Reaction of Pertechnetate in Highly Alkaline Solution: Synthesis and Characterization of the Nitridotrioxotechnetate Ba[TcO3N]

The preparation of novel technetium oxides, their characterization and the general investigation of technetium chemistry are of significant importance, since fundamental research has so far mainly focused on the group homologues. Whereas the structure chemistry of technetium in strongly oxidizing media is dominated by the anion, our recent investigation yielded the new anion. Brown single crystals of Ba[TcO₃N] were obtained under hydrothermal conditions starting from Ba(OH)₂ ⋅ 8H₂O and NH₄[TcO₄] at 200 °C. crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the space group P2₁/n (a=7.2159(4) Å, b=7.8536(5) Å, c=7.4931(4) Å and β=104.279(2)°). The crystal structure of consists of isolated tetrahedra, which are surrounded by Ba²⁺ cations. XANES measurements complement the oxidation state +VII for technetium and Raman spectroscopic experiments on Ba[TcO₃N] single crystals exhibit characteristic Tc−O and Tc−N vibrational modes.     

Synthesis and Characterization of [Br3][MF6] (M=Sb,Ir), as well as Quantum Chemical Study of [Br3]+ Structure,Chemical Bonding,and Relativistic Effects Compared with [XBr2]+ (X=Br,I, At,Ts) and [TsZ2]+ (Z=F,Cl, Br,I, At,Ts)

[Br₃][SbF₆] and [Br₃][IrF₆] were synthesized by interaction of BrF₃ with Sb₂O₃ or iridium metal, respectively. The former compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a=11.9269(7), b=11.5370(7), c=12.0640(6) Å, V=1660.01(16) ų, Z=8 at 100 K. The latter compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P (No. 2) with a=5.4686(5), b=7.6861(8), c=9.9830(9) Å, α=85.320(8), β=82.060(7), γ=78.466(7)°, V=406.56(7) ų, Z=2 at 100 K. Both compounds contain the cation [Br₃]⁺, which has a bent structure and is coordinated by octahedron-like anions [MF₆]⁻ (M=Sb, Ir). Experimentally obtained cell parameters, bond lengths, and angles are confirmed by solid-state DFT calculations, which differ from the experimental values by less than 2 %. Relativistic effects on the structure of the tribromonium(1+) cation are studied computationally and found to be small. For the heaviest analogues containing At and Ts, however, pronounced relativistic effects are found, which lead to a linear structure of the polyhalogen cation.     

Synthesis,Structure and Nickel Carbonyl Complexes of Dialkylterphenyl Phosphines

The experimental and computational characterization of a series of dialkylterphenyl phosphines, PR₂Ar′ is described. The new P-donors comprise five compounds of general formula PR₂Ar (R=Me, Et, iPr, c-C₅H₉ and c-C₆H₁₁); Ar = 2,6-C₆H₃-(3,5-C₆H₃-(CMe₃)₂)₂), and another five PR₂Ar′ phosphines containing the bulky alkyl groups iPr, c-C₅H₉ or c-C₆H₁₁, in combination with Ar′=Ar , Ar , or Ar ( L1 – L10 ). Steric and electronic parameters have been determined computationally and from IR and X-ray data obtained for the phosphines and for some derivatives, including tricarbonyl and dicarbonyl nickel complexes, Ni(CO)₃(PR₂Ar′) and Ni(CO)₂(PR₂Ar′). In the solid state, the free phosphines PR₂Ar′ adopt one of the three possible structures formally related by rotation around the C_ipso−P bond. Details on their relative energies and on the influence of the free phosphine structure on its coordination chemistry towards Ni(CO)_n (n = 2, 3) fragments has been obtained by experimental and computational methods.     

The Crystal Structures of α- and β-F2 Revisited

The crystal structures of α-F₂ and β-F₂ have been reinvestigated using neutron powder diffraction. For the low-temperature phase α-F₂, which is stable below circa 45.6 K, the monoclinic space group C2/c with lattice parameters a=5.4780(12), b=3.2701(7), c=7.2651(17) Å, β=102.088(18)°, V=127.26(5) ų, mS8, Z=4 at 10 K can now be confirmed. The structure model was significantly improved, allowed for the anisotropic refinement of the F atom, and an F−F bond length of 1.404(12) Å was obtained, which is in excellent agreement with spectroscopic data and high-level quantum chemical predictions. The high-temperature phase β-F₂, stable between circa 45.6 K and the melting point of 53.53 K, crystallizes in the cubic primitive space group Pm n with the lattice parameter a=6.5314(15) Å, V=278.62(11) ų, cP16, Z=8, at 48 K. β-F₂ is isotypic to γ-O₂ and δ-N₂. The centres of gravity of the F₂ molecules are arranged like the atoms in the Cr₃Si structure type.     

Bromine Pentafluoride BrF5, the Formation of [BrF6]− Salts,and the Stereochemical (In)activity of the Bromine Lone Pairs

BrF₅ can be prepared by treating BrF₃ with fluorine under UV light in the region of 300 to 400 nm at room temperature. It was analyzed by UV-Vis, NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Its crystal structure was redetermined by X-ray diffraction, and its space group was corrected to Pnma. Quantum-chemical calculations were performed for the band assignment of the vibrational spectra. A monoclinic polymorph of BrF₅ was quantum chemically predicted and then observed as its low-temperature modification in space group P2₁/c by single crystal X-ray diffraction. BrF₅ reacts with the alkali metal fluorides AF (A=K, Rb) to form alkali metal hexafluoridobromates(V), A[BrF₆] the crystal structures of which have been determined. Both compounds crystallize in the K[AsF₆] structure type (R , no. 148, hR24). For the species [BrF₆]⁺, BrF₅, [BrF₆]⁻, and [IF₆]⁻, the chemical bonds and lone pairs on the heavy atoms were investigated by means of intrinsic bond orbital analysis.     

Synthesis,Structure, Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy,and Electronic Structures of the Phosphidotrielates Li3AlP2 and Li3GaP2

The lithium phosphidoaluminate Li₉AlP₄ represents a promising new compound with a high lithium ion mobility. This triggered the search for new members in the family of lithium phosphidotrielates, and the novel compounds Li₃AlP₂ and Li₃GaP₂, obtained directly from the elements via ball milling and subsequent annealing, are reported here. It was unexpectedly found through band structure calculations that Li₃AlP₂ and Li₃GaP₂ are direct band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 3.1 and 2.8 eV, respectively. Rietveld analyses reveal that both compounds crystallize isotypically in the orthorhombic space group Cmce (no. 64) with lattice parameters of a=11.5138(2), b=11.7634(2) and c=5.8202(1) Å for Li₃AlP₂, and a=11.5839(2), b=11.7809(2) and c=5.8129(2) Å for Li₃GaP₂. The crystal structures feature TrP₄ (Tr=Al, Ga) corner- and edge-sharing tetrahedra, forming two-dimensional layers. The lithium atoms are located between and inside these layers. The crystal structures were confirmed by MAS-NMR spectroscopy.     

Structure Elucidation of a Melam–Melem Adduct by a Combined Approach of Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and DFT Calculations

Melam-melem (1:1), an adduct compound that can be obtained from dicyandiamide in autoclave reactions at 450 °C and elevated ammonia pressure, had previously been described based on mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, but only incompletely characterized. The crystal structure of this compound has now been elucidated by means of synchrotron microfocus diffraction and subsequent quantum-chemical structure optimization applying DFT methods. The structure was refined in triclinic space group P based on X-ray data. Cell parameters of a=4.56(2), b=19.34(8), c=21.58(11) Å, α=73.34(11)°, β=89.1(2)°, and γ=88.4(2)° were experimentally obtained. The resulting cell volumes agree with the DFT optimized value to within 7 %. Molecular units in the structure form stacks that are interconnected by a vast array of hydrogen bridge interactions. Remarkably large melam dihedral angles of 48.4° were found that allow melam to interact with melem molecules from different stack layers, thus forming a 3D network. π-stacking interactions appear to play no major role in this structure.     

Facile Syntheses of pure Uranium(III) Halides: UF3, UCl3, UBr3, and UI3

Herein we describe a convenient lab scale synthesis for pure and solvent‐free binary uranium(III) halides UCl₃, UBr₃, and UI₃. This is achieved by the reduction of the respective uranium(IV) halides with elemental silicon in borosilicate ampoules at moderate temperature. The silicon tetrahalides SiX₄ formed as a side product are utilized for the removal of excess starting material via a chemical vapor transport reaction. The syntheses introduced herein avoid the need for pure metallic uranium and are based on uranium(IV) halides synthesized from UO₂ and the respective aluminum halides and purified by chemical vapor transport. These uranium(III) halides are obtained in single crystalline form. A similar reaction yields UF₃ as a microcrystalline powder. However, no beneficial transport reaction occurs with this halide. Also, a higher temperature has to be applied and steel ampoules have to be used. The identities and purity of the products were checked by powder X‐ray diffraction as well as IR spectroscopy. The synthesis of UI₃ enabled its crystal structure determination on single crystals for the first time. UI₃ crystallizes in the PuBr₃ structure type with space group type Cmcm and a = 4.3208(9), b = 13.923(3), c = 9.923(2) Å, V = 596.9(2) ų, and Z = 4 at T = 100 K.     

An Unexpected New Member of the Family of Lithium Oxonitridosilicates – Li7Si2NO6

With Li₇Si₂NO₆, a new member of the family of lithium oxonitridosilicates with a so far unseen structure type could be synthesized. Using a high-temperature solid-state reaction in open nickel crucibles under nitrogen flow, it was possible to obtain single crystals from the starting materials SiO₂, Li₃N, and Li₂O at temperatures of 900 °C. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data yielded lattice parameters of a=5.0934(2), b=7.4128(2), c=8.5918(2) Å, α=75.16(1)°, β=87.36(1)°, γ=73.01(1)° and a cell volume of V=299.75(2) ų. The compound, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P (no. 2), consists of a highly condensed anionic network built up by [SiNO₃]-, [LiO₄]-, and [LiN₂O₂]-tetrahedra as well as lithium in octahedral coordination as completing cation. With an activation barrier of 695 meV for lithium migration, Li₇Si₂NO₆ is a potential lithium-ion conductor. The structure allows a classification not only as a sorosilicate but also as a tecto-lithosilicate and most precisely as a lithium oxonitridolithosilicate, when the different coordinations of the lithium ions are taken into account. Interestingly, the new compound is none of the several proposed representatives of the lithium oxonitridosilicates, thus expanding this substance class unexpectedly.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Zinc Borate Zn3B4O9

The new zinc borate Zn₃B₄O₉ was synthesized at high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 10 GPa and 1173 K in a Walker-type multianvil pressure device. It crystallizes in the space group P (no. 2) with a=5.5028(2) Å, b=6.7150(3) Å, c=7.8887(3) Å, α=83.99(1)°, β=73.38(1)°, γ=74.75(1)°, V=269.35(2) ų, and two formula units (Z=2) per unit cell. The structure was confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Zn₃B₄O₉ can be synthesized phase pure, which is shown with a Rietveld refinement. IR-spectroscopic data of a powder sample were collected.     

A Layered Tin Bismuth Selenide with Three Different Building Blocks that Account for an Extremely Large Lattice Parameter of 283 Å

The layered compound Sn_2.8(4)Bi_20.2(4)Se₂₇ exhibits an extraordinarily long-periodic 150R stacking sequence. The crystal structure contains three different building blocks, which form upon the addition of Sn to a Bi-rich bismuth selenide. Sn-doped Bi₂ double (“2”) layers similar to those in elemental bismuth, Sn_0.3Bi_1.7Se₃ quintuple (“5”) layers and Sn_0.4Bi_2.6Se₄ septuple (“7”) layers are arranged in a 7525757525|7525757525|7525757525 sequence, which corresponds to a structure with a=4.1819(4) and c=282.64(6) Å in space group R m. The structure of a microcrystal was determined using microfocused synchrotron radiation and refined as a formally commensurately modulated structure in (3+1)D superspace (superspace group R m(00γ)00), with a trivial basic structure that contains just one atom. The stacking sequence as well as the cation distribution are confirmed by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with chemical mapping by X-ray spectroscopy with atomic resolution. Stacking faults are not typical but have been observed occasionally.     

Ammonothermal Synthesis,X-Ray and Time-of-Flight Neutron Crystal-Structure Determination,and Vibrational Properties of Barium Guanidinate,Ba(CN3H4)2

We report the crystal structure of Ba(CN₃H₄)₂ as synthesized from liquid ammonia. Structure solution based on X-ray diffraction data suffers from a severe pseudo-tetragonal problem due to extreme scattering contrast, so the true monoclinic symmetry is detectable only from neutron powder diffraction patterns, and structure solution and refinement was greatly aided by density-functional theory. The symmetry lowering is due to slight deviations of the guanidinate anion from the mirror plane in space group P b2, a necessity of hydrogen bonding. At 300 K, barium guanidinate crystallizes in P2₁/c with a=6.26439(2) Å, b=16.58527(5) Å, c=6.25960(2) Å, and a monoclinic angle of β=90.000(1)°. To improve the data-to-parameter ratio, anisotropic displacement parameters from first-principles theory were incorporated in the neutron refinement. Given the correct structural model, the positional parameters of the heavy atoms were also refinable from X-ray diffraction of a twinned crystal. The two independent guanidinate anions adopt the all-trans- and the anti-shape. The Ba cation is coordinated by eight imino nitrogens in a square antiprism with Ba−N contacts between 2.81 and 3.04 Å. The IR and Raman spectra of barium guanidinate were compared with DFT-calculated phonon spectra to identify the vibrational modes.     

Two Types of σ-Allenyl Complexes from Reactions of Silylenes and Germylenes with Chromium Fischer Alkynyl(alkoxy)carbenes

The reactivity of amidinatotetrylenes of the type E(tBu₂bzm)R¹ (E=Si, Ge; tBu₂bzm=N,N′-bis(tertbutyl)benzamidinate; R¹=alkyl or aryl) with the chromium Fischer alkynylcarbene complexes [Cr{C(OEt)C₂R²}(CO)₅] (R²=Ph; ferrocenyl, Fc) has been studied. At room temperature, two different reaction pathways have been identified: (a) attack of the amidinatotetrylene to the alkynyl C² atom (γ-attack), which leads to σ-allenyl complexes in which the original C_carbene atom maintains its attachment to the Cr(CO)₅ and OEt groups (compounds 3 ), and (b) attack of the amidinatotetrylene to the C_carbene atom (α-attack), which ends in σ-allenyl complexes in which the original C_carbene atom is not attached to the metal atom and has been inserted into an E−N bond of the amidinatotetrylene forming an E-C-N-C-N five-membered ring (compounds 4 ). It has been found that compounds 3 are thermodynamically less stable than their corresponding 4 isomers and that some of the former (E=Ge; R¹=CH₂SiMe₃) can be transformed into the latter upon heating. At high temperatures (>70 °C) the reactions involving bulky amidinatotetrylenes (R¹=Mes, tBu) end in the carbene-substitution products [Cr{E(tBu₂bzm)R¹}(CO)₅].     

Interception of Elusive Cationic Hf–Al and Hf–Zn Heterobimetallic Adducts with Mixed Alkyl Bridges Featuring Multiple Agostic Interactions

Heterobimetallic complexes with inequivalent bridging alkyl chains are very often invoked as key intermediates in many catalytic processes, yet their interception and structural characterization are lacking. Such complexes have been prepared from reactions of the cationic cyclometalated hafnocene [Cp^PrCp Hf][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 1 ) with main group metal alkyls to afford the corresponding hetero-bridged cationic products, [Cp^PrCp Hf(μ-R)E(R)_n][B(C₆F₅)₄] (E=Al or Zn; R=Me, Et, or iBu). NMR and DFT studies demonstrate that both bridging alkyls establish agostic interactions with Hf, which are appreciably stronger for ethyl rather than methyl groups. Hf–Al and Hf–Zn distances are surprisingly short and only slightly longer than computed Hf–Al or Hf–Zn single bond lengths (2.80 Å). Finally, a reaction of [Cp^PrCp Hf(μ-Me)Zn(Me)][B(C₆F₅)₄] with excess ZnMe₂ yields an unprecedented heterotrimetallic species, [(Cp^Pr)₂Hf(μ-Me)(ZnMe)(μ₃-CH₂)ZnMe][B(C₆F₅)₄], the detailed structure of which is elucidated by a combination of NMR spectroscopic methods and molecular calculations.     

Pb2PdX6 (X = Cl,Br) – Verbindungen mit gestreckten [PdX6]-Oktaedern

Pb₂PdX₆ (X = Cl, Br) – Compounds with Elongated [PdX₆] Octahedra In contradiction to published data new compounds in the systems PbX₂—PdX₂ (X = Cl, Br) with the formula Pb₂PdCl₆ (I) and Pb₂PdBr₆ (II) were found. These were synthesized by thermal treatment of the corresponding mixtures of PbX₂ and PdX₂ (X = Cl, Br). X-ray single crystal structure analysis shows isotypism of I and II, monoclinic, P2₁/c (No. 14), Z = 2, I: a = 9.037(2) Å, b = 6.224(1) Å, c = 8.162(1) Å, β = 90.31(7)β, II: a = 9.512(7) Å, b = 6.584(8) Å, c = 8.383(3) Å, β = 90.07(5)º. Strongly elongated PdX₆ octahedra are found in the crystal structure. Additional characterisation of the compounds was done by DTA, IR/RAMAN spectra and ²⁰⁷Pb MAS NMR investigations. Remarcable low field shifts were found for ²⁰⁷Pb.     

Robust S4⋅⋅⋅O Supramolecular Synthons: Structures of Radical-Radical Cocrystals [p-XC6F4CNSSN]2[TEMPO] (X=F,Cl, Br,I, CN)

Cocrystallization of the dithiadiazolyl (DTDA) radicals p-XC₆F₄CNSSN (X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN) with TEMPO afforded the 2 : 1 cocrystals [p-XC₆F₄CNSSN]₂[TEMPO] ( 1 – 5 ) whose structures all reflect a common S₄⋅⋅⋅O supramolecular motif. The nature of this interaction was probed by DFT calculations (M06/aug-cc-pVDZ) on 1 which revealed that the enthalpy of formation of the [C₆F₅CNSSN]₂[TEMPO] supramolecular motif from [C₆F₅CNSSN]₂ and TEMPO is substantial (−54.0 kJ mol⁻¹). Electronic structure calculations revealed a TEMPO-based doublet S= configuration as the ground state with limited spin density on the DTDA rings (2.4 %). The corresponding spin quartet state is +78.9 kJ mol⁻¹ higher in energy. An atoms-in-molecules analysis reveals four bond critical points (BCPs) between the TEMPO O and the DTDA S atoms as well as additional BCPs between selected DTDA S atoms and methyl H atoms of the TEMPO molecule. Herein, the structures of 2 – 5 are considered within the context of a hierarchical view of competing and complementary intermolecular interactions; in particular, the established supramolecular CN⋅⋅⋅S−S synthon is sacrificed in order to form the new S₄⋅⋅⋅O interaction.     

Triangular Arrangement of Ferromagnetic Iron Chains in the High-TC Ferromagnet TiFe1−xOs2+xB2

Transition-metal borides (TMBs) containing B_n-fragment (n>3) have recently gained interest for their ability to enable exciting magnetic materials. Herein, we show that the B₄-containing TiFe_0.64(1)Os_2.36(1)B₂ is a new ferromagnetic TMB with a Curie temperature of 523(2) K and a Weiss constant of 554(3) K, originating from the chain of M₃-triangles (M=64 %Fe+36 %Os). The new phase was synthesized from the elements by arc-melting, and its structure was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It belongs to the Ti_1+xOs_2−xRuB₂-type structure (space group P 2 m, no. 189) and contains trigonal-planar B₄ boron fragments [B−B distance of 1.87(4) Å] interacting with M₃-triangles [M–M distances of 2.637(8) Å and 3.0199(2) Å]. The experimental results were supported by computational calculations based on the ideal TiFeOs₂B₂ composition, which revealed strong ferromagnetic interactions within and between the Fe₃-triangles. This discovery represents the first magnetically ordered Os-rich TMB, thus it will help expand our knowledge of the role of Os in low-dimensional magnetism of intermetallics and enable the design of such materials in the future.     

Inverse-Tunable Red Luminescence and Electronic Properties of Nitridoberylloaluminates Sr2−xBax[BeAl3N5]:Eu2+ (x=0–2)

The nitridoberylloaluminate Ba₂[BeAl₃N₅]:Eu²⁺ and solid solutions Sr_2−xBa_x[BeAl₃N₅]:Eu²⁺ (x=0.5, 1.0, 1.5) were synthesized in a hot isostatic press (HIP) under 50 MPa N₂ atmosphere at 1200 °C. Ba₂[BeAl₃N₅]:Eu²⁺ crystallizes in triclinic space group (no. 2) (Z=2, a=6.1869(10), b=7.1736(13), c=8.0391(14) Å, α=102.754(8), β=112.032(6), γ=104.765(7)°), which was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The lattice parameters of the solid solution series have been obtained from Rietveld refinements and show a nearly linear dependence on the atomic ratio Sr : Ba. The electronic properties and the band gaps of M₂[BeAl₃N₅] (M=Sr, Ba) have been investigated by a combination of soft X-ray spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Upon irradiation with blue light (440–450 nm), the nitridoberylloaluminates exhibit intense orange to red luminescence, which can be tuned between 610 and 656 nm (fwhm=1922–2025 cm⁻¹ (72–87 nm)). In contrast to the usual trend, the substitution of the smaller Sr²⁺ by larger Ba²⁺ leads to an inverse-tunable luminescence to higher wavelengths. Low-temperature luminescence measurements have been performed to exclude anomalous emission.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Properties of Nonlinear Optical Crystal Na2SiF6

Nonlinear optical crystals of fluosilicate Na₂SiF₆ are synthesized via hydrothermal method and its structure is determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The space group of Na₂SiF₆ is P321 with cell parameters a = 8.8715(3) Å, c = 5.0484(5) Å, Z = 3, V = 344.09(4) ų. The properties of the crystal are measured by powder XRD, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) near‐infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The bandgap calculated using CASTEP is 7.41 eV, indicating that the cut‐off edge of the Na₂SiF₆ crystal can be down to deep‐UV energy region. The first‐principles studies were performed to elucidate the structure/property relationship of Na₂SiF₆.     

Experimental and Theoretical Study of NiII- and PdII-Promoted Double Geminal C(sp3)−H Bond Activation Providing Facile Access to NHC Pincer Complexes: Isolated Intermediates and Mechanism

We report the first examples of metal-promoted double geminal activation of C(sp³)−H bonds of the N−CH₂−N moiety in an imidazole-type heterocycle, leading to nickel and palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes under mild conditions. Reaction of the new electron-rich diphosphine 1,3-bis((di-tert-butylphosphaneyl)methyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole ( 1 ) with [PdCl₂(cod)] occurred in a stepwise fashion, first by single C−H bond activation yielding the alkyl pincer complex [PdCl(PC ^HP)] ( 3 ) with two trans phosphane donors and a covalent Pd−C bond. Activation of the C−H bond of the resulting α-methine C H−M group occurred subsequently when 3 was treated with HCl to yield the NHC pincer complex [PdCl(PC^NHCP)]Cl ( 2 ). Treatment of 1 with [NiBr₂(dme)] also afforded a NHC pincer complex, [NiBr(PC^NHCP)]Br ( 6 ), but the reactions leading to the double geminal C−H bond activation of the N−CH₂−N group were too fast to allow identification or isolation of an intermediate analogous to 3 . The determination of six crystal structures, the isolation of reaction intermediates and DFT calculations provided the basis for suggesting the mechanism of the stepwise transformation of a N−CH₂−N moiety in the N−C^NHC−N unit of NHC pincer complexes and explain the key differences observed between the Pd and Ni chemistries.