Chemical transformation of cluster osmium thioselenochloride Os<Subscript>3</Subscript>S<Subscript>7</Subscript>SeCl<Subscript>8</Subscript>

The binuclear osmium complex Os₃S₇SeCl₈ was prepared by the reaction of cluster chalcogen chloride K₆Os₂S₂O₆(CN)₈ with an aqueous KCN solution. In the complex, the distance between the osmium atoms is 2.85 Å, and they are linked by μ-SO ₂ ^2? bridges with the OsSOs angle of 75.9°. The osmium coordination number is 6. In the reaction with CN^? ligands under study, the individual fragments of the structure are retained; however, the trinuclear cluster skeleton of Os₃S₇SeCl₈ is destroyed.     

Adsorption of NO,NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O on V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalysts

The adsorption of small molecules NO, NH₃ and H₂O on V₂O₅/TiO₂ catalysts is studied with the semiempirical SCF MO method MSINDO as pre-stage for the selective catalytic reduction of NO. The mixed catalyst is represented by hydrogen-terminated cluster models. The local arrangement of the cluster atoms is in accordance with available experimental information. Partial relaxation of cluster atoms near the adsorption sites is taken into account. Calculated adsorption energies are compared with experimental literature data. Rapid convergence of computed properties with cluster size is observed. A possible reaction mechanism for the catalytic reduction of NO with NH₃ and O₂ is outlined.     

Effect of the structure and charge of Au<Subscript>10</Subscript> clusters on adsorption of hydrocarbons

The interaction of gold clusters Au₁₀ of different structural and charge states with various hydrocarbons was studied by the PBE density functional method. Saturated hydrocarbons interact weakly with the neutral cluster Au₁₀, for charged Au₁₀ ⁺ the alkane—cluster bond energies increase threefold. Unsaturated hydrocarbons interact with cluster surface more strongly than saturated hydrocarbons, while coordination to the benzene ring is possible for aromatic compounds PhC₂H, PhC₂H₃, and PhC₂H₅. The low-coordinative gold atoms located on the peaks and edges of the cluster are the active adsorption site of the cluster. The appearance of a positive charge on the cluster leads to a greater increase in the hydrocarbon—gold cluster bond energy than the transition from the planar 2D structure to the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the neutral cluster.     

Geometry,electronic structure and energy barriers of all possible isomers of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>C<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticle

The search for stable structures of neutral Fe₂C₃ particle was based on the geometry optimization of the known FeC₃ and Fe₂C₂ isomers with the Fe and C atoms approaching from various directions. The geometry optimization of more than 2,000 initial structures was carried out using the DFT based DMol³ method and converged to 41 stable configurations. The structures containing C₃ triangle and the cyclic planar isomer with transannular bonds are found to have the lowest binding energies. The effective charges and total spin densities on the atoms were calculated using integral scheme incorporated in DVM and Hirshfeld procedure of DMol³. The relations between geometrical structures and spin moments ordering are discussed. For the evaluation of potential barriers the geometry optimization of all Fe₂C₃ configurations was performed with a thermal occupation, corresponding to the various values of the excitation energy.     

Theoretical study of isomerism in nitrogen- and phosphorus-substituted aluminum clusters M<Subscript>6</Subscript>Al<Subscript>38</Subscript> and M<Subscript>12</Subscript>Al<Subscript>32</Subscript> (M = N,P)

More than 20 М₆Al₃₈ isomers and several М₁₂Al₃₂ isomers for nitrogen- and phosphorus-substituted clusters with six and twelve dopant atoms M = N and P substituted for Al atoms in different positions at the surface of the aluminum cage and inside it have been studied by the density functional theory method. In the preferred N₆Al₃₈ isomer, all N atoms are substituted for Al atoms initially located in one outer layer of the cluster. In the course of geometry optimization, the nitrogen atoms are incorporated into positions in the neighboring intermediate layer, thus converting it into a 12-atom face consisting of three vertex-sharing adjacent six-membered rings with short N–Al bonds. For Р₆Al₃₈, a distribution of the dopant either in both surface layers or in the intermediate space between the surface layers and the inner core of the cluster is preferred. Optimization of alternative structures of the N₁₂Al₃₂ cluster with N atoms substituted for Al atoms in both outer layers is evidence in favor of the isomer in which the dopants are dispersed as separated monatomic anions N–. Together with their bridging Al atoms, these anions form the inner [N₁₂Al₁₄] cage with an unusual dumbbell-like structure in which the upper and lower halves are linked through N–Al bonds with the equatorial aluminum atoms. In the next low-lying isomer being ~23 kcal/mol higher on the energy scale, there is observed the “microclustering” of the dopant to form three covalently bonded diatomic dianions N₂^2-; the latter, together with the bridging Al atoms are combined into a [N₆Al₆] “subcluster” inside the severely distorted outer cage. In P₁₂Al₃₂, the aluminum cage is subjected only to moderate distortions: the phosphorus atoms remain in the outer layers and form two three-membered rings [Р₃]. The estimated energies of the model substitution reactions Al₄₄ + M₆ → M₆Al₃₈ + Al₆ (1) and Al₄₄ + 2M₆ → M₁₂Al₃₈ + 2A_l6 (2) demonstrate that all these reactions are exothermic; however, for the nitrogen-containing clusters, the decrease in energy with increasing number of substitutions increases from 66 (1) to 113 (2) kcal/mol, while in the case of phosphorus, it decreases from 45 (1) to 4 (2) kcal/mol. The results obtained for N₆Al₃₈, N₁₂Al₃₂, Р₆Al₃₈, and Р₁₂Al₃₂ are compared with the previous calculations for the C₆Al₃₈, C₁₂Al₃₂, Si₆Al₃₈, and Si₁₂Al₃₂ clusters.     

Crystal structure of new ammonium fluoroindate(III) (NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>[InF<Subscript>5</Subscript>]

A new indium(III) fluoride complex with the ammonium cation (NH₄)₂[InF₅] is synthesized and its crystal structure is studied. The structure of (NH₄)₂[InF₅] is formed of NH₄ ⁺ cations and complex [InF₅]^2– anions. The In atom in the complex anion surrounded by four terminal and two bridging F atoms forms an almost regular octahedral coordination polyhedron (CN 6) with two terminal F atoms in the axial positions and two terminal and two bridging F atoms in the equatorial plane. Through bridging F atoms, the InF6 polyhedra are arranged in polymer trans- vertex-connected corrugated anion chains (InF₅) _n ^2n? directed along the c axis. The N–H?F hydrogen bonds organize the chains in a three-dimensional framework.     

Interpretation of the difference of optimal Mo density in MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> and MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> HDS catalysts

The first part of this paper deals with the morphology of the MoS₂ phase and its oxide precursor, the MoO₃ phase, mainly from a geometrical point of view. After giving a brief review of the literature describing the structure of these compounds, Mo densities in both phases were calculated along various crystallographic planes. Further, using structural models recently proposed by others, Mo densities in MoS₂ were also calculated in the case of an epitactic growth on γ-Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ model surfaces. Then, the calculated Mo densities were compared with experimental results (Mo density when HDS activity is maximal) previously obtained for catalysts constituted of MoS₂ supported on a low SSA TiO₂, a high SSA TiO₂ and a conventional γ-alumina. It was suggested that either on alumina or titania the MoS₂ phase is growing as (100) MoS₂ planes. However, while on the alumina the optimal MoS₂ phase might be constituted of dispersed MoS₂ slabs covering only a part of the alumina surface (2.9–3.9 Mo atoms/nm²), on titania the optimal MoS₂ phase might be constituted of a uniform MoS₂ monolayer (5.2 atoms/nm² for the high SSA titania, which is equal to the Mo density of a perfect MoS₂ (100) plane). This difference may originate in the creation of a 'TiMoS' phase enhancing the S atoms mobility over Mo/TiO₂-sulfided catalysts. Indeed, while in the case of a γ-alumina carrier the active sites (labile S atoms) are located on the edge of MoS₂ slabs making the ratio Mo_edge/Mo_total a crucial parameter for the catalytic performances, in the case of a titania carrier the labile sulfur atoms might be statistically distributed all over the TiMoS active phase. Further, the higher Mo density observed over the high SSA titania (5.2 atoms/nm²) when compared to that over the low SSA titania (4.2 atoms/nm²) was supposedly due to the pH-swing method advantageously used to prepare the former carrier. Indeed, this method allows giving a solid with enhanced mechanical properties providing a good stability to the derived catalysts under experimental conditions. In addition, this TiO₂ carrier exhibits a great homogeneity, with a surface structure substantially uniform, which might be adequate for a long-range growth of (100) MoS₂ slabs.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a novel trinickel cluster: {[Ni(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>L)(EtOH)]<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ni} · 2EtOH

A novel trinuclear Ni^II cluster, {[Ni(H₂L)(EtOH)]₂(OAc)₂Ni} · 2EtOH [H₄L:5,5′-Dihydroxy-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol], has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The X-ray crystal structure of the cluster reveals that two acetates coordinate to three nickel ions through Ni–O–C–O–Ni bridges and four μ-phenoxo oxygen atoms from two [Ni(H₂L)] units also coordinate to nickel ions. Around three nickel atoms are all octahedral geometries.     

Crystal structure of fluorosulfate complex compounds of indium(III) M<Subscript>2</Subscript>[InF<Subscript>3</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O] (M = K,NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>)

The crystal structures of isostructural mixed-ligand fluorosulfate complex compounds of indium(III) M₂[InF₃(SO₄)H₂O] (M = K, NH₄), formed of K⁺ cations, NH₄ ⁺ respectively, and complex [InF₃(SO₄)H₂O]^2– anions are determined. In the complex anion, the indium atom surrounded by three F atoms, the oxygen atom of the coordinated H₂O molecule, and two oxygen atoms of the bridging sulfate group forms a slightly distorted octahedron (CN 6). Via alternating bridging SO₄ groups, the polyhedra of In(III) atoms are arranged in polymer chains. The O–H???F hydrogen bonds organize the chains in a three-dimensional network. The K⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ cations are located in the structure framework and additionally strengthen it.     

Supramolecular 2D structure of [Co(2-Me-Pyz)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>4</Subscript>](NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The complex [Co(2-Me-Pyz)₂(H₂O)₄](NO₃)₂ is synthesized and its structure is determined. The crystals are monoclinic: space group P2₁/n, a = 10.685(2) Å, b = 6.837(1), c = 12.515(3) Å, β = 91.84(3)°, V = 913.8(3) ų, ρ_calcd = 1.042 g/cm ³, Z = 2. The Co²⁺ ion (in the inversion center) is coordinated at the vertices of the distorted octahedron by two nitrogen atoms of methylpyrazine and four oxygen atoms of the water molecules (Co(1)–N(1) 2.180(3), average Co(1)–O(w) 2.079(3) Å, angles at the Co atom 87.9(1)–92.1(1)°). Supramolecular pseudometallocycles are formed in the structure through the O(w)–H…N(1) hydrogen bonds between the coordinated H₂O molecules and the terminal nitrogen atoms of the 2-methylpyrazine molecules. Their interaction results in the formation of supramolecular layers joined by the NO₃ groups into a three-dimensional framework.     

The stability and structure of (N<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>j</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>i</Subscript> and (Ar)<Subscript>j</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>i</Subscript> clusters

The stability and structure of water clusters absorbing nitrogen molecules or argon atoms was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation at 233 K. The (?μ/?i)_{V, T} derivative of the chemical potential, a value characterizing the stability of a cluster with respect to its size, depends linearly on the number of molecules i. According to this criterion, the clusters under study become stable near i = 40. The average length of H-bonds increases monotonically in the growing cluster of pure water and exhibits oscillatory behavior if the growing cluster contains N₂ molecules or Ar atoms. The number of H-bonds per molecule oscillates between one and six as the cluster size changes. These oscillations are damped in pure water and sustained for clusters containing impurities, especially argon.     

Low temperature thermodynamic properties of Gd<Subscript>2</Subscript>SrCo<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>

Summary Thermodynamic properties of a layered perovskite oxide Gd₂SrCo₂O₇ have been studied. Powder X-ray diffraction, electric resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements were carried out. The crystal structure was determined as I4/mmm. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted to the Curie-Weiss behavior with antiferromagnetic interaction. Spin state of Co³⁺ ion was derived to be intermediate spin state configuration (t_2g⁵e_g¹). The spin ordering was observed as a broad anomaly in the heat capacity curve with a peak at 2 K. The measured entropy was 35.47 J K^-1mol^-1, which was 65% of expected value. Thus the spin ordering should not be completed at the lowest temperature 0.2 K covered in the present experiments and/or some short range ordering remains at higher temperatures.     

Reaction of Sulfur and Oxygen-Bridged 8-Quinolinolato Trinuclear Molybdenum Cluster [Mo<Subscript>3</Subscript>OS<Subscript>3</Subscript>(qn)<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]<Superscript>+</Superscript> with Acetylene Carboxylic Acids

The reaction of a sulfur and oxygen-bridged 8-quinolinolato trinuclear molybdenum cluster [Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ (3; Hqn = 8-quinolinol) with equimolar amounts of acetylene carboxylic acid, 4-pentynoic acid, 5-hexynoic acid, acetic acid, and pimelic acid gave clusters having μ-carboxylato groups, [Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(H₂O)(μ-HC≡CCOO)] (6), [Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(H₂O)(μ-HC≡C(CH₂)₂COO)] (7), [Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(H₂O)(μ-HC≡C(CH₂)₃COO)] (8), [Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(H₂O)(μ-CH₃COO)] (4), and [{Mo₃OS₃(qn)₃(C₂H₅OH)}₂(μ-C₇H₁₀O₄)] (5), respectively. X-ray structural analyses, ¹H NMR, and electronic spectra of these clusters made clear that each of the COO⁻ groups of the reagents bridges two Mo atoms in each cluster and that no adduct formation occurred at the sulfurs in the clusters. The reaction of 3 with a large excess-molar amount (50 times) of acetylene carboxylic acid gave [Mo₃OS(μ₃-SCH=C(COOH)S)(qn)₃(H₂O)(μ-HC≡CCOO)] (9) with two molecules of acetylene carboxylic acid, one acting as a carboxylato bridge and the other in adduct formation, as supported by the electronic and ¹H NMR spectra. The corresponding aqua cluster [Mo₃OS₃(H₂O)₉]⁴⁺ (1), on the contrary, reacts with acetylene carboxylic acid to give adduct [Mo₃OS(μ₃-SCH=C(COOH)S)(H₂O)₉]⁴⁺ (2). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A Quantum Chemical Study of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>30</Subscript>, C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Molecules and Fe@C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>30</Subscript> Endocomplex

(U)PBE0/cc-pVDZ method is used to study the structure of C₆₀Cl₃₀, C₆₀(OH)₃₀ molecules and Fe@C₆₀(OH)₃₀ endocomplex. The triplet state of the endocomplex is shown to be the lowest in energy among its four states corresponding to different spin multiplicities and positions of Fe nucleus within the fullerene cavity. This state is characterized by bonding between the iron atom and one of two benzenoid cycles of the carbon cage, six internuclear Fe–C distances (208 pm), and 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d^7.24s^0.14p^0.3 electron configuration of iron with spin population of 2.36.     

Palladium clusters Pd<Subscript>4</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Pd<Subscript>6</Subscript>(SR)<Subscript>12</Subscript> (R = Bu,Ph): Structure and properties

The structures of the Pd₄(SBu)₄(OAc)₄ (I) and Pd₆ (SBu)₁₂ (II) palladium clusters are determined by the X-ray diffraction method. For cluster I: a = 8.650(2), b = 12.314(2), c = 17.659(4) Å, α = 78.03(3)°, β = 86.71(2)°, γ = 78.13(3)°, V = 1800.8(7) ų, ρcalcd = 1.878 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 4, N = 3403, R = 0.0468; for structure II: a = 10.748(2), b = 12.840(3), c = 15.233(3) Å, α = 65.31(3)°, β = 70.10(3)°, γ = 72.91(3)°, V = 1767.4(6) ų, ρ calcd = 1.605 g/cm³, space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 1, N = 3498, R = 0.0729. In cluster I, four Pd atoms form a planar cycle. The neighboring Pd atoms are bound by two acetate or two mercaptide bridges (Pd…Pd 2.95–3.23 Å, Pd…Pd angles 87.15°–92.85°). In cluster II, the Pd atoms form a planar six-membered cycle with Pd···Pd distances of 3.09–3.14 Å, the PdPdPd angles being 118.95°–120.80°. The Pd atoms are linked in pairs by two mercaptide bridges. The formation of clusters I and II in solution is proved by IR spectroscopy and calorimetry. Analogous clusters are formed in solution upon the reaction of palladium(II) diacetate with thiophenol.     

Replacement of Fe atoms by Ru in a carbidocarbonyl cluster [Fe<Subscript>6</Subscript>C(CO)<Subscript>16</Subscript>]<Superscript>2−</Superscript>. Structures of reaction products

The reaction of the carbidocarbonyl cluster [Fe₆C(CO)₁₆]²⁻ with ruthenium(IV) hydroxochloride Ru(OH)Cl₃ was studied. At 90–100 °C, the reaction gave products of replacement of Fe atoms by Ru in the [Fe₆C(CO)₁₆]²⁻ cluster along with degradation products. Treatment of the replacement products with FeCl₃ afforded the [Fe_2.96Ru_3.04C(CO)₁₇] compound (1), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals of cluster 1 are composed of two types of octahedral molecules (1a and 1b) in a ratio of 2 : 1. Molecules 1a are in general positions, and molecules 1b are located on twofold axes. In both molecules, the Fe and Ru atoms are disordered over four of six positions. __________ Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 8, pp. 1761–1766, August, 2005.     

Refinement of the crystal structure of as-schwatzite Cu<Subscript>6</Subscript>(Cu<Subscript>5.26</Subscript>Hg<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>)(As<Subscript>2.83</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>1.17</Subscript>)S<Subscript>13</Subscript> (Aktash,Altai mountaines)

The crystal structure of As-schwatzite Cu₆(Cu_5.26Hg_0.75)(As_2.83Sb_1.17)S13 (Aktash deposit, Altai mountains) is refined. Tetrahedrally shaped dark-gray single crystals of the mineral belong to the cubic crystal system: I4¯3m space group, a = 10.2890(1) Å, V = 1089.2(1) ų, d = 4.99 g/cm³, Z = 2 for the composition Cu_11.26Hg_0.75As_2.83Sb_1.17S₁₃, R = 0.0177. The structure is based on the sphalerite-like framework comprising identically oriented (Cu,Hg)S₄ tetrahedra ((Cu,Hg)-S 2.3452(8) Å) and (As,Sb)S₃ pyramids ((As,Sb)-S 2.311(1) Å) sharing their vertices. The centers of [Cu₆] octahedra in the (000) and (1/2 1/2 1/2) positions coinciding with the centers of the “cluster” anionic vacancies [□]₄ are occupied by the so-called “thirteenth” sulfur atom. Quantum chemical calculations of the electron density are carried out for the [As₄S₁₃Cu₆]⁶ fragment. The calculation results confirm the presence of strain in the [As₄S₁₃Cu₆]⁶ moiety, which exists due to the support of the surrounding symmetric framework including the external sulfur atoms of the fragment. The possibility of inclusion of mercury into the framework, which is much richer in arsenic than in antimony, is demonstrated. High stability of the framework determines significant compression of the S-centered [SCu₆] octahedron in its interstices, bringing together copper atoms to 3.145(1) Å and shortening the Cu-S distances to 2.224(1) Å     

Crystal and molecular structure of [Au(C<Subscript>14</Subscript>H<Subscript>24</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript>)][H<Subscript>3</Subscript>O](ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The crystal and molecular structure of doubly protonated tetraazamacrocyclic complex of gold(III) [Au(C₁₄H₂₄N₄)][H₃O](ClO₄)₄ has been determined. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 11.158(2) Å, b = 8.243(1) Å, c = 14.756(2) Å; β = 98.65(1)°, V = 1341.8(3) ų, Z = 2, ρ(calc) = 1.134 g/cm³, space group P2₁/n. The structure is built of almost flat centrosymmetrical Au(C₁₄H₂₄N₄)]³⁺ and [H₃O]⁺ cations and [ClO₄]^? anions. The gold atom is coordinated with four nitrogen atoms of the ligand forming a flat square. The coordinated ligand is protonated at its γ-carbon atoms of the two six-membered chelate rings. The Au-N bond lengths are almost identical (the mean value is 1.994 Å). The six-membered rings of the complex contain C=N diimine bonds. The [H₃O]⁺ oxonium ion has H-bonds with the oxygen atoms of perchlorate ions.     

Crystal structure of Li(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>3</Subscript>[GaEdta]

The ethylenediaminetetraacetate complex Li(H₂O)₃[Ga(Edta)] was synthesized and its crystal structure composed of octahedral (Ga(Edta)⁻ anions connected to the Li(H₂O)₃⁺ ion through the oxygen atom was studied. Five of the six hydrogen atoms of water molecules are involved in weak hydrogen bonds with the oxygen atoms of four Ga(Edta)⁻ complexes, the complex anion is hydrogen-bonded to five water molecules. In addition, shortened contacts C(221)–H(22A)…O(112) between the Ga(Edta)⁻ anions were found. As a result, the molecular packing in the crystal is determined by the three-dimensional lace of hydrogen bonds. The results are compared with published data for the lithium salts of Bi(III), Sb(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Hg(II) ethylenediaminetetraacetates.