(Mn1−xPbx)Pb10+ySb12−yS26−yCl4+yO, a new oxy-chloro-sulfide with ∼2 nm-spaced (Mn,Pb)Cl4 single chains within a waffle-type crystal structure

The new oxy-chloro-sulfide (Mn_1−xPb_x)Pb_10+ySb_12−yS_26−yCl_4+yO (x ∈ [0.2-0.3]; y ∈ [0.3-1.6]) was synthesized by dry way at 500-600 °C. A single crystal ∼Mn_0.7Pb_11.0Sb_11.3S_25.3Cl_4.7O indicates a monoclinic symmetry, space group C2/m, with a = 37.480(8), b = 4.1178(8), c = 18.167(4) Å, β = 106.37(3)°, V = 2690.2(9) Å³, Z = 2. Its crystal structure was determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction, with a final R = 5.11%. Modular analysis of the crystal structure reveals a “waffle” architecture, where complex rods with lozenge section delimitate an internal channel filled by a single chain of (Mn_0.7Pb_0.3)Cl₆ octahedra connected by opposite edges. Minimal inter-chain distances are close to 18 Å. The rod wall, two-atom thick, presents, in alternation with S atoms, Pb or (Pb,Sb) cations with prismatic coordination in the internal atom layer, while the external atom layer is constituted exclusively by Sb cations with dissymmetric square pyramidal coordination. A (Pb,Sb)₂S₂ fragment connects two successive rods along (2 0 1) to form a waffle-type palissadic layer. The unique O position, half filled, presents the same environment than the isolated O positions in the oxy-sulfide Pb₁₄Sb₃₀S₅₄O₅, or oxy-chloro-sulfides Pb₁₈Sb₂₀S₄₆Cl₂O and (Cu,Ag)₂Pb₂₁Sb₂₃S₅₅ClO. This compound belongs to a pseudo-homologous series of chalcogenides with waffle structure, ordered according to the size of their lozenge shape channel. Such a complex senary compound of the oxy-chloro-sulfide type illustrates the structural competition between three cations, on one hand, and, on the other hand, three anions. This compound is of special interest regarding the 1D distribution of magnetic Mn²⁺ atoms at the ∼2 nm scale.     

A correlation study of Li ground state by the MCHF procedure

Results are reported for multiconfiguration Hartree–Fock studies of correlation in the lithium ground state, which maintain orthogonality of orbitals within a configuration. It is shown that when the 1s- and 2s-orbitals are fixed at their Hartree–Fock value, configurations for which Brillouin's theorem holds may be important, particularly for atomic properties other than energy. The Fermi contact term is considered as an example.     

Sulfonamides as novel terminators of cationic cyclisations

Trifluoromethanesulfonic (triflic) acid is an excellent catalyst for inducing overall 5-endo cyclisation of homoallylic sulfonamides [e.g. 4] to give pyrrolidines [e.g. 5]. In competitive experiments, pyrrolidines or homopiperidines are formed in preference to piperidines, even when the latter would be obtained by trapping a tertiary carbocation. Cationic cascades terminated by a sulfonamide group are viable for the efficient formation of polycyclic systems.     

Transparent conducting oxides: texture and microstructure effects on charge carrier mobility in MOCVD-derived CdO thin films grown with a thermally stable, low-melting precursor

A series of low-melting, thermally stable cadmium metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) precursors have been synthesized, structurally and spectroscopically characterized, and implemented in growth of highly conductive and transparent CdO thin films. One member of the series, bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato)(N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethyl-ethylenediamine)cadmium(II), Cd(hfa)(2)()(N,N-DE-N',N'-DMEDA), represents a particularly significant improvement over previously available Cd precursors, owing to the low melting point and robust thermal stability. High-quality CdO films were grown by MOCVD on glass and single-crystal MgO(100) between 300 and 412 degrees C. Film growth parameters and substrate surface have large effects on microstructure and electron carrier transport properties. Enhanced mobilities observed for highly biaxially textured films grown on MgO(100) vs glass are attributed, on the basis of DC charge transport and microstructure analysis, to a reduction in neutral impurity scattering and/or to a more densely packed grain microstructure. Although single-grained films grown on MgO(100) exhibit greater mobilities than analogues with discrete approximately 100 nm grains and similar texture, this effect is attributed, on the basis of charge transport and Hall effect measurements as well as optical reflectivity analysis, to differences in carrier concentration rather than to reduced grain boundary scattering. Unprecedented conductivities and mobilities as high as 11,000 S/cm and 307 cm(2)/V.s, respectively, are obtained for epitaxial single-grained films (X-ray diffraction parameters: fwhm(omega) = 0.30 degrees, fwhm(phi) = 0.27 degrees ) grown in situ on MgO(100) at a relatively low temperature (400 degrees C).     

Novel metal-linked face-to-face porphyrazine dimer

We report the synthesis and physical studies of a novel porphyrazine (pz) dimer [1[Ni,Cu]]2, which has Ni(II) ions incorporated into the pz cores and is linked by two Cu(II) ions coordinated to bis(picolinamide) chelates attached to the pz periphery. [1[Ni,Cu]]2 was prepared from precursor pz 2 with a selenodiazole ring fused to the pz core. This ring was deprotected to form the diamino-pz 3, which reacted with 2 mol of picolinoyl chloride hydrochloride to form pz 1[2H,2H], with peripheral bis(picolinamide) chelates; this was metalated to form [1[Ni,Cu]]2. The crystal structures of 1[2H,2H] and [1[Ni,Cu]]2 are presented. The latter is a dimer in which parallel, face-to-face pz's with an average separation of 3.30 angstroms are linked through the peripheral picolinamide ligands by a pair of peripheral Cu(II) ions. Each Cu(II) is coordinated with distorted square-planar geometry by a picolinamide from each pz. In this report, we focus on the interaction of these two peripheral Cu(II) ions. We discuss the preparation and magnetic properties of the pz dimer complex [1[Ni,Cu]]2 with two Cu(II) ions in the peripheral chelate but a diamagnetic metal ion Ni(II) in the pz core. Although [1[Ni,Cu]]2 contains two Cu(II) ions (S = 1/2), we could detect no electron paramagnetic resonance signal, which suggests very strong antiferromagnetic exchange between those two Cu(II) ions. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurement gives an exchange splitting between the S = 0 ground state and the excited triplet state of delta = 660 cm(-1).     

Ultraviolet emission spectra of sunbeds

It is well known that UV radiation contributes to the development of skin cancer. Exposure to solar radiation is predominantly responsible for the high incidence rate of skin cancer, but there are also indications that sunbeds are involved. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the UV emission spectra of sunbeds. It included the most common sunbed models, which cover more than 50% of the Swiss market. The UV emission spectra of sunbeds have special characteristics and are different from the sun spectrum, which can be seen in high-resolution spectral measurements. Sunbed emission spectra are similar to the sun spectrum in the UVB (280-320 nm) range but reach values 10 to 15 times higher in the UVA (320-400 nm) range. An average erythema-effective irradiance of 0.33 W/m2 was determined for sunbeds. This corresponds to a UV index of 13, which is significantly higher than the UV index of 8.5 of the high summer sun at noon at intermediate latitudes. The measurements were spread over the whole effective area of the sunbeds, and an inhomogeneous distribution of the irradiances with variations of up to 30% from the average value was found.     

Use of the magnetic suspension balance for the study of polymersolutions

The method involves the isothermal gravimetric determination of the absorption of an organic vapour into a thin film of liquid polymer spread upon an inert particulate support. Results are presented for the absorption of benzene and cyclohexane at 25°C in poly (dimethylsiloxane), and the concentration variation of the interaction parameter determined is compared with that found by other workers.The determination of the partial molar enthalpy of mixing was also examined by studying the absorption of hexane in poly (dimethylsiloxane) over the temperature range of 25 to 35°C, and comparing the value obtained with published values.     

X-ray structure of fac-[RuH(1,5-cod)(NH2NMe2)3][PF6]: Stabilization of coordinated substituted hydrazines by hydrogen bonding

The structure of [RuH(cod)(NH₂NMe₂)₃][PF₆] has been solved by X-ray diffraction methods and shows the cation to contain a facial arrangement of N,N-dimethylhydrazine ligands, coordinated via the NH₂ nitrogen atoms, and held together by hydrogen bonds.     

An optical calcium ion sensor

An optical fibre calcium ion sensor is described which utilises the chromogenic crown ether, (5-(4′-nitrophenylazo)-2-hydroxy-1,3-xylyl-18-crown-5), immobilised on a styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer at the tip of an optical fibre. The sensor is sensitive to calcium ions in the concentration range 5–50 mM.     

SPOCC-194, a new high functional group density PEG-based resin for solid-phase organic synthesis

A novel polymer matrix for solid-phase synthesis, SPOCC(194) resin (1), was designed featuring a backbone of homogeneous tetraethylene glycol (TEG(194)) macromonomer linked by quaternary carbon junctions and terminating in primary alcohol functionality. Beaded SPOCC(194) resin was effectively prepared by suspension polymerization of oxetanylated TEG macromonomer 5 in stirred silicon oil. Mechanically stable and inert to a diverse range of reaction conditions, SPOCC(194) possessed a high hydroxyl group loading (0.9-1.2 mmol/g) for substrate attachment and swelled effectively ( approximately 2-4 mL/g) in a variety of organic and aqueous solvents. Developed for solid-phase synthesis at high reactant concentrations for driving organic and aqueous reactions to completion, SPOCC(194) exhibited high functional group density (mmol/mL) similar to that of low-loaded aminomethylated polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (PS-1%DVB) yet significantly higher than that of PEGA(1900), SPOCC(1500), and TentaGel S. High-resolution MAS NMR spectra of Fmoc-derivatized SPOCC(194) indicate that monitoring of functional group transformation is possible. Moreover, by employment of a nonaromatic resin-linker combination, electrophilic chemistry, such as Lewis acid catalyzed glycosylation and Friedel-Crafts acylation, was selectively performed on substrate bound to SPOCC(194) resin. Such properties make SPOCC(194) resin a promising new polymer matrix for the support-bound construction of small organic molecules by parallel and combinatorial synthesis and the scavenging of solution-phase reactants or byproducts.