Structure,vibrational spectra,and energetic stability of LnX<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> ions (Ln=La,Lu; X=F,Cl, Br,I)

Molecular structure and properties of La and Lu tetrahalide ions LnX ₄ ^– ) are studied by the configuration interaction singles-and-doubles method augmented with quadruple excitation correction (CISD+Q) and by the fourth-order Möller-Plesset perturbation theory with account for single, double, triple, and quadruple excitations (SDTQ-MP4). The atomic inner shells are described by Stevens relativistic effective core potentials. Valence basis sets are augmented with diffuse s-, p-, and polarization d-, f-, and g-functions. The equilibrium configuration of nuclei in LnX ₄ ^– ions was found to be tetrahedral. The equilibrium internuclear distances, quadratic force constants, vibrational frequencies, and IR intensities of LnX ₄ ^– ions are compared with the corresponding parameters of La and Lu trihalide molecules (LnX₃), calculated within the same approximations. Regularities in the behavior of molecular parameters on going along the LnF ₄ ^– LnCl ₄ ^– LnBr ₄ ^– LnI ₄ ^– series and from La compounds to Lu compounds are revealed. Heights of the energy barriers to the LnX ₄ ^– inversion through the square planar structures (T _d D _4h T _d ) are evaluated: 100–110 and 130–150 kJ/mol for LaX ₄ ^– and LuX ₄ ^– , respectively. Enthalpies of dissociation reactions LnX ₄ ^– LnX₃+X^– are calculated and the results obtained are compared with the available experimental data.Translated from Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, Vol. 31, No. 3, 2005, pp. 218–228.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Solomonik, Smirnov, Mileyev.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Quaternary reciprocal system Li,K‖F,Br,NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The quaternary reciprocal system Li,K‖F,Br,NO₃ was described and studied for the first time. The system was partitioned into simplexes by writing an adjacency matrix and solving a logical expression. The partition was confirmed by the results of differential scanning calorimetry of two partitioning triangles (LiF-KBr-KNO₃ and LiF-KBr-LiNO₃) and three stable triangles (LiBr-LiF-KBr-LiNO₃, LiNO₃-LiF-KNO₃-KBr, and KF-LiF-KNO₃-KBr). The compositions (mol %) and melting points of quaternary eutectics of the system Li,K‖F,Br,NO₃ were determined: E ₁ ^□ (4.0% LiF, 48.0% LiNO₃, 17.28% KBr, 30.7% LiBr, T _melt = 186°C), E ₂ ^□ (7.35% LiF, 47.53% KNO₃, 2.0% KBr, 43.12% LiNO₃, T _melt = 102°C), and E ₃ ^□ (2.0% LiF, 84.28% KNO₃, 0.98% KBr, 12.74% KF, T _melt = 280°C).     

Phase equilibria,charge transport,and mass transport in Sr<Subscript>4</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>-“M<Subscript>4</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>9</Subscript>” (M = Cd,Cu, Ni,and Zn) systems

Homogeneous fields of Sr_{4 − x} M _x Nb₂O₉ (M = Cd, Cu, Ni, or Zn) solid solutions were determined using powder X-ray diffraction. Phase fields were plotted proceeding from the tolerance factor t and electronegativity ratio $ \bar k_A /\bar k_B $ \bar k_A /\bar k_B with a satisfactory fit of experimental results. Thermogravimetry was used to establish the major kinetic laws of solid-phase synthesis (conversion, rate-controlling stage, and effective activation energy) in (4 − x)SrCO₃ + xMO + Nb₂O₅ powdery mixtures. Direct radiometry was used to determine ⁹⁰Sr, ⁶³Ni, and ⁶⁵Zn self-diffusion coefficients in solid solutions based on the Sr₄Nb₂O₉ phase. Electrical conductivity was measured as a function of temperature for all Sr₄Nb₂O₉-“M₄Nb₂O₉” samples. The conductivity of Sr_{4 − x} M _x Nb₂O₉ (M = Cd, Cu, Ni, or Zn) solid solutions has a mixed ion-electron character.     

Thermodynamic Properties of Zincate-Manganites of LaM<Subscript>2</Subscript> <Superscript>II</Superscript>ZnMnO<Subscript>6</Subscript> (М<Superscript>II</Superscript> = Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba) Composition

Temperature dependences of the heat capacity of new zincate-manganites of LaM₂^IIZnMnO₆ (M^II = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) composition are studied via experimental calorimetry in the interval of 298.15–673 K. It is found that all compounds have λ-shape effects on the curve of dependence C_p° ~ ?(T) with respect to phase transitions of the second kind. Equations for the temperature dependence of the heat capacity are derived with allowance for phase transition temperatures, and thermodynamic functions H°(T) ? H°(298.15), S°(T) and Φ^xx(T) are calculated on the basis of experimental data on C_p°(T) and the calculated S°(298.15) value.     

Zn<Subscript>0.97</Subscript>M<Subscript>0.03</Subscript>O (M = Co,Fe, and V) pigments: thermal,structural, and optical characterization

Zinc oxide is a widely used white inorganic pigment. Transition metal ions are used as chromophores and originate the ceramic pigments group. In this context, ZnO particles doped with Co, Fe, and V were synthesized by the polymeric precursors method, Pechini method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) techniques were used to accurately characterize the distinct thermal events occurring during synthesis. The TG and DSC results revealed a series of decomposition temperatures due to different exothermal events, which were identified as H₂O elimination, organic compounds degradation and phase formation. The samples were structurally characterized by X-Ray diffractometry revealing the formation of single phase, corresponding to the crystalline matrix of ZnO. The samples were optically characterized by diffuse reflectance measurements and colorimetric coordinates L*, a*, b* were calculated for the pigment powders. The pigment powders presented a variety of colors ranging from white (ZnO), green (Zn_0.97Co_0.03O), yellow (Zn_0.97Fe_0.03O), and beige (Zn_0.97V_0.03O).     

Study of the formation temperature of mixed LaREO<Subscript>3</Subscript> (RE ≡ Dy,Ho, Er,Tm, Yb,Lu) and NdGdO<Subscript>3</Subscript> oxides

Mixed LaREO₃ (RE ≡ Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) and NdGdO₃ oxides were prepared by thermal decomposition of the corresponding co-precipitated mixed oxalates. The decomposition of La/RE and Nd/Gd oxalates was studied by means of differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric (DTA-TG) measurements; in particular the last step, consisting of the loss of a CO₂ molecule from the corresponding oxycarbonate, has been thoroughly investigated, as it is particularly interesting for the study of the formation temperature of mixed rare earth oxides. After the release of CO₂, the oxides crystallize in a distorted perovskitic cell or one of the structures typical of rare earth sesquioxides, depending on the cationic size difference and on the average cationic radius. The mixed rare earth oxycarbonate decomposition has been studied in comparison to the decomposition of single rare earth oxycarbonates. A trend of the mixed oxides formation temperature as a function both of the average cationic size and of the cationic sizes difference has been observed and compared to the behaviour of single rare earth oxides.     

Study on the Geometric and Electronic Structures of Al<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Si<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis></Subscript> (n = 3, 4, 5; m = 1, 2, 3, 4) Clusters

Genetic algorithm combined with the semi-empirical Hamitonian AM1/PM3 is used to search the low energy isomers of Al _n Si _m (n = 3, 5, m ≤ 3 and n = 4, m ≤ 4) and the charged clusters with 20 and 28 valence electrons. The candidate structures were optimized by the density functional theory PBE0 and B3LYP models with the triply split basis sets including polarization functions. The electronic structures show that Al–Si binary clusters behave like metal clusters. The molecular orbitals accord with that predicted by the jellium model, and the electron localization function shows the valence electrons are delocalized over the entire clusters. The clusters having 20 and 28 valence electrons exhibit pronounced stabilities and large energy gaps. The 20 valence electrons of Al₄Si₂ and Al₃Si₃ ⁺, Al₅Si^? form closed shells 1S ²1P ⁶2S ²1D ¹⁰. Al₄Si₄ and Al₅Si₃ ^? have oblate structures and the P, D, F levels spilt considerably in these clusters. The electron density distributions suggest that doping silicon in the aluminum clusters enhances the stability considerably.     

Synthesis,morphology, and activity of La<Subscript>1–x</Subscript>Ag<Subscript>x</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3 ± y</Subscript> catalysts

La_1–xAg_xMnO_{3 ± y} (x = 0-0.3) mixed oxides have been synthesized by the pyrolysis of polymer–salt compositions using different organic compounds and different salt: organic compound ratios. The correlation between the reaction medium temperature during pyrolysis, the composition of the resulting oxide, and synthesis conditions has been investigated. The effect of these conditions on the character of the pyrolysis process, on the phase composition and microstructure of the resulting oxide particles and metallic silver, and on their mutual distribution is reported. The catalytic properties of the synthesized oxides in methane and soot oxidation are considered, and a correlation is established between the catalytic activity of the oxides and the synthesis conditions.     

Molecular geometries,electronic properties,and vibrational spectroscopic studies of endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C<Subscript>24</Subscript> and TM@C<Subscript>24</Subscript>H<Subscript>12</Subscript> (TM = Cr,Mo, and W)

Molecular geometries, electronic properties, and vibrational spectroscopies of TM@C₂₄ and TM@C₂₄H₁₂ (TM = Cr, Mo, and W) in their different spin configurations have been systematically investigated with the hybrid DFT-(U)B3PW91 functional. The results show that the TM atoms bind over the pentagon ring inside C₂₄ cage, and they move gradually toward the center of C₂₄ cage along with the increasing atomic radii. The most stable Mo@C₂₄H₁₂ and W@C₂₄H₁₂ are in their spin-triplet states. The analyses of dissociation energy and energy gap reveal that TM@C₂₄ (TM = Cr, Mo, and W) and Cr@C₂₄H₁₂ are not only thermodynamically stable, but also considerably stable kinetically. Meanwhile, natural population analyses tell us that the two cages act as electron acceptors, and the transferred charge from the W atom to C₂₄ cage is the largest in the endohedral metallofullerenes. Additionally, the vibrational frequencies and active infrared intensities may be used as evidence to characterize these unknown species.     

Influence of pH,humic acid,ionic strength,foreign ions,and temperature on <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co(II) sorption onto γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The sorption of ⁶⁰Co(II) on γ-Al₂O₃ was conducted under various conditions, i.e., contact time, adsorbent content, pH, ionic strength, foreign ions, humic acid (HA), and temperature. Results of sorption data analysis indicated that the sorption of ⁶⁰Co(II) on γ-Al₂O₃ was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. At low pH the sorption was dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation or ion exchange, whereas inner-sphere surface complexation was the main sorption mechanism at high pH. The presence of different cation ions influenced ⁶⁰Co(II) sorption, while the presence of different anion ions had no obvious influences on ⁶⁰Co(II) sorption. The presence of HA decreased the sorption of ⁶⁰Co(II) on γ-Al₂O₃. The sorption isotherms were simulated well with the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH ⁰ , ΔS ⁰ and ΔG ⁰ ) calculated from the temperature-dependent sorption isotherms indicated that the sorption of ⁶⁰Co(II) on γ-Al₂O₃ was an endothermic and spontaneous process. Experimental results indicated that the low cost material was a suitable material in the preconcentration of ⁶⁰Co(II) from large volumes of aqueous solutions.     

Heat capacities and thermodynamic functions of new nanosized ferro-chromo-manganites LaM<Subscript>0.5</Subscript><Superscript>II</Superscript>FeCrMnO<Subscript>6.5</Subscript> (M<Superscript>II</Superscript>–Mg,Ca, Sr,Ba)

The heat capacities of nanosized ferro-chromo-manganites LaM_0.5 ^IIFeCrMnO_6.5 (M^II–Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) are measured via dynamic calorimetry in the temperature range of 298.15–673 K using an IT-S-400 instrument. It is established that the C°_p~f(T) function of LaM_0.5 ^IIFeCrMnO_6.5 (M^II–Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) has λ-type effects, due probably to phase transitions of the second order. Considering the temperatures of the phase transitions, equations of the heat capacity of ferro-chromo-manganites LaM_0.5 ^IIFeCrMnO_6.5 (M^II–Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) as a function of temperature are derived on the basis of experimental data. Thermodynamic functions Н°(Т)–Н°(298.15), S°(Т), and Ф ^хх(Т) are calculated in the temperature range of 298.15–675 K.     

Ternary Reciprocal System K,Pb∥Cl,WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The phase diagram of the ternary reciprocal system K, Pb∥Cl, WO₄ was studied for the first time by the calculation–experimental method and differential thermal and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. Chemical interactions between components were described, metathesis and complexation reactions were revealed, and the coordinates of binary and ternary eutectics were found (mol %): e₄(410°C, 48% KCl, 52% PbCl₂), e₅(424°C, 23% KCl, 77% PbCl₂), P(490°C, 63.5% KCl, 36.5% PbCl₂), e₆(487°C, 91% PbCl₂, 9% PbWO₄), e₇(428°C, 30.5% KCl, 60.5% PbCl₂, 9% PbWO₄) (eutectic in the stable section D₂–PbWO₄), e₈(650°C, 80% KCl, 20% PbWO₄), e₉(650°C, 70% KCl, 15% K₂WO₄, 15% PbWO₄) (binary eutectic in the stable section D₁–KCl), E₁(620°C, 59% KCl, 34% K₂WO₄, 7% PbWO₄), E₂(640°C, 75% KCl, 5% K₂WO₄, 20% PbWO₄), E3(400°C, 46% KCl, 6% PbWO₄, 48% PbCl₂), E₄(410°C, 21% KCl, 9% PbWO₄, 70% PbCl₂), and P_о(468°C, 56% KCl, 10% PbWO₄, 34% PbCl₂).     

Quadratisch,praktisch, natürlich?

In 2013 the consumer group Stiftung Warentest conducted tests on nut containing chocolates and detected piperonal (heliotropine) in Ritter‐Sport's “Voll‐Nuss” (whole hazelnut). Stiftung Warentest concluded that piperonal could not be obtained naturally and that Ritter‐Sport misled consumers by falsely labelling it as “natural flavor.” Ritter said the allegations were “baseless” and went to court. During the court case, Ritter's flavor supplier Symrise AG guaranteed that the “natural” piperonal was manufactured “naturally” according to the European flavor regulations. Ritter‐Sport had “won” the “German chocolate battle.” Although the full manufacturing process has not been revealed during the court case, there are many hints in the scientific and patent literature that piperonal can be indeed produced naturally in accordance with the European flavor regulations.     

Singlet–triplet energy differences in divalent five membered cyclic conjugated Arduengo-type carbenes XC<Subscript>2</Subscript>HN<Subscript>2</Subscript>M (M = C,Si, Ge,Sn, and Pb; X = F,Cl, Br,and I)

Singlet-triplet energy differences in Arduengo-type carbenes XC₂HN₂C compared and contrasted with their sila, germa, stana and plumba analogues; at B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. Free Gibbs energy differences between triplet (t) and singlet (s) states (ΔG(t–s)) change in the following order: plumbylenes > stannylenes > germylenes > silylenes > carbenes. The singlet states in XC₂HN₂C are generally more stable when the electron withdrawing groups such as–F was used at β-position. However, the singlet states in XC₂N₂HM (M = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) are generally more stable when the withdrawing groups such as–F was placed. The puckering energy is investigated for each the singlet and triplet states. The DFT calculations found the linear correlation to size of the group 14 divalent element (M), the ∠N–M–N angle, and the Δ(LUMO–HOMO) of XC₂HN₂M.     

Chemical Bonding in the Complexes XeF<Stack><Subscript>5</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack>XF<Stack><Subscript>6</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> (X = P,As, Sb,and Bi)

Ab initio quantum-chemical calculations of the complexes XeF ₅ ⁺ XF ₆ ^? (X = P, As, Sb, and Bi) were performed with the use of relativistic pseudopotentials for heavy atoms and full-electron basis sets. The chemical bonds were characterized by the parameters of critical points (electron density, its Laplacian, total electron energy, and its kinetic and potential components). It was demonstrated that the interaction between the XeF ₅ ⁺ cation and the XF ₆ ^? anion in XeF ₅ ⁺ XF ₆ ^? follows a key-lock scheme involving directed interactions of bridging fluorine atoms F_b → Xe and that the structuring function of the lone electron pair of the Xe atom is to compensate the destabilizing electrostatic interaction between the Xe and X atoms bearing excess positive charges.     

Theoretical analysis of the system Li,K, Ca,Ba||F,WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>: Physicochemical properties of the system LiF–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–BaF<Subscript>2</Subscript>–CaF<Subscript>2</Subscript>–BaWO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The differentiation of the quaternary reciprocal system Li, K, Ca, Ba||F, WO₄ was performed based on the graph theory using special software. Stable and metastable complexes of the system were found using a matrix of reciprocal pairs of salts. For the first time, by a set of physicochemical analysis methods (differential thermal, visual polythermal, and X-ray powder diffraction analyses), based on the method of thermal analysis of successive projections of the composition polytope, the quaternary system LiF–K₂WO₄–CaF₂–BaF₂–BaWO₄, which is a stable complex of the quaternary reciprocal system Li, K, Ca, Ba||F, WO₄, was studied and the coordinates of invariant points were determined.     

Four-component reciprocal system Na,K∥F,CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>, WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The four-component reciprocal system Na,K∥F, CO₃, WO₄ has been studied using differential thermal analysis in combination with projective and differential geometry. The a priori prediction of the crystallization path (CP) shows six quaternary invariant points; of them, three are eutectics and the others are peritectics. The dominant exchange and complexing reactions have been recognized. The following four-component systems have been studied: (NaF)₂-(KF)₂-K₂CO₃-K₃FWO₄ (1), (NaF)₂-K₂CO₃-K₂WO₄-K₃FWO₄ (2), (NaF)₂-Na₂CO₃-Na₂WO₄-K₂WO₄ (3),, and (NaF)₂-Na₂CO₃-K₂CO₃-K₂WO₄ (4); the coordinates of all quaternary invariant points have been determined.     

A theoretical investigation on the structures and stabilities of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>X<Subscript>18</Subscript> and C<Subscript>70</Subscript>X<Subscript>10</Subscript> (X = H,F, Cl,and Br)

A density functional theory study was performed on fullerene derivatives C₆₀X₁₈ and C₇₀X₁₀ (X = H, F, Cl, and Br). The calculated results show that the lowest energy isomers are IPR-satisfying for C₆₀X₁₈ (X = H, F, Cl, and Br). It is found that the addition patterns of X (X = Cl and Br) are different from those of X (X = H and F) for C₆₀, demonstrating that the stability of fullerene derivatives is partly attributed to the steric repulsion and electronegativity of added atoms. However, the lowest energy isomers are IPR-violating for C₇₀X₁₀ (X = H, F, and Cl), suggesting that many more fullerene derivatives may violate the isolated pentagon rule.     

Synthesis and transport properties of perovskite-like phases (Sr,Ba)<Subscript>4</Subscript>E<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11 ± δ</Subscript> (E = Mn,Cr, Cu)

Synthesis of (Sr, Ba)₄Э₂Nb₂O_{11 ± δ} where E = Mn, Cr, Cu and solid solution (Sr_1?y Cu_y)_{6 ? 2x} Nb_{2 + 2x} O_{11 + 3x} is performed. By measuring the overall conductance of some solid-solution compositions it is established that the conductance increases with the cubic-lattice parameter and concentration of oxygen vacancies. Values of the conductance in humid air at T < 700°C are shown to increase as compared with dry air. Mass spectrometry analysis confirms the possibility of water incorporation into the complex-oxide structure out of a gas phase. Complex certification of samples of the composition (Sr, Ba)₄E₂Nb₂O₁₁ where E = Mn, Cr, Cu is performed. It is established that the decrease in the overall electroconductance occurs in the series Sr₄Mn₂Nb₂O₁₁ > Ba₄Mn₂Nb₂O₁₁ > Sr₄CrMnNb₂O₁₁ > Sr₄Cu₂Nb₂O₁₁. Investigation of the overall electroconductance in dry and moist atmospheres shows that the effect of humidity exerts no influence on the values of the overall electroconductance. The oxygen-ion constituent of conductance is determined by the Arzhannikov method and is also evaluated from a σ,pO₂ dependence. It is established that the presence of an element with a variable oxidation degree for compositions of the type Sr₄E₂Nb₂O₁₁ leads to an increase in the contribution made by the electronic constituent. In so doing, the magnitude of the oxygen-ion conductance practically does not alter. Thermal and mass spectrometry analyses show that, for the Sr₄E₂Nb₂O₁₁ compositions where E = Mn, Cr, Cu, there occurs no water intercalation into structure, correspondingly, there is observed no appearance of a protonic constituent of conduction.     

Stable tetrahedron LiF–KI–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>–Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript> of the quaternary reciprocal system Li,K||F,I, CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The stable tetrahedron LiF–KI–K₂CrO₄–Li₂CrO₄ of the quaternary reciprocal system Li, K||F, I, CrO₄ was experimentally studied by differential thermal analysis. The compositions and melting points of mixtures of components at two eutectic points were determined. Based on experimental data, a T–x–y–z model of the phase complex was constructed, which allows one to solve problems of building polythermal and isothermal sections. A method for constructing the diagram of material balance of equilibrium phases for a given composition was developed. The diagram enables one to find the ratio between the amounts of the liquid and solid phases at constant temperature and also monitor the change in the composition of the phases within a chosen temperature range.