High current density electrodeposition from silver complex ionic liquids

Liquid metal salts are electrolytes with the highest possible metal concentration for electrodeposition, because the metal ion is an integral part of the solvent. This paper introduces the new ionic silver complexes [Ag(MeCN)(4)](2)[Ag(Tf(2)N)(3)], [Ag(MeCN)][Tf(2)N] and [Ag(EtIm)(2)][Tf(2)N], where MeCN stands for acetonitrile, EtIm for 1-ethylimidazole and Tf(2)N is bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. These complexes have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, single crystal X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetrical analysis, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. [Ag(MeCN)(4)](2)[Ag(Tf(2)N)(3)] is a room temperature ionic liquid. Smooth silver layers of good quality could be deposited from it, at current densities of up to 25 A dm(-2) in unstirred solutions. [Ag(EtIm)(2)][Tf(2)N] melts at 65 °C and can be used as an electrolyte for silver deposition above this temperature. [Ag(MeCN)][Tf(2)N] has a melting point that is too high to be useful in electrodeposition. Addition of thiourea or 1H-benzotriazole to the electrolyte decreased the surface roughness of the silver coatings. The morphology of the metal layers was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adsorption of 1H-benzotriazole on the silver metal surface has been proven by Raman spectroscopy. This work shows the usefulness of additives in improving the quality of metal films electrodeposited from ionic liquids.     

Copper(I)-containing ionic liquids for high-rate electrodeposition

New metal-containing ionic liquids [Cu(CH(3)CN)(n)][Tf(2)N] (n=2, 4; Tf(2)N=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)- amide) have been synthesised and used as a non-aqueous electrolyte for the electrodeposition of copper at current densities greater than 25 A dm(-2). The tetrahedral copper(I)-containing cation in [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)][Tf(2)N] is structurally analogous to quaternary ammonium and phosphonium ionic liquids and overcomes problems of metal solubility and mass transport. Two CH(3)CN ligands are removed at elevated temperatures to give [Cu(CH(3)CN)(2)][Tf(2)N], which can be used as a concentrated non-aqueous electrolyte. The structural and electrochemical characterisation of these compounds is described herein.     

Vapochromic ionic liquids from metal-chelate complexes exhibiting reversible changes in color, thermal, and magnetic properties

Vapor- and gas-responsive ionic liquids (ILs) comprised of cationic metal-chelate complexes and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Tf(2) N) have been prepared, namely, [Cu(acac)(BuMe(3) en)][Tf(2) N] (1?a), [Cu(Bu-acac)(BuMe(3) en)][Tf(2) N] (1?b), [Cu(C(12) -acac)(Me(4) en)][Tf(2) N] (1?c), [Cu(acac)(Me(4) en)][Tf(2) N] (1?d), and [Ni(acac)(BuMe(3) en)][Tf(2) N] (2?a) (acac=acetylacetonate, Bu-acac=3-butyl-2,4-pentanedionate, C(12) -acac=3-dodecyl-2,4-pentanedionate, BuMe(3) en=N-butyl-N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, and Me(4) en=N,N,N',N'-trimethylethylenediamine). These ILs exhibited reversible changes in color, thermal properties, and magnetic properties in response to organic vapors and gases. The Cu(II) -containing ILs are purple and turn blue-purple to green when exposed to organic vapors, such as acetonitrile, methanol, and DMSO, or ammonia gas. The color change is based on the coordination of the vapor molecules to the cation, and the resultant colors depend on the coordination strength (donor number, DN) of the vapor molecules. The vapor absorption caused changes in the melting points and viscosities, leading to alteration in the phase behaviors. The IL with a long alkyl chain (1?d) transitioned from a purple solid to a brown liquid at its melting point. The Ni(II) -containing IL (2?a) is a dark red diamagnetic liquid, which turned into a green paramagnetic liquid by absorbing vapors with high DN. Based on the equilibrium shift from four- to six-coordinated species, the liquid exhibited thermochromism and temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility after absorbing methanol.     

Crown ethers as ancillary ligands in the assembly of silver(i) aggregates containing embedded acetylenediide

Five silver(I) double salts containing embedded acetylenediide, [Ag([12]crown-4)(2)][Ag(10)(C(2))(CF(3)CO(2))(9)([12]crown-4)(2)(H(2)O)(3)] x H(2)O (2), [Ag(2)C(2) x 5 AgCF(3)CO(2) x (benzo[15]crown-5) x 2 H(2)O] x 0.5 H(2)O (3), [Ag(4)([18]crown-6)(4)(H(2)O)(3)][Ag(18)(C(2))(3)(CF(3)CO(2))(16)(H(2)O)(2.5)] x 2.5 H(2)O (4), [Ag(2)C(2) x 6 AgC(2)F(5)CO(2) x 2([15]crown-5)](2) (5), and [(Ag(2)C(2))(2) x (AgC(2)F(5)CO(2))(9) x ([18]crown-6)(2) x (H(2)O)(3.5)] x H(2)O (6), have been isolated by varying the types of crown ethers and anions employed. Single-crystal X-ray analysis has shown that complex 2 is composed of winding anionic chains with sandwiched [Ag([12]crown-4)(2)](+) ions accommodated in the concave cavities between them. In 3, silver(I) double cages each sandwiched by a couple of benzo[15]crown-5 ligands are linked by [Ag(2)(CF(3)CO(2))(2)] bridges to form a one-dimensional structure. For 4, an anionic silver column is generated through fusion of two kinds of silver polyhedra (triangulated dodecahedron and bicapped trigonal antiprism), and the charge balance is provided by aqua-ligated [Ag([18]crown-6)](+) ions. Complex 5 is a centrosymmetric hexadecanuclear supermolecule composed of two [(eta(5)-[15]crown-5)(2)(C(2)@Ag(7))(mu-C(2)F(5)CO(2))(5)] moieties connected through a [Ag(2)(C(2)F(5)CO(2))(2)] bridge. Compound 6 is a discrete supermolecule containing an asymmetric (C(2))(2)@Ag(13) cluster core capped by two [18]crown-6 ligands in mu(3)-eta(5) and mu(4)-eta(6) ligation modes.     

Uranyl complexation by chloride ions. Formation of a tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex in room temperature ionic liquids [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The tetrachlorouranium(VI) complex is formed in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] from a uranium(VI) solution in the presence of a stoichiometric quantity of chloride ions. The [UVIO2Cl4]2- absorption and emission spectra show bands splitting in comparison with the [UVIO2]2+ spectra, as observed in the solid state, organic solvents, and chloroaluminate-based ionic liquids. The fluorescence lifetime of [UO2Cl4]2- in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] is 0.7 +/- 0.1 mus. The reduction potential of this complex is -1.44 and -1.8 V vs Ag/Ag+ respectively in [Bmim][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] and does not depend on the chloride concentration. The mechanism proposed for the redox process is a monoelectronic reduction to form [UVO2Cl4]3-, followed by a chemical reaction. The tetrachlorouranium(V) complex seems more stable in [Bmim][Tf2N] than in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The electrochemical analysis put in evidence specific interactions of the ionic liquid cation with the uranium anionic species.     

微波辅助合成有机膦功能化离子液体及对稀土离子的萃取

用微波辐射法,合成了5个含有机膦氧基团的离子液体：1-丙基-3-(3-二苯基氧膦基)丙基咪唑双(三氟甲基磺酰基)亚胺盐([PImC3P(O)Ph2][Tf2N])、1-己基-3-(3-二苯基氧膦基)丙基咪唑双(三氟甲基磺酰基)亚胺盐([HImC3P(O)Ph2][Tf2N])、1-丙基-3-(3-苯基乙氧基氧膦基)丙基咪唑双(三氟甲基磺酰基)亚胺盐([PImC3P(O)Ph(OEt)][Tf2N])、1-己基-3-(3-苯基乙氧基氧膦基)丙基咪唑双(三氟甲基磺酰基)亚胺盐([HImC3P(O)Ph(OEt)][Tf2N])和(3-苯基乙氧基氧膦基)丙基三乙胺双(三氟甲基磺酰基)亚胺盐([TENC3P(O)Ph(OEt)][Tf2N])。 用31P NMR、1H NMR、13C NMR、MS及FT-IR对产物结构进行了表征。 研究了这类离子液体对稀土Nd(III)的萃取性能。 结果表明,这类功能化离子液体可作为单一组分萃取稀土而无需加入有机稀释剂,离子液体结构对萃取效率影响很大,相同条件下季铵盐型结构的离子液体[TENC3P(O)Ph(OEt)][Tf2N]对稀土Nd(Ⅲ)的萃取效率最高。 稀土溶液pH值对萃取效率影响显著,近中性条件下(pH=6.63),对稀土Nd(Ⅲ)的萃取率最高。 用pH=1.00的盐酸溶液可以较好的从离子液体相反萃Nd(Ⅲ),反萃率可达94%。     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of U(IV)-hexachloro complexes in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The behavior of U(IV) octahedral complexes [cation]2[UCl6], where the [cation]+ is [BuMeIm]+ and [MeBu3N]+, is studied using UV/visible spectroscopy, cyclic staircase voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N], where BuMeIm+ and MeBu3N+ are 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and tri-n-butylmethylammonium cations, respectively, and Tf2N- is the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. The absorption spectra of [cation]2[UCl6] complexes in the RTIL solutions are similar to the diffuse solid-state reflectance spectra of the corresponding solid species, indicating that the octahedral complex UCl6(2-) is the predominant chemical form of U(IV) in Tf2N--based hydrophobic ionic liquids. Hexachloro complexes of U(IV) are stable to hydrolysis in the studied RTILs. Voltammograms of UCl(6)2- at the glassy carbon electrode in both RTILs and at the potential range of -2.5 to +1.0 V versus Ag/Ag(I) reveal the following electrochemical couples: UCl6-/UCl6(2-) (quasi-reversible system), UCl(6)2-/UCl6(3-) (quasi-reversible system), and UCl(6)2-/UCl6(Tf2N)x-3+x (irreversible reduction). The voltammetric half-wave potential, Ep/2, of the U(V)/U(IV) couple in [BuMeIm][Tf2N] is positively shifted by 80 mV compared with that in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The positive shift in the Ep/2 value for the quasi-reversible U(IV)/U(III) couple is much greater (250 mV) in [BuMeIm][Tf2N]. Presumably, the potential shift is due to the specific interaction of BuMeIm+ with the uranium-hexachloro complex in ionic liquid. Scanning the negative potential to -3.5 V in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] solutions of UCl6(2-) reveals the presence of an irreversible cathodic process at the peak potential equal to -3.12 V (at 100 mV/s and 60 degrees C), which could be attributed to the reduction of U(III) to U(0).     

Synthesis and characterisation of high-nuclearity osmium-silver mixed-metal clusters

The reaction of the triosmium cluster anion, [Os(3)(micro-H)(CO)(11)][PPN] (PPN = [N(PPh(3))2]+), with [AgPF(6)] in the presence of [Ir(PPh(3))2(CO)Cl] in THF at room temperature affords two new high-nuclearity osmium-silver clusters, [Os(13)Ag(9)(CO)48][PPN] (1) and [Os(9)Ag(9)(micro3-O)2(CO)30][PPN] (2), and an iridium complex, [Ir(PPh(3))2(CO)Cl(O(2))] (3).     

Intramolecular electron transfer within a covalent, fixed-distance donor-acceptor molecule in an ionic liquid

Intramolecular photoinduced charge separation and recombination within the donor-acceptor molecule 4-(N-pyrrolidino)naphthalene-1,8-imide-pyromellitimide, 5ANI-PI, are studied using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy in the room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide [EMIM][Tf2N]. The rate constants of both photoinduced charge separation and charge recombination for 5ANI-PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are comparable to those observed in pyridine, which has a static dielectric constant similar to that of [EMIM][Tf2N] but a viscosity that is nearly 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of [EMIM][Tf2N]. The electron-transfer dynamics of 5ANI-PI in [EMIM][Tf2N] are compared to those in pyridine as a function of temperature and are discussed in the context of recently reported ionic liquid solvation studies.     

Heterobimetallic coordination polymers incorporating [M(CN)(2)](-) (M = Cu,Ag) and [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units: increasing structural dimensionality via M-M' and M...NC interactions

A series of new heterometallic coordination polymers has been prepared from the reaction of metal-ligand cations and KAg(CN)(2) units. Many of these contain silver-silver (argentophilic) interactions, analogous to gold-gold interactions, which serve to increase supramolecular structural dimensionality. Compared to [Au(CN)(2)](-) analogues, these polymers display new trends specific to [Ag(CN)(2)](-), including the formation of [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) and the presence of Ag...N interactions. [Cu(en)(2)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (1, en = ethylenediamine) forms 1-D chains of alternating [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units via argentophilic interactions of 3.102(1) A. These chains are connected into a 2-D array by strong cyano(N)-Ag interactions of 2.572(3) A. [Cu(dien)Ag(CN)(2)](2)[Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (2, dien = diethylenetriamine) forms a 1-D chain of alternating [Cu(dien)](2+) and [Ag(CN)(2)](-) ions with the Cu(II) atoms connected in an apical/equatorial fashion. These chains are cross-linked by [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-) units via argentophilic interactions of 3.1718(8) A and held weakly in a 3-D array by argentophilic interactions of 3.2889(5) A between the [Ag(CN)(2)](-) in the 2-D array and the remaining free [Ag(CN)(2)](-). [Ni(en)][Ni(CN)(4)].2.5H(2)O (4) was identified as a byproduct in the reaction to prepare the previously reported [Ni(en)(2)Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] (3). In [Ni(tren)Ag(CN)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)] (5, tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine), [Ni(tren)](2+) cations are linked in a cis fashion by [Ag(CN)(2)](-) anions to form a 1-D chain similar to the [Au(CN)(2)](-) analogue. [Cu(en)Cu(CN)(2)Ag(CN)(2)] (6) is a trimetallic polymer consisting of interpenetrating (6,3) nets stabilized by d(10)-d(10) interactions between Cu(I)-Ag(I) (3.1000(4) A). Weak antiferromagnetic coupling has been observed in 2, and a slightly stronger exchange has been observed in 6. The Ni(II) complexes, 4 and 5, display weak antiferromagnetic interactions as indicated by their relatively larger D values compared to that of 3. Magnetic measurements on isostructural [Ni(tren)M(CN)(2)][M(CN)(2)] (M = Ag, Au) show that Ag(I) is a more efficient mediator of magnetic exchange as compared to Au(I). The formation of [Ni(CN)(4)](2)(-), [Ag(2)(CN)(3)](-), and [Cu(CN)(2)](-) are all attributed to secondary reactions of the dissociation products of the labile KAg(CN)(2).     

Rapid energy transfer in bichromophoric tris-bipyridyl/cyclometallated ruthenium(II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of the N6-N5C bichromophoric [(bpy)2Ru(I)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine and ttpy is 4'-p-tolyl-2,2':6',2'-terpyridine) and [(bpy)2Ru(II)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (I and II are bpy-dipyridylbenzene ditopic ligands bridged by an ethynyl and phenyl unit, respectively) complexes are reported together with the model mononuclear complexes [(bpy)2Ru(I)][PF6]2, [(bpy)2Ru(II)][PF6]2, [Ru(VI)(ttpy)][PF6] (VI is 3,5-di(2-pyridyl)-biphenyl) and [Ru(dpb)(ttpy)][PF(6)] (Hdpb is 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-benzene). The electrochemical data show that there is little ground state electronic communication between the metal centers in the bimetallic complexes. Selective excitation of the N(5)C unit in the bichromophoric systems leads to luminescence typical for a bis-tridentate cyclometallated ruthenium complex and is similar to the [Ru(VI)(ttpy)][PF6] model complex. In contrast, the luminescence from the tris-bidentate N6 unit is efficiently quenched by energy transfer to the N5C unit. The energy transfer rate has been determined by femtosecond pump-probe measurements to 0.7 ps in the ethynyl-linked [(bpy)2Ru(I)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 and to 1.5 ps in the phenyl-linked [(bpy)2Ru(II)Ru(ttpy)][PF6]3 (in acetonitrile solution at 298 K), and is inferred to occur via a Dexter mechanism.     

Metal-metal interactions in platinum(II)/gold(I) or platinum(II)/silver(I) salts containing planar cations and linear anions

The salts [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)], [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2), and [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) have been prepared by mixing solutions of salts containing the appropriate cation with solutions of K[Au(CN)(2)] or K[Ag(CN)(2)]. Because the platinum atom in the cation is sterically protected, the structures of [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt{C(NHMe)(2)}(4)][Ag(2)(CN)(3)][Ag(CN)(2)] reveal no close metal-metal interactions. Colorless crystals of [Pt(en)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2) and [Pt(en)(2)][Ag(CN)(2)](2) are isostructural and involve extended chains of alternating cations and anions that run parallel to the crystallographic a axis, along with isolated anions. In the chains, the metal-metal separations are relatively short: Pt...Au, 3.1799(3) Angstroms; Pt...Ag, 3.1949(2) Angstroms. In [Pt(bipy)(2)][Au(CN)(2)](2), each cation has axial interactions with the anions through close Pt...Au contacts [3.1735(6) Angstroms]. In addition, the anions are weakly linked through Au...Au contacts of 3.5978(9) Angstroms. Unlike the previously reported Pt/Au complex [Pt(NH(3))(4)][Au(CN)(2)](2).1.5H(2)O, which is luminescent, none of the salts reported here luminesce.     

Ideal gas solubilities and solubility selectivities in a binary mixture of room-temperature ionic liquids

This study focuses on the solubility behaviors of CO2, CH4, and N2 gases in binary mixtures of imidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2mim][Tf2N]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C2mim][BF4]) at 40 degrees C and low pressures (approximately 1 atm). The mixtures tested were 0, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95, and 100 mol % [C2mim][BF4] in [C2mim][Tf2N]. Results show that regular solution theory (RST) can be used to describe the gas solubility and selectivity behaviors in RTIL mixtures using an average mixture solubility parameter or an average measured mixture molar volume. Interestingly, the solubility selectivity, defined as the ratio of gas mole fractions in the RTIL mixture, of CO2 with N2 or CH4 in pure [C2mim][BF4] can be enhanced by adding 5 mol % [C2mim][Tf2N].     

A feasible route to approach 3D POM-based hybrids: utilizing substituted or reduced Keggin anions with high charge density

Five new hybrid compounds based on Keggin polyanions, Ag(+)/Cu(+) ions and 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane (btp) molecules have been hydrothermally synthesized. In [Ag(5)(btp)(4)(H(2)O)(2)][PCuW(11)O(39)]·2H(2)O (1), [Ag(4.33)Na(0.67)(btp)(4)(H(2)O)(2)][PMnMo(11)O(39)]·H(2)O (2) and [Cu(4)(btp)(4)Na(H(2)O)(2)][PMnMo(11)O(39)]·2H(2)O (3), the neighboring mono-substituted Keggin clusters are alternately connected via sharing oxygen atoms to form an unusual Keggin-based transition-metal monosubstituted chain, in which the Keggin cluster serves as a decadentate ligand and grafts ten metal atoms representing the highest connected number for Keggin cluster and forming a 3D framework. In [Ag(5)(btp)(4)][PW(VI)(10)W(V)(2)O(40)] (4) and [Ag(5)(btp)(4)][PMo(VI)(10)Mo(V)(2)O(40)] (5), two-electron reduced Keggin clusters as hexadentate linkages are inserted in the rhomboid-like tunnels of the Ag-btp framework and connect with the framework via six Ag-O bonds to achieve 3D motifs, which are new and rare examples of heteropoly blue based hybrid compounds. The successful synthesis of the five high-dimensional structures may provide a feasible route for us to approach 3D polyoxometalate-based hybrids by using substituted Keggin anions and heteropoly blues with high charge density. Furthermore, photocatalytic experiments indicate that both 1 and 4 have good activities for photocatalytic degradation of RhB under UV irradiation. The luminescent properties of compounds 1-5 in the solid state were also investigated.     

Oxidative-stability enhancement and charge transport mechanism in glyme-lithium salt equimolar complexes

The oxidative stability of glyme molecules is enhanced by the complex formation with alkali metal cations. Clear liquid can be obtained by simply mixing glyme (triglyme or tetraglyme) with lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (Li[TFSA]) in a molar ratio of 1:1. The equimolar complex [Li(triglyme or tetraglyme)(1)][TFSA] maintains a stable liquid state over a wide temperature range and can be regarded as a room-temperature ionic liquid consisting of a [Li(glyme)(1)](+) complex cation and a [TFSA](-) anion, exhibiting high self-dissociativity (ionicity) at room temperature. The electrochemical oxidation of [Li(glyme)(1)][TFSA] takes place at the electrode potential of ~5 V vs Li/Li(+), while the oxidation of solutions containing excess glyme molecules ([Li(glyme)(x)][TFSA], x > 1) occurs at around 4 V vs Li/Li(+). This enhancement of oxidative stability is due to the donation of lone pairs of ether oxygen atoms to the Li(+) cation, resulting in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level lowering of a glyme molecule, which is confirmed by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The solvation state of a Li(+) cation and ion conduction mechanism in the [Li(glyme)(x)][TFSA] solutions is elucidated by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrochemical methods. The experimental results strongly suggest that Li(+) cation conduction in the equimolar complex takes place by the migration of [Li(glyme)(1)](+) cations, whereas the ligand exchange mechanism is overlapped when interfacial electrochemical reactions of [Li(glyme)(1)](+) cations occur. The ligand exchange conduction mode is typically seen in a lithium battery with a configuration of [Li anode|[Li(glyme)(1)][TFSA]|LiCoO(2) cathode] when the discharge reaction of a LiCoO(2) cathode, that is, desolvation of [Li(glyme)(1)](+) and insertion of the resultant Li(+) into the cathode, occurs at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The battery can be operated for more than 200 charge-discharge cycles in the cell voltage range of 3.0-4.2 V, regardless of the use of ether-based electrolyte, because the ligand exchange rate is much faster than the electrode reaction rate.     

Homoleptic alkaline earth metal bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide complex compounds obtained from an ionic liquid

The first homoleptic alkaline earth bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Tf2N) complexes [mppyr]2[Ca(Tf2N)4], [mppyr]2[Sr(Tf2N)4], and [mppyr][Ba(Tf2N)3] were crystallized from a solution of the respective alkaline earth bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and the ionic liquid [mppyr][Tf2N] (mppyr = 1,1-N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium). In the calcium and strontium compounds, the alkaline earth metal (AE) is coordinated by four bidentately chelating Tf2N ligands to form isolated (distorted) square antiprismatic [AE(Tf2N)4]2- complexes which are separated by N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium cations. In contrast, the barium compound, [mppyr][Ba(Tf2N)3], forms an extended structure. Here the alkaline earth cation is surrounded by six oxygen atoms belonging to three Tf2N- anions which coordinate in a bidentate chelating fashion. Three further oxygen atoms of the same ligands are linking the Ba2+ cations to infinite (infinity)(1)[Ba(Tf2N)3] chains.     

Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-iridium(III) complexes with pyridylamino ligands: synthesis and applications as asymmetric catalysts for Diels-Alder reactions

Reaction of the dimer [(Cp*IrCl)2(P-Cl)2] with chiral pyridylamino ligands (pyam, L1-L5) in the presence of NaSbF6 gave complexes [Cp*IrCl(pyam)][SbF6] 1-5 as diastereomeric mixtures, which have been fully characterised, including the X-ray molecular structure determination of the complexes (S(Ir),R(N),R(C))-[Cp*IrClL1][SbF6] 1a and (R(Ir),S(N),S(C))-[Cp*IrClL5][SbF6] 5a. Treatment of these cations with AgSbF6 affords the corresponding aqua species [Cp*Ir(pyam)(H2O)][SbF6]2 6-10 which have been also fully characterised. The molecular structure of the complex (S(Ir),R(N),R(C))-[Cp*IrL,(H2O)][SbF6]2 6 has been determined by X-ray diffractometric methods. The aqua complexes [Cp*Ir(pyam)(H2O)][SbF6]2 (6, pyam = L2 (7), L3 (8)) evolve to the cyclometallated species [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C6H4)CH(CH3)NHCH2C5NH4}][SbF6] (11), [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C10H6)CH(CH3)-NHCH2C5NH4)}][SbF6] (12), and [Cp*Ir{kappa3(N,N',C)-(R)-(C10H6)CH(CH3)NHCH2C9NH6)}][SbF6] (13) respectively, via intramolecular activation of an ortho C-H aryl bond. Complexes 6-10 are enantioselective catalysts for the Diels-Alder reaction between methacrolein and cyclopentadiene. Reaction occurs rapidly at room temperature with good exo : endo selectivity (from 81 : 19 to 98 : 2) and moderate enantioselectivity (up to 72%). The involved intermediate Lewis acid-dienophile compounds [Cp*Ir(pyam)(methacrolein)][SbF]2 (pyam = L4 (14), L5 (15)) have been isolated and characterised.     

Chloride complexation by uranyl in a room temperature ionic liquid. A computational study

The stepwise addition of 1 to 4 Cl(-) anions to the uranyl cation has been studied via potential of mean force (PMF) calculations in the [BMI][Tf 2N] ionic liquid based on the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation (BMI(+)) and the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (Tf2N(-)). According to these calculations, the four Cl(-) complexation reactions are favored and UO2Cl4(2-) is the most stable chloride complex in [BMI][Tf2N]. The solvation of the different chloro-complexes is found to evolve from purely anionic (ca. 5 Tf2N(-) ions around UO2(2+)) to purely cationic (ca. 8.5 BMI (+) cations around UO2Cl4(2-)), with onion-type alternation of solvent shells. We next compare the solvation of the UO2Cl4(2-) complex to its reduced analogue UO2Cl4(3-) in the [BMI][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] liquids that possess the same anion, but differ by their cation (imidazolium BMI(+) versus ammonium MeBu3N(+)). The overall solvation structure of both complexes is found to be similar in both liquids with a first solvation shell formed exclusively of solvent cations (about 9 BMI(+) cations or 7 MeBu3N(+) cations). However, a given complex is better solvated by the [BMI][Tf2N] liquid, due to hydrogen bonding interactions between Cl(-) ligands and imidazolium-ring C-H protons. According to free energy calculations, the gain in solvation energy upon reduction of UO2Cl4(2-) to UO2Cl4(3-) is found to be larger in [BMI][Tf2N] than in [MeBu3N][Tf2N], which is fully consistent with recent experimental results (Inorg. Chem. 2006, 45, 10419).     

The effect of different interfaces and confinement on the structure of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide entrapped in cationic and anionic reverse micelles

The behavior of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([bmim][Tf(2)N]) entrapped in two reverse micelles (RMs) formed in an aromatic solvent as dispersant pseudophase: [bmim][Tf(2)N]/benzyl-n-hexadecyldimethylammonium chloride (BHDC)/chlorobenzene and [bmim][Tf(2)N]/sodium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate (AOT)/chlorobenzene, was investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopies. DLS results reveal the formation of RMs containing [bmim][Tf(2)N] as a polar component since the droplet size values increase as the W(s) (W(s) = [[bmim][Tf(2)N]]/[surfactant]) increases. Furthermore, it shows that the RMs consist of discrete spherical and non-interacting droplets of [bmim][Tf(2)N] stabilized by the surfactants. Important differences in the structure of [bmim][Tf(2)N] entrapped inside BHDC RMs, in comparison with the neat IL, are observed from the FT-IR and (1)H NMR measurements. The electrostatic interactions between anions and cations from [bmim][Tf(2)N] and BHDC determine the solvent structure encapsulated inside the nano-droplets. It seems that the IL structure is disrupted due to the electrostatic interaction between the [Tf(2)N](-) and the cationic BHDC polar head (BHD(+)) giving a high ion pair degree between BHD(+) and [Tf(2)N](-) at a low IL content. On the other hand, for the AOT RMs there is no evidence of strong IL-surfactant interaction. The electrostatic interaction between the SO(3)(-) group and the Na(+) counterion in AOT seems to be stronger than the possible [bmim](+)-SO(3)(-) interaction at the interface. Thus, the structure of [bmim][Tf(2)N] encapsulated is not particularly disrupted by the anionic surfactant at all W(s) studied, in contrast to the BHDC RM results. Nevertheless, there is evidence of confinement in the AOT RMs because the [bmim](+)-[Tf(2)N](-) interaction is stronger than in bulk solution. Thus, the IL is more associated upon confinement. Our results reveal that the [bmim][Tf(2)N] structure can be modified in a different manner inside RMs by varying the kind of surfactant used to create the RMs and the IL content (W(s)). These facts can be very important if these media are used as nanoreactors because unique microenvironments can be easily created by simply changing the RM components and W(s).     

Preparation and characterization of ultrathin [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2 and [BMIM][Tf2N] films on Al2O3/NiAl(110) under UHV conditions

Towards a better understanding of the interface chemistry of ionic liquid (IL) thin film catalytic systems we have applied a rigorous surface science model approach. For the first time, a model homogeneous catalyst has been prepared under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The catalyst, di-μ-chlorobis(chlorotricarbonylruthenium) [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2), and the solvent, the IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BMIM][Tf(2)N], have been deposited by physical vapor deposition onto an alumina model support [Al(2)O(3)/NiAl(110)]. First, the interaction between thin films of [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2) and the support is investigated. Then, the ruthenium complex is co-deposited with the IL and the influence of the solvent on the catalyst is discussed. D(2)O, which is a model reactant, is further added. Growth, surface interactions, and mutual interactions in the thin films are studied with IRAS in combination with density functional (DFT) calculations. At 105 K, molecular adsorption of [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2) is observed on Al(2)O(3)/NiAl(110). The IRAS spectra of the binary [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2) + [BMIM][Tf(2)N] and ternary [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2) + [BMIM][Tf(2)N] + D(2)O show every characteristic band of the individual components. Above 223 K, partial decomposition of the ruthenium complex leads to species of molecular nature attributed to Ru(CO) and Ru(CO)(2) surface species. Formation of metallic ruthenium clusters occurs above 300 K and the model catalyst decomposes further at higher temperatures. Neither the presence of the IL nor of D(2)O prevents this partial decomposition of [Ru(CO)(3)Cl(2)](2) on alumina.