Structural characterization of a lanthanum bistriflimide complex, La(N(SO2CF3)2)3(H2O)3, and an investigation of La, Sm, and Eu electrochemistry in a room-temperature ionic liquid, [Me3N(n)Bu][N(SO2CF3)2

The reduction of selected lanthanide cations to the zerovalent state in the room-temperature ionic liquid [Me3N(n)Bu][TFSI] is reported (where TFSI = bistriflimide, [N(SO2CF3)2]-). The lanthanide cations were introduced to the melt as the TFSI hydrate complexes [Ln(TFSI)3(H2O)3] (where Ln = La(III), Sm(III) or Eu(III)). The lanthanum compound [La(TFSI)3(H2O)3] has been crystallographically characterized, revealing the first structurally characterized f-element TFSI complex. The lanthanide in all three complexes was shown to be reducible to the metallic state in [Me3N(n)Bu][TFSI]. For both the Eu and Sm complexes, reduction to the metallic state was achieved via divalent species, and there was an additional observation of the electrodeposition of Eu metal.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of U(IV)-hexachloro complexes in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The behavior of U(IV) octahedral complexes [cation]2[UCl6], where the [cation]+ is [BuMeIm]+ and [MeBu3N]+, is studied using UV/visible spectroscopy, cyclic staircase voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N], where BuMeIm+ and MeBu3N+ are 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and tri-n-butylmethylammonium cations, respectively, and Tf2N- is the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. The absorption spectra of [cation]2[UCl6] complexes in the RTIL solutions are similar to the diffuse solid-state reflectance spectra of the corresponding solid species, indicating that the octahedral complex UCl6(2-) is the predominant chemical form of U(IV) in Tf2N--based hydrophobic ionic liquids. Hexachloro complexes of U(IV) are stable to hydrolysis in the studied RTILs. Voltammograms of UCl(6)2- at the glassy carbon electrode in both RTILs and at the potential range of -2.5 to +1.0 V versus Ag/Ag(I) reveal the following electrochemical couples: UCl6-/UCl6(2-) (quasi-reversible system), UCl(6)2-/UCl6(3-) (quasi-reversible system), and UCl(6)2-/UCl6(Tf2N)x-3+x (irreversible reduction). The voltammetric half-wave potential, Ep/2, of the U(V)/U(IV) couple in [BuMeIm][Tf2N] is positively shifted by 80 mV compared with that in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The positive shift in the Ep/2 value for the quasi-reversible U(IV)/U(III) couple is much greater (250 mV) in [BuMeIm][Tf2N]. Presumably, the potential shift is due to the specific interaction of BuMeIm+ with the uranium-hexachloro complex in ionic liquid. Scanning the negative potential to -3.5 V in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] solutions of UCl6(2-) reveals the presence of an irreversible cathodic process at the peak potential equal to -3.12 V (at 100 mV/s and 60 degrees C), which could be attributed to the reduction of U(III) to U(0).     

Uranyl complexation by chloride ions. Formation of a tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex in room temperature ionic liquids [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex is formed in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] from a uranium(VI) solution in the presence of a stoichiometric quantity of chloride ions. The [UVIO2Cl4]2- absorption and emission spectra show bands splitting in comparison with the [UVIO2]2+ spectra, as observed in the solid state, organic solvents, and chloroaluminate-based ionic liquids. The fluorescence lifetime of [UO2Cl4]2- in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] is 0.7 +/- 0.1 mus. The reduction potential of this complex is -1.44 and -1.8 V vs Ag/Ag+ respectively in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] and does not depend on the chloride concentration. The mechanism proposed for the redox process is a monoelectronic reduction to form [UVO2Cl4]3-, followed by a chemical reaction. The tetrachlorouranium(V) complex seems more stable in [Bmim][Tf2N] than in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The electrochemical analysis put in evidence specific interactions of the ionic liquid cation with the uranium anionic species.     

Rhenium(V) and technetium(V) complexes with phosphoraneimine and phosphoraneiminato ligands

Air-stable rhenium(V) nitrido complexes are formed when [ReOCl3(PPh3)2], [NBu4][ReOCl4], or [NBu4][ReNCl4] are treated with an excess of silylated phosphoraneiminates of the composition Me3SiNPPh3 or Ph2P(NSiMe3)CH2PPh2 in CH2Cl2. Complexes of the compositions [ReNCl(Ph2PCH2PPh2NH)2]Cl (1), [ReN(OSiMe3)(Ph2PCH2PPh2NH)2]Cl (2) or [ReNCl2(PPh3)2] (3) were isolated and structurally characterized. The latter compound was also produced during a reaction of the rhenium(III) precursor [ReCl3(PPh3)2(CH3CN)] and Me3SiNPPh3. Nitrogen transfer from the phosphorus to the rhenium atoms and the formation of nitrido ligands were observed in all examples. All products of reactions with an excess of the potentially chelating phosphoraneiminate Me3SiNP(Ph2)CH2PPh2 contain neutral Ph2PCH2PPh2NH ligands. The required protons are supplied by a metal-induced decomposition of the solvent dichloromethane. The Re-N(imine) bond lengths (2.055-2.110 A) indicate single bonds, whereas the N-P bond with lengths between 1.596 A and 1.611 A reflect considerable double bond character. An oxorhenium(V) phosphoraneiminato complex, the dimeric compound [ReOCl2(mu-N-Ph2PCH2PPh2N)]2 (4), is formed during the reaction of [NBu4][ReOCl4] with an equivalent amount of Ph2P(NSiMe3)CH2PPh in dry acetonitrile. The blue neutral complex with two bridging phosphoraneiminato units is stable as a solid and in dry solvents. It decomposes in solution, when traces of water are present. The rhenium-nitrogen distances of 2.028(3) and 2.082(3) A are in the typical range of bridging phosphoraneiminates and an almost symmetric bonding mode. Technetium complexes with phosphoraneimine ligands were isolated from reactions of [NBu4][TcOCl4] with Me3SiNPPh3, and [NBu4][TcNCl4] with Me3SiNP(Ph2)CH2PPh2. Nitrogen transfer and the formation of a five-coordinate nitrido species, [TcNCl2(HNPPh3)2] (5), was observed in the case of the oxo precursor, whereas reduction of the technetium(VI) starting material and the formation of the neutral technetium(V) complex [TcNCl2(Ph2PCH2PPh2NH)] (6) or [TcNCl(Ph2PCH2PPh2NH)2]Cl (7) was observed in the latter case. Both technetium complexes are air stable and X-ray structure determinations show bonding modes of the phosphoraneimines similar to those in the rhenium complexes.     

An electrochemical investigation of intermediates and processes involved in the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen by [HIPTN3N]Mo (HIPTN3N = (3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2)2C6H3NCH2CH2)3N)

The redox properties of [HIPTN(3)N]Mo complexes (where HIPTN(3)N = (3,5-(2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)NCH(2)CH(2))(3)N) involved in the catalytic dinitrogen reduction cycle were studied using cyclic voltammetry in fluorobenzene with Bu(4)NPF(6) as the electrolyte. MoN(2) (Mo = [HIPTN(3)N]Mo, E(1/2) = -1.96 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc at a Pt electrode), Mo≡N (E(1/2) = -2.68 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc (Pt)), and [Mo(NH(3))]BAr'(4) (Ar' = 3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3), E(1/2) = -1.53 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc (Pt)) each undergo a chemically reversible one-electron reduction, while [Mo=NNH(2)]BAr'(4) (E(1/2) = -1.50 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc (Pt)) and [Mo=NH]BAr'(4) (E(1/2) = -1.26 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc (Pt)) each undergo a one-electron reduction with partial chemical reversibility. The acid employed in the catalytic reduction, [2,4,6-collidinium]BAr'(4), reduces irreversibly at -1.11 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc at Pt and at -2.10 V vs. Fc(+)/Fc at a glassy carbon electrode. The reduction peak potentials of the Mo complexes shift in the presence of acids. For example, the reduction peak for MoN(2) in the presence of [2,4,6-collidinium]BAr'(4) at a glassy carbon electrode shifts positively by 130 mV. The shift in reduction potential is explained in terms of reversible hydrogen bonding and/or protonation at a nitrogen site in Mo complexes. The significance of productive and unproductive proton-coupled electron transfer reactions in the catalytic dinitrogen reduction cycle is discussed.     

Lithium solvation in bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquids

The lithium solvation in (1 -x)(EMI-TFSI), xLiTFSI ionic liquids where EMI(+) is the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and TFSI(-) the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, is shown by Raman spectroscopy to involve essentially [Li(TFSI)(2)](-) anionic clusters for 0 < x < 0.4, but addition of stoichiometric amounts of solvents S such as oligoethers changes the lithium solvation into [Li(S)(m)](+) cationic clusters; the lithium transference number in TFSI-based ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries should thus be strongly improved.     

The Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles by Solvothermal Method using Ionic Liquid as Additive

The solvothermal reactions of Ti(OiPr)₄ in alcohol using ionic liquid as additive were investigated. In the presence of [BMIM][Cl], [BMIM][Br], [BMIM][NTf₂], [BMIM][SO₃Me], [BMIM][SO₄Me], or [BMIM][OTf] (BMIM = 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium), pure anatase nanoparticles were obtained. The controlled hydrolysis of Ti(OiPr)₄ in the presence of ionic liquids to form titanium oxo clusters plays a key role in the formation of anatase nanostructures, and ionic liquids can be repeatedly used to synthesise anatase nanoparticles. However, in the presence of [BMIM][PF₆], [BMIM]₂[Ti(OH)₆] was obtained by an anion exchange reaction.     

Mixed-ligand uranyl(V) beta-diketiminate/beta-diketonate complexes: synthesis and characterization

The reaction of [UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)Cl] 2 [Ar 2nacnac = (2,6- (i)Pr 2C 6H 3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6- (i)Pr 2C 6H 3)] with Na(RC(O)CHC(O)R) (R = Me, Ph, CF 3) in tetrahydrofuran results in the formation of UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(RC(O)CHC(O)R) (R = Me, 1; Ph, 2; CF 3, 3), which can be isolated in moderate yields. The structures of 1 and 2 have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography, while the solution redox properties of 1- 3 have been measured by cyclic voltammetry. Complexes 1- 3 exhibit reduction features at -1.82, -1.59, and -1.39 V (vs Fc/Fc (+)), respectively, at a scan rate of 100 mV.s (-1). The decrease in the reduction potential follows the electron-withdrawing ability of each beta-diketonate ligand. Chemical reduction of 1 and 2 with Cp* 2Co in toluene yields [Cp* 2Co][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(RC(O)CHC(O)R)] (R = Me, 4; Ph, 5), while reduction of 3 with Cp 2Co provides [Cp 2Co][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(CF 3C(O)CHC(O)CF 3)] ( 6). Complexes 4- 6 have been fully characterized, while the solid-state molecular structure of 5 has also been determined. In contrast to the clean reduction that occurs with Cp* 2Co, reduction of 1 with sodium ribbon, followed by cation exchange with [NEt 4]Cl, produces [NEt 4][UO 2(Ar 2nacnac)(H 2CC(O)CH(O)CMe)] ( 7) in modest yield. This product results from the formal loss of H (*) from a methyl group of the acetylacetonate ligand. Alternately, complex 7 can be synthesized by deprotonation of 1 with NaNTMS 2 in good yield.     

Transport coefficients, Raman spectroscopy, and computer simulation of lithium salt solutions in an ionic liquid

Lithium salt solutions of Li(CF3SO2)2N, LiTFSI, in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-2,3-dimethyl-imidazolium cation, BMMI, and the (CF3SO2)2N(-), bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, [BMMI][TFSI], were prepared in different concentrations. Thermal properties, density, viscosity, ionic conductivity, and self-diffusion coefficients were determined at different temperatures for pure [BMMI][TFSI] and the lithium solutions. Raman spectroscopy measurements and computer simulations were also carried out in order to understand the microscopic origin of the observed changes in transport coefficients. Slopes of Walden plots for conductivity and fluidity, and the ratio between the actual conductivity and the Nernst-Einstein estimate for conductivity, decrease with increasing LiTFSI content. All of these studies indicated the formation of aggregates of different chemical nature, as it is corroborated by the Raman spectra. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the coordination of Li+ by oxygen atoms of TFSI anions changes with Li+ concentration producing a remarkable change of the RTIL structure with a concomitant reduction of diffusion coefficients of all species in the solutions.     

Effect of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide on the properties of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) based solid polymer electrolytes

A free standing polymer electrolytes films, containing poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) as the polymer host, lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄), and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide [Bmim][TFSI] as a plasticizer was successfully prepared via the solution casting method. The XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the electrolyte. ATR-FTIR and thermal studies confirmed the interaction and complexation between the polymer host and the ionic liquid. The maximum ionic conductivity of the solid polymer electrolyte was found at 2.56 × 10^–5 S cm^–1 by the addition of 60 wt % [Bmim][TFSI] at room temperature and increased up to 3.19 × 10^–4 S cm^–1 at 373 K, as well as exhibited a transition of temperature dependence of conductivity: Arrhenius-like behavior at low and high temperatures.     

Comb-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)-modified subtilisin Carlsberg is soluble and highly active in ionic liquids

Subtilisin Carlsberg conjugated with comb-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) was solubilized in common ionic liquids without adding water, and exhibited higher transesterification activity in an ionic liquid, [Emim][Tf2N], than in organic solvents commonly used for enzymatic biotransformation.     

Polymersomes with ionic liquid interiors dispersed in water

We describe polymersomes with ionic liquid interiors dispersed in water. The vesicles are prepared via a simple and spontaneous migration of poly(butadiene-b-ethylene oxide) (PB-PEO) block copolymer vesicles from a hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][TFSI]), to water at room temperature. As PB is insoluble in both water and [EMIM][TFSI] and PEO is well solvated in both media, the vesicles feature a PB membrane with PEO brushes forming both interior and exterior coronas. The robust and stable PB-PEO vesicles migrate across the liquid-liquid interface with their ionic liquid interiors intact and form a stabilized aqueous dispersion of vesicles enclosing microscopic ionic liquid pools. The nanostructure of the vesicles with ionic liquid interiors dispersed in water is characterized by direct visualization using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Upon heating, the vesicles can be quantitatively transferred back to [EMIM][TFSI], thus enabling facile recovery. The reversible transport capability of the shuttle system is demonstrated by the use of distinct hydrophobic dyes, which are selectively and simultaneously loaded in the vesicle membrane and interior. Furthermore, the fluorescence of the loaded dyes in the vesicles enables probing of the microenvironment of the vesicular ionic liquid interior through solvatochromism and direct imaging of the vesicles using laser scanning confocal microscopy. This vesicle system is of particular interest as a nanocarrier or nanoreactor for reactions, catalysis, and separations using ionic liquids.     

Synthesis, chemistry and structures of complexes of the dioxovanadium(V) halides VO2F and VO2Cl

[VO2F(L-L)] (L-L = 2,2'-bipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, Me2N(CH2)2NMe2) and [VO2F(py)2] (py = pyridine) have been prepared from the corresponding [VOF3(L-L)] or [VOF3(py)2] and O(SiMe3)2 in MeCN solution. VO2F (itself made from VOF3 and O(SiMe3)2 in MeCN) forms [Me4N][VO2F2] with [Me4N]F, but does not react with neutral N- or O-donor ligands. VO2Cl, prepared from VOCl3 and ozone, reacts with 2,2'-bipyridyl or 1,10-phenanthroline to form [VO2Cl(L-L)], with pyridine or pyridine-N-oxide (L) to produce [VO2Cl(L)2], and with OPPh3 or OAsPh3 (L') gives [VO2Cl(L')]. A second product from the OPPh3 system is the ionic [VO2(OPPh3)3][VO2Cl2] containing a trigonal bipyramidal cation. Neither VO2F nor VO2Cl form isolable complexes with MeCN, thf or MeO(CH2)2OMe, and both are reduced by P-, As-, S- or Se-donor ligands. [Ph4As][VO2X2] (X = F or Cl) react with 2,2'-bipyridyl to form [VO2X(2,2'-bipyridyl)], but similar reactions with weaker O-donor ligands fail. The complexes have been characterised by IR, multinuclear NMR (1H, 19F, 51V or 31P) and UV-visible spectroscopy. X-ray crystal structures are reported for [VO2F(py)2], [VO2Cl(L)2] (L = py or pyNO) and [VO2(OPPh3)3][VO2Cl2].     

Poly(ionic liquid)s: a new material with enhanced and fast CO2 absorption

Novel sorbent and membrane materials for CO2 separation, poly(ionic liquid)s made from ionic liquid monomers, poly[p-vinylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate](P[VBTMA][BF4]) and poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylamnonium tetrafluoroborate](P[MATMA][BF4]) have absorption capacities 7.6 and 6.0 times of those of room-temperature ionic liquids, e.g.[bmim][BF4], respectively, with reversible and fast sorption and desorption.     

Surface characterization of functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquids

The surface composition of oligo(ethylene glycol) ether functionalized bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids has been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For [Me(EG)MIM][Tf 2N], [Et(EG) 2MIM][Tf 2N], and [Me(EG) 3MIM][Tf 2N], which vary by the number of ethylene glycol (EG) units (from 1 to 3), we have shown that the stoichiometry of the surface near region is in excellent agreement with the bulk stoichiometry, which confirms the high purity of the ionic liquid samples investigated and rules out pronounced surface orientation effects. This has been deduced from the experimental observation that the angle-resolved XP spectra of all elements present in the IL anions and cations (C, N, O, F, S) show identical signals in the bulk and surfaces sensitive geometry, i.e., at 0 degrees and 70 degrees emission angle, respectively. The relative intensity ratios of all elements were found to be in nearly perfect agreement with the nominal values for the individual ILs. In contrast to these findings, we identified surface-active impurities in [Me(EG)MIM]I, which is the starting material for the final anion exchange step to synthesize [Me(EG)MIM][Tf 2N]. Sputtering of the surface led to a depletion of this layer, which however recovered with time. The buildup of this contamination is attributed to a surface enrichment of a minor bulk contamination that shows surface activity in the iodide melt.     

Solubility of carbon dioxide in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

In this work, the phase behaviour of the binary system of carbon dioxide and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([emim][Tf₂N]) has been studied experimentally. The equipment used for the experiments is the Cailletet set-up, based on visual observations of phase transitions of systems with constant overall composition. Results are reported for carbon dioxide concentrations ranging from 12.3 to 59.3 mol%, and within temperature and pressure ranges of 310–450 K and 0–15 MPa, respectively. The data reveal an extremely high capacity of the selected ionic liquid for dissolving CO₂ gas, for example, reaching up to about 60 mol% within the above-mentioned pressure and temperature range. Also, the solubility of CO₂ in the ionic liquid [emim][Tf₂N] is compared to the solubility of CO₂ in the ionic liquid [emim][PF₆], an ionic liquid that shares the same cation.     

Solvation of UCl6(2-) anionic complex by MeBu3N(+), BuMe2Im(+), and BuMeIm(+) cations

The complexes [MeBu 3N] 2[UCl 6] and [BuMe 2Im] 2[UCl 6] were characterized in the solid state and in solution of [MeBu 3N][Tf 2N], [BuMe 2Im][Tf 2N], and [BuMeIm][Tf 2N] room-temperature ionic liquids using single-crystal XRD, EXAFS, electrochemistry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and NMR. In the solid state and in solution, the existence of hydrogen bonding between the UCl 6 (2-) complex and the ionic liquid cations was revealed by these techniques. The MeBu 3N (+) cation interacts with UCl 6 (2-) via the protons on the alpha-carbon atoms of nitrogen. The protons of the imidazolium ring account for the interaction between the BuMe 2Im (+) cation and the UCl 6 (2-) anion. For the BuMeIm (+) cation the major interaction was confirmed between the most acidic proton on C(2) and the chlorides of UCl 6 (2-). The experimental results also show that the intensity of the interaction between the UCl 6 (2-) anion and the cation varies with the ionic liquid cation in the following order: MeBu 3N (+) approximately BuMe 2Im (+) < BuMeIm (+).     

Mononuclear oxovanadium complexes of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine

Mononuclear oxovanadium(IV) and dioxovanadium(V) complexes of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa) have been prepared for the first time. Crystal structure determinations of three oxovanadium(IV) complexes, [VO(SO4)(tpa)], [VOCl(tpa)]PF6, or [VOBr(tpa)]PF6, and a dioxovanadium(v) complex [V(O)2(tpa)]PF6 disclosed that the tertiary nitrogen of the tpa ligand always occupies the trans-to-oxo site. The structures of an oxo-peroxo complex [VO(O2)(tpa)]Cl that was prepared previously and of a mu-oxo vanadium(III) complex [{VCl(tpa)}2(mu-O)](PF6)2 have also been determined. The tertiary nitrogen is located at a trans site to the peroxo and chloride ligands, respectively. The total sums of the four V-N bond lengths from the tpa ligand are remarkably similar among the six complexes, indicating that the vanadium oxidation states become less influential in tpa bonding due primarily to the coordination of electron-donating oxo ligand(s). Absorption spectra of [VOCl(tpa)]+ in acetonitrile showed a significant change upon addition of p-toluenesulfonic acid and HClO4, but not on addition of benzoic acid. Protonation at the oxo ligand by the former two acids is suggested. Cyclic voltammetric studies in acetonitrile verified the proton-coupled redox behavior of the V(III)/V(IV) process involving the oxo ligand for the first time. From the dependence of the added p-toluenesulfonic acid to the CV, redox potentials for the following species have been estimated: [V(IV)OCl(tpa)]+/[V(III)OCl(tpa)](E1/2=-1.59 V vs. Fc+/Fc), [V(IV)(OH)Cl(tpa)]2+/[V(III)(OH)Cl(tpa)]+(Epc=-1.34 V), [V(IV)(OH2)Cl(tpa)]3+/[V(III)(OH2)Cl(tpa)]2+(Epa=-0.49 V), and [V(IV)Cl2(tpa)]2+/[V(III)Cl2(tpa)]+(E1/2=-0.89 V). The reduction of [V(V)(O)2(tpa)]+ in 0.05 M [(n-Bu)4N]PF6 acetonitrile showed a major irreversible reduction wave V(V)/(IV) at -1.48 V. The metal reduction potentials of the oxovanadium(IV) and dioxovanadium(V) species are very close, reinforcing the significant influence of the oxo ligand(s).     

1-Butyl-2,3-trimethyleneimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([b-3C-im][NTf2]): a new, stable ionic liquid

Using imidazole as the starting material, the synthesis of a new bicyclic ionic liquid [b-3C-im][NTf₂] is described. Except for the alkylation reaction in the second step (40% yield) of this four-step synthesis of [b-3C-im][NTf₂], others were all high yielding reactions (85-94% isolated yields). We investigated intrinsic reactivity of this and other imidazolium-based ionic liquids and found that, under strongly basic conditions (KOD in CD₃OD/D₂O (1:1) solution), the new ionic liquid was stable to solvent deuterium isotope exchange while the previously reported [bdmim][NTf₂] and [bdmim][PF₆] ionic liquids were 50% deuterium exchanged at its C-2 methyl in 30 min at ambient temperature. At the same experimental condition, the most commonly employed [bmim][PF₆] ionic liquid was deuterium exchanged instantaneously at its C-2 hydrogen. In the absence of bases (CD₃OD/D₂O = 1:1), only [bmim][PF₆] was deuterium exchanged (50% within 1 h) and other ionic liquids gave no detectable exchanges even after one week at ambient temperature. It is therefore concluded that the new [b-3C-im][NTf₂] ionic liquid is far more chemically stable than previously reported [bmim][PF₆], [bdmim][NTf₂], and [bdmim][PF₆].     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a cationic homoleptic (SPS)2Rh(III) complex and EPR study of its reduction process

Oxidation of the square planar Rh(I) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))(PPh3)] (SPS(Me) = 1-methyl-1-P-2.6-bis(diphenylphosphinosulfide)-3,5-(bisphenyl)-phosphinine) (1) based on mixed SPS-pincer ligand with hexachloroethane yielded the Rh(III) dichloride complex [Rh(SPS(Me))(PPh3)Cl2] (2), which was structurally characterized. The homoleptic Rh(III) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))2][Cl] (4) was obtained via the stoichiometric reaction of SPS(Me) anion (3) with [Rh(tht)3Cl3] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene). Complex 4, which was characterized by X-ray diffraction, was also studied by cyclic voltammetry. Complex 4 can be reversibly reduced at E = -1.16 V (vs SCE) to give the neutral 19-electron Rh(II) complex [Rh(SPS(Me))2] (5). Accordingly, complex 5 could be synthesized via chemical reduction of 4 with zinc dust. EPR spectra of complex 5 were obtained after electrochemical or chemical reduction of 4 in THF or CH2Cl2. Hyperfine interaction with two equivalent 31P nuclei was observed in liquid solution, while an additional coupling with a spin 1/2 nucleus, probably 103Rh, was detected in frozen solution. The 31P couplings are consistent with DFT calculations that predict a drastic increase in the axial P-S bond lengths when reducing (SPS(Me))2Rh(III). In the reduced complex, the unpaired electron is mainly localized in a rhodium d(z2) orbital, consistent with the g-anisotropy measured at 100 K.