Nature of the chemical bond in polypnictides: the lone pair aromatic anions P4(2-) and As4(2-)

The nature of the chemical bond in inorganic 6pi aromatic systems such as P4(2-), S4(2+), or S2N2 is a matter of particular interest because the phenomenon of aromaticity is not as well established in these compounds as it is in the classic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here we present the synthesis, NMR spectra, and crystal structures of bis(potassium(18-crown-6))cyclotetraphosphide-ammonia(1/2) (K@18-crown-6)2P4 x 2 NH3, bis(rubidium(18-crown-6))cyclotetraphosphide-cyclotetraarsenide-ammonia(1/3) (Rb@18-crown-6)2(P4)0.85(As4)0.15 x 3 NH3, both containing the 6pi aromatic cyclotetraphosphide anion, P4(2-), and the synthesis and crystal structure of bis(potassium(18-crown-6))cyclotetraarsenide (K@18-crown-6)2As4. As a common motive, all three compounds feature neutral molecules with a tripledecker-like coordination of the cyclotetrapnictide anion between two crown ether-coordinated alkali metal cations. With ab initio calculations on the HF level and by employing the concept of the electron localization function ELF, we established that the cyclotetraarsenide anion, As4(2-), shows electron delocalization primarily through the lone pairs, as does P4(2-), and may consequently also be described as lone pair aromatic.     

AVSeO(5) (A = Rb, Cs) and AV(3)Se(2)O(12) (A = K, Rb, Cs, NH(4)): Hydrothermal Synthesis in the V(2)O(5)-SeO(2)-AOH System and Crystal Structure of CsVSeO(5)

Hydrothermal reactions in the V(2)O(5)-SeO(2)-AOH systems (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH(4)) were studied with various reagent mole ratios. Typical millimole ratios were V(2)O(5)/SeO(2)/AOH = 5 or 3/15/x in 10-mL aqueous solutions, where x was 5, 10, 15, and 20. The reactions with x = 5 for A = K, Rb, Cs, and NH(4) at 230 degrees C produced single-phase products of the general formula AV(3)Se(2)O(12) with the (NH(4))(VO)(3)(SeO(3))(2) structure type. The x = 15 reactions for A = Rb and Cs yielded AVSeO(5) phases with a new structure type. The crystal structure for CsVSeO(5) was determined with X-ray single-crystal diffraction techniques to be monoclinic (P2(1) (No. 4), a = 7.887(3) ?, b = 7.843(2) ?, c = 9.497(3) ?, beta = 92.13(3) degrees, Z = 4). The structure of this compound consists of interwoven helixes extended in all three directions. The spires are composed of alternating SeO(3) and VO(5) units sharing common-edge oxygens in all three directions. For A = K and NH(4), the reactions of this mole ratio did not produce any identifiable phases. Each of the compounds is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric techniques. The dependency of the synthesis results on the reaction conditions is discussed and rationalized.     

Cesium-ion selective electrodes based on calix[4]arene dibenzocrown ethers

Four calix[4]arene dibenzocrown ether compounds have been prepared and evaluated as Cs(+)-selective ligands in solvent polymeric membrane electrodes. The ionophores include 25,27-bis(1-propyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-6 1, 25,27-bis(1-alkyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-7s 2 and 3, and 25,27-bis(1-propyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-8 4. For an ion-selective electrode (ISE) based on 1, the linear response concentration range is 1x10(-1) to 1x10(-6) M of Cs(+). Potentiometric selectivities of ISEs based on 1-4 for Cs(+) over other alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, and NH(4)(+) have been assessed. For 1-ISE, a remarkably high Cs(+)/Na(+) selectivity was observed, the selectivity coefficient (K(Cs,Na)(Pot)) being ca. 10(-5). As the size of crown ether ring is enlarged from crown-6 (1) to crown-7 (2 and 3) to crown-8 (4), the Cs(+) selectivity over other alkali metal cations, such as Na(+) and K(+), is reduced successively. Effects of membrane composition and pH in the aqueous solution upon the electrode properties are also discussed.     

Tuning of inter- versus intrachain magnetic interactions in cyano-bridged Ni(II)/M(III) (M = Cr, Fe, Co) chain complexes

The reaction of [M(CN)6]3- (M = Cr3+, Fe3+, Co3+) with the nickel(II) complex of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazin-6-yl-{3-(1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane)} ([NiL]2+) in excess of ANO3 or ACl (A = Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+) leads to the cyano-bridged dinuclear assemblies A{[NiL][M(CN)6]}.xH2O (x = 2-5). X-ray structures of Li{[NiL][Cr(CN)6]}.5H2O, NH4{[NiL][Cr(CN)6]}.3.5H2O, K{[NiL][Cr(CN)6]}.4H2O, K{[NiL][Fe(CN)6]}.4H2O, Rb{[NiL][Fe(CN)6]}.3.5H2O, and Cs{[NiL][Fe(CN)6]}.3.5H2O, as well as the powder diffractometry of the entire Fe(III) series, are reported. The magnetic properties of the assemblies are dependent on the monocation A and discussed in detail. New efficient pathways for ferromagnetic exchange between Ni(II) and Fe(III) or Cr(III) are demonstrated. Field dependencies of the magnetization for the Fe(III) samples at low temperature and low magnetic field indicate a weak interchain antiferromagnetic coupling, which is switched to ferromagnetic coupling at increasing magnetic field (metamagnetic behavior). The interchain magnetic coupling can be tuned by the size of the A cations.     

No aromaticity of P(6)4- observed via solid state 31P-NMR spectroscopy

The solid state NMR spectra of the binary alkali hexaphosphides Rb4P6 and Cs4P6 unambiguously show the P(6)4- anion not to be aromatic.     

Syntheses and structures of the first heavy-alkali-metal tris(trimethylsilyl)germanides

The first heavy-alkali-metal tris(trimethylsilyl)germanides were obtained in high yield and purity by a simple one-pot reaction involving the treatment of tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)germane, Ge(SiMe3)4, with various alkali metal tert-butoxides. The addition of different sizes of crown ethers or the bidentate TMEDA (TMEDA=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) provided either contact or separated species in the solid state, whereas in aromatic solvents the germanides dissociate into separated ions, as shown by 29Si NMR spectroscopic studies. Here we report on two series of germanides, one displaying M-Ge bonds in the solid state with the general formula [M(donor)n Ge(SiMe3)3] (M=K, donor=[18]crown-6, n=1, 1; Rb, donor=[18]crown-6, n=1, 4; and M=K, donor=TMEDA, n=2, 6). The silicon analogue of 6, [K(tmeda)2Si(SiMe3)3] (7) is also included to provide a point of reference. The second group of compounds consists of separated ions with the general formula [M(donor)2][Ge(SiMe3)3] (M=K, donor=[15]crown-5, 2; M=K, donor=[12]crown-4, 3; and M=Cs, donor=[18]crown-6, 5). While all target compounds are highly sensitive towards hydrolysis, use of the tridentate nitrogen donor PMDTA (PMDTA=N,N,N',N',N'-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) afforded even more reactive species of the composition [K(pmdta)2Ge(SiMe3)3] (8). We also include the silanide analogue [K(pmdta)2Si(SiMe3)3] (9) for sake of comparison. The compounds were typically characterized by X-ray crystallography, and 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR and IR spectroscopy, unless extremely high reactivity, as observed for the PMDTA adducts 8 and 9, prevented a more detailed characterization.     

Dimers of heptapnictide anions: As14 4- and P14 4- in the crystal structures of [Rb(18-crown-6)]4As14.6NH3 and [Li(NH3)4]4P14.NH3

Compounds [Rb(18-crown-6)]4As14.6NH3 (1) and [Li(NH3)4]4P14.NH3 (2) were prepared by the reaction of Rb4As6 with SbPh3 and 18-crown-6 and by the reduction of white phosphorus with elemental lithium in liquid ammonia, respectively. Both were characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. They were found to contain the Ci symmetrical Pn14(4-) anion (Pn = P, As), which consists of two nortricyclane-like Pn7-cages connected by a single bond. Molecular complexes of [Rb(18-crown-6)(NH3)]2[Rb(18-crown-6)]2As14 are formed in 1, which are connected to fanfold sheets via N-H...O bonds. The anion is isolated in 2, and N-H...N bonds result in the formation of {[Li(NH3)4](mu-NH3)2[Li(NH3)4]}2+ cationic complexes.     

Unexpected structural diversity in alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes: syntheses, X-ray structures, and quantum-chemical calculations

A series of alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes, [Li([12]crown-4)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(H2O)2]N3, [K([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Rb([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)]2, and [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)(MeOH)], has been synthesised. In most cases, single crystals were obtained, which allowed X-ray crystal structures to be derived. The structures obtained have been compared with molecular structures computed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This has allowed the effects of the crystal lattice on the structures to be investigated. Also, a study of the M-N(terminal) metal-azide bond length and charge densities on the metal (M) and terminal nitrogen centre (N(terminal)) in these complexes has allowed the nature of the metal-azide bond to be probed in each case. The bonding in these complexes is believed to be predominantly ionic or ion-dipole in character, with the differences in geometries reflecting the balance between maximising the coordination number of the metal centre and minimising ligand-ligand repulsions. The structures of the crown ether complexes determined in this work show the subtle interplay of such factors. The significant role of hydrogen bonding is also demonstrated, most clearly in the structures of the K and Rb dimers, but also in the chain structure of the hydrated Cs complex.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26): a quaternary thorium selenophosphate containing the (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion

Orange crystals of Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26) were grown from the reaction of (232)Th and P in a Cs(2)Se(3)/Se molten salt flux at 750 degrees C. Cs(4)Th(4)P(4)Se(26) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with the unit cell parameters: a = 12.0130(6), b = 14.5747(7), c = 27.134(1) A; Z = 8. The compound exhibits a three-dimensional structure, consisting of dimeric [Th(2)Se(13)] polyhedral units. The two crystallographically independent, nine-coordinate, bicapped trigonal prismatic thorium atoms share a triangular face to form the dimer, and each dimer edge-shares two selenium atoms with two other dimers to form kinked chains along the [010] direction. While this structure shares features of the previously reported Rb(4)U(4)P(4)Se(26), including phosphorus in the 5+ oxidation state, careful inspection of the structure reveals that the selenophosphate anion that knits the structure together in three directions in both compounds is a unique (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion. The formula may be described best as [Cs(2)Th(2)(P(2)Se(9))(Se(2))(2)](2). The (P(2)Se(9))(6-) anion features a nearly linear Se-Se-Se backbone with an angle of 171 degrees and Se-Se distances that are approximately 0.2-0.3 A longer than the typical single Se-Se bond. Magnetic studies confirm that this phase contains Th(IV). Raman data for this compound is reported, and structural comparisons will be drawn to its uranium analogue, Rb(4)U(4)P(4)Se(26).     

Supramolecular cation assemblies of hydrogen-bonded (NH4+/NH2NH3+)(crown ether) in [Ni(dmit)2]-based molecular conductors and magnets

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular cation assemblies of (NH4+/NH2-NH3+)(crown ether), where the crown ether is [12]crown-4, [15]crown-5, or [18]crown-6, were incorporated into electrically conducting [Ni(dmit)2] salts (dmit2- = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate). (NH4+)([12]crown-4)[Ni(dmit)2]3(CH3CN)2 had a pyramidal shape, while ionic channels were observed in (NH4+)(0.88)([15]crown-5)[Ni(dmit)(2)]2 and (NH4+)(0.70)([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)(2)]2. Both (NH4+)(0.88)([15]crown-5) and (NH4+)(0.70)([18]crown-6) contained regularly spaced [Ni(dmit)(2)] stacks formed by N-H.O hydrogen bonding between the oxygen atoms in crown ethers and the NH4+ ion. NH4+ occurred nonstoichiometrically; there were vacant ionic sites in the ionic channels. The ionic radius of NH4+ is larger than the cavity radius of [15]crown-5 and [18]crown-6. Therefore, NH4+ ions could not pass through the cavity and were distributed randomly in the ionic channels. The static disorder caused the conduction electrons to be randomly localized to the [Ni(dmit)2] stacks. Hydrazinium (NH2-NH3+) formed the supramolecular cations in (NH2-NH3+)([12]crown-4)2[Ni(dmit)2]4 and (NH2-NH3+)2([15]crown-5)3[Ni(dmit)2]6, possessing a sandwich and club-sandwich structure, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these represent the first hydrazinium-crown ether assemblies to be identified in the solid. In the supramolecular cations, hydrogen bonding was detected between the ammonium or the amino protons of NH2-NH3+ and the oxygen atoms of crown ethers. The sandwich-type cations coexisted with the [Ni(dmit)2] dimer stacks. Although the assemblies were typically semiconducting, ferromagnetic interaction (Weiss temperature = +1 K) was detected in the case of (NH2-NH3+)2([15]crown-5)3[Ni(dmit)2]6. The (NH2-NH3+)0.8([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)2]2 and (NH4+)0.76([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)2]2 crystals were isomorphous. The large and flexible [18]crown-6 allowed for maintaining the same ionic channel structure through replacement of the NH4+ cation by NH2-NH3+.     

An unusual (10,3)-a racemic twofold interpenetrating network assembled from isolable tris(cyclopentadienyl)manganate and cesocene building blocks

The syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of [([18]crown-6)2Cs](+)-[Cp3Mn]- (1), [([18]crown-6)2Cs](+)-[Cp'3Mn]- (2), [CsCp'] (3), [(CsCp')2-([18]crown-6)] (4), and Cs[MnCp3] (5), and the synthesis of Cs[MnCp'3] (6) are reported (Cp' = C5H4Me). The anions [Cp3Mn]- (1-) and [Cp'3Mn]- (2-) are characterized by eta 2 coordination of all three Cp or Cp' rings. Measurements of the magnetic susceptibilities chi M resulted in values of mu eff = 6.20 microB (300 K), mu eff = 6.33 microB (301 K), and mu eff = 5.83 microB (300 K) for 1, 2, and 5, respectively, which are indicative of high-spin d5-Mn2+ centers. Density functional calculations illustrate that the coordination mode of 1- is characteristic for its sextet electronic ground state. Compound 3 forms infinite chains of cesocene-type sandwiches in the solid state, which are broken up into small subunits by the addition of crown ether to form 4. Compound 5 is a rare example of a (10,3)-a racemic interpenetrating network that crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, thermal, and magnetic data on new alkaline vanadium phosphate My(VO)9 + x(PO4)4x(HPO4)12 - 4x with M = Cs+ (y = 5.29, x = 1) and M = NH4+, Rb+ (y approximately 5, x approximately 1)

Brownish platelet crystals of My(VO)9 + x(PO4)4x(HPO4)12 - 4x (M = Cs+, NH4+ and Rb+) were prepared hydrothermally. The structure of Cs approximately 5(VO)10(PO4)4(HPO4)8 was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) a = 21.1951(8) A, b = 12.2051(4) A, c = 20.6230(8) A, beta = 109.742(2) degrees, Z = 4 (R1(Fo) = 0.054, wR2(Fo2) = 0.123). The structure of Cs approximately 5(VO)10(PO4)4(HPO4)8 is described and compared to that of K2(VO)3(HPO4)4 previously reported by Lii. For the three compounds, thermogravimetric data and susceptibility measurements were investigated and were found to be in agreement with the structural study.     

Amperometric detection studies of Nafion/indium hexacyanoferrate film for the determination of electroinactive cations in ion chromatography

An amperometric detector based on the chemical modification of Nafion and indium (III) hexacyanoferrate (II, III) thin film (Nafion/In-CN-Fe) onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode, was first successfully used for the determination of electroinactive cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+) in single column ion chromatography (IC). A set of well-defined peaks of electroinactive cations was obtained. The detection limits of the cations are 8.9 x 10(-6) mol/L for Li+, 2.3 x 10(-6) mol/L for Na+, 5.2 x 10(-6) mol/L for K+, 4.8 x 10(-6) mol/L for Rb+, 4.0 x 10(-6) mol/L for Cs+ and 5.3 x 10(-6) mol/L for NH4+ at a single-to-noise ratio of 3. The proposed method was quick, sensitive and simple. The cations in rainwater and mineral water were successfully analyzed by this method.     

M(3-x)(NH4)(x)CrO8 (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs): a new family of Cr5+-based magnetic ferroelectrics

Upon consideration of the hydrogen-bonding properties of the NH(4)(+) cation, we synthesized a new class of compounds, M(3-x)(NH(4))(x)CrO(8) (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). These magnetic compounds with the simple 3d(1) ground state become ferroelectric. X-ray studies confirmed that the phase transition involves a symmetry change from I42m to Cmc2(1) to P1. The transition temperature depends linearly on the composition variable x. The transitions are of the order-disorder type, with N-H···O bonding playing the central role in the mechanism. Extension of this idea to the introduction of ferroelectricity in several other classes of materials is suggested.     

Dodecahydroxy-closo-dodecaborate(2-).

The cesium salt of the icosahedral borane anion dodecahydroxy-closo-dodecaborate(2-), Cs(2)[closo-B(12)(OH)(12)], Cs(2)1, was prepared by heating cesium dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate(2-), Cs(2)[closo-B(12)H(12)], Cs(2)2, with 30% hydrogen peroxide. The other alkali metal salts A(2)1 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb) precipitated upon addition of ACl to warm aqueous solutions of Cs(2)1. The ammonium salt, [NH(4)](2)1, and the (mu-nitrido)bis(triphenylphosphonium) salt, [PPN](2)1, were obtained similarly. The [H(3)O](2)1 salt precipitated upon acidification of aqueous solutions of Cs(2)1 with hydrochloric acid. The solubility of these salts in water was determined by measuring the boron content of saturated aqueous solutions of A(2)1 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), [H(3)O](2)1, and [NH(4)](2)1 using ICP-AES. Although these salts are derived from a dianion with twelve pendant hydroxyl groups, the alkali metal salts surprisingly displayed low water solubilities. Water solubility decreases with a decrease in the radius of A(+), except for the lithium salt, which is slightly more soluble than the potassium salt. The [H(3)O](2)1 and the [NH(4)](2)1 salts provide rare examples of water-insoluble hydronium and ammonium salts. The low water solubility of the A(2)1 salts is attributed to the dianion's pendant hydroxyl groups, which appear to function as cross-linking ligands. Four alkali metal salts, A(2)1 (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs), were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These data revealed intricate networks in which several anions are complexed through their hydroxyl groups to each alkali metal cation. In addition, the anions are engaged in hydrogen bonding with each other and, if present, with water of hydration. This cross-linking results in the precipitation of aggregated salts. Cation coordination numbers decrease with cation radius. Thus, cesium and rubidium are ten-coordinate, whereas potassium is seven-coordinate and sodium is six-coordinate. The geometry of anion 1(2)(-) is independent of cation identity; the B-B and B-O bond lengths of the various A(2)1 salts (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) are identical.     

Syntheses and structures of the infinite chain compounds Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13), Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14)

The alkali metal/group 4 metal/polychalcogenides Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13), Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14) have been synthesized by means of the reactive flux method at 823 or 873 K. Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13) crystallizes in a new structure type in space group C(2)(2)-P2(1) with eight formula units in a monoclinic cell at T = 153 K of dimensions a = 10.2524(6) A, b = 32.468(2) A, c = 14.6747(8) A, beta = 100.008(1) degrees. Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13) is composed of four independent one-dimensional [Ti(3)Se(13)(4-)] chains separated by Cs(+) cations. These chains adopt hexagonal closest packing along the [100] direction. The [Ti(3)Se(13)(4-)] chains are built from the face- and edge-sharing of pentagonal pyramids and pentagonal bipyramids. Formal oxidation states cannot be assigned in Cs(4)Ti(3)Se(13). The compounds Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14), Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14), Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14), Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14), Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14), and Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14) crystallize in the K(4)Ti(3)S(14) structure type with four formula units in space group C(2)(h)()(6)-C2/c of the monoclinic system at T = 153 K in cells of dimensions a = 21.085(1) A, b = 8.1169(5) A, c = 13.1992(8) A, beta = 112.835(1) degrees for Rb(4)Ti(3)S(14);a = 21.329(3) A, b = 8.415(1) A, c = 13.678(2) A, beta = 113.801(2) degrees for Cs(4)Ti(3)S(14); a = 21.643(2) A, b = 8.1848(8) A, c = 13.331(1) A, beta = 111.762(2) degrees for Rb(4)Hf(3)S(14); a = 22.605(7) A, b = 8.552(3) A, c = 13.880(4) A, beta = 110.919(9) degrees for Rb(4)Zr(3)Se(14); a = 22.826(5) A, b = 8.841(2) A, c = 14.278(3) A, beta = 111.456(4) degrees for Cs(4)Zr(3)Se(14); and a = 22.758(5) A, b = 8.844(2) A, c = 14.276(3) A, beta = 111.88(3) degrees for Cs(4)Hf(3)Se(14). These A(4)M(3)Q(14) compounds (A = alkali metal; M = group 4 metal; Q = chalcogen) contain hexagonally closest-packed [M(3)Q(14)(4-)] chains that run in the [101] direction and are separated by A(+) cations. Each [M(3)Q(14)(4-)] chain is built from a [M(3)Q(14)] unit that consists of two MQ(7) pentagonal bipyramids or one distorted MQ(8) bicapped octahedron bonded together by edge- or face-sharing. Each [M(3)Q(14)] unit contains six Q(2)(2-) dimers, with Q-Q distances in the normal single-bond range 2.0616(9)-2.095(2) A for S-S and 2.367(1)-2.391(2) A for Se-Se. The A(4)M(3)Q(14) compounds can be formulated as (A(+))(4)(M(4+))(3)(Q(2)(2-))(6)(Q(2-))(2).     

Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) and Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2): two polar titanium thiophosphates with complex one-dimensional tunnels

The reactions of Ti with in situ formed polythiophosphate fluxes of A(2)S(3) (A = Rb, Cs), P(2)S(5), and S at 500 degrees C result in the formation of two new quaternary titanium thiophosphates with compositions Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) (1) and Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2). Rb(3)Ti(3)(P(4)S(13))(PS(4))(3) (1) crystallizes in the chiral hexagonal space group P6(3) (No. 173) with lattice parameters a = 18.2475(9) Angstrom, c = 6.8687(3) Angstrom, V = 1980.7(2) Angstrom(3), Z = 2. Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2) crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric monoclinic space group Cc (No. 9) with a = 21.9709(14) Angstrom, b = 6.9093(3) Angstrom, c = 17.1489(10) Angstrom, beta = 98.79(1) degrees, V = 2572.7(2) Angstrom(3), Z = 4. In the structure of 1 TiS(6) octahedra, three [PS(4)] tetrahedra, and the hitherto unknown [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion are joined to form two different types of helical chains. These chains are connected yielding two different helical tunnels being directed along [001]. The tunnels are occupied by the Rb+ ions. The [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion is generated by three [PS(4)] tetrahedra sharing corners with one [PS(4)] group in the center of the starlike anion. The P atoms of the three [PS(4)] tetrahedra attached to the central [PS(4)] group define an equilateral triangle. The [P(4)S(13)](6-) anion may be regarded as a new member of the [P(n)S(3n+1)]((n+2)-) series. The structure of Cs(2)Ti(2)(P(2)S(8))(PS(4))(2) (2) consists of the one-dimensional polar tunnels containing the Cs(+) cations. The rare [P(2)S(8)](4-) anion which is composed of two [PS(4)] tetrahedra joined by a S(2)(2-) anion is a fundamental building unit in the structure of 2. One-dimensional undulated chains being directed along [100] are joined by [PS(4)] tetrahedra to form the three-dimensional network with polar tunnels running along [010]. The compounds are characterized with IR, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.     

New layered materials: syntheses, structures, and optical properties of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiaAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)sS(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4)

The new compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) have been synthesized by the reactions of A(2)Q(3) (A = K, Rb, Cs; Q = S, Se) with Ti, M (M = Cu or Ag), and Q at 823 K. The compounds Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) are isostructural. They crystallize with two formula units in space group P4(2)/mcm of the tetragonal system in cells of dimensions a = 5.6046(4) A, c = 13.154(1) A for Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), a =6.024(1) A, c = 13.566(4) A for Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and a =5.852(2) A, c =14.234(5) A for Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) at 153 K. Their structure is closely related to that of Cs(2)ZrAg(2)Te(4) and comprises [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layers, which are separated by alkali metal atoms. The [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layer is anti-fluorite-like with both Ti and M atoms tetrahedrally coordinated to Q atoms. Tetrahedral coordination of Ti(4+) is rare in the solid state. On the basis of unit cell and space group determinations, the compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4) and Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are isostructural with the above compounds. The band gaps of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are 2.04, 2.19, 2.33, and 2.44 eV, respectively, as derived from optical measurements. From band-structure calculations, the optical absorption for an A(2)TiM(2)Q(4) compound is assigned to a transition from an M d and Q p valence band (HOMO) to a Ti 3d conduction band.     

Electron affinities of Al(n) clusters and multiple-fold aromaticity of the square Al4(2-) structure

The concept of aromaticity was first invented to account for the unusual stability of planar organic molecules with 4n + 2 delocalized pi electrons. Recent photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on all-metal MAl(4)(-) systems with an approximate square planar Al(4)(2-) unit and an alkali metal led to the suggestion that Al(4)(2-) is aromatic. The square Al(4)(2-) structure was recognized as the prototype of a new family of aromatic molecules. High-level ab initio calculations based on extrapolating CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVxZ (x = D, T, and Q) to the complete basis set limit were used to calculate the first electron affinities of Al(n)(), n = 0-4. The calculated electron affinities, 0.41 eV (n = 0), 1.51 eV (n = 1), 1.89 eV (n = 3), and 2.18 eV (n = 4), are all in excellent agreement with available experimental data. On the basis of the high-level ab initio quantum chemical calculations, we can estimate the resonance energy and show that it is quite large, large enough to stabilize Al(4)(2-) with respect to Al(4). Analysis of the calculated results shows that the aromaticity of Al(4)(2-) is unusual and different from that of C(6)H(6). Particularly, compared to the usual (1-fold) pi aromaticity in C(6)H(6), which may be represented by two Kekulé structures sharing a common sigma bond framework, the square Al(4)(2-) structure has an unusual "multiple-fold" aromaticity determined by three independent delocalized (pi and sigma) bonding systems, each of which satisfies the 4n + 2 electron counting rule, leading to a total of 4 x 4 x 4 = 64 potential resonating Kekulé-like structures without a common sigma frame. We also discuss the 2-fold aromaticity (pi plus sigma) of the Al(3)(-) anion, which can be represented by 3 x 3 = 9 potential resonating Kekulé-like structures, each with two localized chemical bonds. These results lead us to suggest a general approach (applicable to both organic and inorganic molecules) for examining delocalized chemical bonding. The possible electronic contribution to the aromaticity of a molecule should not be limited to only one particular delocalized bonding system satisfying a certain electron counting rule of aromaticity. More than one independent delocalized bonding system can simultaneously satisfy the electron counting rule of aromaticity, and therefore, a molecular structure could have multiple-fold aromaticity.     

Effect of alkali metal coordination on gas-phase chemistry of the diphosphate ion: the MH(2)P(2)O(7) (-) ions

Systematic experimental and theoretical studies on anionic phosphate species in the gas phase are almost nonexistent, even though they could provide a benchmark for enhanced comprehension of their liquid-phase chemical behavior. Gaseous MH(2)P(2)O(7) (-) ions (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), obtained from electrospray ionization of solutions containing H(4)P(2)O(7) and MOH or M salts as a source of M(+) ions were structurally assayed by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-31+G* level of theory. The joint application of mass spectrometric techniques and theoretical methods allowed the MH(2)P(2)O(7) (-) ions to be identified as having a structure in which the linear diphosphate anion is coordinated to the M(+) ion (I) and provides information on gas-phase isomerization processes in the [PO(3)...MH(2)PO(4)](-) clusters II and the [P(2)O(6)...M...H(2)O](-) clusters IV. Studies of gas-phase reactivity by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and triple quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometry revealed that the MH(2)P(2)O(7) (-) ions react with selected nucleophiles by clustering, proton transfer and addition-elimination mechanisms. The influence of the coordination of alkali metal ions on the chemical behavior of pyrophosphate is discussed.