Differences of Eu(III) and Cm(III) chemistry in ionic liquids: investigations by TRLFS

In this study the coordination structure and chemistry of Eu(III) and Cm(III) in the ionic liquid C(4)mimTf(2)N (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) was investigated by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). The dissolution of 1 x 10(-2) M Eu(CF(3)SO(3))(3) and 1 x 10(-7) M Cm(ClO(4))(3) in C(4)mimTf(2)N leads to the formation of two species for each cation with fluorescence emission lifetimes of 2.5 +/- 0.2 ms and 1.0 +/- 0.3 ms for the Eu-species and 1.0 +/- 0.3 ms and 300.0 +/- 50 micros for the Cm-species. The interpretation of the TRLFS data indicates a comparable coordination for both the lanthanide and actinide cation in this ionic liquid. The quenching influence of Cu(II) on the fluorescence emission of Eu(III) and Cm(III) was also measured by TRLFS. While Cu(ii) does not quench the Cm(III) fluorescence emission in C(4)mimTf(2)N the Eu(III) fluorescence emission lifetime for both Eu-species in C(4)mimTf(2)N decreases with increasing Cu(II) concentration. Stern-Volmer constants were calculated (k(SV) = 1.54 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and k(SV) = 2.70 x 10(6) M(-1)). By contrast, the interaction of Cu(II) with Eu(III) and Cm(III) in water leads to a quenching of both the lanthanide and actinide fluorescence. The calculated Stern-Volmer constants are 1.20 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for Eu(III) and 1.27 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for Cm(III). The investigations show, while the chemistry of trivalent lanthanides and actinides is similar in an aqueous system it is dramatically different in ionic liquids. This difference in chemical behavior may provide the opportunity for a separation of lanthanides and actinides with regard to the reprocessing of nuclear fuel.     

Self-diffusion study of micelles in poly(oxyethylene)-polydimethylsiloxane diblock copolymer and poly(oxyethylene) alkyl ether systems

Self-diffusion constants of amphiphilic molecules in D(2)O solutions of mixed poly(oxyethylene)-polydimethylsiloxane diblock copolymer (POE-PDMS, Si(m)C(3)EO(n)) and poly(oxyethylene) dodecyl ether (C(12)EO(n)) were measured by pulsed-field-gradient NMR method. In the D(2)O/Si(25)C(3)EO(51.6)/C(12)EO(8) or D(2)O/Si(52)C(3)EO(51.6)/C(12)EO(8) systems, small and large micelles coexist in a wide range of Si(m)C(3)EO(51.6) fraction in total amphiphiles, whereas such a coexisting phenomenon does not take place in the D(2)O/Si(5.8)C(3)EO(51.6)/C(12)EO(8) system. The coexisting phenomenon also takes place in the D(2)O/Si(25)C(3)EO(51.6)/C(12)EO(5) system although the range of mixing fraction is limited. By obtaining each contribution of surfactant and copolymer molecules to the attenuation decay of the echo signal from the proton of the poly(oxyethylene) chain, we could evaluate the composition of the mixed micelles in the D(2)O/Si(25)C(3)EO(51.6)/C(12)EO(8) system. The copolymer content in the mixed micelle increases proportionally to the copolymer mole fraction in the aqueous solution. From the series of self-diffusion measurements, we can conclude that the miscibility of Si(m)C(3)EO(n) and C(12)EO(n) in aqueous micelles becomes poor and the coexisting phenomenon takes place when the PDMS chain becomes much longer than the dodecyl chain of C(12)EO(n) or the POE chain of C(12)EO(n) becomes long. Furthermore it is also revealed that very few silicone copolymer molecules can be incorporated in small surfactant micelles.     

Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of tri- and tetradentate N3 and N3S copper complexes with mixed benzimidazole/thioether donors

Cupric and cuprous complexes of bis(2-methylbenzimidazolyl)(2-methylthiophene)amine (L(1)), bis(2-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzylamine (L(2)), bis(2-methylbenzimidazolyl)(2,4-dimethylphenylthioethyl)amine (L(3)), bis(1-methyl-2-methylbenzimidazolyl)benzylamine (Me(2)L(2)), and bis(1-methyl-2-methylbenzimidazolyl)(2,4-dimethylphenylthioethyl)amine (Me(2)L(3)) have been spectroscopically, structurally, and electrochemically characterised. The thioether-containing ligands L(3) and Me(2)L(3) give rise to complexes with Cu-S bonds in solution and in the solid state, as evidenced by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The Cu(2+) complexes [L(1)CuCl(2)] (1), [L(2)CuCl(2)] (2) and [Me(2)L(3)CuCl]ClO(4) (3(Me,ClO4)) are monomeric in solution according to ESI mass spectrometry data, as well as in the solid state. Their Cu(+) analogues [L(1)Cu]ClO(4), [L(2)Cu]ClO(4), [L(3)Cu]ClO(4) (4-6), [BOC(2)L(1)Cu(NCCH(3))]ClO(4) (4(BOC)), [Me(2)L(2)Cu(NCCH(3))(2)]PF(6) (5(Me)) and [Me(2)L(3)Cu](2)(ClO(4))(2) (6(Me)) are also monomeric in acetonitrile solution, as confirmed crystallographically for 4(BOC) and 5(Me). In contrast, 6(Me) is dimeric in the solid state, with the thioether group of one of the ligands bound to a symmetry-related Cu(+) ion. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the bis(2-methylbenzimidazolyl)amine-Cu(2+)/Cu(+) systems possess half-wave potentials in the range -0.16 to -0.08 V (referenced to the ferrocenium-ferrocene couple); these values are nearly 0.23 V less negative than those reported for related bis(picolyl)amine-derived ligands. Based on these observations, the N(3) or N(3)S donor set of the benzimidazole-derived ligands is analogous to previously reported chelating systems, but the electronic environment they provide is unique, and may have relevance to histidine and methionine-containing metalloenzymes. This is also reflected in the reactivity of [Me(2)L(2)Cu(NCCH(3))(2)](+) (5(Me)) and [Me(2)L(3)Cu](+) (6(Me)) towards dioxygen, which results in the production of the superoxide anion in both cases. The thioether-bound Cu(+) centre in 6(Me) appears to be more selective in the generation of O(2)˙(-) than 5(Me), lending evidence to the hypothesis of the modulating properties of thioether ligands in Cu-O(2) reactions.     

High-spin electronic states of lanthanide-arene complexes: Nd(benzene) and Nd(naphthalene)

Neodymium (Nd) complexes of benzene and naphthalene were synthesized in a laser-ablation supersonic molecular beam source. High-resolution electron spectra of these complexes were obtained using pulsed-field ionization zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy. Second-order M?ller-Plesset perturbation calculations were employed to aid spectral and electronic-state assignments. The adiabatic ionization energies were measured to be 38 081 (5) cm(-1) for Nd(benzene) and 37 815 (5) cm(-1) for Nd(naphthalene). For the Nd(benzene) complex, the observed frequencies of 831 and 286 cm(-1) were assigned to C-H out-of-plane bending and Nd(+)-C(6)H(6) stretching modes in the (6)A(1) ion state and 256 cm(-1) to the Nd-C(6)H(6) stretching mode in the (7)A(1) neutral state. To confirm these assignments, the ZEKE spectrum of the deuterated species was recorded, and the corresponding vibrational frequencies were measured to be 710 and 277 cm(-1) in the ion state and 236 cm(-1) in the neutral state. For the Nd(naphthalene) complex, the observed vibrational modes were C(10)H(8) bending (394 cm(-1)), Nd(+)-C(10)H(8) stretching (286 and 271 cm(-1)), Nd(+)-C(10)H(8) bending (80 cm(-1)), and C(10)H(8) twisting (105 cm(-1)) in the (6)A(') ion state and metal-ligand bending (60 cm(-1)) and ligand twisting (55 cm(-1)) in the (7)A(') neutral state. The formation of the ground state of the Nd(benzene) complex requires 4f → 5d and 6s → 5d electron excitation of the Nd atom, whereas the formation of the ground state of Nd(naphthalene) involves the 6s → 5d electron promotion.     

NMR studies of heteropolyanion [P(2)W(20)O(70)(H2O)2](-10) complexes with metal cations

We have used multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy to study the interaction of a number of metal cations with monovacant heteropolyanion [P(2)W(20)O(7)(0)(H(2)O)(2)](10)(-) (P(2)W(20)) in aqueous solutions starting from its K salt. We have also prepared and studied P(2)W(20) in an Na-only medium. The observed differences in the NMR spectra of NaP(2)W(20)and KP(2)W(20)solutions and the importance of K(+) and Na(+) for the formation of P(2)W(20) suggest that this polyanion exists only as a complex with the alkaline cations. When both cations were simultaneously present in solution, we observed the broadening of the NMR signals of P(2)W(20)due to the Na-K exchange. Li(+) does not replace K(+) or Na(+) in such complexes, and in an Li-only medium P(2)W(20) does not form. Of all the M(n)(+) cations studied (Pd(2+), Bi(3+), Sn(4+), Zr(4+), Ce(4+), Ti(4+), V(5+), and Mo(6+)) only Bi(3+), Sn(4+), and Ce(4+) form complexes with P(2)W(20) in strongly acidic solutions. The (183)W and (119)Sn NMR data suggest that Sn(4+) forms in solution two mutually interconvertable P(2)W(20)Sn complexes of the composition P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(3)SnOH(7)(-) and (P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(3)Sn)(2)O(14)(-) while Bi(3+) forms one complex of the proposed composition P(2)W(20)O(70)(H(2)O)(2)Bi.(7)(-) We obtained complexes with Bi and Sn as free heteropoly acids and studied their thermostability in the solid state.     

Heterovalent Au(III)-M(I) (M=Cu, Ag, Au) complexes derived from incorporation of [Au(tdt)2]- (tdt = toluene-3,4-dithiolate) with [M2(dppm)2]2+ (dppm = Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane)

Polynuclear heterovalent Au(III)-M(I) (M = Cu, Ag, Au) cluster complexes [Au(III)Cu(I)8(mu-dppm)3(tdt)5]+ (1), [Au(III)3Ag(I)8(mu-dppm)4(tdt)8]+ (2), and [Au(III)Au(I)4(mu-dppm)4(tdt)2]3+ (3) were prepared by reaction of [Au(III)(tdt)2]- (tdt = toluene-3,4-dithiolate) with 2 equiv of [M(I)2(dppm)2]2+ (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane). Complex 3 originates from incorporation of one [Au(III)(tdt)2]- with two [Au(I)2(dppm)2]2+ components through Au(III)-S-Au(I) linkages. Formation of complexes 1 and 2, however, involves rupture of metal-ligand bonds in the metal components and recombination between the ligands and the metal atoms. The Au(tdt)2 component connects to four M(I) atoms through Au(III)-S-M(I) linkages in syn and anti conformations in complexes 1 (M = Cu) and 3 (M = Au), respectively, but in both syn and anti conformations in complex 2 (M = Ag). The tdt ligand exhibits five types of bonding modes in complexes 1-3, chelating Au(III) or M(I) atoms as well as bridging Au(III)-M(I) or M(I)-M(I) atoms in different orientations. Although complexes 1 and 2 are nonemissive, Au(III)Au(I)(4) complex 3 shows room-temperature luminescence with emission maximum at 555 nm (tau(em) = 3.1 micros) in the solid state and at 570 nm (tau(em) = 1.5 micros) in acetonitrile solution.     

Design of a peptide hairpin containing a central three-residue loop

The construction of a designed beta-hairpin structure, containing a central three-residue loop has been successfully achieved in the synthetic nonapeptide Boc-Leu-Phe-Val-(D)Pro-(L)Pro-(D)Ala-Leu-Phe-Val-OMe (2). The design is based on expanding the two-residue loop established in the peptide beta-hairpin Boc-Leu-Phe-Val-(D)Pro-(L)Pro-Leu-Phe-Val-OMe (1). Characterization of the registered beta-hairpins in peptides 1 and 2 is based on the observation of key nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) in CDCl(3) and CD(3)OH. Solvent titration and temperature dependence of NH chemical shifts establish the identity of NH groups involved in interstrand hydrogen bonding. In peptide 2, the antiparallel registry is maintained, with the formation of a (D)Pro-(L)Pro-(D)Ala loop, stabilized by a 5-->1 hydrogen bond between Val3 CO and Leu7 NH groups (C(13), alpha-turn) and a 3-->1 hydrogen bond between (D)Pro4 CO and (d)Ala6 NH groups (C(7), gamma-turn). NMR derived structures suggest that in peptide 2, (d)Ala(6) adopts an alpha(L) conformation. In peptide 1, the (D)Pro-(L)Pro segment adopts a type II' beta-turn. Replacement of (D)Ala (6) in peptide 2 by (L)Ala in peptide 3 yields a beta-hairpin conformation, with a central (D)Pro-(L)Pro two-residue loop. Strand slippage at the C-terminus results in altered registry of the antiparallel strands.     

Pentavalent and tetravalent uranium selenides, Tl3Cu4USe6 and Tl2Ag2USe4: syntheses, characterization, and structural comparison to other layered actinide chalcogenide compounds

The compounds Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) were synthesized by the reaction of the elements in excess TlCl at 1123 K. Both compounds crystallize in new structure types, in space groups P2(1)/c and C2/m, respectively, of the monoclinic system. Each compound contains layers of USe(6) octahedra and MSe(4) (M = Cu, Ag) tetrahedra, separated by Tl(+) cations. The packing of the octahedra and the tetrahedra within the layers is compared to the packing arrangements found in other layered actinide chalcogenides. Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) displays peaks in its magnetic susceptibility at 5 and 70 K. It exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with an effective magnetic moment of 1.58(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 72-300 K, whereas Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4) exhibits modified Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior with μ(eff) = 3.4(1) μ(B) in the temperature range 100-300 K. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) results from scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy confirm that Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) has Se bonding characteristic of discrete Se(2-) units, Cu bonding generally representative of Cu(+), and U bonding consistent with a U(4+) or U(5+) species. On the basis of these measurements, as well as bonding arguments, the formal oxidation states for U may be assigned as +5 in Tl(3)Cu(4)USe(6) and +4 in Tl(2)Ag(2)USe(4).     

Sensitivity of silver(I) complexes of a pyrimidine-hydrazone ligand to solvent, counteranion, and metal-to-ligand ratio changes

Metal complexation studies were performed with AgSO(3)CF(3) and AgBF(4) and the ditopic pyrimidine-hydrazone ligand 6-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde (2-methylpyrimidine-4,6-diyl)bis(1-methylhydrazone) (1) in both CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2) in a variety of metal-to-ligand ratios. The resulting complexes were studied in solution by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Reacting either AgSO(3)CF(3) or AgBF(4) with 1 in either CH(3)CN or CH(3)NO(2) in a 1:1 metal-to-ligand ratio produced a double helicate in solution. This double helicate could be converted into a linear complex by increasing the metal-to-ligand ratio; however, the degree of conversion depended on the solvent and counteranion used. Attempts to crystallize the linear AgSO(3)CF(3) complex resulted in crystals with the dimeric structure [Ag(2)1(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(SO(3)CF(3))(4) (2), while attempts to crystallize the AgSO(3)CF(3) double helicate from CH(3)CN resulted in crystals of another dimeric complex, [Ag(2)1(SO(3)CF(3))(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)·H(2)O (3). The AgSO(3)CF(3) double helicate was successfully crystallized from a mixture of CH(3)CN and CH(3)NO(2) and had the structure [Ag(2)1(2)](SO(3)CF(3))(2)·3CH(3)NO(2) (4). The linear AgBF(4) complex could not be isolated from the double helicate in solution; however, crystals grown from a solution containing both the AgBF(4) double helicate and linear complexes in CH(3)CN had the structure [Ag(2)1(CH(3)CN)(2)](BF(4))(2) (5). The AgBF(4) double helicate could only be crystallized from CH(3)NO(2) and had the structure [Ag(2)1(2)](BF(4))(2)·2CH(3)NO(2) (6).     

Density functional investigation of metal-metal interactions in mixed-valence d2d3 (Cr, Mo, W) and d3d4 (Mn, Tc, Re) face-shared [M2Cl9]2- systems

The molecular and electronic structures of mixed-valence face-shared (Cr, Mo, W) d(2)d(3) and (Mn, Tc, Re) d(3)d(4) [M(2)Cl(9)](2-) dimers have been calculated by density functional methods in order to investigate metal-metal bonding in this series. The electronic structures of these systems have been analyzed using potential energy curves for the broken-symmetry and other spin states arising from the d(2)d(3) and d(3)d(4) coupling modes. In (d(2)d(3)) [Mo(2)Cl(9)](2-) and [W(2)Cl(9)](2-), the global minimum has been found to be a spin-doublet state characterized by delocalization of the metal-based electrons in a multiple metal-metal bond (with a formal bond order of 2.5). In contrast, weak coupling between the metal centers and electron localization are favored in (d(2)d(3)) [Cr(2)Cl(9)](2-), the global minimum for this species being a ferromagnetic S = 5/2 state with a relatively long Cr-Cr separation. The (d(3)d(4)) [Re(2)Cl(9)](2-) system also exhibits a global minimum corresponding to a metal-metal bonded spin-doublet state with a formal bond order of 2.5, reflecting the electron-hole equivalence between d(2)d(3) and d(3)d(4) configurations. Double minima behavior is predicted for (d(3)d(4)) [Tc(2)Cl(9)](2-) and [Mn(2)Cl(9)](2-) due to two energetically close low-lying states (these being S = 3/2 and S = 5/2 states for the former, and S = 5/2 and S = 7/2 states for the latter). A comparison of computational results for the d(2)d(2), d(2)d(3), and d(3)d(3) [W(2)Cl(9)](z-) series and the d(3)d(3), d(3)d(4), and d(4)d(4) [Re(2)Cl(9)](z-) series indicates that the observed trends in metal-metal distances can only be rationalized if changes in both the strength of sigma bonding and metal-metal bond order are taken into consideration. These two factors act conjointly in the W series but in opposition to one another in the Re series. In the case of the [Cr(2)Cl(9)](z-) and [Mn(2)Cl(9)](z-) dimers, the metal-metal bond lengths are significantly shorter for mixed-valence (d(2)d(3) or d(3)d(4)) than d(3)d(3) systems. This result is consistent with the fact that some degree of metal-metal bonding exists in the former (due to partial delocalization of a single sigma electron) but not in the latter (where all metal-based electrons are completely localized).     

Molecular recognition of amines and amino esters by zinc porphyrin receptors: binding mechanisms and solvent effects

Zinc porphyrin receptors bearing 12 ester groups in the meso phenyl groups (1-3) were prepared, and binding of amines and alpha-amino esters was studied with emphasis on the binding mechanisms. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2, 6-bis(carbomethoxymethoxy)-4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrin (free base of 1) showed that the receptor has a binding pocket above the porphyrin plane. UV-visible titration experiments revealed that the zinc porphyrin receptors bound amines and alpha-amino esters with binding constants (K(a)) ranging from 0.5 to 52 700 M(-1) in CH(2)Cl(2) at 25 degrees C. The ester functional groups of 1 assisted the binding of aromatic alpha-amino esters (K(a) = 8 000-23 000 M(-1) in CH(2)Cl(2) at 25 degrees C) and inhibited the binding of bulky aliphatic alpha-amino esters (K(a) = 460 M(-1) for Leu-OMe in CH(2)Cl(2) at 25 degrees C), indicating that CH-pi type interactions and steric repulsions control the selectivity. The binding of amines and alpha-amino esters was tight both in a nonpolar solvent (CH(2)Cl(2)) and in a polar solvent (water) but loose in a solvent of intermediate polarity (H(2)O-MeOH (1:1)), demonstrating that two competitive driving forces are operating: (1) attractive electrostatic forces between host and guest such as coordination of the amino group to the zinc atom, and (2) entropic forces stemming from desolvation as well as enthalpic forces due to the host-guest dispersion forces. The former forces drive the binding in CH(2)Cl(2) while the latter forces drive the binding in water. The enthalpy changes in the binding in CH(2)Cl(2) and those in water range from -50 to -30 kJ mol(-1) and from -35 to 0 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The entropy changes in CH(2)Cl(2) and those in water range from -120 to -60 J K(-1) mol(-1) and from -50 to +60 J K(-1) mol(-1), respectively. Thus the binding in CH(2)Cl(2) is characterized by large negative enthalpy changes, while that in water by less negative entropy changes. These thermodynamic parameters also indicate that host-guest polar interactions (enthalpic forces) drive the binding in CH(2)Cl(2) while both host-guest dispersion interactions (an enthalpic force) and desolvation (an entropic force) drive the binding in water. Enthalpy-entropy compensation observed for the binding in water indicates that the binding of amines and amino esters in water by zinc porphyrins is associated with conformational changes as well as a high degree of dehydration. In CH(2)Cl(2), no clear compensation was observed, consistent with the mechanism that neither desolvation processes nor conformational changes contribute significantly to the binding energetics.     

Water-catalyzed gas-phase hydrogen abstraction reactions of CH3O2 and HO2 with HO2: a computational investigation

The gas-phase hydrogen abstraction reactions of CH(3)O(2) and HO(2) with HO(2) in the presence and absence of a single water molecule have been studied at the CCSD(T)/6-311++G(3d,2p)//B3LYP/6-311G(2d,2p) level of theory. The calculated results show that the process for O(3) formation is much faster than that for (1)O(2) and (3)O(2) formation in the water-catalyzed CH(3)O(2) + HO(2) reaction. This is different from the results for the non-catalytic reaction of CH(3)O(2) + HO(2), in which almost only the process for (3)O(2) formation takes place. Unlike CH(3)O(2) + HO(2) reaction in which the preferred process is different in the catalytic and non-catalytic conditions, the channel for (3)O(2) formation is the dominant in both catalytic and non-catalytic HO(2) + HO(2) reactions. Furthermore, the calculated total CVT/SCT rate constants for water-catalyzed and non-catalytic title reactions show that the water molecule doesn't contribute to the rate of CH(3)O(2) + HO(2) reaction though the channel for O(3) formation in this water-catalyzed reaction is more kinetically favorable than its non-catalytic process. Meanwhile, the water molecule plays an important positive role in increasing the rate of HO(2) + HO(2) reaction. These results are in good agreement with available experiments.     

Synthetic and structural studies of the coordination behavior of 2-pyridylbis(diphenylphosphino)methane

The coordination chemistry of the potentially semilabile tridentate ligand 2-pyridylbis(diphenylphosphino)methane (NPP) has been investigated. Bidentate (N, P) coordination occurs in CoCl(2)(NPP) (1) and [CdX(mu-X)(NPP)](2) (X = Cl (2); OAc (3)), prepared from the corresponding metal salts, in fac-Re(CO)(3)Br(NPP) (4) and in Fe(CO)(2)(MA)(NPP) (6). The last is one of three products from the reaction of Fe(CO)(4)(MA) (MA = maleic anhydride) with NPP, the other two being Fe(CO)(3)(NPP) (7; P, P coordinated) and the unusual cyclic ylid Ph2PC(2-C5H4N)PPh2C(CH2CO2H)C(=O)(5). The ligand shows tridentate coordination in Cr(CO)(3)(NPP) (9), RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(NPP) (10), and possibly in PtCl(2)(NPP) (8). Carbon monoxide displaces one phosphorus arm of the ligand in 10. Anhydrous NiCl(2) and NPP react in the presence of methanol to give NiCl(2)(P(OMe)Ph(2))(Ph(2)PCH(2)py) (12) in which the NPP ligand has been cleaved. This in turn reacts with O(2) to form trans-NiCl(2)(Ph(2)P(O)CH(2)py)(2) (13). The methine proton of NPP is transferred to the metal on reaction with Pt(C(2)H(4))(PPh(3))(2) and [Ir(COD)(NPP)]BF(4) to form the hydride complexes Pt(H)(PPh(3))(NPP-H) (14) and [Ir(H)(NPP)(NPP-H)]BF(4) (15). In 15 the intact NPP ligand is tridentate. The structures of 1 - 7 and 12 - 15 have been determined.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of neutral MgmCnHx and BemCnHx clusters

Neutral Mg(m)C(n)H(x) and Be(m)C(n)H(x) clusters are investigated both experimentally and theoretically for the first time. Single photon ionization at 193 nm is used to detect neutral cluster distributions through time of flight mass spectrometry. Mg(m)C(n)H(x) and Be(m)C(n)H(x) clusters are generated through laser ablation of Mg or Be foil into CH(4)/He expansion gas. A number of members of each cluster series are identified through isotopic substitution experiments employing (13)CH(4) and CD(4) instead of CH(4) in the expansion gas. An oscillation of the vertical ionization energies (VIEs) of Mg(m)C(n)H(x) clusters is observed in the experiments. The VIEs of Mg(m)C(n)H(x) clusters are observed to vary as a function of the number of H atoms in the clusters. Density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio (MP2) calculations are carried out to explore the structures and ionization energies of Mg(m)C(n)H(x) clusters. Many Be(m)C(n)H(x) clusters are also generated and detected in the experiments. The structures and VIEs of Be(m)C(n)H(x) clusters are also studied by theoretical calculations. Calculational results provide a good and consistent explanation for the experimental observations, and are in general agreement with them for both series of clusters.     

Solid-State P and H NMR Investigations of Amorphous and Crystalline Calcium Phosphates Grown Biomimetically From a Mesoporous Bioactive Glass

By exploiting (1)H and (31)P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we explore the proton and orthophosphate environments in biomimetic amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and hydroxy-apatite (HA), as grown in vitro at the surface of a 10CaO-85SiO(2)-5P(2)O(5) mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) in either a simulated body fluid or buffered water. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of a calcium phosphate layer comprising nanocrystalline HA. Two-dimensional (1)H-(31)P heteronuclear correlation NMR established predominantly (1)H(2)O?(31)PO(4) (3-) and O(1)H?(31)PO(4) (3-) contacts in the amorphous and crystalline component, respectively, of the MBG surface-layer; these two pairs exhibit distinctly different (1)H→(31)P cross-polarization dynamics, revealing a twice as large squared effective (1)H-(31)P dipolar coupling constant in ACP compared with HA. These respective observations are mirrored in synthetic (well-crystalline) HA, and the amorphous calcium orthophosphate (CaP) clusters that are present in the pristine MBG pore walls: besides highlighting very similar local (1)H and (31)P environments in synthetic and biomimetic HA, our findings evidence closely related NMR characteristics, and thereby similar local structures, of the CaP clusters in the pristine MBG relative to biomimetic ACP.     

Revelation of the nature of the reducing species in titanocene halide-promoted reductions

The fundamental nature of Ti(III) complexes generated in tetrahydrofuran by reduction of Cp(2)TiCl(2) has been clarified by means of cyclic voltammetry and kinetic measurements. While the electrochemical reduction of Cp(2)TiCl(2) leads to the formation of Cp(2)TiCl(2)(-), the use of metals such as Zn, Al, or Mn as reductants affords Cp(2)TiCl and (Cp(2)TiCl)(2) in a mixture having a dimerization equilibrium constant of 3 x 10(3) M(-)(1), independent of the metal used. Thus, we find it unlikely that the trinuclear complexes or ionic clusters known from the solid phase should be present in solution as previously suggested. The standard potentials determined for the redox couples Cp(2)TiCl(2)/Cp(2)TiCl(2)(-), (Cp(2)TiCl)(2)(+)/(Cp(2)TiCl)(2), Cp(2)TiCl(+)/Cp(2)TiCl, and Cp(2)Ti(2+)/Cp(2)Ti(+) increase in the order listed. However, the reactivity of the different Ti(III) complexes is assessed as (Cp(2)TiCl)(2) greater, similar Cp(2)TiCl approximately Cp(2)Ti(+) > Cp(2)TiCl(2)(-) in their reactions with benzyl chloride and benzaldehyde. None of the reactions proceed by an outer-sphere electron transfer pathway, and clearly the inner-sphere character is much higher in the case of Cp(2)Ti(+) than for (Cp(2)TiCl)(2), Cp(2)TiCl, and in particular Cp(2)TiCl(2)(-). As to the electron acceptor, the inner-sphere character increases, going from benzyl chloride to benzaldehyde, and it is suggested that the chlorine atom in benzyl chloride and the oxygen atom in benzaldehyde may function as bridges between the reactants in the transition state.     

Pyrophosphate Complexation of Tin(II) in Aqueous Solutions as Applied in Electrolytes for the Deposition of Tin and Tin Alloys Such as White Bronze

Electrodeposition of tin and tin alloys from electrolytes containing tin(II) and pyrophosphates is an important process in metal finishing, but the nature of the tin pyrophosphate complexes present in these solutions in various pH regions has remained unknown. Through solubility and pH studies, IR and (31)P and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopic investigations of solutions obtained by dissolving Sn(2)P(2)O(7) in equimolar quantities of either Na(4)P(2)O(7)·10H(2)O or K(4)P(2)O(7) the formation of anionic 1:1 complexes {[Sn(P(2)O(7))]}(n)(2n-) has now been verified and the molecular structures of the monomer (n = 1) and the dimer (n = 2) have been calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Whereas the alkali pyrophosphates Na/K(4)P(2)O(7) give strongly alkaline aqueous solutions (pH ～13), because of partial protonation of the [P(2)O(7)](4-) anion, the [Sn(P(2)O(7))](2-) anion is not protonated and the solutions of Na/K(2)[Sn(P(2)O(7))] are almost neutral (pH ～8). The monomeric dianion appears to have a ground state with C(2v) symmetry with the Sn atom in a square pyramidal coordination and the lone pair of electrons in the apical position, while the dimer approaches C(2) symmetry with the Sn atoms in a rhombic pyramidal coordination, also with a sterically active lone pair. A comparison of experimental and calculated IR details favors the monomer as the most abundant species in solution. With an excess of pyrophosphate, 3:2 and 2:1 complexes (P(2)O(7)):(Sn) are first formed, which, in the presence of more pyrophosphate, undergo rapid ligand exchange on the NMR time scale. The structure of the 2:1 complex [Sn(P(2)O(7))(2)](6-) was calculated to have a pyramidal complexation by two 1,5-chelating pyrophosphate ligands. Neutralization of these alkaline solutions by sulfuric or sulfonic acids (H(2)SO(4), MeSO(3)H), as also practiced in electroplating, appears to afford the tin(II) hydrogen pyrophosphates [Sn(P(2)O(7)H)](-) and [Sn(H(2)P(2)O(7))](0). The molecular structures of the mononuclear model units have also been calculated and were shown to have an unsymmetrical complexation and to feature trigonal pyramidal (pseudotetrahedral) coordination. NMR observations have shown that, contrary to the results obtained for Sn(II) compounds, Sn(IV) as present in K(2)SnO(3) or its hydrated form (K(2)Sn(OH)(6)) does not form a pyrophosphate complex in aqueous solution near pH 7. There is also no interference of sulfite.     

Thermal activation of hydrocarbon C-H bonds by tungsten alkylidene complexes.

Thermal activation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(2) (1) in neat hydrocarbon solutions transiently generates the neopentylidene complex, CpW(NO)(=CHCMe(3)) (A), which subsequently activates solvent C-H bonds. For example, the thermolysis of 1 in tetramethylsilane and perdeuteriotetramethylsilane results in the clean formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(CH(2)SiMe(3)) (2) and CpW(NO)(CHDCMe(3))[CD(2)Si(CD(3))(3)] (2-d(12)), respectively, in virtually quantitative yields. The neopentylidene intermediate A can be trapped by PMe(3) to obtain CpW(NO)(=CHCMe(3))(PMe(3)) in two isomeric forms (4a-b), and in benzene, 1 cleanly forms the phenyl complex CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(5)) (5). Kinetic and mechanistic studies indicate that the C-H activation chemistry derived from 1 proceeds through two distinct steps, namely, (1) rate-determining intramolecular alpha-H elimination of neopentane from 1 to form A and (2) 1,2-cis addition of a substrate C-H bond across the W=C linkage in A. The thermolysis of 1 in cyclohexane in the presence of PMe(3) yields 4a-b as well as the olefin complex CpW(NO)(eta(2)-cyclohexene)(PMe(3)) (6). In contrast, methylcyclohexane and ethylcyclohexane afford principally the allyl hydride complexes CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(7)H(11))(H) (7a-b) and CpW(NO)(eta(3)-C(8)H(13))(H) (8a-b), respectively, under identical experimental conditions. The thermolysis of 1 in toluene affords a surprisingly complex mixture of six products. The two major products are the neopentyl aryl complexes, CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-3-Me) (9a) and CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-4-Me) (9b), in approximately 47 and 33% yields. Of the other four products, one is the aryl isomer of 9a-b, namely, CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-Me) (9c) ( approximately 1%). The remaining three products all arise from the incorporation of two molecules of toluene; namely, CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-3-Me) (11a; approximately 12%), CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(4)-4-Me) (11b; approximately 6%), and CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(2) (10; approximately 1%). It has been demonstrated that the formation of complexes 10 and 11a-b involves the transient formation of CpW(NO)(CH(2)CMe(3))(CH(2)C(6)H(5)) (12), the product of toluene activation at the methyl position, which reductively eliminates neopentane to generate the C-H activating benzylidene complex CpW(NO)(=CHC(6)H(5)) (B). Consistently, the thermolysis of independently prepared 12 in benzene and benzene-d(6) affords CpW(NO)(CH(2)C(6)H(5))(C(6)H(5)) (13) and CpW(NO)(CHDC(6)H(5))(C(6)D(5)) (13-d(6)), respectively, in addition to free neopentane. Intermediate B can also be trapped by PMe(3) to obtain the adducts CpW(NO)(=CHC(6)H(5))(PMe(3)) (14a-b) in two rotameric forms. From their reactions with toluene, it can be deduced that both alkylidene intermediates A and B exhibit a preference for activating the stronger aryl sp(2) C-H bonds. The C-H activating ability of B also encompasses aliphatic substrates as well as it reacts with tetramethylsilane and cyclohexanes in a manner similar to that summarized above for A. All new complexes have been characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods, and the solid-state molecular structures of 4a, 6, 7a, 8a, and 14a have been established by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Protonolysis of [((i)PrO)TiMo5O18]3-: access to a family of TiMo5 Lindqvist type polyoxometalates

The tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) salts of [((i)PrO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) 1 and [((i)BuO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) 2 were prepared by hydrolysis of mixtures of (TBA)(2)[Mo(2)O(7)], (TBA)(4)α-[Mo(8)O(26)] and Ti(OR)(4) (R = (i)Pr or (i)Bu) in acetonitrile. Treatment of (TBA)(3)1 with alcohols ROH afforded primary and tertiary alkoxide derivatives [(RO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) (R = Me 3, (t)Bu 4), whilst aryloxides [(ArO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) were prepared by reacting 1 with phenols ArOH (Ar = C(6)H(4)Me-4 5, and C(6)H(4)CHO-2 6). Oxo-bridged [(μ-O)(TiMo(5)O(18))(2)](6-)7 rather than the hydroxo derivative [(HO)TiMo(5)O(18)](3-) was obtained upon hydrolysis of 1. X-Ray crystal structures of TBA salts of anions 3-7 show that titanium is six-coordinate in all cases, although titanium sites are disordered over two trans positions in 3. Mo-O bond length alternation is observed in the Mo(4)O(4) planes of 4 and 7 and in one of the two independent anions in the structure of 3. In solution, (17)O NMR spectra are consistent with the higher anionic charge compared to [Mo(6)O(19)](2-) and reveal an order of basicity for the anions [LM'Mo(5)O(18)](3-) associated with the ability of {LM'}(3+) to donate/withdraw electron density from {Mo(5)O(18)}(6-). Protonolysis reactions of 1 and 3 were slower than for tungstate analogues and the possibility of initial protonation at TiOM (M = Mo) rather than TiOR (M = W) in a proton-assisted S(N)1 mechanism for ligand exchange in [(RO)TiM(5)O(18)](3-) is discussed.     

Structure of the photodissociation products of CCl4, CBr4, and CI4 in solution studied by DFT and ab initio calculations

Various molecular species that can be populated during the photoreaction of carbon tetrahalides CX(4) (X = Cl, Br, I) in the gas phase and in solution have been studied by ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Geometries, energies, and vibrational frequencies of CX(4), CX(3), CX(2), C(2)X(6), C(2)X(5), C(2)X(4), X(2), and the isomer X(2)CX-X were calculated and transition states connecting these species were characterized. Spin-orbit DFT (SODFT) computations were also performed to include the relativistic effects, which cannot be neglected for Br and I atoms. The calculated potential energy surfaces satisfactorily describe the reactions of the photoexcited CX(4) molecules. In the gas phase, the initial C-X bond rupture in CX(4) is followed by secondary C-X breakage in the CX(3) radical, leading to CX(2) and 2X, and the formation of C(2)X(6) or C(2)X(4) through bimolecular recombination of the CX(3) or CX(2) radicals is favored thermodynamically. In solution, by contrast, the X(2)CX-X isomer is formed via X-X binding, and two CX(3) radicals recombine nongeminately to form C(2)X(6), which then dissociates into C(2)X(4) and X(2) through C(2)X(5). The Raman intensities and the vibrational frequencies, as well as the absorption spectra and oscillator strengths of the Br(2)CBr-Br isomer in the gas phase and in various solvents were computed and the calculated absorption and Raman spectra of the Br(2)CBr-Br isomer in various solutions are in good agreement with the experimental data. The natural population analysis indicates that the Br(2)CBr-Br isomer corresponds to the recently reported solvent-stabilized solvated ion pair (CBr(3)(+)//Br(-))(solv) in the highly polar alcohol solvent. The singlet-triplet energy separations of the CX(2) radicals in the gas phase and in solution were evaluated with high level computational methods, and the optimized geometric parameters are in good agreement with the experimental results. The geometric and energetic differences between the singlet and triplet states were explained by the electronic properties of the CX(2) radicals. C(2)X(4), C(2)X(5), and C(2)X(6) (X = Br, I) in the gas phase and in solution were optimized at different computational levels, and the optimized geometric parameters of C(2)I(4) are in very good agreement with the experimental data.