Synthesis of a new class of unsymmetrical PCP′ pincer ligands and their palladium (II) complexes: X-ray structure determination of PdCl{C6H3-2-CH2PPh2-6-CH2PBu2}

The unsymmetrical PCP′ pincer ligands {C₆H₄-1-CH₂PPh₂-3-CH₂PBu^t₂} and {C₆H₄-1-CH₂PPh₂-3-CH₂PPrⁱ₂} and the corresponding palladium complexes: PdCl{C₆H₃-2-CH₂PPh₂-6-CH₂PBu^t₂} and PdCl{C₆H₃-2-CH₂PPh₂-6-CH₂PPrⁱ₂} have been synthesized in good yields. The molecular structure of PdCl{C₆H₃-2-CH₂PPh₂-6-CH₂PBu^t₂} was determined through a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The palladium center was found to be located into a slightly distorted square planar environment in which the {C₆H₄-1-CH₂PPh₂-3-CH₂PBu^t₂} ligand is coordinated as a tridentate, PCP pincer type chelate. The complex, PdCl{C₆H₃-2-CH₂PPh₂-6-CH₂PPrⁱ₂} catalyzes the Heck coupling of iodobenzene with styrene.     

Influence of Oxygen Nonstoichiometry on the Spectral Properties of Solid Solutions LaNb2−2xTa2xVO9−δ (x=0-0.4) and LaTa2−2xNb2xVO9−δ (x=0-0.1)

Phase equilibria in the LaVO₄-Nb₂O₅-Ta₂O₅ system were analyzed. New solid solutions LaTa_2−2xNb_2xVO_9−δ (x=0-0.1) and LaNb_2−2xTa_2xVO_9−δ (x=0-0.4) were detected in this system. The structures of the vanadate-niobate LaNb₂VO₉ and vanadate-tantalate LaTa₂VO₉ are not known. The structures of the vanadate-tantalate LaTa₂VO₉ and LaTa₂VO₉-based solid solutions are similar to the structure of LaTa₇O₁₉, which refers to the hexagonal crystal system. The influence of the oxygen nonstoichiometry δ(x) on crystallochemical characteristics and spectral properties of these solid solutions were examined by the X-ray phase analysis, IR and radio spectroscopic methods. A correlation between the nonstoichiometry δ(x) and the volume of a unit cell V(x) of solid solutions LaTa_2−2xNb_2xVO_9−δ was found. The IR spectrum of LaTa₂VO_9−δ transformed in going from δ=0 to δ≠0. Two types of VO₄ tetrahedra were formed in solid solutions LaNb_2−2xTa_2xVO_9−δ depending on δ(x).     

Tartrate der TypenLn 2(H2 T)3·xH2O undLnH5 T 2·xH2O einiger Seltenerdmetalle

The following compounds were isolated and more closely studied by means of thermal analysis, X-ray scattering and IR absorption spectra and determination of solubilities: Pr₂(H₂ T)₃ · 6 H₂O, Nd₂(H₂ T)₃ · 6 H₂O, Sm₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, Gd₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, Tb₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, Dy₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, Ho₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, Er₂(H₂ T)₃ · 5 H₂O, PrH₅ T ₂ · 2 H₂O, NdH₅ T ₂ · 2 H₂O, SmH₅ T ₂ · 2 H₂O, GdH₅ T ₂ · 3 H₂O, TbH₅ T ₂ · 3 H₂O, DyH₅ T ₂ · 3 H₂O, HoH₅ T ₂ · 3 H₂O, ErH₅ T ₂ · 3 H₂O.     

New three-dimensional inorganic frameworks based on the uranophane-type sheet in monoamine templated uranyl-vanadates

Seven new uranyl vanadates with mono-protonated amine or tetramethylammonium used as structure directing cations, (C₂NH₈)₂{[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄}·H₂O (DMetU5V4) (C₂NH₈){[(UO₂)(H₂O)₂][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₃}·H₂O (DMetU4V3), (C₅NH₆)₂{[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₄}·H₂O (PyrU5V4), (C₃NH₁₀){[(UO₂)(H₂O)₂][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₃}·H₂O (isoPrU4V3), (N(CH₃)₄){[(UO₂)(H₂O)₂][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₃}·H₂O (TMetU4V3), (C₆NH₁₄){[(UO₂)(H₂O)₂][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₃}·H₂O (CHexU4V3), and (C₄NH₁₂){[(UO₂)(H₂O)][(UO₂)(VO₄)]₃} (TButU4V3) were prepared from mild-hydrothermal reactions using dimethylamine, pyridine, isopropylamine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, cyclohexylamine and tertiobutylamine, respectively, with uranyl nitrate and vanadium oxide in acidic medium. The structures were solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The compounds exhibit three-dimensional uranyl-vanadate inorganic frameworks built from uranophane-type uranyl-vanadate layers pillared by uranyl polyhedra with cavities in between occupied by protonated organic moieties. In the uranyl-vanadate layers the orientations of the vanadate tetrahedra give new geometrical isomers leading to unprecedented pillared systems and new inorganic frameworks with U/V=4/3. Crystallographic data: (DMetU5V4) orthorhombic, Cmc2₁ space group, a=15.6276(4), b=14.1341(4), c=13.6040(4) Å; (DMetU4V3) monoclinic, P2₁/n space group, a=10.2312(4), b=13.5661(7), c=17.5291(7) Å, β=96.966(2); (PyrU5V4), triclinic, P1 space group, a=9.6981(3), b=9.9966(2), c=10.5523(2) Å, α=117.194(1), β=113.551(1), γ=92.216(1)°; (isoPrU4V3) monoclinic, P2₁/n space group, a=10.3507(1), b=13.6500(2), c=17.3035(2) Å, β=97.551(1)°; (TMetU4V3) orthorhombic, Pbca space group, a=17.1819(2), b=13.6931(1), c=21.4826(2) Å; (CHexU4V3), triclinic P−1 space group, a=9.8273(6), b=11.0294(7), c=12.7506(8) Å, α=98.461(3), β=96.437(3), γ=105.955(3)°; (TButU4V3), monoclinic, P2₁/m space group, a=9.8048(4), b=17.4567(8), c=15.4820(6) Å, β=106.103(2).     

Characterization of quasi-one-dimensional S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets Sr2Cu(PO4)2 and Ba2Cu(PO4)2 with magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and thermal analysis

Properties of Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ having [Cu(PO₄)₂]_∞ linear chains in their structures with Cu-O-P-O-Cu linkages were studied by magnetic susceptibility (T=2-400 K, H=100 Oe) and specific heat measurements (T=0.45-21 K). Magnetic susceptibility versus temperature curves, χ(T), showed broad maxima at T_M=92 K for Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and T_M=82 K for Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ characteristic of quasi-one-dimensional systems. The χ(T) data were excellently fitted by the spin susceptibility curve for the uniform S=1/2 chain (plus temperature-independent and Curie-Weiss terms) with g=2.153(4) and J/k_B=143.6(2) K for Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and g=2.073(4) and J/k_B=132.16(9) K for Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ (Hamiltonian H=JΣS_iS_i+1). The similar J/k_B values were obtained from the specific heat data. No anomaly was observed on the specific heat from 0.45 to 21 K for both compounds indicating that the temperatures of long-range magnetic ordering, T_N, were below 0.45 K. Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ are an excellent physical realization of the S=1/2 linear chain Heisenberg antiferromagnet with k_BT_N/J<0.34% together with Sr₂CuO₃ (k_BT_N/J≈0.25%) and γ-LiV₂O₅ (k_BT_N/J<0.16%). Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ were stable in air up to 1280 and 1150 K, respectively.     

The electronic structure of FeO 4 2− , RuO4, RuO 4 − , RuO 4 2− and OsO4 by the HFS-DVM method

The electronic structures of FeO ₄ ^2? , RuO₄, RuO ₄ ^? , RuO ₄ ^2? and OsO₄ have been investigated using the Hartree-Fock-Slater Discrete Variational Method. The calculated ordering of the valence orbitals is 2t ₂, 1e, 2a ₁, 3t ₂ andt ₁ with thet ₁ orbital as the highest occupied. The first five charge transfer bands are assigned as:t ₁→2e(v ₁), 3t ₂→2e(v ₂),t ₁→4t ₂(v ₃), 3t ₂→4t ₂(v ₄) and 2a ₁→4t ₂(v ₅). It is suggested that ad-d transition should be observed at 1.5 eV in RuO ₄ ^? and RuO ₄ ^2? .     

Syntheses, structures, characterizations and charge-density matching of novel amino-templated uranyl selenates

Five hybrid organic-inorganic uranyl selenates have been synthesized, characterized and their structures have been determined. The structure of (C₂H₈N)₂[(UO₂)₂(SeO₄)₃(H₂O)] (EthylAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁, a=8.290(1), b=12.349(2), c=11.038(2) Å, β=104.439(4)°, V=1094.3(3) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0425. The structure of (C₇H₁₀N)₂[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)]H₂O (BenzylAUSe) is orthorhombic, Pna2₁, a=24.221(2), b=11.917(1), c=7.4528(7) Å, V=2151.1(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0307. The structure of (C₂H₁₀N₂)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)](H₂O)₂ (EDAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=11.677(2), b=7.908(1), c=15.698(2) Å, β=98.813(3)°, V=1432.4(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0371. The structure of (C₆H₂₂N₄)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(H₂O)](H₂O) (TETAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=13.002(2), b=7.962(1), c=14.754(2) Å, β=114.077(2)°, V=1394.5(3) Å³, Z=4, R₁=0.0323. The structure of (C₆H₂₁N₄)[(UO₂)(SeO₄)₂(HSeO₄)] (TAEAUSe) is monoclinic, P2₁/m, a=9.2218(6), b=12.2768(9), c=9.4464(7) Å, β=116.1650(10)°, V=959.88(12) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0322. The inorganic structural units in these compounds are composed of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and selenate tetrahedra. In each case, tetrahedra link bipyramids through vertex-sharing, resulting in chain or sheet topologies. The charge-density matching principle is discussed relative to the orientations of the organic molecules between the inorganic structural units.     

A one-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid based on the bimolecular {[Cu(en)2]2[Cu2Si2W22O78]} polyoxometalate

A one-dimensional coordination polymer [Cu(en)₂]₂[Cu(en)₂(H₂O)]₂{[Cu(en)₂]₂[Cu₂Si₂W₂₂O₇₈]}·4.5H₂O (en=ethylenediamine), which represents the first example of one-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid based on the bimolecular Keggin polyoxometalates {[Cu(en)₂]₂[Cu₂Si₂W₂₂O₇₈]}⁸⁻ has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data: C₂₄H₈₅Cu₈N₂₄O_84.5Si₂W₂₂, monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=18.8126(3), b=23.0896(4), c=26.0711(4) Å, β=96.3790(10)°, V=11254.5(3) Å³, T=293(2) K; Z=4, μ=23.983 mm⁻¹, R₁=0.0628, wR₂=0.1210 [I>2σ], R₁=0.0854, wR₂=0.1285 (all data ).     

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of binuclear metal-metal bonded molybdenum(V) and tungsten(V) thioselenohalides: Molecular structure of Mo2(μ-S2)2Cl6(SeCl2)2 and W2(μ-S2)2Cl6(SeCl2)2

Thioselenohalide complexes Mo₂(μ-S₂)₂Cl₆(SeCl₂)₂ (I), Mo₂(μ-S₂)₂Br₆(SeBr₂)₂ (II), and W₂(μ-S₂)₂Br₆(SeBr₂)₂ (III) were synthesized by the reactions of corresponding metal halides or carbonyls or molybdenum metal with excesses of S₂ X ₂+Se₂ X ₂ mixtures. The complex W₂(μ-S₂)₂Cl₆(SeCl₂)₂ (IV) was obtained by an exchange reaction between (III) and excess of Se₂Cl₂. Coordination of the neutral SeX ₂ ligands to thiohalidesM ₂(μ-S₂)₂ X ₆ results in higher thermal stability, and suggests the possibility to synthesize SeX ₂ complexes of the unstable parent tungsten thiohalides. An unusual oxidative addition reaction of (I) was detected: {fx27-1} Both (I) and (IV) were characterized by X-ray crystal structure analysis. They are isostructural and form discrete molecules. Bridging S ₂ ^2? ligands are coordinated perpendicularly to the metal-metal bond;d(M?M)=2.8066 Å and 2.793 Å for I and IV, respectively. Nonequivalence of chlorine atoms which are bound to the metal atom, relate to nonequivalence of halogen atoms in the complexesM ₂(μ?S₂)₂ X ₈ ^2? . Chlorine atomstrans to SeCl₂ ligands form short bonds with the metal; the corresponding³⁵Cl NQR frequency is increased. The selenium dichloride ligand is ambidentate. The selenium atom binds as a donor to the metal and as an acceptor to two chlorine atoms which are also bound covalently to the same metal atom.     

Magnetostructural correlations in heteroleptic nickel(II) complexes

Heteroleptic nickel(II) complexes with the general formula Ni(L)_m(H₂O)_n(X)_k, have been synthesized and structurally characterized; L stands for neutral N-donor ligands: 4-benzofuropyridine (bzfupy), dimethylfuropyridine (Me₂fupy) and 1,2-dimethylimidazole (Me₂iz), X = acetate or Cl⁻. The structures of the complexes [Ni(bzfupy)₂(ac)₂(H₂O)₂], [Ni(Me₂fupy)₂(H₂O)₄](ac)₂ and [Ni(Me₂iz)₄(H₂O)₂]Cl₂ · 3H₂O are formed from {NiO₂O′₂N₂}, {NiO₄N₂} and {NiN₄O₂} chromophores, respectively. These complexes and two other previously characterized complexes, [Ni(pz)₄(ac)₂], pz – pyrazole, and [Ni(L^NN)₂(H₂O)₂], L^NN – bidentate chelating ligand, were subjected to magnetochemical investigation down to 2 K (susceptibility and magnetization measurements). They show magnetic behaviour typical for zero-field splitting systems. The axial parameter of the zero-field splitting, D, adopts either positive or negative values and correlates with the axial distortion of the coordination polyhedra.     

The crystal structure of the monohydrate R2Mo6O21·H2O (R=Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu): a layer structure containing disordered [Mo2O7] groups

Although R₂O₃:MoO₃=1:6 (R=rare earth) compounds are known in the R₂O₃-MoO₃ phase diagrams since a long time, no structural characterization has been achieved because a conventional solid-state reaction yields powder samples. We obtained single crystals of R₂Mo₆O₂₁·H₂O (R=Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu) by thermal decomposition of [R₂(H₂O)₁₂Mo₈O₂₇]·nH₂O at around 685-715 °C for 2 h, and determined their crystal structures. The simulated XRD patterns of R₂Mo₆O₂₁·H₂O were consistent with those of previously reported R₂O₃:MoO₃=1:6 compounds. All R₂Mo₆O₂₁·H₂O compounds crystallize isostructurally in tetragonal, P4/ncc (No. 130), a=8.9962(5), 8.9689(6), 8.9207(4), and 8.875(2) Å; c=26.521(2), 26.519(2), 26.304(2), and 26.15(1) Å; Z=4; R₁=0.026, 0.024, 0.024, and 0.021, for R=Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu, respectively. The crystal structure of R₂Mo₆O₂₁·H₂O consists of two [Mo₂O₇]²⁻-containing layers (A and B layers) and two interstitial R(1)³⁺ and R(2)³⁺ cations. Each [Mo₂O₇]²⁻ group is composed of two corner-sharing [MoO₄] tetrahedra. The [Mo₂O₇]²⁻ in the B layer exhibits a disorder to form a pseudo-[Mo₄O₉] group, in which four Mo and four O sites are half occupied. R(1)³⁺ achieves 8-fold coordination by O²⁻ to form a [R(1)O₈] square antiprism, while R(2)³⁺ achieves 9-fold coordination by O²⁻ and H₂O to form a [R(2)(H₂O)O₈] monocapped square antiprism. The disorder of the [Mo₂O₇]²⁻ group in the B layer induces a large displacement of the O atoms in another [Mo₂O₇]²⁻ group (in the A layer) and in the [R(1)O₈] and [R(2)(H₂O)O₈] polyhedra. A remarkable broadening of the photoluminescence spectrum of Eu₂Mo₆O₂₁·H₂O supported the large displacement of O ligands coordinating Eu(1) and Eu(2).     

Reaction chemistry of tricarbonyl-η-pentadienylmanganese: Straightforward synthesis of stable manganese carbonyl terminal thiolates and a dinuclear bis(ethylenediaminyl) complex

Tricarbonyl-η⁵-pentadienylmanganese reacts with mercaptans RSH, R = Ph, C₆F₅, m-NH₂C₆H₄, p-NH₂C₆H₄, and HSCH₂CH₂ in the presence of ECH₂CH₂E, E = -PPh₂ or -NH₂ to give novel stable terminal thiolate mononuclear complexes fac-Mn(CO)₃(SR)(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂-κ²-P,P′) for R = Ph, C₆F₅, m-NH₂C₆H₄, p-NH₂C₆H₄, and HSCH₂CH₂ and fac-Mn(CO)₃(SR)(H₂NCH₂CH₂NH₂-κ²-N,N′) for R = Ph and C₆F₅. Upon reaction of tricarbonyl-η⁵-pentadienylmanganese with ethylenediamine a dinuclear complex [fac-Mn(CO)₃(μ-H₂NCH₂CH₂NH-κ²-N,N′)]₂ was formed wherein the diaminyl ligand functions in the capacity of chelating and bridging ligand.     

Three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymer [M2(C3H2O4)2(H2O)2(μ2-hmt)]n with 46 topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine)

Two novel three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymers [M₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n with 4⁴6⁶ topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, crystal structure, IR, thermal gravimetric analyses. Both [Zn₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n and [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n all crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space group Imm2, and with Z=2. Metal ions have all octahedral geometry coordinated by four oxygen atoms from three malonates, one oxygen atom from a water molecule and one nitrogen atom of hmt ligand. Each malonate binds a metal ion with its two oxygen atoms in a chelating mode and connects to adjacent two metal ions with another two oxygen atoms to form an infinite wavy layer. The layers are bridged by μ₂-hmt molecules to form a three-dimensional framework with channels. The magnetic susceptibility data show there is a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in the complex [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n.     

Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of the Metal Diphosphonates M2(O3PCH2C6H4CH2PO3)·2H2O (M=Mn, Ni, Cd)

The three isostructural transition metal diphosphonates M₂(O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)·2H₂O (M=Mn, Ni, Cd) were hydrothermally synthesized using p-xylenediphosphonic acid and the corresponding metal salts. The structures were refined in the orthorhombic space group Pca2₁ from X-ray powder diffraction data: Mn₂(O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)·2H₂O (1): a=983.71(7), b=582.72(4), c=2173.5(2) pm, V=1245.8(1) 10⁶ pm, Z=4, wR_p=0.079, R_p=0.062, R_F=0.081; Ni₂(O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)·2H₂O (2): a=951.18(3), b=562.31(2), c=2178.47(6) pm, V=1165.2(1) 10⁶ pm, Z=4, wR_p=0.072, R_p=0.054, R_F= 0.095; Cd₂(O₃PCH₂C₆H₄CH₂PO₃)·2H₂O (3): a=1005.19(3), b=594.37(2), c=2186.08(8), V=1304.3(1) 10⁶ pm, Z=4, wR_p=0.067, R_p=0.052, R_F=0.059. The structures are built up from corner-linked [MO₆] polyhedra (M=Mn, Ni, Cd) forming inorganic metal oxide layers. These layers are linked by the organic diphosphonic acids acting as pillars. Magnetization measurements of 1 confirm the presence of divalent ions and indicate antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures. Thermogravimetric as well as IR spectroscopic studies are also presented.     

Chemical behavior of ortho-hydroquinone-based bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane ligands in the presence of palladium(II) chloride

The synthesis, structural characterization, and coordination behavior of ditopic ortho-hydroquinone-based bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane ligands (ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CHpz₂, ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CH(3-Phpz)₂, and ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CH(3-tBupz)₂) with pyrazole, 3-phenylpyrazole, and 3-tert-butylpyrazole as donors are described. The reaction of a soluble PdCl₂-source with ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CHpz₂ in acetonitrile yielded the related square-planar N,N-coordinated Pd(II) dichloride complex, whereas treatment of ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CH(3-Phpz)₂ or ortho-(OH)₂C₆H₃-4-CH(3-tBupz)₂ with PdCl₂ in acetonitrile resulted in degradation of these ligands. The Pd(II) complexes trans-(3-PhpzH)₂PdCl₂ and trans-(3-tBupzH)₂PdCl₂ were isolated and fully characterized including X-ray diffraction analyses.     

High-pressure rare earth silicates: Lanthanum silicate with barium phosphate structure, holmium silicate apatite, and lutetium disilicate type X

The phase relations of a wide selection of rare earth disilicates have been investigated up to 10 GPa and 1700 °C using piston cylinder and multi-anvil equipment. Single-crystal X-ray structures have been obtained for the following high-pressure phases: (1) La_2.67(SiO₄)₂: monoclinic, space group C2/m, Z=2, a=9.419(2), b=5.445(1), c=7.214(1) Å, β=115.71(3)°, R=0.042; disordered Ba₃(PO₄)₂ structure type, with 3×b and 7×b superstructures identified. (2) Ho_8.67(SiO₄)₆(OH)₂: hexagonal, P6₃/m, Z=1, a=9.3221(4), c=6.7347(2) Å, R=0.026; silicate hydroxyapatite. (3) Lu₂Si₂O₇: tetragonal, P4₁2₁2, Z=4, a=6.5620(2), c=11.9535(4) Å, R=0.023; type X diorthosilicate structure, and the silicate analogue of tetragonal Er₂Ge₂O₇.     

Superconducting LaRu2P2 and other alkaline earth and rare earth metal ruthenium and osmium phosphides and arsenides with ThCr2Si2 structure

The ThCr₂Si₂-type compounds MRu₂P₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb), MOs₂P₂ (M = Sr, Ba, Eu), and MRu₂As₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Eu) were prepared by sintering techniques and/or by reaction of the elemental components in a tin flux. The crystal structures of SrRu₂P₂ and LaRu₂P₂ were refined from single-crystal diffractometer data to residuals of R = 0.019 (224 structure factors, 11 variable parameters) and R = 0.028 (510 F's, 11 variables), respectively. LaRu₂P₂ is diamagnetic and becomes superconducting at 4.1 K. No transition to a superconducting state was observed down to 1.8 K for the compounds MFe₂P₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, La), MRu₂P₂ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Y), and MOs₂P₂ (M = Sr, Ba).     

Network diversity and supramolecular isomerism in copper(II)/1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane coordination polymers

Reactions of copper(II) sources with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) yielded metal-organic networks with diverse topologies and dimensionalities. Compounds [Cu(bpe)₂(dmf)₂]_n(ClO₄)_2n·2ndmf (1·2ndmf), [Cu(bpe)₂(dmf)₂]_n(ClO₄)_2n·3.5ndmf (2·3.5ndmf), [Cu(bpe)₂(NO₃)₂]_n·2nH₂O (4·2nH₂O) and [Cu₂(bpe)(O₂CMe)₄]_n·0.7nH₂O (5·0.7nH₂O) have been isolated by altering the copper(II) source, the reaction solvent and the crystallization process. Compounds 1·2ndmf and 2·3.5ndmf consist of cationic [Cu(bpe)₂(dmf)₂]²⁺ repeating units assembled to 1D and 2D (4,4) networks, respectively, and represent supramolecular isomers due to the conformational isomerism of the bridging bpe molecules. Compound 4·2nH₂O consists of neutral mononuclear [Cu(dpe)₂(NO₃)₂] repeating units assembled to inclined interpenetrating (4,4) sheets describing an overall entanglement that is 3D in nature, and compound 5·0.7nH₂O consists of neutral dinuclear repeating units assembled to cross-linked 1D chains.     

Polymorphism in the Sc2Si2O7-Y2Si2O7 system

This paper examines the structural changes with temperature and composition in the Sc₂Si₂O₇-Y₂Si₂O₇ system; members of this system are expected to form in the intergranular region of Si₃N₄ and SiC structural ceramics when sintered with the aid of Y₂O₃ and Sc₂O₃ mixtures. A set of different compositions have been synthesized using the sol-gel method to obtain a xerogel, which has been calcined at temperatures between 1300 and 1750 °C during different times. The temperature-composition diagram of the system, obtained from powder XRD data, is dominated by the β-RE₂Si₂O₇ polymorph, with γ-RE₂Si₂O₇ and δ-RE₂Si₂O₇ showing very reduced stability fields. Isotherms at 1300 and 1600 °C have been analysed in detail to evaluate the solid solubility of the components. Although, the XRD data show a complete solid solubility of β-Sc₂Si₂O₇ in β-Y₂Si₂O₇ at 1300 °C, the ²⁹Si MAS-NMR spectra indicate a local structural change at x ca. 1.15 (Sc_2−xY_xSi₂O₇) related to the configuration of the Si tetrahedron, which does not affect the long-range order of the β-RE₂Si₂O₇ structure. Finally, it is interesting to note that, although Sc₂Si₂O₇ shows a unique stable polymorph (β), Sc³⁺ is able to replace Y³⁺ in γ-Y₂Si₂O₇ in the compositional range 1.86?x?2 (where x is Sc_2−xY_xSi₂O₇) as well as in δ-Y₂Si₂O₇ for compositions much closer to the pure Y₂Si₂O₇.     

A single crystal X-ray and HRTEM study of new series of compounds DyCux (x=4.5, 4 and 3.5)

A series of monoclinic compounds DyCu_x (x=4.5,4 and 3.5) is described. It is constructed from structural blocks AB₅ (cubic AuBe₅ structure type) and AB₂ (cubic MgCu₂ structure type) by stacking nAB₅+AB₂ and giving the compositions A₂B₇,AB₄,A₄B₁₇,A₅B₂₂,A₆B₂₇,…,AB₅. The resulting monoclinic superstructures can be derived from the cubic AuBe₅ type by introducing planar defects parallel to {hhh} that lead to a nearly orthogonal ≈(n+2)×(n+2)×(n+2−0.5) supercells. The present series is analogous to the monoclinic-hexagonal-trigonal-orthorhombic series A_n+1B_5n+2 obtained by the stacking (n-1)AB₅+A₂B₇ where AB₅ is of the hexagonal CaCu₅ structure type and A₂B₇ is of the monoclinic Zr₂Ni₇ structure type.