NiN(2)S(2) complexes as metallodithiolate ligands to Rh(I), Rh(II) and Rh(III)

Three molecular structures are reported which utilize the NiN(2)S(2) ligands -, (bis(mercaptoethyl)diazacyclooctane)nickel and -', bis(mercaptoethyl)diazacycloheptane)nickel, as metallodithiolate ligands to rhodium in oxidation states i, ii and iii. For the Rh(I) complex, the NiN(2)S(2) unit behaves as a bidentate ligand to a square planar Rh(I)(CO)(PPh(3))(+) moiety with a hinge or dihedral angle (defined as the intersection of NiN(2)S(2) and S(2)Rh(C)(P) planes) of 115 degrees . Supported by -' ligands, the Rh(II) oxidation state occurs in a dirhodium C(4) paddlewheel complex wherein four NiN(2)S(2) units serve as bidentate bridging ligands to two singly-bonded Rh(II) ions at 2.893(8) A apart. A compilation of the remarkable range of M-M distances in paddlewheel complexes which use NiN(2)S(2) complexes as paddles is presented. The Rh(III) state is found as a tetrametallic [Rh(-')(3)](3+) cluster, roughly shaped like a boat propeller and structurally similar to tris(bipyridine)metal complexes.     

Monolayers (Langmuir films) behavior of multi-component systems composed of a bile acid with different sterols and with their 1:1 mixtures

Different physicochemical properties of Langmuir films (monolayers) composed of 10 mixed systems of a bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DC) with various plant sterols, such as stigmasterol (Stig), beta-sitosterol (Sito) and campesterol (Camp) and a stanol, cholestanol (Chsta) in addition to an animal sterol, cholesterol (Ch) [these sterols and Chsta are abbreviated as St] and DC with 1:1 St mixtures; (Ch+Chsta), (Ch+Stig), (Stig+Chsta), (Ch+Sito) and (Ch+Camp) on the substrate of 5M aqueous NaCl solution (pH 1.2) at 25 degrees C, were investigated in terms of mean surface area per molecule (A(m)), the partial molecular area (PMA), surface excess Gibbs energy (DeltaG((ex))), interaction parameter (I(p)) as well as activity coefficients (f(1) and f(2)) in 2-D phase of each binary (or ternary) component system and elasticity (Cs(-1)) of formed films; these were analyzed on the basis of the respective surface pressure (pi) versus A(m) isotherms as a function of mole fraction of Sts (X(st)) in the DC/St(s) mixtures at discrete surface pressures. Notable findings are: (i) all the binary component systems did form patched film type monolayers consisting of (a) DC-dominant film solubilizing a trace amount of St molecules and (b) St dominant film dissolving a small amount of DC molecules, (ii) DC in 2-D phase exhibited a transition from LE film to LC film at a constant pressure (pi(C)(1)) accompanied by compression and (iii) DeltaG((ex)) as well as I(p) was found to be greatly dependent on (a) the combinations of DC with different St species and (b) to be markedly varied by a difference in mixing ratio of DC to Sts. Compressibility (or elasticity) analyses and fluorescence microscopy images could support the above findings as well as interpretation.     

Quantum dot solar cells. harvesting light energy with CdSe nanocrystals molecularly linked to mesoscopic TiO2 films

By using bifunctional surface modifiers (SH-R-COOH), CdSe quantum dots (QDs) have been assembled onto mesoscopic TiO(2) films. Upon visible light excitation, CdSe QDs inject electrons into TiO(2) nanocrystallites. Femtosecond transient absorption as well as emission quenching experiments confirm the injection from the excited state of CdSe QDs into TiO(2) nanoparticles. Electron transfer from the thermally relaxed s-state occurs over a wide range of rate constant values between 7.3 x 10(9) and 1.95 x 10(11) s(-1). The injected charge carriers in a CdSe-modified TiO(2) film can be collected at a conducting electrode to generate a photocurrent. The TiO(2)-CdSe composite, when employed as a photoanode in a photoelectrochemical cell, exhibits a photon-to-charge carrier generation efficiency of 12%. Significant loss of electrons occurs due to scattering as well as charge recombination at TiO(2)/CdSe interfaces and internal TiO(2) grain boundaries.     

Characterization of a sucrose/starch matrix through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy: unravelling the decomposition and glass transition processes

The triplet state of positronium, o-Ps, is used as a probe to characterize a starch-20% w/w sucrose matrix as a function of temperature (T). A two-step decomposition (of sucrose, and then starch) starts at 440 K as shown by a decrease in the o-Ps intensity (I(3)) and lifetime (τ(3)), the latter also disclosing the occurrence of a glass transition. Upon sucrose decomposition, the matrix acquires properties (reduced size and density of nanoholes) that are different from those of pure starch. A model is successfully established, describing the variations of both I(3) and τ(3) with T and yields a glass transition temperature, T(g) = (446 ± 2) K, in spite of the concomitant sucrose decomposition. Unexpectedly, the starch volume fraction (as probed through thermal gravimetry) decreases with T at a higher rate than the free volume fraction (as probed through PALS).     

选择性接聚乙烯醇枝聚醚氨酯的合成及其血液相容性

合成了α－甲基，ω－（２，３－环氧丙基）－聚乙二醇醚（Ⅱ）．经水解得到悬挂聚乙二醇（ＰＥＧ）枝的丙二醇－２，３（Ⅲ）．用二元醇（Ⅲ）为扩链剂制得了在硬链段上接有ＰＥＧ枝的聚醚氨酯（Ｈ－ＰＥＵ）．以四氢呋喃与少量大分子单体（Ⅱ）进行正离子开环共聚合制得每个链接有约１．３个ＰＥＧ枝的聚丁二醇（Ⅳ），用以合成了在软链段上接有ＰＥＧ枝的聚醚氨酯（Ｓ－ＰＥＵ）．ＥＳＣＡ及抗凝血性研究结果表明，不同位置接枝的ＰＥＵ，其表面都有明显的聚醚链段富集．Ｓ－ＰＥＵ抗凝血复钙时间只比未接枝者增长约２０％，而Ｈ－ＰＥＵ则增约一倍，比Ｓ－ＰＥＵ增约６０％．随ＰＥＧ最增大，复钙时间增长．     

The effects of anion variation and ligand derivatization on silver coordination networks based upon weaker interactions

This article presents a series of silver(I) coordination networks based upon nonchelating bidentate thioether ligands. Frameworks using AgOTs as the silver(I) starting material form two-dimensional frameworks and are quite stable as shown by differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA) data. The networks are sufficiently robust as to maintain the same layered motif when the basic skeleton of the ligand is sequentially derivatized with -OEt, OBu, and OHex groups. Crystal structures of the AgOTs complexes of the underivatized and bis(hexoxy) derivatives, compounds 5 and 8, respectively, are presented as well as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data of the other complexes. For 5, C20H20S3O3Ag, crystal data are as follows: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.8117(5) A, b = 7.8813(5) A, c = 22.3316(10) A, beta = 102.245(5) degrees, V = 2031.6(2) A(3), Z = 4. For 8, C30H44S3O6Ag, crystal data are as follows: triclinic, space group Ponebar a = 8.445(4) A, b = 10.855(5) A, c = 19.308(9) A, alpha = 84.53(1) degrees, beta = 78.76(1) degrees, gamma = 68.43(1) degrees V = 1613.9(13) A(3), Z = 2. Changing the silver(I) starting material to AgPF6 results in a shift to a one-dimensional structure, 9, as shown by X-ray crystallography and in highly compromised stability. For 9, C14H16S2N2PF6Ag, crystal data are as follows: monoclinic, space group P2/n, a = 11.9658(11) A, b = 3.9056(4) A, c = 19.6400(18) A, beta = 92.87(1) degrees, V = 916.70(15) A(3), Z = 4.     

A RuH(2)(CO)(PPh(3))(3)-catalyzed regioselective arylation of aromatic ketones with arylboronates via carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage

When the reaction of aromatic ketones with arylboronates (arylboronic acid esters) using RuH(2)(CO)(PPh(3))(3) (3) as a catalyst was conducted in toluene, the corresponding arylation product was obtained in moderate yields. In this case, a nearly equivalent amount of a benzyl alcohol derived from a reduction of an aromatic ketone was also formed. The use of aliphatic ketones, such as pinacolone and acetone, as an additive or a solvent dramatically suppressed the reduction of the aromatic ketones and, as a result, ortho-arylation products were obtained in high yield based on the aromatic ketones. In these reactions, the aliphatic ketone functioned as a scavenger of ortho-hydrogens of the aromatic ketones and the B(OR)(2) moiety of the arylboron compound (HB species). A variety of aromatic ketones, such as acetophenones, acetonaphthones, tetralones, and benzosuberone, could also be used in this coupling reaction. Several arylboronates containing electron-donating (NMe(2), OMe, and Me) and -withdrawing (CF(3) and F) groups were also applicable to this coupling reaction. Intermolecular competitive reaction using pivalophenone-d(0)() and -d(5) and intramolecular competitive reaction using pivalophenone-d(1) were carried out using 3 as a catalyst. The k(H)/k(D) value for the intermolecular competitive reaction was substantially different, compared with intramolecular competitive reaction. This strongly suggests the production of an intermediate where the ketone carbonyl is coordinated to the ruthenium involved in this catalytic reaction. (1)H and (11)B NMR studies using 2'-methylacetophenone, phenylboronate (2), and pinacolone (6) indicate that 6 functions effectively as a scavenger of the HB species.     

Synthesis and photophysics of one mononuclear Mn(III) and one dinuclear Mn(III,III) complex covalently linked to a ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridyl) complex

The preparation of donor (D)-photosensitizer (S) arrays, consisting of a manganese complex as D and a ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) complex as S has been pursued. Two new ruthenium complexes containing coordinating sites for one (2a) and two manganese ions (3a) were prepared in order to provide models for the donor side of photosystem II in green plants. The manganese coordinating site consists of bridging and terminal phenolate as well as terminal pyridyl ligands. The corresponding ruthenium-manganese complexes, a manganese monomer 2b and dimer 3b, were obtained. For the dimer 3b, our data suggest that intramolecular electron transfer from manganese to photogenerated ruthenium(III) is fast, k(ET) > 5 x 10(7) s(-)(1).     

Metal-organic frameworks constructed from versatile [WS4Cu(x)](x-2) units: micropores in highly interpenetrated systems

Five metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) formed by [WS(4)Cu(x)](x-2) secondary building units (SBUs) and multi-pyridyl ligands are presented. The [WS(4)Cu(x)](x-2) SBUs function as network vertexes showing various geometries and connectivities. Compound 1 contains one-dimensional channels formed in fourfold interpenetrating diamondoid networks with a hexanuclear [WS(4)Cu(5)](3+) unit as SBU, which shows square-pyramidal geometry and acts as a tetrahedral node. Compound 2 contains brick-wall-like layer also with a hexanuclear [WS(4)Cu(5)](3+) unit as SBU. The [WS(4)Cu(5)](3+) unit in 2 is a new type of [WS(4)Cu(x)](x-2) cluster unit in which the five Cu(+) ions are in one plane with the W atom, forming a planar unit. Compound 3 shows a nanotubular structure with a pentanuclear [WS(4)Cu(4)](2+) unit as SBU, which is saddle-shaped and acts as a tetrahedral node. Compound 4 contains large cages formed between two interpenetrated (10,3)-a networks also with a pentanuclear [WS(4)Cu(4)](2+) unit acting as a triangular node. The [WS(4)Cu(4)](2+) unit in 4 is isomeric to that in 3 and first observed in a MOF. Compound 5 contains zigzag chains with a tetrahedral [WS(4)Cu(3)](+) unit as SBU, which acts as a V-shaped connector. The influence of synthesis conditions including temperature, ligand, anions of Cu(I) salts, and the ratio of [NH(4)](2)WS(4) to Cu(I) salt on the formation of these [WS(4)Cu(x)](x-2)-based MOFs were also studied. Porous MOF 3 is stable upon removal and exchange of the solvent guests, and when accommodating different solvent molecules, it exhibits specific colors depending on the polarity of incorporated solvent, that is, it shows a rare solvatochromic effect and has interesting prospects in sensing applications.     

一步法合成螺双芴及螺氧杂蒽衍生物及其在有机发光二极管中的应用：性能增强及相关的光学现象关

以芴为原料,以钯为催化剂一步合成了2-(9-苯基芴基)-9,9′螺二芴(PF-SBF)。以PF-SBF作为有机发光二极管的发光及主体材料(FIrpic为磷光客体)时,观察到了不同于PF-SBF及FIrpic发光的红光带。这分别源于PF-SBF分子间的聚集和发光层/传输层诱导的激基复合物。通过选择合适的空穴和电子传输层,有效抑制了激基复合物的发光。同时,PF-SBF和TAPC双主体的结构不仅实现了纯FIrpic和Ir(ppy)3蓝光和绿光,还大幅提升了器件性能。蓝光、绿光器件的最大电流效率和最大亮度分达到16.7、50.5 cd·A^-1和7857 cd·m^-2(11 V)、23390 cd·m^-2(8 V)。另外,除了PF-SBF,利用相似的合成方法,我们也合成了2-(9-苯基芴基)-9,9′螺芴氧杂蒽(PF-SFX),其较大的三线态能级(2.8 eV)较PF-SBF更适合做蓝光主体。以TAPC和PFSFX为双主体的器件最大电流效率提升到了22.6 cd·A^-1。所有实验结果均表明,PF-SBF和PF-SFX是构建高效绿光/蓝光磷光主体材料的有效结构单元。     

Eco‐friendly,ultrasound‐assisted,and facile synthesis of one‐pot multicomponent reaction of acridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐diones in an aqueous solvent

A one‐pot, multistep synthesis of acridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐diones ( 4a–m ) was achieved by three‐component reaction of dimedone ( 1 ) with an aromatic aldehyde ( 2a–m ) and an ammonium acetate ( 3 ) using water as a green solvent without any catalyst and a simple, easily handled, and ultrasonic technique as well as conventional method.     

Sequential separation of actinides by ion chromatography coupled with on-line scintillation detection

The separation and measurement of actinides by ion chromatography (IC) coupled with on-line scintillation detection was investigated. Separation of (237)Np, (239)Pu, (241)Am, (244)Cm, (230)Th, and (233)U was accomplished using a Dionex CG5 guard column, CS5 separation column, and an elution program utilizing oxalic, diglycolic, and nitric acid eluents. Np(V) was eluted as a weak anionic oxalate complex or as free NpO(2)(+) cation, Am(III) and Cm(III) as anionic oxalate complexes, Pu(IV) and Th(IV) as nonionic diglycolate complexes, and U(VI) as a free uranyl cation. Response of the flow-cell detector was linear over the full range of activities tested (4-1500 Bq). The minimum detectable activities for the investigated analytes ranged from 3.6 Bq for (244)Cm to 5.4 Bq for (230)Th and (239)Pu. The corresponding minimum detectable concentrations based on a 1-L sample ranged from 3.6 to 5.4 KBq m(-3) (96 to 150 pCi L(-1)).     

A highly selective and sensitive thorium(IV) PVC membrane electrode based on a dithio-tetraaza macrocyclic compound.

A poly(vinyl chloride)-based membrane composed of dithio-tetraaza macrocyclic compound as a neutral carrier with sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an anion excluder and nitrobenzene (NB) as plasticizer was prepared and investigated as a Th(IV)-selective electrode. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian slope of 14.2 +/- 0.3 mV per decade over a wide concentration range (1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-1) M) with a detection limit of 8.0 x 10(-7) M between pH 3.5 and 9.5. The response time of the sensor is about 10 s and it can be used over a period of 5 months without any divergence in potential. The proposed membrane sensor revealed a good selectivity for Th(IV) over a wide variety of other metal ions and proved to be a better electrode in many respects than those reported in the literature. It was successfully applied as an electrode indicator as well as in the direct determination of thorium ions in standard and real samples.     

Complex formation of isocytosine tautomers with PdII and PtII

Isocytosine (ICH) exists in solution as two major tautomers, the keto form with N1 carrying a proton (1a) and the keto form with N3 being protonated (1b). In water, 1a and 1b exist in equilibrium with almost equal amounts of both forms present. Reactions with a series of Pd(II) and Pt(II) am(m)ine species such as (dien)Pd(II), (dien)Pt(II), and trans-(NH(3))(2)Pt(II) reveal, however, a distinct preference of these metals for the N3 site, as determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Individual species have been identified by the pD dependence of the ICH resonances. pK(a) values (calculated for H(2)O) for deprotonation of the individual tautomers complexes are 6.5 and 6.4 for the N3 linkage isomers of dienPd(II) and dienPt(II), respectively, as well as 6.2 and 6.0 for the N1 linkage isomers. The dimetalated species [(dienM)(2)(IC-N1,N3)](3+) (M = Pd(II) or Pt(II)) are insensitive over a wide range of pD. The crystal structure analysis of [(dien)Pd(ICH-N3)](NO(3))(2) is reported. Ab initio calculations have been performed for tautomer compounds of composition [(NH(3))(3)Pt(ICH)](2+), cis- and trans-[(NH(3))(2)PtCl(ICH)](+), as well as trans-[(NH(3))(2)Pt(ICH)(2)](2+). Without exception, N3 linkage isomers are more stable, in agreement with experimental findings. As to the reasons for this binding preference, an NBO (natural bond orbital) analysis for [(NH(3))(3)Pt(ICH-N3)](2+)strongly suggests that intramolecular hydrogen bonding between trans-positioned NH(3) ligands and the two exocyclic groups of the ICH is of prime importance. The calculations furthermore show a marked pyramidalization of the NH(2) group of ICH in the complex once the heterocyclic ligand forms a dihedral angle <90 degrees with the Pt coordination plane.     

A bimetallic catalyst and dual role catalyst: synthesis of N-(alkoxycarbonyl)indoles from 2-(alkynyl)phenylisocyanates

3-allyl-N-(alkoxycarbonyl)indoles are synthesized via the reaction of 2-(alkynyl)phenylisocyanates and allyl carbonates in the presence of Pd(PPh(3))(4) (1 mol %) and CuCl (4 mol %) bimetallic catalyst. It is most probable that Pd(0) acts as a catalyst for the formation of a pi-allylpalladium alkoxide intermediate and Cu(I) behaves as a Lewis acid to activate the isocyanate, and the cyclization step proceeds with a cooperative catalytic activity of Pd and Cu. On the other hand, N-(alkoxycarbonyl)indoles are produced via the reaction of 2-(alkynyl)phenylisocyanates and alcohols under a catalytic amount of Na(2)PdCl(4) (5 mol %) or PtCl(2) (5 mol %). Pd(II) or Pt(II) catalyst exhibits dual roles; it acts as a Lewis acid to accelerate the addition of alcohols to isocyanates and as a typical transition-metal catalyst to activate the alkyne for the subsequent cyclization.     

Synthesis of polyhydroxy piperidines and their analogues: a novel approach towards selective inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase

Various polyhydroxy piperidine azasugars have been synthesized from precursors 18a and 18b, obtained in both enantiomeric forms from d-ribose. Out of these polyhydroxy piperidine azasugars, 22, 39 and 20 were found to be potent as well as selective inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase with K(i) values ranging as low as 1.07 microM, 16.4 microM, and 88.2 microM, respectively. Replacement of the hydroxy methylene moiety of (K(i) 33% at 1 mM) by an amino methylene moiety (32, K(i) 36.8 microM) showed a remarkable increase in the activity (almost 30 times). Furthermore, increasing the lipophilicity of by N-alkylation with a dodecyl group (36) showed a three-fold enhancement in the activity (K(i) 217 microM to K(i) 72.3 microM).     

Interpretation of solute retention of some monovalent inorganic anions in anion-exchange chromatography using a dicarboxylic Acid as an eluent.

In single-column anion-exchange chromatography, the retention volume of some monovalent inorganic anions (Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), NCS(-) and NO(2)(-)) were observed as a function of the pH of a mobile phase at a fixed concentration of 2-phenylmalonic acid or 1,4-benzenediacetic acid used as an eluent. The experimental retention volume of such an anion was decreased with an increase in the pH of a mobile phase, and was able to be described by the following equation taking account of anion-exchange equilibria of a sample anion with a hydrogen dicarboxylate ion (HE(-)) and with a dicarboxylate ion (E(2-)): alpha(1s)/V(R)'[HE(-)] = 1/m(T)wK(ex1) + (2K(a2)/m(T)w(2)K(ex2))(V(R)'/alpha(1s)[H(+)]), where V(R)', m(T), w, K(a2), K(ex1) and K(ex2) are the adjusted retention volume of a given sample anion, the capacity for the anion-exchange of column packings and the weight of column packings packed into a separating column, the second acid-dissociation constant of the dicarboxylic acid used as an eluent, and equilibrium constants for the anion exchange of a sample anion with a monovalent hydrogen dicarboxylate ion and with a divalent dicarboxylate ion, respectively. The term alpha(1s), defined as K(as)/([H(+)] + K(as)), where K(as) is the acid-dissociation constant of HX, is the mole fraction of a sample anion, X(-), and is equal to 1 when using a strong acid anion as a sample anion.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and luminescent properties of a binuclear gallium complex with mixed ligands

By introducing tridentate Schiff base ligands, a binuclear gallium complex with mixed ligands, bis(salicylidene-o-aminophenolato)-bis(8-quinolinolato)-bis-gallium(III) [Ga(2)(saph)(2)q(2)], has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Crystal data for C(44)H(30)Ga(2)N(4)O(6) are as follows: space group, triclinic, P; a = 11.357(3) A, b = 12.945(3) A, c = 12.947(3) A, alpha = 103.461(15) degrees, beta = 100.070(7) degrees, gamma = 96.107(18) degrees, Z = 2. This complex was identified as a dimeric complex of hexacoordinated gallium with strong intermolecular and intramolecular pi-pi stacking interactions between the pyridyl/pyridyl rings. The thermal analysis showed that Ga(2)(saph)(2)q(2) can readily form a stable amorphous glass with a high glass transition temperature (T(g) = 204 degrees C), which is 27 degrees C higher than that of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinolate)aluminum (Alq(3)). In addition, a high photoluminescence efficiency (phi(PL)) of 0.318 in DMF has been demonstrated, although the central gallium atom can result in heavy-atom quenching. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on this complex displayed a turn-on voltage as low as 2.5 V and a high efficiency. Even at a low doping concentration of 1%, the doped Ga(2)(saph)(2)q(2) devices with 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6-(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidyl-9-enyl)-4H-pyran (DCJTB) as the dopant exhibited excellent red emission centered at 628 nm with improved durability, compared with the case of Alq(3) as the host. These distinguishing properties of Ga(2)(saph)(2)q(2) make it a good candidate as a novel electron-transporting and emitting material for OLEDs.     

Mechanistic insights into an unprecedented C-C bond activation on a Rh/Ga bimetallic complex: a combined experimental/computational approach

The unusual rearrangement of [RhCp(GaCp)(CH(3))(2)] (1c) to [RhCp(C(5)Me(4)Ga(CH(3))(3))] (2) is presented and its mechanism is discussed in detail. (13)C MAS NMR spectroscopy revealed that the title reaction proceeds cleanly not only in solution but also in solid state, which supports a unimolecular reaction pathway. On the basis of (1)H, (13)C, and ROESY NMR spectroscopy as well as isolation and structural elucidation of the hydrolysis product, the compound [RhCp(endo-eta(4)-C(5)Me(5)GaMe(2))] (3a) was identified as a crucial reaction intermediate. DFT calculations on the B3LYP level of theory support this assignment and suggest a concerted C-C bond activation mechanism that topologically takes place at the gallium center. Furthermore, two fluxional processes of the reaction intermediate 3a were studied experimentally as well as by computational methods. First, a mechanism takes place similar to a ring-slipping process that exchanges a GaMe(2) group between adjacent ring carbon atoms within the same Cp ring. This process proceeds at a rate comparable to the NMR time scale and indeed is calculated to be energetically very favorable. Second, a unimolecular exchange process of the GaMe(2) group between the two Cp rings of 3a could be experimentally proven by the introduction of phenyl substituents as a label into the Cp ligands at both sites, the rhodium as well as the gallium center. A series of experiments including deuteration studies and competition reactions was performed to substantiate the suggested mechanism being in accordance with DFT calculations on possible transition states.     

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy: the ultimate nanoanalytical technique

To be able to determine the elemental composition and morphology of individual nanoparticles consisting of no more than a dozen or so atoms that weigh a few zeptograms (10(-21) g) is but one of the attainments of modern electron microscopy. With slightly larger specimens (embracing a few unit cells of the structure) their symmetry, crystallographic phase, unit-cell dimension, chemical composition and often the valence state (from parallel electron spectroscopic measurements) of the constituent atoms may also be determined using a scanning beam of electrons of ca. 0.5 nm diameter. Nowadays electron crystallography, which treats the digital data of electron diffraction (ED) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images of minute (ca. 10(-18)g) specimens in a quantitatively rigorous manner, solves hitherto unknown structures just as X-ray diffraction does with bulk single crystals. In addition, electron tomography (see cover photograph and its animation) enables a three-dimensional picture of the internal structure of minute objects, such as nanocatalysts in a single pore, as well as structural faults such as micro-fissures, to be constructed with a resolution of 1 nm from an angular series of two-dimensional (projected) images. Very recently (since this article was first written) a new meaning has been given to electron crystallography as a result of the spatio-temporal resolution of surface phenomena achieved on a femtosecond timescale.