Composition-structure relationships in polar intermetallics: experimental and theoretical studies of LaNi(1 + x)Al(6 - x) (x = 0.44)

A new ternary aluminide, LaNi(1 + x)Al(6 - x ) (x = 0.44), has been synthesized from La, Ni, and Al in sealed silica tubes. Its structure, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, is tetragonal P4/mmm (No. 123) with Z = 1 and has the lattice parameters a = 4.200(8) and c = 8.080(8) angstroms. Refinement based on Fo2 yielded R1 = 0.0197 and wR2 = 0.020 [I > 2sigmaI]. The compound adopts a structure type previously observed in SrAu2Ga5 and EuAu2Ga5. The atomic arrangement is closely related to the one in BaAl4 as well as in other rare-earth gallide compounds such as LaNi0.6Ga6, HoCoGa5, Ce4Ni2Ga20, Ce4Ni2Ga17, Ce4NiGa18, and Ce3Ni2Ga15. This structure exhibits a large open cavity which may be filled by a guest atom. Band structure calculations using density functional theory have been carried out to understand the stability of this new compound.     

Hydrogen in La2MgNi9D13: the role of magnesium

Reversible hydrogen storage capacity of the La(3-x)Mg(x)Ni(9) alloys, charged by gaseous hydrogen or by electrochemical methods, reaches its maximum at composition La(2)MgNi(9). As (La,Mg)Ni(3-3.5) alloys are the materials used in advanced metal hydride electrodes in Ni-MH batteries, this raises interest in the study of the structure-properties interrelation in the system La(2)MgNi(9)-H(2) (D(2)). In the present work, this system has been investigated by use of in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction in H(2)/D(2) gas and by performing pressure-composition-temperature measurements. The saturated La(2)MgNi(9)D(13.1) hydride forms via an isotropic expansion and crystallizes with a trigonal unit cell (space group R3m (No.166); a = 5.4151(1) ?; c = 26.584(2) ?; V = 675.10(6) ?(3)). The studied hybrid structure is composed of a stacking of two layers resembling existing intermetallic compounds LaNi(5) (CaCu(5) type) and LaMgNi(4) (Laves type). These are occupied by D to form LaNi(5)D(5.2) and LaMgNi(4)D(7.9). The LaNi(5)D(5.2) slab has a typical structure observed for all reported LaNi(5)-containing hybrid structures of the AB(5) + Laves phase types. However, the Laves type slab LaMgNi(4)D(7.9) is different from the characterized individual LaMgNi(4)D(4.85) hydride. This results from the filling of a greater variety of interstitial sites in the La(2)MgNi(9)D(13)/LaMgNi(4)D(7.9), including MgNi(2), Ni(4), (La/Mg)(2)Ni(2), and (La/Mg)Ni(3), in contrast with individual LaMgNi(4)D(4.85) where only La(2)MgNi(2) and Ni(4) interstitials are occupied. Despite a random distribution of La and Mg in the structure, a local hydrogen ordering takes place with H atoms favoring occupation of two Mg-surrounded sites, triangles MgNi(2) and tetrahedra LaMgNi(2). A directional bonding between Ni, Mg, and hydrogen is observed and is manifested by a formation of the NiH(4) tetrahedra and MgH(6) octahedra, which are connected to each other by sharing H vertexes to form a spatial framework.     

Hydrogen absorption in transition metal silicides: La3Pd5Si-hydrogen system

Pressure-composition isotherm measurements show that the ternary lanthanum palladium silicide phase La3Pd5Si absorbs reversibly up to 5 hydrogen atoms per formula unit at 550 K and 14 bar hydrogen pressure. In-situ synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction reveals three phases, an alpha-phase having the limiting composition La3Pd5SiD approximately 1.6 at low deuterium pressure (at up to 9.5 bar D2 and 550 K), a beta-phase La3Pd5SiD approximately 2.30-4 at intermediate deuterium pressure (<9.5 bar D2 and 550 K), and a relatively unstable gamma-phase La3Pd5SiD approximately 5 at high deuterium pressure (obtained at 75 bar D2 and 293 K). While the alpha and beta phases retain the symmetry of the H-free La3Pd5Si (space group Imma), the gamma-phase undergoes a symmetry lowering (a(gamma) approximately a(beta), b(gamma) approximately 3b(beta) and c(gamma) approximately c(beta), V(gamma) approximately 3V(beta), space group Pmnb). The structure of the alpha-phase contains isolated [Pd-D-Pd] fragments, which are joined into polymeric (-Pd-D-Pd-)n zig-zag chains in the beta-phase. In the gamma-phase some D sites depopulate, while new D sites are occupied, thus leading to a partial interruption of the zig-zag chains and the formation of isolated [D-Pd-D-Pd] and [D-Pd-D-Pd-D] fragments. This unexpected behavior can be attributed to the onset of repulsive Si-D and D-D interactions (Si-D > 3.0 A, D-D > 2.1 A) that divide the structure into Si-poor slabs that absorb hydrogen and Si-rich slabs that do not. The competition between silicon and deuterium which act as a transition metal ligand is further underlined by the fact that Pd atoms having one Si ligand are capable of forming Pd-D bonds, whereas Pd atoms having two Si ligands are not.     

Hydrothermal preparation of nickel(II)/uranium(IV) fluorides with one-, two-, and three-dimensional topologies

A modified compositional diagram for the reactions of Ni(C(2)H(3)O(2))(2).4H(2)O with UO(2)(C(2)H(3)O(2))(2).2H(2)O and HF in aqueous media under mild hydrothermal conditions (200 degrees C) has been completed to yield three Ni(II)/U(IV) fluorides, Ni(H(2)O)(4)UF(6).1.5H(2)O (1), Ni(2)(H(2)O)(6)U(3)F(16).3H(2)O (2), and Ni(H(2)O)(2)UF(6)(H(2)O) (3). The structure of 1 consists of one-dimensional columns constructed from two parallel chains of edge-sharing dodecahedral [UF(8)] units. The sides of the columns are terminated by octahedral Ni(II) units that occur as cis-[Ni(H(2)O)(4)F(2)] polyhedra. In contrast, the crystal structure of 2 reveals a two-dimensional Ni(II)/U(IV) architecture built from edge-sharing tricapped trigonal prismatic [UF(9)] units. The top and bottom of the sheets are capped by fac-[Ni(H(2)O)(3)F(3)] octahedra. The structure of 3 is formed from [UF(8)(H(2)O)] tricapped trigonal prisms that edge share with one another to form one-dimensional chains. These chains are then joined together into a three-dimensional network by corner sharing with trans-[Ni(H(2)O)(2)F(4)] octahedra. Crystallographic data: 1, orthorhombic, space group Cmcm, a = 14.3383(8) A, b = 15.6867(8) A, c = 8.0282(4) A, Z = 8; 2, hexagonal, space group P6(3)/mmc, a = 7.9863(5) A, c = 16.566(1) A, Z = 2; 3, monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 12.059(1) A, b = 6.8895(6) A, c = 7.9351(7) A, beta = 92.833(2) degrees, Z = 4.     

Crystallographic and electrochemical characteristics of La(0.7)Mg(0.3)Ni(5.0-x)(Al(0.5)Mo(0.5)x hydrogen-storage alloys.

The structure, hydrogen-storage property and electrochemical characteristics of La(0.7)Mg(0.3)Ni(5.0-x)(Al(0.5)Mo(0.5))x (x = 0-0.8) hydrogen-storage alloys have been studied systematically. X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis shows that all the alloys consist of an La (La,Mg)2Ni9 phase and an LaNi5 phase. The pressure-composition isotherms indicate that the hydrogen-storage capacity first increases and then decreases with increasing x, and the equilibrium pressure decreases with increasing x. Electrochemical measurements show that the maximum discharge capacity and the exchange-current density of the alloy electrodes increase as x increases from 0 to 0.6 and then decrease when x increases further from 0.6 to 0.8. Moreover, the low-temperature dischargeability of the alloy electrodes increases monotonically with increasing x in the alloys.     

Self-assembly of D-penicillaminato M6M'8 (M = Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II); M' = Cu(I), Ag(I)) clusters and their organization into extended La(III)M6M'8 supramolecular structures

A series of chiral M(6)M'(8) cluster compounds having twelve free carboxylate groups, [M(6)M'(8)(D-pen-N,S)(12)X](5-) (M/M'/X = Pd(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([1](5-)), Pd(II)/Ag(I)/Br(-) ([2](5-)), Pd(II)/Ag(I)/I(-) ([3](5-)), Ni(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([4](5-)), Pt(II)/Ag(I)/Cl(-) ([5](5-)), Pd(II)/Cu(I)/Cl(-) ([6](5-)); D-H(2)pen = D-penicillamine), in which six cis-[M(D-pen-N,S)(2)](2-) square-planar units are bound to a [M'(8)X](7+) cubic core through sulfur-bridges, was synthesized by the reactions of cis-[M(D-pen-N,S)(2)](2-) with M' in water in the presence of halide ions. These M(6)M'(8) clusters readily reacted with La(3+) in aqueous buffer to form La(III)(2)M(6)M'(8) heterotrimetallic compounds, La(2)[1](CH(3)COO), La(2)[2](CH(3)COO), La(2)[3](CH(3)COO), La(2)[4](CH(3)COO), La(2)[5](CH(3)COO) and La(2)[6]Cl, in which the M(6)M'(8) cluster units are linked by La(3+) ions through carboxylate groups in a 1?:?2 ratio. While the La(III)(2)M(6)Ag(I)(8) compounds derived from [1](5-), [2](5-), [3](5-), [4](5-) and [5](5-) have a 1D helix supramolecular structure with a right-handedness, the La(III)(2)Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) compound derived from [6](5-) has a 2D sheet-like structure with a triangular grid of the Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) cluster units. When aqueous HCl was added to the reaction solution of [6](5-) and La(3+), another La(III)(2)Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) heterotrimetallic compound, La(2)[6]Cl·HCl, in which the Pd(II)(6)Cu(I)(8) cluster units are linked by La(3+) ions to form a 2D structure with a rectangular grid, was produced. The solid-state structures of these La(III)(2)M(6)M'(8) compounds, determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, along with the spectroscopic properties of the M(6)M'(8) cluster compounds in solution, are described.     

Rb(4)Hg(5)(Te(2))(2)(Te(3))(2)Te(3), [Zn(en)3](4)In(16)(Te2)4(Te3)Te22, and K2Cu2(Te2)(Te3): novel metal polytellurides with unusual metal-tellurium coordination

Three novel metal polytellurides Rb(4)Hg(5)(Te(2))(2)(Te(3))(2)Te(3) (I), [Zn(en)(3)](4)In(16)(Te(2))(4)(Te(3))Te(22) (II), and K(2)Cu(2)(Te(2))(Te(3)) (III) have been prepared by solvothermal reactions in superheated ethylenediamine at 160 degrees C. Their crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystal data for I: space group Pnma, a = 9.803(2) A, b = 9.124(2) A, c = 34.714(7) A, Z = 4. Crystal data for II: space group C2/c, a = 36.814(7) A, b = 16.908(3) A, c = 25.302(5) A, beta = 128.46(3) degrees, Z = 4. Crystal data for III: space group Cmcm, a = 11.386(2) A, b = 7.756(2) A, c = 11.985(2) A, Z = 4. The crystal structure of I consists of 1D infinite ribbons of [Hg(5)(Te(2))(2)(Te(3))(2)Te(3)](4-), which are composed of tetrahedral HgTe(4) and trigonal HgTe(3) units connected through the bridging Te(2-), (Te(2))(2-), and (Te(3))(2-) ligands. II is a layered compound containing InTe(4) tetrahedra that share corners and edges via Te, Te(2), and Te(3) units to form a 2D slab that contains relatively large voids. The [Zn(en)(3)](2+) template cations are filled in these voids and between the slabs. The primary building blocks of III are CuTe(4) tetrahedra that are linked by intralayer (Te(3))(2-) and interlayer (Te(2))(2-) units to form a 3D network with open channels that are occupied by the K(+) cations. All three compounds are rare polytelluride products of solvothermal reactions that contain both Te(2) and Te(3) fragments with unusual metal-tellurium coordination.     

Structures and kinetic stabilities of the possible complexes of mononuclear Ni and (N2)x (x = 1-4)

Ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods have been applied to study the structures and kinetic stabilities of the possible products of the reactions of mononuclear nickel with (N(2))(x) (x = 1-4). Energy analyses show that end-on bound Ni(N(2))(x) (x = 1-4) complexes are preferred to side-on and N(4) bound ones. Several decomposition and isomerization pathways for Ni(N(2))(x) (x = 2-4) were investigated at the B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. The present study suggests that besides the four experimentally assigned complexes (NiN(2) (C(infinity)(v)), Ni(N(2))(2) (D(infinity)(h)), Ni(N(3))(2) (D(3)(h)), and Ni(N(2))(4) (T(d))), another two complexes (Ni(N(2))(4) (C(2)(v)) and Ni(N(2))(4) (D(4)(d))) are likely to be kinetically stable, while other complexes may be kinetically unstable with barrier heights of less than 30 kcal/mol. The present study also suggests that side-on bound N(2) ligand is ready to transform into the end-on bound one, while N(4) ligand is hard to transform into side-on or end-on bound N(2) ligand.     

Synthesis,characterization, and reactivity of cationic hydride [HPd(diphosphine)(2)](+)CF(3)SO(3)(-), the missing member of the family [HM(dppe)(2)](+)X(-) (M = Ni,Pd, Pt). DFT QM/MM structural predictions for the [HPd(dppe)(2)](+) moiety

The synthesis, characterization, and properties of the cationic hydride [HPd(dppe)(2)](+)CF(3)SO3(-).1/8THF, the missing member of the family [HM(dppe)(2)](+)X(-) (M = Ni, Pd, Pt), are described. The Pd hydride is not stable in solution and may react as either a proton or a hydride donor. DFT QM/MM calculations of the [HPd(dppe)(2)](+) moiety have allowed us to predict its structure and reactivity.     

Cyano-bridged bimetallic assemblies from hexacyanometalate, [M(CN)6](3-) (M = Mn(III) and Fe(III)), and [M(N4-macrocycle)]2+ (M=Fe(III), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) building blocks. Syntheses, multidimensional structures, and magnetic properties

Reactions between [M(N(4)-macrocycle)](2+) (M = Zn(II) and Ni(II); macrocycle ligands are either CTH = d,l-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane or cyclam = 1,4, 8, 11-tetrazaazaciclotetradecane) and [M(CN)(6)](3-) (M = Fe(III) and Mn(III)) give rise to cyano-bridged assemblies with 1D linear chain and 2D honeycomblike structures. The magnetic measurements on the 1D linear chain complex [Fe(cyclam)][Fe(CN)(6)].6H(2)O 1 points out its metamagnetic behavior, where the ferromagnetic interaction operates within the chain and the antiferromagnetic one between chains. The Neel temperature, T(N), is 5.5 K and the critical field at 2 K is 1 T. The unexpected ferromagnetic intrachain interaction can be rationalized on the basis of the axially elongated octahedral geometry of the low spin Fe(III) ion of the [Fe(cyclam)](3+) unit. The isostructural substitution of [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) by [Mn(CN)(6)](3-) in the previously reported complex [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).12H(2)O 2 leads to [Ni(cyclam)](3)[Mn(CN)(6)](2).16 H(2)O 3, which exhibits a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a metamagnetic behavior with T(N) = 16 K and a critical field of 1 T. In the ferromagnetic phase (H > 1 T) this compound shows a very important coercitive field of 2900 G at 2 K. Compound [Ni(CTH)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2).13H(2)O 4, C(60)H(116)Fe(2)N(24)Ni(3)O(13), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 20.462(7), b = 16.292(4), c = 27.262(7) A, beta = 101.29(4) degrees, Z = 4, also has a corrugated 2D honeycomblike structure and a ferromagnetic intralayer interaction, but, in contrast to 2 and 3, does not exhibit any magnetic ordering. This fact is likely due to the increase of the interlayer separation in this compound. ([Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)] [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)].22H(2)O.EtOH) 5, C(44)H(122)Fe(2)N(24)O(23)Zn(3), monoclinic, A 2/n, a = 14.5474(11), b = 37.056(2), c = 14.7173(13) A, beta = 93.94(1) degrees, Z = 4, presents an unique structure made of anionic linear chains containing alternating [Zn(cyclam)](2+) and [Fe(CN)(6)](3)(-) units and cationic trinuclear units [Zn(cyclam)Fe(CN)(6)Zn(cyclam)](+). Their magnetic properties agree well with those expected for two [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) units with spin-orbit coupling effect of the low spin iron(III) ions.     

Selenophosphate phase diagrams developed in conjunction with the synthesis of the new compounds K(2)La(P(2)Se(6))(1/2)(PSe(4)), K(3)La(PSe(4))(2), K(4)La(0.67)(PSe(4))(2), K(9-x)La(1+x/3)(PSe(4))(4) (x = 0.5), and KEuPSe(4)

Five new rare-earth metal polyselenophosphates have been synthesized by the reactive flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: K(2)La(P(2)Se(6))(1/2)(PSe(4)) (I), K(3)La(PSe(4))(2) (II), K(4)La(0.67)(PSe(4))(2) (III), K(9-x)()La(1+)(x/3)(PSe(4))(4) (x = 0.5) (IV), and KEuPSe(4) (V). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.4269(1) A, b = 7.2054(1) A, c = 21.0276(5) A, beta = 97.484(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 9.5782(2) A, b = 17.6623(4) A, c = 9.9869(3) A, beta = 90.120(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound III crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 19.0962(2) A, b = 9.1408(1) A, c = 10.2588(2) A, and Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ccca with a = 18.2133(1) A, b = 38.0914(4) A, c = 10.2665(1) A, and Z = 8. Compound V crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 17.5156(11) A, b = 7.0126(5) A, c = 6.9015(4) A, and Z = 4. Optical band gap measurements show that compound V has an optical band gap of 1.88 eV. Solid-state Raman spectroscopy of compounds II-V shows the four normal vibrations expected for the (PSe(4))(3-) unit. The observation of compounds I-V in several reactions has allowed the creation of a quasi-quaternary phase diagram for potassium rare-earth-metal polyselenophosphates. This phase diagram can qualitatively be separated into three regions on the basis of the oxidation state of phosphorus in the crystalline products observed and takes the next step in designing solid-state compounds.     

Self-assembled dinuclear,trinuclear, tetranuclear,pentanuclear, and octanuclear Ni(II) complexes of a series of polytopic diazine based ligands: structural and magnetic properties

The nickel coordination chemistry of a series of polytopic diazine (N-N) based ligands has been examined. Self-assembly reactions lead to examples of dinuclear, trinuclear, tetranuclear, pentanuclear, and octanuclear complexes, all of which exhibit magnetic exchange coupling, with antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic examples. Structural details are presented for [(L1)(2)Ni(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(4).3H(2)O (1), [(L2)(2)Ni(3)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(6).8H(2)O (2), [(L3)(4)Ni(4)(H(2)O)(8)] (NO(3))(4).8H(2)O (3), [(L4)(2)Ni(5)(H(2)O)(10)(NO(3))](NO(3))(7).8H(2)O (4), and [(L5)(4)Ni(8)(H(2)O)(8)](BF(4))(8).16H(2)O (5). Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 14.937(1) A, b = 18.612(2) A, c = 20.583(2) A, beta = 108.862(2) degrees, Z = 4. Compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P2(1)2(1)2, with a = 21.771(4) A, b = 13.700(2) A, c = 20.017(3) A, Z = 4. Compound 3 crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space group P4(3), with a = 12.9483(7) A, c = 33.416(3) A, Z = 4. Compound 4 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P(-)1, with a = 12.6677(8) A, b = 18.110(1) A, c = 19.998(1) A, alpha = 100.395(1) degrees, beta = 109.514(1) degrees, gamma = 109.686(1) degrees, Z = 2. Compound 5 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 21.153(5) A, b = 35.778(9) A, c = 21.823(5) A, beta = 97.757(6) degrees, Z = 4. The linear trinuclear Ni(II) complex (2) has a cis-N-N single bond bridge, and a water bridge linking the central Ni(II) to each external Ni(II) center in each of two similar trinuclear subunits, and exhibits intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange (J = 5.0 cm(-1)). A novel octanuclear metallacyclic ring structure exists in 5, with trans-N-N single bond bridges linking adjacent Ni(II) centers, leading to quite strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange (J = -30.4 cm(-1)).     

Thiophosphate phase diagrams developed in conjunction with the synthesis of the new compounds KLaP(2)S(6), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)), K(3)La(PS(4))(2), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2), K(9-)(x)La(1+x/3)(Ps(4))(4) (x = 0.5), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2), and KEuPS(4)

An alkali-metal sulfur reactive flux has been used to synthesize a series of quaternary rare-earth metal compounds. These include KLaP(2)S(6) (I), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)) (II), K(3)La(PS(4))(2) (III), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2) (IV), K(9-x)La(1+x/3)(PS(4))(4) (x = 0.5) (V), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2) (VI), and KEuPS(4) (VII). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with the cell parameters a = 11.963(12) A, b = 7.525(10) A, c = 11.389(14) A, beta = 109.88(4) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.066(6) A, b = 6.793(3) A, c = 20.112(7) A, beta = 97.54(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a= 9.141(2) A, b = 17.056(4) A, c = 9.470(2) A, beta = 90.29(2) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.202(2) A, b = 8.7596(7) A, c = 9.7699(8) A, and Z = 4. Compound V crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ccca with a = 17.529(9) A, b = 36.43(3) A, c = 9.782(4) A, and Z = 8. Compound VI crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.29(5) A, b = 8.81(2) A, c= 9.741(10) A, and Z = 4. Compound VII crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 16.782(2) A, b = 6.6141(6) A, c = 6.5142(6) A, and Z = 4. The sulfur compounds are in most cases isostructural to their selenium counterparts. By controlling experimental conditions, these structures can be placed in quasi-quaternary phase diagrams, which show the reaction conditions necessary to obtain a particular thiophosphate anionic unit in the crystalline product. These structures have been characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance optical band gap analysis.     

Two-dimensional metallic chain compounds Y5M2Te2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) that are related to Gd3MnI3. The hydride derivative Y5Ni2Te2D0.4

Y(5)M(2)Te(2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni) have been prepared by high-temperature solid-state techniques and shown to be isostructural and orthorhombic Cmcm (No. 63), Z = 4. The structure was established by single crystal X-ray methods at 23 degrees C for M = Fe, with a = 3.9594(3) A, b = 15.057(1) A, and c = 15.216(1) A. The new structure contains zigzag chains of the late transition metal sheathed by a column of yttrium atoms that are in turn condensed through trans vertices on the latter to yield 2D bimetallic layers separated by single layers of tellurium atoms. Reaction of hydrogen with Y(5)Ni(2)Te(2) causes a rumpling of the Y-Ni layers as determined by both single X-ray crystal means at 23 degrees C and neutron powder diffraction at -259 degrees C for Y(5)Ni(2)Te(2)D(0.41(1)), Pnma (No. 62), Z = 4. Lattice constants from the former study are a = 14.3678(7) A, b = 4.0173(2) A, and c = 15.8787(7) A. The hydrogen is accommodated in tetrahedral yttrium cavities generated by bending the formerly flat sheets at the trans Y vertices. A higher hydride version also exists. Band structure calculations confirm the 2D metal-bonded character of the compounds and also help illustrate the bonding/matrix changes that accompany the bonding of hydrogen. The ternary structures for both Y(5)M(2)Te(2) and Sc(5)Ni(2)Te(2) can be derived from that of Gd(3)MnI(3), the group illustrating three different kinds of metal chain condensation.     

Recognition of topological isomerism: synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of two pentanuclear high-spin molecules of the type [NiI(N-N)2]3[FeIII(CN)6]2

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of two pentanuclear cyanide-bridged compounds are reported. The trigonal bipyramidal molecule [[Ni(tmphen)(2)](3)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)].14H(2)O, (1).14H(2)O (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with unit cell parameters a = 19.531(4) A, b = 24.895(5) A, c = 24.522(5) A, beta = 98.68(3) degrees, V = 11787(4) A(3), and Z = 4. The pi-pi interactions between the tmphen ligands provide the closest intermolecular contacts of 3.37 A leading to large intermolecular M...M distances (> 8.68 A). The dc magnetic susceptibility of 1 indicates a ferromagnetically coupled S = 4 ground state best fit to the parameters g = 2.23, J = +4.3 cm(-1), and D(Ni) = +8.8 cm(-1) for the Hamiltonian H = -2J [(S(Fe(1)) + S(Fe(2))).(S(Ni(1)) + S(Ni(2)) + S(Ni(3)))] + D[S(Ni(1))(z)(2) + S(Ni(2))(z)(2) + S(Ni(3))(z)(2)]. The extended square molecule [Ni(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)][[Ni(bpy)(2)](2)[Fe(CN)(6)](2)].12H(2)O, (2).12H(2)O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) crystallizes in the space group P1 (No. 2) with unit cell parameters a = 13.264(3) A, b = 17.607(4) A, c = 18.057(4) A, alpha = 94.58(3) degrees, beta = 103.29(3) degrees, gamma = 95.18(3) degrees, V = 4065(2) A(3), and Z = 2. The pi-pi interactions of 3.29 A between the bpy ligands are the closest intermolecular contacts, and the intermolecular M...M separations are greater than 7.76 A. The dc magnetic susceptibility data for 2 are also in accord with an S = 4 ground state arising from intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling. The data were best fit to the parameters g = 2.25, J = J' = +3.3 cm(-1), and D(Ni) = +5.8 cm(-1) for the Hamiltonian H = -2J[(S(Fe(1)) + S(Fe(2))).(S(Ni(1)) + S(Ni(2)))] - 2J'[(S(Fe(2)).S(Ni(3)))] + D[S(Ni(1))(z)(2) + S(Ni(2))(z)(2) + S(Ni(3))(z)(2)]. No evidence for long-range magnetic ordering was observed for crystalline samples of 1 or 2.     

Catalytic Hydrolysis of Phosphate Diesters by Lanthanide(III) Cryptate (2.2.1) Complexes

Lanthanide(III) Cryptate (2.2.1) chlorides (Ln(2.2.1)Cl(3); Ln = La (1a), Ce(1b), and Eu(1c); (2.2.1) = 4,7,13,16,21-pentaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.5]tricosane) are effective for the catalytic hydrolysis of bis(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate. Kinetic studies reveal that the europium(III) complex (1c) catalyzes the hydrolysis to produce 6 equiv of 4-nitrophenol with a significant rate (k(1) = 1.5 x 10(-)(4) s(-)(1) at 0.40 mM) at pH 8.5 and 50 degrees C. The catalytic activity of the complexes is increased with decreasing the ionic size, i.e, La < Ce < Eu. While the use of hydrogen peroxide further increase the activity of 1b (k(1) = 1.6 x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1) at 0.40 mM), the presence of molecular oxygen does not affect the activity at all. Crystal of 1a.CH(3)OH([La(2.2.1)(Cl)(2)](Cl)(CH(3)OH)) belongs to the space group Pnma with a = 17.072(3) ?, b = 19.037(3) ?, c = 14.725(2) ?, V = 4786(1) ?(3), Z = 8, D(x)() = 1.691 g cm(-)(3), &mgr; = 21.7 cm(-)(1). The encryptated metal ion is nine-coordinated, and all the heteroatoms of the cryptate (2.2.1) ligand coordinate the metal center to form a bowl-shaped structure. Two coordinating chloride anions are located on the open face with a cis geometry. The existence of coordinated water to the europium(III) complex 1c in the aqueous solution was confirmed by time-resolved Eu(III) luminescence spectroscopy. From the decay constants in H(2)O and D(2)O, the numbers of coordinated water molecules (q) are found to be 3.02 at pH of 5.0. The above kinetic and spectroscopic observation are supportive of mechanisms in which the metal complexes act as a center for binding and activation as well as a source of nucleophilic metal hydroxides.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of one-dimensional oxalato-bridged Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with n-aminopyridine (n = 2-4) as terminal ligand

The reaction of M(ox) x 2H(2)O (M = Co(II), Ni(II)) or K(2)(Cu(ox)(2)) x 2H(2)O (ox = oxalate dianion) with n-ampy (n = 2, 3, 4; n-ampy = n-aminopyridine) and potassium oxalate monohydrate yields one-dimensional oxalato-bridged metal(II) complexes which have been characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, variable-temperature magnetic measurements, and X-ray diffraction methods. The complexes M(mu-ox)(2-ampy)(2) (M = Co (1), Ni (2), Cu (3)) are isomorphous and crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15), Z = 4, with unit cell parameters for 1 of a = 13.885(2) A, b = 11.010(2) A, c = 8.755(1) A, and beta = 94.21(2) degrees. The compounds M(mu-ox)(3-ampy)(2).1.5H(2)O (M = Co (4), Ni (5), Cu (6)) are also isomorphous and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pcnn (No. 52), Z = 8, with unit cell parameters for 6 of a = 12.387(1), b = 12.935(3), and c = 18.632(2) A. Compound Co(mu-ox)(4-ampy)(2) (7) crystallizes in the space group C2/c (No. 15), Z = 4, with unit cell parameters of a = 16.478(3) A, b = 5.484(1) A, c = 16.592(2) A, and beta = 117.76(1) degrees. Complexes M(mu-ox)(4-ampy)(2) (M = Ni (8), Cu (9)) crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Fddd (No. 70), Z = 8, with unit cell parameters for 8 of a = 5.342(1), b = 17.078(3), and c = 29.469(4) A. All compounds are comprised of one-dimensional chains in which M(n-ampy)(2)(2+) units are sequentially bridged by bis-bidentate oxalato ligands with M.M intrachain distances in the range of 5.34-5.66 A. In all cases, the metal atoms are six-coordinated to four oxygen atoms, belonging to two bridging oxalato ligands, and the endo-cyclic nitrogen atoms, from two n-ampy ligands, building distorted octahedral surroundings. The aromatic bases are bound to the metal atom in cis (1-6) or trans (7-9) positions. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range of 2-300 K show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic intrachain interactions except for the compound 3 in which a weak ferromagnetic coupling is observed. Compound 7 shows spontaneous magnetization below 8 K, which corresponds to the presence of spin canted antiferromagnetism.     

Unsymmetrical linear pentanuclear nickel string complexes: [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3))

The one-electron oxidized linear pentanuclear nickel complexes [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(H(2)O)(BF(4))](BF(4))(2) (1) and [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)(SO(3)CF(3))(2)](SO(3)CF(3)) (2) have been synthesized by reacting the neutral compound [Ni(5)(tpda)(4)Cl(2)] with the corresponding silver salts. These compounds have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 15.3022(1) A, b = 31.0705(3) A, c = 15.8109(2) A, beta = 92.2425(4) degrees, V = 7511.49(13) A(3), Z = 4, and compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 42.1894(7) A, b = 17.0770(3) A, c = 21.2117(4) A, beta = 102.5688(8) degrees, V = 14916.1(5) A(3), Z = 8. X-ray structural studies reveal an unsymmetrical Ni(5) unit for both compounds 1 and 2. Compounds 1 and 2 show stronger Ni-Ni interactions as compared to those of the neutral compounds.     

Structure,magnetism, and electrochemistry of the multinickel polyoxoanions [Ni6As3W24O94(H2O)2]17-, [Ni3Na(H2O)2(AsW9O34)2]11-, and [Ni4Mn2P3W24O94(H2O)2]17-

The three novel, multi-nickel-substituted heteropolytungstates [Ni(6)As(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)](17)(-) (1), [Ni(3)Na(H(2)O)(2)(AsW(9)O(34))(2)](11)(-) (2), and [Ni(4)Mn(2)P(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)](17)(-) (3) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, electrochemistry, and magnetic studies. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was carried out on Na(16.5)Ni(0.25)[Ni(6)As(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)].54H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 17.450(4) A, b = 17.476(4) A, c = 22.232(4) A, alpha = 85.73(3) degrees, beta = 89.74(3) degrees, gamma = 84.33(3) degrees, and Z = 2, Na(11)[Ni(3)Na(H(2)O)(2)(AsW(9)O(34))(2)].30.5H(2)O, which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with a = 12.228(2) A, b = 16.743(3) A, c = 23.342(5) A, alpha = 78.50(3) degrees, beta = 80.69(3) degrees, gamma = 78.66(3) degrees, and Z = 2, and Na(17)[Ni(4)Mn(2)P(3)W(24)O(94)(H(2)O)(2)].50.5H(2)O, which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 17.540(4) A, b = 22.303(5) A, c = 35.067(7) A, beta = 95.87(3) A, and Z = 4. Polyanion 1 consists of two B-alpha-(Ni(3)AsW(9)O(40)) Keggin moieties linked via a unique AsW(6)O(16) fragment, leading to a banana-shaped structure with C(2)(v)() symmetry. The mixed-metal tungstophosphate 3 is isostructural with 1. Polyanion 2 consists of two lacunary B-alpha-[AsW(9)O(34)](9)(-) Keggin moieties linked via three nickel(II) centers and a sodium ion. Electrochemical studies show that 1-3 exhibit a unique and reproducible voltammetric pattern and that all three compounds are stable in a large pH range. An investigation of the magnetic properties of 1-3 indicates that the exchange interactions within the trimetal clusters are ferromagnetic. However, for 1 and 3 intra- and intermolecular interactions between different trinuclear clusters are also present.     

Novel metal-organic frameworks with specific topology from new tripodal ligands: 1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl)benzene and 1,3-bis(1-imidazolyl)-5-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene

Reactions of two new tripodal ligands 1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl)benzene (4) and 1,3-bis(1-imidazolyl)-5-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (5) with metal [Ag(I), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II)] salts lead to the formation of novel two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks [Ag(2)(4)(2)][p-C(6)H(4)(COO)(2)].H(2)O (6), [Ag(4)]ClO(4) (7), [Cu(4)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](CH(3)COO)(2).2H(2)O (8), [Zn(4)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2) (9), [Ni(4)(2)(N(3))(2)].2H(2)O (10), and [Ag(5)]ClO(4) (11). All the structures were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data for 6: monoclinic, C2/c, a = 23.766(3) A, b = 12.0475(10) A, c = 13.5160(13) A, beta = 117.827(3) degrees, Z = 4. For compound 7: orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 7.2495(4) A, b = 12.0763(7) A, c = 19.2196(13) A, Z = 4. For compound 8: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 8.2969(5) A, b = 12.2834(5) A, c = 17.4667(12) A, beta = 96.5740(10) degrees, Z = 2. For compound 9: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a =10.5699(3) A, b = 11.5037(3) A, c = 13.5194(4) A, beta = 110.2779(10) degrees, Z = 2. For compound 10: monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 9.8033(3) A, b = 12.1369(5) A, c = 13.5215(5) A, beta = 107.3280(10) degrees, Z = 2. For compound 11: monoclinic C2/c, a = 18.947(2) A, b = 9.7593(10) A, c = 19.761(2) A, beta = 97.967(2) degrees, Z = 8. Both complexes 6 and 7 are noninterpenetrating frameworks based on the (6, 3) nets, and 8, 9 and 10 are based on the (4, 4) nets while complex 11 has a twofold parallel interpenetrated network with 4.8(2) topology. It is interesting that, in complexes 6,7, and 11 with three-coordinated planar silver(I) atoms, each ligand 4 or 5 connects three metal atoms, while in the case of complexes 8, 9, and 10 with six-coordinated octahedral metal atoms, each ligand 4 only links two metal atoms, and another imidazole nitrogen atom of 4 did not participate in the coordination with the metal atoms in these complexes. The results show that the nature of organic ligand and geometric needs of metal atoms have great influence on the structure of metal-organic frameworks.