Bismuth triple-decker phthalocyanine: synthesis and structure

Triclinic crystals of bismuth(III) triple-decker phthalocyanine, Bi₂Pc₃, Pc=C₃₂H₁₆N₈²⁻, were grown directly by the reaction of Bi₂Se₃ with 1,2-dicyanobenzene at 220°C. The Bi₂Pc₃ molecule is centrosymmetric with the bismuth atoms located closer to the peripheral phthalocyaninato(2−) rings than to the central ring. Each bismuth(III) ion is connected by four N-isoindole atoms to the peripheral and by four N-isoindole to the central Pc ring with average distances of 2.333 and 2.747 Å, respectively. This indicates a stronger connection of Bi(III) to the peripheral saucer-shaped macrocyclic rings than to the central rings. The neighbouring phthalocyaninato(2−) moieties in the Bi₂Pc₃ molecule are separated by a distance of 3.101(5) Å. The central Pc ring is rotated by 36.4° with respect to the peripheral ones. Differences in Bi–N bond lengths are a result of interaction of the bismuth ion with peripheral and central rings as well as the repulsion forces between two bismuth ions in the same Bi₂Pc₃ molecule, which are separated by a distance of 3.839(2) Å. The crystal packing is characterized by a distance of 3.56 Å between Pc rings of neighbouring Bi₂Pc₃ molecules.     

Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of the TiMgCl5(OOCCH2Cl) · (ClCH2COOC2H5)3 Adduct

The synthesis of the TiMgCl₅(OOCCH₂Cl) · (ClCH₂COOC₂H₅)₃ adduct, obtained by reacting TiCl₄ with a solution of MgCl₂ in dry ClCH₂COOC₂H₅, is reported together with its molecular and crystal structure as determined by x-ray diffraction. The structure was solved by direct and Fourier methods and refined by least-squares techniques to R = 0.057 for 1318 independent observed reflections. Crystals are monoclinic, space-group P2₁/c, with 4 formula units in a unit-cell of dimensions a = 10.480(4), b = 19.641(9), c = 16.597(6) Å, β = 120.21(5)°. The titanium(IV) atom is octahedrally coordinated by five chlorine atoms and an oxygen atom of a OOCCH₂Cl residue. The magnesium atom is similarly coordinated by two chlorine atoms, the carbonyl oxygen atoms of three ClCH₂COOC₂H₅ molecules and an oxygen atom of the OOCCH₂Cl residue. The two octahedra share an edge by a double chlorine bridge between the magnesium and the titanium atoms and are also connected by the COO group of the OOCCH₂Cl residue. Changes in the configurations and dimensions with respect to the free acceptor and donor molecules are discussed.     

Cyclization and Isomerization Reactionsin Silylhydrazine Chemistry

 This review describes the synthesis and isomerization reactions of cyclic silylhydrazines. Topics of discussion are the ring expansion of the three-membered Si(SiN₂) to the four-membered (SiN)₂ ring by lithiation of the (SiN₂) ring and by thermal silyl group insertion into the N*N bond, the ring expansion of a three-membered (SiN₂) to a five-membered (CSi₂N₂) ring by SiCH₂ insertion into the Si*N bond, the formation of isomeric four- and six-membered (SiN₂)₂ rings, the synthesis of five- and six-membered silylhydrazine rings, and the expansion of a five-membered (N₂Si₂N)N ring to the isomeric six-membered (SiNN)₂ ring. The mechanisms of the isomerizations are explained by quantum chemical calculations, and the results are verified by crystal structure determinations.     

Semi-Continuous Heterophase Polymerization to Synthesize Nanocomposites of Poly(acrylic acid)-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Two materials, pure poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and nanocomposites with a matrix of PAA and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcing agent were synthesized by semi-continuous heterophase polymerization (SHP). CNTs were prepared by a chemical vapor deposition technique and purified by steam. CNTs were characterized by a high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Nanocomposites were prepared with: (i) purified CNTs (CNTs_p) or (ii) purified and functionalized CNTs possessing an acyl chloride moiety (CNTs_OCl). In both cases, the nanocomposites synthesis was carried out by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) by SHP. When CNTs_OCl were used previously to the polymerization of AA, a series of specific amounts of CNTs_OCl and AA were mixed to induce a chemical reaction between the carboxyl group of AA and the acyl chloride group of the CNTs_OCl. The product, acrylic acid grafted to CNTs_OCl (CNTs_OCl-AA), was used to prepare the PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites. The PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were characterized by HRSEM, Raman, FTIR and CPMAS ¹³C-NMR spectroscopies and also by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results reveal that PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were formed by PAA macromolecules grafted to CNTs_OCl. The kinetic behavior observed for the synthesis of pure PAA or PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites by SHP was similar. Latexes of PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposites were stable without formation of a precipitate of CNTs_OCl for over 1.5 years, while latex prepared with CNTs_p and PAA, was unstable and formation of a precipitate of CNTs_p was observed immediately after its preparation. PAA-CNTs_p nanocomposites were characterized only by TGA. Moreover, latex of the PAA-CNTs_p nanocomposite that did not precipitate immediately after its preparation, turned into a gel; this gelation never occurred with the PAA-CNTs_OCl nanocomposite latex.     

Die Platiniodide PtI2 und Pt3I8

Platinum Iodides PtI₂ and Pt₃I₈ Powder samples of tetragonal Pt₃I₈ (a = 1166.4(1); c = 1068.2(2) pm) and the cubic α-form of PtI₂ (a = 1109 pm) were obtained by thermal decomposition of PtI₄ in closed quarz ampoules at a I₂ pressure of 2–3 bar and 8 bar, respectively, and at 320°C and 430°C and 430°C, respectively. Single crystals of the monoclinic α-Form of PtI₂ (a = 658.77(6); b = 871.50(34), c = 688.94(11) pm; β = 102.76°; Z = 4) were formed by hydrothermal synthesis from PtI₄, KI, and I₂ at 420°C. In the crystal structure of β-PtI₂ two square planar PtI₄-units are connected by a common edge to planar Pt₂I₆ groups which are linked by common corners to puckered layers. Crystals of Pt₃I₈ synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis from PtI₄, KI, and I₂ at 350°C were twinned and showed defects. As the result of X-ray studies the compound can be formulated as a mixed-valence platinum(II,IV) iodide PtI₄ · 2 PtI₂. Octahedral PtI₆ and square planar PtI₄ units are linked together to a three dimensional skeleton.     

Improving barrier properties of polyethylene/Fe2O3-modified nanographene nanocomposites in a magnetic field

The present work aims at improving the barrier properties of high molecular weight Polyethylene/ graphene nanoplatelets (HMWPE/GnP) nanocomposites by aligning the embedded modified graphene nanoparticles in a magnetic field. Graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were modified by magnetic Fe₂O₃ to produce Fe₂O₃-modified Graphene, GnP-mFe₂O₃. The magnetic properties of Fe₂O₃ were previously characterized by the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) method and resulting GnP-mFe₂O₃ nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. HMWPE/GnP nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing. The prepared nanocomposites were sheeted at high temperatures in a magnetic field using a hot press. The barrier properties of prepared films, HMWPE/GnP and HMWPE/GnP-mFe₂O₃ were characterized by carrying out a permeation to oxygen experiment as a function of GnP and GnP-mFe₂O₃ contents. A decrease in gas transmission rate (GTR) was observed for the samples after being subjected to the magnetic field compared to the non-treated sample. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) experiments confirmed the orientation of GnP-mFe₂O₃ nanoparticles in nanocomposites.     

Hematite template route to hollow-type silica spheres

Hollow-type silica spheres with controlled cavity size were prepared from Fe₂O₃-SiO₂ core-shell composite particles by selective leaching of the iron oxide core materials using acidic solution. The spherical Fe₂O₃ core particles with a diameter range of 20-400 nm were first prepared by the hydrolysis reaction of iron salts. Next, the Fe₂O₃-SiO₂ core-shell particles were prepared by the deposition of a SiO₂ layer onto the surface of Fe₂O₃ particles using a two-step coating process, consisting of a primary coating with sodium silicate solution and a subsequent coating by controlled hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilicate (TEOS). The Fe₂O₃ core was then removed by dissolving with acidic solution, giving rise to hollow-type silica particles. Scanning electron microscopy clearly revealed that the cavity size was closely related to the initial size of the core Fe₂O₃ particle. According to the cross-sectional view obtained by transmission electron microscopy, the silica shell thickness was about 10 nm. The porous texture of the hollow-type silica particles was further characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements.     

Synthesis and characterization of LiNi0.43Mn0.43Co0.13O2 by wet-chemical method

In the aim to obtain a new powder able to substitute oxide intensively used as a material for the positive electrode in the batteries Lithium-ion, the LiNi_0.43Mn_0.43Co_0.13O₂ material was synthesized by sol–gel method and characterized by XRD, RAMAN and TEM. The composition of our LiNi_0.43Mn_0.43Co_0.13O₂ oxide was checked by ICP analysis. The Rietveld refinement showed a very weak mixing cation disorder, probably due to the presence of nickel excess in this material. Electrochemical performances of LiNi_0.43Mn_0.43Co_0.13O₂ oxide were tested using this material as positive electrode in a battery of lithium.     

An Efficient and Stable MoS2/Zn0.5Cd0.5S Nanocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by water splitting is highly important for the application of hydrogen energy and the replacement of fossil fuel by solar energy, which needs the development of efficient catalysts with long-term catalytic stability under light irradiation in aqueous solution. Herein, Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S solid solution was synthesized by a metal–organic framework-templated strategy and then loaded with MoS₂ by a hydrothermal method to fabricate a MoS₂/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The composition of MoS₂/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S was fine-tuned to obtain the optimized 5 wt % MoS₂/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S heterojunction, which showed a superior hydrogen evolution rate of 23.80 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ and steady photocatalytic stability over 25 h. The photocatalytic performance is due to the appropriate composition and the formation of an intimate interface between MoS₂ and Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S, which endows the photocatalyst with high light-harvesting ability and effective separation of photogenerated carriers.     

A high pressure thermobalance

A high pressure thermobalance was assembled by placing a DuPont Model 950 balance into a stainless steel enclosure. The thermobalance is capable of operation to a maximum pressure (of N₂) to 500 atm and to a maximum temperature of 500°C. Operation of the instrument is illustrated by the thermogravimetric curves of BaBr₂·2H₂O, CuSO₄·5H₂0 and NaHCO₃ at various pres     

Comparison of octadecyl bonded titania phases

Summary The structure of a C₁₈ phase based on titania (C₁₈-A), synthesized by the method of solution polymerization, is investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The findings are compared with the results of a second C₁₈ phase based on titania (C₁₈-B) which was synthesized by the method of surface hydrosilation. The dynamic behavior of both phases is examined by¹H MAS NMR detection of spinlattice relaxation times in the rotating frame (T_1pH) and conventional spin-lattice relaxation times (T₁). Due to a smaller ligand density, phase C₁₈-A appears to be a somewhat more mobile than phase C₁₈-B. The chromatographic capability of the phase C₁₈-A is demonstrated by the separation of samples containing benzene derivates or anilines. The elution order is analogous to the phase C₁₈-B, but for both test mixtures the polarity of the mobile phase has to be increased. Phase C₁₈-A is classified as being polymeric by the Sander and Wise test, whereas phase C₁₈-B shows intermediate retention behavior.     

Carbon Dynamics on the Molybdenum Carbide Surface during Catalytic Propane Dehydrogenation

The effect of the gas‐phase chemical potential on surface chemistry and reactivity of molybdenum carbide has been investigated in catalytic reactions of propane in oxidizing and reducing reactant mixtures by adding H₂, O₂, H₂O, and CO₂ to a C₃H₈/N₂ feed. The balance between surface oxidation state, phase stability, carbon deposition, and the complex reaction network involving dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogenolysis, metathesis, water‐gas shift reaction, hydrogenation, and steam reforming is discussed. Raman spectroscopy and a surface‐sensitive study by means of in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy evidence that the dynamic formation of surface carbon species under a reducing atmosphere strongly shifts the product spectrum to the C₃‐alkene at the expense of hydrogenolysis products. A similar response of selectivity, which is accompanied by a boost of activity, is observed by tuning the oxidation state of Mo in the presence of mild oxidants, such as H₂O and CO₂, in the feed as well as by V doping. The results obtained allow us to draw a picture of the active catalyst surface and to propose a structure–activity correlation as a map for catalyst optimization.     

Crystal structure and dielectric properties of the mixed Aurivillius phase Bi7Ti4NbO21

The crystal structure of the ferroelectric mixed Aurivillius phase Bi₇Ti₄NbO₂₁ was determined for the first time by X-ray diffractometry using a single crystal obtained by a flux method in Bi₂O₃ excess. It can be described as a regular stacking of double and triple perovskite-type slabs interleaved by Bi₃O₂ layers along the a axis. Nb is located in the double perovskite-type layers only with a random Nb/Ti distribution whereas the octahedral sites within the triple perovskite-type layers are occupied by Ti only. The thermal evolution of the dielectric constant between room temperature and 900 °C show two phase transitions at 650 and 830 °C. Combined analyses of experimental data support that the highest transition temperature corresponds to the Curie temperature, whereas the lowest one could be assigned to a phase transition within the orthorhombic symmetry by a change of the space group.     

Synthese de materiaux polymeres transparents. Partie I Synthese du trifluoroacrylate de trideuteromethyle

The acrylic ester F₂CCFCO₂CD₃ is prepared from a mixture of difluorotetrachloroethanes CFCI₂CFCI₂ and CF₂CICCI. The dehalogenation of these Freons, followed by the addition of CFCI₃ by means of AICI₃ leads to a mixture of chlorofluoropropanes. The hydrolysis with oleum gives the acid chlorides which are then esterified by CD₃OD. The dehalogenation of the mixture by the zinc stirred in oxalic acid enables isolation of the expected ester by distillation. This compound, the refractive index of which n²⁰_D=1.3667 does not show a major absorption in the near infra-red between 0.6 and 1.4 μm. Thus the corresponding polymer is likely to provide a good material for the core of optical fibers.     

Electrochemically Generated Nanoparticles of Halogen‐Bridged Mixed‐Valence Binuclear Metal Complex Chains

Spherical nanoparticles composed of MMX chains can be made by a polymerization strategy driven by electrochemical processes. In particular, the [Pt₂(MeCS₂)₄I₂] (MMI₂) dimetal subunit is employed as a monomer for the formation of [Pt₂(MeCS₂)₄I]_n spherical nanostructures on surfaces. We have paid particular attention to elucidating the general mechanism of the deposition process on the basis of in situ electrochemical measurements. The reduction of MMI₂ to give the electrodeposition of nanostructures agrees well with formation of the reduced [MMI₂]^? species followed by a disproportionation mechanism mediated by iodide anions. The chemical composition of the particles was determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to reveal the MMI₂ polymer.     

catena-Poly­[[di­aqua(1,10-phen­anthroline-N,N′)­manganese(II)]-μ-(thiosulfato-O:S)] and bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-N,N′)(tetra­thionato-O,O′)manganese(II)

The structures of [Mn(S₂O₃)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)(H₂O)₂] and [Mn(S₄O₆)(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂] are presented. The former consists of pairs of polymeric chains formed by manganese polyhedra bridged by bidentate thio­sulfate anions, which are in turn related to each other by a pseudo-twofold screw axis. The latter has crystallographic twofold symmetry and consists of monomers in which manganese displays its typical octahedral coordination provided by the bidentate bites of two bi­pyridine bases and a tetra­thionate anion, which is, to our knowledge, the first chelating tetra­thionate to be reported in the literature.     

Die Umsetzung von Dialkylaluminiumchloriden mit Bis(trimethylsilyl)hydrazin: Bildung von Addukten R2AlCl · NH2NHSiMe3 mit dem thermisch unbeständigen Trimethylsilylhydrazin

The Reaction of Dialkylaluminium Chlorides with Bis(trimethylsilyl)hydrazine: Formation of the Adducts R₂AlCl · NH₂NHSiMe₃ Containing the Unstable Monotrimethylsilylhydrazine Bis(trimethylsilyl)hydrazine did not react with dialkylaluminium chlorides R₂AlCl [R = CH₂CMe₃, CMe₃ and CH(SiMe₃)₂] by the formation of trimethylchlorosilane, but by dismutation to yield tris(trimethylsilyl)hydrazine and trimethylsilylhydrazine. The unstable, sterically less shielded NH₂NHSiMe₃ was stabilized by the coordination to the coordinatively unsaturated aluminium compounds. The adducts R₂AlCl · NH₂NHSiMe₃ were formed, which were characterized by crystal structure determinations with R = CMe₃ and CH(SiMe₃)₂. In all cases, the hydrazine derivative binds to the aluminium atoms via the more basic NH₂ nitrogen atom. The adduct Me₃CAlCl₂ · NH₂N(SiMe₃)₂ containing intact 1,1‐bis(trimethylsilyl)hydrazine as a ligand was isolated in a trace amount and also characterized by a crystal structure determination.     

Application of CO2-Switchable Oleic-Acid-Based Surfactant for Reducing Viscosity of Heavy Oil

CO₂-switchable oligomeric surfactants have good viscosity-reducing properties; however, the complex synthesis of surfactants limits their application. In this study, a CO₂-switchable “pseudo”-tetrameric surfactant oleic acid (OA)/cyclic polyamine (cyclen) was prepared by simple mixing and subsequently used to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. The surface activity of OA/cyclen was explored by a surface tensiometer and a potential for viscosity reduction was revealed. The CO₂ switchability of OA/cyclen was investigated by alternately introducing CO₂ and N₂, and OA/cyclen was confirmed to exhibit a reversible CO₂-switching performance. The emulsification and viscosity reduction analyses elucidated that a molar ratio of OA/cyclen of 4:1 formed the “pseudo”-tetrameric surfactants, and the emulsions of water and heavy oil with OA/cyclen have good stability and low viscosity and can be destabilized quickly by introducing CO₂. The findings reported in this study reveal that it is feasible to prepare CO₂-switchable pseudo-tetrameric surfactants with viscosity-reducing properties by simple mixing, thus providing a pathway for the emulsification and demulsification of heavy oil by using the CO₂-switchable “pseudo”-oligomeric surfactants.     

Effect of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the steel-glass/epoxy composite joint bonded by a two-component structural acrylic adhesive

This paper reports a study on the effect of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on the adhesion strength of steel-glass/epoxy composite joints bonded by a two-component structural acrylic adhesive. The addition of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles to the two-component acrylic adhesive led to a remarkable enhancement in the shear and tensile strength of the composite joints. The shear and tensile strength of the adhesive joints increased by addition of Al₂O₃ up to 1.5 wt%, which decreased by further addition of the nanofiller. Introduction of the nanoparticles caused a reduction in the peel strength of the joints. DSC analysis revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the adhesives rose by increasing the nanofiller content. The advancing water contact angle was decreased for adhesives containing nanoparticles. SEM micrographs indicated good dispersions of the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles within the acrylic matrix in the specimens with up to 1.5 wt% Al₂O₃ and revealed that addition of nanoparticles altered the fracture morphology from smooth to rough fracture surfaces.     

Improvement of the oxidation behavior of Ti1-xAlxN hard coatings by optimization of the Ti/Al ratio

The oxidation behavior of cubic Ti_1-xAl_xN films was improved by decreasing the Ti/Al ratio from 50/50 in the direction of the phase transition between cubic and hexagonal structure. Metastable, polycrystalline, single-phase Ti_1-xAl_xN films were deposited on high speed steel (HSS) substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering ion plating (MSIP). The composition of the bulk was determined by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), the crystallographic structure by thin film X-ray diffraction (XRD). A Ti_1-xAl_xN film with a Ti/Al atomic ratio of 38/62 was deposited in cubic NaCl structure, whereas a further decrease of the Ti/Al ratio down to 27/73 led to a two-phase film with both cubic and hexagonal constituents. The Ti_0.38Al_0.62N film was oxidized in synthetic air for 1 h at 800?°C. The oxidic overlayer was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) sputter depth profiling, EPMA crater edge linescan analysis, and secondary neutrals mass spectroscopy (SNMS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the cross sectional fracture were taken for morphological examination. With higher Ti content, the Ti_1-xAl_xN formed a TiO_2-x rich sublayer beneath an Al₂O₃ rich toplayer, whereas the oxide layer on the Ti_0.38Al_0.62N film consisted of pure Al₂O₃. The thickness of the oxide layer was determined to 60–80 nm, about a quarter of the oxide layer thickness detected on Ti_0.5Al_0.5N films. The absence of a TiO_2-x sublayer was also confirmed by XRD. The results show a distinct improvement of the oxidation resistance of cubic Ti_1-xAl_xN films by increasing the Al content from x = 0.5 to 0.62, whereas a further increase leads to the hexagonal structure, which is less suitable for tribological applications due to its tendency to form cracks during oxidation.