Synthesis and ac susceptibility of YCa2Cu3O7−δ

The bulk superconducting YCa₂Cu₃O_7−δ compounds are prepared at an ordinary pressure of oxygen by conventional solid-state reaction method. The formation of sample is tested by means of XRD and is studied for their ac susceptibility below room temperature up to 77.5 K. The samples are found single-phase orthorhombic structure and found superconducting at 83.5 K. It is shown that the analysis is consistent with published data on YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ oxide superconductor.     

Fabrication of a novel Li<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>MoO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis></Subscript> film modified electrode and its application as an electrochemical sensor of iodate

A novel organic gel film modified electrode was simply and conveniently fabricated by casting Li_xMoO_y and polypropylene carbonate (PPC) onto the surface of a gold electrode. The cyclic voltammetry and amperometry studies demonstrated that the Li_xMoO_y film modified electrode has a high stability and a good electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of iodate. In amperometry, a good linear relationship between the steady current and the concentration of iodate was obtained in the range from 3×10^–7 to 1×10^–4 mol L^–1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9997 and a detection limit of 1×10^–7 mol L^–1.     

High-pressure preparation, crystal structure, and properties of the new rare-earth oxoborate β-Dy2B4O9

In this work we report about a new rare-earth oxoborate β-Dy₂B₄O₉ synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions from Dy₂O₃ and boron oxide B₂O₃ in a B₂O₃/Na₂O₂ flux with a walker-type multianvil apparatus at 8 GPa and 1000°C. Single crystal X-ray structure determination of β-Dy₂B₄O₉ revealed: , a=616.2(1) pm, b=642.8(1) pm, c=748.5(1) pm, α=102.54(1)°, β=97.08(1)°, γ=102.45(1)°, Z=2, R1=0.0151, wR₂=0.0475 (all data). The compound exhibits a new structure type which is built up from bands of linked BO₃- (Δ) and tetrahedral BO₄-groups (□). The Dy³⁺-cations are positioned in the voids between the bands. According to the conception of fundamental building blocks β-Dy₂B₄O₉ can be classified with the notation 2Δ6□:Δ3□=4□=3□Δ. Furthermore we report about temperature-resolved in situ powder diffraction measurements and IR-spectroscopic investigations on β-Dy₂B₄O₉.     

A new triterpenoid saponin from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolium L.

One new triterpenoid saponin,quinquenoside L_(17)(1),was isolated from the leaves and stems of Panax quinquefolium L.,and its structure was elucidated as 20-O-[(β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)]-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-dammar-24-ene- 3,6,12,20-tetraol,by the combination analysis of one-dimensional NMR and two-dimensional NMR,mass spectrometry,CD spectrum and chemical evidences.     

Mono- and Bi-nuclear metal complexes of arylidene-anthranilic acidSchiff bases

Arylidene-anthranilic acidSchiff base complexes with Th(IV), UO₂(II), La(III), Ce(III), and Zr(IV) have been isolated and studied by several techniques, e.g. elemental analysis, electronic and IR spectra and conductance measurements. It is concluded that the salicylideneanthranilic acidL ₃ is coordinated to the metal ion as bivalent tridentate ONO ligand (L ^–2) while the other ligands behave as monovalent bidentate ON ligands. Furthermore, the molecular structure effect of these compounds on their tendency towards complex formation was investigated and discussed. The possibility that the Cu(II) complex ofL ₃ can act as bidentate ligand, coordinating through itscis-oxygen atoms to form binuclear metal complexes was studied.

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Ein- und zweikernige Metall-Komplexe von Aryliden-Anthranilsäure-Schiff-Basen

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Aryliden-Anthranilsäure-Schiff-Basen mit Th(IV), UO₂(II), La(III), Ce(III) und Zr(IV) isoliert und mittels Elementaranalysen, Elektronen-und IR-Spektroskopie und Leitfähigkeitsmessungen untersucht. Es wird aus den Untersuchungen geschlossen, daß Salicylidenanthranilsäure (L ₃) als bivalenter dreizähniger ONO-Ligand (L ^–2) an das Metallion koordiniert, währenddessen die anderen Liganden als monovalente zweizähnige Liganden agieren. Außerdem wurden Struktureffekte dieser Verbindungen in bezug auf ihre Komplexbildungstendenz untersucht. Die Möglichkeit, daß der Cu(II)-Komplex vonL ₃ über die Koordination mit dencis-Sauerstoff-Atomen und unter Bildung eines zweikernigen Metallkomplexes als zweizähniger Ligand agieren kann, wurde untersucht.

     

Synthesis, Structure, and Physical Studies of the New β-LiVOAsO4 Compound

Two new compounds of the A_xMOXO₄ family, β-LiVOAsO₄ and β-VOAsO₄, have been synthesized by solid state reaction and electrochemical lithium deintercalation from β-LiVOAsO₄, respectively. Both compounds are isostructural and are built like other β-VOXO₄ (X=S, P) by (VO₅)_∞ chains of distorted VO₆ octahedra connected via corner-shared AsO₄ tetrahedra. For β-LiVOAsO₄ the additional Li⁺ ions occupy chains of edge-shared octahedra running perpendicularly to the (VO₅)_∞ chains. The one-dimensional antiferromagnetic behavior suggested by the structure has been experimentaly confirmed. It is shown that lithium deintercalation occurs through a first-order transition at 4.02 V vs Li⁺/Li⁰. From chemical bond considerations it is shown why the redox potential of a given transition element M in a six-fold coordination involving (M=O)^m+ units lies between those observed in oxides and in M₂(XO₄)₃ compounds with (XO₄)ⁿ⁻ oxo anions (X=S, P, As).     

Preparation, characterization and the standard enthalpy of formation of La0.95MnO3+δ and Sm0.95MnO3+δ

Among the perovskites, the rare earth manganites find application in several electrochemical devices because of their enhanced thermodynamic stability. In this paper, we present the results obtained on the preparation and characterization of La_0.95MnO_3+δ and Sm_0.95MnO_3+δ which were prepared by the solid state and sol–gel methods. XRD characterization of the manganites indicated that the crystal structure depends on the method of preparation and heat treatments. The ratio of Mn³⁺ to Mn⁴⁺ in these samples also depended on the method of preparation and heat treatments, as indicated by thermogravimetric (TG) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR) studies in Ar + 5% H₂ atmosphere. The standard molar enthalpy of formation, which is a measure of the thermodynamic stability of these compounds were determined using an isoperibol calorimeter.     

Properties of the perovskites, SrMn1−xFexO3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3)

The SrMn_1−xFe_xO_3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3) phases have been prepared and are shown by powder X-ray and neutron (for x=1/2) diffraction to adopt an ideal cubic perovskite structure with a disordered distribution of transition-metal cations over the six-coordinate B-site. Due to synthesis in air, the phases are oxygen deficient and formally contain both Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺. Magnetic susceptibility data show an antiferromagnetic transition at 180 and 140 K for x=1/3 and 1/2, respectively and a spin-glass transition at 5, 25, 45 K for x=1/3, 1/2 and 2/3, respectively. The magnetic properties are explained in terms of super-exchange interactions between Mn⁴⁺, Fe^(4+δ)+ and Fe⁽³⁺⁾⁺. The XAS results for the Mn-sites in these compounds indicate small Mn-valence changes, however, the Mn-pre-edge spectra indicate increased localization of the Mn-e_g orbitals with Fe substitution. The Mössbauer results show the distinct two-site Fe⁽³⁺⁾+/Fe^(4+δ)+ disproportionation in the Mn- substituted materials with strong covalency effects at both sites. This disproportionation is a very concrete reflection of a localization of the Fe-d states due to the Mn-substitution.     

Visible-light photocatalytic activity of the metastable Bi20TiO32 synthesized by a high-temperature quenching method

Metastable Bi₂₀TiO₃₂ samples were synthesized by a high-temperature quenching method using α-Bi₂O₃ and anatase TiO₂ as raw materials. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was measured with the photodegradation of methyl orange at room temperature under visible light irradiation. The Bi₂₀TiO₃₂ samples exhibited good absorption in the visible light region with a band gap of about 2.38 eV and the band structure of Bi₂₀TiO₃₂ was studied. Photodegradation against methyl orange was much better than α-Bi₂O₃ prepared by the same way. The photocatalytic activity of Bi₂₀TiO₃₂ samples is supposed to be associated with the hybridized Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals. In addition, the dispersive characteristic of Bi 6s orbital in the hybridized valence band facilitates the mobility of the photogenerated carriers and hampers their recombination.     

The Phase Relations in the System In2O3–TiO2–MgO at 1100 and 1350°C

The phase relations in the system In₂O₃–TiO₂–MgO at 1100 and 1350°C are determined by a classical quenching method. In this system, there are four pseudobinary compounds, In₂TiO₅, MgTi₂O₅ (pseudobrookite type), MgTiO₃ (ilmenite type), and Mg₂TiO₄ (spinel type) at 1100°C. At 1350°C, in addition to these compounds there exist a spinel-type solid solution Mg_2−xIn_2xTi_1−xO₄ (0≤x≤1) and a compound In₆Ti₆MgO₂₂ with lattice constants a=5.9236(7) Å, b=3.3862(4) Å, c=6.3609(7) Å, β=108.15(1)°, and q=0.369, which is isostructural with the monoclinic In₃Ti₂FeO₁₀ in the system In₂O₃–TiO₂–MgO. The relation between the lattice constants of the spinel phase and the composition nearly satisfies Vegard's law. In₆Ti₆MgO₂₂ extends a solid solution range to In₂₀Ti₁₇Mg₃O₆₇ with lattice constants of a=5.9230(5) Å, b=3.3823(3) Å, c=6.3698(6) Å, β=108.10(5)°, and q=0.360. The distributions of constituent cations in the solid solutions are discussed in terms of their ionic radius and site preference effect.     

High performance protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) with Ba0.5Sr0.5Zn0.2Fe0.8O3−δ perovskite cathode

Protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) based on proton-conducting electrolytes have attracted much attention because of many advantages, such as low activation energy and high energy efficiency. BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3−δ (BZCY7) electrolyte based PCMFCs with stable Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Zn_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−δ (BSZF) perovskite cathode were investigated. Using thin membrane BZCY7 electrolyte (about 15 μm in thickness) synthesized by a modified Pechini method on NiO-BZCY7 anode support, PCMFCs were assembled and tested by selecting stable BSZF perovskite cathode. An open-circuit potential of 1.015 V, a maximum power density of 486 mW cm⁻², and a low polarization resistance of the electrodes of 0.08 Ω cm² was achieved at 700 °C. The results have indicated that BZCY7 proton-conducting electrolyte with BSZF cathode is a promising material system for the next generation solid oxide fuel cells.     

Pulsed laser-induced oxygen deficiency at TiO2 surface: Anomalous structure and electrical transport properties

We have studied pulsed laser-induced oxygen deficiencies at rutile TiO₂ surfaces. The crystal surface was successfully reduced by excimer laser irradiation, and an oxygen-deficient TiO_2−δ layer with 160 nm thickness was formed by means of ArF laser irradiation at 140 mJ/cm² for 2000 pulses. The TiO_2−δ layer fundamentally maintained a rutile structure, though this structure was distorted by many stacking faults caused by the large oxygen deficiency. The electrical resistivity of the obtained TiO_2−δ layer exhibited unconventional metallic behavior with hysteresis. A metal–insulator transition occurred at 42 K, and the electrical resistivity exceeded 10⁴ Ω cm below 42 K. This metal–insulator transition could be caused by bipolaronic ordering derived from Ti–Ti pairings that formed along the stacking faults. The constant magnetization behavior observed below 42 K is consistent with the bipolaronic scenario that has been observed previously for Ti₄O₇. These peculiar electrical properties are strongly linked to the oxygen-deficient crystal structure, which contains many stacking faults formed by instantaneous heating during excimer laser irradiation.     

Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Rare-Earth Ultraphosphates, RP5O14 (R=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd)

The single-crystal X-ray structures of lanthanum, europium, and gadolinium ultraphosphate, RP₅O₁₄ (R=rare-earth) are reported herein [monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=8.8206(1), 8.7491(1), 8.7493(1) Å, b=9.1196(2), 8.9327(1), 8.9189(1) Å, c= 13.1714(2), 12.9768(2), 12.9717(1) Å, β=90.661(1), 90.534(1), 90.6682(3)°, respectively; Z=4; R1=0.0250, 0.0346, 0.0270, respectively]. The structures are all type (I) compounds as classified by Bagieu-Beucher and Tranqui [Bull. Soc. Fr. Miner. Cryst. 93, 505 (1970)]. The minimum R…R separations are compared with all other structural reports of lanthanide ultraphosphates. Type (I) compounds have the lowest minimum R…R separation, which decreases with atomic number and appears not to perturb the optical properties of any rare-earth ultraphosphate. In each case, R is surrounded exclusively by eight oxygen atoms that form a distorted square antiprism. A P–O network holds together the three-dimensional structure. The magnetic susceptibilities of neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium ultraphosphate as a function of temperature are also reported along with corresponding magnetization measurements. All compounds exhibit a paramagnetic response, following Curie's law except in the regions where crystal field splittings are significant.     

Multinuclear NMR studies on substituted derivatives of Rh6(CO)16 in solution

Multinuclear NMR data (¹³C, ³¹P, ¹³C–{³¹P}, ¹³C–{¹⁰³Rh} and ³¹P–{¹⁰³Rh}) for a series of mono- and di-substituted derivatives of Rh₆(CO)₁₆ containing neutral two electron donor ligands [Rh₆(CO)₁₅L, (L=NCMe, py, cyclooctene, PPh₃, P(OPh)₃,1/2(μ₂,η¹:η¹-dppe)); Rh₆(CO)₁₄(LL), (LL=cis-CH₂=CMe-CMe=CH₂, dppm, dppe, (P(OPh)₃)₂)] are reported; these data show that the solid state structure is maintained in solution. Detailed assignments of the ¹³CO NMR spectra of Rh₆(CO)₁₅(PPh₃) and Rh₆(CO)₁₄(dppm) clusters have been made on the basis ¹³C–{¹⁰³Rh} double resonance measurements and the specific stereochemical features of the observed long range couplings in these clusters have been studied. The stereochemical dependence of ³J(P–C) for terminal carbonyl ligands is discussed and the values of ³J(P–C) are found to be mainly dependent on the bond angles in the P–Rh–Rh–C fragment; these data enable the fine structure of the complex multiplets in the ¹³C–{¹H} and ³¹P–{¹H} NMR spectra of Rh₆(CO)₁₄ (dppm) to be simulated. Variable temperature ¹³C–{¹H} NMR measurements on Rh₆(CO)₁₅(PPh₃) reveal the carbonyl ligands in this complex to be fluxional. The fluxional process involves exchange of all the CO ligands except the two terminal CO's associated with the rhodium trans to the substituted rhodium and can be explained by a simple oscillation of the PPh₃ on the substituted rhodium atom aided by concomitant exchange of the unique terminal CO on this rhodium with adjacent μ₃-CO's.     

Synthesis of elastomeric polypropylene in bulk using C 1-symmetric ansa-metallocenes. New aspects of the synthesis of 1-(fluoren-9-yl)-2-(2-methyl-5,6-dihydrocyclopenta [f]-1H-inden-1-yl)ethane and complexes of zirconium and hafnium with this ligand

Isomeric 1-(fluoren-9-yl)-2-(2-methyl-5, 6-dihydrocyclopenta [f]-1 H-indenyl) ethanes 1a,b and C ₁-symmetric metallocenes, viz., rac-1-(η⁵-fluoren-9-yl)-2-(2-methyl-5, 6-dihydrocyclopenta [f]-η⁵-inden-1-yl) ethanezirconium dichloride (9) and rac-1-(η⁵-fluoren-9-yl)- 2-(2-methyl-5, 6-dihydrocyclopenta [f]η⁵-inden-1-yl)ethanehafnium dichloride (10), with these ligands were synthesized by modified procedures. The structures of compounds 1b (two crystalline modifications) and 10 were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The synthesis of polypropylene (PP) in bulk was studied in the presence of polymethylalumoxane-activated metallocenes 9 and 10 in the temperature range of 30–70°C. It was demonstrated that triisobutylaluminum can be used as a cocatalyst. In this case, the molecular weight of PP increases by a factor of ∼2. An increase in the reaction temperature leads to an increase in stereoregularity and crystallinity of PP. The polymer synthesized at high temperatures crystallizes in the γ form. The resulting PP is characterized by a wide range of properties from rigid crystalline thermoplastic to amorphous elastomeric. Samples, which have a high molecular weight and moderate isotacticity, exhibit high elastomeric and durability properties.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 2, pp. 400–413, February, 2005.     

Orthorhombic–orthorhombic phase transitions in Nd2NiO4+δ (0.067≤δ≤0.224)

Variation of the phases of Nd₂NiO_4+δ with the excess oxygen concentration δ has been examined at room temperature in the range 0.067≤δ≤0.224 using the X-ray powder diffraction technique. The phases observed at room temperature are orthorhombic-I (0.21<δ≤0.224), orthorhombic-IV (0.175<δ≤0.21), orthorhombic-II (0.15<δ≤0.175), orthorhombic-II+quasi-tetragonal-I (0.10<δ≤0.15), and quasi-tetragonal-I (0.067<δ≤0.10).     

Lithiated γ-O-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides and sulfones of the type Li[CH(SOxPh)CH2CH2OR] (x = 0, 2). [Li{CH(SPh)CH2CH2Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] – A structurally characterized organolithium inner complex

Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfides PhSCH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 1a; i-Pr, 1b; t-Bu, 1c; CPh₃, 1d) with n-BuLi/tmeda in n-pentane resulted in the formation of α- and ortho-lithiated compounds [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}(tmeda)] (α-2a–d) and [Li{o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR)(tmeda)] (o-2a–d), respectively, which has been proved by subsequent reaction with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite stannylated γ-OR-functionalized propyl phenyl sulfides n-Bu₃SnCH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR (α-3a–d) and n-Bu₃Sn(o-C₆H₄SCH₂CH₂CH₂OR) (o-3a–d). The α/ortho ratios were found to be dependent on the sterical demand of the substituent R. Stannylated alkyl phenyl sulfides α-3a–c were found to react with n-BuLi/tmeda and n-BuLi yielding the pure α-lithiated compounds α-2a–c and [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂OR}] (α-4a–b), respectively, as white to yellowish powders. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [Li{CH(SPh)CH₂CH₂Ot-Bu}(tmeda)] (α-2c) exhibited a distorted tetrahedral coordination of lithium having a chelating tmeda ligand and a C,O coordinated organyl ligand. Thus, α-2c is a typical organolithium inner complex.Lithiation of O-functionalized alkyl phenyl sulfones PhSO₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OR (R = Me, 5a; i-Pr, 5b; CPh₃, 5c) with n-BuLi resulted in the exclusive formation of the α-lithiated products Li[CH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR] (6a–c) that were found to react with n-Bu₃SnCl yielding the requisite α-stannylated compounds n-Bu₃SnCH(SO₂Ph)CH₂CH₂OR (7a–c). The identities of all lithium and tin compounds have been unambiguously proved by NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn).     

Thermoelectric properties of Cu-doped n-type (Bi2Te3)0.9–(Bi2−xCuxSe3)0.1(x=0–0.2) alloys

n-Type (Bi₂Te₃)_0.9–(Bi_2−xCu_xSe₃)_0.1 (x=0–0.2) alloys with Cu substitution for Bi were prepared by spark plasma-sintering technique and their structural and thermoelectric properties were evaluated. Rietveld analysis reveals that approximate 9.0% of Bi atomic sites are occupied by Cu atoms and less than 4.0 wt% second phase Cu_2.86Te₂ precipitated in the Cu-doped parent alloys. Measurements show that an introduction of a small amount of Cu (x0.1) can reduce the lattice thermal conductivity (κ_L), and improve the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. An optimal dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) value of 0.98 is obtained for x=0.1 at 417 K, which is obviously higher than those of Cu-free Bi₂Se_0.3Te_2.7 (ZT=0.66) and Ag-doped alloys (ZT=0.86) prepared by the same technologies.     

Hydrogen bond strength in chromates with kröhnkite-type chains, K2Me(CrO4)2·2H2O (Me = Mg, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd)

Infrared spectra of the title compounds with kröhnkite-type infinite octahedral–tetrahedral chains, K₂Me(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O (Me = Mg, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd), are presented in the regions of the uncoupled O–D stretching modes of matrix-isolated HDO molecules (isotopically dilute samples) and water librations. The strengths of the hydrogen bonds are discussed in terms of the respective O_wO bond distances, the Me–water interactions (synergetic effect), the proton acceptor capability of the chromate oxygen atoms as deduced from Brown's bond valence sum of the oxygen atoms. The spectroscopic experiments reveal that hydrogen bonds of medium strength are formed in the chromates. The hydrogen bond strengths decrease in the order Cd > Zn > Ni > Co in agreement with the decreasing covalency of the respective Me–OH₂ bonds in the same order, i.e. decreasing acidity of the water molecules. The infrared band positions corresponding to the water librations confirm the claim that the hydrogen bonds in K₂Cd(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O are stronger than those formed in K₂Mg(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O on one hand, and on the other—the hydrogen bonds in K₂Ni(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O are stronger than those in K₂Co(CrO₄)₂·2H₂O.     

The synthesis and characterisation of some closed polyhedral metallocarbon clusters

Ligands containing unsaturated C₂ and C₄ units have been reacted with triruthenium dodecacarbonyl to produce new organometallic clusters with simple closo-Ru_xC_y polyhedral frameworks which may be regarded as quasi-carboranes. The thermolysis of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] with 1,4-diphenybutadiene yields the new clusters [Ru₃(CO)₈(μ₃-CPh(CH)₂CPh)] 2 and [Ru₄(CO)₉(μ₄-CPhCCH₂CH₂Ph)] 3, while treatmentof a solution of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] and diphenylacetylene with trimethylamine N–oxide (Me₃NO) yields [Ru₂(CO)₆(μ-{C₂Ph₂}₂CO)] 4 as the major product and the new cluster [Ru₄(CO)₁₁(μ₄-C₂Ph₂)₂] 5. The solid-state structures of 2, 3 and 5 have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and are shown to possess closo-Ru₃C₄ pentagonal bipyramidal, closo-Ru₄C₂ octahedral and closo-Ru₄C₄ dodecahedral skeletons, respectively. The structure and bonding in all three clusters may be rationalised using the Wade–Mingos polyhedral skeletal electron pair approach.