Quantum Chemical Study of Niobium and Tantalum M<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript> Oxide Clusters and M<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Stack><Subscript>10</Subscript><Superscript>–</Superscript></Stack> Anions

Structural parameters and vibrational frequencies of the clusters (T_d)–Nb₄O₁₀, (C_3v)-TaNb₃O₁₀, (D_2d)-Nb₄O ₁₀ ^– , and (C_s)-TaNb₃O ₁₀ ^– were calculated. According to the (U)DFT/SDD calculations with BLYP, B3LYP, and PBE0 functionals magnetization of the anion (D_2d)-Nb₄O ₁₀ ^– is distributed equally among four niobium atoms. In the anion (C_s)-TaNb₃O ₁₀ ^– unpaired electron presumably occupies niobium atoms. The distinction in contributions from Nb atoms in the magnetization of the tantalum-containing cluster grows with the exchange component of the DFT functional in the series of functionals BLYP < B3LYP < PBE0 < UHF.     

The ESCA analysis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

Compounds [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ and CsB₃H₈ are studied using the ESCA method. The results of analysis of the B1s electron spectra and estimation of the effective charge differences in [Et₄N]₂B₃H₈ are compared to the data of theoretical calculations of the B₃H₈⁻ anion.     

A new method of synthesis of the B<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> anion

A new method of synthesis of the B₃H₈⁻ anion has been suggested. The method uses the reaction of some metal halides (CuCl, SnCl₂, CrCl₃, PbF₂, PbCl₂, PbBr₂, and BiCl₃) with sodium tetrahydroborate. It is characterized by high (up to quantitative) yields and simplicity of isolation of the target products ((n-C₄H₉)₄N)[B₃H₈] and Cs[B₃H₈].     

Formation of charged H<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Superscript>+</Superscript> and OH<Superscript>–</Superscript> fragments at consistent shifts of protons in water clusters

Probable paths of consistent shifts of bridge protons within the hexamolecular rings of dodecamer water cluster at different arrangement of neighboring molecules are determined. As with individual rings, consistent shifts of protons in molecular cages are found to be promoted by contraction/extension of the oxygen skeleton. Transition states characterized by the formation of different numbers of such charged fragments as H₃O^δ+, H₅O₂^δ+, and OH^–, are identified. Conditions of the relatively long-term (about picoseconds) existence of the fragments in cluster systems are determined.     

Reaction of the [B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>4</Subscript>H<Subscript>8</Subscript>]<Superscript>–</Superscript> anion with C-nucleophiles

The reactions of 1,4-dioxane-substituted closo-decaborate anion ([B₁₀H₉O₂C₄H₈]^–) with metal acetylenides, diethyl malonate, ethyl acetoacetate, triethyl orthoformate, acetylacetone, and malonodinitrile were studied. The reactions were shown to be accompanied with substituent ring opening and attachment of the corresponding pendant functional group. The obtained compounds were characterized by various physicochemical methods (IR and polynuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry).     

Influence of ion size on the stability of chloroplumbates containing PbCl<Stack><Subscript>5</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> or PbCl<Stack><Subscript>6</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack>

The enthalpies of formation of PbCl₄, PbCl₅⁻ and PbCl₆²⁻, originating from quantum mechanics, have enabled the thermodynamic behaviour of these ions with respect to Cl-detachment to be assessed. The stability of salts containing PbCl₅⁻ and PbCl₆²⁻ as a function of the dimensions of these anions and complementary cations was studied using an approach combining the Kapustinskii-Yatsimirskii equation with basic thermochemical relationships. It was found that hexachloroplumbates of monovalent metal cations will not dissociate into metal chlorides and PbCl₄, provided the complementary cations are suitably large in size. Hexachloroplumbates of divalent metal cations have not yet been synthesised since no known metal cations attain the requisite large size. Such salts will not dissociate if the divalent metal cations are able to complex suitably large electron-donating ligands. The pentachloroplumbates of both monovalent and divalent metal cations are unstable, since no known metal cations have appropriately large ionic radii. The approach adopted appears to be useful for the examination of the thermal behaviour, stability and reactivity of chloroplumbates.     

Syntheses,Structures and Properties of Three Heteonuclear Complexes Containing [V<Subscript>10</Subscript>O<Subscript>28</Subscript>]<Superscript>6−</Superscript> Units

Three heteonuclear complexes containing [V₁₀O₂₈]⁶⁻ units, {[Cu(pyr)(H₂O)₄]₂(H₃O)₂[V₁₀O₂₈] · 13.5H₂O}_n (1), {[Ni(pyr)(H₂O)₄]₂(H₃O)₂[V₁₀O₂₈] · 9.5H₂O}_n (2) and [Zn₂(H₂O)₁₄(V₁₀O₂₈)] · H₂PPZ (3) are synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, single crystal X-ray analyses. The complex 1 and 2 have the similar structures which are composed of the [V₁₀O₂₈]⁶⁻ cluster anion and 1D chain {[M (pyr)(H₂O)₄]²⁺}_n (M = Cu Ni) cations bridged by pyrazine. In the complex 3, Zn²⁺ with two coordination modes is bridged by water molecules to build 1D zigzag chains, and then is linked to the bridging oxygen atoms from [V₁₀O₂₈]⁶⁻ to generate a 2D grid architecture filled with the protoned piperazine (PPZ) molecules. In this paper, the magnetic properties of complex 2 are characterized.     

Kinetics of electroreduction of S<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack> anions on mechanically renewable silver electrode

The kinetics of electroreduction of peroxodisulfate anions on a mechanically renewed silver electrode is studied by voltammetric and impedance methods. Impedance diagrams obtained in the region of negatively charged metal surface are successfully modeled by the equivalent circuit formed by the solution resistance and also the reaction resistance connected in parallel with the constant-phase element substituted for the double layer capacitance. The analysis of experimental data carried out in terms of this circuit and their comparison with the literature data makes it possible to assume that the reduction kinetics of S₂O ₈ ^2? anions on this electrode can be adequately described in the framework of the phenomenological theory of slow discharge. The reasons for deviation of the literature data on the kinetics of this reaction on polycrystalline Ag electrode from the relationships following from the slow discharge theory are put forward and substantiated.     

Interaction of [В<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript> and [В<Subscript>12</Subscript>H<Subscript>12</Subscript>]<Superscript>2–</Superscript> with nitro compounds

The interaction of the [B₁₀H₁₀]^2– and [B₁₂H₁₂]^2– anions with aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds (RNO₂, where R = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, tert-Bu, Ph) has been studied under irradiation with visible and UV light. It has been shown that, depending on the reaction conditions, both mono- and disubstituted nitro-closo-decaborates can be selectively obtained in yields up to 50%.     

Synthesis and physicochemical study of the PMo<Subscript>11</Subscript>(TiO)O<Stack><Subscript>39</Subscript><Superscript>5−</Superscript></Stack> heteropolyanion

Procedures were developed for the synthesis of the guanidinium (Gua) and tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salts of 11-molybdotitano(IV)phosphate heteropolyanion (MTPH) from solutions with the stoichiometric ratio P: Mo = 1: 11 and in excess of titanium(IV) ions, Ti: P ≥ 1.5, at pH 1.85–1.90. MTPH was isolated as the (Gua)₅PMo₁₁(TiO)O₃₉ and (TBA)₅PMo₁₁(TiO)O₃₉ salts. The composition and formula of MTPH were established by chemical analysis, electronic absorption spectroscopy in the visible region of the oxidized and reduced MTPH forms, IR spectroscopy, and ³¹P NMR. H₅PMo₁₁(TiO)O₃₉, obtained by ion exchange of the Gua salt in an aqueous-organic medium, is a strong pentabasic acid. MTPH reacts with H₂O₂ to form a peroxo complex with limited stability in an aqueous solution. In aqueous-organic media, the peroxo complex is more stable. In acetonitrile, MTPH persists for several days.     

A New Sandwich Polyoxometalate Constructed from a Zn<Stack><Subscript>6</Subscript><Superscript>12+</Superscript></Stack> Hexagon Cluster Sandwiched by Two B-α-[BiW<Subscript>9</Subscript>O<Subscript>33</Subscript>]<Superscript>9−</Superscript>

A new sandwich polyoxometalate Na₄Zn₂[Zn₂(H₂O)₁₀(ZnCl)₆(B-α- BiW₉O₃₃)₂] · 40.5H₂O (1) has been obtained in aqueous solution and characterized by IR, UV, element analysis, TG and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Polyoxoanion 1 is composed of a Zn ₆ ¹²⁺ hexagon sandwiched by two [BiW₉O₃₃]^9? units, which is firstly observed in tungstobismutate. The crystal data for compound 1: Triclinic, space group P–1, a = 15.426(3) Å, b = 15.467(3) Å, c = 15.526(3) Å, α = 74.24(3)°, β = 64.37(3)°, γ = 60.73(3)°, V = 2905.3(1) ų, Z = 1.     

A molecular dynamics simulation of H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>, H<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack>, and the protonated form of N,N-dimethylformamide in liquid N,N-dimethylformamide

The molecular dynamics simulation method was for the first time used to study the structural and energy parameters of H₃PO₄, H₂PO₄⁻, and (DMFA)H⁺ (protonated dimethylformamide) in liquid N,N-dimethylformamide. The predominant orientation of the nearest neighbors of H₃PO₄, H₂PO₄⁻, DMFA, and (DMFA)H⁺ was determined from ranked distribution functions. The most probable structure of H-bonded complexes was obtained. It was shown that H₃PO₄ formed H-bonds with two DMFA molecules, and and (DMFA)H⁺ formed H-bonds with one molecule. The dependence of Coulomb interaction energies on the distance between H₃PO₄, H₂PO₄⁻, (DMFA)H⁺, and DMFA had the form of damped oscillations, as is characteristic of intermolecular interactions in pure DMFA. The molecular dynamics simulation of the H₂PO₄⁻-(DMFA)H⁺-DMFA ternary system showed a high probability of the formation of contact ion pairs.     

Nucleophilic addition of aromatic amide oximes to [2-B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>9</Subscript>NCC<Subscript>2</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>]<Superscript>–</Superscript> anion

A series of closo-decaborate anions containing an O-iminoacylamide oxime fragment were synthesized by nucleophilic addition of aromatic amide oximes to 2-propionitrilium closo-decaborate anion. The isolated compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H, ¹³C–{¹H}, and ¹¹B–{¹H} NMR, and mass spectra. The structure of (Ph₄P)[2-B₁₀H₉NH=C(Et)ON=C(NH₂)C₆H₄Me-2] was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

The Role of Lewis and Brønsted Acid Sites in NO Reduction with NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> on Sulfur Modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Supported V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> Catalyst

V₂O₅/S-doped TiO₂ was prepared by the sol-gel and impregnation methods. The adsorption of NO, NH₃, and O₂ over the catalyst was studied by in situ DRIFTS spectroscopy to elucidate the reaction mechanism of the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH₃. Exposing the catalyst to O₂ and NO, three types of nitrates species appeared on the surface. The introduction of S to TiO₂ could generate large amounts of acid sites for ammonia adsorption on the catalyst, which was believed to be an important role in the SCR reaction and hereby improved the catalytic activity. The results indicated two possible SCR reaction pathways for catalyst. One was that NO was absorbed to form nitrite species, which could react with NH₃ on Lewis acid sites, producing N₂ and H₂O. Another way was that NH₃ was adsorbed, then reacted with gas phase NO (E–R) and nitrite intermediates on the surface (L–H).     

Reaction of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">closo</Emphasis>-decaborate anion B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Stack><Subscript>10</Subscript><Superscript>2−</Superscript></Stack> with dichloroethane in the presence of hydrogen halides

The reactions of the closo-decaborate anion with hydrogen halides and dichloroethane have been studied. Irrespective of the hydrogen halide used (HCl, HBr, HI), chlorination to give mono-, di-, and trihalosubstituted products is the major process. The product ratio depends on the hydrogen halide used and on the synthesis temperature and time. The products have been identified by ¹¹B NMR, IR, and ESI mass spectra. The structure of (Ph₃(NaphCH₂)P)₂B₁₀H₈Cl₂ has been studied by X-ray diffraction. The geometry distortion of the closo-decaborate core found in the chlorinated derivatives is retained on further chemical transformations of the compound.     

Consistent transfer of protons in molecular rings of water: Origination of H<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Superscript>+</Superscript> and OH<Superscript>–</Superscript> ions

For the first time, nonempirical modeling of water clusters composed of several fused molecular rings supplemented with the theoretical analysis of quantum states of the systems provided grounds for clarifying the conditions when consistent shifts of bridge protons within one structural ring promoted by the contraction of the oxygen skeleton can repeatedly cause the formation of H₃O⁺ and OH^– ions.     

Hydration of CBr<Subscript>3</Subscript>COOH molecules and CBr<Subscript>3</Subscript>CO<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>–</Superscript></Stack> anions in aqueous solutions

The optimal structures and the vibrational frequencies of H-bonded complexes formed from one-two CBr₃COOH molecules or the CBr₃CO ₂ ^– anion with water molecules are calculated by density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p)). The comparison of the obtained results with the known Raman spectra of the CBr₃COOH–H₂O and NaCBr₃CO ₂ ^– ·H₂O solutions (with component molar ratios of ≤1:16) shows that they include stable hydrates: CBr₃COOH·H₂O and CBr₃CO ₂ ^– ·(H₂O)₆. The first one has a cyclic form, and the second has a cubic globular form. The vibrational band frequencies of the CBr₃COOH molecule and the CBr₃CO ₂ ^– anion in the spectra of both solutions are almost completely determined by the mutual arrangement of units in these hydrates.     

Adsorption of chlorobenzene vapor on V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalyst under dynamic conditions

Adsorption dynamics of chlorobenzene vapors on a 5% V₂O₅/Al₂O₃ catalyst has been investigated using the frontal chromatography technique. The uptakes of chlorobenzene have been measured as a function of vapor concentration and adsorption equilibrium has been found to follow formally the Langmuir isotherm. The breakthrough time proved to be a linear function of the column length as expected. Breakthrough profiles have been reported for different experimental conditions and quantitatively fitted by a reduced lumped diffusion model. This model provides an analytical solution that facilitates engineering calculations. Model parameters show complex behavior as functions of stream characteristics and depend on column length. When empirical expressions relating model mass transfer coefficients with influencing variables are found the model demonstrates good accuracy in predicting column performance.     

Facile synthesis of V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> core–shell nanobelts

We report a facile chemical approach for the synthesis of one-dimensional V₂O₅/TiO₂ core–shell nanobelts. The coated V₂O₅ nanobelts are synthesized by a hydrothermal method which is feasible for large-scale production. V₂O₅ nanobelts coated with a thin layer of TiO₂ sol are formed before sintering, and after sintering one-dimensional V₂O₅/TiO₂ core–shell nanobelts, composed of single-crystalline V₂O₅ nanobelts cores uniformly coated with anatase TiO₂ nanoparticle shells are obtained. The influences of the synthetic parameters, such as sintering temperature and titanium/vanadium mole ratios, on the morphology of the resulting products are investigated. Interestingly, the shape of single-crystalline of V₂O₅ nanobelts is totally preserved after sintering; the morphology can be readily controlled to be smooth or rough by altering the sintering temperature of the shells and titanium/vanadium mole ratio.