New insights on the mechanism of oxidation of D-galacturonic acid by hypervalent chromium

The pollutant Cr(VI) is known to be very carcinogenic. In conditions of excess of Cr(VI), oxidation of D-galacturonic acid (Galur), the major metabolite of pectin, yields d-galactaric acid (Galar) and Cr(III). The redox reaction takes place through a multistep mechanism involving formation of intermediate Cr(II/IV) and Cr(V) species. The mechanism combines one- and two-electron pathways for the reduction of Cr(IV) by the organic substrate: Cr(VI)→ Cr(IV)→ Cr(II) and Cr(VI)→ Cr(IV)→ Cr(III). This is supported by the observation of the optical absorption spectra of Cr(VI) esters, free radicals, CrO(2)(2+) (superoxoCr(III) ion) and oxo-Cr(V) complexes. Cr(IV) cannot be directly detected; however, formation of CrO(2)(2+) provides indirect evidence for the intermediacy of Cr(II/IV). Cr(IV) reacts with Galur much faster than Cr(V) and Cr(VI) do. The analysis of the reaction kinetics via optical absorption spectroscopy shows that the Cr(IV)-Galur reaction rate inversely depends on [H(+)]. Nevertheless, high [H(+)] still does not facilitate accumulation of Cr(IV) in the Cr(VI)-Galur mixture. Cr(VI) and the intermediate Cr(V) react with Galur at comparable rates; therefore the build-up and decay of Cr(V) accompany the decay of Cr(VI). The complete rate laws for the Cr(VI), Cr(V) and Cr(IV)-Galur redox reaction are here derived in detail. Furthermore, the nature of the five-co-ordinated oxo-Cr(V) bischelate complexes formed in Cr(VI)-Galur mixtures at pH 1-5 is investigated using continuous-wave and pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and density functional theory (DFT).     

Visible light-induced electron transfer from di-mu-oxo-bridged dinuclear Mn complexes to Cr centers in silica nanopores

The compound (bpy) 2Mn (III)(mu-O) 2Mn (IV)(bpy) 2, a structural model relevant for the photosynthetic water oxidation complex, was coupled to single Cr (VI) charge-transfer chromophores in the channels of the nanoporous oxide AlMCM-41. Mn K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy confirmed that the di-mu-oxo dinuclear Mn core of the complex is unaffected when loaded into the nanoscale pores. Observation of the 16-line EPR signal characteristic of Mn (III)(mu-O) 2Mn (IV) demonstrates that the majority of the loaded complexes retained their nascent oxidation state in the presence or absence of Cr (VI) centers. The FT-Raman spectrum upon visible light excitation of the Cr (VI)-O (II) --> Cr (V)-O (I) ligand-to-metal charge transfer reveals electron transfer from Mn (III)(mu-O) 2Mn (IV) (Mn-O stretch at 700 cm (-1)) to Cr (VI), resulting in the formation of Cr (V) and Mn (IV)(mu-O) 2Mn (IV) (Mn-O stretch at 645 cm (-1)). All initial and final states are directly observed by FT-Raman or EPR spectroscopy, and the assignments are corroborated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. The endoergic charge separation products (Delta E o = -0.6 V) remain after several minutes, which points to spatial separation of Cr (V) and Mn (IV)(mu-O) 2Mn (IV) as a consequence of hole (O (I)) hopping as a major contributing mechanism. This is the first observation of visible light-induced oxidation of a potential water oxidation complex by a metal charge-transfer pump in a nanoporous environment. These findings will allow for the assembly and photochemical characterization of well-defined transition metal molecular units, with the ultimate goal of performing endothermic, multielectron transformations that are coupled to visible light electron pumps in nanostructured scaffolds.     

Dinuclear chromium(V) amino acid complexes from the reduction of chromium(VI) in the presence of amino acid ligands: XAFS characterization of a chromium(V) amino acid complex

The first synthesis and characterization of Cr(V) complexes of non-sulfur-containing amino acids are reported. The reduction of Cr(VI) in methanol in the presence of amino acids glycine, alanine, and 2-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, Aib) yielded several Cr(V) EPR signals. For the reaction involving glycine, the only Cr(V) EPR signals detected were those of the Cr(V)-intermediate methanol complexes, which were also observed in the absence of amino acids. The reaction involving alanine yielded one Cr(V) signal with a g(iso) value of 1.9754 (a(iso) = 4.88 x 10(-4) cm(-1) and A(iso)(53Cr) = 17.89 x 10(-4) cm(-1)). However, a solid product isolated from the reaction solution was EPR silent and was characterized as a dioxo-bridged dimeric species, [Cr(V)2(mu-O)2(O)2(Ala)2(OCH3)2](2-), by multiple-scattering XAFS analysis and electrospray mass spectrometry. The EPR spectrum of the reduction reaction of Cr(VI) in the presence of Aib showed several different Cr(V) signals. Those observed at lower g(iso) values (1.9765, 1.9806) were assigned to Cr(V)-methanol intermediates, while the relatively broad six-line signal at g(iso) = 2.0058 was assigned as being due to a Cr(V) complex with coupling to a single deprotonated amine group of the amino acid. This was confirmed by simplification of the superhyperfine coupling lines from six to three when the deuterated ligand was substituted in the reaction. The reduction of Cr(VI) with excess alanine or Aib ligands resulted in the formation of tris-chelate Cr(III) complexes, which were analytically identical to complexes formed via Cr(III) synthesis methods. The fac-[Cr(Aib)3] complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Cr(III)(salen)Cl catalyzed asymmetric epoxidations: insight into the catalytic cycle

Intermediates of chromium-salen catalyzed alkene epoxidations were studied in situ by EPR, (1)H and (2)H NMR, and UV-vis/NIR spectroscopy (where chromium-salens were (S,S)-(+)-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamino chromium(III) chloride (1) and racemic N,N'-bis(3,4,5,6-tetra-deuterosalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamino chromium(III) chloride (2)). High-valence chromium complexes, intermediates of epoxidation reactions, were detected and characterized by EPR and NMR. They are the reactive mononuclear oxochromium(V) intermediate (A) Cr(V)O(salen)L (where L = Cl(-) or a solvent molecule) and an inactive chromium-salen binuclear complex (B) which acts as a reservoir of the active species. The latter complex demonstrates an EPR signal characteristic of oxochromium(V)-salen species and (1)H NMR spectra typical for chromium(III)-salen complexes, and it is identified as mixed-valence binuclear L(1)(salen)Cr(III)OCr(V)(salen)L(2) (L(1), L(2) = Cl(-) or solvent molecules). The intermediates Cr(V)O(salen)L and L(1)(salen)Cr(III)OCr(V)(salen)L(2) exist in equilibrium, and their ratio can be affected by addition of donor ligands (DMSO, DMF, H(2)O, pyridine). Addition of donor additives increases the fraction of A over that of B. The same two complexes can be obtained with m-CPBA as oxidant. Reactivities of the Cr(V)O(salen)L complexes toward E-beta-methylstyrene were measured in DMF. The L(1)(salen)Cr(III)OCr(V)(salen)L(2) intermediate has been proposed to be a reservoir of the true reactive chromium(V) species. The chromium-salen catalysts demonstrate low turnover numbers (ca. 5), probably due to ligand degradation processes.     

Synthesis and characterization of a chromium(V) cis-dioxo bis(1,10-phenanthroline) complex and crystal and molecular structures of its chromium(III) precursor

The first structurally characterized Cr(V) dioxo complex, cis-[CrV(O)2(phen)2](BF4) (2, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized by the oxidation of a related Cr(III) complex, cis-[Cr(III)(phen)2(OH2)2](NO3)3.2.5H2O (1, characterized by X-ray crystallography), with NaOCl in aqueous solutions in the presence of excess NaBF4, and its purity has been confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS), EPR spectroscopy, and analytical techniques. Previously reported methods for the generation of Cr(V)-phen complexes, such as the oxidation of 1 with PbO2 or PhIO, have been shown by ESMS to lead to mixtures of Cr(III), Cr(V), Cr(VI), and in some cases Cr(IV) species, 3. Species 3 was assigned as [CrIV(O)(OH)(phen)2]+, based on ESMS and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. A distorted octahedral structure for 2 (CrO, 1.63 A; Cr-N, 2.04 and 2.16 A) was established by multiple-scattering (MS) modeling of XAFS spectra (solid, 10 K). The validity of the model was verified by a good agreement between the results of MS XAFS fitting and X-ray crystallography for 1 (distorted octahedron; Cr-O, 1.95 A; Cr-N, 2.06 A). Unlike for the well-studied Cr(V) 2-hydroxycarboxylato complexes, 2 was equally or more stable in aqueous media (hours at pH=1-13 and 25 degrees C) compared with polar aprotic solvents. A stable Cr(III)-Cr(VI) dimer, [Cr(III)(Cr(VI)O4)(phen)2]+ (detected by ESMS), is formed during the decomposition of 2 in nonaqueous media. Comparative studies of the oxidation of 1 by NaOCl or PbO2 have shown that [Cr(V)(O)2(phen)2]+ was the active species responsible for the previously reported oxidative DNA damage, bacterial mutagenicity, and increased incidence of micronuclei in mammalian cells, caused by the oxidation products of 1 with PbO2. Efficient oxidation of 1 to a genotoxic species, [Cr(V)(O)2(phen)2]+, in neutral aqueous media by a biological oxidant, hypochlorite, supports the hypothesis on a significant role of reoxidation of Cr(III) complexes, formed during the intracellular reduction of Cr(VI), in Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenicity. Similar oxidation reactions may contribute to the reported adverse effects of a popular nutritional supplement, Cr(III) picolinate.     

Determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in industrial and environmental liquid samples by EDXRF method

A rapid, sensitive and selective procedure for determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in environmental and industrial liquid samples via preconcentration with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) and determination by means of the EDXRF was described. The effect of pH in the range of 3-11 on the recovery of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) has been investigated separately and in combination of these two species. The influence of organic matter, carbonate species and elements V, Mn and Fe on the recovery of each chromium specie (separately/in combination) over whole pH range was also tested in order to simulate condition occurring in natural waters that usually contain certain amount of dissolved organic matter and carbonate ions. Cr(VI) and Cr(III) have shown different behaviors in reaction with APDC at different pH ranges and therefore it is possible to separate those two species. It was found that Cr(VI) creates complex with APDC only in the pH range from 3 to 5 with quantitative recovery (app. 98%) at pH 3, but there was no recovery of Cr(III) at that pH. On the contrary, in pH range from 6 to 11, reaction with Cr(III) and APDC reviled that the only reaction product is Cr(OH)₃ instead of the expected Cr(III)-APDC complex. All reaction products were characterized by IR spectroscopy.     

X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of chromium(V/IV/III)- 2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutanoato(2-/1-) complexes

Structures of the complexes [Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)](-), [Cr(IV)O(ehbaH)(2)](0), and [Cr(III)(ehbaH)(2)(OH(2))(2)](+) (ehbaH(2) = 2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) in frozen aqueous solutions (10 K, [Cr] = 10 mM, 1.0 M ehbaH(2)/ehbaH, pH 3.5) have been determined by single- and multiple-scattering fitting of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) data. An optimal set of fitting parameters has been determined from the XAFS calculations for a compound with known crystal structure, Na[Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)] (solid, 10 K). The structure of the Cr(V) complex [Cr(V)O(ehba)(2)](-) does not change in solution in the presence of excess ligand. Contrary to the earlier suggestions made from the kinetic data (Ghosh, M. C.; Gould, E. S. J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 1992, 195-196), the structure of the Cr(IV) complex (generated by the Cr(VI) + As(III) + ehbaH(2) reaction) is close to that of the Cr(V) complex (five-coordinate, distorted trigonal bipyramidal) and different from that of the Cr(III) complex (six-coordinate, octahedral). For both Cr(V) and Cr(IV) complexes, some disorder in the position of the oxo group is observed, which is consistent with but not definitive for the presence of geometric isomers. The structure of the Cr(IV) complex differs from that of Cr(V) by protonation of alcoholato groups of the ligands, which leads to significant elongation of the corresponding Cr-O bonds (2.0 vs 1.8 A). This is reflected in the different chemical properties reported previously for the Cr(IV) and Cr(V) complexes, including their reactivities toward DNA and other biomolecules in relation to Cr-induced carcinogenicity.     

Characterization and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of bis[quinato(2-)]oxochromate(V)

A new Cr(V) complex, K[CrVO(qaH3)2].H2O (Ia; qaH3 = quinato = (1R,3R,4R,5R)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxycyclohexanecarboxylato(2-)), synthesized by the reaction of K2Cr2O7 with excess qaH5 in MeOH (Codd, R.; Lay, P. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 7864-7876), has been characterized by microanalyses, electrospray mass spectra, and UV-visible, CD, IR, EPR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. This complex is of interest because of its ability to act as both a structural and a biomimetic model for a range of Cr(V) species believed to be generated in vivo during the intracellular reduction of carcinogenic Cr(VI). The Na+ analogue of Ia (Ib) has also been isolated and characterized by microanalyses and IR and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. The reaction of Cr(VI) with MeOH in the presence of qaH5 that leads to I proceeds via a Cr(IV) intermediate (observed by UV-visible spectroscopy), and a mechanism for the formation of I has been proposed. DMF or DMSO solutions of I are stable for several days at 25 degrees C, while I in aqueous solution (pH = 4) disproportionates to Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in minutes. The likely structures in the solid state for Ia (14 K) and Ib (approximately 293 K) have been determined using both single-scattering (Ia,b) and multiple-scattering (Ia) analyses of XAFS data. These analyses have shown the following: (i) In agreement with the results from the other spectroscopic techniques, the quinato ligands are bound to Cr(V) by 2-hydroxycarboxylato moieties, with Cr-O bond lengths of 1.55, 1.82, and 1.94 A for the oxo, alcoholato, and carboxylato O atoms, respectively. (ii) The position of an oxo O atom is somewhat disordered. This is consistent with molecular mechanics modeling of the likely structures. The XAFS, EPR, and IR spectroscopic evidence points to the existence of hydrogen bonds between the oxo ligand and the 3,4,5-OH groups of the quinato ligands in the solid state of I.     

Speciation of V, Cr and Fe by capillary electrophoresis-bandpass reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Capillary electrophoresis-dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-DRC-ICP-MS) for the speciation of iron(III/II), vanadium(V/IV) and chromium(VI/III) is described. Two different CE migration modes were employed for separating the six metal ions using pre-capillary complexation. One is counter-electroosmotic mode in which iron(III/II) and vanadium(V/IV) ions were well separated using a 60 cm x 75 microm i.d. fused silica capillary. The voltage was set at +22 kV and a 15 mmol l(-1) tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) buffer (pH 8.75) containing 0.5 mmol l(-1) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 0.5 mmol l(-1) ortho-phenanthroline (phen) was used as the electrophoretic buffer. The other is co-electroosmotic mode in which chromium(VI/III) ions were well separated while the applied voltage was set at -22 kV and a 10 mmol l(-1) ammonium citrate buffer (pH 7.7) containing 0.5 mmol l(-1) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and 0.01% polybrene was used as the electrophoretic buffer. The mass spectra were measured at m/z 51, 52 and 56 for V. Cr and Fe, respectively. The interfering polyatomic ions of 35Cl16O+, 40Ar12C+ and 40Ar16O+ on 51V+, 52Cr+ and 56Fe+ determination were reduced in intensity significantly by using NH3 as the reaction cell gas in the DRC. The detection limits were in the range of 0.1-0.5, 0.4-1.3 and 1.2-1.7 ng ml(-1) for V, Cr and Fe, respectively. Applications of the method for the speciation of V, Cr and Fe in wastewater were demonstrated. The recoveries were in the range of 92-120% for various species.     

Unusual reactivity of the [Re(V)O]3+ core: syntheses and characterization of novel rhenium halide complexes with n-methyl-o-diaminobenzene

The reactions of 1 or 2 equiv of N-methyl-o-diaminobenzene with trans-[ReOX(3)(PPh(3))(2)] (X = Cl, Br) in refluxing chloroform gave oxo-free rhenium complexes [Re(VI)X(4)(NC(6)H(4)NHCH(3))(OPPh(3))] (X = Cl, 3; X = Br, 6), [Re(V)X(2)Y(NC(6)H(4)NHCH(3))(PPh(3))(2)] (X, Y = Cl, 4; X = Br, Y = Cl, 7), [Re(IV)Cl(2)(NHC(6)H(4)NCH(3))(2)] (5), and [Re(IV)Br(3)(NHC(6)H(4)NCH(3))(PPh(3))] (8). All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, EPR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The complexes all display distorted octahedral coordination geometry. For Re(IV) complexes 5 and 8, the ligands coordinate in the benzosemiquinone diimine form. In Re(VI) complexes 3 and 6 and the Re(V) complexes 4 and 7, the ligands coordinate in the dianionic monodentate imido form. The EPR spectra of Re(VI) species 3 and 6 in dichloromethane solution at room temperature exhibit the characteristic hyperfine pattern of six lines, with evidence of strong second-order effects. The IR spectra of the complexes are characterized by Re=N and Re-N stretching bands at ca. 1090 and 540 cm(-)(1), respectively. The Re(IV) and Re(V) complexes display well-resolved NMR spectra, while the Re(VI) complexes exhibit no observable spectra, due to paramagnetism. The cyclic voltammograms of complexes 3 and 6 display Re(VII)/ Re(VI) and Re(VI)/Re(V) processes, those of 4 and 7 exhibit Re(VI)/Re(V) and Re(V)/Re(IV) couples, and those of 5 and 8 are characterized by Re(V)/Re(IV) and Re(IV)/Re(III) processes.     

Structure and reactivity of a chromium(v) glutathione complex

Chromium(V) glutathione complexes are among the likely reactive intermediates in Cr(VI)-induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The first definitive structure of one such complex, [Cr(V)O(LH(2))(2)](3)(-) (I; LH(5) = glutathione = GSH), isolated from the reaction of Cr(VI) with excess GSH at pH 7.0 (O'Brien, P.; Pratt, J.; Swanson, F. J.; Thornton, P.; Wang, G. Inorg. Chim. Acta 1990, 169, 265-269), has been determined by a combination of electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), EPR spectroscopy, and analytical techniques. In addition, Cr(V) complexes of GSH ethyl ester (gamma-Glu-Cys-GlyOEt) have been isolated and characterized by ESMS, and Cr(III) products of the Cr(VI) + GSH reaction have been isolated and characterized by ESMS and XAS. The thiolato and amido groups of the Cys residue in GSH are responsible for the Cr(V) binding in I. The Cr-ligand bond lengths, determined from multiple-scattering XAFS analysis, are as follows: 1.61 A for the oxo donor; 1.99 A for the amido donors; and 2.31 A for the thiolato donors. A significant electron withdrawal from the thiolato groups to Cr(V) in I was evident from the XANES spectra. Rapid decomposition of I in aqueous solutions (pH = 1-13) occurs predominantly by ligand oxidation with the formation of Cr(III) complexes of GSH and GSSG. Maximal half-lives of the Cr(V) species (40-50 s at [Cr] = 1.0 mM and 25 degrees C) are observed at pH 7.5-8.0. The experimental data are in conflict with a recent communication (Gaggelli, E.; Berti, F.; Gaggelli, N.; Maccotta, A.; Valensin, G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 8858-8859) on the formation of a Cr(V) dimer as a major product of the Cr(VI) + GSH reaction, which may have resulted from misinterpretation of the ESMS and NMR spectroscopic data.     

Chromium(VI) Forms Thiolate Complexes with gamma-Glutamylcysteine, N-Acetylcysteine, Cysteine, and the Methyl Ester of N-Acetylcysteine

Reaction of potassium dichromate with gamma-glutamylcysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and cysteine in aqueous solution resulted in the formation of 1:1 complexes of Cr(VI) with the cysteinyl thiolate ligand. The brownish red Cr(VI)-amino acid/peptide complexes exhibited differential stability in aqueous solutions at 4 degrees C and ionic strength = 1.5 M, decreasing in stability in the order: gamma-glutamylcysteine > N-acetylcysteine > cysteine. (1)H, (13)C, and (17)O NMR studies showed that the amino acids act as monodentate ligands and bind to Cr(VI) through the cysteinyl thiolate group, forming RS-Cr(VI)O(3)(-) complexes. No evidence was obtained for involvement of any other possible ligating groups, e.g., amine or carboxylate, of the amino acid/peptide in binding to Cr(VI). EPR studies showed that chromium(V) species at g = 1.973-4 were formed upon reaction of potassium dichromate with gamma-glutamylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine. Reaction of potassium dichromate or sodium dichromate with N-acetylcysteine and the methyl ester of N-acetylcysteine in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) also led to the formation of RS-Cr(VI)O(3)(-) complexes as determined by UV/vis, IR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Thus, an early step in the reaction of Cr(VI) with cysteine and cysteine derviatives in aqueous and DMF solutions involves the formation of RS-CrO(3)(-) complexes. The Cr(VI)-thiolate complexes are more stable in DMF than in aqueous solution, and their stability towards reduction in aqueous solution follows the order cysteine < N-acetylcysteine < gamma-glutamylcysteine < glutathione.     

Dioxygen binding and activation by a highly reactive Cr(II) compound containing S,N-donors derived from o-aminothiophenol

We report the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of a Cr(II) complex, [Cr(H₂O)(L^ISQ)₂] (1) [(L^ISQ)^1? is o-iminothionebenzosemiquinonate(1?) π-radical], that is highly stable in solid state in the presence of air but undergoes spontaneous change in solution, both in the presence and absence of air. Physicochemical studies in solution show that a superoxo-Cr^III species, [Cr(O₂)(OH)(L^ISQ)₂]^? is generated initially in DMF solution of 1 in the presence of air owing to its immediate deprotonation followed by O₂ binding to the deprotonated species. The formation of this superoxo-Cr^III species is prominent and gradual in the presence of CH₃OH, a scavenger of CrO²⁺ species. This Cr(O₂)²⁺ species in turn is converted to another highly reactive O=Cr(IV) intermediate [O=Cr(OH)(L^ISQ)₂]^? which undergoes disproportionation producing an unstable O=Cr(V) species, [O=Cr(OH)(L^ISQ)₂] and a stable Cr(III) compound, [Cr(OH)(DMF)(L^ISQ)₂] (2). The rate of this disproportionation is enhanced in the presence of MnCl₂, [N(n-Bu)₄]PF₆ and KSCN. The generated O=Cr(IV) species interacts with DNA with complete cleavage. The O=Cr(V) species slowly disappears from solution as revealed from EPR studies.     

Synthesis of a pyridinium bis[citrato(2-)]oxochromate(V) complex and its ligand-exchange reactions

The reaction of citric acid (caH(4)) with pyridinium dichromate (PDC) in anhydrous acetone yields pyridinium bis[citrato(2-)]oxochromate(V), pyH[CrO(caH(2))(2)], as a mixed salt with the Cr(III) product. The compound persists in the solid state for months, is highly soluble in water (pH 4.0), and gives a sharp electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in solution (g(iso) = 1.9781, A(iso)(Cr) = 17.1 x 10(-4) cm(-1)), which is characteristic of d(1) Cr(V). The presence of [Cr(V)O(caH(2))(2)](-) in the solid state was confirmed by electrospray mass spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), and EPR spectroscopy. Solid-state EPR spectroscopy, XANES, and a spectrophotometric assay showed that the solid is a mixture of [Cr(V)O(caH(2))(2)](-) and a Cr(III)-citrate complex. The structures of the [Cr(V)O(caH(2))(2)](-) and [Cr(III)(caH(2))(2)](-) components of the mixture were established by multiple-scattering MS analysis of the X-ray absorption fine structure data. The structure of [Cr(V)O(caH(2))(2)](-) is similar to that of other 2-hydroxy acid complexes with Cr=O, Cr-O(alcoholato), and Cr-O(carboxylato) bond lengths of 1.59, 1.81, and 1.90 A, respectively. The Cr(III) complex has bond lengths typical for ligands with deprotonated carboxylate and protonated alcohol donors with distances of 1.90 and 1.99 A, respectively, for the Cr-O(carboxylato) and Cr-O(alcohol) bond lengths. In aqueous solution, [CrO(caH(2))(2)](-) is short lived, but it is a convenient starting material for ligand-exchange reactions. It has been used to generate short-lived mixed-ligand Cr(V) complexes with citrate and picolinate, iminodiacetate, 2,2'-bipyridine, or 1,10-phenanthroline, which were characterized by EPR spectroscopy. The g values are between 1.971 and 1.974. For the picolinate, 2,2'-bipyridine, and 1,10-phenanthroline mixed-ligand complexes, there is hyperfine coupling (2.2 x 10(-4) to 2.4 x 10(-4) cm(-1)) to a single proton of the citrate ligand.     

Speciated isotope dilution analysis of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water by ICP-DRC-MS

An isotope dilution method has been developed for the speciation analysis of chromium in natural waters which accounts for species interconversions without the requirement of a separation instrument connected to the mass spectrometer. The method involves (i) in-situ spiking of the sample with isotopically enriched chromium species; (ii) separation of chromium species by precipitation with iron hydroxide; (iii) careful measurement of isotope ratios using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) to remove isobaric polyatomic interferences. The method detection limits are 0.4 μg L⁻¹ for Cr(III) and 0.04 μg L⁻¹ for Cr(VI). The method is demonstrated for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in local nullah and synthetically spiked water samples. The percentage of conversion from Cr(III) to Cr(VI) increased from 5.9% to 9.3% with increase of the concentration of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from 1 to 100 μg L⁻¹, while the reverse conversion from Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was observed within a range between 0.9% and 1.9%. The equilibrium constant for the conversion was found to be independent of the initial concentrations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and in the range of 1.0 (at pH 3) to 1.8 (at pH 10). The precision of the method is better than that of the DPC method for Cr(VI) analysis, with the added bonuses of freedom from interferences and simultaneous Cr(III) determination.     

The influence of reversible trianionic pincer OCO(3-)μ-oxo Cr(IV) dimer formation ([Cr(IV)]2(μ-O)) and donor ligands in oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT)

The oxygen-atom-transfer (OAT) from [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(THF) (2) (where (t)BuOCO = [2,6-C(6)H(3)(6-(t)BuC(6)H(3)O)(2)](3-), THF = tetrahydrofuran) to triphenylphosphine (PPh(3)) in THF produces [(t)BuOCO]Cr(III)(THF)(3) (1) and triphenylphosphine oxide (OPPh(3)) at a rate of 69.5(±1.9) M(-1) s(-1) (22 °C). Identical rate constants were attained when acetonitrile (MeCN) and dichloromethane/THF (CH(2)Cl(2)/THF) were used as solvents. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data shows that the six-coordinate complex, [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(THF)(2) (2a) forms upon addition of THF to 2, suggesting 2a as the active OAT species in THF. Similarly, addition of OPPh(3) has no influence on the rate of OAT, but the addition of triphenylphosphorus ylide (CH(2)PPh(3)) to form [(t)BuOCO]Cr(V)(O)(CH(2)PPh(3)) (4) prevents OAT to PPh(3). In CH(2)Cl(2), a [Cr(IV)](2)(μ-O) intermediate forms during the OAT from 2 to PPh(3). The OAT from {[(t)BuOCO]Cr(IV)(THF)}(2)(μ-O) (3) to PPh(3) reveals a zero-order dependence in PPh(3) indicating the dimer must first dissociate prior to OAT. The decay of 3versus time does not follow first-order kinetics due to the formation of a [(t)BuOCO]Cr(III)(THF) species (5) that inhibits the dissociation of 3. The change in concentration of 3versus time during OAT was simulated to obtain approximate rate constants.     

Speciation of the products from acid reduction of51Cr(VI)

Chromium speciation implies the quantitative determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). However, the presence of hydrolytic forms of Cr(III) and the instability of tracer level Cr(VI) in acid media complicates this speciation. The present work describes the stability of several monomeric Cr(III) species formed in the acid reduction of⁵¹Cr(VI). The distribution of Cr(VI) and Cr(X)_n(H₂O) _6–n ^(3–n)+ as a function of time was followed by paired cationic and anionic exchange analyses. The distributions and their time dependences are functions of the initial concentrations of both Cr(VI) and acid. The Cr(III) species eventually level to the hexaaquo form.     

Reduction of Cr(VI) Assisted by Sol-Gel Generated Electron-Hole Centers

We report an in-situ harvesting technique of electron-hole (e⁻-h⁺) carriers (e.g., the defect electrons in the O^{2 −} matrix and the self-trapped holes, Si–O⁻–Si) generated during sol-gel processing. In the absence of redox species, the e⁻-h⁺ centers created during room temperature sol-gel polycondensation steps are quickly annihilated and deactivated. However, when Cr(VI) ions are pre-dispersed in sol-gel solutions, the ejected electrons can be effectively harvested for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions which are encapsulated in the silica gel matrix. The Cr(VI) ions, the possible intermediate oxidation states of chromium ions such as Cr(V) and/or Cr(IV), and the stable Cr(III)-hole complexes in the sol-gel matrix are investigated using uv-visible spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The chemical stability of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in sol-gel networks is compared to that in aqueous solutions. The results indicate that the utilization of e⁻-h⁺ carriers generated in the sol-gel can be an effective and selective means for investigating the redox process of Cr(VI) and encapsulating the stable Cr(III) ions in the confined sol-gel environments.     

Column chromatographic speciation of chromium for Cr(VI) and several species of Cr(III)

Summary Chromium can be present in aqueous solution as Cr(VI) or in monomeric, dimeric, trimeric and higher polymeric forms of Cr(III). Many monomeric forms of Cr(III) are possible, with the water molecules of Cr(H₂O) ₆ ³⁺ substituted by anionic or neutral species. This proliferation of Cr(III) species makes the complete speciation of chromium a continuing challenge to the analyst. A simple and effective cation exchange procedure for the separation of various of these species uses a small glass column containing 1 mL of pre-treated cation exchange resin (Na⁺ form). Stepwise elution with solutions of perchloric acid, Ca²⁺ (pH=2) and La³⁺ (pH=2) separates Cr(VI) and seven Cr(III) species from CrX₃ to tetramer. Radiometric (Cr-51), spectrophotometric and other detection methods can be employed; the use of radiochromium gives the lowest detection limit.     

Effect of Mn(II) and Ce(IV) Ions on the Oxidation of Lactic Acid by Chromic Acid

The kinetics and mechanism of lactic acid oxidation in the presence of Mn(II) and Ce(IV) ions by chromic acid were studied spectrophotometrically. The oxidation of lactic acid by Cr(VI) was found to proceed in two measurable steps, both of which gave pyruvic acid as the primary product in the absence of Mn(II). 2Cr(VI)+2CH₃CHOHCOOH → 2CH₃COCOOH+Cr(V)+Cr(III) Cr(V)+CH₃CHOHCOOH → Cr(III)+CH₃COCOOHThe observed kinetics was explained due to the catalytic and inhibitory effects of Mn(II) and Ce(IV) on the lactic acid oxidation by Cr(VI). The reactivity of lactic acid depends upon the experimental conditions. It acts as a two-or three-equivalent reducing agent in the absence or presence of Mn(II). It was examined that Cr(III) products resulting from the direct reduction of Cr(VI) by three-equivalent reducing agents. The oxidation of lactic acid follows the complex order kinetics with respect to [lactic acid]. The activation parameters E_a, ΔH^#, and ΔS^# were calculated and discussed.