Solid state synthesis of lithiated manganese oxides from mechanically activated Li2CO3–Mn3O4 mixtures

The solid state formation of lithium manganese oxides has been studied from the thermal decomposition of mixtures Li₂CO₃–Mn₃O₄ with X_Li (lithium cationic fraction)=0.33 (LiMn₂O₄), 0.50 (LiMnO₂) and 0.66 (Li₂MnO₃). The analysis of the reactivity has been performed mainly by thermoanalytical (TG/DSC) and diffractometric (XRPD) techniques either on physical mixtures and on mixtures subjected to mechanical activation by high energy milling. At X_Li=0.33, the cubic lithium manganese spinel oxide (LiMn₂O₄) forms in air. TG measurements showed that the reaction starts at a considerably lower temperature in the activated mixture. By variable temperature X-ray diffraction it has been assessed that, upon mechanical activation, LiMn₂O₄ forms directly and its formation is completed within 700 °C whereas, starting from a physical mixture, the formation goes through Mn₂O₃ and is complete only at 800 °C. At T>820 °C LiMn₂O₄ reversibly decomposes to LiMnO₂ and Mn₃O₄ with an enthalpy of 30.05 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMn₂O₄. At X_Li=0.50, by annealing under nitrogen flow for 6 h at 650 °C the activated mixture, the orthorhombic LiMnO₂ is formed. Such a formation goes through a mixture of LiMnO₂ and LiMn₂O₄. The enthalpy of LiMnO₂ solid state formation from the activated mixture has been determined to be 57.4 kJ mol⁻¹ of LiMnO₂. At X_Li=0.66 in air the mechanical activation considerably lowers the temperature within the monoclinic phase Li₂MnO₃ forms. Besides the reaction enthalpy could be determined as 40.13 kJ mol⁻¹ of Li₂MnO₃. The reaction, when performed under nitrogen flow, goes through the formation of LiMnO₂. Such a first stage of the reaction is affected by the temperature of reaction rather than by mechanical activation. The activation greatly enhances the second stage of the reaction leading from LiMnO₂ to Li₂MnO₃.     

The system CePO4–K3PO4

The phase diagram of the system CePO₄–K₃PO₄ has been determined based on investigations by differential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and optical microscopy. The system contains only one intermediate compound K₃Ce(PO₄)₂, which melts incongruently at (1500±20)°C. This compound is stable down to room temperature and exhibits a polymorphic transition at 1180°C. It was confirmed that the low-temperature form β-K₃Ce(PO₄)₂ crystallizes in a monoclinic system, space group P2₁/m with unit cell parameters a=9.579 (5), b=5.634 (6), c=7.468 (5) Å; =γ=90°, β=90.81 (3)°; V=403.083 Å³.     

High temperature reaction of SiCl4 and O2 in quartz tubes

The reaction between SiCl₄ and O₂ at 1 atm between 25 and 1200°C has been followed by mass spectrometry. Below 600°C no reaction with O₂ is noted. Above 600°C the reaction proceeds in two steps. Between 800 and 1000°C the ²⁸Si/³²O₂ peak height ratio is constant with no evolution of Cl₂. It is suggested that silicon oxychlorides are being formed in this temperature regime. Above 1000°C the reaction between SiCl₄ and O₂ intensifies with concomitant production of Cl₂. It is suggested that above 1000°C the reaction SiCl₄ + O₂ → SiO₂ + Cl₂ becomes important.

At low temperatures (<800°C) adsorbed H₂O and OH groups from the surface of the fused silica tube react with SiCl₄ to form HCl. The importance of this reaction decreases with increasing temperature. The increased production of HCl above 1000°C is ascribed to H₂O and H₂ diffusing from the tube.     

Thermal stability of osmium mixed oxides I. CaOsO3 decomposition products: A new orthorhombic phase Ca2Os2O7

The thermal decomposition of CaOsO₃ by differential thermal analyses, thermogravimetry and X-ray powder diffraction has been studied. In nitrogen CaOsO₃ decomposes at 880 ± 10°C into CaO, osmium metal and oxygen due to the reaction CaOsO₃ → CaO + Os + O₂. In static air the decomposition occurs in three stages: 2CaOsO₃ + 1/2O₂ → Ca₂Os₂O₇ (in region 775–808°C), Ca₂Os₂O₇ → Ca₂Os₂O_6,5 + 1/4O₂ (at a temperature interval of 850–1000°C) and in the third stage Ca₂Os₂O_6,5 → 2CaO + OsO₄ ÷ 1/4 O₂ (at 1005 ± 5°C). The first intermediate Ca₂Os₂O₇ is isostructural with orthorhombic Ca₂Nb₂O₇ and its cell parameters are: a₀ = 3.745 Å, b₀ = 25.1 Å, c₀ = 5.492 Å, Z = 4, space group Cmcm or Cmc2. Ca₂Os₂O₇ exhibits metallic conductivity and its electrical resistivity is 4.6 × 10⁻² ohm-cm at 296K.     

Catalytic decomposition of H2O2 on Co3O4 doped with MgO and V2O5

The effects of doping of Co₃O₄with MgO (0.4–6 mol%) and V₂O₅ (0.20–0.75 mol%) on its surface and catalytic properties were investigated using nitrogen adsorption at −196°C and decomposition of H₂O₂ at 30–50°C. Pure and doped samples were prepared by thermal decomposition in air at 500–900°C, of pure basic cobalt carbonate and basic carbonate treated with different proportions of magnesium nitrate and ammonium vanadate. The results revealed that, V₂O₅ doping followed by precalcination at 500–900°C did not much modify the specific surface area of the treated Co₃O₄ solid. Treatment of Co₃O₄ with MgO at 500–900°C resulted in a significant increase in the specific surface area of cobaltic oxide. The catalytic activity in H₂O₂ decomposition, of Co₃O₄ was found to suffer a considerable increase by treatment with MgO. The maximum increase in the catalytic reaction rate constant (k) measured at 40°C on Co₃O₄ due to doping with 3 mol% MgO attained 218, 590 and 275% for the catalysts precalcined at 500, 700 and 900°C, respectively. V₂O₅-doping of Co₃O₄ brought about a significant progressive decrease in its catalytic activity. The maximum decrease in the reaction rate constant measured at 40°C over the 0.75 mol% V₂O₅-doped Co₃O₄ solid attained 68 and 93% for the catalyst samples precalcined at 500 and 900°C, respectively. The doping process did not modify the activation energy of the catalyzed reaction but much modified the concentration of catalytically active constituents without changing their energetic nature. MgO-doping increased the concentration of CO³⁺–CO²⁺ ion pairs and created Mg²⁺–CO³⁺ ion pairs increasing thus the number of active constituents involved in the catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂. V₂O₅-doping exerted an opposite effect via decreasing the number of CO³⁺–CO²⁺ ion pairs besides the possible formation of cobalt vanadate.     

Oxygen permeation through a Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ–La0.8Sr0.2CrO3−δ dual-phase composite membrane

A composite of oxygen ion conducting oxide Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_2−δ (60 vol.%) and electron conducting oxide La_0.8Sr_0.2CrO_3−δ was prepared by sintering a powder compact at a temperature of 1550 °C. No significant reaction between the two constituent oxides was observed under preparation and oxygen permeation conditions. Appreciable oxygen permeation fluxes through the composite membrane were measured at elevated temperatures with one side of it exposed to the ambient air and the other side to a flowing helium gas stream. The oxygen flux initially increased with time, and took a long time to reach a steady value. A steady oxygen permeation flux as high as 1.4 × 10⁻⁷ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹ was obtained with a 0.3 mm thick membrane at 950 °C under a relatively small oxygen partial pressure difference of 0.21 bar/0.0092 bar. It was revealed that the overall oxygen permeation process was mainly limited by the transport in the bulk of the membrane in the range of the membrane thickness greater than 1.0 mm, and the limitation by the surface oxygen exchange came into play at reduced thickness of 0.6 mm.     

Solid state synthesis and characterization of iron（Ⅱ） pyrophosphate Fe2P2O7

Offwhite pure Fe_2P_2O_7 was synthesized through solid phase reaction using Fe_2O_3 and NH_4H_2PO_4 in argon atmosphere.The reaction products of Fe_2O_3 and NH4_H_2PO_4 at a series of temperatures from 400 to 900℃were characterized by XRD.Comparison and analysis of XRD patterns of resultant products indicated well-crystallized Fe_2P_2O_7 could be obtained over 630℃and Fe_2P_2O_7 prepared at 700℃was triclinic in cell type.Comparison of the cell parameters proved that the as-prepared Fe_2P_2O_7 belonged toβ- Fe_2P_2O_7 in crystal phase and SEM showed its size distribution was 0.5-2μm.     

Zwitterionic titanoxanes {Cp[η-C5H4B(C6F5)3]Ti}2O and {(η-PrC5H4)[η-1,3-PrC5H3B(C6F5)3]Ti}2O as catalysts for cationic ring-opening polymerization

Zwitterionic titanoxanes {Cp[η⁵-C₅H₄B(C₆F₅)₃]Ti}₂O (I) and {(η⁵-ⁱPrC₅H₄)[η⁵-1,3-ⁱPrC₅H₃B(C₆F₅)₃]Ti}₂O (II), which contain two positively charged Ti(IV) centres in the molecule, are able to catalyse the ring-opening polymerization of -caprolactone (-CL) in toluene solution and in bulk. The process proceeds with a noticeable rate even at room temperature and accelerates strongly on raising the temperature to 60 °C. The best results have been obtained on carrying out the reaction in bulk. Under these conditions, the use of I as a catalyst (-CL:I = 1000:1) gives at 60 °C close to quantitative yield of poly--CL with the molecular mass of 197 000. An increase in the -CL:I ratio to 6000:1 increases the molecular mass of poly--CL to 530 000. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is also polymerized under the action of I albeit with a lesser rate. However, the molecular mass of the resulting poly-THF can reach rather big values under optimal conditions (up to 217 000 at 20 °C and the THF:I ratio of 770:1). A rise in the reaction temperature from 20 to 60 °C results here to a decrease in the efficiency of the process. Titanoxane II is close to I in its catalytic activity in the -CL polymerization but it is much less active in the polymerization of THF. Propylene oxide (PO), in contrast to -CL and THF, gives with I only liquid oligomers in wide temperature and PO:I molar ratio ranges (−30 to +20 °C, PO:I = 500–2000:1). γ-Butyrolactone and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone are not polymerized under the action of I at room temperature. The reactions found are the first examples of catalysis of the cationic ring-opening polymerization by zwitterionic metallocenes of the group IVB metals.     

Thermal solid–solid interactions and physicochemical properties of NiO/Fe2O3 system doped with K2O

The effects of calcination temperature and doping with K₂O on solid–solid interactions and physicochemical properties of NiO/Fe₂O₃ system were investigated using TG, DTA and XRD techniques. The amounts of potassium, expressed as mol% K₂O were 0.62, 1.23, 2.44 and 4.26. The pure and variously doped mixed solids were thermally treated at 300, 500, 750, 900 and 1000 °C. The catalytic activity was determined for each solid in H₂O₂ decomposition reaction at 30–50 °C. The results obtained showed that the doping process much affected the degree of crystallinity of both NiO and Fe₂O₃ phases detected for all solids calcined at 300 and 500 °C. Fe₂O₃ interacted readily with NiO at temperature starting from 700 °C producing crystalline NiFe₂O₄ phase. The degree of reaction propagation increased with increasing calcination temperature. The completion of this reaction required a prolonged heating at temperature >900 °C. K₂O-doping stimulates the ferrite formation to an extent proportional to its amount added. The stimulation effect of potassium was evidenced by following up the change in the peak height of certain diffraction lines characteristic NiO, Fe₂O₃, NiFe₂O₄ phases located at “d” spacing 2.08, 2.69 and 2.95 Å, respectively. The change of peak height of the diffraction lines at 2.95 Å as a function of firing temperature of pure and doped mixed solids enabled the calculation of the activation energy (ΔE) of the ferrite formation. The computed ΔE values were 120, 80, 49, 36 and 25 kJ mol⁻¹ for pure and variously doped solids, respectively. The decrease in ΔE value of NiFe₂O₄ formation as a function of dopant added was not only attributed to an effective increase in the mobility of reacting cations but also to the formation of potassium ferrite. The calcination temperature and doping with K₂O much affected the catalytic activity of the system under investigation.     

Fabrication of solid thin film electrolyte and LiCoO2 by aerosol flame pyrolysis deposition

Aerosol flame pyrolysis deposition method was applied to deposit the oxide glass electrolyte film and LiCoO₂ cathode for thin film type Li-ion secondary battery. The thicknesses of as-deposited porous LiCoO₂ and Li₂O–B₂O₃–P₂O₅ electrolyte film were about 6 μm and 15 μm, respectively. The deposited LiCoO₂ was sintered for 2 min at 700 °C to make partially densified cathode layer, and the deposited Li₂O–P₂O₅–B₂O₃ glass film completely densified by the sintering at 700 °C for 1 h. After solid state sintering process the thicknesses were reduced to approximately 4 μm and 6 μm, respectively. The cathode and electrolyte layers were deposited by continuous deposition process and integrated into a layer by co-sintering. It was demonstrated that Aerosol flame deposition is one of the good candidates for the fabrication of thin film battery.     

Gaseous nitryl azide N4O2: A joint theoretical and experimental study

Gaseous nitryl azide N₄O₂ is generated by the heterogeneous reaction of gaseous ClNO₂ with freshly prepared AgN₃ at −50 °C. The geometric and electronic structure of the molecule in the gas phase has been characterized by in situ photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and quantum chemical calculations. The experimental first vertical ionization energy of N₄O₂ is 11.39 eV, corresponding to the ionization of an electron on the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) {4a″(π_{nb(N4–N5–N6)})}⁻¹. An apparent vibrational spacing of 1600 ± 60 cm⁻¹ (ν_asO1N2O3) on the second band at 12.52 eV (π_{nb(O1–N2–O3)}) further confirms the preference of energetically stable chain structure in the gas phase. To complement the experimental results, the potential-energy surface of this structurally novel transient molecule is discussed. Both calculations and spectroscopic results suggest that the molecule adopts a trans-planar chain structure, and a five-membered ring decomposition pathway is more favorable.     

Thermal behaviour of cobaltic and cobaltous oxides as influenced by doping with some alkali metal oxides

The role of Na₂O- and Li₂O-doping on the thermal decomposition of Co₃O₄ to CoO and the re-oxidation of cobaltous to cobaltic oxide has been investigated using DTA, with controlled rates of heating and cooling, IR and X-ray diffraction spectrometry techniques.

The DTA investigation revealed that both Li₂O and Na₂O increased the thermal stability of Co₃O₄. However, the effect was much more pronounced in the case of lithium oxide. Doping Co₃O₄ with 1.5 mole% Li₂O was found to prevent any thermal decomposition of cobaltic oxide even by heating at 1100°C. The maximum thermal stabilization effect induced by doping with sodium oxide (4.5 mole%) was 30%. The sodium oxide- and lithium oxide-doping enhanced the reactivity of the produced CoO towards the re-oxidation by O₂ yielding Co₃O₄.

The X-ray diffraction and IR spectrometric investigations showed that part of Li₂O and Na₂O was effectively incorporated in the Co₃O₄ lattice, affecting the thermal stabilization of the solid, and another part of the dopant oxide interacted with the produced CoO and also with Co₃O₄ giving a new sodium cobalt compound, and with Co₃O₄ producing, also, a new lithium cobalt oxide phase. However, the amount of Li₂O dissolved in the Co₃O₄ lattice was greater than that of Na₂O. The sudden cooling of doped solids, from 1000°C to room temperature, favoured the formation of the new sodium cobalt oxide compound, and exerted no effect on the production of the new lithium cobalt oxide phase. The characteristic d spacings and IR absorption bands of these new compounds have been determined.

The possible mechanisms of dissolution of Li₂O and Na₂O in cobaltic oxide lattice are discussed.     

Evidence of lanthanum–chromium mixed oxides formed in CrOx/La2O3 model catalysts

CrO_x/La₂O₃ mixed oxides, prepared by impregnating La₂O₃ with appropriate aqueous solutions of (NH₄)₂CrO₄ and calcining at 600 °C for 4 h, have been investigated by means of XRD, TPR, XPS, DRIFTS, and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The formation of the compounds La₂CrO₆, La(OH)CrO₄ and LaCrO₄ under these conditions was evidenced. Strong peaks at 864, 884, 913, and 921 cm⁻¹, as well as weak peaks at 136, 180, 354, 370, and 388 cm⁻¹ in the RS spectrum of CrO_x/La₂O₃ have been assigned to La₂CrO₆.     

Temperature dependence of the rate constant for reactions of hydrated electrons with H, OH and H2O2

The temperature dependence of the rate constants, for the reactions of hydrated electrons with H atoms, OH radicals and H₂O₂ has been determined. The reaction with H atoms, studied in the temperature range 20–250°C gives k(20°C) = 2.4 × 10¹⁰M^-1s¹ and the activation energy E_A = 14.0 kJ mol^-1 (3.3 kcal mol^-1). For reaction with OH radicals the corresponding values are, k(20°C) = 3.1 × 10¹⁰M^-1s^-1 and E_A = 14.7 kJ mol^-1 (3.5 kcal mol^-1) determined in the temperature range 5–175°C. For reaction with H₂O₂ the values are, k(20°C) = 1.2 × 10¹⁰M^-1s^-1 and E_A = 15.6 kJ mol^-1 (3.7 kcal mol^-1) measured from 5–150°C. Thus, the activation energy for all three fast reactions is close to that expected for diffusion controlled reactions. As phosphates were used as buffer system, the rate constant and activation energy for the reaction of hydrated electron with H₂PO₄^- was determined to k(20°C) = 1.5 × 10⁷M^-1s^-1 and E_A = 7.4 kJ mol^-1 (1.8 kcal mol^-1) in the temperature range 20–200°C.     

The tungsten-tungsten triple bond---18. Bridging and terminal allyl ligands in complexes of the formula W2(R)2(NMe2)4, where R = C3H5 and C4H7

The reaction between RMgCl (two equivalents) and 1,2-W₂Cl₂(NMe₂)₄ in hydrocarbon solvents affords the compounds W₂R₂(NMe₂)₄, where R = allyl and 1− and 2-methyl-allyl. In the solid state the molecular structure of W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄ has C₂ symmetry with bridging allyl ligands and terminal W---NMe₂ ligands. The W---W distance 2.480(1) Å and the C---C distances, 1.47(1) Å, imply an extensive mixing of the allyl π-MOs with the WW π-MOs, and this is supported by an MO calculation on the molecule W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NH₂)₄ employing the method of Fenske and Hall. The most notable interaction is the ability of the (WW)⁶⁺ centre to donate to the allyl π^*-MO (π₃). This interaction is largely responsible for the long W---W distance, as well as the long C---C distances, in the allyl ligand. The structure of the 2-methyl-allyl derivative W₂(C₄H₇)₂(NMe₂)₄ in the solid state reveals a gauche-W₂C₂N₄ core with W---W = 2.286(1) Å and W---C = 2.18(1) Å, typical of WW and W---C triple and single bonds, respectively. In solution (toluene-d₈) ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra over a temperature range −80°C to +60°C indicate that both anti- and gauche- W₂C₂N₄ rotamers are present for the 2-methyl-allyl derivative. In addition, there is a facile fluxional process that equilibrates both ends of the 2-methyl-allyl ligand on the NMR time-scale. This process leads to a coalescence at 100°C and is believed to take place via an η³-bound intermediate. The 1-methyl-allyl derivative also binds in an η¹ fashion in solution and temperature-dependent rotations about the W---N, W---C and C=C bonds are frozen out at low temperatures. The spectra of the allyl compound W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄ revealed the presence of two isomers in solution—one of which can be readily reconciled with the presence of the bridging isomer found in the solid state while the other is proposed to be W₂(η³-C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄. The compound W₂R₂(NMe₂)₄ where R = 2,4-dimethyl- pentadiene was similarly prepared and displayed dynamic NMR behaviour explainable in terms of facile η¹ = η³ interconversions.     

Convenient method for the preparation of catecholborane and promotion of the formation of alkenyl catecholborane using BH3 complexes

Catecholborane is prepared in benzene by passing B₂H₆, generated from I₂/NaBH₄, through a suspension of catechol at 25°C. The reagent prepared in this way is used for hydroboration-oxidation of representative alkenes and alkynes at 80°C. Hydroboration of 1-alkynes followed by iodination with I₂/NaOH gives the corresponding trans-1-alkenyl iodides in 70–72% yield. The alkenyl catecholboranes can be prepared at 25°C by performing the reaction in the presence of 10 mole% of H₃B:N(C₂H₅)₂Ph or H₃B:THF. The reaction is believed to go through hydroboration of the alkynes by borane followed by exchange with catecholborane. Studies of the preparation of dialkylphenoxyboranes and alkenyldiphenoxyboranes through hydroboration of 1-decene and 1-decyne by use of H₃B:N(C₂H₅)₂Ph and phenol are also reported.     

Equilibrium diagram of KPO3–Y(PO3)3 system, chemical preparation and characterization of KY(PO3)4

Microdifferential thermal analysis (μ-DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy were used for the first time to investigate the liquidus and solidus relations in the KPO₃–Y(PO₃)₃ system. The only compound observed within the system was KY(PO₃)₄ melting incongruently at 1033 K. An eutectic appears at 13.5 mol% Y(PO₃)₃ at 935 K, the peritectic occurs at 1033 K and the phase transition for potassium polyphosphate KPO₃ was observed at 725 K. Three monoclinic allotropic phases of the single crystals were obtained. KY(PO₃)₄ polyphosphate has the P2₁ space group with lattice parameters: a=7.183(4) Å, b=8.351(6) Å, c=7.983(3) Å, β=91.75(3)° and Z=2 is isostructural with KNd(PO₃)₄. The second allotropic form of KY(PO₃)₄ belongs to the P2₁/n space group with lattice parameters: a=10.835(3) Å, b=9.003(2) Å, c=10.314(1) Å, β=106.09(7)° and Z=4 and is isostructural with TlNd(PO₃)₄. The IR absorption spectra of the two forms show a chain polyphosphates structure. The last modification of KYP₄O₁₂ crystallizes in the C2/c space group with lattice parameters: a=7.825(3) Å, b=12.537(4) Å, c=10.584(2) Å, β=110.22(7)° and Z=4 is isostructural with RbNdP₄O₁₂ and contains cyclic anions. The methods of chemical preparations, the determination of crystallographic data and IR spectra for these compounds are reported.     

Preparation and structure of a ruthenium dicarbonyl derivative of the P2N4S2 ring

The reaction of Ru(CO)₄(C₂H₄) or Ru(CO)₅ with 1,5-Ph₄P₂N₄S₂ in CH₂Cl₂/hexane at 23°C produces the dimer [Ru(CO)₂(Ph₄ P₂N₄S₂)]₂ (2), which was shown by X-ray crystallography to have a centrosymmetric structure in which the P₂N₄S₂ ring is attached to one ruthenium atom through two (geminal) nitrogen atoms and the remote sulfur atom and serves as a bridge to the other ruthenium atom via the second sulfur atom. Crystals of 2 ·2(CH₂Cl₂) are triclinic, space group P (No. 2), a = 12.901(1) Å, b = 13.072(1) Å, c = 10.123(1) Å, = 100.88(1)°, β = 98.90(1)°, γ = 67.50(1)°, V = 1542.4(3) Å, Z = 1 with final R and R_w values of 0.040 and 0.027, respectively.     

Hydrothermal syntheses and crystal structures of bimetallic cluster complexes [{Cd(phen)2}2V4O12]·5H2O and [Ni(phen)3]2[V4O12]·17.5H2O

The hydrothermal reactions of vanadium oxide starting materials with divalent transition metal cations in the presence of nitrogen donor chelating ligands yield the bimetallic cluster complexes with the formulae [{Cd(phen₂)₂V₄O₁₂]·5H₂O (1) and [Ni(phen)₃]₂[V₄O₁₂]·17.5H₂O (2). Crystal data: C₄₈H₅₂Cd₂N₈O₂₂V₄ (1), triclinic. a=10.3366(10), b=11.320(3), c=13.268(3) Å, =103.888(17)°, β=92.256(15)°, γ=107.444(14)°, Z=1; C₇₂H₁₃₁N₁₂Ni₂O_29.5V₄ (2), triclinic. a=12.305(3), b=13.172(6), c=15.133(4), =79.05(3)°, β=76.09(2)°, γ=74.66(3)°, Z=1. Data were collected on a Siemens P4 four-circle diffractometer at 293 K in the range 1.59° <θ<26.02° and 2.01°<θ<25.01° using the ω-scan technique, respectively. The structure of 1 consists of a [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster covalently attached to two {Cd(phen)₂}²⁺ fragments, in which the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster adopts a chair-like configuration. In the structure of 2, the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ cluster is isolated. And the complex formed a layer structure via hydrogen bonds between the [V₄O₁₂]⁴⁻ unit and crystallization water molecules.     

Photochemical synthesis and structural characterization of (η-C5Me5)3Mo3(CO)4(μ2-H)(μ3-O): an unprecedented 46-electron trimolybdenum cluster containing a localized monoprotonated Mo---Mo double bond

Irradiation of the 30-electron Mo₂(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂(CO)₄ and Re₂(CO)₁₀ in toluene solution (containing H₂O) afforded (in 1–2% yields) a novel triangular metal cluster, (η⁵-C₅Me₅)₃Mo₃(CO)₄(η₂-H)(η₃-O) (1), which was characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Compound 1, of pseudo C_s-m symmetry, has a triangulo-Mo₃(η₃-O) core with composite Mo---H---Mo and Mo---Mo electron-pair bonds along one unusually short edge (2.660(1) Å) and Mo--- electron-pair bonds along the other two edges (2.916(1) and 2.917(1) Å). The edge-bridged hydride ligand, which displays a characteristic high-field proton NMR resonance at δ −17.79 ppm, was not found from the crystallographic determination but was located via a quantitative potential-energy-minimization method. This procedure unambiguously established that the optimized hydrogen position, which corresponds to a distinct coordination site with identical Mo---H distances of 1.85 Å, is the only one that can be sterically occupied by a metal-bound hydride ligand. This 46-electron species is the first electron-deficient trimolybdenum cluster containing a monoprotonated Mo---Mo double bond; its existence is attributed to ligand overcrowding due to the bulky pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rings. Black (η⁵- C₅Me₅)₃Mo₃(CO)₄(η₂-H)(η₃-O) · 1/2THF crystallizes with two formula species in a triclinic unit cell of P1 symmetry with a 8.603(4), b 11.115(4), c 19.412(11) Å, 80.69(4)°, β 101.10(4)°, and γ 98.88(3)° at −40° C. Least-squares refinement (RAELS with 221 variables) of one independent Mo₃ molecule and a centrosymmetrically-disordered THF molecule converged at R₁(F) 5.62%, R₂(F 6.88% for 8460 independent diffractometry data (I₀ ρ 3σ(I₀ collected at −40° C with Mo-K radiation