Complexation kinetics of Fe2+ with 1,10‐phenanthroline forming ferroin in acidic solutions

The formation kinetics of ferroin is studied under varied acid conditions at 25°C and fixed ionic strength (0.48 mol dm^?3) under pseudo‐first‐order conditions with respect to Fe²⁺ by using the stopped‐flow technique. The reaction followed is first and third order with respect to Fe²⁺ and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen)_T, respectively. Increasing the acid concentration retarded the reaction, and the reaction rate showed a positive salt effect. The rate‐limiting step involved the complexation of the phen or protonated phen with [Fe(phen)₂]²⁺ complex ion, leading to formation of [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺ ion. The observed retardation of the reaction rate with increasing [H⁺]₀ is due to the increased [phenH⁺]_eq and low reactivity of phenH⁺ with [Fe(phen)₂]²⁺ complex ion. Simulated curves for the acid variation experiments agreed well with the corresponding experimental curves and the estimated rate coefficients supporting the proposed mechanism. Relatively low energy of activation (26 kJ mol^?1) and high negative entropy of activation (?159.8 J K^?1 mol^?1) agree with the proposed mechanism and the formation of compact octahedral complex ion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 40: 515–523, 2008     

Mechanistic Studies on the Oxidation of Nitrite by a μ‐Oxodiiron(III,III) Complex in Aqueous Acidic Media

Examined in this study is the kinetics of a net 2e⁻ transfer between [Fe₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ ( 1 ) and its hydrolytic derivatives [Fe₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄(H₂O)(OH)]³⁺ ( 2 ) and [Fe₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄(OH)₂]²⁺ ( 3 ) with in aqueous media and in presence of excess 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen). The reaction is quantitative with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry between the oxidant and reductant to produce ferroin ([Fe(phen)₃]²⁺) and . The order of reactivity of the oxidant species is 1 > 2 > 3 , in agreement with the progressive cationic charge reduction. The reactions appear to be inner‐sphere where the initial one‐electron proton‐coupled redox (1e⁻, 1H⁺; electroprotic) seems to be rate‐determining.     

Encapsulation of TCNQ and the Acridinium Ion within a Bisporphyrin Cavity: Synthesis,Structure, and Photophysical and HOMO–LUMO‐Gap‐Mediated Electron‐Transfer Properties

The encapsulation of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and fluorescent probe acridinium ions (AcH⁺) by diethylpyrrole‐bridged bisporphyrin (H₄DEP) was used to investigate the structural and spectroscopic changes within the bisporphyrin cavity upon substrate binding. X‐ray diffraction studies of the bisporphyrin host (H₄DEP) and the encapsulated host–guest complexes (H₄DEP ? TCNQ and [H₄DEP ? AcH]ClO₄) are reported. Negative and positive shifts of the reduction and oxidation potentials, respectively, indicated that it was difficult to reduce/oxidize the encapsulated complexes. The emission intensities of bisporphyrin, upon excitation at 560 nm, were quenched by about 65 % and 95 % in H₄DEP ? TCNQ and [H₄DEP ? AcH]ClO₄, respectively, owing to photoinduced electron transfer from the excited state of the bisporphyrin to TCNQ/AcH⁺; this result was also supported by DFT calculations. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of encapsulated AcH⁺ (excited at 340 nm) was also remarkably quenched compared to the free ions, owing to photoinduced singlet‐to‐singlet energy transfer from AcH⁺ to bisporphyrin. Thus, AcH⁺ acted as both an acceptor and a donor, depending on which part of the chromophore was excited in the host–guest complex. The electrochemically evaluated HOMO–LUMO gap was 0.71 and 1.42 eV in H₄DEP ? TCNQ and [H₄DEP ? AcH]ClO₄, respectively, whilst the gap was 2.12 eV in H₄DEP. The extremely low HOMO–LUMO gap in H₄DEP ? TCNQ led to facile electron transfer from the host to the guest, which was manifested in the lowering of the CN stretching frequency (in the solid state) in the IR spectra, a strong radical signal in the EPR spectra at 77 K, and also the presence of low‐energy bands in the UV/Vis spectra (in the solution phase). Such an efficient transfer was only possible when the donor and acceptor moieties were in close proximity to one another.     

Highly active and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for acylation of anisole

In the present study, non-conventional solid acid catalysts such as NaY, metal ion exchanged zeolite NaY (Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ce³⁺, La³⁺ and Nd³⁺), H-mordenite, H-β and HZSM-5 were used in order to overcome the disadvantages of conventional Friedel-Crafts catalysts for the acylation of anisole with acetic anhydride. Among the various zeolites studied, the HY zeolite shows an intermediate activity. Zeolite containing transition metal ions (Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺) are less active and zeolite NaY is nearly inactive. The catalysts exhibit the activity in the order H-β>transition metal ions (Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺)>HY>NaY zeolite. The highest catalytic activity of H-β could be due to its larger pore size. The type of acidity and the acid strength in zeolite Y were determined by FTIR and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies on the pyridine adsorbed catalysts. The correlation of catalytic activity with acidity reveals that Brönsted acid sites in zeolite promote the acylation of anisole.     

Electron spin resonance spectra observed in the course of grafting iron carbonyls on sodium-Y zeolites

The adsorption and/or decomposition pathway of Fe₂(CO)₉ or Fe₃(CO)₁₂ on hydrated or dehydrated NaY zeolites has been studied by an ESR technique. The adsorption resulted in the formation of three paramagnetic species withg _iso=2.0450, 2.0378, and 2.0016, which were attributable to Fe₃(CO)₁₁ ^–, Fe₂(CO)₈ ^–, and Fe(CO)₄ ^– anion radicals, respectively. These radicals have been suggested as intermediates in the formation of HFe₃(CO)₁₁ ^– on the hydrated NaY zeolite and Fe₃(CO)₁₂ on the dehydrated NaY zeolite.     

Origin of the quadrupole splitting in the Mössbauer 57Fe spectrum of cubic (disordered) LiFeO2

The room-temperature Mössbauer ⁵⁷Fe spectrum of polycrystalline disordered cubic α-LiFeO₂ contains a quadrupole splitting |Δ_obs| of 0.65(2) mm/sec. This value is relatively large for an Fe atom in an essentially Fe³⁺_HS state. To account for its magnitude, the distribution of the electric-field gradient (EFG) values associated with the Fe atoms was investigated by means of exact geometric analysis involving the 12 nearest cation neighbors (model A) as well as large-scale computer simulation involving more distant cations (models B to E). It is found that (1) the major contribution to |Δ_obs| comes from the distribution of +1 and +3 charges among the 12 nearest cation neighbors of a reference Fe atom; (2) this contribution by itself largely accounts for |Δ_obs|; (3) the contribution from cations beyond the seventh-nearest neighbors is marginal; (4) displacing the oxygen atoms from their lattice sites toward adjacent Fe atoms produces a significant effect on the distribution of EFG values at a reference Fe atom, while incipient cation ordering appears to have a relatively small effect; and (5) the contribution of the EFG = 0 component to model |EFG| distributions will be overemphasized unless cations beyond the first-nearest neighbors are included in the EFG summation. The 144 distinct (up to rotation and reflection) Li¹⁺_12?kFe³⁺_k configurations on the coordination cuboctahedron of nearest cation neighbors (required for the examination of model A) are listed, together with their symmetries and multiplicities, and it is shown that the 144 configurations engender only 17 distinct |EFG| values. Observations are also made on various geometric aspects of calculating EFG at ⁵⁷Fe³⁺_HS on cubic lattices.     

Remarkable Electrochemical Responses of Ferrocene/NaY Zeolite Composite modified Electrode Based on Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid

The ferrocene/NaY zeolite composites (Fc/NaY) are introduced on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode together with the hydrophobic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF₆). The modified electrode thus constructed exhibits a pair of reversible redox peaks corresponding to ferrocene. Additionally the peak separation remains almost constant (58–75 mV) and the value of the ratio i_pa/i_pc is close to 1 for scan rates in the range from 10 to 1000 mV s^?1. The effects of the scan rate, aqueous supporting electrolytes, hydrophobic ionic liquid and the contents of ferrocene encapsulated by electrochemistry are investigated. The extrazeolite electron transfer process is discussed. Furthermore, the Fc/NaY/IL‐modified electrode shows good mediation towards oxidation of ascorbic acid, dopamine, hydroquinone, and catechol.     

Kinetic Study of the Reduction of Bromate Ion by Tris(1,10-Phenanthroline)Iron(II) and Aquoiron(II) Ions — Implication for the Bromate-Gallic Acid Oscillating Reaction

The kinetics of the bromate oxidation of tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) (Fe(phen)₃²⁺) and aquoiron(II) (Fe²⁺ (aq)) have been studied in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions at μ = 1.0M and with Fe(II) complexes in great excess. The rate laws for both reactions generally can be described as -d [Fe(II)]/6dt = d[Br^?]/dt = k[Fe(II)] [BrO^?₃] for [H⁺]₀ = 0.428–1.00M. For [BrO^?₃]₀ = 1.00 × 10^?4M. [Fe²⁺]₀ = (0.724–1.45)x 10^?2 M, and [H⁺]₀ = 1.00M, k = 3.34 ± 0.37 M^?1s^?1 at 25°. For [BrO^?₃]₀ = (1.00–1.50) × 10^?4M, [Fe²⁺]₀ = 7.24 × 10^?3M ([phen]₀ = 0.0353M), and [H⁺]₀ = 1.00M, k = (4.40 ± 0.16) × 10^?2 M^?1s^?1 at 25°. Kinetic results suggest that the BrO^?₃-Fe²⁺ reaction proceeds by an inner-sphere mechanism while the BrO^?₃-Fe(phen)₃²⁺ reaction by a dissociative mechanism. The implication of these results for the bromate-gallic acid and other bromate oscillators is also presented.     

Molecular‐Recognition‐Assisted pKa Shifts and Metal‐Ion‐Induced Fluorescence Regeneration in p‐Sulfonatocalix[6]arene‐Encapsulated Acridine

The host–guest interactions of cationic (AcH⁺) and neutral (Ac) forms of the dye acridine with the macrocyclic host p‐sulfonatocalix[6]arene (SCX6) were investigated by using ground‐state absorption, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence, and NMR measurements. The cationic form undergoes significant complexation with SCX6 (K_eq=2.5×10⁴ M ^?1), causing a sharp decrease in the fluorescence intensity and severe quenching in the excited‐state lifetime of the dye. The strong binding of the AcH⁺ form of the dye with SCX6 is attributed to ion–ion interactions involving the sulfonato groups (SO₃^?) of SCX6 and the positively charged AcH⁺ at pH of approximately 4.3. Whereas, the neutral Ac form of the dye undergoes weak complexation with SCX6 (K_eq=0.9×10³ M ^?1) and the binding constant is lowered by one order of magnitude compared with that of the SCX6–AcH⁺ system. The strong affinity of SCX6 to the protonated form leads to a large upward pK_a shift (≈2 units) in the dye. In contrast, strong emission quenching upon SCX6 interaction and the regeneration of fluorescence intensity of the dye in the presence of Gd³⁺ through competitive binding have also been demonstrated.     

Mechanistic studies on the oxidation of pyruvic acid by an oxo-bridged diiron(III,III) complex in aqueous acidic media

In aqueous solution [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ (1, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) equilibrates with its conjugate bases [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(H₂O)(OH)]³⁺ (2) and [Fe₂(μ-O)(phen)₄(OH)₂]²⁺ (3). In the presence of excess phen and in the pH range 2.5–5.5, the dimer quantitatively oxidizes pyruvic acid to acetic acid and carbon dioxide, the end iron species being ferroin, [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺. The observed reaction rate shows a bell-shaped curve as pH increases, but is independent of added phen. Kinetic analysis shows that (3) is non-reactive and (1) has much higher reactivity than (2) in oxidizing pyruvic acid. The basicity of the bridging oxygen increases with deprotonation of the aqua ligands. The reaction rate decreases significantly in media enriched with D₂O in comparison to that in H₂O, with a greater retardation at higher pH, suggesting the occurrence of proton coupled electron transfer (PCET; 1e, 1H⁺), which possibly drags the energetically unfavorable reaction to completion in presence of excess phen.     

Kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of iodide with a (μ‐oxo)diiron(III,III) complex in weakly acidic media

The complex ion [Fe^III₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄(H₂O)₂]⁴⁺ ( 1 ) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) and its hydrolytic derivatives [Fe^III₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄(H₂O)(OH)]³⁺ ( 1a ) and [Fe^III₂(μ‐O)(phen)₄‐ (OH)₂]²⁺ ( 2a ) coexist in rapid equilibria in the range pH 4.23–5.35 in the presence of excess phenanthroline (pK_a1 = 3.71±0.03, pK_a2 = 5.28± 0.07). The solution reacts quantitatively with I⁻ to produce [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺ and I₂. Only 1 but none of its hydrolytic derivatives is kinetically active. Both inner and outer sphere pathways operate. The observed rate constants show second‐order dependence on the concentration of iodide, while the dependence on [H⁺] is complex in nature. Added Cl⁻ inhibits the formation of adduct with I⁻ and thus retards the rate of inner sphere path, leading to a rate saturation at high [Cl⁻], where only the outer sphere mechanism is active. Kinetic data indicate that simultaneous presence of two I⁻ in the vicinity of diiron core is necessary for the reduction of 1 . © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 737–743, 2005     

K6[Fe8.27(HPO3)12]: a new mixed‐valence iron phosphite

The title compound, hexapotassium octairon(II,III) dodecaphosphonate, exhibiting a two‐dimensional structure, is a new mixed alkali/3d metal phosphite. It crystallizes in the space group Rm, with two crystallographically independent Fe atoms occupying sites of m (Fe1) and 3m (Fe2) symmetry. The Fe2 site is fully occupied, whereas the Fe1 site presents an occupancy factor of 0.757 (3). The three independent O atoms, one of which is disordered, are situated on a mirror and all other atoms are located on special positions with 3m symmetry. Layers of formula [Fe₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻ are observed in the structure, formed by linear Fe₃O₁₂ trimer units, which contain face‐sharing FeO₆ octahedra interconnected by (HPO₃)²⁻ phosphite oxoanions. The partial occupancy of the Fe1 site might be described by the formation of two [Fe(HPO₃)₂]⁻ layers derived from the [Fe₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻ layer when the Fe1 atom is absent. Fe²⁺ is localized at the Fe1 and Fe2 sites of the [Fe₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻ sheets, whereas Fe³⁺ is found at the Fe2 sites of the [Fe(HPO₃)₂]⁻ sheets, according to bond‐valence calculations. The K⁺ cations are located in the interlayer spaces, between the [Fe₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻ layers, and between the [Fe₃(HPO₃)₄]²⁻ and [Fe(HPO₃)₂]⁻ layers.     

Kinetic Study of the Ce(III)‐, Mn(II)‐, or Ferroin‐Catalyzed Belousov‐Zhabotinsky Reaction with Allylmalonic Acid

In a stirred batch experiment and under aerobic conditions, ferroin (Fe(phen)₃²⁺) behaves differently from Ce(III) or Mn(II) ion as a catalyst for the Belousov‐Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction with allylmalonic acid (AMA). The effects of bromate ion, AMA, metal‐ion catalyst, and sulfuric acid on the oscillating pattern were investigated. The kinetics of the reaction of AMA with Ce(IV), Mn(III), or Fe(phen)₃³⁺ ion was studied under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The order of reactivity of metal ions toward reaction with AMA is Fe(phen)₃³⁺ > Mn(III) > Ce(IV) under aerobic conditions whereas it is Mn(III) > Ce(IV) > Fe(phen)₃³⁺ under anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, the order of reactivity of RCH(CO₂H)₂ (R = H (MA), Me (MeMA), Et (EtMA), allyl (AMA), n‐Bu (BuMA), Ph (PhMA), and Br (BrMA)) is PhMA > MA > BrMA > AMA > MeMA > EtMA > BuMA toward reaction with Ce(IV) ion and it is MA > PhMA > BrMA > MeMA > AMA > EtMA > BuMA toward reaction with Mn(III) ion. Under aerobic conditions, the order of reactivity of RCH(CO₂H)₂ toward reaction with Fe(phen)₃³⁺ ion is PhMA > BrMA > (MeMA, AMA) > (BuMA, EtMA) > MA. The experiment results are rationalized.     

Self‐Assembly Film of Zeolite Y Nanocrystals Loading Palladium on an Au Electrode for Electrochemical Applications

Nano‐scale zeolite Y crystals were synthesized, and palladium nanoparticles were prepared in the supercage of the zeolite by “ship‐in‐a‐bottle” approach. A novel method to fabricate zeolite‐modified electrode (ZME) loading Pd nanoparticles was developed, in which the zeolite Y loading Pd²⁺ ions was self‐assembled on (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane‐attached Au surface to form the stable and density packed multilayers (SAM‐ZME). The structures of zeolite Y and the SAM‐ZME were investigated by using TEM, XRD and SEM techniques. Pd²⁺ ions in the SAM‐ZME were converted into Pd nanoparticles (Pd_n⁰) by two steps consisting of the electrochemical reduction as well as the succeeding admission and release of CO. The redox couple [Fe(CN)₆]^3?/4? was used to probe the electron‐transfer barrier properties during self‐assembling process. Moreover, the special properties of the SAM‐ZME loading Pd_n⁰ were studied by using cyclic voltammetry and CO‐probe in situ FTIR spectroscopy. The results illustrated that Pd_n⁰ in the SAM‐ZME exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of adsorbed CO than that of ZME prepared in our previous study by zeolite coating method. The present study is of importance in design and preparation of SAM‐ZME, which poccesseses excellent properties for the immobilization of electrocatalysts or biomolecules.     

A Lead‐Selective Membrane Electrode Based Upon a Phosphorylated Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]Arene

Solvent extraction of a mixture of Pb^II, Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cd^II in aqueous perchlorate medium by a phosphorylated hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene (calix‐3) in dichloromethane shows a significant selectivity towards lead ions. The ligand can also be incorporated into a membrane to provide a new lead ion‐selective electrode (Pb^II‐ISE). A plasticized PVC membrane containing 30% PVC, 53.5% ortho‐nitrophenyloctylether (NPOE), 4.5% sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) and 12% ionophore was directly coated on a graphite rod. This sensor gave a good Nernstian response of 29.7 ± 0.7 mV decade^?1 over a concentration range of 1 × 10^?8 – 1 × 10^?4 M of lead ions, independent of pH in the range 3‐7, with a detection limit of 0.4 × 10^?8 M. The dynamic response time of the electrode to achieve a steady potential was very fast and found to be less than 7 s. The selectivity relative to Ag⁺, NH₄⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe³⁺, La³⁺, Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺, Er³⁺, Y³⁺ and Th⁴⁺ was examined. The electrode exhibits adequate stability with good reproducibility (with a slope of 29.6 ± 1.5 mV for 8 weeks). The characteristics of the sensor are compared with those of a tetraphosphorylated calix[4]arene (calix‐4) based Pb^II‐ISE, reported recently. The electrode was successfully used as an indicator electrode for a potentiometric titration of a lead solution using a standard solution of EDTA. The applicability of the sensor for lead ion measurements in various synthetic samples was also investigated.     

Heterotrimetallic Coordination Polymers: {CuIILnIIIFeIII} Chains and {NiIILnIIIFeIII} Layers: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

The use of the [Fe^III(AA)(CN)₄]^? complex anion as metalloligand towards the preformed [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ or [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ heterometallic complex cations (AA=2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenathroline (phen); H₂valpn=1,3‐propanediyl‐bis(2‐iminomethylene‐6‐methoxyphenol)) allowed the preparation of two families of heterotrimetallic complexes: three isostructural 1D coordination polymers of general formula {[Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III(H₂O)₃(μ‐NC)₂Fe^III(phen)(CN)₂ {(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃}]NO₃ ? 7 H₂O}_n (Ln=Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Dy ( 3 )) and the trinuclear complex [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃] ? NO₃ ? H₂O ? CH₃CN ( 4 ) were obtained with the [Cu^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ assembling unit, whereas three isostructural heterotrimetallic 2D networks, {[Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III(ONO₂)₂(H₂O)(μ‐NC)₃Fe^III(bipy)(CN)] ? 2 H₂O ? 2 CH₃CN}_n (Ln=Gd ( 5 ), Tb ( 6 ), and Dy ( 7 )) resulted with the related [Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III]³⁺ precursor. The crystal structure of compound 4 consists of discrete heterotrimetallic complex cations, [Cu^II(valpn)La^III(OH₂)₃(O₂NO)(μ‐NC)Fe^III(phen)(CN)₃]⁺, nitrate counterions, and non‐coordinate water and acetonitrile molecules. The heteroleptic {Fe^III(bipy)(CN)₄} moiety in 5 – 7 acts as a tris‐monodentate ligand towards three {Ni^II(valpn)Ln^III} binuclear nodes leading to heterotrimetallic 2D networks. The ferromagnetic interaction through the diphenoxo bridge in the Cu^II?Ln^III ( 1 – 3 ) and Ni^II?Ln^III ( 5 – 7 ) units, as well as through the single cyanide bridge between the Fe^III and either Ni^II ( 5 – 7 ) or Cu^II ( 4 ) account for the overall ferromagnetic behavior observed in 1 – 7 . DFT‐type calculations were performed to substantiate the magnetic interactions in 1 , 4 , and 5 . Interestingly, compound 6 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization with maxima of the out‐of‐phase ac signals below 4.0 K in the lack of a dc field, the values of the pre‐exponential factor (τ_o) and energy barrier (E_a) through the Arrhenius equation being 2.0×10^?12 s and 29.1 cm^?1, respectively. In the case of 7 , the ferromagnetic interactions through the double phenoxo (Ni^II–Dy^III) and single cyanide (Fe^III–Ni^II) pathways are masked by the depopulation of the Stark levels of the Dy^III ion, this feature most likely accounting for the continuous decrease of χ_M T upon cooling observed for this last compound.     

Formation of Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Ptx‐Loaded Zeolite NaY

The formation of a frustrated Lewis pair consisting of sodium hydride (Na⁺H^?) and a framework‐bound hydroxy proton O(H⁺) is reported upon H₂ treatment of zeolite NaY loaded with Pt nanoparticles (Pt_x/NaY). Frustrated Lewis pair formation was confirmed using in situ neutron diffraction and spectroscopic measurements. The activity of the intrazeolite NaH as a size‐selective catalyst was verified by the efficient esterification of acetaldehyde (a small aldehyde) to form the corresponding ester ethyl acetate, whereas esterification of the larger molecule benzaldehyde was unsuccessful. The frustrated Lewis pair (consisting of Na⁺H^? and O(H⁺)) generated within zeolite NaY may be a useful catalyst for various catalytic reactions which require both H^? and H⁺ ions, such as catalytic hydrogenation or dehydrogenation of organic compounds and activation of small molecules.     

(Δ)[Fe(II)(phen)3]2+ Filled in the Chiral Cavitiy Constituted by {(Δ)[Fe(III)(C2O4)3](NH42+)(DMF)(H2O)32−}n

A chiral coordination compound {(Δ)[Fe(II)(phen)₃][(Δ)Fe(III)(C₂O₄)₃](NH₄)(H₂O)₃(DMF)}_n (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), (DMF = N,N'‐Dimethylformamide), has been synthesized, and the structure has been revealed by infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The framework consists of two chiral subunits. One subunit (Δ)[(Fe(III)(C₂O₄)₃]^3? which as host anion forms a chiral porous three‐dimensional supermolecular network with lattice water, lattice DMF and lattice ammonium cation through hydrogen bonds. And then the other is Δ[Fe(II)(phen)₃]²⁺ which as guest cation fills in the chiral cavity located in the previously mentioned host porous network.     

A Bis‐Oxime Derivative of Diaza‐18‐Crown‐6 as an Ionophore for Silver Ion

A new pendant‐arm derivative of diaza‐18‐crown‐6, containing two oxime donor groups, has been synthesized and incorporated into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane ion‐selective electrode. The electrode shows selectivity for Ag⁺ ion, with a near Nernstian response. Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Tl⁺ are major interfering ions, with Cd²⁺ having minor interference. The electrode shows no potentiometric response for the ions Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, and La³⁺, and is responsive to H⁺ at pH<6.     

Electrochemiluminescence Detection of TNT by Resonance Energy Transfer through the Formation of a TNT–Amine Complex

2,4,6‐Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a widely used nitroaromatic explosive with significant detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Its detection is of great importance. In this study, both electrochemiluminescence (ECL)‐based detection of TNT through the formation of a TNT–amine complex and the detection of TNT through electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECRET) are developed for the first time. 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)‐modified [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline)‐doped silica nanoparticles (RuSiNPs) with uniform sizes of (73±3) nm were synthesized. TNT can interact with APTES‐modified RuSiNPs through charge transfer from electron‐rich amines in the RuSiNPs to the electron‐deficient aromatic ring of TNT to form a red TNT–amine complex. The absorption spectrum of this complex overlaps with the ECL spectrum of the APTES‐modified RuSiNPs/triethylamine system. As a result, ECL signals of the APTES‐modified RuSiNPs/triethylamine system are turned off in the presence of TNT owing to resonance energy transfer from electrochemically excited RuSiNPs to the TNT–amine complex. This ECRET method has been successfully applied for the sensitive determination of TNT with a linear range from 1×10^?9 to 1×10^?6 M with a fast response time within 1 min. The limit of detection is 0.3 nM . The method exhibits good selectivity towards 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, p‐nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, phenol, p‐quinone, 8‐hydroxyquinoline, p‐phenylenediamine, K₃[Fe(CN)₆], Fe³⁺, NO₃^?, NO₂^?, Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺, SO₃^2?, formaldehyde, oxalate, proline, and glycine.