Raman spectroscopic study of crystallization from solutions containing MgSO4 and Na2SO4: Raman spectra of double salts

Mg(2+), Na(+), and SO(4)(2-) are common ions in natural systems, and they are usually found in water bodies. Precipitation processes have great importance in environmental studies because they may be part of complex natural cycles; natural formation of atmospheric particulate matter is just one case. In this work, Na(2)Mg(SO(4))(2)·5H(2)O (konyaite), Na(6)Mg(SO(4))(4) (vanthoffite), and Na(12)Mg(7)(SO(4))(13)·15H(2)O (loeweite) were synthesized and their Raman spectra reported. By slow vaporization (at 20 °C and relative humidity of 60-70%), crystallization experiments were performed within small droplets (diameter ≤ 1-2 mm) of solutions containing MgSO(4) and Na(2)SO(4), and crystal formations were studied by Raman spectroscopy. Crystallization of Na(2)Mg(SO(4))(2)·4H(2)O (bloedite) was observed, and the formation of salt mixtures was confirmed by Raman spectra. Bloedite, konyaite, and loeweite, as well as Na(2)SO(4) and MgSO(4)·6H(2)O, were the components found to occur in different proportions. No crystallization of Na(6)Mg(SO(4))(4) (vanthoffite) was observed under the crystallization condition used in this study.     

Raman microscopy of autunite minerals at liquid nitrogen temperature

Uranyl micas are based upon (UO(2)PO(4))(-) units in layered structures with hydrated counter cations between the interlayers. Uranyl micas also known as the autunite minerals are of general formula M(UO2)2(XO4)2 x 8-12H2O where M may be Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe(2+), Mg, Mn(2+) or 1/2(HA1) and X is As or P. The structures of these minerals have been studied using Raman microscopy at 298 and 77K. Six hydroxyl stretching bands are observed of which three are highly polarised. The hydroxyl stretching vibrations are related to the strength of hydrogen bonding of the water OH units. Bands in the Raman spectrum of autunite at 998, 842 and 820 cm(-1) are highly polarised. Low intensity band at 915 cm(-1) is attributed to the nu(3) antisymmetric stretching vibration of (UO(2))(2+) units. The band at 820 cm(-1) is attributed to the nu(1) symmetric stretching mode of the (UO(2))(2+) units. The (UO(2))(2+) bending modes are found at 295 and 222 m(-1). The presence of phosphate and arsenate anions and their isomorphic substitution are readily determined by Raman spectroscopy. The collection of Raman spectra at 77K enables excellent band separation.     

Probing the vanadyl and molybdenyl bonds in complex vanadomolybdate structures

A solid solution was found to exist in the quaternary Li(2)O-MgO-V(2)O(5)-MoO(3) system between the two phases Mg(2.5)VMoO(8) and Li(2)Mg(2)(MoO(4))(3). Both Mg(2.5)VMoO(8) and Li(2)Mg(2)(MoO(4))(3) are isostructural with the mineral lyonsite, and substitution according to the formula square(1/4-x/6)Li(4x/3)Mg(15/4-7x/6)V(3/2-x)Mo(3/2+x)O(12) (0 < or = x < or = 1.5, where square denotes a cation vacancy) demonstrates that a complete solid solution exits coupling the addition of molybdenum and lithium with the subtraction of cation vacancies, magnesium, and vanadium and vice versa. Vibrational Raman spectroscopy indicates that molybdenum-oxo double bonds preferentially associate with the cation vacancies.     

Pentasubstituted ferrocene and dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylate as building blocks for discrete fullerene-like and extended supramolecular structures

The synthesis of a penta(1-methylpyrazole)ferrocenyl phosphine oxide ligand (1) [Fe(C(5)(C(3)H(2)N(2)CH(3))(5))(C(5)H(4)PO(t-C(4)H(9))(2))] is reported together with its X-ray crystal structure. Its self-assembly behavior with a dirhodium(II) tetraoctanoate linker (2) [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(7)H(15))(4)] was investigated for construction of fullerene-like assemblies of composition [(ligand)(12)(linker)(30)]. Reaction between 1 and 2 in acetonitrile resulted in the formation of a light purple precipitate (3). Evidence for the ligand-to-linker ratio of 1:2.5 expected for a fullerene-like structure [Fe(C(5)(C(3)H(2)N(2)CH(3))(5))(C(5)H(4)PO(t-C(4)H(9))(2))](12)[Rh(2)(O(2)CC(7)H(15))(4)](30) was obtained from (1)H NMR and elemental analysis. IR and Raman studies confirmed the diaxially bound coordination environment of the dirhodium linker by comparing the stretching frequencies of the carboxylate group and the rhodium-rhodium bond with those in model compound (5), [Rh(2)(O(2)CC(7)H(15))(4)](C(3)H(3)N(2)CH(3))(2), the bis-adduct of linker 2 with 1-methylpyrazole. X-ray powder diffraction and molecular modeling studies provide additional support for the formation of a spherical molecule topologically identical to fullerene with a diameter of approximately 38 ? and a molecular formula of [(1)(12)(2)(30)]. Dissolution of 3 in tetrahydrofuran (THF) followed by layering with acetonitrile afforded purple crystals of [(1)(2)(2)](∞) (6) [Fe(C(5)(C(3)H(2)N(2)CH(3))(5))(C(5)H(4)PO(t-C(4)H(9))(2))][Rh(2)(O(2)CC(7)H(15))(4)](2) with a two-dimensional polymeric structure determined by X-ray crystallography. The dirhodium linkers link ferrocenyl units by coordination to the pyrazoles but only four of the five pyrazole moieties of the pentapyrazole ligand are coordinated. The ligand-to-linker ratio of 1:2 in 6 was confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, while results from IR and Raman are in agreement with the diaxially coordinated environment of the linker observed in the solid state.     

Raman and infrared spectroscopy of arsenates of the roselite and fairfieldite mineral subgroups

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to determine the molecular structure of the roselite arsenate minerals of the roselite and fairfieldite subgroups of formula Ca(2)B(AsO(4))(2).2H(2)O (where B may be Co, Fe(2+), Mg, Mn, Ni and Zn). The Raman arsenate (AsO(4))(2-) stretching region shows strong differences between the roselite arsenate minerals which is attributed to the cation substitution for calcium in the structure. In the infrared spectra complexity exists with multiple (AsO(4))(2-) antisymmetric stretching vibrations observed, indicating a reduction of the tetrahedral symmetry. This loss of degeneracy is also reflected in the bending modes. Strong Raman bands around 450 cm(-1) are assigned to nu(4) bending modes. Multiple bands in the 300-350 cm(-1) region assigned to nu(2) bending modes provide evidence of symmetry reduction of the arsenate anion. Three broad bands for roselite are found at 3450, 3208 and 3042 cm(-1) and are assigned to OH stretching bands. By using a Libowitzky empirical equation hydrogen bond distances of 2.75 and 2.67 A are estimated. Vibrational spectra enable the molecular structure of the roselite minerals to be determined and whilst similarities exist in the spectral patterns, sufficient differences exist to be able to determine the identification of the minerals.     

The Dinitramide Anion, N(NO(2))(2)(-)

The infrared and Raman spectra of the NH(4)(+), K(+), and Cs(+) salts of N(NO(2))(2)(-) in the solid state and in solution have been measured and are assigned with the help of ab initio calculations at the HF/6-31G and MP2/6-31+G levels of theory. In agreement with the variations observed in the crystal structures, the vibrational spectra of the N(NO(2))(2)(-) anion are also strongly influenced by the counterions and the physical state. Whereas the ab initio calculations for the free N(NO(2))(2)(-) ion indicate a minimum energy structure of C(2) symmetry, Raman polarization measurements on solutions of the N(NO(2))(2)(-) anion suggest point group C(1) (i.e., no symmetry). This is attributed to the very small (<3 kcal/mol) N-NO(2) rotational barrier in N(NO(2))(2)(-) which allows for easy deformation.     

pH-Specific structural speciation of the ternary V(V)-peroxido-betaine system: a chemical reactivity-structure correlation

Vanadium involvement in cellular processes requires deep understanding of the nature and properties of its soluble and bioavailable forms arising in aqueous speciations of binary and ternary systems. In an effort to understand the ternary vanadium-H(2)O(2)-ligand interactions relevant to that metal ion's biological role, synthetic efforts were launched involving the physiological ligands betaine (Me(3)N(+)CH(2)CO(2)(-)) and H(2)O(2). In a pH-specific fashion, V(2)O(5), betaine, and H(2)O(2) reacted and afforded three new, unusual, and unique compounds, consistent with the molecular formulation K(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}]·H(2)O (1), (NH(4))(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}]·0.75H(2)O (2), and {Na(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}(2)]}(n)·4nH(2)O (3). All complexes 1-3 were characterized by elemental analysis; UV/visible, FT-IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy in solution and the solid state; cyclic voltammetry; TGA-DTG; and X-ray crystallography. The structures of 1 and 2 reveal the presence of unusual ternary dinuclear vanadium-tetraperoxido-betaine complexes containing [(V(V)═O)(O(2))(2)] units interacting through long V-O bonds. The two V(V) ions are bridged through the oxygen terminal of one of the peroxide groups bound to the vanadium centers. The betaine ligand binds only one of the two V(V) ions. In the case of the third complex 3, the two vanadium centers are not immediate neighbors, with Na(+) ions (a) acting as efficient oxygen anchors and through Na-O bonds holding the two vanadium ions in place and (b) providing for oxygen-containing ligand binding leading to a polymeric lattice. In 1 and 3, interesting 2D (honeycomb) and 1D (zigzag chains) topologies of potassium nine-coordinate polyhedra (1) and sodium octahedra (3), respectively, form. The collective physicochemical properties of the three ternary species 1-3 project the chemical role of the low molecular mass biosubstrate betaine in binding V(V)-diperoxido units, thereby stabilizing a dinuclear V(V)-tetraperoxido dianion. Structural comparisons of the anions in 1-3 with other known dinuclear V(V)-tetraperoxido binary anionic species provide insight into the chemical reactivity of V(V)-diperoxido systems and their potential link to cellular events such as insulin mimesis and anitumorigenicity modulated by the presence of betaine.     

The elusive vanadate (V(3)O(9))(3-): isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution behavior.

The isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution characteristics of the first trinuclear vanadate are presented. The crystal structure reveals a six-membered cyclic arrangement of alternating vanadium and oxygen atoms for the anion of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)). The (51)V NMR spectrum of this compound in CD(3)CN exhibits multiple peaks. The relative intensities of each resonance can be altered by concentration and temperature changes, the later of which are reversible. Addition of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N]Br and NaClO(4) also perturbs the equilibria between species observed. Conductivity data for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) in CH(3)CN as a function of concentration display pronounced curvature and indicate formation of a neutral species in solution at the highest concentrations studied. Stoichiometric mixtures of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) with the known vanadates [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(HV(4)O(12)), [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(5)O(14)), and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(H(3)V(10)O(28)) are prepared and examined by (51)V NMR. Equilibration between the various vanadates is observed and characterized. Resonances for these known vanadates, however, cannot be used to identify the peaks found for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)), alone, in solution. The existence of ion pairs in acetonitrile is the only interpretation for the solution behavior of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) consistent with all data. As such, we can directly observe each possible ion pairing state by (51)V NMR: (V(3)O(9))(3-) at -555 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](V(3)O(9))] (2-) at -569 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](2)(V(3)O(9))](-) at -576 ppm, and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) at -628 ppm. To the best of our knowledge, [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) presents the first case in which every possible ion paired state can be observed directly from a parent polyion. Isolation and characterization of this simple metal oxo moiety may now facilitate efforts to design functional polyoxometalates.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the tellurite minerals: carlfriesite and spiroffite

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the tellurite minerals spiroffite and carlfriesite, which are minerals of formula type A(2)(X(3)O(8)) where A is Ca(2+) for the mineral carlfriesite and is Zn(2+) and Mn(2+) for the mineral spiroffite. Raman bands for spiroffite observed at 721 and 743 cm(-1), and 650 cm(-1) are attributed to the nu(1) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) symmetric stretching mode and the nu(3) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) antisymmetric stretching modes, respectively. A second spiroffite mineral sample provided a Raman spectrum with bands at 727 cm(-1) assigned to the nu(1) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) symmetric stretching modes and the band at 640cm(-1) accounted for by the nu(3) (Te(3)O(8))(2-) antisymmetric stretching mode. The Raman spectrum of carlfriesite showed an intense band at 721 cm(-1). Raman bands for spiroffite, observed at (346, 394) and 466 cm(-1) are assigned to the (Te(3)O(8))(2-)nu(2) (A(1)) bending mode and nu(4) (E) bending modes. The Raman spectroscopy of the minerals carlfriesite and spiroffite are difficult because of the presence of impurities and other diagenetically related tellurite minerals.     

Theoretical study of the electronic state and H-elimination reactions for solvated magnesium cluster ions

The potential-energy curves of the ground and low-lying excited states for Mg(+)NH(3) along the N-H distance were examined by the ab initio configuration interaction method. The photoinduced hydrogen elimination reaction found by the recent experiment is considered to occur via the ground-state channel. The geometries, energetics, and electronic nature of the ground-state Mg(+)(NH(3))(n) and MgNH(2) (+)(NH(3))(n-1) (n=1-6) were also investigated by second-order M?ller-Plesset perturbation theory and compared with those of the corresponding hydrated species. In contrast to Mg(+)(H(2)O)(n), the successive solvation energies of Mg(+)(NH(3))(n) become as large as those of MgNH(2) (+)(NH(3))(n-1) containing the Mg(2+)-NH(2) (-) core for n=5 and 6, because of the growing one-center ion-pair state with the Mg(2+) and the diffuse solvated electron. As a result, the solvation energies of the MgNH(2) (+)(NH(3))(n-1) are insufficient to overcome the huge endothermicity of Mg(+)(NH(3))-->MgNH(2) (+)+H, even at these sizes, which is responsible for no observation of the H-loss products, MgNH(2) (+)(NH(3))(n-1).     

Vibrational spectra of mono, di and trimethyl ammonium double sulphates of rare earths Pr, Nd, Ho and Eu

Infrared and Raman spectra of four rare earth (Ho, Eu, Nd and Pr) double sulphates have been recorded and analysed based on the vibrations of methyl ammonium cations, sulphate anions and water molecules. Formation of hydrogen bonds of the type N-H...O and O-H...O are identified in all the compounds. Bifurcated hydrogen bonds are present in the compounds with dimethyl ammonium cations. The sulphate anions are distorted and occupy a lower site symmetry in the compounds. The bands obtained for (CH(3))(2)NH(2) and SO(4)(2-) ions indicate that the structural bonding of (CH(3))(2)NH(2)Eu(SO(4))(2).H(2)O and (CH(3))(2)NH(2)Ho(SO(4))(2).4H(2)O is identical. Electronic transition bands of Eu(3+) and Nd(3+) observed in the Raman spectra of these two compounds have been identified and discussed.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of an aqua ligand exchange and oxidatively induced deprotonation in diiron complexes

Reaction of the unsymmetrical phenol ligand 2-((bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino)methyl)-6-(((2-pyridylmethyl)benzylamino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (HL-Bn) or its 2,6-dichlorobenzyl analogue (HL-BnCl(2)) with Fe(H(2)O)(6)(ClO(4))(2) in the presence of disodium m-phenylenedipropionate (Na(2)(mpdp)) followed by exposure to atmosphere affords the diiron(II,III) complexes [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))(2) and [Fe(2)(L-BnCl(2))(mpdp)(CH(3)OH)](ClO(4))(2), respectively. The latter complex has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 13.3095(14) A, b = 20.1073(19) A, c = 19.4997(19) A, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 94.471(2) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 5202.6(9) A(3), and Z = 4. The structure of the compound is very similar to that of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) determined earlier, except for the replacement of a water by a methanol on the ferrous site. Magnetic measurements of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](BPh(4))(2) reveal that the two high-spin Fe ions are moderately antiferromagnetically coupled (J = -3.2(2) cm(-)(1)). Upon dissolution in acetonitrile the terminal ligand on the ferrous site is replaced by a solvent molecule. The acetonitrile-water exchange has been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques (UV-visible, NMR, M?ssbauer) and electrochemistry. The substitution of acetonitrile by water is clearly evidenced by M?ssbauer spectroscopy by a reduction of the quadrupole splitting value from 3.14 to 2.41 mm/s. In addition, it causes a 210 mV downshift of the oxidation potential of the ferrous site and a similar reduction of the stability domain of the mixed-valence state. Exhaustive electrolysis of a solution of [Fe(2)(L-Bn)(mpdp)(H(2)O)](2+) shows that the aqua diferric species is not stable and undergoes a chemical reaction which can be partly reversed by reduction to the mixed-valent state. This and other electrochemical observations suggest that upon oxidation of the diiron center to the diferric state the aqua ligand is deprotonated to a hydroxo. This hypothesis is supported by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. Indeed, this species possesses a large quadrupole splitting value (DeltaE(Q) >or= 1.0 mm.s(-)(1)) similar to that of analogous complexes with a terminal phenolate ligand. This study illustrates the drastic effects of aqua ligand exchange and deprotonation on the electronic structure and redox potentials of diiron centers.     

Postfunctionalization of periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 with magnesium(II) and iron(II) silylamides

Magnesium silylamide complexes Mg[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2) were synthesized according to transsilylamination and alkane elimination protocols, respectively, utilizing Mg[N(SiMe(3))(2)](2)(THF)(2) and [Mg(n-Bu)](2) as precursors. Cage-like periodic mesoporous silica SBA-1 was treated with donor solvent-free dimeric [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2), [Mg{N(SiMe(3))(2)}(2)](2) and monomeric Mg[N(SiPhMe(2))(2)](2), producing hybrid materials [Mg(NR(2))(2)]@SBA-1 with magnesium located mainly at the external surface. Consecutive grafting of [Mg{N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) and [Fe(II){N(SiHMe(2))(2)}(2)](2) onto SBA-1 led to heterobimetallic hybrid materials which exhibit complete consumption of the isolated surface silanol groups, evidencing intra-cage surface functionalization. All materials were characterized by DRIFT spectroscopy, nitrogen physisorption and elemental analysis.     

Redox-induced terpyridyl substitution in the Os(VI)-hydrazido complex, trans-[Os(VI)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+)

Reaction between the Os(VI)-hydrazido complex, trans-[Os(VI)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine and O(CH(2))(4)N(-) = morpholide), and a series of N- or O-bases gives as products the substituted Os(VI)-hydrazido complexes, trans-[Os(VI)(4'-RNtpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+) or trans-[Os(VI)(4'-ROtpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+) (RN(-) = anilide (PhNH(-)); S,S-diphenyl sulfilimide (Ph(2)S=N(-)); benzophenone imide (Ph(2)C=N(-)); piperidide ((CH(2))(5)N(-)); morpholide (O(CH(2))(4)N(-)); ethylamide (EtNH(-)); diethylamide (Et(2)N(-)); and tert-butylamide (t-BuNH(-)) and RO(-) = tert-butoxide (t-BuO(-)) and acetate (MeCO(2)(-)). The rate law for the formation of the morpholide-substituted complex is first order in trans-[Os(VI)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+) and second order in morpholine with k(morp)(25 degrees C, CH(3)CN) = (2.15 +/- 0.04) x 10(6) M(-)(2) s(-)(1). Possible mechanisms are proposed for substitution at the 4'-position of the tpy ligand by the added nucleophiles. The key features of the suggested mechanisms are the extraordinary electron withdrawing effect of Os(VI) on tpy and the ability of the metal to undergo intramolecular Os(VI) to Os(IV) electron transfer. These substituted Os(VI)-hydrazido complexes can be electrochemically reduced to the corresponding Os(V), Os(IV), and Os(III) forms. The Os-N bond length of 1.778(4) A and Os-N-N angle of 172.5(4) degrees in trans-[Os(VI)(4'-O(CH(2))(4)Ntpy)(Cl)(2)(NN(CH(2))(4)O)](2+) are consistent with sp-hybridization of the alpha-nitrogen of the hydrazido ligand and an Os-N triple bond. The extensive ring substitution chemistry implied for the Os(VI)-hydrazido complexes is discussed.     

XANES and XPS investigations of the local structure and final-state effects in amorphous metal silicates: (ZrO2)(x)(TiO2)(y)(SiO2)(1-x-y)

Amorphous quaternary [(ZrO(2))(x)(TiO(2))(y)(SiO(2))(1-x-y)] and ternary [(ZrO(2))(x)(SiO(2))(1-x)] silicates were synthesized using a sol-gel method and examined via XPS and XANES. Metal silicates are important industrial materials, though structural characterization is complicated because of their amorphous nature. Hard (Ti K- and Zr K-edge) and soft (Ti L(2,3)-edge) X-ray XANES spectra suggest the Ti and Zr coordination numbers in the quaternary silicates remain constant as the metal identity or total metal content (x, y, or x + y in the chemical formula) is varied. XPS core-line spectra from the quaternary silicates show large decreases in Ti 2p(3/2), Zr 3d(5/2), Si 2p(3/2), and O 1s binding energies due to increasing final-state relaxation with greater next-nearest neighbour substitution of Si for less-electronegative Ti/Zr, which was confirmed by analysis of the O Auger parameter. These decreases in binding energy occur without any changes in the ground-state energies (e.g., oxidation state) of these atoms, as examined by Ti L(2,3)-edge, Si L(2,3)-edge, and O K-edge XANES. Because most spectroscopic investigations are concerned with ground-state properties, knowledge of the contributions from final-state effects is important to understand the spectra from materials of interest.     

Molecular spectroscopy of uranium(IV) bis(ketimido) complexes. rare observation of resonance-enhanced raman scattering from organoactinide complexes and evidence for broken-symmetry excited states

Electronic absorption and resonance-enhanced Raman spectra for ketimido (azavinylidene) complexes of tetravalent uranium, (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[-N=C(Ph)(R)](2) (R = Ph, Me, and CH(2)Ph), have been recorded. The absorption spectra exhibit four broad bands between 13 000 and 24 000 cm(-1). The highest-energy band is assigned to the ketimido-localized p( perpendicular)(N)-->pi(N=C) transition based on comparison to the spectra of (C(5)H(5))(2)Zr[-N=CPh(2)](2) and (C(5)Me(5))(2)Th[-N=CPh(2)](2). Upon excitation into any of these four absorption bands, the (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[-N=C(Ph)(R)](2) complexes exhibit resonance enhancement for several Raman bands attributable to vibrations of the ketimido ligands. Raman bands for both the symmetric and nominally asymmetric N=C stretching bands are resonantly enhanced upon excitation into the p( perpendicular)(N)-->pi(N=C) absorption bands, indicating that the excited state is localized on a single ketimido ligand. Raman excitation profiles for (C(5)Me(5))(2)U[-N=CPh(2)](2) confirm that at least one of the lower-energy electronic absorption bands (E(max) approximately 16300 cm(-1)) is a charge-transfer transition between the U(IV) center and the ketimido ligand(s). The observations of both charge-transfer transitions and resonance enhancement of Raman vibrational bands are exceedingly rare for tetravalent actinide complexes and reflect the strong bonding interactions between the uranium 5f/6d orbitals and those on the ketimido ligands.     

Thermodynamic and kinetic studies on novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes containing bidentate N,N-donor ligands

A series of novel dinuclear platinum(II) complexes were synthesized with bidentate nitrogen donor ligands. The two platinum centers are connected by an aliphatic chain of variable length. The selected chelating ligand system should stabilize the complex toward decomposition. The pK(a) values and reactivity of four synthesized complexes, viz. [Pt(2)(N(1),N(4)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-butanediamine)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (4NNpy), [Pt(2)(N(1),N(6)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,6-hexanediamine)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (6NNpy), [Pt(2)(N(1),N(8)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,8-octanediamine)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (8NNpy), and [Pt(2)(N(1),N(10)-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,10-decanediamine)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (10NNpy), were investigated. This system is of special interest because only little is known about the substitution behavior of dinuclear platinum complexes that contain a bidentate chelate that forms part of the aliphatic bridging ligand. Spectrophotometric acid-base titrations were performed to determine the pK(a) values of the coordinated water ligands. The substitution of coordinated water by thiourea was studied under pseudofirst-order conditions as a function of nucleophile concentration, temperature, and pressure, using stopped-flow techniques and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results for the dinuclear complexes were compared to those for the corresponding mononuclear reference complex [Pt(aminomethylpyridine)(OH(2))(2)](2+) (monoNNpy), by which the effect of increasing the aliphatic chain length on the bridged complexes could be investigated. The results indicated that there is a clear interaction between the two platinum centers, which becomes weaker as the chain length between the metal centers increases. In addition, quantum chemical calculations were performed to support the interpretation and discussion of the experimental data.     

Surface organobarium and organomagnesium chemistry on periodic mesoporous silica MCM-41: convergent and sequential approaches traced by molecular models

The alkaline earth metal alkyl complexes [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)](n) and Mg(AlMe(4))(2) were directly grafted onto periodic mesoporous silica MCM-41, which had been dehydroxylated at 270 °C (specific surface area a(s): 1023 m(2) g(-1); pore volume V(p): 1.08 cm(3) g(-1); main pore diameter 3.4 nm). Alternatively, barium alkyl surface species were generated by sequential grafting of MCM-41 with Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(thf)(4) and AlEt(3) to yield the hybrid material AlEt(3)@Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)(thf)(4)@MCM-41. For a better understanding of the surface chemistry, AlEt(3)@MCM-41 was also accessed. All hybrid materials were analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy; this clearly revealed distinct surface chemistry for the alkylaluminate-treated materials [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)]@MCM-41 and Mg(AlMe(4))(2)@MCM-41. In an attempt to mimic the surface chemistry, the organometallic precursors were treated with HOSi(OtBu)(3). The reaction of equimolar amounts of {Ba[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](2)}(n) and HOSi(OtBu)(3) produced a mixed silylamido/siloxide cluster of Ba(3)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](3)[N(SiHMe(2))(2)](3) with bridging-only siloxide ligands as well as one bridging and two terminal silylamido ligands. The Schlenk equilibrium was found to govern the [Ba(AlEt(4))(2)](n)-HOSi(OtBu)(3) and Mg(AlMe(4))(2)-HOSi(OtBu)(3) reactions, leading to the isolation of complexes of [Ba(AlEt(4))(2) (toluene)](2) and Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3))](2)(AlMe(3))(2), respectively. Allowing for a donor-induced cleavage of Mg(AlMe(4))(2), the reaction of [MgMe(2)] with one or two equivalents of HOSi(OtBu)(3) was studied. While putative Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3)](Me) and Mg[OSi(OtBu)(3)](2) could not be crystallized from the reaction mixtures, cluster complexes Mg(5)(O)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](5)Me(3) and Mg(4)(OH)(2)[OSi(OtBu)(3)](6) could be unambiguously identified by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Ce3+ and Eu2+-activated Ca7Mg(SiO4)4 phosphors for solid state lighting

Ce(3+) and Eu(2+) singly doped and Ce(3+)/Eu(2+)-codoped Ca(7)Mg(SiO(4))(4) phosphors are synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction. The Ce(3+) activated sample exhibits intense blue emission under 350 nm excitation, the composition-optimized Ca(7)Mg(SiO(4))(4)?:?4%Ce(3+) shows better color purity than the commercial blue phosphor, BaMgAl(10)O(17)?:?Eu(2+) (BAM?:?Eu(2+)) and exhibits superior external quantum efficiency (65%). The Ca(7)Mg(SiO(4))(4)?:?Eu(2+) powder shows a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 400-600 nm with a maximum at about 500 nm. The strong excitation bands of the Ca(7)Mg(SiO(4))(4)?:?Eu(2+) in the wavelength range of 250-450 nm are favorable properties for applications as light-emitting-diode conversion phosphors. Furthermore, the energy transfer from the Ce(3+) to Eu(2+) ions is observed in the codoped samples, the resonance-type energy transfer is determined to be due to the dipole-dipole interaction mechanism and the critical distance is obtained through the spectral overlap approach and concentration quenching method.     

Raman spectroscopy of halotrichite from Jaroso, Spain

Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared ATR spectroscopy has been used to characterise a halotrichite FeSO(4) x Al(2)(SO(4))(3) x 22 H(2)O from The Jaroso Ravine, Aquilas, Spain. Halotrichites form a continuous solid solution series with pickingerite and chemical analysis shows that the jarosite contains 6% Mg(2+). Halotrichite is characterised by four infrared bands at 3569.5, 3485.7, 3371.4 and 3239.0 cm(-1). Using Libowitsky type relationships, hydrogen bond distances of 3.08, 2.876, 2.780 and 2.718 Angstrom were determined. Two intense Raman bands are observed at 987.7 and 984.4 cm(-1) and are assigned to the nu(1) symmetric stretching vibrations of the sulphate bonded to the Fe(2+) and the water units in the structure. Three sulphate bands are observed at 77K at 1000.0, 991.3 and 985.0 cm(-1) suggesting further differentiation of the sulphate units. Raman spectrum of the nu(2) and nu(4) region of halotrichite at 298 K shows two bands at 445.1 and 466.9 cm(-1), and 624.2 and 605.5 cm(-1), respectively, confirming the reduction of symmetry of the sulphate in halotrichite.