Preparation and Structures of the 2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) Salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) Anions

2.2.2-Cryptand(1+) salts of the [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-), [As(2)S(4)](2)(-), [As(10)S(3)](2)(-), and [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anions have been synthesized from the reduction of binary chalcogenide compounds by K in NH(3)(l) in the presence of the alkali-metal-encapsulating ligand 2.2.2-cryptand (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane), followed by recrystallization from CH(3)CN. The [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, which has crystallographically imposed symmetry 2, consists of two discrete edge-sharing SbSe(3) pyramids with terminal Se atoms cis to each other. The Sb-Se(t) bond distance is 2.443(1) ?, whereas the Sb-Se(b) distance is 2.615(1) ? (t = terminal; b = bridge). The Se(b)-Sb-Se(t) angles range from 104.78(4) to 105.18(5) degrees, whereas the Se(b)-Sb-Se(b) angles are 88.09(4) and 88.99(4) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 337 and 124 ppm, 1:1 intensity, -30 degrees C, CH(3)CN/CD(3)CN). Similar to this [Sb(2)Se(4)](2)(-) anion, the [As(2)S(4)](2)(-) anion consists of two discrete edge-sharing AsS(3) pyramidal units. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.136(7) and 2.120(7) ?, whereas the As-S(b) distances range from 2.306(7) to 2.325(7) ?. The S(b)-As-S(t) angles range from 106.2(3) to 108.2(3) degrees, and the S(b)-As-S(b) angles are 88.3(2) and 88.9(2) degrees. The [As(10)S(3)](2)(-) anion has an 11-atom As(10)S center composed of six five-membered edge-sharing rings. One of the three waist positions is occupied by a S atom, and the other two waist positions feature As atoms with exocyclic S atoms attached, making each As atom in the structure three-coordinate. The As-As bond distances range from 2.388(3) to 2.474(3) ?. The As-S(t) bond distances are 2.181(5) and 2.175(4) ?, and the As-S(b) bond distance is 2.284(6) ?. The [As(4)Se(6)](2)(-) anion features two AsSe(3) units joined by Se-Se bonds with the two exocyclic Se atoms trans to each other. The average As-Se(t) bond distance is 2.273(2) ?, whereas the As-Se(b) bond distances range from 2.357(3) to 2.462(2) ?. The Se(b)-As-Se(t) angles range from 101.52(8) to 105.95(9) degrees, and the Se(b)-As-Se(b) angles range from 91.82(7) to 102.97(9) degrees. The (77)Se NMR data for this anion in solution are consistent with its X-ray structure (delta 564 and 317 ppm, 3:1 intensity, 25 degrees C, DMF/CD(3)CN).     

Syntheses and Vibrational and (13)C MAS-NMR Spectra of Bis(carbonyl)mercury(II) Undecafluorodiantimonate(V) ([Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2)) and of Bis(carbonyl)dimercury(I) Undecafluorodiantimonate ([Hg(2)(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2)) and the Molecular Structure of [Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2)

The synthesis of bis(carbonyl)mercury(II) undecafluorodiantimonate(V), [Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2), and that of the corresponding mercury(I) salt [Hg(2)(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2) are accomplished by the solvolyses of Hg(SO(3)F)(2) or of Hg(2)F(2), treated with fluorosulfuric acid, HSO(3)F, in liquid antimony(V) fluoride at 80 or 60 degrees C, respectively, in an atmosphere of CO (500-800 mbar). The resulting white solids are the first examples of metal carbonyl derivatives formed by a post-transition element. Both salts are characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman, and (13)C-MAS-NMR spectroscopy. For [Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)], unprecedentedly high CO stretching frequencies (nu(av) = 2279.5 cm(-)(1)) and stretching force constant (f(r) = 21.0 +/- 0.1) x 10(2) Nm(-)(1)) are obtained. Equally unprecedented is the (1)J((13)C-(199)Hg) value of 5219 +/- 5 Hz observed in the (13)C MAS-NMR spectrum of the (13)C labeled isotopomers at delta = 168.8 +/- 0.1 ppm. The corresponding values (nu(av) = 2247 cm(-)(1), f(r) = (20.4 +/- 0.1) x 10(2) Nm(-)(1), (1)J((13)C-(199)Hg) = 3350 +/- 50 Hz and (2)J((13)C-(199)Hg) 850 +/- 50 Hz) are found for [Hg(2)(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2), which has lower thermal stability (decomposition point in a sealed tube is 140 degrees C vs 160 degrees C for the Hg(II) compound) and a decomposition pressure of 8 Torr at 20 degrees C. The mercury(I) salt is sensitive toward oxidation to [Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2) during synthesis. Both linear cations (point group D(infinity)(h)()) are excellent examples of nonclassical (sigma-only) metal-CO bonding. Crystal data for [Hg(CO)(2)][Sb(2)F(11)](2): monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n; Z = 2; a = 7.607(2) ?; b = 14.001(3) ?; c = 9.730(2) ?; beta = 111.05(2) degrees; V = 967.1 ?(3); T = 195 K; R(F) = 0.035 for 1983 data (I(o) >/= 2.5sigma(I(o))) and 143 variables. The Hg atom lies on a crystallographic inversion center. The Hg-C-O angle is 177.7(7) degrees. The length of the mercury-carbon bond is 2.083(10) ? and of the C-O bond 1.104(12) ? respectively. The structure is stabilized in the solid state by a number of significant secondary interionic Hg- - -F and C- - -F contacts.     

Ni(phen)3]2Sb18S29: a novel three-dimensional framework thioantimonate(III) templated by [Ni(phen)3] complexes

A novel thioantimonate(III), namely, [Ni(phen)(3)](2)Sb(18)S(29) (1; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been solvothermally synthesized. Its structure features a three-dimensional framework with the largest channels in thioantimonates. The chiral [Ni(phen)(3)](2+) cations and the Sb:S ratio (1:1.611) in 1 are unique among those in the reported thioantimonates. The thermal stability, optical properties, and electric conductivity as well as the theoretical band structure and density of state of 1 have also been studied.     

Multidentate aryloxide and oxo-aryloxide complexes of antimony: synthesis and structural characterization of [eta4-N(o-C6H4O)3]Sb(OSMe2), {{[eta3-N(o-C6H4OH)- (o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu2-O)}2 and {[eta3-PhN(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}4(mu3-O)2

Antimony compounds that feature multidentate aryloxide ligands, namely [eta4-N(o-C6H4O)3]Sb(OSMe2), {{[eta3-N(o-C6H4OH)(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu2-O)}2, and {[eta3-PhN(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}4(mu3-O)2 have been synthesized from N(o-C6H4OH)3 and PhN(o-C6H4OH)2 and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. While [eta4-N(o-C6H4O)3]Sb(OSMe2) exists as a discrete mononuclear species, the oxo complexes {{[eta3-N(o-C6H4OH)(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu2-O)}2 and {[eta3-PhN(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}4(micro3-O)2 are multinuclear. Specifically, the dinuclear fragment {[eta3-N(o-C6H4OH)(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu2-O)} exists in a dimeric form due to the bridging oxo ligand participating in an intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction, while the dinuclear fragment {[eta3-PhN(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu-O) exists in a dimeric form due to the bridging oxo ligand serving as a donor to the antimony of a second fragment. The structures of {{[eta3-N(o-C6H4OH)(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}2(mu2-O)}2 and {[eta3-PhN(o-C6H4O)2]Sb}4(mu3-O)(2), therefore, indicate that an oxo ligand bridging two Sb(III) centers is sufficiently electron rich to serve as both an effective hydrogen bond acceptor and as a ligand for an additional Sb(III) center.     

Structures of Sb(OC(6)H(3)Me(2)-2,6)(3) and Sb(OEt)(5) x NH(3): the first authenticated monomeric Sb(OR)(n) (n = 3, 5)

The first monomeric antimony alkoxides, Sb(OC(6)H(3)Me(2))(3) (1) and Sb(OEt)(5) x NH(3) (2), have been crystallographically characterized. The former adopts a trigonal pyramidal geometry, while the latter is octahedral about antimony; hydrogen bonding between NH(3) and SbOEt groups in Sb(OEt)(5) small middle dotNH(3) creates a one-dimensional lattice arrangement. Reaction of pyridine with SbCl(5) in EtOH/hexane yields the salt [Hpy(+)](9)[Sb(2)Cl(11)(5)(-)][Cl(-)](4) (3), which has also been crystallographically characterized. Crystallographic data: 1, C(24)H(27)O(3)Sb, a = 10.9080(2), b = 11.9660(2), c = 17.7260(4) A, alpha = 109.740(1) degrees, monoclinic P2(1)/c (unique axis a), Z = 4; 2, C(10)H(28)NO(5)Sb, a = 7.7220(1), b = 19.0700(2), c = 21.6800(3) A, beta = 93.4960(7) degrees, monoclinic P2(1)/c, Z = 8; 3, C(45)H(54)Cl(15)N(9)Sb(2), a = 13.4300(2), b = 14.4180(2), c = 17.4180(3) A, alpha = 82.7650(7), beta = 77.5570(7), gamma = 70.7670(7) degrees, triclinic P1, Z = 2.     

Tetrachloro- and Tetrabromostibonium(V) Cations: Raman and (19)F, (121)Sb, and (123)Sb NMR Spectroscopic Characterization and X-ray Crystal Structures of SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) and SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-)

The stable salts, SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) and SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), have been prepared by oxidation of Sb(OTeF(5))(3) with Cl(2) and Br(2), respectively. The SbBr(4)(+) cation is reported for the first time and is only the second example of a tetrahalostibonium(V) cation. The SbCl(4)(+) cation had been previously characterized as the Sb(2)F(11)(-), Sb(2)Cl(2)F(9)(-), and Sb(2)Cl(0.5)F(10.5)(-) salts. Both Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) salts have been characterized in the solid state by low-temperature Raman spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Owing to the weakly coordinating nature of the Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) anion, both salts are readily soluble in SO(2)ClF and have been characterized in solution by (121)Sb, (123)Sb, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy. The tetrahedral environments around the Sb atoms of the cations result in low electric field gradients at the quadrupolar (121)Sb and (123)Sb nuclei and correspondingly long relaxation times, allowing the first solution NMR characterization of a tetrahalocation of the heavy pnicogens. The following crystal structures are reported: SbCl(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), trigonal system, space group P&thremacr;, a = 10.022(1) ?, c = 18.995(4) ?, V = 1652.3(6) ?(3), D(calc) = 3.652 g cm(-)(3), Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0461; SbBr(4)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), trigonal system, space group P&thremacr;, a = 10.206(1) ?, c = 19.297(3) ?, V = 1740.9(5) ?(3), D(calc) = 3.806 g cm(-)(3), Z = 2, R(1) = 0.0425. The crystal structures of both Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-) salts are similar and reveal considerably weaker interactions between anion and cation than in previously known SbCl(4)(+) salts. Both cations are undistorted tetrahedra with bond lengths of 2.221(3) ? for SbCl(4)(+) and 2.385(2) ? for SbBr(4)(+). The Raman spectra are consistent with undistorted SbX(4)(+) tetrahedra and have been assigned under T(d)() point symmetry. Trends within groups 15 and 17 are noted among the general valence force constants of the PI(4)(+), AsF(4)(+), AsBr(4)(+), AsI(4)(+), SbCl(4)(+) and SbBr(4)(+) cations, which have been calculated for the first time, and the previously determined force constants for NF(4)(+), NCl(4)(+), PF(4)(+), PCl(4)(+), PBr(4)(+), and AsCl(4)(+), which have been recalculated for the P and As cations in the present study. The SbCl(4)(+) salt is stable in SO(2)ClF solution, whereas the SbBr(4)(+) salt decomposes slowly in SO(2)ClF at room temperature and rapidly in the presence of Br(-) ion and in CH(3)CN solution at low temperatures. The major products of the decompositions are SbBr(2)(+)Sb(OTeF(5))(6)(-), as an adduct with CH(3)CN in CH(3)CN solvent, and Br(2).     

A chiral molecular conductor: synthesis, structure, and physical properties of [ET]3[Sb2(L-tart)2].CH3CN (ET = bis(ethylendithio)tetrathiafulvalene; L-tart = (2R,3R)-(+)-tartrate)

The salt [ET](3)[Sb(2)(L-tart)(2)].CH(3)CN (1) has been obtained by electrocrystallization of the organic donor bis(ethylendithio)tetrathiafulvalene (ET or BEDT-TTF) in the presence of the chiral anionic complex [Sb(2)(L-tart)(2)](2-) (L-tart = (2R,3R)-(+)-tartrate). This salt crystallizes in the chiral space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) (a = 11.145(2) angstroms, b = 12.848(2) angstroms, c = 40.159(14) angstroms, V = 5750.4(14) angstroms(3), Z = 4) and is formed by alternating layers of the anions and of the organic radicals in a noncentrosymmetric alpha-type packing. This compound shows a room temperature electrical conductivity of approximately 1 S.cm(-1) and semiconducting behavior with an activation energy of approximately 85 meV. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and band structure, however, suggests that this compound should be a narrow band gap semiconductor.     

Cationic carbonyl complexes of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III): syntheses,vibrational spectra,NMR studies,and molecular structures of tetrakis(carbonyl)rhodium(I) heptachlorodialuminate and -gallate, [Rh(CO)4][Al2Cl7] and [Rh(CO)4][Ga2Cl7

Dimeric rhodium(I) bis(carbonyl) chloride, [Rh(CO)(2)(mu-Cl)](2), is found to be a useful and convenient starting material for the syntheses of new cationic carbonyl complexes of both rhodium(I) and rhodium(III). Its reaction with the Lewis acids AlCl(3) or GaCl(3) produces in a CO atmosphere at room temperature the salts [Rh(CO)(4)][M(2)Cl(7)] (M = Al, Ga), which are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for [Rh(CO)(4)][Al(2)Cl(7)]: triclinic, space group Ponemacr; (No. 2); a = 9.705(3), b = 9.800(2), c = 10.268(2) A; alpha = 76.52(2), beta = 76.05(2), gamma = 66.15(2) degrees; V = 856.7(5) A(3); Z = 2; T = 293 K; R(1) [I > 2sigma(I)] = 0.0524, wR(2) = 0.1586. Crystal data for [Rh(CO)(4)][Ga(2)Cl(7)]: triclinic, space group Ponemacr; (No. 2); a = 9.649(1), b = 9.624(1), c = 10.133(1) A; alpha = 77.38(1), beta = 76.13(1), gamma = 65.61(1) degrees; V = 824.4(2) A(3); Z = 2; T = 143 K; R(1) [I > 2sigma(I)] = 0.0358, wR(2) = 0.0792. Structural parameters for the square planar cation [Rh(CO)(4)](+) are compared to those of isoelectronic [Pd(CO)(4)](2+) and of [Pt(CO)(4)](2+). Dissolution of [Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2) in HSO(3)F in a CO atmosphere allows formation of [Rh(CO)(4)](+)((solv)). Oxidation of [Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2) by S(2)O(6)F(2) in HSO(3)F results in the formation of ClOSO(2)F and two seemingly oligomeric Rh(III) carbonyl fluorosulfato intermediates, which are easily reduced by CO addition to [Rh(CO)(4)](+)((solv)). Controlled oxidation of this solution with S(2)O(6)F(2) produces fac-Rh(CO)(3)(SO(3)F)(3) in about 95% yield. This Rh(III) complex can be reduced by CO at 25 degrees C in anhydrous HF to give [Rh(CO)(4)](+)((solv)); addition of SbF(5) at -40 degrees C to the resulting solution allows isolation of [Rh(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)], which is found to have a highly symmetrical (D(4)(h)()) [Sb(2)F(11)](-) anion. Oxidation of [Rh(CO)(2)Cl](2) in anhydrous HF by F(2), followed in a second step by carbonylation in the presence of SbF(5), is found to be a simple, straightforward route to pure [Rh(CO)(5)Cl][Sb(2)F(11)](2), which has previously been structurally characterized by us. All new complexes are characterized by vibrational and NMR spectroscopy. Assignment of the vibrational spectra and interpretation of the structural data are supported by DFT calculations.     

Superelectrophilic tetrakis(carbonyl)palladium(II)- and -platinum(II) undecafluorodiantimonate(V), [Pd(CO)4][Sb(2)F(11)]2 and [Pt(CO)4][Sb(2)F(11)]2: syntheses, physical and spectroscopic properties, their crystal, molecular, and extended structures, and density functional calculations: an experimental, computational, and comparative study .

The salts [M(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)](2), M = Pd, Pt, are prepared by reductive carbonylation of Pd[Pd(SO(3)F)(6)], Pt(SO(3)F)(4) or PtF(6) in liquid SbF(5), or HF-SbF(5). The resulting moisture-sensitive, colorless solids are thermally stable up to 140 degrees C (M = Pd) or 200 degrees C (M = Pt). Their thermal decompositions are studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Single crystals of both salts are suitable for an X-ray diffraction study at 180 K. Both isostructural salts crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14). The unit cell volume of [Pt(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)](2) is smaller than that of [Pd(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)](2) by about 0.4%. The cations [M(CO)(4)](2+), M = Pd, Pt, are square planar with only very slight angular and out-of-plane deviations from D(4)(h)() symmetry. The interatomic distances and bond angles for both cations are essentially identical. The [Sb(2)F(11)](-) anions in [M(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)](2,) M = Pd, Pt, are not symmetry-related, and both pairs differ in their Sb-F-Sb bridge angles and their dihedral angles. There are in each salt four to five secondary interionic C- -F contacts per CO group. Of these, two contacts per CO group are significantly shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii by 0.58 - 0.37 A. In addition, structural, and spectroscopic details of recently synthesized [Rh(CO)(4)][Al(2)Cl(7)] are reported. The cations [Rh(CO)(4)](+) and [M(CO)(4)](2+), M = Pd, Pt, are characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy. Of the 16 vibrational modes (13 observable, 3 inactive) 10 (Pd, Pt) or 9 (Rh), respectively, are found experimentally. The vibrational assignments are supported by DFT calculations, which provide in addition to band positions also intensities of IR bands and Raman signals as well as internal force constants for the cations. (13)C NMR measurements complete the characterization of the square planar metal carbonyl cations. The extensive characterization of [M(CO)(4)][Sb(2)F(11)](2), M = Pd, Pt, reported here, allows a comparison to linear and octahedral [M(CO)(n)()][Sb(2)F(11)](2) salts [M = Hg (n = 2); Fe, Ru, Os (n = 6)] and their derivatives, which permit a deeper understanding of M-CO bonding in the solid state for superelectrophilic cations with [Sb(2)F(11)](-) or [SbF(6)](-) as anions.     

Solar cell sensitizer models [Ru(bpy-R)2(NCS)2] probed by spectroelectrochemistry

Complexes [Ru(bpy-R)(2)(NCS)(2)], where R = H (1), 4,4'-(CO(2)Et)(2) (2), 4,4'-(OMe)(2) (3), and 4,4'-Me(2) (4), were studied by spectroelectrochemistry in the UV-vis and IR regions and by in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The experimental information obtained for the frontier orbitals as supported and ascertained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations for 1 is relevant for the productive excited state. In addition to the parent 1, the ester complex 2 was chosen for its relationship to the carboxylate species involved for binding to TiO(2) in solar cells; the donor-substituted 3 and 4 allowed for better access to oxidized forms. Reflecting the metal-to-ligand (Ru → bpy) charge-transfer characteristics of the compounds, the electrochemical and EPR results for compounds 1-4 agree with previous notions of one metal-centered oxidation and several (bpy-R) ligand-centered reductions. The first one-electron reduction produces extensive IR absorption, including intraligand transitions and broad ligand-to-ligand intervalence charge-transfer transitions between the one-electron-reduced and unreduced bpy-R ligands. The electron addition to one remote bpy-R ligand does not significantly affect the N-C stretching frequency of the Ru(II)NCS unit. Upon oxidation of Ru(II) to Ru(III), however, the single N-C stretching band exhibits a splitting and a shift to lower energies. The DFT calculations serve to reproduce and understand these effects; they also suggest significant spin density on S for the oxidized form.     

Synthesis and Structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6), a Zintl Phase Containing Channels and Chains

The new Zintl phase dibarium tritin hexaantimonide, Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) has been synthesized, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group -Pnma with a = 13.351(1) ?, b = 4.4100(5) ?, c = 24.449(3) ?, and Z = 4 (T = -50 degrees C). The structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) comprises large channels [010] defined by 30-membered rings constructed from an anionic framework. This framework is built up from Sn-centered trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra, as well as zigzag chains of Sb atoms. Within the channels reside the Ba(2+) cations and additional isolated zigzag Sb-Sb chains. The simultaneous presence of Sn trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra implies that Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) is a mixed-valence compound whose oxidation state notation can be best represented as (Ba(2+))(2)[(Sn(II))(2)(Sn(IV))(Sb(-)(III))(3)(Sb(-)(I))](2)(-)[(Sb(-)(I))(2)](2)(-).     

Synthesis of four different antimony(III) O,O'-dialkyldithiophosphates: characterization by 31P CP/MAS NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and adsorption at a stibnite surface (Sb2S3)

Four different dialkyldithiophosphate (DTP) ions, (RO)(2)PSS(-) (R=C(3)H(7), iso-C(3)H(7), iso-C(4)H(9), and cyclo-C(6)H(11)), have been adsorbed on the surface of synthetically prepared stibnite, Sb(2)S(3), and studied by means of (31)P CP/MAS NMR. Corresponding individual [Sb{S(2)P(OR)(2)}(3)] complexes have also been synthesized and used for comparison with the surface-adsorbed DTP species. The results show that a low concentration of collector at the surface leads to a chemisorbed monolayer of DTP on the mineral surface. At high concentration of DTP, a surface precipitate of Sb(DTP)(3) is formed. (31)P CP/MAS NMR and chemical shift anisotropy data indicate that the SPS bite angle of the chemisorbed DTP groups on the surface is larger than in the corresponding precipitated complexes and the coordination of the ligands differs. Using single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique, the molecular structure of a solvated form of crystalline O,O'-di-cyclo-hexyldithiophosphate antimony(III) complex has been resolved. In this novel molecular structure, the central antimony atom S,S'-anisobidentately coordinates three structurally non-equivalent DTP groups, and therefore, the geometry of the [SbS(6)] chromophore can be approximated by a distorted octahedron. Besides that, useful correlations between (31)P CSA parameters and structural data on this complex were also established.     

Novel lanthanoid thioantimonates: the first coexistence of different types of thioantimonate anions in the same framework

Two novel lanthanoid thioantimonates [Sm(4)(tepa)(4)(μ-η(2),η(3)-Sb(3)S(7))(2)(μ-Sb(2)S(4))] (1, tepa = tetraethylenepentamine) and [Eu(2)(tepa)(2)(μ-SbS(3))(μ-OH)](2)(SbS(4))(OH)·H(2)O (2) were solvothermally synthesized. Compound 1 represents the only example of different types of [Sb(3)S(7)](5-) and [Sb(2)S(4)](2-) anions coexisting in the same lanthanoid thioantimonate framework, while 2 displays rare mixed-valent Sb(3+)/Sb(5+) character with the Sb(3+) in a noncondensed pyramid [Sb(III)S(3)](3-). The theoretical band structure and luminescence properties have also been investigated.     

Syntheses and chemistry of hypervalent cyclo-R4Sb4, cyclo-(RSbE)n[R = 2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4, E = O, S] and precursors

The cyclostibane R(4)Sb(4)(1)(R = 2-(Me(2)NCH(2))C(6)H(4)) was synthesized by reduction of RSbCl(2) with Mg in THF or with Na in liquid NH(3). The reaction of 1 with [W(CO)(5)(THF)] gives the stibinidene complex RSb[W(CO)(5)](2)(2). RSbCl(2) and (RSbCl)(2)E [E = O (6), E = S (8)] react with KOH or Na(2)S in toluene/water to give the heterocycles (RSbE)(n)[E = O, n= 3 (3); E = S, n= 2 (4)]. The chalcogeno-bridged compounds of the type (RSbCl)(2)E [E = O (6), E = S (8)] were synthesized by reaction of RSbCl(2) with KOH or Na(2)S in toluene/water, but also by reaction of RSbCl(2) with the heterocycles (RSbE)(n). The compounds (RSbI)(2)O (7) and (RSbBr)(2)S (9) were prepared via halogen-exchange reactions between (RSbCl)(2)E and NaI (E = O) or KBr (E = S) or by reactions between RSbI(2) and KOH or RSbBr(2) and Na(2)S. The reaction of cyclo-(RSbS)(2) with W(CO)(5)(THF) in THF results in trapping of the cis isomer in cyclo-(RSbS)(2)[W(CO)(5)](5). The solution behaviour of the compounds was investigated by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of compounds 1-7 and 9 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Direct formation of Ge-C bonds from GeO(2)

Germanium dioxide in the presence of 5% KOH reacted with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) at 250 degrees C to give (MeO)(4)Ge. The reaction of GeO(2) and DMC is similar to that reported for SiO(2); however, the rate of reaction for germanium is much higher than that of the corresponding silicon reaction. In a side-by-side experiment using SiO(2) and GeO(2) where the surface area of the silicon dioxide was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the GeO(2), the base-catalyzed reaction with DMC was about an order of magnitude higher for the germanium dioxide. When GeO(2) and 5% KOH were reacted with DMC at 350 degrees C, two products formed: (MeO)(4)Ge (70%) and MeGe(OMe)(3) (30%). Confirmation of the identity of MeGe(OMe)(3) was by GCMS, (1)H and (13)C NMR, and comparison to an authentic sample made by reaction of MeGeCl(3) with NaOMe. Experiments to determine the mechanism of the direct formation of Ge-C from GeO(2) ruled out participation from CO, H(2), or carbon. The KOH-catalyzed reaction of other metal oxides was explored including B(2)O(3), Ga(2)O(3), TiO(2), Sb(2)O(3), SnO(2), and SnO. Boron reacted to give unknown volatile products. Antimony reacted to give a solid which analyzed as Sb(OMe)(3). SnO reacted with DMC to give a mixture that included (MeO)(4)Sn and possibly Me(3)Sn(OMe).     

Growth of Sb(2)E(3) (E = S, Se) polygonal tubular crystals via a novel solvent-relief-self-seeding process

A novel solvent-relief-self-seeding (SRSS) process was applied to grow bulk polygonal tubular single crystals of Sb(2)E(3) (E = S, Se), using SbCl(3) and chalcogen elements E (E = S, Se) as the raw materials at 180 degrees C for 7 days in ethanol solution. The products were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electronic microscope (TEM), electronic diffraction (ED), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The calculated electrical resistivities of the tubular single crystals in the range 20-320 K were of the order of 10(5)-10(6) Omega cm for Sb(2)S(3) and 10(3)-10(4) Omega cm for Sb(2)Se(3), respectively. The studies of the optical properties revealed that the materials formed had a band gap of 1.72 eV for Sb(2)S(3) and 1.82 eV for Sb(2)Se(3), respectively. The optimal reaction conditions for the growth of bulk tubular single crystals were that the temperature was not lower than 180 degrees C and the reaction time was not shorter than 7 days. The possible growth mechanism of tubular crystals was also discussed.     

New layered materials: syntheses, structures, and optical properties of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiaAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)sS(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4)

The new compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) have been synthesized by the reactions of A(2)Q(3) (A = K, Rb, Cs; Q = S, Se) with Ti, M (M = Cu or Ag), and Q at 823 K. The compounds Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) are isostructural. They crystallize with two formula units in space group P4(2)/mcm of the tetragonal system in cells of dimensions a = 5.6046(4) A, c = 13.154(1) A for Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), a =6.024(1) A, c = 13.566(4) A for Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and a =5.852(2) A, c =14.234(5) A for Cs(2)TiCu(2)Se(4) at 153 K. Their structure is closely related to that of Cs(2)ZrAg(2)Te(4) and comprises [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layers, which are separated by alkali metal atoms. The [TiM(2)Q(4)(2)(-)] layer is anti-fluorite-like with both Ti and M atoms tetrahedrally coordinated to Q atoms. Tetrahedral coordination of Ti(4+) is rare in the solid state. On the basis of unit cell and space group determinations, the compounds K(2)TiCu(2)S(4) and Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are isostructural with the above compounds. The band gaps of K(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiCu(2)S(4), Rb(2)TiAg(2)S(4), and Cs(2)TiAg(2)S(4) are 2.04, 2.19, 2.33, and 2.44 eV, respectively, as derived from optical measurements. From band-structure calculations, the optical absorption for an A(2)TiM(2)Q(4) compound is assigned to a transition from an M d and Q p valence band (HOMO) to a Ti 3d conduction band.     

Enhancing the device performance of Sb2S3-sensitized heterojunction solar cells by embedding Au nanoparticles in the hole-conducting polymer layer

Performance of Sb(2)S(3)-sensitized heterojunction solar cells is enhanced by embedding Au nanoparticles in the poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) hole-conducting polymer layer. The improved charge transfer/transport at the Sb(2)S(3)/P3HT/Au interface by extended interface area of the P3HT/Au counter electrode and the re-absorption of the backscattering light from the embedded Au nanoparticles enhanced the device performance: J(sc) 11.0 to 12.8 mA cm(-2), V(oc) 606 to 626 mV, fill factor (FF) 60.5 to 61.2%, and power conversion efficiency (η) 4.0 to 4.9%. Simultaneous enhancement of V(oc), J(sc), and FF in Au nanoparticle-embedded systems is mainly attributed to the improved charge collection efficiency and light harvesting efficiency of Sb(2)S(3) due to the improved charge transfer/transport in the Sb(2)S(3)/P3HT/Au interface.     

Layered rare-earth gallium antimonides REGaSb(2) (RE = La--Nd, Sm).

The ternary rare-earth gallium antimonides, REGaSb(2) (RE = La--Nd, Sm), have been synthesized through reaction of the elements. The structures of SmGaSb(2) (orthorhombic, space group D(5)(2)-C222(1), Z = 4, a = 4.3087(5) A, b = 22.093(4) A, c = 4.3319(4) A) and NdGaSb(2) (tetragonal, space group D(19)(4h)-I4(1)/amd, Z = 8, a = 4.3486(3) A, c = 44.579(8) A) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The SmGaSb(2)-type structure is adopted for RE = La and Sm, whereas the NdGaSb(2)-type structure is adopted for RE = Ce--Nd. The layered SmGaSb(2) and NdGaSb(2) structures are stacking variants of each other. In both structures, two-dimensional layers of composition (2)(infinity)[GaSb] are separated from square nets of Sb atoms [Sb] by RE atoms. Alternatively, the structures may be considered as resulting from the insertion of zigzag Ga chains between (2)(infinity)[RE Sb(2)] slabs. In SmGaSb(2), all of the Ga chains are parallel and the (2)(infinity)[SmSb(2)] layers are stacked in a ZrSi(2)-type arrangement. In NdGaSb(2), the Ga chains alternate in direction, resulting in a doubling of the long axis relative to SmGaSb(2), and the (2)(infinity)[NdSb(2)] layers are stacked in a Zr(3)Al(4)Si(5)-type arrangement. Extended Hückel band structure calculations are used to explain the bonding in the [GaSb(2)](3-) substructure.     

选择性合成不同形貌的Sb2S3纳米结构应用于高性能的染料敏化太阳能电池（英文）

近几十年来,随着全球变暖和能源危机的日益严重,对取之不尽、用之不竭的清洁能源技术的需求越来越迫切.1991年Gratzel首次报道了染料敏化太阳能电池(DSSCs),它以低廉的价格、优异的理论功率转换效率(PCE)、环保、多色透明等优点而引起了研究者的关注.Sb2S3因其1.5-2.2 eV的间隙宽度被认为是最有前途的对电极材料之一.此外,Sb2S3是地球中含量丰富的无毒锑矿物的主要成分,还被广泛应用于太阳能转换材料、催化剂、光导探测器等领域.众所周知,石墨烯具有巨大的比表面积、显著的载流子迁移率和优异的热/化学稳定性,这使得提高电子转移效率和电催化活性成为可能.首先,采用改进的Hummers方法制备了氧化石墨烯纳米片;然后采用水热法通过改变Sb源以及实验pH值,合成了Sb2S3和Sb2S3@RGO样品.对样品进行X射线粉末衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜镜(SEM)、投射电子显微镜(TEM)以及比表面积表征.结果表明,在Sb源不变的情况下,Sb2S3样品的形貌随pH值的变化而变化.以三乙酸锑为Sb源,在pH=3时,Sb2S3的形貌类似于一个完整的纳米棒结构;在pH值为6时,样品为不规则球体;当pH值为8时,纳米片结构开始出现;但当p H=10时,纳米片结构并不均匀.根据XRD分析,只有当pH值为3时,样品的衍射峰才与标准卡(JCPDS42-1393)的衍射峰一致.当以氯化锑作为锑源,样品的形貌由不规则的杆状(pH=3)转变为纳米球(pH=6),然后出现纳米片结构(pH=8).不同的是,当p H值为10时,纳米薄片形成均一的花状结构.XRD结果表明,除pH值为3外,样品的衍射峰与标准卡(JCPDS42-1393)的值吻合较好.结果表明,合成条件所需的Sb源和碱性环境是合成具有均匀花状结构的纳米片状Sb2S3所必不可少的.测得Sb2S3的比表面积约为41.72 m^2g^-1,平均孔径为31.08nm,Sb2S3@RGO的分别为44.53 m^2g^-1和22.65 nm.Sb2S3和Sb2S3@RGO复合材料均具有介孔结构,为内部电催化剂提供了广阔的通道,从而提高了对电极的催化能力,促进了电化学反应.将Sb2S3纳米花球和Sb2S3@RGO纳米薄片作为染料敏化太阳能电池的对电极进行了测试,由于石墨烯的引入,后者比前者具有更好的电催化性能.电化学实验结果表明,与Sb2S3,RGO,Pt作为对电极相比,制备的Sb2S3@RGO纳米薄片具有更好的催化活性、电荷转移能力和电化学稳定性,Sb2S3@RGO的功率转换效率达到8.17%,优于标准Pt对电极(7.75%).