Oxygen extrusion from amidate ligands to generate terminal Ta=O units under reducing conditions. How to successfully use amidate ligands in dinitrogen coordination chemistry

A series of mixed Cp* amidate tantalum complexes Cp*Ta(RNC(O)R')X(3) (where R = Me(2)C(6)H(3), (i)Pr, R' = (t)Bu, Ph, X = Cl, Me) have been prepared via salt metathesis and their fundamental reactivities under reducing conditions have been explored. Reaction of the tantalum chloro precursors with potassium graphite under N(2) or Ar leads to the stereoselective formation of the terminal tantalum oxo species, Cp*Ta=O(η(2)-RN=CR')Cl. This represents the formal extrusion of oxygen from the amidate ligand to the reduced tantalum center and is accompanied by the formation of the iminoacyl fragment bound to Ta(v). Amidate dinitrogen complexes, [Cp*TaCl(RNC(O)(t)Bu)](2)(μ-N(2)) (where R = Me(2)C(6)H(3), (i)Pr) were synthesized via salt metathesis from the known [Cp*TaCl(2)](2)(μ-N(2)) precursor, establishing that amidate ligands can support dinitrogen complexes, but not the reduction process often necessary for their synthesis.     

Synthesis, reactivity, and DFT studies of tantalum complexes incorporating diamido-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. Facile endocyclic C-H bond activation

The syntheses of tantalum derivatives with the potentially tridentate diamido-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand are described. Aminolysis and alkane elimination reactions with the diamine-NHC ligands, (Ar)[NCN]H(2) (where (Ar)[NCN]H(2) = (ArNHCH(2)CH(2))(2)(C(3)N(2)); Ar = Mes, p-Tol), provided complexes with a bidentate amide-amine donor configuration. Attempts to promote coordination of the remaining pendent amine donor were unsuccessful. Metathesis reactions with the dilithiated diamido-NHC ligand ((Ar)[NCN]Li(2)) and various Cl(x)Ta(NR'(2))(5-)(x) precursors were successful and generated the desired octahedral (Ar)[NCN]TaCl(x)(NR'(2))(3-)(x) complexes. Attempts to prepare trialkyl tantalum complexes by this methodology resulted in the formation of an unusual metallaaziridine derivative. DFT calculations on model complexes show that the strained metallaaziridine ring forms because it allows the remaining substituents to adopt preferable bonding positions. The calculations predict that the lowest energy pathway involves a tantalum alkylidene intermediate, which undergoes C-H bond activation alpha to the amido to form the metallaaziridine moiety. This mechanism was confirmed by examining the distribution of deuterium atoms in an experiment between (Mes)[NCN]Li(2) and Cl(2)Ta(CD(2)Ph)(3). The single-crystal X-ray structures of (p)(-Tol)[NCNH]Ta(NMe(2))(4) (3), (Mes)[NCNH]Ta=CHPh(CH(2)Ph)(2) (4), (p)(-Tol)[NCN]Ta(NMe(2))(3) (7), (Mes)[NCCN]Ta(CH(2)(t)Bu)(2) (11), and (Mes)[NCCN]TaCl(CH(2)(t)Bu) (14) are included.     

Synthesis and reactivity of perhalogenated acyclic and metallacyclic tantalum(V) phosphoraniminato complexes: discovery of an unexpected ligand coupling reaction to form the novel phosphazenium salt

The reaction of TaCl5 with a single equivalent of Cl3P=NSiMe3 resulted in the isolation of the perhalogenated (phosphoraniminato) tantalum(V) complex TaCl4(N=PCl3) (1). Reaction of 1 with an excess of THF and subsequent cooling produced crystals of TaCl4(N=PCl3)(THF) (1.THF), which possesses a distorted octahedral Ta center with a THF molecule coordinated trans to the phosphoraniminato ligand. The reaction of 1 with the aminophosphoranimine, (Me3Si)2NPCl2=NSiMe3, resulted in a [3 + 1] cyclocondensation reaction to form the metallacyclic complex, TaCl3(N=PCl3)[N(SiMe3)PCl2N(SiMe3)] (2), which contains a TaNPN four-membered ring and a phosphoraniminato ligand (N=PCl3). The analogous [3 + 1] cyclocondensation reaction between (Me3Si)2NPCl2=NSiMe3 and TaCl5 led to the isolation of TaCl4[N(SiMe3)PCl2N(SiMe3)] (3). An attempt to cleave the NPN ligand from the Ta center in 2 via protonolysis with HCl led to an unusual phosphoraniminato ligand coupling reaction to yield the novel phosphazenium salt [N(PCl2NH2)2][TaCl6] (4). All new compounds (1.THF and complexes 1-4) were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

The chemistry and preparation of tantalum complexes with 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid: experimental and theoretical investigation

The effect of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3DHBA, pyrocatechuic acid) on the chloro-alkoxo-species [TaCl(5-x)(OMe)(x)], formed by dissolving TaCl(5) in MeOH, has been studied. The coordination of 2,3DHBA-H(2)(-) on Ta (V) replacing MeO-terminal groups was monitored via NMR spectroscopy. The yellow solid 1 was isolated from the mixture of TaCl(5), with neutral 2,3-DHBA, in MeOH. From this solid the elemental (C, H and Ta), the thermogravimetric analyses, the IR, NMR, ESR and electronic spectra support the formula Ta(2)(2,3DHBA)(2)(O)(2)Cl(4)(MeO)(4). The ESR spectrum of solid 1, at 4.2 K, shows a half-field signal apart from a multiline signal around g=2, supporting evidence for semiquinone and Ta (IV) presence. The occurrence of superoxide radical, in the low temperature of ESR spectrum recording, cannot be ruled out. By heating the solid 1 at 500°C, an oxide phase showing porous character (SEM) and retaining CO(2) (IR), is evident. Solid 1 heated at 900°C, leads to the formation of β-Ta(2)O(5) orthorhombic phase, as the XRD pattern indicates. The hydrolytic process of solid 1, in aqueous solutions, has been studied; the presence of paramagnetic species generated in situ upon addition of base and the consequent degradative process of 2,3-DHBA, under aerobic conditions is obvious. In order to gain information for the structure of solid 1, DFT calculations have been performed for some theoretical models, based on the empirical formula of solid 1. The calculated structural and spectroscopic parameters have been correlated to experimental results. The energy optimized structures may give an idea about the way of MeCl and MeOMe formation as well some possible intermediates of the hydrolytic mechanism.     

Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies of the chloro and oxochloro complex formation of Nb(V) and Ta(V) in NaCl-AlCl3 melts

The equilibrium constant for the chloro complex formation of Nb(V) NbCl6-<--->NbCl5+Cl- (i) in NaCl-AlCl3 melts at 175 degrees C was found to be pKi = 2.86(5). The oxochloro complex formation of Nb(V) and Ta(V) in NaCl-AlCl3 melts at 175 degrees C could be explained by the following equilibria: MOCl4- <-->MOCl3+Cl- (ii) MOCl3<-->MOCl2(+)+Cl- (iii) where M = Nb and Ta. The equilibrium constants determined by potentiometric measurements with chlorine-chloride electrodes were, for M = Nb, pKii = 2.21(4) and pKiii = 3.95(5) and, for M = Ta, pKii = 2.743(15) and pKiii = 4.521(13). NbCl6- has two bands in the UV-vis region, a strong one at 34.7 x 10(3) cm-1 and a weaker one at 41.6 x 10(3) cm-1. The MOCl4- complexes showed in the case of Nb(V) absorption bands at 32.7 and 42.9 x 10(3) cm-1 and in the case of Ta(V) at 38.6 and 48.1 x 10(3) cm-1.     

Three 18-Electron Tantalum(I) Compounds, TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2), [TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2)](2x), and TaCl(CO)(4)(dppe) (dppe = 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), Which Exhibit Low Levels of Paramagnetism

Reductive carbonylation of TaCl(5) in the presence of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) under the appropriate conditions results in the formation of TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2) (1), as the major product, and the possibly cyclic oligomer [TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2)](2)(x)() (2, 2x >/= 4) as a minor product. Carbonylation of 1 (1 atm) results in the rapid but reversible formation of TaCl(CO)(4)(dppe) (3). Solutions of all three compounds exhibit low levels of paramagnetism, possibly attributable to thermal population of low-lying triplet excited states. Crystal data for the toluene solvate of 1, C(68)H(64)ClO(2)P(4)Ta: triclinic, P&onemacr; (No. 2), a = 13.937(12) ?, b = 14.811(7) ?, c = 14.929(9) ?, alpha = 102.30(5) degrees, beta = 95.60(7) degrees, gamma = 98.41(5) degrees, Z = 2.     

Mono(cycloheptatrienyl) tantalum chemistry: synthesis and characterization of new tantalum halide, hydride, and alkyl species

The new tantalum(II) complex (eta (6)-C 7H 8)TaCl 2(PMe 3) 2 ( 1) was synthesized by the reduction of TaCl 5 with n-butyllithium in the presence of PMe 3 and cycloheptatriene. Compound 1 adopts a four-legged piano stool structure in which the tantalum center is bound to a eta (6)-cycloheptatriene ring in addition to two chlorides and two phosphine ligands in a transoid arrangement. Treatment of 1 with methyllithium results in a loss of the equivalents of HCl and formation of the eta (7)-cycloheptatrienyl complex (eta (7)-C 7H 7)TaCl(PMe 3) 2 ( 2), whereas treatment of 1 with sodium or sodium borohydride affords small amounts of the eta (5)-cycloheptadienyl complex (eta (5)-C 7H 9)TaCl 2(PMe 3) 2 ( 3). Compound 2 adopts a three-legged piano stool structure; the eta (7)-C 7H 7 ring is fully aromatic and planar. The molecular structure of 3 is similar to that of 1, except for the eta (5) binding mode of the seven-membered ring. Treatment of the previously described sandwich compound (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7) with allyl bromide affords the tantalum(V) product (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7)Br ( 4), which reacts with LiAlH 4 to give the tantalum(V) hydride (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7)H ( 5). Compound 4 also reacts with alkylating agents to generate the methyl, allyl, and cyclopropyl complexes (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7)Me ( 6), (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7)(eta (1)-CH 2CHCH 2) ( 7), and (C 5Me 5)Ta(C 7H 7)(c-C 3H 5) ( 8). Compounds 4- 8 all adopt bent sandwich structures in which the dihedral angle between the two carbocyclic rings is 34.9 degrees for the bromo compound 4, 26.6 degrees for the hydride 5, 33.1 degrees for the methyl compound 6, 34.2 degrees for the allyl compound 7, and 37.5 degrees for the cyclopropyl compound 8. (1)H and (13)C NMR data are reported for the diamagnetic compounds.     

Four-electron reduction of dinitrogen during solution disproportionation of the organodimetallic (eta-C5Me4R)2Ta2(mu-Cl)4(R = Me, Et) to a new mu-eta1,eta1-N2 complex and odd-electron organotrimetallic cluster

(C5Me5R)2Ta2Cl4 (d2-d2) disproportionates under dinitrogen to [(C5Me4R)TaCl2]2(mu-N2) and the D3h cluster cation (C5Me4R)3Ta3(mu-Cl)6+ with anionic (C5Me4R)TaCl4-.     

The course of (R2R'SiO)3TaCl2 (R = tBu, R' = H, Me, Ph, tBu (silox); R = iPr, R' = tBu, iPr) reduction is dependent on siloxide size

Various sized siloxides (Cy(3)SiO > (t)Bu(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)PhSiO > (t)Bu(2)MeSiO approximately (i)Pr(2)(t)BuSiO > (i)Pr(3)SiO > (t)Bu(2)HSiO) were used to make (R(2)R'SiO)(3)TaCl(2) (R = (t)Bu, R' = H (1-H), Me (1-Me), Ph (1-Ph), (t)Bu (1); R = (i)Pr, R' = (t)Bu (1-(i)Pr(2)); R = R' = (i)Pr (1-(i)Pr(3)); R = R' = (c)Hex (Cy)). Product analyses of sodium amalgam reductions of several dichlorides suggest that [(R(2)R'SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) may be a common intermediate. When the siloxide is large (1-(t)Bu), formation of the Ta(III) species ((t)Bu(3)SiO)(3)Ta (6) occurs via disproportionation. When the siloxide is small, the Ta(IV) intermediate is stable (e.g., [((i)Pr(3)SiO)(3)Ta](2)(mu-Cl)(2) (2)), and when intermediate sized siloxides are used, solvent bond activation via unstable Ta(III) tris-siloxides is proposed to occur. Under hydrogen, reductions of 1-Me and 1-Ph provide Ta(IV) and Ta(V) hydrides [((t)Bu(2)MeSiO)(3)Ta](2)(micro-H)(2) (4-Me) and ((t)Bu(2)PhSiO)(3)TaH(2) (7-Ph), respectively.     

Luminescent gold(I) and silver(I) complexes of 2-(diphenylphosphino)-1-methylimidazole (dpim): characterization of a three-coordinate Au(I)-Ag(I) dimer with a short metal-metal separation

The Au(I) and Ag(I) closed-shell metal dimers of 2-(diphenylphosphino)-1-methylimidazole, dpim, were investigated. dpim formed the discreet binuclear species [Ag2(dpim)2(CH3CN)2](2+) (1) when reacted with appropriate Ag(I) salts. Likewise, [Au2(dpim)2](2+) (3) and [AuAg(dpim)3](2+) (4) were produced via reactions with (tht)AuCl, tht is tetrahydrothiophene, and Ag(I). Compound 3 exhibits an intense blue luminescence (lambdamax=483 nm) in the solid state. However, upon initial formation of 3, a small impurity of Cl- was present giving rise to an orange emission (lambdamax=548 nm). Attempts to form [Au2(dpim)2]Cl2 yielded only (dpim)AuCl (2), which is not visibly emissive. The rare three-coordinate heterobimetallic complex [AuAg(dpim)3](2+) (4) exhibits intense luminescence in the solid-state resembling that of 3. The crystal structures of 1-4 were determined, revealing strong intramolecular aurophilic and argentophilic interactions in the dimeric compounds. Compound 1 has an Ag(I)-Ag(I) separation of 2.9932(9) A, while compound 3 has a Au(I)-Au(I) separation of 2.8174(10) A. Compound 4 represents the first example of a three-coordinate Au(I)-Ag(I) dimer and has a metal-metal separation of 2.8635(15) A. The linear Au(I) monomer, 2, has no intermolecular Au(I)-Au(I) interactions, with the closest separation greater than 6.8 A.     

Vanadium 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (V[TCNQ]2)-based magnets

A new family of molecule-based magnets of general formula V[TCNQR(2)](2).zCH(2)Cl(2) has been synthesized and characterized (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane; R = H, Br, Me, Et, i-Pr, OMe, OEt, and OPh). In addition, solid solutions of V[TCNQ](x)()[TCNQ(OEt)(2)](2)(-)(x)().zCH(2)Cl(2) composition have been prepared. Except R = Br, magnetic ordering was observed for all materials, with T(c) values between 7.5 K (R = Me) and 106 K (R = OEt), with R = H at 52 K. The substitution of electron-donating OMe and OEt groups for H in TCNQ increased T(c), whereas the substitution of less electron-donating alkyl groups (with respect to alkoxy groups) decreased T(c). The results of MO calculations indicate that neither the spin nor charge densities of the disubstituted TCNQs are sufficiently different to explain the wide range of critical temperatures. Although the structures of the amorphous materials are not known, it is proposed that the oxygen atom of the [TCNQR(2)](*)(-) acceptor (R = OMe and OEt) and the V(II) interact to form a seven-membered ring. This interaction could stabilize the structure and enhance the magnetic coupling, leading to an increased T(c). The magnetic properties of V[TCNQ](x)()[TCNQ(OEt)(2)](2)(-)(x)().zCH(2)Cl(2) deviated from the expected linear relationship with respect to x, exhibiting magnetic behavior more characteristic of a step function in a plot of T(c) versus x.     

Solvation of uranyl(II), europium(III) and europium(II) cations in "basic" room-temperature ionic liquids: a theoretical study

We report a molecular dynamics study of the solvation of UO2(2+), Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions in two "basic" (Lewis acidity) room-temperature ionic liquids (IL) composed of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium cation (EMI+) and a mixture of AlCl4- and Cl- anions, in which the Cl-/AlCl4- ratio is about 1 and 3, respectively. The study reveals the importance of the [UO2Cl4]2- species, which spontaneously form during most simulations, and that the first solvation shell of europium is filled with Cl- and AlCl4- ions embedded in a cationic EMI+ shell. The stability of the [UO2Cl4]2- and [Eu(III)Cl6]3- complexes is supported by quantum mechanical calculations, according to which the uranyl and europium cations intrinsically prefer Cl- to the AlCl4- ion. In the gas phase, however, [Eu(III)Cl6]3- and [Eu(II)Cl6]4- complexes are predicted to be metastable and to lose two to three Cl- ions. This contrasts with the results of simulations of complexes in ILs, in which the "solvation" of the europium complexes increases with the number of coordinated chlorides, leading to an equilibrium between different chloro species. The behavior of the hydrated [Eu(OH2)8]3+ complex is considered in the basic liquids; the complex exchanges H2O molecules with Cl- ions to form mixed [EuCl3(OH2)4] and [EuCl4(OH2)3]- complexes. The results of the simulations allow us to better understand the microscopic nature and solvation of lanthanide and actinide complexes in "basic" ionic liquids.     

Tris(eta4-naphthalene)- and tris(1-4-eta4-anthracene)tantalate(1-): first homoleptic arene complexes of anionic tantalum

Reduction of tantalum pentachloride by 6 equiv of sodium naphthalene in 1,2-dimethoxyethane provided, after recrystallization from tetrahydrofuran, 50-55% yields of yellow, pyrophoric [Na(THF)][Ta(C10H8)3]. The product was shown by 1H and 13C NMR spectra and an X-ray study (on the corresponding [Na(crypt 2.2.2)]salt) to be tris(eta4-naphthalene)tantalate(1-), 1, the first homoleptic naphthalene complex of a third row (5d) transition metal. Salts of 1 react under mild conditions with excess CO (1 atm pressure, -60 degrees to +20 degrees C) and 3 equiv of anthracene, C14H10 (20 degrees C), to give 99 and 52% yields of yellow [Ta(CO)6]- and orange [Ta(C14H10)3]-, (2), respectively. The latter is the first homoleptic anthracene complex of a group 5 element and only the third one known, the others being Cr(eta6-C14H10)2 and [Co(eta4-C14H10)2]-. NMR spectra and X-ray structural characterization, as the [Na(crypt 2.2.2)] salt, established 2 to be [Ta(1-4-eta4-C14H10)3]- and is very similar to 1 in solution and in the solid state. Salts of 2 also undergo facile ligand substitution reactions. For example, it reacts with 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene, COT, at 20 degrees in THF to give high yields of the previously known [Ta(COT)3]-, which was structurally characterized as the Na(crypt 2.2.2)salt. One particularly important feature concerning 1 and 2 is that they are the first available synthons for "naked" atomic Ta- and promise to be useful reagents for the general exploration of low-valent tantalum chemistry. Also, 1 and 2 represent the first homoleptic arene tantalum complexes to have been prepared by conventional syntheses. The only previously known substance of this class is the neutral bis(benzene)tantalum(0), which was accessed by the co-condensation of atomic tantalum and benzene vapor in a sophisticated (electron-gun furnace equipped) metal atom reactor.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a new series of vanadoselenites, [Se(x)V(4-x)O(12-x)](4-x)- (x=1,2)

Two new vanadoselenites, [SeV(3)O(11)](3)(-) and [Se(2)V(2)O(10)](2)(-), were synthesized by reacting SeO(2) with VO(3)(-). Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses of [(n-C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)[SeV(3)O(11)].0.5H(2)O [orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2, a = 22.328(5) A, b = 44.099(9) A, c = 12.287(3) A, Z = 8] and [[(C(6)H(5))(3)P](2)N](2)[Se(2)V(2)O(10)] [monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 12.2931(3) A, b = 13.5101(3) A, c = 20.9793(5) A, beta = 106.307(1) degrees, Z = 2] revealed that both anions are composed of Se(x)()V(4)(-)(x)()O(4) rings. The (51)V, (77)Se, and (17)O NMR spectra established that both [SeV(3)O(11)](3)(-) and [Se(2)V(2)O(10)](2)(-) anions maintain this ring structure in solution.     

Molekül‐ und Kristallstruktur von Bis[chloro(μ‐phenylimido)(η5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)tantal(IV)](Ta–Ta), [{TaCl(μ‐NPh)Cp*}2]

Molecular and Crystal Structure of Bis[chloro(μ‐phenylimido)(η⁵‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)tantalum(IV)](Ta–Ta), [{TaCl(μ‐NPh)Cp*}₂] Despite the steric hindrance of the central atom in [TaCl₂(NPh)Cp*] (Ph = C₆H₅, Cp* = η⁵‐C₅(CH₃)₅), caused by the Cp* ligand, the imido‐ligand takes a change in bond structure when this educt is reduced to the binuclear complex [{TaCl(μ‐NPh)Cp*}₂] in which tantalum is stabilized in the unusual oxidation state +4.     

New octahedral Ta(V) hydrazido-substituted compounds for atomic layer deposition: Syntheses,X-ray diffraction structures of TaCl(NMe2)3[N(TMS)NMe2] and Ta(NMe2)4[N(TMS)NMe2], and fluxional behavior of the amido and hydrazido ligands in solution

The synthesis and structural characterization of new tantalum(V) compounds containing a single hydrazido(I) ligand are reported. Hydrazinolysis of TaCl(NMe₂)₄ using trimethylsilyl(dimethyl)hydrazine affords the compound TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] in essentially quantitative yield. Metathetical replacement of the chloride ligand in TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] by LiNMe₂ gives the all-nitrogen coordinated compound Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂]. VT ¹H NMR studies support the existence of low-energy pathways involving rotation about the Ta–N bonds of the ancillary amido and hydrazido ligands in both hydrazido-substituted compounds. X-ray crystallographic analyses confirm the octahedral disposition about the tantalum metal in TaCl(NMe₂)₃[N(TMS)NMe₂] and Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂] and the presence of an η²-hydrazido(I) ligand. Preliminary data using Ta(NMe₂)₄[N(TMS)NMe₂] as an ALD precursor for the preparation of tantalum nitride and tantalum oxide thin films are presented.     

Reactivity of niobium(v) and tantalum(v) halides with carbonyl compounds: synthesis of simple coordination adducts, C-H bond activation, C=O protonation, and halide transfer

The metal halides of Group 5 MX(5) (M = Nb, Ta; X = F, Cl, Br) react with ketones and acetylacetones affording the octahedral complexes [MX(5)(ketone)] () and [TaX(4){kappa(2)(O)-OC(Me)C(R)C(Me)O}] (R = H, Me, ), respectively. The adducts [MX(5)(acetone)] are still reactive towards acetone, acetophenone or benzophenone, giving the aldolate species [MX(4){kappa(2)(O)-OC(Me)CH(2)C(R)(R')O}] (). The syntheses of (M = Ta, X = F, R = R' = Ph) and (M = Ta, X = Cl, R = Me, R' = Ph) take place with concomitant formation of [(Ph(2)CO)(2)-H][TaF(6)], and [(MePhCO)(2)-H][TaCl(6)], respectively. The compounds [acacH(2)][TaF(6)], and [TaF{OC(Me)C(Me)C(Me)O}(3)][TaF(6)], have been isolated as by-products in the reactions of TaF(5) with acacH and 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione, respectively. The molecular structures of, and have been ascertained by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Synthesis and characterization of [PtIn6](GeO4)2O and its solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2): gradual color change of the solid solution from black (x = 0) to yellow (x = 2) as a consequence of quantum dot effect

A new phase [PtIn6](GeO4)2O, a filled variant of [PtIn6](GaO4)2, and the solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2) were prepared and characterized. Single-crystal structure refinements show that [PtIn6](GeO4)2O is isotypic with the mineral, sulfohalite Na6FCl(SO4)2, and crystallizes in the space group Fmm (Z = 4) with a = 1006.0(1) pm. The building units of [PtIn6](GeO4)2O are isolated [PtIn6]10+ octahedra and (GeO4)4- tetrahedra, and the isolated O2- ions occupy the centers of the In6 octahedra made up of six adjacent PtIn6 octahedra. The lattice parameter of the solid solution [PtIn6](GaO4)(2-x)(GeO4)xOx/2 (0 < or = x < or = 2) varies gradually from a = 1001.3(1) pm at x = 0 to a = 1006.0(1) pm at x = 2, and the color of the solid solution changes gradually from black (x = 0) to red (x = 1) to yellow (x = 2). The cause for the gradual color change was examined by performing density functional theory electronic structure calculations for the end members [PtIn6](GaO4)2 and [PtIn6](GeO4)2O. Our analysis indicates that an oxygen atom at the center of a In6 octahedron cuts the In 5p/In 5p bonding interactions between adjacent [PtIn6]10+ octahedra thereby raising the bottom of the conduction bands, and the resulting quantum dot effect is responsible for the color change.     

High-dimensional assembly depending on polyoxoanion templates, metal ion coordination geometries, and a flexible bis(imidazole) ligand

By introducing the flexible 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole) (bbi) ligand into the polyoxovanadate system, five novel polyoxoanion-templated architectures based on [As(8)V(14)O(42)](4-) and [V(16)O(38)Cl](6-) building blocks were obtained: [M(bbi)(2)](2)[As(8)V(14)O(42)(H(2)O)] [M = Co (1), Ni (2), and Zn (3)], [Cu(bbi)](4)[As(8)V(14)O(42)(H(2)O)] (4), and [Cu(bbi)](6)[V(16)O(38)Cl] (5). Compounds 1-3 are isostructural, and they exhibit a binodal (4,6)-connected 2D structure with Schl?fli symbol (3(4) x 4(2))(3(4) x 4(4) x 5(4) x 6(3))(2), in which the polyoxoanion induces a closed four-membered circuit of M(4)(bbi)(4). Compound 4 exhibits an interesting 3D framework constructed from tetradentate [As(8)V(14)O(42)](4-) cluster anions and cationic ladderlike double chains. There exists a bigger M(8)(bbi)(6)O(2) circuit in 4. The 3D extended structure of 5 is composed of heptadentate [V(16)O(38)Cl](6-) anions and flexural cationic chains; the latter consists of six Cu(bbi) segments arranged alternately. It presents the largest 24-membered circuit of M(24)(bbi)(24) so far observed made of bbi molecules and transition-metal cations. Investigation of their structural relations shows the important template role of the polyoxoanions and the synergetic interactions among the polyoxoanions, transition-metal ions, and flexible ligand in the assembly process. The magnetic properties of compounds 1-3 were also studied.     

Solid state NMR characterization of individual compounds and solid solutions formed in Sc(2)O(3)--V(2)O(5)--Nb(2)O(5)--Ta(2)O(5) system

In this study, (51)V, (45)Sc and (93)Nb MAS NMR combined with satellite transition spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize the complex solid mixtures: VNb(9(1-x))Ta(9x)O(25), ScNb((1-x))Ta(x)O(4) and ScNb(2(1-x))Ta(2x)VO(9) (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0). This led us to describe the structures of Sc and V sites. The conclusions were based on accurate values for (51)V quadrupole coupling and chemical shift tensors obtained with (51)V MAS NMR/SATRAS for VNb(9)O(25), VTa(9)O(25) and ScVO(4). The (45)Sc NMR parameters have been obtained for Sc(2)O(3), ScVO(4), ScNbO(4) and ScTaO(4). On the basis of (45)Sc NMR and data available from literature, the ranges of the (45)Sc chemical shift have been established for ScO(6) and ScO(8). The gradual change of the (45)Sc and (51)V NMR parameters with x confirms the formation of solid solutions in the process of synthesis of VNb(9(1-x))Ta(9x)O(25) and ScNb((1-x))Ta(x)O(4), in contrast to ScNb(2(1-x))Ta(2x)VO(9). The cation sublattice of ScNb((1-x))Ta(x)O(4) is found to be in octahedral coordination. The V sites in VNb(9(1-x))Ta(9x)O(25) are present in the form of slightly distorted tetrahedra. The (93)Nb NMR parameters have been obtained for VNb(9)O(25).