Synthesis of [(μ-RS)(μ-S){Fe2(CO)6}2(μ4-S)] and their reactivity toward electrophiles

Reaction of the Et₃NH⁺ salts of the [(μ-RS)(μ-CO)Fe₂(CO)₆]⁻ anions (R=Bu^t, Ph or PhCH₂) with (μ-S₂)Fe₂(CO)₆ gives reactive intermediates [(μ-RS)(μ-S){Fe₂(CO)₆}₂(μ₄-S)]⁻. Reactions of the latter with alkyl halides, acid chlorides and Cp(CO)₂FeI have been studied. X-Ray structure of (μ-Bu^tS)(μ-PhCH₂S)[Fe₂(CO)₆]₂(μ₄-S) was determined.     

Evidence for charge exchange between N and N2(A Σu) in a low-temperature nitrogen plasma

The emission from the first negative system, N₂⁺(B ²Σ⁺_u)→N₂⁺(X ²Σ⁺_g)+hν, is studied in the flowing nitrogen afterglow of a DC arc plasma. Investigation of the spectrum shows overpopulation of the vibrational levels 6 and 7 of the excited molecular ion, N₂⁺(B ²Σ⁺_u). Selective excitation of these levels is explained by a charge exchange reaction between atomic ions in the ground state and metastable molecules in the N₂(A ³Σ⁺_u) state. The emitted intensity of the first negative system is shown to be linear with electron density n_e for n_e>2×10¹⁶ m⁻³, a higher-order dependence exists below this value. This is consistent with population of N₂⁺(B ²Σ⁺_u) by atomic ions, N⁺.     

Reactions of M3Te7 (M = Mo, W) clusters with electrophilic reagents: Chalcogen exchange in the Te2 ligand and the first complexes of (TeS)

Reactions of triangular telluride-bridged Mo and W clusters [M₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺ (M = Mo, W; dtp = (EtO)₂PS₂) with S₂Cl₂ or Br₂ lead to Te/S exchange in the Te₂ ligands, with the formation of complexes with a novel TeS²⁻ ligand. Reaction of [W₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺ with Br₂ or S₂Cl₂ gives a mixture of complexes formulated as [W₃Te_4.25S_2.75(dtp)₃]⁺ and [W₃Te_4.30S_2.70(dtp)₃]⁺, respectively, on the basis of X-ray structural analysis. Reaction of the Mo homolog, namely [Mo₃(μ₃-Te)(μ₂-Te₂)₃(dtp)₃]⁺, with S₂Cl₂ gives rise to [Мо₃Te_4.74S_2.26((EtO)₂PS₂)₃]⁺. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) complements the information gathered from X-ray analysis regarding the degree of Te by S substitution; moreover, detailed insights on the regioselectivity of such replacement are also obtained from ESI-MS analysis. These experimental evidences indicate that Te by S replacement in W complexes display high regioselectivity (as evidenced by the exclusive formation of a W₃Te₄S₃⁴⁺ core), the equatorial Te ligands being preferentially replaced over the Te_ax and μ₃-Te ligands. Conversely, for the Mo homologs, a broad distribution of Mo₃Te_7−xS_x⁴⁺ cluster species ranging from x = 0 to 6 is observed. Bond distance analysis as well as crystal packing trends as a function of the cluster core M₃Te_7−xS_x⁴⁺ (M = Mo, W; x = 0–6) composition are also reported.     

Ab initio molecular orbital study on the gas phase SN2 reaction F + CH3Cl → CH3F + Cl

Ab-initio molecular orbital (MO) and direct ab initio dynamics calculations have been applied to the gas phase S_N2 reaction F⁻ + CH₃Cl → CH₃F + Cl⁻. Several basis sets were examined in order to select the most convenient and best fitted basis set to that of high-quality calculations. The Hartree–Fock (HF) 3−21+G(d) calculation reasonably represents a potential energy surface calculated at the MP2/6−311++G(2df,2pd) level. A direct ab initio dynamics calculation at the HF/3−21+G(d) level was carried out for the S_N2 reaction. A full dimensional ab initio potential energy surface including all degrees of freedom was used in the dynamics calculation. Total energies and gradients were calculated at each time step. Two initial configurations at time zero were examined in the direct dynamics calculations: one is a near collinear collision, and the other is a side-attack collision. It was found that in the near collinear collision almost all total available energy is partitioned into two modes: the relative translational mode between the products (40%) and the C − F stretching mode (60%). The other internal modes of CH₃F were still in the ground state. The lifetimes of the early- and late-complexes F⁻ … CH₃Cl and FCH₃ … Cl⁻ are significantly short enough to dissociate directly to the products. On the other hand, in the side-attack collision, the relative translation energy was about 20% of total available energy.     

C carbide ligand in the trigonal prismatic environment of rheniums in [Re12CS17(CN)6] complexes

The electronic state of carbon in trigonal prismatic environment in [Re₁₂CS₁₇(CN)₆]ⁿ⁻ complexes with variable redox state n = 6 ↔ 8 was studied by molecular orbital method and electron localization function. The state is characterized by sp²-hybridisation and oxidation state −4. A weak long-distance interaction between μ₆-С and μ₂-S in the group [(μ₆-С)(μ₂-S)₃] was discovered for n = 6, the interaction disappears for n = 8.     

Uranium's Valency in U3S5

U₃S₅ has been prepared by chemical transport reaction and investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, electrical resistivity measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. U₃S₅ is a semiconductor with a thermal band gap E_g=78.1(4) meV (298 K<T<50 K), which closes gradually to 3.4(4) meV for T<25 K. Photoelectron spectroscopy on single crystals of U₃S₅ and β-US₂ suggest a mixed valency of uranium in U₃S₅. Physical and structural data are consistent with a mixed-valent model (U³⁺)₂U⁴⁺ (S²⁻)₅. A brief survey of literature data on crystal structure and physical properties of uranium sulfides and selenides is given.     

Electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and theoretical studies on the reduction and deprotonation of the photovoltaic sensitizer [(H3-tctpy)Ru(NCS)3] (H3-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid)

The electrochemical reduction of the black dye photosensitizer [(H₃-tctpy)Ru^II(NCS)₃]⁻ (H₃-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid) used in photovoltaic cells has been found to be a complex process when studied in dimethylformamide. At low temperatures, fast scan rates and at a glassy carbon electrode, the chemically reversible ligand based one-electron reduction process [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻[(H₃-tctpy√⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻ is detected. This process has a reversible half-wave potential (E^r_1/2) of −1585±20 mV versus Fc/Fc⁺ at 25°C. Under other conditions, a deprotonation reaction occurs upon reduction, which produces [(H_3−x-tctpy^x−)Ru(NCS)₃]^(1+x)− and hydrogen gas. Mechanistic pathways giving rise to the final products are discussed. The E^r_1/2-value for the ligand based reductions of the deprotonated complex is 0.70 V more negative than for [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. Consequently, data obtained from molecular orbital calculations are consistent with the reaction [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻→[(H₂-tctpy⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻+1/2H₂ yielding the monodeprotonated complex as the major product obtained after electrochemical reduction of [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. The E^r_1/2-values for the metal based Ru^II/III process differ by 0.30 V when data obtained for the protonated and deprotonated forms of the black dye are compared. Electronic spectra obtained during the course of experiments in an optically transparent thin layer electrolysis configuration are consistent with the overall reaction scheme proposed on the basis of voltammetric measurements and molecular orbital calculations. Reduction studies on the free ligand, H₃-tcpy, are consistent with results obtained with [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻.     

Synthesis, EPR spectrum and X-ray structure of tetra-n-butylammonium bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato(2−)-κS,S′)platinate(III)

The new salt, tetra-n-butylammonium bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato(2−)-κ²S,S′)platinate(III), [NBu₄][Pt(C₆H₄S₂)₂] (1), has been synthesized in ethanol/water, and fully characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The central platinum in the complex ion [Pt(bdt)₂]⁻ is tetracoordinated by the S atoms of the bdt²⁻ ligands (bdt²⁻ is benzene-1,2-dithiolate) in a square-planar geometry. The well-resolved frozen solution EPR spectrum exhibits rhombic symmetry. The room temperature effective magnetic moment (μ_eff = 1.80 Bohr magneton) is in line with this spectrum and strongly supports the Pt(III) oxidation state in 1. This observation is in excellent agreement with previous results reported on closely related Ni(III), Pd(III) and Pt(III) species.     

Synthesis,crystal and molecular structure and magnetic properties of an extended two-dimensional fumarato-bridged polymeric cobalt(II) complex [Co(μ-fumarato)(γ-methylpyridine)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Subscript>∞</Subscript>

An extended hydrogen-bonded two-dimensional fumarato-bridged complex [Co(μ-fumarato)(γ-methylpyridine)₂(H₂O)₂]_∞ has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray analysis reveals that the cobalt atom is positioned in distorted octahedral surroundings. An extended twodimensional structure was formed through interchain hydrogen bonding. Magnetic measurements showed the presence of weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the cobalt(II) ions within the chain, based on the spin Hamilitonian H = −2J ∑ S_i S_{i+ 1} (J = − 0.22 cm⁻¹).     

Crystal structure of tetraethylammonium bis(tetracarbonylmolybdenum)-tetrathiotungstate, [EtN][(OC)MoSWSMo(CO)] and synthesis, infrared spectra, 95 Mo NMR spectra and cyclic voltammetry of new linear trinuclear Mo(W)–S carbonyl clusters containing mixed-valence metal atoms [(OC)MSM′SM(CO)]− (M, M′=Mo or W)

Four trinuclear molybdenum(tungsten)-sulfur carbonyl cluster compounds, [Et₄N]₂[(OC)₄Mo-S₂MoS₂Mo(CO)₄] (1), [Et₄N]₂[(OC)₄WS₂WS₂W(CO)₄] (2), [Et₄N]₂[(OC)₄MoS₂WS₂Mo(CO)₄] (3), [Et₄N]₂[(OC)₄WS₂MoS₂W(CO)₄] (4) have been prepared by both reaction of [M(CO)₄(S₂CNEt₂)]⁻ with M′S₄²− in MeOH and reaction of MeCN solution of M(CO)₆ with M′S₄²− in MeOH (M=Mo, W; M′=Mo, W). These complexes has been characterized by routine elemental analysis and spectroscopy and the structures of 1 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The structure study reveals that the anion of 3 contains a heteronuclear Mo–W–S trimetallic core, [MoS₂WS₂Mo]²−, consisting of two perpendicular rhombic MoS₂W units sharing a tungsten atom. The Mo–W bond distances are 3.028(2) and 3.031(2) Å and the Mo–W–Mo angle is 176.04(5)°. The average bond lengths of W–S and Mo–S are 2.21 and 2.54 Å, respectively. The X-ray, structure, IR, CV (cyclic voltammetry) and 95 Mo NMR studies on these four cluster complexes indicated that these cluster complexes possess wide separated oxidation states of metal atoms and exhibit the charge transfer, M^L→M^HS₄ (M^L represents a low-valance metal atom and M^H a high valence metal atom), between the two different valence metallic centers in the cluster complexes. It has been found that the charge transfer, M^L→M^HS₄, in the complexes are: 1>4, 3>2, 1>3, 4>2, 1>2 and 34 implying the electron-donation ability of low-valence metal atoms in the complexes is Mo⁰>W⁰ and the electron-accepted ability of the high valence metal atoms in the complexes is Mo^VI>W^VI.     

Selective separation of gold from iron ore samples using ion exchange resin

Gold in iron ore samples is separated from iron (major matrix cation), antimony and vanadium using anion exchange resin in (0.2 M) HBr, potassium peroxodisulfate and acetone:water:nitric acid media. The exchangeable anion Cl⁻ of the ion exchanger Dowex 1X 4 is replaced by Br⁻ using (6 M) HBr solution. Certified reference material DGP-M1, spiked ferric magnetic oxide, gold radioactive tracer ¹⁹⁸Au and gold standard solutions are used to study the adsorption efficiency and the yield recovery of tetrabromoaurate AuBr₄⁻ from the resin. Ten eluents have been tried to elute gold from the column, and it has been found that a 10 ml potassium peroxodisulfate and 240 ml acetone:water:nitric acid [125:5:5] solution fulfills the objective. The set up of the separation procedure allows quantitative adsorption of gold by the resin, while the major matrix cation (Fe) and others (Cd, Ag, Cu, V, Sb, Ti) have been passed through the column with the feeding solution (0.2 M) HBr. The resin selectivity coefficient (K) of separating Au from Fe has been found to be K_Fe^Au≈6.4×10¹¹. The eluted Au is treated with K₂S₂O₈ and H₂O₂ for spectrophotometric determination as rhodamine-B complex at 555.6 nm. The linearity, detection limit, precision, and accuracy of the determination method have been found to be up to 2.0 μg g⁻¹, 0.018 μg g⁻¹, 0.009 μg g⁻¹ and 3%, respectively.     

Indirect atomic absorption spectrometry (IAAS) as a tool for the determination of iodide in infant formulas by precipitation of AgI and redissolution with cyanide

A method to determine iodide in infant formula samples by indirect atomic absorption spectrometry (IAAS) was developed. The iodide in solution resulting from an alkaline digestion (Na₂CO₃–NaOH) of the sample is precipitated with silver; the precipitate is redissolved by adding cyanide solution, and this solution is subjected to GF-AAS. Temperatures of 1000 and 2100°C were selected for the ashing and atomization steps, respectively, using a mixture of Pd and Mg(NO₃)₂ as a matrix modifier (at concentrations of 36 and 16 μg ml⁻¹, respectively). The sensitivity, LOD, LOQ and characteristic mass obtained were, respectively, 1.12×10⁻² l μg⁻¹, 3.1 μg g⁻¹ and 10.4 μg g⁻¹ and 7.3 pg, referred to sample. The linear interval of concentrations extends up to 10 μg l⁻¹ of iodide, with no need to use the standard addition method; the mean R.S.D. of data within this range is 3.4%, with 2.9% over the whole procedure. No interfering effects were observed among the foreign ions studied, and 100.0% was the mean analytical recovery achieved within the linear range of concentrations. The application of the method to seven real samples gave a mean content of 12.8 μg g⁻¹ of iodide, as well as less than 3.1 μg g⁻¹ in eight other samples.     

Analysis of ;W and O NMR chemical shifts in polyoxometalates by extended Hückel mo calculations

The extended Hückel molecular orbital (EHMO) calculations have been carried out using cluster approach to polyoxo anions, i.e. calculations have been done for a single octahedron MO₆ of different symmetry and results have been used to analyze ¹⁸³ W and ¹⁷ O NMR spectra. Using five d→d* energy differences for the individual WO₆ the sum Σ1/ (E_d→E_d*) have been calculated and plotted against the ¹⁸³ W chemical shift (from +258 to −670 ppm) for corresponding type of tungsten atom and practically a linear correlation between two parameters have been observed. This points out the electronic nature of the ¹⁸³ W chemical shift. Similar correlation have been found for the ¹⁷O NMR chemical shifts (−90 to +800 ppm) when the plotted against product of the R⁻³ Σ1/ (E_p→E_p*) where the R⁻³ bond length of the corresponding W–O bond. Increasing the ¹⁸³ W nuclear magnetic shielding with the calculated electron population on tungsten atom for closely related anions has been observed, but no general tendency between δ and the calculated electronic charge if the symmetry of polyhedron is changed is expected.     

Absorption and electroabsorption spectra of carotenoid cation radical and dication

Radical cations and dications of two carotenoids astaxanthin and canthaxanthin were prepared by oxidation with FeCl₃ in fluorinated alcohols at room temperature. Absorption and electroabsorption (Stark effect) spectra were recorded for astaxanthin cations in mixed frozen matrices at temperatures about 160 K. The D₀→D₂ transition in cation radical is at 835 nm. The electroabsorption spectrum for the D₀→D₂ transition exhibits a negative change of molecular polarizability, Δα=−1.2·10⁻³⁸ C·m²/V (−105 A³), which seems to originate from the change in bond order alternation in the ground state rather than from the electric field-induced interaction of D₁ and D₂ excited states. Absorption spectrum of astaxanthin dication is located at 715–717 nm, between those of D₀→D₂ in cation radical and S₀→S₂ in neutral carotenoid. Its shape reflects a short vibronic progression and strong inhomogeneous broadening. The polarizability change on electronic excitation, Δα=2.89·10⁻³⁸ C·m²/V (260 A³), is five times smaller than in neutral astaxanthin. This value reflects the larger energetic distance from the lowest excited state to the higher excited states than in the neutral molecule.     

Slurry-based procedures to determine chromium, nickel and vanadium in complex matrices by ETAAS

Two slurry-based ETAAS methodologies are compared to determine directly Cr, Ni and V in coal fly ash, soils and sediments: current slurry analysis (USS) and ‘slurry extraction’ (SE). Slurries for USS-ETAAS were prepared in 0.5% HNO₃. HF and HNO₃ were evaluated as chemical modifiers. HF was the extractant for the SE-ETAAS approach.A unique slurry-based procedure to measure Cr, Ni and V could not be established. Cr concentrations up to 100 μg g^{− 1} were accurately determined by USS (0.5% HNO₃; λ = 429.0 nm; LOD = 0.35 μg g^{− 1}) whereas higher contents required the SE procedure (sample grinding, 30% HF; LOD = 0.02 μg g^{− 1}). Both methods were appropriate to determine Ni (LOD = 0.11 and 0.08 μg g^{− 1}, for USS and SE, respectively). V was satisfactorily quantified only with the USS approach (LOD = 0.80 μg g^{− 1}).     

Evaluation of a chloramine-T-selective electrode for catalytic titration of silver and mercury(II) based on iodide-catalyzed chloramine-T reactions

Semiautomatic methods are described for the catalytic titrimetric determination of microamounts of silver and mercury(II) using a chloramine-T-selective electrode as monitor. The methods are based on the inhibitory effect of Ag(I) and Hg(II) on the iodide-catalyzed chloramine-T-arsenite and chloramine-T-H₂O₂ reactions. Microamounts of silver in the range 0.2–200 μg (1 × 10⁻⁷−1 × 10⁻⁴ M) and of mercury(II) in the range 0.1–200 μg (2.5 × 10⁻⁸−5 × 10⁻⁵ M) were determined using the chloramine-T-As(III) indicator reaction. Mercury(II) in the range 4–2000 μg (1 × 10⁻⁶−5 × 10⁻⁴ M) was also determined using the chloramine-T-H₂O₂ indicator reaction. The accuracy and precision were in the range 0.1–1%.     

Nonparameterized MO calculations of ligand-bridged M2(CO)8-(U2-X)2-type dimers containing metal---metal interactions: Evidence for dictation of stereochemistry by one-electron and two-electron metal---metal σ-type bonds

Nonparameterized MO calculations performed on the (edge-bridged)-bioctahedral metal dimers of the Dessy-characterized [Cr₂(CO)₈(μ₂-PR₂)₂]^(n-2) series and of the [Mn₂(CO)₈(μ₂-PR₂)₂]ⁿ series (n = 0, +1, +2) have revealed that the corresponding dimeric pairs with n = 0, +1, and +2 have two, one, and no electrons, respectively, in the antibonding 2b_3u MO corresponding to a “net” no-electron metal---metal bond, a “net” one-electron metal---metal bond, and a two electron metal---metal bond. Of prime significance is that this 2b_3u MO, which is the LUMO in both electron-pair (metal---metal)-bonded dimers (n = +2) and the HOMO in the corresponding dimers to which one or two electrons have been added, is found to be largely composed of in-plane antibonding σ-type dimetal orbital character rather than either out-of-plane π-type dimetal antibonding orbital character or bridging-ligand orbital character. These MO results are also shown to be completely compatible with the available spectral and X-ray data.     

A novel series of sulphur-bridged ruthenium-molybdenum complexes: [(RaaiR′)<Subscript>2</Subscript> Ru(μ-S)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mo(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]. Synthesis,spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization. RaaiR′=1-alkyl-2-(arylazo) imidazole

The reaction of ctc-[Ru(RaaiR′)₂Cl₂] (1) [RaaiR′ = 1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole, p-R-C₆H₄-N=N-C₃H₂NN(1)-R′, R = H (a), Me (b), Cl (c), R′ = Me (2), Et (3), Bz (4)] with (NH₄)₂MoS₄ in aqueous MeOH afforded red-violet mixed ligand complexes of the type [(RaaiR′)₂Ru(μ-S)₂Mo(OH)₂] (2–4). In complexes (2–4) the terminal Mo=S bonds of the MoS₄²⁻ unit become hydroxylated and the molybdenum ion is reduced from the starting Mo^VI in MoS₄²⁻ to Mo^IV in the final product (2–4). The solution electronic spectra exhibit a strong MLCT band at 550–570 nm in DCM. Cyclic voltammograms show a Ru(III)/Ru(II) couple at 1.10–1.4 V, irreversible Mo(IV)/Mo(V) oxidations in the 1.66–1.72 V range, along with four successive reversible ligand reductions in the range −0.45–0.67 V (one electron), −0.82–1.12 V (one electron), and −1.44–1.90 V (simultaneously two electrons).     

The non-perpendicular and non-parallel alkyne bridge in W2(μ-C2H2)(μ-OCH2Bu)2(OCH2Bu)6

The bonding in the ethyne adduct W₂(μ-C₂H₂)(μ-ONp)₂(ONp)₆ (Np=CH₂^tBu) has been examined by various computational methods [Extended Hückel (EHMO), Fenske–Hall, and Gaussian 92 RHF (Restricted Hartree–Fock) and density functional (Becke-3LYP) calculations] employing the model compound W₂(μ-C₂H₂)(μ-OH)₂(OH)₆. EHMO and Fenske–Hall calculations suggest, based on total orbital energy, that a μ-parallel ethyne geometry should have the lowest energy, although traditional frontier orbital arguments agree with the observance of a skewed acetylene bridge. Gaussian 92 computations reproduce the non-perpendicular/non-parallel μ-C₂H₂ geometry in close agreement to that observed in the solid-state (X-ray) structure, which leads us to suggest that the distortion is not sterically imposed by the attendant alkoxide ligands. The observed geometry can be rationalized in terms of Jahn–Teller distortional stabilization from either the μ-parallel or μ-perpendicular mode, i.e., the geometry is favored on electronic grounds, though the potential energy surface is rather shallow. These results are discussed in terms of previous studies of the addition of alkynes to d³–d³ dinuclear complexes of tungsten and in terms of relationships between d²-W(OR)₄ and d⁸-Os(CO)₄ fragments.     

On the validity of the Avrami theorem in the case of decelerating growth

It is argued that the use of the Avrami theorem, S(t) = 1−e^−S_x(t), is in principle not allowed when applied to overlapping diffusion zones or, more generally, in all cases where the phantom nuclei overtake the front of their parent nuclei. Via computer simulations the overtake effect is shown to exist and is found to be surprisingly small. The use of a modified Avrami equation, S(t) = FS_x(t)·[1 −e^−S_x(t)], is suggested for such cases and the function F[S_x(t)] pertaining to diffusion-controlled growth is reported.