Quadridentate bridging EO(4)(2-) (E = S, Mo, W) ligands and their role as electronic bridges

Three compounds containing two quadruply bonded Mo(2)(DAniF)(3) (DAniF = N,N'-di-p-anisylformamidinate) units linked by tetrahedral EO(4)(2-) anions (E = S, Mo, W) have been prepared and characterized by crystallography and NMR. The linkers in these [Mo(2)(DAniF)(3)](2)(mu-EO(4)) compounds hold the Mo(2) units in an approximately perpendicular orientation and mediate strong electrochemical communication between them. Each of the three compounds shows two quasireversible (mu-SO(4)) or fully reversible (mu-MoO(4), mu-WO(4)) features in its cyclic voltammogram corresponding to successive oxidation of each of its Mo(2) units. The DeltaE(1/2) values are the largest thus far measured for Mo(2)-X-Mo(2) bridged complexes and may be sufficiently large to permit isolation of the singly oxidized species.     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II) complexes with tripodal polypyridine ligand bearing pivalamide groups. Selective formation of six- and seven-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes

The reactions of CoX(2) (X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-) and ClO(4)(-)) with the tripodal polypyridine N(4)O(2)-type ligand bearing pivalamide groups, bis(6-(pivalamide-2-pyridyl)methyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand (H(2)BPPA), afforded two types of Co(II) complexes as follows. One type is purple-coloured Co(II) complexes, [CoCl(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Cl)) and [CoBr(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(Br)) which were prepared when X = Cl(-) and Br(-), respectively. The other type is pale pink-coloured Co(II) complexes, [Co(MeOH)(H(2)BPPA)](ClO(4)(-))(2) (2·(ClO(4)(-))(2)) and [Co(MeCN)(H(2)BPPA)](I(-))(2) (2·(I(-))(2)), which were obtained when X = I(-) and ClO(4)(-), respectively. From the reaction of 1(Cl) and NaN(3), a purple-coloured complex, [Co(N(3))(2)(H(2)BPPA)] (1(azide)), was obtained. These Co(II) complexes were characterized by X-ray structural analysis, IR and reflectance spectroscopies, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All these Co(II) complexes were shown to be in a d(7) high-spin state based on magnetic susceptibility measurements. The former Co(II) complexes revealed a six-coordinate octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, and two counter anions, and one coordinated anion, Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-), forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds with two pivalamide N-H groups. On the other hand, the latter Co(II) complexes showed a seven-coordinate face-capped octahedron with one amine nitrogen, three pyridyl nitrogens, two pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and MeCN or MeOH. In these structures, intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction was not observed, and the metal ion was coordinated by the pivalamide carbonyl oxygens and solvent molecule instead of the counter anions. The difference in coordination geometries might be attributable to the coordination ability and ionic radii of the counteranions; smaller strongly binding anions such as Cl(-), Br(-) and N(3)(-) gave the former complexes, whereas bulky weakly binding anions such as I(-) and ClO(4)(-) afforded the latter ones. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, the small stronger coordinating ligand, azide, was added to complexes 2·(ClO(4)(-))(2) to obtain the dinuclear cobalt(II) complex in which two six-coordinate octahedral cobalt(II) species were bridged with azide, 3·(ClO(4)(-)). Also, the abstraction reaction of halogen anions from complexes 1(Cl) by AgSbF(6) gave a pale pink Co(II) complex assignable to 2·(SbF(6)(-))(2).     

Investigation of the electronic, photosubstitution, redox, and surface properties of new ruthenium(II)-containing amphiphiles

A series of pyridine- and phenol-based ruthenium(II)-containing amphiphiles with bidentate ligands of the following types are reported: [(L(PyI))Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2) (1), [(L(PyA))Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), [(L(PhBuI))Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](PF(6)) (3), and [(L(PhClI))Ru(II)(bpy)(2)](PF(6)) (4). Species 1 and 2 are obtained by treatment of [Ru(bpy)(2)Cl(2)] with the ligands L(PyI) (N-(pyridine-2-ylmethylene)octadecan-1-amine) and L(PyA) (N-(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)octadecan-1-amine). The imine species 3 and 4 are synthesized by reaction of [Ru(bpy)(2)(CF(3)SO(3))(2)] with the amine ligands HL(PhBuA) (2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-((octadecylamino)methyl)phenol), and HL(PhClA) (2,4-dichloro-6-((octadecylamino)methyl)phenol). Compounds 1-4 are characterized by means of electrospray ionization (ESI(+)) mass spectrometry, elemental analyses, as well as electrochemical methods, infrared and UV-visible absorption and emission spectroscopies. The cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of 1-2 are marked by two successive processes around -1.78 and -2.27 V versus Fc(+)/Fc attributed to bipyridine reduction. A further ligand-centered reductive process is seen for 1. The Ru(II)/Ru(III) couple appears at 0.93 V versus Fc(+)/Fc. The phenolato-containing 3 and 4 species present relatively lower reduction potentials and more reversible redox behavior, along with Ru(II/III) and phenolate/phenoxyl oxidations. The interpretation of observed redox behavior is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Complexes 1-4 are surface-active as characterized by compression isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy. Species 1 and 2 show collapse pressures of about 29-32 mN·m(-1), and are strong candidates for the formation of redox-responsive monolayer films.     

Subtle role of polyatomic anions in molecular construction: structures and properties of AgX bearing 2,4'-thiobis(pyridine) (X(-) = NO(3)(-), BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), CF(3)CO(2)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-))

Studies on the subtle effects and roles of polyatomic anions in the self-assembly of a series of AgX complexes with 2,4'-Py(2)S (X(-) = NO(3)(-), BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), CF(3)CO(2)(-), and CF(3)SO(3)(-); 2,4'-Py(2)S = 2,4'-thiobis(pyridine)) have been carried out. The formation of products appears to be primarily associated with a suitable combination of the skewed conformers of 2,4'-Py(2)S and a variety of coordination geometries of Ag(I) ions. The molecular construction via self-assembly is delicately dependent upon the nature of the anions. Coordinating anions afford the 1:1 adducts [Ag(2,4'-Py(2)S)X] (X(-) = NO(3)(-) and CF(3)CO(2)(-)), whereas noncoordinating anions form the 3:4 adducts [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-)). Each structure seems to be constructed by competition between pi-pi interactions of 2,4'-Py(2)S spacers vs Ag.X interactions. For ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-), an anion-free network consisting of linear Ag(I) and trigonal Ag(I) in a 1:2 ratio has been obtained whereas, for the coordinating anions NO(3)(-) and CF(3)CO(2)(-), an anion-bridged helix sheet and an anion-bridged cyclic dimer chain, respectively, have been assembled. For a moderately coordinating anion, CF(3)SO(3)(-), the 3:4 adduct [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) has been obtained similarly to the noncoordinating anions, but its structure is a double strand via both face-to-face (pi-pi) stackings and Ag.Ag interactions, in contrast to the noncoordinating anions. The anion exchanges of [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), and PF(6)(-)) with BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), and PF(6)(-) in aqueous media indicate that a [BF(4)(-)] analogue is isostructural with [Ag(3)(2,4'-Py(2)S)(4)]X(3) (X(-) = ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-)). Furthermore, the anion exchangeability for the noncoordinating anion compounds and the X-ray data for the coordinating anion compounds establish the coordinating order to be NO(3)(-) > CF(3)CO(2)(-) > CF(3)SO(3)(-) > PF(6)(-) > ClO(4)(-) > BF(4)(-).     

Two enantiomers of [Cu(3)(mnt)(3)](3-) as ligands to Cu(i) or Ag(i) in building [Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)](4-) complexes (M = Cu or Ag) with the reversal of the reaction by X(-) (X = Cl, Br)

Two enantiomers of [Bu(4)N](3)[Cu(3)(mnt)(3)] () formed by Na(2)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, [S(2)C(2)(CN)(2)](2-)) and CuCl in a 1 : 1 molar ratio react further with MCl (M = Cu or Ag) involving both the enantiomers of to produce the larger complex, [Bu(4)N](4)[Cu(6)M(2)(mnt)(6)] (M = Cu (2), Ag (3)) from which the capped Cu(+) or Ag(+) ion can readily be removed by Bu(4)NX (X = Cl, Br), reverting or back to . Such reversal does not work with non-coordinating anions like BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-) and PF(6)(-).     

Synthesis, redox, and amphiphilic properties of responsive salycilaldimine-copper(II) soft materials

Hydrolysis of the asymmetric pyridine- and phenol-containing ligand HL (1) (2-hydroxy-4-6-di- tert-butylbenzyl-2-pyridylmethyl)imine) led to the use of bis-(3,5-di -tert-butyl-2-phenolato-benzaldehyde)copper(II), [Cu (II)(L (SAL)) 2] ( 1) as a precursor for bis-(2,4-di- tert-butyl-6-octadecyliminomethyl-phenolato)copper(II), [Cu (II)(L (2)) 2] ( 3), bis-(2,4-di- tert-butyl-6-octadecyl aminomethyl-phenolato)copper(II), [Cu (II)(L (2A)) 2] ( 3'), and bis-(2,4-di- tert-butyl-6-[(3,4,5-tris-dodecyloxy-phenylimino)-methyl]-phenolato)copper(II), [Cu (II)(L (3)) 2] ( 4). These complexes exhibit hydrophilic copper-containing head groups, hydrophobic alkyl and alkoxo tails, and present potential as precursors for redox-responsive Langmuir-Blodgett films. All systems were characterized by means of elemental, spectrometric, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques, and their amphiphilic properties were probed by means of compression isotherms and Brewster angle microscopy. Good redox activity was observed for 3 with two phenoxyl radical processes between 0.5 and 0.8 V vs Fc (+)/Fc, but this complex lacks amphiphilic behavior. To attain good balance between redox response and amphiphilicity, increased core flexibility in 3' and incorporation of alkoxy chains in 4 were attempted. Film formation with collapse at 14 mN.m (-1) was observed for the alkoxy-derivative but redox-response was seriously compromised. Core flexibility improved Langmuir film formation with a higher formal collapse and showed excellent cyclability of the ligand-based processes.     

Framework engineering by anions and porous functionalities of Cu(II)/4,4'-bpy coordination polymers

A combination of framework-builder (Cu(II) ion and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) ligand) and framework-regulator (AF(6) type anions; A = Si, Ge, and P) provides a series of novel porous coordination polymers. The highly porous coordination polymers ([Cu(AF(6))(4,4'-bpy)(2)].8H(2)O)(n)(A = Si (1a.8H(2)O), Ge (2a.8H(2)O)) afford robust 3-dimensional (3-D), microporous networks (3-D Regular Grid) by using AF(6)(2-) anions. The channel size of these complexes is ca. 8 x 8 A(2) along the c-axis and 6 x 2 A(2) along the a- or b-axes. When compounds 1a.8H(2)O or 2a.8H(2)O were immersed in water, a conversion of 3-D networks (1a.8H(2)O or 2a.8H(2)O) to interpenetrated networks ([Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].AF(6))(n)(A = Si (1b) and Ge (2b)) (2-D Interpenetration) took place. This 2-D interpenetrated network 1b shows unique dynamic anion-exchange properties, which accompany drastic structural conversions. When a PF(6)(-) monoanion instead of AF(6)(2)(-) dianions was used as the framework-regulator with another co-counteranion (coexistent anions), porous coordination polymers with various types of frameworks, ([Cu(2)(4,4'-bpy)(5)(H(2)O)(4)].anions.2H(2)O.4EtOH)(n)(anions = 4PF(6)(-) (3.2H(2)O.4EtOH), 2PF(6)(-) + 2ClO(4)(-) (4.2H(2)O.4EtOH)) (2-D Double-Layer), ([Cu(2)(PF(6))(NO(3))(4,4'-bpy)(4)].2PF(6).2H(2)O)(n)(5.2PF(6).2H(2)O) (3-D Undulated Grid), ([Cu(PF(6))(4,4'-bpy)(2)(MeCN)].PF(6).2MeCN)(n)(6.2MeCN) (2-D Grid), and ([Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)].PF(6).BF(4))(n) (7) (2-D Grid), were obtained, where the three modes of PF(6)(-) anions are observed. 5.2PF(6).2H(2)O has rare PF(6)(-) bridges. The PF(6)(-) and NO(3)(-) monoanions alternately link to the Cu(II) centers in the undulated 2-D sheets of [Cu(4,4'-bpy)(2)](n)() to form a 3-D porous network. The free PF(6)(-) anions are included in the channels. 6.2MeCN affords both free and terminal-bridged PF(6)(-) anions. 3.2H(2)O.4EtOH, 4.2H(2)O.4EtOH, and 7 bear free PF(6)(-) anions. All of the anions in 3.2H(2)O.4EtOH and 4.2H(2)O.4EtOH are freely located in the channels constructed from a host network. Interestingly, these Cu(II) frameworks are rationally controlled by counteranions and selectively converted to other frameworks.     

Electron photodetachment from aqueous anions. 3. Dynamics of Geminate pairs derived from photoexcitation of mono- vs polyatomic anions

Photostimulated electron detachment from aqueous inorganic anions is the simplest example of solvent-mediated electron transfer reaction. As such, this photoreaction became the subject of many ultrafast studies. Most of these studied focused on the behavior of halide anions, in particular, iodide, that is readily accessible in the UV. In this study, we contrast the behavior of these halide anions with that of small polyatomic anions, such as pseudohalide anions (e.g., HS(-)) and common polyvalent anions (e.g., SO(3)(2-)). Geminate recombination dynamics of hydrated electrons generated by 200 nm photoexcitation of aqueous anions (I(-), Br(-), OH(-), HS(-), CNS(-), CO(3)(2-), SO(3)(2-), and Fe(CN)(6)(4-)) have been studied. Prompt quantum yields for the formation of solvated, thermalized electrons and quantum yields for free electrons were determined. Pump-probe kinetics for 200 nm photoexcitation were compared with kinetics obtained at lower photoexcitation energy (225 or 242 nm) for the same anions, where possible. Free diffusion and mean force potential models of geminate recombination dynamics were used to analyze these kinetics. These analyses suggest that for polyatomic anions (including all polyvalent anions studied) the initial electron distribution has a broad component, even at relatively low photoexcitation energy. There seems to be no well-defined threshold energy below which the broadening of this electron distribution does not occur, as is the case for halide anions. The constancy of (near-unity) prompt quantum yields vs the excitation energy as the latter is scanned across the lowest charge-transfer-to-solvent band of the anion is observed for halide anions but not for other anions: the prompt quantum yields are considerably less than unity and depend strongly on the excitation energy. Our study suggests that halide anions are in the class of their own; electron photodetachment from polyatomic, especially polyvalent, anions exhibits qualitatively different behavior.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new three-dimensional lanthanide carboxyphosphonate: Ln(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5)

The first open-framework lanthanide carboxyphosphonate has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. The three-dimensional structure of MIL-84(Pr) (MIL = Material Institut Lavoisier) or Pr(4)(H(2)O)(7)[O(2)C-C(5)H(10)N-CH(2)(-)PO(3)](4)(H(2)O)(5) has been solved from X-ray diffraction single-crystal data (a = 23.481(1) A, b = 10.159(1) A, c = 23.006(1) A, beta = 105.63(1) degrees, V = 5284.6(6) A(3), space group Cc (No. 9)). Its framework is built up from chains of edged-sharing eight or nine-coordinated monocapped square antiprism polyhedra and carboxyphosphonate anions, creating a three-dimensional structure with small pores filled with water molecules. The thermal behavior of MIL-84(Pr) has been investigated using TGA and X-ray thermodiffractometry and indicates that MIL-84(Pr) is stable up to 523 K with a reversible hydration-dehydration process. The optical study of its yttrium analogue doped at 3.4% with europium (MIL-84(Y,Eu)) reveals a significant red-orange emission under UV radiation.     

Synthesis and spectroelectrochemical studies of mixed heteroleptic chelate complexes of ruthenium(II) with 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (pdto) and substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines

Reaction of dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine) ruthenium(II) [RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3)] with 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,6-dithiaoctane (pdto), a (N(2)S(2)) tetradentate donor, yields a new compound [Ru(pdto)(PPh(3))Cl]Cl (1), which has been fully characterized. (1)H and (31)P NMR studies of 1 in acetonitrile at several temperatures show the substitution of both coordinated chloride and triphenylphosphine with two molecules of acetonitrile, as confirmed by the isolation of the complex [Ru(pdto)(CH(3)CN)(2)]Cl(2) (2). Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical techniques allowed us to determine the electrochemical behavior of compound 1. The substitution of the chloride and triphenylphosphine by acetonitrile molecules in the Ru(II) coordination sphere of compound 1 was also established by electrochemical studies. The easy substitution of this complex led us to use it as starting material to synthesize the substituted phenanthroline coordination compounds with (pdto) and ruthenium(II), [Ru(pdto)(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)]Cl(2).4H(2)O (3), [Ru(pdto)(1,10-phenanthroline)]Cl(2).5H(2)O (4), [Ru(pdto)(5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)]Cl(2).5H(2)O (5), [Ru(pdto)(4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)]Cl(2).3H(2)O (6), and [Ru(pdto)(3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)]Cl(2).4H(2)O (7). These compounds were fully characterized, and the crystal structure of 4 was obtained. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical techniques allowed us to determine their electrochemical behavior. The electrochemical oxidation processes in these compounds are related to the oxidation of ionic chlorides, and to the reversible transformation from Ru(II) to Ru(III). On the other hand, a single reduction process is associated to the reduction of the substituted phenanthroline in the coordination compound. The E(1/2) (phen/phen(-)) and E(1/2) (Ru(II)/Ru(III)) for the compounds (3-7) were evaluated, and, as expected, the modification of the substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines in the complexes also modifies the redox potentials. Correlations of both electrochemical potentials with pK(a) of the free 1,10-phenathrolines, lambda(max) MLCT transition band, and chemical shifts of phenanthrolines in these complexes were found, possibly as a consequence of the change in the electron density of the Ru(II) and the coordinated phenanthroline.     

Reversible terbium luminescent polyelectrolyte hydrogels for detection of H2PO4(-) and HSO4(-) in water

Polyelectrolyte gels are promising soft networks that can accommodate various guest species and retain liquid nature. The incorporation of two novel silica based terbium complexes (Tb(a)(2) and Tb(b)(2)) in the poly(acrylamide) host can exhibit the characteristic green terbium emission in water. More interestingly, we noted that these target materials can selectively recognize H(2)PO(4)(-) (detection limit 10(-5) M) and HSO(4)(-) (detection limit 5 × 10(-5) M) compared with other anions, such as F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), and I(-). The fluorescence intensity ratios against both anions (H(2)PO(4)(-) and HSO(4)(-)) concentration all follow the simple linear equations by the least-squares fitting method.     

Photophysical, electrochemical and anion sensing properties of Ru(II) bipyridine complexes with 2,2'-biimidazole-like ligand

A new anion sensor [Ru(bpy)(2)(DMBbimH(2))](PF(6))(2) (3) (bpy is 2, 2'-bipyridine and DMBbimH(2) is 7,7'-dimethyl-2,2'-bibenzimidazole) has been developed. Its photophysical, electrochemical and anion sensing properties are compared with two previously investigated systems, [Ru(bpy)(2)(BiimH(2))](PF(6))(2) (1) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(BbimH(2))](PF(6))(2) (2) (BiimH(2) is 2,2'-biimidazole and BbimH(2) is 2,2'-bibenzimidazole). The high acidity of the N-H fragments in these complexes make them easy to be deprotonated by strong basic anions such as F(-) and OAc(-), and they form N-H···X hydrogen bonds with weak basic anions like Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), NO(3)(-), and HSO(4)(-). Complex 3 displays strong hydrogen bonding with these 5 weak basic anions, with binding constants between 17,000 and 21,000, which are larger than those observed in complex 1, with binding constants between 3300 and 5700, and in complex 2, which shows no hydrogen bonding toward Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), and NO(3)(-), and forms considerable hydrogen bonds with HSO(4)(-) with a binding constant of 11,209. These hydrogen bonding behaviours give different NMR, emission and electrochemical responses. The different anion binding affinity of these complexes may be mainly attributed to their different pK(a1) values, 7.2 for 1, 5.7 for 2, and 6.2 for 3. The additional methyl groups at the 7 and 7' positions of complex 3 may also play an important role in the enhancement of anion binding strength.     

Imidazolium-based macrocycles as multisignaling chemosensors for anions

A series of structurally novel anion receptors , , and in which a ferrocene unit and a fluorescent moiety are linked to two imidazolium rings have been designed and prepared from 1,1'-bis(imidazolylmethyl)ferrocene. Their crystal structures revealed that these receptors are capable of incorporating anions such as PF(6)(-) and Br(-). Consequently, the anion binding studies were carried out using various techniques including electrochemistry (CV and OSWV), fluorescence, UV-vis, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. All the receptors showed a special electrochemical response to the F(-) anion with a remarkable cathodic shift of more than 260 mV and displayed a unique selectivity for F(-) and AcO(-) anions with fluorescence enhancement over various other anions of present interest (Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-)). In addition, for receptor , obvious absorption changes were observed when the H(2)PO(4)(-) anion was added while other anions (F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), AcO(-), HSO(4)(-)) showed only a minor influence on the UV-vis spectra. (1)H NMR titrations demonstrated that receptors and can bind anions through (C-H)(+)X(-) hydrogen bonds and showed strong affinity and high selectivity for the AcO(-) anion in acetonitrile.     

Vibrational Spectroscopy Study of Selenate and Sulfate Adsorption Mechanisms on Fe and Al (Hydr)oxide Surfaces

The coordination and speciation of selenate (SeO(4)) and sulfate (SO(4)) on goethite and Al oxide were studied using Raman and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Raman spectra were collected from pastes of suspensions containing 4 mM SeO(4) or SO(4). For SO(4), complementary data were collected by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in goethite systems with 1 mM SO(4) and in Al oxide systems with 4 mM SO(4). The combined data set of Raman and ATR-FTIR spectra indicate that both inner- and outer-sphere surface complexes of SeO(4) and SO(4) occur on these metal (hydr)oxide surfaces. These spectral data show that SeO(4) and SO(4) have a similar complexation behavior on the same adsorbent. On goethite, these form predominantly monodentate inner-sphere surface complexes at pH <6, while at pH >6 these anions exist predominantly as outer-sphere surface complexes. On Al oxide, in contrast, these anions exist predominantly as outer-sphere surface complexes, but a small fraction is also present as an inner-sphere complex at pH <6. A comparison of the spectral intensities of these anions on goethite and Al oxide shows that complexation of these anions with Al oxide is weaker than with Fe oxide. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Electrodeposition of platinum on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. Part I: electrochemical characterization

The electrochemical deposition of Pt on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) from H2PtCl6 solutions was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The effects of deposition overpotential, H2PtCl6 concentration, supporting electrolyte, and anion additions on the deposition process were evaluated. Addition of chloride inhibits Pt deposition due to adsorption on the substrate and blocking of reduction sites, while SO4(2-) and ClO4- slightly promote Pt reduction. By comparing potentiostatic current-time transients with the Scharifker-Hills model, a transition from progressive to instantaneous nucleation was observed when increasing the deposition overpotential. Following addition of chloride anions the fit of experimental transients with the instantaneous nucleation mode improves, while the addition of SO4(2-) induces only small changes. Chloride anions strongly inhibit the reduction process, which is shifted in the cathodic direction. The above results indicate that the most appropriate conditions for growing Pt nanoparticles on HOPG with narrow size distribution are to use an H2PtCl6 solution with HCl as supporting electrolyte and to apply a high cathodic overpotential.     

Oxygen cluster anions revisited: solvent-mediated dissociation of the core O4(-) anion

The electronic structure and photochemistry of the O(2n)(-)(H(2)O)(m), n = 1-6, m = 0-1 cluster anions is investigated at 532 nm using photoelectron imaging and photofragment mass-spectroscopy. The results indicate that both pure oxygen clusters and their hydrated counterparts with n ≥ 2 form an O(4)(-) core. Fragmentation of these clusters yields predominantly O(2)(-) and O(2)(-)·H(2)O anionic products, with the addition of O(4)(-) fragments for larger parent clusters. The fragment autodetachment patterns observed for O(6)(-) and larger O(2n)(-) species, as well as some of their hydrated counterparts, indicate that the corresponding O(2)(-) fragments are formed in excited vibrational states (v ≥ 4). Yet, surprisingly, the unsolvated O(4)(-) anion itself does not show fragment autodetachment at 532 nm. It is hypothesized that the vibrationally excited O(2)(-) is formed in the intra-cluster photodissociation of the O(4)(-) core anion via a charge-hopping electronic relaxation mechanism mediated by asymmetric solvation of the nascent photofragments: O(4)(-) → O(2)(-)(X(2)Π(g)) + O(2)(a(1)Δ(g)) → O(2)(X(3)Σ(g)(-)) + O(2)(-)(X(2)Π(g)). This process depends on the presence of solvent molecules and leads to vibrationally excited O(2)(-)(X(2)Π(g)) products.     

Synthesis, molecular structure and properties of the [H6-nNi30C4(CO)34(CdCl)2]n- (n=3-6) bimetallic carbide carbonyl cluster: a model for the growth of noncompact interstitial metal carbides

Reaction of the [Ni(9)C(CO)(17)](2-) dianion with CdCl(2)2.5 H(2)O in THF affords the novel bimetallic Ni--Cd carbide carbonyl clusters [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) (n=3-6), which undergo several protonation-deprotonation equilibria in solution depending on the basicity of the solvent or upon addition of acids or bases. Although the occurrence in solution of these equilibria complicates the pertinent electrochemical studies on their electron-transfer activity, they clearly indicate that the clusters [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) (n=3-6), as well as the structurally related [H(6-n)Ni(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](n-) (n=4-6), undergo reversible or partially reversible redox processes and provide circumstantial and unambiguous evidence for the presence of hydrides for n=3, 4 and 5. Three of the [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-) anions (n=4-6) have been structurally characterized in their [NMe(3)(CH(2)Ph)](4)[H(2)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]2 COMe(2), [NEt(4)](5)[HNi(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]2 MeCN and [NMe(4)](6)[Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(CdCl)(2)]6 MeCN salts, respectively. All three anions display almost identical geometries and bonding parameters, probably because charge effects are minimized by delocalization over such a large metal carbonyl anion. Moreover, the Ni(30)C(4) core in these Ni-Cd carbide clusters is identical within experimental error to those present in the [HNi(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](5-) and [Ni(35)C(4)(CO)(39)](6-) species, suggesting that the stepwise assembly of their nickel carbide cores may represent a general pathway of growth of nickel polycarbide clusters. The fact that the [H(6-n)Ni(30)C(4)(CO)(34)(micro(5)-CdCl)(2)](n-)(n=4-6) anions display two valence electrons more than the structurally related [H(6-n)Ni(34)C(4)(CO)(38)](n-) (n=4-6) species has been rationalized by extended Hückel molecular orbital (EHMO) analysis.     

Silver(I)-ethynide clusters constructed with phosphonate-functionized polyoxovanadates

Two neutral silver(I)-phenylethynide clusters incorporating the [((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](4-) unit as an integral shell component, namely {(NO(3))(2)@Ag(16)(C≡CPh)(4)[((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](2)(DMF)(6)(NO(3))(2)}·DMF·H(2)O and {[(O(2))V(2)O(6)](3)@Ag(43)(C≡CPh)(19)[((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](3)(DMF)(6)}·5DMF·2H(2)O, have been isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The central cavities of the Ag(16) and Ag(43) clusters are occupied by two NO(3)(-) and three [(O(2))V(2)O(6)](4-) template anions, respectively.     

Ordered blue luminescent ultrathin films by the effective coassembly of tris(8-hydroxyquinolate-5-sulfonate)aluminum and polyanions with layered double hydroxides

This article reports a novel method to assemble a small anion with exfoliated Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets into ordered ultrathin films (UTFs) by employing the layer-by-layer assembly technique. The premixing solution of tris(8-hydroxyquinolate-5-sulfonate)aluminum(III) (AQS(3-)) with three kinds of polyanions-poly(acrylic acid), ((C(3)H(4)O(2))(n), PAA), poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) ([CH(2)CH(C(6)H(4))SO(3)](m), PSS), and poly[5-methoxy-2-(3-sulfopropoxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (C(12)H(13)O(5)S)(n), PPV)-has been used as building blocks to assemble alternatively with LDH nanosheets. The UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of (AQS-polyanion/LDH)(n) UTFs presents stepwise growth upon increasing deposited cycles in comparison with the (AQS/LDH)(n) film under the same experimental process. (AQS-PPV/LDH)(n) UTF displays complex fluorescence originating from AQS and PPV. The (AQS/LDH)(n) and (AQS-polyanion/LDH)(n) UTFs exhibit higher blue-polarized photoemission character with a luminescence anisotropy (r) of ca. 0.12-0.20 and a longer fluorescence lifetime than that of the Na(3)AQS film with r = 0.04. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the UTFs were orderly periodically layered structures with a thickness of ca. 3.0 nm per bilayer. Therefore, this work gives a feasible method for immobilizing small anions into the gallery of LDHs.     

Iron(II) and copper(I) coordination polymers: electrochromic materials with and without chiroptical properties

The electrochemical and optical properties of films prepared from two different Fe(II) coordination polymers (TPT[Fe(II)TPT](n)(PF(6))(2)(n) (TPT = terpyridine-phenyl-terpyridine) and CTPCT[Fe(II)CTPCT](n)(PF(6))(2)(n) (CTPCT = chiral terpyridine-phenyl-chiral terpyridine)) and a coordination polymer based on Cu(I) metal centers (PDP[Cu(I)PDP](n)(BF(4))(n)) (PDP = phenanthroline-dodecane-phenanthroline) have been studied. The oxidation of a PDP[Cu(I)PDP](n)(BF(4))(n) film coated on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode by stepping the potential from 0.0 to +1.4 V vs Ag/AgCl led not only to the complete bleaching of the absorption in the visible region of the spectrum within 5 min but also to a redox-induced dissociation and dissolution of the polymer. The reverse reaction of binding and reassembling the polymer at the electrode surface, upon stepping the potential back to 0.0 V, occurred with a rate which was at least 1 order of a magnitude slower. In contrast, the bis(2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine)iron(II)-based redox polymers TPT[Fe(II)TPT](n)(PF(6))(2)(n) and CTPCT[Fe(II)CTPCT](n)(PF(6))(2)(n), during similar spectroelectrochemical experiments, not only exhibited a dramatically enhanced switching rate but also displayed symmetric switching kinetics. The films did not show signs of deterioration over 150 switching cycles. Additionally, in an effort to assemble an electrochromic device with chiroptical properties, the electrochromism of films generated from the enantiomerically pure CTPCT[Fe(II)CTPCT](n)(PF(6))(2)(n) polymer was studied through circular dichroism.