Antimony(V) Bromide and Polybromide Complexes with N‐alkylated Quinolinium or Isoquinolinium Cations: Substituent‐dependent Assembly of Polymeric Frameworks

Reactions of [Sb^IIIBr₆]^3– with Br₂ in HBr in the presence of N‐substituted quinolinium or isoquinolinium cations result in new complexes of hexabromidoantimonates of Sb^V and their polybromide adducts: (N‐MeQuin)₂{[SbBr₆](Br₃)} ( 1 ), (N‐MeIsoquin)₂{[SbBr₆](Br₃)} ( 2 ), and (N‐EtQuin)[SbBr₆] ( 3 ). Thermal stability was studied; estimated energies of supramolecular Br ··· Br interactions were calculated.     

Revealing the A‐Site Effect of Lead‐Free A3Sb2Br9 Perovskite in Photocatalytic C(sp3)−H Bond Activation

The lead‐free halide perovskite A₃Sb₂Br₉ is utilized as a photocatalyst for the first time for C(sp³)?H bond activation. A₃Sb₂Br₉ nanoparticles (A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs) with different ratios of Cs and CH₃NH₃ (MA) show different photocatalytic activities for toluene oxidation and the photocatalytic performance is enhanced when increasing the amount of Cs. The octahedron distortion caused by A‐site cations can change the electronic properties of X‐site ions and further affect the electron transfer from toluene molecules to Br sites. After the regulation of A‐site cations, the photocatalytic activity is higher with A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs than that with classic photocatalysts (TiO₂, WO₃, and CdS). The main active species involved in photocatalytic oxidation of toluene are photogenerated holes (h⁺) and superoxide anions (^.O₂^?). The octahedron distortion by A‐site cations affecting photocatalytic activity remains unique and is also a step forward for understanding more about halide‐perovskite‐based photocatalysis. The relationship between octahedron distortion and photocatalysis can also guide the design of new photocatalytic systems involving other halide perovskites.     

The Uptake and Assembly of Alkanes within a Porous Nanocapsule in Water: New Information about Hydrophobic Confinement

In Nature, enzymes provide hydrophobic cavities and channels for sequestering small alkanes or long‐chain alkyl groups from water. Similarly, the porous metal oxide capsule [{Mo^VI₆O₂₁(H₂O)₆}₁₂{(Mo^V₂O₄)₃₀(L)₂₉(H₂O)₂}]^41? (L=propionate ligand) features distinct domains for sequestering differently sized alkanes (as in Nature) as well as internal dimensions suitable for multi‐alkane clustering. The ethyl tails of the 29 endohedrally coordinated ligands, L, form a spherical, hydrophobic “shell”, while their methyl end groups generate a hydrophobic cavity with a diameter of 11 Å at the center of the capsule. As such, C₇ to C₃ straight‐chain alkanes are tightly intercalated between the ethyl tails, giving assemblies containing 90 to 110 methyl and methylene units, whereas two or three ethane molecules reside in the central cavity of the capsule, where they are free to rotate rapidly, a phenomenon never before observed for the uptake of alkanes from water by molecular cages or containers.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bis(tetraethylammonium) Octabromo‐triselenate(II)‐{dibromodiselenate(I)}, [NEt4]2[Se3Br8(Se2Br2)], the Salt of a Mixed‐valence Bromoselenate(II,I) Anion

The brown crystals of [NEt₄]₂[Se₃Br₈(Se₂Br₂)] ( 1 ) were obtained when selenium and bromine reacted in the solution of acetonitrile in the presence of tetraethylammonium bromide. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined by the X‐ray methods and refined to R = 0.0308 for 10433 reflections. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁ with Z = 2 and a = 12.0393(3) Å, b = 11.8746(3) Å, c = 13.1946(3) Å, β = 96.561(1)° (123 K). In the solid state structure the anion of 1 is built up of Se₃Br₈ unit which consists of a triangular arrangement of three planar SeBr₄ units sharing a common edge through two μ₃‐bridging Br atoms, and one Se₂Br₂ molecule which is linked to one of μ₃‐bridging Br atoms. The three Se^II atoms form a triangle which is almost perpendicular to the planes given by three SeBr₄ moieties. The contact between the μ₃Br and the Se^I atom of the Se₂Br₂ molecule is 3.1711(8) Å and can be interpreted as a bond of the donor‐acceptor type with the μ₃Br as donor and the Se₂Br₂ molecule as acceptor. The terminal Se^II‐Br and μ₃Br‐Se^II bond lengths are in the ranges 2.3537(7)–2.4737(7) Å and 2.7628(7)–3.1701(7) Å, respectively. The bond lengths in coordinated Se₂Br₂ molecule are: Se^I‐Se^I = 2.2636(9) Å, Se^I‐Br = 2.3387(11) and 2.3936(8) Å.     

Solvothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Luminescent Properties of Three Heterometallic Lanthanide‐Transition‐Metal Frameworks Constructed from Three Types of CuBr Motifs

Three three‐dimensional (3D) heterometallic lanthanide‐transition‐metal (hetero‐Ln‐TM) compounds with the formula [Ln₆(Cu₄Br₃)(Cu₂Br₂)₂(Cu₂Br)(IN)₂₀(H₂O)₁₂] · 2H₂O [Ln = Gd ( 1 ), Ln = Sm ( 2 ), Ln = Eu ( 3 )] based on the linkages of one‐dimensional Ln organic chain and Cu_mBr_n units were synthesized by mixing Ln₂O₃ with isonicotinic acid (HIN = pyridine‐4‐carboxylic acid) under hydrothermal condition. During the synthesis, two ligands were used: the isonicotinate (IN^–) stabilizes the cluster and links the one‐dimensional Ln organic chains and Cu_mBr_n motif, whereas Br^– anions play a very important role in the formation of the distinct Cu_mBr_n units. It is interesting that there are three different Cu‐Br motifs: a closed four‐membered ring [Cu₂Br₂] subunit, a linear [Cu₂Br] subunit, an S‐sharp [Cu₄Br₃] subunit. Strong fluorescence of compounds 2 and 3 suggests an efficient energy transfer from the ligand to Eu³⁺ ions. The luminescent investigation indicates that 2 and 3 are excellent candidates for fluorescent materials.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bis(tetraphenylphosphonium) Hexabromo‐diselenate(II)‐bis{dibromodiselenate(I)}, [PPh4]2[Se2Br6(Se2Br2)2], the Salt of a Mixed‐valence Bromoselenate(II,I) Anion

The Red crystals of [PPh₄]₂[Se₂Br₆(Se₂Br₂)₂] ( 1 ) were obtained when selenium and bromine reacted in the solution of acetonitrile in the presence of tetraphenylphosphonium bromide. The crystal structure of 1 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction and refined to R = 0.0201 for 4024 reflections. The crystals are triclinic, space group with Z = 2 and a = 11.2757(4) Å, b = 12.3347(5) Å, c = 12.4948(5) Å, α = 113.152(4)°, β = 114.745(4)°, γ = 91.208(3)° (120(2) K). In the solid state the anion of 1 is built up of the Se₂Br₆ core and two Se₂Br₂ molecules each of which is linked to one of the trans‐positioned terminal Br_t atoms of the Se₂Br₆ core. The central Se₂Br₆ part consists of a nearly planar arrangement of two planar SeBr₄ units sharing a common edge through two μ₂‐bridging Br atoms. The contact between the Br_t and the Se^I atom of the Se₂Br₂ molecule is 3.0872(5) Å and can be interpreted as a bond of the donor‐acceptor type with the Br_t as donor and the Se₂Br₂ molecule as acceptor. The terminal Se^II–Br and μ₂Br–Se^II bond lengths are 2.3654(4), 2.6699(5) Å and 2.5482(5), 3.0265(5) Å, respectively. The bond lengths in the coordinated Se₂Br₂ molecule are: Se^I–Se^I = 2.2686(5) Å, Se^I–Br = 2.3779(5) and 2.3810(5) Å.     

Isolation of a Nitromethane Anion in the Calix-Shaped Inorganic Cage

A calix-shaped polyoxometalate, [V₁₂O₃₂]⁴⁻ (V12), stabilizes an anion moiety in its central cavity. This molecule-sized container has the potential to control the reactivity of an anion. The highly-reactive cyanate is smoothly trapped by V12 to form [V₁₂O₃₂(CN)]⁵⁻. In the CH₃NO₂ solution, cyanate abstracts protons from CH₃NO₂, and the resultant CH₂NO₂⁻ is stabilized in V12 to form [V₁₂O₃₂(CH₂NO₂)]⁵⁻ (V12(CH₂NO₂)). A crystallographic analysis revealed the double-bond characteristic short bond distance of 1.248 Å between the carbon and nitrogen atoms in the nitromethane anion in V12. ¹H and ¹³C NMR studies showed that the nitromethane anion in V12 must not be exchanged with the nitromethane solvent. Thus, the V12 container restrains the reactivity of anionic species.     

HBr or not HBr? That is the question: crystal structure of 6‐hydroxy‐1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diium dibromide redetermined

Liu et al. [Chin. J. Struct. Chem. (1996). 15 , 371–373] reported the structure of 6‐hydroxy‐1,4‐diazepane di(hydrogen bromide), C₅H₁₂N₂O·2HBr, which was interpreted in terms of neutral diazepane and HBr molecules. We found, however, ample evidence that the formation of an organic salt, consisting of a diammonium cation and two bromide anions, is more plausible. This interpretation is also in agreement with thermogravimetric analysis and with the observed solution behaviour. The crystal structure of 6‐hydroxy‐1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diium dibromide, C₅H₁₄N₂O²⁺·2Br^?, measured at 142 K, crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. The structure displays O—H…Br and N—H…Br hydrogen bonding. Contact distances are given. A search in the Cambridge Structural Database for the singly‐bonded H—Br moiety revealed a total of 69 structures. The question, whether these structures really include HBr as neutral molecules or rather Br^? anions and a protonated substrate such as an amine, is addressed.     

Experimental and Computational Probes of the Nature of Halogen Bonding: Complexes of Bromine‐Containing Molecules with Bromide Anions

The nature of halogen bonding is examined via experimental and computational characterizations of a series of associates between electrophilic bromocarbons R? Br (R? Br=CBr₃F, CBr₃NO₂, CBr₃COCBr₃, CBr₃CONH₂, CBr₃CN, etc.) and bromide anions. The [R? Br, Br^?] complexes show intense absorption bands in the 200–350 nm range which follow the same Mulliken correlation as those observed for the charge‐transfer associates of bromide anions with common organic π‐acceptors. For a wide range of the associates, intermolecular R? Br???Br^? separations decrease and intramolecular C? Br bond lengths increase proportionally to the Br^?→R? Br charge transfer; and the energies of R? Br???Br^? bonds are correlated with the linear combination of orbital (charge‐transfer) and electrostatic interactions. On the whole, spectral, structural and thermodynamic characteristics of the [R? Br, Br^?] complexes indicate that besides electrostatics, the orbital (charge‐transfer) interactions play a vital role in the R? Br???Br^? halogen bonding. This indicates that in addition to controlling the geometries of supramolecular assemblies, halogen bonding leads to electronic coupling between interacting species, and thus affects reactivity of halogenated molecules, as well as conducting and magnetic properties of their solid‐state materials.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Tetrakis(tetramethylammonium) Bis[decabromotetraselenate(II)]‐bis[dibromodiselenate(I)], [(CH3)4N]4[(Se4Br10)2(Se2Br2)2], the Salt of a Mixed‐Valence Bromoselenate(II/I) Anion

Brown crystals of [NMe₄]₄[(Se₄Br₁₀)₂(Se₂Br₂)₂] ( 1 ) were obtained from the reaction of selenium and bromine in acetonitrile in the presence of tetramethylammonium bromide. The crystal structure of 1 was determined by X‐ray diffraction and refined to R = 0.0297 for 8401 reflections. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c with Z = 4 and a = 12.646(3) Å, b = 16.499(3) Å, c = 16.844(3) Å, β = 101.70(3)° (123 K). In the solid‐state structure, the anion of 1 is built up of two [Se₄Br₁₀]^2– ions. Each shows a triangular arrangement of three planar SeBr₄ units sharing a common edge through two μ₃‐bridging bromine atoms, and one SeBr₂ molecule, which is linked to the Se^II atoms of two SeBr₄ units; between the Se₄Br₁₀^2– ions a dimerized Se₂Br₂ molecule (Se₄Br₄) is situated and one Se^I atom of each Se₂Br₂ molecule has two weak contacts [3.3514(14) Å and 3.3952(11) Å] to two bromine atoms of one SeBr₄ unit. Four Se^I atoms of a dimerized Se₂Br₂ molecule are in a almost regular planar tetraangular arrangement. Contacts between the Se^II atom of the SeBr₂ molecule and the Se^II atoms of two SeBr₄ units are 3.035(1) Å and 3.115(1) Å, and can be interpreted as donor‐acceptor type bonds with the Se^II atoms of SeBr₄ units as donors and the SeBr₂ molecule as acceptor. The terminal Se^II–Br and μ₃‐Br–Se^II bond lengths are in the ranges 2.3376(10) to 2.4384(8) Å and 2.8036(9) to 3.3183(13) Å, respectively. The bond lengths in the dimerized Se₂Br₂ molecule are: Se^I–Se^I = 2.2945(8) Å and 3.1398(12), Se^I–Br = 2.3659(11) and 2.3689(10) Å.     

Three‐dimensional framework structures: isomorphous bis(2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dibromopyridinium) tetrabromidometallate(II) salts with CdII and MnII

In the structural motifs of two isomorphous triclinic salts, (C₅H₆Br₂N₃)₂[MBr₄] (M = Cd^II and Mn^II), each [MBr₄]²⁻ anion interacts with eight surrounding 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dibromopyridinium cations through intermolecular C/N—H...Br and Br...Br interactions, leading to a three‐dimensional framework structure. The cations show a minor degree of π–π stacking, adding extra stability to the three‐dimensional architecture.     

Intramolecular cyclization of 4,7‐bis(2‐bromo­acetyl)‐1‐thia‐4,7‐di­azacyclo­nonane

The reaction of 1‐thia‐4,7‐di­azacyclo­nonane with bromo­acetyl bromide in CHCl₃ affords the unexpected salt 4‐(2‐bromo­acetyl)‐8‐oxo‐1‐thionia‐4,7‐di­aza­bi­cyclo­[5.2.2]­un­decane bromide, C₁₀H₁₆BrN₂O₂S⁺·Br⁻. Two units of the salt are linked by S⋯Br contacts about a crystallographic inversion centre, thus forming dimers that are linked by Br⋯Br contacts into extended ribbons. S⋯O contacts between these ribbons generate a two‐dimensional sheet.     

Mononuclear and dinuclear bromide–nitrite cadmium(II) complexes with related 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ligands

The title compounds, di‐μ‐bromido‐bis[bromido(1‐carboxymethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐κN⁴)(nitrito‐κ²O,O′)cadmium(II)] dihydrate, [Cd₂Br₄(C₈H₁₅N₂O₂)₂(NO₂)₂]·2H₂O, (I), and aquabromido(1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐κN⁴)bis(nitrito‐κ²O,O′)cadmium(II) monohydrate, [CdBr(C₈H₁₄N₃)(NO₂)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O, (II), are two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded metal–organic hybrid complexes. In (I), the complex is situated on a centre of inversion so that each symmetry‐related Cd^II atom is coordinated by two bridging Br atoms, one monodentate Br atom, one chelating nitrite ligand and one organic ligand, yielding a significantly distorted octahedral geometry. The combination of O—H...O and O—H...Br hydrogen bonds produces centrosymmetric R₆⁶(16) ring motifs, resulting in two‐dimensional layers parallel to the ab plane. In contrast, the complex molecule in (II) is mononuclear, with the Cd^II atom seven‐coordinated by two bidentate nitrite groups, one N atom from the organic ligand, one monodentate Br atom and a water O atom in a distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal environment. The combination of O—H...O and O—H...Br hydrogen bonds produces R₅⁴(14) and R₃³(8) rings which lead to two‐dimensional layers parallel to the ac plane.     

On the Oxidation of the Three‐Dimensional Aromatics [B12X12]2− (X=F,Cl, Br,I)

The perhalogenated closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I) are three‐dimensional counterparts to the two‐dimensional aromatics C₆X₆ (X=H, F, Cl, Br, I). Whereas oxidation of the parent compounds [B₁₂H₁₂]^2? and benzene does not lead to isolable radicals, the perhalogenated analogues can be oxidized by chemical or electrochemical methods to give stable radicals. The chemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? with the strong oxidizer AsF₅ in liquid sulfur dioxide (lSO₂) yielded the corresponding radical anions [B₁₂X₁₂] ^{? ?} (X=F, Cl, Br). The presence of radical ions was proven by EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and supported by quantum chemical calculations. Use of an excess amount of the oxidizing agent allowed the synthesis of the neutral perhalogenated hypercloso‐boranes B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br). These compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ and [Na(SO₂)₆][B₁₂Br₁₂] ? B₁₂Br₁₂. Sublimation of the crude reaction products that contained B₁₂X₁₂ (X=Cl, Br) resulted in pure dark blue B₁₂Cl₁₂ or decomposition to red B₉Br₉, respectively. The energetics of the oxidation processes in the gas phase were calculated by DFT methods at the PBE0/def2‐TZVPP level of theory. They revealed the trend of increasing ionization potentials of the [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions by going from fluorine to bromine as halogen substituent. The oxidation of all [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? dianions was also studied in the gas phase by mass spectrometry in an ion trap. The electrochemical oxidation of the closo‐dodecaborate dianions [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br, I) by cyclic and Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry in liquid sulfur dioxide or acetonitrile showed very good agreement with quantum chemical calculations in the gas phase. For [B₁₂X₁₂]^2? (X=F, Cl, Br) the first and second oxidation processes are detected. Whereas the first process is quasi‐reversible (with oxidation potentials in the range between +1.68 and +2.29 V (lSO₂, versus ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc^0/+))), the second process is irreversible (with oxidation potentials ranging from +2.63 to +2.71 V (lSO₂, versus Fc^0/+)). [B₁₂I₁₂]^2? showed a complex oxidation behavior in cyclic voltammetry experiments, presumably owing to decomposition of the cluster anion under release of iodide, which also explains the failure to isolate the respective radical by chemical oxidation.     

Ionothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a new organic–inorganic hybrid compound: catena‐poly[bis(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) [hepta‐μ‐bromido‐pentacuprate(I)]]

A new organic–inorganic hybrid compound, catena‐poly[bis(1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) [μ₅‐bromido‐tri‐μ₃‐bromido‐tri‐μ₂‐bromido‐pentacuprate(I)]], {(C₆H₁₁N₂)₂[Cu₅Br₇]}_n, has been obtained under ionothermal conditions from a reaction mixture containing Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O, Cu(OH)₂·2H₂O, As₂O₅, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide and distilled water. The crystal structure consists of complex [Cu₅Br₇]²⁻ anions arranged in sinusoidal {[Cu₅Br₇]²⁻}_n chains running along the a axis, which are surrounded by 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cations. Three of the five unique Br atoms and one of the three Cu^I atoms occupy special positions with half‐occupancy (a mirror plane perpendicular to the b axis, site symmetry m). The Cu^I ions are in a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment, with four Br atoms at distances ranging from 2.3667 (10) to 2.6197 (13) Å, and an outlier at 3.0283 (12) Å, exceptionally elongated and with a small contribution to the bond‐valence sum of only 6.7%. Short C—H...Br contacts build up a three‐dimensional network. The Cu...Cu distances within the chain range from 2.8390 (12) to 3.0805 (17) Å, indicating the existence of weak Cu^I...Cu^I cuprophilic interactions.     

Revealing the A-Site Effect of Lead-Free A3Sb2Br9 Perovskite in Photocatalytic C(sp3)−H Bond Activation

The lead-free halide perovskite A₃Sb₂Br₉ is utilized as a photocatalyst for the first time for C(sp³)−H bond activation. A₃Sb₂Br₉ nanoparticles (A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs) with different ratios of Cs and CH₃NH₃ (MA) show different photocatalytic activities for toluene oxidation and the photocatalytic performance is enhanced when increasing the amount of Cs. The octahedron distortion caused by A-site cations can change the electronic properties of X-site ions and further affect the electron transfer from toluene molecules to Br sites. After the regulation of A-site cations, the photocatalytic activity is higher with A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs than that with classic photocatalysts (TiO₂, WO₃, and CdS). The main active species involved in photocatalytic oxidation of toluene are photogenerated holes (h⁺) and superoxide anions (^.O₂⁻). The octahedron distortion by A-site cations affecting photocatalytic activity remains unique and is also a step forward for understanding more about halide-perovskite-based photocatalysis. The relationship between octahedron distortion and photocatalysis can also guide the design of new photocatalytic systems involving other halide perovskites.     

Hydroperoxide Oxidation of Difficult-to-Oxidize Substrates: An Unprecedented C–C Bond Cleavage in Alkanes and the Oxidation of Molecular Nitrogen

In the V^(V)H₂O₂/AcOH system, C₅–C₂₀ n-alkanes, isooctane, and neohexane undergo oxidation to ketones and alcohols; the oxidation products of branched alkanes are indicative of a C–C bond cleavage in these substrates. A concept is developed, according to which the peroxo complexes of vanadium(V) are responsible for alkane oxidation. These complexes can transfer the oxygen atom or the O^+· radical cation to a substrate. The formation of nitrous oxide was found in the oxidation of molecular nitrogen in the H₂O₂/V^(V)/CF₃COOH system.     

Novel ion pairs obtained from the reaction of titanium(IV) halides with simple arsane ligands

The compounds tert‐butylarsenium(III) tri‐μ‐chlorido‐bis[trichloridotitanium(IV)], (C₄H₁₂As)[Ti₂Cl₉] or [^tBuAsH₃][Ti₂(μ‐Cl)₃Cl₆], (II), and bis[bromidotriphenylarsenium(V)] di‐μ‐bromido‐μ‐oxido‐bis[tribromidotitanium(IV)], (C₁₈H₁₅AsBr)₂[Ti₂Br₈O] or [Ph₃AsBr]₂[Ti₂(μ‐O)(μ‐Br)₂Br₆], (III), were obtained unexpectedly from the reaction of simple arsane ligands with Ti^IV halides, with (II) lying on a mirror plane in the unit cell of the space group Pbcm. Both compounds contain a completely novel ion, with [^tBuAsH₃]⁺ constituting the first structurally characterized example of a primary arsenium cation. The oxide‐bridged titanium‐containing [Ti₂(μ‐O)(μ‐Br)₂Br₆]²⁻ dianion in (III) is also novel, while the bromidotriphenylarsenium(V) cation is structurally characterized for only the second time.     

Metallosurfactant Ionogels in Imidazolium and Protic Ionic Liquids as Precursors To Synthesize Nanoceria as Catalase Mimetics for the Catalytic Decomposition of H2O2

The gelation behavior of cationic surfactants with different counterions, Br^?, [FeCl₃Br]^?, and [CeCl₃Br]^?, in imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) and protic ethylammonium nitrate was investigated. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements and freeze‐fracture transmission electron microscopy observations revealed the lamellar phases of metallosurfactant ionogels. The characteristics of imidazolium ILs, including the size and type, have effects on metallosurfactant ionogel properties, such as transformation temperatures, interlayer spacing, and mechanical strength. Cubic fluorite structured cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) were produced by using metallosurfactant ionogels as precursors. Cubic fluorite CeO₂ exhibited good catalase mimetic activity toward H₂O₂ to generate O₂, providing more multiple mimetic enzyme activities of CeO₂ NPs for H₂O₂.     

Photochromism and decolorization controlled by auxiliary ligands of complexes derived from 1‐methyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium cation

Three 1‐methyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium (MQ⁺)‐based complexes, {[Cd(MQ)(p‐BDC)Br]?H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[Cd(MQ)(m‐BDC)(H₂O)Br]?3H₂O}_n ( 2 ) and Cu(MQ)Br₂ ( 3 ) (p‐H₂BDC = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, m‐H₂BDC = 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 and 2 are one‐dimensional coordination polymers constituted of one coordinated MQ⁺ cation, one coordinated Br^? ion and chains of Cd²⁺ ions connected by deprotonated BDC^2? units, which both have photochromism but different decolorization behaviors. The structures and photoresponsive behaviors controlled by auxiliary ligands have been explored. Compound 3 is constituted of one Cu⁺ center, one MQ⁺ ligand and two coordinated Br^? ions in a ‘V’ configuration, exhibiting no photochromism.