Chiral recognition in molecular and macromolecular pairs of (S)‐ and (R)‐1‐cyano‐2‐methylpropyl‐4′‐ {[4‐(8‐vinyloxyoctyloxy)benzoyl]oxy}biphenyl‐4‐ carboxylate enantiomers

(S)‐1‐Cyano‐2‐methylpropyl‐4′‐{[4‐(8‐vinyloxyoctyloxy)benzoyl]oxy}biphenyl‐ 4‐carboxylate [ (S)‐11 ] and (R)‐1‐cyano‐2‐methylpropyl‐4′‐{[4‐(8‐vinyloxyoctyloxy)benzoyl]oxy}biphenyl‐4‐carboxylate [( R)‐11 ] enantiomers, both greater than 99% enantiomeric excess, and their corresponding homopolymers, poly[ (S)‐11 ] and poly[ (R)‐11 ], with well‐defined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were synthesized and characterized. The mesomorphic behaviors of (S)‐11 and poly[ (S)‐11 ] are identical to those of (R)‐11 and poly[ (R)‐11 ], respectively. Both (S)‐11 and (R)‐11 exhibit enantiotropic S_A, S, and S_X (unidentified smectic) phases. The corresponding homopolymers exhibit S_A and S phases. The homopolymers with a degree of polymerization (DP) less than 6 also show a crystalline phase, whereas those with a DP greater than 10 exhibit a second S_X phase. Phase diagrams were investigated for four different pairs of enantiomers, (S)‐11 /( R)‐11 , (S)‐11 /poly[ (R)‐11 ], and poly[ (S)‐11 ]/poly[ (R)‐11 ], with similar and dissimilar molecular weights. In all cases, the structural units derived from the enantiomeric components are miscible and, therefore, isomorphic in the S_A and S phases over the entire range of enantiomeric composition. Chiral molecular recognition was observed in the S_A and S_X phases of the monomers but not in the S_A phase of the polymers. In addition, a very unusual chiral molecular recognition effect was detected in the S phase of the monomers below their crystallization temperature and in the S phase of the polymers below their glass‐transition temperature. In the S phase of the monomers above the melting temperature and of the polymers above the glass‐transition temperature, nonideal solution behavior was observed. However, in the S_A phase the monomer–polymer and polymer–polymer mixtures behave as an ideal solution. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 3631–3655, 2000     

Ab initio investigation on the ion‐associated species and process in Mg(NO3)2 solution

In the present article, two focal subjects, i.e., hydration of the NO and associated ion species in the Mg(NO₃)₂ solution are researched by using the ab initio method. Nitrate ions with the hydration number of 1–6 are optimized at the HF/6‐31+G* level. Their relative energies, binding energies, and v₁‐NO frequencies are also presented. The investigation of the binding energies shows the hydration number is 3–6 in the solvent abundant environment. The associated species, including ion pairings, triple‐ and multiple‐ion clusters, are also optimized at the same level and their v₁‐NO frequencies are calculated for comparing with the results in experiments. From the comparison, the new associated process via aqueous free ions → solvent‐shared ion pairings → solvent‐shared triple and multiple ion clusters → contact multiple ion clusters → amorphous crystal is proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010     

Darstellung,Schwingungsspektrum und Kristallstruktur von (n‐Bu4N)2[(W6Cl)F] · 2 CH2Cl2 und 19F‐NMR‐spektroskopischer Nachweis der gemischten Clusteranionen [(W6Cl)FCl]2–, n = 1–6

Synthesis, Vibrational Spectra, and Crystal Structure of ( n ‐Bu₄N)₂[(W₆Cl )F ] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ and ¹⁹F NMR Spectroscopic Evidence of the Mixed Cluster Anions [(W₆Cl )F Cl ]^2–, n = 1–6 The reaction of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[(W₆Cl)Cl] with CF₃COOH in dichloromethane gives intermediately a mixture of the cluster anions [(W₆Cl)(CF₃COO)Cl]^2–, n = 1–6. By treatment with NH₄F the outer sphere coordinated trifluoracetato ligands are easily substituted and the components of the series [(W₆Cl)FCl], n = 1–6 are formed and characterized by their distinct ¹⁹F NMR chemical shifts. An X‐ray structure determination has been performed on a single crystal of (n‐Bu₄N)₂[(W₆Cl)F] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ (orthorhombic, space group Pbca, a = 15.628(4), b = 17.656(3), c = 20.687(4) Å, Z = 4). The low temperatur IR (60 K) and Raman (20 K) spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis based on the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determination. The valence force constants are f_d(WW) = 1.89, f_d(WF) = 2.43 and f_d(WCl) = 0.93 mdyn/Å.     

Structure and stability of high‐spin Aun(n = 2–8) clusters

The structures and relative stability of the maximum‐spin ⁿ⁺¹Au_n and ⁿAu (n = 2–8) clusters have been determined by density‐functional theory. The structure optimizations and vibrational frequency analysis are performed with the gradient‐corrections of Perdew along with his 1981 local correlation functional, combined with SBKJC effective core potential, augmented in the valence basis set by a set of f functions. We predicted the existence of a number of previously unknown isomers. The energetic and electronic properties of the small high‐spin gold clusters are strongly dependent on sizes. The high‐spin clusters tend to holding three‐dimensional geometry rather than planar form preferred in low‐spin situations. In whole high‐spin Au_n (n = 2–8) neutral and cationic species, ⁵Au₄, ²Au, and ⁴Au are predicted to be of high stability, which can be explained by valence bond theory. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

Solvent effects on kinetics of the reaction between 2‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitropyridine and aniline in aqueous and alcoholic solutions of [bmim]BF4

Rate constants, k_A, for the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitropyridine with aniline were determined in different compositions of 1‐(1‐butyl)‐3‐methylimidazolium terafluoroborate ([bmim]BF₄) mixed with water, methanol, and ethanol at 25°C. The obtained rate constants of the reaction in pure solvents are in the following order: water > methanol > ethanol > [bmim]BF₄. In these solutions, rate constants of the reaction decrease with the mole fraction of the ionic liquid. Single‐parameter correlations of log k_A versus normalized polarity parameter (E), hydrogen bond acceptor basicity (β), hydrogen bond donor acidity (α), and dipolarity/polarizability (π*) do not give acceptable results in all solutions. Dual‐parameter correlations of log k_A versus E and β also α and β gave reasonable results (e.g., in solutions of water with [bmim]BF₄, the correlation coefficients are 0.994 and 0.996, respectively). The proposed dual‐parameter models demonstrate that the reaction rate constant increases with E, β, and α. The increase in the rate constant is attributed to hydrogen‐bonding interactions (donor and acceptor) of the media with an activated complex of the reaction that has the zwitterionic character. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 681–687, 2007     

Preparation of undecamethylated and hexamethylated 1‐halocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate anions

We report an improved synthesis of 1‐halocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate anions 1‐Hal–CB₁₁H and their efficient conversion to the undecamethylated anions 1‐Hal–CB₁₁Me (Hal = Cl, Br, I) and the hexamethylated anions 1‐Hal‐(7–12)‐(CH₃)₆–CB₁₁H (Hal = F, Cl) by treatment with methyl triflate in sulfolane in the presence of calcium hydride to remove the triflic acid byproduct. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:217–223, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20224     

The Influence of the Ligands Cp*(η5‐C5Me5) and Cp(η5‐C5H5) on the Stability and Reactivity of Titanocene and Zirconocene Complexes: Reactions of the Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Permethylmetallocene Complexes (η5‐C5Me5)2M(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3), M = Ti,Zr, with H2O and CO2

The reactions of the bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene permethylmetallocene complexes CpM(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) (M = Ti ( 1 ), M = Zr ( 2 )) with H₂O and CO₂ were studied and compared to those of the corresponding metallocene complexes Cp₂M(L)(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃) (M = Ti ( 3 ), L = – ; M = Zr, L = THF ( 4 )) to understand the influence of the ligands Cp(η⁵‐C₅H₅) and Cp*(η⁵‐C₅Me₅) as well as the metals titanium and zirconium on the reaction pathways and the obtained products. In the reaction of the permethyltitanocene complex 1 with water the dihydroxy complex CpTi(OH)₂ ( 5 ) was formed. This product differs from the well‐known titanoxane Cp₂TiOTiCp₂ which was obtained by the reaction of the corresponding titanocene complex 3 with water. The reaction of the permethylzirconocene complex 2 with water gives the mononuclear alkenyl zirconocene hydroxide 6 . An analogous product was assumed as the first step in the reaction of the corresponding zirconocene complex 4 with water which ends up in a dinuclear zirconoxane. In the conversion of the permethylzirconocene complex 2 with carbon dioxide the mononuclear insertion product 7 was formed by coupling of carbon dioxide and the acetylene. In contrast, the corresponding zirconocene complex 4 affords, by an analogous reaction, a dinuclear complex. In additional experiments the known complex CpZr(η²‐PhC₂SiMe₃) ( 8 ) was prepared, starting from CpZrCl₂ and Mg in the presence of PhC≡CSiMe₃. This complex reacts with carbon dioxide resulting in a mixture of the regioisomeric zirconafuranones 9 a and 9 b . From these in the complex 9 a , having the SiMe₃ group in β‐position to the metal, the Zr–C bond was quickly hydrolyzed by water to give the complex CpZr(OH)OC(=O)–C(SiMe₃)=CHPh ( 10 a ) compared to complex ( 9 b ) which gives slowly the complex CpZr(OH)OC(=O)–CPh=CH(SiMe₃) ( 10 b ).     

Depolymerization kinetics of di(4‐tert‐butyl cyclohexyl) itaconate and Mark‐Houwink‐Kuhn‐Sakurada parameters of di(4‐tert‐butyl cyclohexyl) itaconate and di‐n‐butyl itaconate

Multipulse pulsed laser polymerization coupled with size exclusion chromatography (MP‐PLP‐SEC) has been employed to study the depropagation kinetics of the sterically demanding 1,1‐disubstituted monomer di(4‐tert‐butylcyclohexyl) itaconate (DBCHI). The effective rate coefficient of propagation, k, was determined for a solution of monomer in anisole at concentrations, c, 0.72 and 0.88 mol L^?1 in the temperature range 0 ≤ T ≤ 70 °C. The resulting Arrhenius plot (i.e., ln k vs. 1/RT) displayed a subtle curvature in the higher temperature regime and was analyzed in the linear part to yield the activation parameters of the forward reaction. In the temperature region where no depropagation was observed (0 ≤ T ≤ 50 °C), the following Arrhenius parameters for k_p were obtained (DBCHI, E_p = 35.5 ± 1.2 kJ mol^?1, ln A_p = 14.8 ± 0.5 L mol^?1 s^?1). In addition, the k data was analyzed in the depropagatation regime for DBCHI, resulting in estimates for the associated entropy (?ΔS = 150 J mol^?1 K^?1) of polymerization. With decreasing monomer concentration and increasing temperature, it is increasingly more difficult to obtain well structured molecular weight distributions. The Mark Houwink Kuhn Sakurada (MHKS) parameters for di‐n‐butyl itaconate (DBI) and DBCHI were determined using a triple detection GPC system incorporating online viscometry and multi‐angle laser light scattering in THF at 40 °C. The MHKS for poly‐DBI and poly‐DBCHI in the molecular weight range 35–256 kDa and 36.5–250 kDa, respectively, were determined to be K_DBI = 24.9 (10³ mL g^?1), α_DBI = 0.58, K_DBCHI = 12.8 (10³ mL g^?1), and α_DBCHI = 0.63. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1931–1943, 2007     

Darstellung,Schwingungsspektren und Kristallstrukturen von [(Ph3P)2N]2[(W6Cl)I] · 2 Et2O · 2 CH2Cl2 und [(Ph3P)2N]2[(W6Cl)(NCS)] · 2 CH2Cl2

Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Vibrational Spectra of [(Ph₃P)₂N]₂[(W₆Cl )I ] · 2 Et₂O · 2 CH₂Cl₂ and [(Ph₃P)₂N]₂[(W₆Cl )(NCS) ] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ By treatment of [(W₆Cl)I]^2– with (SCN)₂ in dichloromethane at –20 °C the hexaisothiocyanato cluster anion [(W₆Cl)(NCS)]^2– is formed. X‐ray structure determinations have been performed on single crystals of [(Ph₃P)₂N]₂[(W₆Cl)I] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ · 2 Et₂O ( 1 ) (triclinic, space group P1, a = 10.324(5), b = 14.908(3), c = 17.734(8) Å, α = 112.78(2)°, β = 99.13(3)°, γ = 92.02(3)°, Z = 1) and [(Ph₃P)₂N]₂[(W₆Cl)(NCS)] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ ( 2 ) (triclinic, space group P1, a = 11.115(2), b = 14.839(2), c = 17.036(3) Å, α = 104.46(1)°, β = 105.75(2)°, γ = 110.59(1)°, Z = 1). The thiocyanate ligands of 2 are bound exclusively via N atoms with W–N bond lengths of 2.091–2.107 Å, W–N–C angles of 173.1–176.9° and N–C–S angles of 178.1–179.3°. The vibrational spectra exhibit characteristic innerligand vibrations at 2067–2045 (ν_CN), 879–867 (ν_CS) and 490–482 (δ_NCS). Based on the molekular parameters of the X‐ray determination of 1 the vibrational spectra of the corresponding (n‐Bu₄N) salt of 1 are assigned by normal coordinate analysis. The valence force constants are f_d(WW) = 1.61, f_d(WI) = 1.23 and f_d(WCl) = 1.10 mdyn/Å.     

Kinetic study of the interaction of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate with diaqua (2‐hydrazinopyridine) palladium(II) in aqueous medium

The interaction of the palladium(II) complex [Pd(hzpy)(H₂O)₂]²⁺, where hzpy is 2‐hydrazinopyridine, with purine nucleoside adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (5′‐AMP) was studied kinetically under pseudo‐first‐order conditions, using stopped‐flow techniques. The reaction was found to take place in two consecutive reaction steps, which are both dependent on the actual 5′‐AMP concentration. The activation parameters for the two reaction steps, i.e. ΔH = 32 ±2 kJ mol^?1, ΔS = ?168 ±7 J K^?1 mol^?1, and ΔH = 28 ± 1 kJ mol^?1, ΔS = ?126 ± 5 J K^?1 mol^?1, respectively, were evaluated and suggested an associative mode of activation for both substitution processes. The stability constants and the associated speciation diagram of the complexes were also determined potentiometrically. The isolated solid complex was characterized by C, H, and N elemental analyses, IR, magnetic, and molar conductance measurements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 132–142, 2010     

Bridging gold: B‐Au‐B three‐center‐two‐electron bonds in electron‐deficient B2Aun−/0 (n = 1, 3, 5) and mixed analogues

A systematic density functional theory and wave function theory investigation on the geometrical and electronic structures of the electron‐deficient diboron aurides B₂Au (n = 1, 3, 5) and their mixed analogues B₂H_mAu (m + n = 3, 5) has been performed in this work. Ab initio theoretical evidences strongly suggest that bridging gold atoms exist in the ground states of C_2v B₂Au^?(¹A₁), C₂ B₂Au(¹A), C_2v B₂Au₃(²B₁), C_2v B₂Au(¹A₁), and C_s B₂Au₅(²A″), which all prove to possess a B? Au? B three‐center‐two‐electron (3c‐2e) bond. For B₂H_mAu (m + n = 3, 5) mixed anions, bridging B? Au? B units appear to be favored in energy over bridging B? H? B, as demonstrated by the fact that the Au‐bridged C_2v B₂H₂Au^? (¹A₁), C_s B₂HAu (¹A′), and C₁ B₂HAu (¹A) lie clearly lower than their H‐bridged counterparts C_s B₂H₂Au^? (¹A′), C₂ B₂HAu (¹A), and C_2v B₂HAu (¹A₁), respectively. Orbital analyses indicate that Au 6s makes about 92–96% contribution to the Au‐based orbitals in these B‐Au‐B 3c‐2e interactions, whereas Au 5d contributes 8–4%. The adiabatic and vertical detachment energies of the concerned anions have been calculated to facilitate their future experimental characterizations. The results obtained in this work establish an interesting 3c‐2e bonding model (B? Au? B) for electron‐deficient systems in which Au 6s plays a major role with non‐negligible contribution from Au 5d. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011     

Laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric study of binary As‐Se glasses

Binary chalcogenide As‐Se glasses and their thin films are important for optics, computers, materials science and technological applications. To increase understanding of the properties of thin films fabricated by plasma deposition techniques, more information concerning the physics of plasma plume is needed. In this study the formation of clusters in plasma plume from different As‐Se glasses by laser desorption ionization (LDI) or laser ablation (LA) was studied by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) in positive and negative ion modes. Formation of a number of As_pSe_q singly charged clusters As₃Se (q = 1–5), AsSe (q = 1–3), As₂Se (q = 2–4), and As₃Se (q = 2–5) was found from As‐Se glasses with the molar ratio As:Se in the range from 1:2 to 7:3. The stoichiometry of the As_pSe_q clusters was determined via isotopic envelope analysis and computer modeling. The structure of the clusters is proposed and the relationship to the structure of the parent glasses, as also suggested by Raman scattering spectra, is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stable complex C2H4Al4Li3− and its similarity with bicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐2‐ene: A DFT study

We propose that complexation of all metal antiaromatic Al₄Li with C₂H₄ may lead to stable C₂H₄Al₄Li species [II(b)]. Complexation leads to the electron transfer from Al₄Li moiety to C₂H₄ and development of aromatic character in the Al₄ ring. Our proposed compound C₂H₄Al₄Li [II(b)] is very similar to the existing organic compound bicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐2‐ene [I(b)]. The complex C₂H₄Al₄Li [II(b)] can be imagined as an analogue of bicyclo[2.2.0]hex‐2‐ene [I(b)] achieved by a simple replacement of C₄H₄ in the later with π‐isoelectronic Al₄Li moiety in the former. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010     

Functionalization of an ethylene–propylene copolymer with allyl(3‐isocyanate‐4‐tolyl) carbamate

An ethylene–propylene copolymer (EPM) was functionalized with an iso cyanate‐bearing unsaturated monomer, allyl(3‐isocyanate‐4‐tolyl) carbamate (TAI), with dicumyl peroxide as an initiator in a xylene solution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to confirm the formation of EPM‐g‐TAI. The peak at 2273 cm^?1, characteristic of ? NCO groups in EPM‐g‐TAI, revealed evidence of grafting. The grafting degree was determined with both chemical titration and FTIR. The grafting degree could be adjusted, and the maximum was over 6 wt % without any gelation. The molar mass distribution of EPM‐g‐TAI was narrower than that of EPM. The rheological behavior of both EPM‐g‐TAI and EPM was investigated with a rotational rheometer. The apparent viscosity of EPM‐g‐TAI was higher than that of EPM and increased with an increasing grafting degree of TAI. Surface analysis by contact‐angle measurements showed that contact angles of EPM‐g‐TAI samples to a given polar liquid decreased with an increasing grafting degree of TAI. We also obtained the dispersion component of the surface free energy (γ), the polar component of the surface free energy (γ), and the total surface free energy (γ_S = γ + γ) of the grafted EPM. These parameters increased with the enhancement of the grafting degree, which gave us a quantitative estimation of the polar contribution of the grafted TAI to the total surface free energy of EPM‐g‐TAI. The adhesive property of EPM‐g‐TAI with aluminum foil was studied. The peeling strength between EPM‐g‐TAI plate and aluminum foil increased dramatically with an increasing content of grafted TAI in EPM‐g‐TAI. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 387–402, 2003     

Polymerization of carboxylic ester functionalized norbornenes catalyzed by (η3‐allyl)palladium complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands

An in situ generated cationic allylpalladium complex bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, derived from the reaction of [(η³‐C₃H₅)Pd(NHC)Cl] with AgX (X = BF₄ or SbF₆), is an active catalyst for the addition polymerization of norbornene and norbornene derivatives [5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester ( b ) and 5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylic acid n‐butyl ester ( c )] with an ester group containing a large portion of endo‐isomers. The catalytic activities, polymer yields, molecular weights, and molecular weight distributions of polynorbornenes were investigated under various reaction conditions: the catalytic activity was highly dependent on the counteranion, the reaction solvent, and the reaction temperature. For b , as the portion of an endo‐isomer increased, the activity of 13 (SbF) was much higher than those of 14 and 15 , and for c (exo/endo = 95:5), the maximum turn over number (TON) was observed with 15 (SbF). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3042–3052, 2007     

Theoretical study of one‐electron bonds in a series of high‐spin lithium–beryllium–hydrogen clusters: “Valence shell single‐electron repulsion” rule and electron localization function analysis

A series of high‐spin clusters containing Li, H, and Be in which the valence shell molecular orbitals (MOs) are occupied by a single electron has been characterized using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A first type (⁵Li₂, ⁿ⁺¹LiH_n+ (n = 2–5), ⁸Li₂H) possesses only one electron pair in the lowest MO, with bond energies of ～3 kcal/mol. In a second type, all the MOs are singly occupied, which results in highly excited species that nevertheless constitute a marked minimum on their potential energy surface (PES). Thus, it is possible to design a larger panel of structures (⁸LiBe, ⁷Li₂, ⁸Li, ⁴LiH⁺, ⁶BeH, ⁿ⁺³LiH (n = 3, 4), ⁿ⁺²LiH (n = 4–6), ⁸Li₂H, ⁹Li₂H, ²²Li₃Be₃ and ²²Li₆H), single‐electron equivalent to doublet “classical” molecules ranging from CO to C₆H₆. The geometrical structure is studied in relation to the valence shell single‐electron repulsion (VSEPR) theory and the electron localization function (ELF) is analyzed, revealing a striking similarity with the corresponding structure having paired electrons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Neutral and Cationic Hexanuclear Rhenium Phosphine Clusters with μ3‐(Phosphido‐Chalcogenido), μ3‐(Arsenido‐Chalcogenido), and μ3‐(Imido or Oxo‐Chalcogenido) Hetero Ligand Shells

Reactions of dry THF/MeCN solutions of Ca[Re₆SCl(Cl^a)₆] with silylated derivatives E(SiMe₃)₂ (E = PhAs, PSiMe₃, HN, O, S) and addition of trialkylphosphine PPr₃ afford in high yields and at room temperature either the neutral clusters [Re₆SX(PPr₃)] ( 1 : X = As, 2 : X = P) or the ionic compounds [Re₆SX(PPr₃)]²⁺ · [Re₆S₆Cl₈]^2– ( 3 : X = NH, 4 : X = O, 5 : X = S). The compounds 1 – 5 were characterised by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. A di‐substitution reaction occurs on the {Re₆SCl}⁴⁺ cluster core, where the two inner μ₃‐chloro ligands Clⁱ are substituted by X (X = As, P, NH, O, S) and all six terminal chloro ligands Cl^a are exchanged by terminal PPr₃‐ligands.     

Gas phase rate coefficients and activation energies for the reaction of butanal and 2‐methyl‐propanal with nitrate radicals

Rate coefficients have been determined for the reaction of butanal and 2‐methyl‐propanal with NO₃ using relative and absolute methods. The relative measurements were accomplished by using a static reactor with long‐path FTIR spectroscopy as the analytical tool. The absolute measurements were made using fast‐flow–discharge technique with detection of NO₃ by optical absorption. The resulting average coefficients from the relative rate experiments were k = (1.0 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹⁴ and k = (1.2 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹⁴ (cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹) for butanal and 2‐methyl‐propanal, respectively. The results from the absolute measurements indicated secondary reactions involving NO₃ radicals and the primary formed acyl radicals. The prospect of secondary reactions was investigated by means of mathematical modeling. Calculations indicated that the unwanted NO₃ radical reactions could be suppressed by introducing molecular oxygen into the flow tube. The rate coefficients from the absolute rate experiments with oxygen added were and k = (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹⁴ and = (0.9 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹⁴ (cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹) for butanal and 2‐methyl‐propanal. The temperature dependence of the reactions was studied in the range between 263 and 364 K. Activation energies for the reactions were determined to 12 ± 2 kJ mole⁻¹ and 14 ± 1 kJ mole⁻¹ for butanal and 2‐methyl‐propanal, respectively. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 32: 294–303, 2000     

Nd4N2Se3 und Tb4N2Se3: Zwei nicht‐isotype Lanthanoid(III)‐Nitridselenide

Nd₄N₂Se₃ and Tb₄N₂Se₃: Two non‐isotypical Lanthanide(III) Nitride Selenides The non‐isotypical nitride selenides M₄N₂Se₃ of neodymium (Nd₄N₂Se₃) and terbium (Tb₄N₂Se₃) are formed by the reaction of the respective rare‐earth metal with sodium azide (NaN₃), selenium and the corresponding rare‐earth tribromide (MBr₃) at 900 °C in evacuated silica ampoules after seven days. Each of them crystallizes monoclinically in the space group C2/c with Z = 4 for Nd₄N₂Se₃ (a = 1300.47(4), b = 1009.90(3), c = 643.33(2) pm, β = 90.039(2)°) and in the space group C2/m with Z = 2 for Tb₄N₂Se₃ (a = 1333.56(5), b = 394.30(2), c = 1034.37(4) pm, β = 130.377(2)°), respectively. The crystal structures differ fundamentally in the linkage of the structure dominating N^3‐ centred (M³⁺)₄ tetrahedra. In Nd₄N₂Se₃, the [NNd₄] units are edge‐linked to bitetrahedra which are cross‐connected to [N(Nd1)(Nd2)]³⁺ layers via their remaining four corners, whereas the [NTb₄] tetrahedra in Tb₄N₂Se₃ share cis‐oriented edges to form strands [N(Tb1)(Tb2)]³⁺. Both structures contain two crystallographically different M³⁺ cations, that show coordination numbers of six and seven (Nd₄N₂Se₃) or twice six (Tb₄N₂Se₃), respectively, relative to the anions (N^3‐ und Se^2‐). Each of the two independent kinds of Se^2‐ anions provide the three‐dimensional linkage as well as the charge balance. The particular axial ratio a/c and the monoclinic reflex angle offer two choices for fixing the unit cell of Tb₄N₂Se₃.     

Laser ablation of AgSbS2 and cluster analysis by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Thin films of AgSbS₂ are important for phase‐change memory applications. This solid is deposited by various techniques, such as metal organic chemical vapour deposition or laser ablation deposition, and the structure of AgSbS₂(s), as either amorphous or crystalline, is already well characterized. The pulsed laser ablation deposition (PLD) of solid AgSbS₂ is also used as a manufacturing process. However, the processes in plasma have not been well studied. We have studied the laser ablation of synthesized AgSbS₂(s) using a nitrogen laser of 337 nm and the clusters formed in the laser plume were identified. The ablation leads to the formation of various single charged ternary Ag_pSb_qS_r clusters. Negatively charged AgSbS, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S and positively charged ternary AgSbS⁺, AgSb₂S⁺, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S clusters were identified. The formation of several singly charged Ag⁺, Ag, Ag, Sb, Sb, S ions and binary Ag_pS_r clusters such as AgSb, Ag₃S^?, SbS (r = 1–5), Sb₂S^?, Sb₂S, Sb₃S (r = 1–4) and AgS, SbS⁺, SbS, Sb₂S⁺, Sb₂S, Sb₃S (r = 1–4), AgSb was also observed. The stoichiometry of the clusters was determined via isotopic envelope analysis and computer modeling. The relation of the composition of the clusters to the crystal structure of AgSbS₂ is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.