Ammonia sorption by Dawson acid studied by IR spectroscopy and microbalance

Using in-situ microbalance and infrared spectroscopy techniques the double ammonia proton complexation was traced. The results confirm the formation of N₂H₇⁺ dimer in solid Dawson acid H₆P₂W₁₈O₆₂, previously reported only for N₂H₇I and for (N₂H₇)₄SiW₁₂O₄₀. The formation of such dimers was evidenced by the microbalance results, the molar ratio of ammonia to proton was measured as 2:1 at 10.7 kPa and 298 K. The formation of NH₄⁺ monomer (band at 1410 cm⁻¹) and N₂H₇⁺ dimer (1460 cm⁻¹) was revealed by IR spectroscopy. Enthalpy of ammonia sorption on Dawson structure was calculated to be −127.9 kJ mol⁻¹, indicating the lower acid strength of Dawson-type compared to that of the Keggin-type heteropolyacids, like H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀.     

Oxidatively stable and highly proton conductive membrane from poly(arylene ether)s containing biphenyl moiety as pendent groups

Novel poly(arylene ether)s with sulfonic acid groups attached onto pendent biphenyl rings were successfully synthesized by the nucleophilic displacement of aromatic dihalides with bisphenols in aprotic solvent in the present of excess potassium carbonate, followed by sulfonation with chlorosulfonic acid. The sulfonation took place only on the pendent biphenyl rings due to the specially designed molecular structure. The sulfonated polymers were very soluble in common organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N′-dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, and can be readily cast into tough and smooth films. These membranes showed excellent stabilities resistance to both oxidation and hydrolysis, as evidenced by subjecting to both Fenton's reagent test and immersion in boiling water. The proton conductivities (3.2 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) of the as-made membranes were higher than that of Nafion^® 117 (1.9 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) under same conditions. The satisfied properties of these new polymers demonstrated them as promising candidates for proton exchange membrane in PEM fuel cell applications.     

An infrared study on Langmuir–Blodgett films of 14,15-bis(hydroxyimino)-13-thiaoctacosane

The Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of 14,15-bis(hydroxyimino)-13-thiaoctacosane (TOC) on aluminium plated substrates were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), grazing angle (GAIR) and horizontal attenuated total reflectance (HATR) techniques. The LB films of TOC can be transferred onto the solid substrate successfully. The molecular structure of LB films was analysis by comparing the GAIR and HTAR spectra. The intense bands at 2848 and 2918 cm⁻¹ are assigned to symmetric ν_s(CH₂) and asymmetric ν_a(CH₂) stretching vibrations of methylene groups. These peaks suggest that the alkyl chains in TOC are nearly in all-trans conformational state. The presence in the infrared spectra of several bands due to the methylene wagging and twisting modes and of the splitting of the bands due to the methylene scissoring mode at 1467 and 1459 cm⁻¹ and the CH₂ rocking mode at 720 and 731 cm⁻¹ also indicates that in films of TOC alkyl chains are in the all-trans conformation and packed in either an orthorhombic or a monoclinic structure with an orthorhombic subcell containing two mutually orthogonal molecules. Another conclusion presented in this paper that the alkyl chain tilt, which is the angle between the axis, which bisects the C–C bonds and the surface normal, was quite large by comparing the GAIR and HATR spectra.     

Characterization and decomposition mechanism of an unusual nickel, thiocyanate and 4-methylpyridine polymeric complex

The synthesis, characterization, and thermal decomposition of the [Ni(SCN)₂(H⁺SCN)₂(4-mepy)₂] compound with an octahedral structure in polymeric chain were reported, in which SCN groups form bridges among Ni(II) ions. The compound decomposes in water resulting in a pH<4 solution. The FT-IR spectrum presented doublet bands at 2117; 2128 cm⁻¹, 788; 773 cm⁻¹ assigned to ν(C---N) and ν(C---S) stretching modes, respectively, and δ(SCN) deformation modes at 468; 476 cm⁻¹. The Raman spectrum of the compound presented the ν(C---N) stretching as a strong doublet at 2122; 2128 cm⁻¹, ν(C---S) at 783; 770 cm⁻¹, and δ(SCN) at 468; 477 cm⁻¹. No significant changes were observed in the 4-mepy ligand bands compared with the vibrational frequencies of the pure compound or the compound in aqueous solution 0.2 mol l⁻¹. The crystal UV–vis reflectance spectrum presented two bands centered in 626 and 424 nm tentatively assigned to the d→d type transitions, ³A_2g→³T_1g and ³A_2g→³T_1g, for a symmetry close to O_h. The TG curve showed a mass loss between 120 and 200 °C assigned to the loss of the two 4-mepy molecules; from 200 to 265 °C, the loss of the two H⁺SCN groups; and from 265 to 450 °C, the loss of the two SCN groups that formed the bridges among the nickel atoms. Based on these mass loss data, a mechanism of thermal decomposition for the compound was proposed.     

The effect of hydrogen bonding interactions between 2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-3-hydroxy-4H-chromene-4-one in the ground and excited states and dimethylsulfoxide or methanol on electronic absorption and emission transitions

The surface state of optically pure polydisperse TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) was determined by infra-red (IR) spectroscopy analysis in the temperature range of 100–453 K. Anatase A300 spectrum, contrary to rutile R300 one, has a broad three-component absorption band with peaks at 1048, 1137 and 1222 cm⁻¹ in the spectral range of δ(Ti–O–H) deformation vibrations. For rutile R300 we observed a very weak band at 1047 cm⁻¹, and for the thermal treated rutile R900 these bands were not appeared at all. The analysis of temperature dependencies for the mentioned absorption bands revealed the spectral shift of 1222 cm⁻¹ band towards the high frequencies, when the temperature increased, but the spectral parameters of 1137 and 1048 cm⁻¹ bands remained the same. The temperature of 1222 cm⁻¹ band maximum shift was 373–393 K and correlated with DSC data. Obtained results allowed to assign 1222 cm⁻¹ band to the deformation vibrations of OH-groups, bounded to the surface adsorbed water molecules by weak hydrogen bonds (5 kcal/mol). During the temperature growth these molecules desorbed, which also resulted in the intensity decreasing of stretching OH-groups vibration IR-bands at 3420 cm⁻¹. The destruction and desorption of surface water complexes led to Ti–O–H bond strengthening. IR bands at 1137 and 1048 cm⁻¹ were attributed to the stronger bounded adsorbed water molecules, which are also characterized with stretching OH-groups vibration bands at 3200 cm⁻¹. These surface structure were additionally stabilized by hydrogen bonds with the neighbouring TiO₂ lattice anions and other OH-groups, and desorbed at higher temperatures.     

Spectroscopic and structural analysis of Ca substituted La orthoferrite

Samples of orthoferrites La_1−xCa_xFeO₃ (0.15≤x≤0.45) were synthesized by double sintering ceramic technique. X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy experiments were carried out and discussed for the investigated samples. The data showed the formation of single-phase orthorhombic structure of space group Pbnm. The FTIR spectra were performed in the region (1200–200 cm⁻¹). Four main absorption bands were present with some side bands and shoulders in the range (1200–400 cm⁻¹). Another four bands were appeared in the range (400–200 cm⁻¹). The positions, intensities and values of the absorptions bands vary depending on the Ca content in the samples. The first absorption band appeared at about 920 cm⁻¹ was assigned to the La–O stretching vibration.     

High resolution electronic spectroscopy of p-vinylphenol in the gas phase

A recent controversy regarding the proper assignment of two closely spaced bands in the S₁ ← S₀ electronic transition of trans-p-coumaric acid (pCA) has been addressed by recording their spectra at full rotational resolution. The results show unambiguously that the carrier of these two bands is p-vinylphenol (pVP), a thermal decomposition product of pCA. The two bands belong to two conformers of pVP; trans-pVP at 33,207.3 cm⁻¹ and cis-pVP at 33,211.8 cm⁻¹.     

FTIR investigation of the conformational properties of the cyanide bound human hemoglobin

Infrared spectra at 4 cm⁻¹ resolution of the cyanide ligated human methemoglobin (Hb-CN) were examined in the C---N stretching region. The FTIR spectra of hemoglobin ligated with the various isotopomeric forms of the cyanide ion support the existence of three conformational states for Hb-CN. In potassium phosphate buffer at pH of 7.5, the three bands were observed at 2116, 2122 and 2127 cm⁻¹ for natural abundance Hb-CN. These bands shift to 2086, 2091 and 2095 cm⁻¹ for Hb-¹²C¹⁵N and 2073, 2077 and 2081 cm⁻¹ for Hb-¹³C¹⁴N. Two extra bands have been identified in the IR spectra of solid Hb-CN in KBr pellets. The peaks persist in the pH range between 3.5 and 10.5 with small changes in frequency and intensity. The appearance of several C---N stretching bands is consistent with C---N vibrators residing in different environment and support the hypothesis that Hb-CN assumes multiple conformers under the conditions studied.     

Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Part I. Vibrational frequencies of the OH group in some picolinic acid N-oxides predicted from DFT calculated potentials and located in the infrared spectra

Hydrogen bonding in picolinic acid N-oxide (I), its 4-nitro (III), 4-methoxy (IV), 4-amino (V) derivatives and in quinaldic acid N-oxide (II) was characterized by calculations (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) of metric parameters, H-bond energies and one-dimensional proton potential functions with vibrational energy levels. Solvent effects were estimated by the SCRF PCM method of Tomasi and coworkers (J. Tomasi, M. Persico, Chem. Rev. 94 (1994) 2027). The potential functions are strongly asymmetric with the energy minimum placed near the carboxylic oxygen. The inflection near the NO oxygen develops into a second, shallower minimum under the SCRF.

Empirical assignments of the OH stretching and bending modes were made for (I)–(IV). The stretchings of (I, II) and (IV) in various solvents are observed in the region 1600–1300 cm⁻¹, but near 2600 cm⁻¹ for (III). The calculated and observed frequencies are in fairly good agreement with theoretical predictions reflecting the electronic effects of the substituents upon the H-bond strength. The observed trends in the solvent effects upon various parameters characterizing the H-bonding also correspond to predictions.     

The interaction of the easily polarizable hydrogen bonds with phonons and polaritons of the thermal bath-far infrared continua

B⁺HBBH⁺B or AHB⁻AH⁺B hydrogen bonds, respectively, with double minimum proton potential well or broad flat potential well cause continuous absorptions in the infrared spectra. The intensity of these infrared continua is often very large, i.e. their integrated intensity is much larger than that of infrared bands. Short strong hydrogen bonds with broad flat in the average largely symmetrical proton potentials in which the protons fluctuate, show so-called proton polarizabilities. With such systems, the infrared continua extend in the far infrared region, i.e. in the region below 600 cm⁻¹. It is, however known that with such bonds no proton transitions occur in this region.

It is demonstrated that the intensity of these infrared continuous absorptions is strongly increased by the coupling of the hydrogen bonds with large proton polarizability with the phonons of the thermal bath around these hydrogen bonds. Further, it is demonstrated that the pronounced absorption in the far infrared region, i.e. the region below 600 cm⁻¹, occurs due to the strong coupling of these hydrogen bonds to the polaritons. The polaritons are the quanta of the thermal bath coupled to the phonons of the thermal bath.     

Semi-quantitative trace analysis of nuclear fast red by surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering

The dye nuclear fast red has been detected and determined semi-quantitatively by means of surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), using laser exciting wavelengths of 514.5 and 632.8 nm, respectively, by employing a citrate-reduced silver colloid. A good linear correlation is observed for the dependence of the intensities of the SERRS bands at 989 cm⁻¹ (R=0.9897) and 1278 cm⁻¹ (R=0.9872) on dye concentration over the range 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁷ M, when using an exciting wavelength of 514.5 nm. At dye concentrations above 10⁻⁷ M, the concentration dependence of the SERRS signals is non-linear. This is almost certainly due to the coverage of the colloidal silver particles being in excess of a full monolayer of the dye. A linear correlation is also observed for the dependence of the intensities of the SERS bands at 989 cm⁻¹ (R=0.9739) and 1278 cm⁻¹ (R=0.9838) on the dye concentration over the range 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ M when using an exciting wavelength of 632.8 nm. Strong fluorescence prevented collection of resonance Raman scattering (RRS) spectra from powdered samples or aqueous solutions of the dye using an exciting wavelength of 514.5 nm, but weak bands were observed in the spectra obtained from both powdered and aqueous samples of the dye using an exciting wavelength of 632.8 nm. A study of the pH dependence of SERRS/SERS and UV–VIS absorption spectra revealed the presence of different ionisation states of the dye. The limits of detection for nuclear fast red by SERRS (514.5 nm), SERS (632.8 nm) and visible spectroscopy (535 nm) are 9, 89 and 1000 ng ml⁻¹, respectively.     

The ν(OH/OD) band shape of strong hydrogen bonded dimers of phosphinic acids. Phenomenology and formation models

The infrared spectra of phosphinic acid R₂POOH dimers (R=CH₃, CH₂Cl, C₆H₅) have been studied in CCl₄ and CH₂Cl₂ solutions (T=300 K). The infrared spectra of deuterated R₂POOD dimers (R=CH₃, CH₂Cl) were also studied in the gas phase (T=400–550 K) and solid state (T=100–300 K). They are compared with previously studied spectra of the light (non-deuterated) dimers in the gas phase, in the solid state and in low-temperature argon matrices (T=12–30 K) in the 4000–400 cm⁻¹ spectral region. It is found that the strong and broad ν(OH) dimer bands have similar shapes, nearly equal values of bandwidth and low-frequency shift, and possess the Hadzi ABC structure irrespective of the type of acid, significant differences of dimerization enthalpies, influence of solvent, the type of H-bonded complexes (cyclic dimers in the gas phase, in solutions, and in inert matrices, and infinite chains in the solid state), and temperature in the range 12–600 K. Isotopic ratio of the first moments of light and deuterated acid bands has been measured. Analysis of the ν(OH/OD) band of hydrogen bonded dimers of phosphinic acids shows that the interaction between the two intermolecular bonds O–HOP in a cyclic complex plays virtually no role in the mechanism of the ν(OH/OD) band formation; the shape of ν(OH/OD) band is controlled mainly by the POOH(D)O fragment; and the band shape of strong hydrogen bonded complexes is formed by a number of vibrational transitions from the ground state to different combination levels in the region 3500–1500 cm⁻¹.     

Far infrared spectroscopy on hemoproteins: A model compound study from 1800–100 cm

Infrared spectroscopy measurements on different hemoproteins and models of the active side have been completed for the spectral range from 1800 to 100 cm⁻¹ giving an overview on the contributions expected in the low frequency range. Little is known of the low frequency contribution of proteins in infrared. In order to detect the contributions of heme centers and protein moiety, a systematic study of the infrared spectroscopic properties of the porphyrin ring, the ferric porphyrines with different ligands (hemine and hematine), a heme with 11 amino acids (microperoxidase-11), cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase are compared at different pD values and an overview on the relative contributions of hemes, their ligands and the protein site can be provided in the low frequency region. Beside the well know amide I and II modes, the low frequency range is found to be dominated by the amide IV and VI mode around 530/580 cm⁻¹ for cytochrome c and cytochrome c oxidase, as well as further proteins like ferrodoxin. Below 300 cm⁻¹ amide VII modes, doming modes of the heme site and hydrogen-bonding signatures overlap to a broad peak with covering 100–250 cm⁻¹. As clear markers for the iron ligands, bands can be depicted at 388/378 cm⁻¹ (FeN, histidine ligand) and 345 cm⁻¹ FeCl. Furthermore the ring vibration of the protonated histidine is determined at 623 cm⁻¹.     

A matrix infrared study of association of formamide

The association of formamide has been studied in argon. In the spectral region from 800 to 200 cm⁻¹ several characteristic bands due to association were found and assigned to the out-of-plane bending modes of the NH group. The widths of these low-frequency bands are of the same order of magnitude as those of the fundamental bands of the monomer. By comparing the spectra of self-associated species with spectra of heteroassociated species between formamide and N,N-dimethyl formamide, it was possible to assign association bands to the open dimers as well as to the cyclic dimers. A band appearing upon warming at about 230 cm⁻¹ has been assigned to a H-bond stretching mode. The results indicate that dimers trapped from the gas phase are predominantly open, and that both open and cyclic structures are formed upon diffusion-controlled association in the matrix.     

Solvent-dependent photophysical properties of borondipyrromethene dyes in solution

Four fluorescent dyes derived from 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) with unusual substituents (chloro, methoxy, and malonate) at the 3,5-positions have been synthesized by a novel nucleophilic substitution reaction of 3,5-dichloroBODIPY. Their solvent-dependent photophysical properties have been investigated by means of UV/Vis absorption, steady-state and time-resolved fluorimetry. For each compound, the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime are lower in solvents with higher polarity due to an increase in the rate of nonradiative deactivation. The fluorescence rate constants are in the (1.6–2.0) × 10⁸ s⁻¹ range. The borondipyrromethene derivatives show small Stokes shifts (between 440 and 490 cm⁻¹) and narrow absorption (FWHM between 710 and 820 cm⁻¹) and emission bands.     

The dehydroxylation of basic aluminum sulfate: An infrared emission spectroscopic study

The tridecameric aluminum polymer [AlO₄Al₁₂(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂]⁷⁺ was prepared by forced hydrolysis of Al³⁺ up to an OH/Al molar ratio of 2.2. Upon addition of sulfate, the tridecamer crystallized as the monoclinic basic aluminum sulfate Na_0.1[AlO₄Al₁₂(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂](SO₄)_3.55. The dehydroxylation of the basic aluminum sulfate has been studied by Fourier transform in-situ infrared emission spectroscopy over a temperature range of 200° to 750°C at 50°C intervals. The spectrum is characterized by the sulfate ν₁ (1024 cm⁻¹), ν₃ doublet (1117 and 1168 cm⁻¹) and the ν₄ doublet (568 and 611 cm⁻¹) modes. Furthermore, minor bands assigned to nitrate are observed. Upon heating from ≈350° to 400°C major changes are observed, especially in the bandwidth and band intensities. The bands in the hydroxyl stretching region due to the Al₁₃ group disappear, whereas the bands around 1050 cm⁻¹ display various changes in bandwidths, intensities and positions associated with the dehydration and dehydroxylation of the basic sulfate and the changing of the structure into an aluminum oxosulfate. The nitrate bands diminish upon heating.     

Far infrared spectra, conformational equilibria, vibrational assignments, ab initio calculations and structural parameters for 2-bromoethanol

The far infrared spectrum from 370 to 50 cm⁻¹ of gaseous 2-bromoethanol, BrCH₂CH₂OH, was recorded at a resolution of 0.10 cm⁻¹. The fundamental O–H torsion of the more stable gauche (Gg′) conformer, where the capital G refers to internal rotation around the C–C bond and the lower case g to the internal rotation around the C–O bond, was observed as a series of Q-branch transitions beginning at 340 cm⁻¹. The corresponding O–H torsional modes were observed for two of the other high energy conformers, Tg (285 cm⁻¹) and Tt (234 cm⁻¹). The heavy atom asymmetric torsion (rotation around C–C bond) for the Gg′ conformer has been observed at 140 cm⁻¹. Variable temperature (−63 to −100°C) studies of the infrared spectra (4000–400 cm⁻¹) of the sample dissolved in liquid xenon have been recorded. From these data the enthalpy differences have been determined to be 411±40 cm⁻¹ (4.92±0.48 kJ/mol) for the Gg′/Tt and 315±40 cm⁻¹ (3.76±0.48 kJ/mol) for the Gg′/Tg, with the Gg′ conformer the most stable form. Additionally, the infrared spectrum of the gas, and Raman spectrum of the liquid phase are reported. The structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation and fundamental frequencies have been obtained from ab initio calculations utilizing different basis sets at the restricted Hartree–Fock or with full electron correlation by the perturbation method to second order. The theoretical results are compared to the experimental results when appropriate. Combining the ab initio calculations with the microwave rotational constants, r₀ adjusted parameters have been obtained for the three 2-haloethanols (F, Cl and Br) for the Gg′ conformers.     

Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy of the lowest triplet state of thymine and thymidine

Vibrational spectra of the lowest energy triplet states of thymine and its 2′-deoxyribonucleoside, thymidine, are reported for the first time. Time-resolved infrared (TRIR) difference spectra were recorded over seven decades of time from 300 fs to 3 μs using femtosecond and nanosecond pump-probe techniques. The carbonyl stretch bands in the triplet state are seen at 1603 and 1700 cm⁻¹ in room-temperature acetonitrile-d₃ solution. These bands and additional ones observed between 1300 and 1450 cm⁻¹ are quenched by dissolved oxygen on a nanosecond time scale. Density-functional calculations accurately predict the difference spectrum between triplet and singlet IR absorption cross sections, confirming the peak assignments and elucidating the nature of the vibrational modes. In the triplet state, the C4O carbonyl exhibits substantial single-bond character, explaining the large (70 cm⁻¹) red shift in this vibration, relative to the singlet ground state. Femtosecond TRIR measurements unambiguously demonstrate that the triplet state is fully formed within the first 10 ps after excitation, ruling out a relaxed ¹nπ^* state as the triplet precursor.     

Raman scattering study of highly fluorinated graphite

Raman spectra of highly fluorinated C_xF samples (1<x<2) prepared at room temperature and 515°C were measured. C_xF samples prepared at room temperature exhibited two Raman bands at 1593–1583 and 1555–1542 cm⁻¹. Graphite samples fluorinated at 515°C for 1 and 2 min also gave similar bands at 1581–1580 and 1550–1538 cm⁻¹. However, graphite samples fluorinated from 15 min to 10 h at 515°C no longer showed such spectra. The Raman peaks shifted to lower frequencies with increasing fluorine concentration in C_xF. This trend is due to the weakening of the C---C bonds of the graphene layers. Observation of both kinds of Raman bands suggests the coexistence of two highly fluorinated phases, C₂F and C₁F, in the samples. The process of formation of graphite fluoride is discussed on the basis of the Raman spectra of C_xF samples obtained at 515°C.     

Infrared studies of chromones—I Carbonyl and hydroxyl regions

Quantitative IR solution data in carbon tetrachloride and chloroform are recorded for the CO and OH regions of 31 chromones. In the 1580–1700 cm⁻¹ region, 5-hydroxychromones show three main maxima, the two of highest frequency, at 1663 ± 3 cm⁻¹ and 1630 ± 5 cm⁻¹ in CCl₄ (1661 ± 2 cm⁻¹ and 1627 ± 5 cm⁻¹ in CHCl₃), being sufficiently intense as to possess high CO character. Typically, 5-alkoxychromones exhibit two intense maxima in this region, 1663 ± 3 cm⁻¹ and 1613 ± 7 cm⁻¹ in CCl₄ (1657 ± 2 cm⁻¹ and 1608 ± 12 cm⁻¹ in CHCl₃). Diagnostically useful changes in contour and principal peak positions can be seen for substituted and annellated 5-hydroxychromones. In the 2500–3650 cm⁻¹ region, the stretching frequencies of OH groups at the most commonly encountered positions (C-5, C-7, and 2-CH₂OH) in natural chromones, are identified.