Hexaphosphapentaprismane: a new gateway to organophosphorus cage compound chemistry

Several independent synthetic routes are described leading to the formation of a novel unsaturated tetracyclic phosphorus carbon cage compound tBu4C4P6 (1), which undergoes a light-induced valence isomerization to produce the first hexaphosphapentaprismane cage tBu4C4P6 (2). A second unsaturated isomer tBu4C4P6 (9) of 1 and the bis-[W(CO)5] complex 13 of 1 are stable towards similar isomerization reactions. Another starting material for the synthesis of the hexaphosphapentaprismane cage tBu4C4P6 (2) is the trimeric mercury complex [(tBu4C4P6)Hg]3 (11), which undergoes elimination of mercury to afford the title compound 2. Single-crystal X-ray structural determinations have been carried out on compounds 1, 2, 9, 11, and 13.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Crystal Structure of Thallium(I) Complex containing Monodeprotonated 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

The reaction of an ethanolic solution 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid ( 1 , LH₂) with TlNO₃ in the presence of triethylamine led to the coordination polymer [Tl(LH)]_n ( 2 ). The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Crystal data for 2 at –80 °C: monoclinic, space group I2/a, a = 696.1(1), b = 1190.6(2), c = 931.0(2) pm, β = 103.28(1)°, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0256.     

Determination of arsenic in sediments, coal and fly ash slurries after ultrasonic treatment by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry and trapping in an iridium-treated graphite tube

A simple and reliable method for the determination of arsenic in sediment and in coal without sample digestion, based on hydride generation from slurry samples is proposed. After grinding the samples to a particle size of 50 μm, the sample powder was mixed with aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid in an ultrasonic bath for 30 min. After diluting the mixture with hydrochloric acid, the slurry was allowed to stand for 48 h, and an aliquot was used for hydride generation with sodium borohydride. More than 80% of the arsenic was leached to the aqueous phase under these conditions, except for one sediment sample with very high silica content. The generated arsine was collected in a graphite tube, treated with 0.5 mg of iridium as a permanent modifier, and the arsenic determination was carried out by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The same tube could be used for at least 160 cycles without any re-treatment. The greatest advantage of the method was that only a minimum of reagents and sample handling were required, reducing the risks of contamination and/or analyte loss. However, the addition calibration technique had to be used in order to obtain results within the 95% confidence level for 11 certified reference materials, 5 sediments, 5 coals and one coal fly ash. One certified sediment slurry was spiked with the analyte and the resulting addition calibration curve was used for the analysis of the certified sediments. Similarly, one certified coal was used to obtain the addition calibration curve for the coal and coal fly ash samples. The recoveries of the certified values, except for one sediment, were between 91 and 115%. The limits of detection in the samples were 0.54 and 0.7 μg g⁻¹ for the coal and sediment samples, respectively, obtained for 1 ml of slurry containing 1 mg of sample.     

Triphenylphosphinimino‐triphenylstiboniumchlorid, [Ph3PNSbPh3Cl], und seine Reaktion mit FeCl3

[Ph₃PNSbPh₃Cl] ( 1 ) was prepared by oxidative addition of ClNPPh₃ to triphenylstibine in dichloromethane solution. The compound is characterized by IR spectroscopy and by an X‐ray structure determination. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with four formula units per unit cell. Lattice dimensions at 193 K: a = 925.3(1), b = 1777.2(1), c = 1825.5(1) pm, β = 94.07(1)°, R₁ = 0.0228. 1 forms monomeric molecules with tetrahedrally coordinated phosphorus and trigonal‐bipyramidally coordinated antimony atom, the atoms N and Cl being in axial positions. The bond lengths PN and SbN are 155.0(2) and 198.4(2) pm, respectively, the PNSb angle is 138.6(1)°. 1 reacts with iron trichloride to give the known phosphoraneiminato complex [FeCl₂(NPPh₃)]₂.     

Exploring potential energy surfaces for chemical reactions: an overview of some practical methods

Potential energy surfaces form a central concept in the application of electronic structure methods to the study of molecular structures, properties, and reactivities. Recent advances in tools for exploring potential energy surfaces are surveyed. Methods for geometry optimization of equilibrium structures, searching for transition states, following reaction paths and ab initio molecular dynamics are discussed. For geometry optimization, topics include methods for large molecules, QM/MM calculations, and simultaneous optimization of the wave function and the geometry. Path optimization methods and dynamics based techniques for transition state searching and reaction path following are outlined. Developments in the calculation of ab initio classical trajectories in the Born-Oppenheimer and Car-Parrinello approaches are described.     

Ruthenium Complexes Containing "Noninnocent" o-Benzoquinone Diimine/o-Phenylenediamide(2-) Ligands. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Nitrido-Bridged Complex [{LRu(o-C(6)H(4)(NH)(2))}(2)(&mgr;-N)](PF(6))(2).3CH(3)CN.C(6)H(5)CH(3)

Reaction of LRu(III)Cl(3) (L = 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with 1,2-phenylenediamine (opdaH(2)) in H(2)O in the presence of air affords [LRu(II)(bqdi)(OH(2))](PF(6)) (1), where (bqdi) represents the neutral ligand o-benzoquinone diimine. From an alkaline methanol/water mixture of 1 was obtained the dinuclear species [{LRu(II)(bqdi)}(2)(&mgr;-H(3)O(2))](PF(6))(3) (1a). The coordinated water molecule in 1 is labile and can be readily substituted under appropriate reaction conditions by acetonitrile, yielding [LRu(II)(bqdi)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (2), and by iodide and azide anions, affording [LRu(II)(bqdi)I](PF(6)).0.5H(2)O (3) and [LRu(bqdi)(N(3))](PF(6)).H(2)O (4), respectively. Heating of solid 4 in vacuum at 160 degrees C generates N(2) and the dinuclear, nitrido-bridged complex [{LRu(o-C(6)H(4)(NH)(2))}(2)(&mgr;-N)](PF(6))(2) (5). Complex 5 is a mixed-valent, paramagnetic species containing one unpaired electron per dinuclear unit whereas complexes 1-4 are diamagnetic. The crystal structures of 1, 1a.3CH(3)CN, 3, 4.H(2)O, and 5.3CH(3)CN.0.5(toluene) have been determined by X-ray crystallography: 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/m, Z = 2, with a = 8.412(2) ?, b = 15.562(3) ?, c = 10.025 ?, and beta = 109.89(2) degrees; 1a.3CH(3)CN, in the monoclinic space group C2/c, Z = 4, with a = 19.858(3) ?, b = 15.483(2) ?, c = 18.192(3) ?, and beta = 95.95(2) degrees; 3, in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, Z = 4, with a = 18.399(4) ?, b = 9.287(2) ?, and c = 12.052(2) ?, 4.H(2)O, in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, with a = 8.586(1) ?, b = 15.617(3) ?, c = 16.388(5) ?, and beta = 90.84(2) degrees; and 5.3CH(3)CN.0.5(toluene), in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, Z = 4, with a = 15.003(3) ?, b = 16.253(3) ?, c = 21.196(4) ?, and beta = 96.78(3) degrees. The structural data indicate that in complexes 1-4 the neutral o-benzoquinone diimine ligand prevails. In contrast, in 5 this ligand has predominantly o-phenylenediamide character, which would render 5 formally a mixed-valent Ru(IV)Ru(V) species. On the other hand, the Ru-N bond lengths of the Ru-N-Ru moiety at 1.805(5) and 1.767(5) ? are significantly longer than those in other crystallographically characterized Ru(IV)=N=Ru(IV) units (1.72-1.74 ?). It appears that the C(6)H(4)(NH)(2) ligand in 5 is noninnocent and that formal oxidation state assignments to the ligands or metal centers are not possible.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Crystal Structures of new Coordination Polymers of Cerium(III) and Samarium(III) Containing 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid

The reaction of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid ( 1 , LH₂) with CeCl₃·7H₂O and Sm(NO₃)₃·6H₂O in the presence of triethylamine led to the coordination polymer complexes [M(L)(LH)(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O [M = Ce ( 2 ) and Sm ( 3 )]. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and the crystal structures of 2 and 3 . Crystal data for 2 at ?80 °C: monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a = 1404.6(1), b = 1122.1(1), c = 1296.1(1) pm, β = 102.09(1)°, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0217 and for 3 at ?80 °C: monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, a = 1395.1(1), b = 1120.1(1), c = 1282.8(1) pm, β = 102.71(1)°, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.019.     

Chemical Applications of Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectorscopy is—like infrared spectroscopy—a method for the study of vibrations of molecules and crystals. The two methods are complementary: if a vibration results in a change of the polarizability of a molecule, it is Raman active; if a change in the molecular dipole moment results, it is infrared active Vibrations of nonpolar groups and totally symmetrical vibrations of molecules are often only Raman active. IR and Raman spectra together give information about the symmetries and structures of molecules and crystals and about the properties of chemical bonds and intermolecular interactions. Until about 10 years ago Raman spectra could only be recorded on relatively large amounts of essentially colorless substances. After the advent of laser light sources the situation changed completely. The amount of sample substance required is now in the region of milli- and micrograms. Gases, liquids and solid samples, especially air-sensitive and reactive substances, single crystals, crystal needles and filaments as well as aqueous solutions can be readily investigated. The identification of molecules and the elucidation of molecular structures, biochemical analysis, and control of evnivornmental pollution are important aplications of Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy now constitutes an additional powerful tool in instrumental analysis