sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically distinguishing between a control solution and an actual patient/user sample in a biosensor are provided. The solution is introduced into an electrochemical cell having a working and counter electrode. Electric pulses are applied to the cell and resultant signals are measured. Based on a comparison of the measured signals, a meter can determine whether the sample is a control solution or an actual patient/user sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically distinguishing between a control solution and an actual patient/user sample in a biosensor are provided. The solution is introduced into an electrochemical cell having a working and counter electrode. Electric pulses are applied to the cell and resultant signals are measured. Based on a comparison of the measured signals, a meter can determine whether the sample is a control solution or an actual patient/user sample.

Abstract: Chiral imidazolidones and imidazolidinethiones having the general formula: ##STR1## where (a) Z is either oxygen or sulphur(b) the R groups are independently selected from hydrogen or R.sup.2 CO where R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 alkenyl or benzyl and(c) the two R.sup.1 groups are either (1) identical groups selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 alkyl, phenyl or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl or alkoxy substituted phenyl or (2) such that together they form an alkylene group of formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- where n=3 to 8.Most preferred are those compounds where both R groups are R.sup.2 CO and there is a C.sub.2 axis of symmetry running along the CZ double bond. Compounds of formula (I) where at least one R group is R.sup.2 CO are efficient chiral auxiliaries for a range of asymmetric electrophilic substitution reactions when used in homochiral form. As such they are important tools for synthesising a range of chiral pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and the like.

Abstract: A process for preparing single enantiomers of chiral sulphoxides is provided. The process involves (a) reacting an achiral sulphur-containing compound, e.g. a disulphide, with a single enantiomer of a chiral template having the formula T-(CO)-CH.sub.2 R.sup.1, wherein T is suitably (eta.sup.5 -C.sub.5 H.sub.5)Fe(CO)(PPh.sub.3)- (Ph=phenyl) and (b) thereafter stereospecifically oxidizing the sulphur atom with an oxidizing agent. A single enantiomer of the chiral sulphoxide can then be generated by reacting the oxidized product with a carbanion. In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is thereafter treated with further achiral sulphide to provide a process which is catalytic on the chiral template.

Abstract: A process for preparing single enantiomers of chiral sulphoxides is provided. The process involves (a) reacting an achiral sulphur-containing, e.g. a disulphide, with a single enantiomer of a chiral template having the formula T--(CO)--CH.sub.2 R.sup.1, wherein T is suitably (eta.sup.5 --C.sub.5 H.sub.5)Fe(CO)(PPh.sub.3)-- (Ph=phenyl) and (b) thereafter sterospecifically oxidizing the sulphur atom with an oxidizing agent. A single enantiomer of the chiral sulphoxide can then be generated by reacting the oxidized product with a carbanion. In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is thereafter treated with further achiral sulphide to provide a process which is catalytic on the chiral template.

Abstract: Langmuir Blodgett films are provided having second order molecular hyperpolarizability of at least 30.10.sup.-50 C.sup.3 m.sup.3 J.sup.-2. combined with chemical stability and a melting point of over 70.degree..They also have desirable pyroelectric properties shown by a static pyroelectric coefficient of at least 0.0039 nCcm.sup.2 k.sup.-1. The films comprise compounds of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein M is ruthenium, iron or cobalt; R.sup.1 is cyclopentadienyl, methylcyclopentadienyl, pentamethylcyclopentadienyl or indenyl;A.sup.1 is (R.sup.2).sub.3 Z or carbonyl;Q.sup.2 is (R.sup.2).sub.3 Z or carbonyl;Z is phosphorus or arsenic;R.sup.2 is an aryl of alkyl radical;A is ##STR2## Y is a straight chain alkyl or alkoxy radical comprising from 3 to 17 carbon atoms, or, when A is ##STR3## N(R.sup.3).sub.2 ; R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl radical comprising up to 5 carbon atoms; andX is PF.sub.6 or BF.sub.4.