Ternary Alkali Metal Transition Metal Acetylides

The first alkali metal transition metal acetylides of general composition A₂M⁰C₂ (A = Na ? Cs, M⁰ = Pd, Pt) were obtained by solid state reactions of alkali metal acetylides with palladium and platinum. They are characterized by chains, which are separated by alkali metal ions. Analogous chains also separated by alkali metal ions are the characteristic structural feature of acetylides of composition AM^IC₂, which are accessible by reacting AC₂H with M^II in liquid ammonia (A = Li ? Cs, M^I = Cu, Ag, Au). Despite their structural similarities they possess different properties, as acetylides of composition A₂M⁰C₂ are semiconductors with very small indirect band gaps and slightly extended C–C distances compared to a C–C triple bond, whereas acetylides of composition AM^IC₂ show a typical salt‐like behavior with C–C distances close to the expected value for a C–C triple bond of 120 pm. But with the help of simple chemical models these differences can be made plausible. Furthermore, it is shown that only by a combination of different methods (powder diffraction with X‐rays and neutrons, solid state NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy) it was possible to characterize this new class of compounds structurally and chemically.     

Developing a Hetero‐Alkali‐Metal Chemistry of 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidide (TMP): Stoichiometric and Structural Diversity within a Series of Lithium/Sodium,Lithium/Potassium and Sodium/Potassium TMP Compounds

Studied extensively in solution and in the solid state, Li(TMP) (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide) is an important utility reagent popular as a strongly basic, weakly nucleophilic tool for C? H metallation. Recently, there has been a surge in interest in mixed metal derivatives containing the bulky TMP anion. Herein, we start to develop hetero (alkali metal) TMP chemistry by reporting the N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)‐hemisolvated sodium–lithium cycloheterodimer [(tmeda)Na(μ‐tmp)₂Li], and its TMEDA‐free variant [{Na(μ‐tmp)Li(μ‐tmp)}_∞], which provides a rare example of a crystallographically authenticated polymeric alkali metal amide. Experimental observations suggest that the former is a kinetic intermediate en route to the latter thermodynamic product. Furthermore, a third modification, the mixed potassium–lithium‐rich cycloheterotrimer [(tmeda)K(μ‐tmp)Li(μ‐tmp)Li(μ‐tmp)], has also been synthesised and crystallographically characterised. On moving to the bulkier tridentate donor N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenediamine (PMDETA), the additional ligation forces the sodium–lithium and potassium–dilithium ring species to open giving the acyclic arc‐shaped complexes [(pmdeta)Na(μ‐tmp)Li(tmp)] and [(pmdeta)K(μ‐tmp)Li(μ‐tmp)Li(tmp)], respectively. Completing the series, the potassium–lithium and potassium–sodium derivatives [(pmdeta)K(μ‐tmp)₂M] (M=Li, Na) have also been isolated as closed structures with a distinctly asymmetric central MN₂K ring. Collectively, these seven new bimetallic compounds display five distinct structural motifs, four of which have never hitherto been witnessed in TMP chemistry and three of which are unprecedented in the vast structural library of alkali metal amide chemistry.     

[Benzyl­bis­(di­methyl­amino)­methyl­silyl‐κ2C,N](N,N,N′,N′‐tetra­methyl­ethyl­ene­di­amine‐κ2N,N)­lithium(I)

The title compound, [Li(C₁₂H₂₁NSi)(C₆H₁₆N₂)], is an intermediate in the synthesis of the corresponding organometallic compounds. The mol­ecule has an unusual C—Si—N—Li four‐membered heterocycle which adopts a folded conformation, with the coordination around the Li, N, C and Si atoms being distorted tetrahedral. Its structure is strongly supported by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ¹³C–¹H correlation spectra. The compound has potential for application in the synthesis of other novel organometallic compounds.     

Stereospecificity of 1H, 13C and 15N shielding constants in the isomers of methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazone: problem with configurational assignment based on 1H chemical shifts

In the ¹³C NMR spectra of methylglyoxal bisdimethylhydrazone, the ¹³C‐5 signal is shifted to higher frequencies, while the ¹³C‐6 signal is shifted to lower frequencies on going from the EE to ZE isomer following the trend found previously. Surprisingly, the ¹H‐6 chemical shift and ¹J(C‐6,H‐6) coupling constant are noticeably larger in the ZE isomer than in the EE isomer, although the configuration around the –CH═N– bond does not change. This paradox can be rationalized by the C–H?N intramolecular hydrogen bond in the ZE isomer, which is found from the quantum‐chemical calculations including Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis. This hydrogen bond results in the increase of δ(¹H‐6) and ¹J(C‐6,H‐6) parameters. The effect of the C–H?N hydrogen bond on the ¹H shielding and one‐bond ¹³C–¹H coupling complicates the configurational assignment of the considered compound because of these spectral parameters. The ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N chemical shifts of the 2‐ and 8‐(CH₃)₂N groups attached to the –C(CH₃)═N– and –CH═N– moieties, respectively, reveal pronounced difference. The ab initio calculations show that the 8‐(CH₃)₂N group conjugate effectively with the π‐framework, and the 2‐(CH₃)₂N group twisted out from the plane of the backbone and loses conjugation. As a result, the degree of charge transfer from the N‐2– and N‐8– nitrogen lone pairs to the π‐framework varies, which affects the ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N shieldings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Novel Ternary Alkali Metal Gold Acetylides MIAuC2 (MI = Li,Na, K,Rb, Cs)

By the reaction of AuI with alkali metal hydrogen acetylides M^IC₂H (M^I = Li–Cs) in liquid ammonia and subsequent heating of the remaining residue in refluxing pyridine (M^I = Li, Na, K) or as a solid phase at about 110 °C in vacuum (M^I = Rb, Cs) ternary alkali metal gold acetylides M^IAuC₂ were obtained. Their crystal structures were investigated by the means of X‐ray powder diffraction. [Au(C₂)_2/2^–] chains are the characteristic structural motif which are packed in a hexagonal (LiAgC₂) and tetragonal arrangement (NaAuC₂–CsAuC₂), respectively. Simple calculations based on the close packing of rods and spheres can explain these different arrangements. The existence of C–C triple bonds in the title compounds is confirmed by Raman spectroscopic investigations.     

Enhanced Performance of a Lithium–Sulfur Battery Using a Carbonate‐Based Electrolyte

The lithium–sulfur battery is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for lithium–metal batteries with high energy density. However, dendrite Li formation and low cycle efficiency of the Li anode as well as unstable sulfur based cathode still hinder its practical application. Herein a novel electrolyte (1 m LiODFB/EC‐DMC‐FEC) is designed not only to address the above problems of Li anode but also to match sulfur cathode perfectly, leading to extraordinary electrochemical performances. Using this electrolyte, lithium|lithium cells can cycle stably for above 2000 hours and the average Coulumbic efficiency reaches 98.8 %. Moreover, the Li–S battery delivers a reversible capacity of about 1400 mAh g^?1_sulfur with retention of 89 % for 1100 cycles at 1 C, and a capacity above 1100 mAh g^?1_sulfur at 10 C. The more advantages of this cell system are its outstanding cycle stability at 60 °C and no self‐discharge phenomena.     

Li47B3P14N42—A Lithium Nitridoborophosphate with [P3N9]12−, [P4N10]10−, and the Unprecedented [B3P3N13]15− Ion

Li₄₇B₃P₁₄N₄₂, the first lithium nitridoborophosphate, is synthesized by two different routes using a Li₃N flux enabling a complete structure determination by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Li₄₇B₃P₁₄N₄₂ comprises three different complex anions: a cyclic [P₃N₉]¹²⁻, an adamantane‐like [P₄N₁₀]¹⁰⁻, and the novel anion [P₃B₃N₁₃]¹⁵⁻. [P₃B₃N₁₃]¹⁵⁻ is the first species with condensed B/N and P/N substructures. Rietveld refinement, ⁶Li, ⁷Li, ¹¹B, and ³¹P solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, EDX measurements, and elemental analyses correspond well with the structure model from single‐crystal XRD. To confirm the mobility of Li⁺ ions, their possible migration pathways were evaluated and the temperature‐dependent conductivity was determined by impedance spectroscopy. With the Li₃N flux route we gained access to a new class of lithium nitridoborophosphates, which could have a great potential for unprecedented anion topologies with interesting properties.     

Group 13 Element Trihalide Complexes of Anionic N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes

A series of group 13 complexes of the general type [{(WCA‐IDipp)EX₃}Li(solv)] (E=B, Al, Ga, In; X=Cl, Br) that bear an anionic N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand with a weakly coordinating borate moiety (WCA‐IDipp, WCA=B(C₆F₅)₃ and IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) were prepared by the reaction of the respective group 13 trihalides (EX₃) with the lithium salt [(WCA‐IDipp)Li ? toluene]. The molecular structures of the BBr₃, AlCl₃, AlBr₃, GaCl₃ and InCl₃ adducts were established by X‐ray diffraction analyses, revealing the formation of coordination polymers linked by halide‐lithium interactions, except for the indium derivative, which consists of isolated [Li(THF)₄]⁺ and [(WCA‐IDipp)InCl₃]^? ions in the solid state.     

The Behaviors of Metal Acetylides with Dinitrogen Tetroxide

Lithium phenylacetylide ( 1a ) and N₂O₄ ( 2 ) at −78° yield diphenylbutadiyne ( 6a ) by oxidative coupling, phenylacetylene ( 7a ) by oxidation and then solvent H‐abstraction, and benzoyl cyanide ( 8 ) by dimerizative‐rearrangement of nitroso(phenyl)acetylene ( 23 ). Nitro(phenyl)acetylene ( 3 , R=Ph) is not obtained. Benzonitrile ( 9 ), a further product, possibly results from hydrolytic decomposition of nitroso(phenyl)ketene ( 27 ) generated from phenylacetylenyl nitrite ( 26 ). Phenylacetylene ( 7a ) and 2 give, along with (E)‐ and (Z)‐1,2‐dinitrostyrenes ( 34 and 35 , resp.), 3‐benzoyl‐5‐phenylisoxazole ( 10 ), presumably as formed by cycloaddition of benzoyl nitrile oxide ( 40 ) to 7a . Further, 2 reacts with other lithium acetylides ( 1b – 1e ), and with sodium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and copper lithium phenylacetylides, 1f – 1l , to yield diacetylenes 6a – 6c and monoacetylenes 7a – 7c . Conversions of metallo acetylide aggregates to diacetylenes are proposed to involve generation and addition reactions of metallo acetylide radical cationic intermediates in cage, further oxidation, and total loss of metal ion. Loss of metal ions from metallo acetylide radical cations and H‐abstraction by non‐caged acetylenyl radicals will give terminal acetylenes. The principal reactions (75–100%) of heavy metal acetylides phenyl(trimethylstannyl)acetylene ( 44 ) and bis(phenylacetylenyl)mercury ( 47 ) with 2 are directed nitrosative additions (NO⁺) and loss of metal ions to give nitroso(phenyl)ketene ( 27 ), which converts to benzoyl cyanide ( 8 ).     

1H{15N} GHMQC study of 5,7‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine and 1H, 13C and 15N NMR coordination shifts in Au(III) chloride complexes of 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines

The ¹H{¹⁵N} NMR spectrum of 5,7‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐pyrimidine ( 3 ) was measured by GHMQC, unambiguously assigned and compared with the spectra of 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine ( 1 ) and 5,7‐dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine ( 2 ). A series of Au(III) chloride complexes of general formula AuLCl₃, where L = 1 , 2 , 3 , was synthesized and studied by ¹HH{¹⁵N} GHMQC and ¹H{¹³C} GHMBC. Low‐frequency shifts of 72–74 ppm (¹⁵N) and 5–6 ppm (¹³C) were observed upon complexation by Au(III) ions for the coordination site N‐3 and adjacent C‐2, C‐3a atoms, respectively. The ¹³C signals of C‐5, C‐6, C‐7 and the ¹H resonances of H‐2, H‐6 were shifted to higher frequency. Comparison with analogous Pd(II), Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes revealed that in the case of Au(III) coordination the ¹⁵N shifts were relatively smaller, whereas those for ¹³C and ¹H were larger. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A green strategy for lithium isotopes separation by using mesoporous silica materials doped with ionic liquids and benzo-15-crown-5

Three new mesoporous silica materials IL15SGs (HF15SG, TF15SG and DF15SG) doped with benzo-15-crown-5 and imidazolium based ionic liquids (C₈mim⁺PF₆ ^?, C₈mim⁺BF₄ ^? or C₈mim⁺NTf ₂ ^? ) have been prepared by a simple approach to separating lithium isotopes. The formed mesoporous structures of silica gels have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy image and N₂ gas adsorption–desorption isotherm. Imidazolium ionic liquids acted as templates to prepare mesoporous materials, additives to stabilize extractant within silica gel, and synergetic agents to separate the lithium isotopes. Factors such as lithium salt concentration, initial pH, counter anion of lithium salt, extraction time, and temperature on the lithium isotopes separation were examined. Under optimized conditions, the extraction efficiency of HF15SG, TF15SG and DF15SG were found to be 11.43, 10.59 and 13.07 %, respectively. The heavier isotope ⁷Li was concentrated in the solution phase while the lighter isotope ⁶Li was enriched in the gel phase. The solid–liquid extraction maximum single-stage isotopes separation factor of ⁶Li–⁷Li in the solid–liquid extraction was up to 1.046 ± 0.002. X-ray crystal structure analysis indicated that the lithium salt was extracted into the solid phase with crown ether forming [(Li_0.5)₂(B15)₂(H₂O)]⁺ complexes. IL15SGs were also easily regenerated by stripping with 20 mmol L^?1 HCl and reused in the consecutive removal of lithium ion in five cycles.     

Electrochemical Phase Evolution of Metal‐Based Pre‐Catalysts for High‐Rate Polysulfide Conversion

In situ evolution of electrocatalysts is of paramount importance in defining catalytic reactions. Catalysts for aprotic electrochemistry such as lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries are the cornerstone to enhance intrinsically sluggish reaction kinetics but the true active phases are often controversial. Herein, we reveal the electrochemical phase evolution of metal‐based pre‐catalysts (Co₄N) in working Li‐S batteries that renders highly active electrocatalysts (CoS_x). Electrochemical cycling induces the transformation from single‐crystalline Co₄N to polycrystalline CoS_x that are rich in active sites. This transformation propels all‐phase polysulfide‐involving reactions. Consequently, Co₄N enables stable operation of high‐rate (10 C, 16.7 mA cm^?2) and electrolyte‐starved (4.7 μL mg_S^?1) Li‐S batteries. The general concept of electrochemically induced sulfurization is verified by thermodynamic energetics for most of low‐valence metal compounds.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel chelated dimethylamino lithium arylamide dimers: molecular structure of [1‐LiNPhCHPhCH2‐2‐NMe2C6H4]2

The reaction of 1‐NHPhCHPh‐2‐NMe₂C₆H₄ ( 1 ) and 1‐NHPhCHPhCH₂‐2‐NMe₂C₆H₄ ( 2 ) with n‐BuLi in diethyl ether gave the solvent‐free chelated dimethylamino lithium amides [1‐LiNPhCHPh‐2‐NMe₂C₆H₄]₂ ( 3 ) and [1‐LiNPhCHPhCH₂‐2‐NMe₂C₆H₄]₂ ( 4 ). The lithium amides 3 and 4 were characterized by ¹H, ⁷Li, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. A crystal structure determination was carried out on 4 , which is the first example of a structurally characterized solvent‐free dimeric chelated dimethylamino lithium arylamide with three‐coordinate lithium centers that contains a seven‐membered chelate ring. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reversible Lithium Intercalation into the Three‐Dimensional Cluster Network Structure of Ta6Cl15

A crystalline powder of Ta₆Cl₁₅ was synthesized through solid state reaction of Ta powder, and TaCl₅ at 700 °C. The structure contains [Ta₆Cl₁₂]³⁺ clusters which are three‐dimensionally interconnected by Cl bridges, leaving cavities which are shown to be suitable for lithium insertion. Reversible lithium intercalation into Ta₆Cl₁₅ involves 1 mol of lithium per formula unit under equilibrium conditions, when cells are discharged between 3 and 1.8 V, leading to the upper composition LiTa₆Cl₁₅. Although capacity values within this reversible voltage range are small (ca. 25 Ah·kg^?1), the cycle life of such Li/Ta₆Cl₁₅ cells is excellent, and the initial capacity value is maintained over 1500 cycles. On the other hand, a maximum of 15 moles of lithium can be reacted with one mole Ta₆Cl₁₅ when lithium cells were deep‐discharged. This process is likely due to the complete and irreversible reduction of the parent by lithium.     

LiSr2[ReN4] und LiBa2[ReN4] – isotype Nitridorhenate(VII)

LiSr₂[ReN₄] and LiBa₂[ReN₄] – isotypic Nitridorhenates(VII) The quaternary nitridorhenates(VII) LiAE₂[ReN₄] (AE = Sr, Ba) were synthesized by reaction of the metals with molecular nitrogen at 850–900 °C. The plate‐like, nearly colourless crystals were investigated by X‐ray single crystal methods and were identified as isotypic phases: LiSr₂[ReN₄] (LiBa₂[ReN₄]); monoclinic, P2₁/m; a = 614.64(8) pm (651.04(12) pm), b = 585.97(6) pm (b = 598.86(9) pm), c = 689.70(17) pm (737.43(5) pm), β = 106.375(4)° (108.535(2)°); Z = 2. Crystals of the strontium compound were systematically twinned along [001]. In the crystal structures of the quaternary compounds the alkaline earth‐ and nitride‐ ions are arranged in the motif of the InNi₂‐type structure. Strontium and barium are in a trigonal prismatic coordination by nitrogen (Sr–N: 261.0(7)–284.3(4) pm; Ba–N: 278.0(7)–303.0(6) pm). One half of the tetrahedral voids within the partial structure formed by stacking of trigonal prismatic rod layers is occupied by rhenium (formation of [Re^VIIN₄]^5–‐tetrahedra; Re–N: 181.0(6)–184.5(8) pm), lithium takes the positions of the remaining tetrahedral sites (Li–N: 2 × 198(1) pm, 224(2) pm and 228(2) pm for the strontium phase). In the barium compound the lithium positions show a larger shift from the tetrahedral centres towards a tetrahedral plane (Li–N: 2 × 195(1) pm, 213(2) pm and 304(2) pm).     

Nafion/Titanium Dioxide‐Coated Lithium Anode for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have shown great potential as high energy‐storage devices. However, the stability of the Li metal anode is still a major concern. This is due to the formation of lithium dendrites and severe side reactions with polysulfide intermediates. We herein develop an anode protection method by coating a Nafion/TiO₂ composite layer on the Li anode to solve these problems. In this architecture, Nafion suppresses the growth of Li dendrites, protects the Li anode, and prevents side reactions between polysulfides and the Li anode. Moreover, doped TiO₂ further improves the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of the Nafion membrane. Li–S batteries with a Nafion/TiO₂‐coated Li anode exhibit better cycling stability (776 mA h g^?1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, 1 C=1672 mA g^?1) and higher rate performance (787 mA h g^?1 at 2 C) than those with a pristine Li anode. This work provides an alternative way to construct stable Li anodes for high‐performance Li–S batteries.     

Halocarbon and arene coordination of lithium(I) in (1‐anilino‐3‐phenyl­imino­propenyl)chloro(methyl)­aluminium bis{[tetrakis(pentafluoro­phenyl)­borato]­lithium} benzene solvate

The crystal structure of the title compound, [AlCl(CH₃)‐(C₁₅H₁₃N₂)]­[Li(C₂₄BF₂₀)]₂­·C₆H₆, is reported. The unusual coordination features of the lithium(I) cation, including Li‐atom coordination to six organohalogen atoms and the shortest Li—F(C) distances so far observed, are discussed.     

Neue Alkalimetall‐Koordinationen durch chelatisierende Siloxazaneinheiten in Verbindungen der Formel [X–N–SiMe2–O–SiMe2–N–X]2M4

New Alkali Metal Coordinations by Chelating Siloxazane Units within Molecules of the General Formula [X–N–SiMe₂–O–SiMe₂–N–X]₂M₄ New solvent free alkali metal amides with Si–O–Si bridges of the general formula [X–N–SiMe₂–O–SiMe₂–N–X]₂M₄ (X = ^tBu ( 1 ), SiMe₃ ( 2 ), SiMe₂^tBu ( 3 ) with M = Li; X = ^tBu ( 4 ), SiMe₃ ( 5 ) with M = Na; X = ^tBu mit M = K, Li ( 6 )) have been synthesised and characterised by spectroscopic means. X‐ray structure analyses of the six metal derivatives reveal a common structural principle: the four metal atoms within the molecules are incorporated between two molecular halfs and form the bonding links between the two parts. The central molecular skeleton of the molecular halfs consists of a zig‐zag chain N–Si–O–Si–N. This chain is connected to the second one either ideally or approximately by S₄ (4) symmetry. The point symmetries within the crystal are either S₄ (4) (compounds 2 and 4 ), C₂ (2) (compound 6 ), and C₁ (1) (compounds 3 and 5 ). Compound 1 is special in different aspects: the molecule has the high crystallographic point symmetry D_2d (4m2) and the lithium atoms occupy split atom positions (in a similar way as in compound 2 ). The high symmetry of 1 as well as the split atom positions of the lithium atoms are a consequence of dynamics within the crystal.