Extraction of U(VI) by cyanex-272

Extraction of U(VI) from HNO₃, HCl and HClO₄ media using cyanex-272 (bis[2,4,4 trimethyl pentyl] phosphinic acid)/n-dodecane has been carried out. In the case of HNO₃ and HClO₄ media, the distribution ratio (D) value first decreases and then increases, whereas from HCl medium it first decreases and then remains constant with increase in H⁺ ion concentration. At lower acidities, U(VI) was extracted as UO₂(HA₂)₂ by an ion exchange mechanism, whereas at higher acidities as UO₂(NO₃)₂ ^.2(H₂A₂) following a solvation mechanism. The D for U(VI) by cyanex-272, PC-88A and DEHPA at low acidities follows the order cyanex-272 > PC-88A > DEHPA. Also, cyanex-272 was found to extract U(VI) more efficiently than TBP at 2M HNO₃. The effect of diluents on the extraction of U(VI) by cyanex-272 followed the order cyclohexane > n-dodecane > CCl₄ > benzene. The loading of U(VI) into cyanex-272/n-dodecane from 2M HNO₃ has shown that at saturation point, cyanex-272 was 78% loaded. No third phase was observed at the saturation level. The stripping of U(VI) from the loaded organic phase was not possible with water, it was poor with acetic acid and sodium acetate but quantitative with oxalic acid, ammonium carbonate and sodium carbonate.     

A novel tripodal ligand with organosulfur alligator clips for deposition of tetrairon(III) single-molecule magnets on gold

A propeller-like tetrairon(III) complex functionalized with two 1,2-dithiolan-3-yl groups was synthesized and magnetically characterized. The compound has formula [Fe₄(thioctic)₂(dpm)₆] and was specifically designed to be grafted on gold surfaces. It was prepared by reacting [Fe₄(OMe)₆(dpm)₆] (Hdpm = dipivaloylmethane) with a new tripodal ligand, H₃thioctic, obtained by esterification of 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-propane-1,3-diol with (±)-α-lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid). Direct current and alternating current magnetic measurements revealed single-molecule magnet behaviour with an effective anisotropy barrier of 14.0(1) K resulting from a high spin (S = 5) ground state and an easy-axis anisotropy.     

A general method for the synthesis of enantiopure aliphatic chain alcohols with established absolute configurations. Part 2, via catalytic reduction of acetylene alcohol MαNP esters

A general method for synthesizing enantiopure (100% ee) aliphatic alcohols with established absolute configurations has been developed and applied to alcohols CH₃(CH₂)_n–CH(OH)–(CH₂)_mCH₃, the enantiomeric discrimination of which is the most difficult, if m = n + 1 and n is large. Racemic saturated alcohols with short chains could be directly enantioresolved as (S)-(+)-2-methoxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propionic acid (MαNP acid) esters by HPLC on silica gel, and their absolute configurations were simultaneously determined by ¹H NMR diamagnetic anisotropy. However, the application of this powerful MαNP ester method to alcohols with long chains was difficult, because of smaller values of the separation factor α. In such cases, the use of the corresponding acetylene alcohol MαNP esters was crucial. Acetylene alcohol MαNP esters were largely separated by HPLC on silica gel, and their absolute configurations were unambiguously determined by ¹H NMR as reported in the Part 1 paper. The MαNP esters obtained with established absolute configurations were catalytically hydrogenated to yield saturated alcohol MαNP esters. It was evidenced that no racemization occurred at the stereogenic center of the alcohol moiety during catalytic hydrogenation, by the coinjection of MαNP esters in HPLC. From the MαNP esters obtained, enantiopure (100% ee) aliphatic chain alcohols with established absolute configurations were recovered. Although the [α]_D values of these alcohols were too small for the identification of the enantiomers, it was clarified that the analytical HPLC of MαNP esters is useful for identification in most cases.     

Syntheses, structures, and vibrational spectroscopy of the two-dimensional iodates Ln(IO3)3 and Ln(IO3)3(H2O) (LnYb, Lu)

The reaction of Lu³⁺ or Yb³⁺ and H₅IO₆ in aqueous media at 180 °C leads to the formation of Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O) or Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O), respectively, while the reaction of Yb metal with H₅IO₆ under similar reaction conditions gives rise to the anhydrous iodate, Yb(IO₃)₃. Under supercritical conditions Lu³⁺ reacts with HIO₃ and KIO₄ to yield the isostructural Lu(IO₃)₃. The structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic data are (MoKα, λ=0.71073 Å): Yb(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.6664(9) Å, b=5.9904(6) Å, c=14.8826(15) Å, β=96.931(2)°, V=766.99(13), Z=4, R(F)=4.23% for 114 parameters with 1880 reflections with I>2σ(I); Lu(IO₃)₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a=8.6410(9), b=5.9961(6), c=14.8782(16) Å, β=97.028(2)°, V=765.08(14), Z=4, R(F)=2.65% for 119 parameters with 1756 reflections with I>2σ(I); Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O), monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=27.2476(15), b=5.6296(3), c=12.0157(7) Å, β=98.636(1)°, V=1822.2(2), Z=8, R(F)=1.51% for 128 parameters with 2250 reflections with I>2σ(I); Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O), monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=27.258(4), b=5.6251(7), c=12.0006(16) Å, β=98.704(2)°, V=1818.8(4), Z=8, R(F)=1.98% for 128 parameters with 2242 reflections with I>2σ(I). The f elements in all of the compounds are found in seven-coordinate environments and bridged with monodentate, bidentate, or tridentate iodate anions. Both Lu(IO₃)₃(H₂O) and Yb(IO₃)₃(H₂O) display distinctively different vibrational profiles from their respective anhydrous analogs. Hence, the Raman profile can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool to discern the different structural motifs of the compounds.     

Effect of carboxyl group on the visible-light photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 nanoparticles

SrTiO₃ nanoparticles modified with a carboxyl group were successfully prepared by microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction of SrCl₂·6H₂O and Ti(OC₃H₇)₄ in methanol–organic acid solution. The as-prepared products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was determined by DeNO _x ability using a mercury arc with filters to control irradiation wavelengths to >290, >400, and >510 nm. Nanoparticles of perovskite-type SrTiO₃ were successfully synthesized above pH 12. The photocatalytic activity of SrTiO₃ under visible-light (>510 nm) irradiation could be promoted by surface modification of SrTiO₃ with the carboxyl group (–COO), especially from oleic acid.     

The effect of silica nanoparticles on the morphology, mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of PMMA

Silica-PMMA nanocomposites with different silica quantities were prepared by a melt compounding method. The effect of silica amount, in the range 1-5 wt.%, on the morphology, mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of PMMA was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹³C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹³C{¹H} CP-MAS NMR) and measures of proton spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T_1ρ(H)), in the laboratory frame (T₁(H)) and cross-polarization times (T_CH). Results showed that silica nanoparticles are well dispersed in the polymeric matrix whose structure remains amorphous. The degradation of the polymer occurs at higher temperature in the presence of silica because of the interaction between the two components.     

Synthesis and structure of [C6H14N2][(UO2)4(HPO4)2(PO4)2(H2O)]·H2O: An expanded open-framework amine-bearing uranyl phosphate

A new open-framework compound, [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O, (DUP-1) has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The resulting structure consists of diprotonated DABCOH₂²⁺ (C₆H₁₄N₂²⁺) cations and occluded water molecules occupying the channels of a complex uranyl phosphate three-dimensional framework. The anionic lattice contains uranophane-like sheets connected by hydrated pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ units. [C₆H₁₄N₂][(UO₂)₄(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(H₂O)]·H₂O possesses five crystallographically unique U centers. U(VI) is present here in both six- and seven-coordinate environments. The DABCOH₂²⁺ cations are held within the channels by hydrogen bonds to both two uranyl oxygen atoms and a μ₂-O atom. Crystallographic data (193 K, Mo Kα, λ=0.71073 Å): DUP-1, monoclinic, P2₁/n, a=7.017(1) Å, b=21.966(4) Å, c=17.619(3) Å, β=90.198(3)°, Z=4, R(F)=4.76% for 382 parameters with 6615 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Phase transition between two anhydrous modifications of NaHSO4 mediated by heat and water

The phase transition between the two anhydrous modifications of NaHSO₄ (α and β) was studied using Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. These measurements indicate that β-NaHSO₄ is a metastable phase and readily undergoes phase transition to thermodynamically stable α-NaHSO₄ with an exothermic enthalpy change of 3.5 kJ/mol. Both thermal (temperatures >434 K) and chemical (exposure to H₂O) pathways were identified for this transition. The transition is irreversible, and α-NaHSO₄ is an intermediate phase between β-NaHSO₄ and NaHSO₄·H₂O. The possible mechanism of the phase transition is discussed.     

A Facile H2SO4-SiO2–Catalyzed Ferrier Rearrangement of 3,4,6-Tri-O-benzyl-d-glucal

Sulfuric acid immobilized on silica gel (H₂SO₄-SiO₂) was used as an efficient and convenient promoter for Ferrier-type rearrangement of 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-d-glucal in CH₂Cl₂, which is a difficult donor for this type of reaction. The acceptors include primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, pentanol, halogenated alcohol, sterols, thiol, and 2-naphthol. Thus, 2,3-unsaturated glycosides were obtained rapidly (<2 h) and efficiently (>62%) in good α-selectivity (α/β>4.2:1) under mild conditions.     

Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic activities of manganese(III) complexes of pyridoxal-based ONNO donor tetradenatate ligands

Reaction of Mn^II(CH₃COO)₂ with dibasic tetradentate ligands, N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-en, I), N,N′-propylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,3-pn, II) and 1-methyl-N,N′-ethylenebis(pyridoxylideneiminato) (H₂pydx-1,2-pn, III) followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of LiCl gives complexes [Mn^III(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)Cl(H₂O)] (3), respectively. Crystal and molecular structures of [Mn(pydx-en)Cl(H₂O)] (1) and [Mn(pydx-1,3-pn)Cl(CH₃OH)] (2) confirm their octahedral geometry and the coordination of ligands through ONNO(2-) form. Reaction of manganese(II)-exchanged zeolite-Y with these ligands in refluxing methanol followed by aerial oxidation in the presence of NaCl leads to the formation of the corresponding zeolite-Y encapsulated complexes, abbreviated herein as [Mn^III(pydx-en)]-Y (4), [Mn^III(pydx-1,3-pn)]-Y (5) and [Mn^III(pydx-1,2-pn)]-Y (6). These encapsulated complexes are used as catalysts for the oxidation, by H₂O₂, of methyl phenyl sulfide, styrene and benzoin efficiently. Oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide under the optimized reaction conditions gave ca. 86% conversion with two major products methyl phenyl sulfoxide and methyl phenyl sulfone in the ca. 70% and 30% selectivity, respectively. Oxidation of styrene catalyzed by these complexes gave at least five products namely styrene oxide, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol and phenylacetaldehyde with a maximum of 76.9% conversion of styrene by 4, 76.3% by 5 and 76.0% by 6 under optimized conditions. The selectivity of the obtained products followed the order: benzaldehyde > benzoic acid > styrene oxide > phenylacetaldehyde > 1-phenylethane-1,2-diol. Similarly, ca. 93% conversion of benzoin was obtained by these catalysts, where the selectivity of the products followed the order benzil > benzoic acid > benzaldehyde-dimethylacetal. Tests for the recyclability and heterogeneity of the reactions have also been carried. Neat complexes are equally active. However, the recycle ability of encapsulated complexes makes them better over neat ones.     

A study of the formation and application of new chiral water soluble lanthanoid benzoates using real-time infrared spectroscopy

A range of water soluble lanthanoid benzoate complexes of composition [Ln(Bz)₃(H₂O)_n] (Ln = La, Gd, Ho and Yb; Bz = 3,5-bis((R)-2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)benzoate and 3,4,5-tris((R)-2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)benzoate) have been prepared by reaction of lanthanoid bicarbonates with three equivalents of the corresponding optically active benzoic acid in water. Application of [Ln(Bz)₃(H₂O)_n] as asymmetric catalysts for epoxide ring opening reactions has been investigated using styrene oxide, showing complete conversion after 20 h, albeit with no significant enantiomeric excess observed. The formation of the lanthanoid complexes and subsequent catalytic conversion of styrene oxide to phenylethane-1,2-diol were monitored using real-time infrared (RTIR) spectroscopy, yielding information about reaction pathways and intermediates.     

1,5-Migrations of silicon between oxygen centers in silyl β-diketones

A series of acyclic silyl diketonates, (CH₃)₃Si(dik), where dik = dipivaloyl-methanate, diisobutyrylmethanate and hexafluoroacetylacetonate, along with a new series of cyclic acetylacetonates of the type CH₃(-CH₂(CH₂)_xCH₂-)Si(acac), where x = 1, 2, and 3, have been shown to possess enol ether structures in which the acyl group is positioned cis or trans to the silyl group. The ratios of cis to trans configurations in the (CH₃)₃Si(dik) series increase from <0.02 to >50.0 in the order of diketonate substituents CF₃ < CH₃ <i-C₃H₇ < t-C₄H₉. The ratios for the CH₃(-CH₂(CH₂)xCH₂-)Si(acac) compounds increases in the order χ = 1 > 2 > 3. These data are interpreted in terms of incipient pentacoordination of silicon by the carbonyl oxygen atom in the cis isomer. Rates of 1,5-migration of silicon between oxygen centers in the cis isomers have been determined by NMR spectroscopy. The dependence of the rearrangement rates on diketonate substituent and angle strain at silicon indicate that the migration process is better viewed as an internal nucleophilic displacement, rather than a sigmatropic shift. 1,5-Migration in the chiral (C₆H₅CH₂)(CH₃)(C₆H₅)Si derivative of dipivaloylmethanate occurs exclusively with retention of configuration at silicon. The large difference in activation energy for migration and inversion (>18 kcal/mol) precludes the possibility of distinguishing between a stepwise and concerted displacement mechanism.     

Ruthenium(II) complexes with ferrocene-modified arene ligands: synthesis and electrochemistry

A series of arene-ruthenium complexes of the general formula [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₂R}L] with R=OH, CH₂OH, OC(O)Fc, CH₂OC(O)Fc (Fc=ferrocenyl) and L=PPh₃, (diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, or bridging 1,1^′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, have been synthesized. Two synthetic pathways have been used for these ferrocene-modified arene-ruthenium complexes: (a) esterification of ferrocene carboxylic acid with 2-(cyclohexa-1,4-dienyl)ethanol, followed by condensation with RuCl₃ · nH₂O to afford [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₂OC(O)Fc}]₂, and (b) esterification between ferrocene carboxylic acid and [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₃OH}L] to give [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₃OC(O)Fc}L]. All new compounds have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. The single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₃OH}(PPh₃)] shows that the presence of a CH₂CH₂CH₂OH side-arm allows [RuCl₂{η⁶-C₆H₅(CH₂)₃OH}(PPh₃)] to form an intramolecular hydrogen bond with a chlorine atom. The electrochemical behavior of selected representative compounds has been studied. Complexes with ferrocenylated side arms display the expected cyclic voltammograms, two independent reversible one-electron waves of the Ru(II)/Ru(III) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couples. Introduction of a ferrocenylphosphine onto the ruthenium is reflected by an additonal reversible, one-electron wave due to ferrocene/ferrocenium system which is, however, coupled with the Ru(II)/Ru(III) redox system.     

Asymmetric cycloaddition reactions between 2-benzopyrylium-4-olates and 3-(2-alkenoyl)-2-oxazolidinones in the presence of 2,6-bis(oxazolinyl)pyridine-lanthanoid complexes

Highly enantioselective (96% ee) and endo-selective (>99:1) cycloaddition reactions were observed between carbonyl ylides, generated from o-(p-bromobenzyloxy)carbonyl-α-diazoacetophenone, and 3-crotonoyl-2-oxazolidinone using (4S,5S)-Pybox-4,5-Ph₂-Yb(OTf)₃ (20 mol %) as the chiral Lewis acid catalyst. In contrast, high exo-selectivity (exo/endo=82:18; 96% ee, exo) was observed for the reaction of o-methoxycarbonyl-α-diazoacetophenone with 3-acryloyl-2-oxazolidinone under similar conditions as reported previously. In the case of cycloaddition reactions between 2-benzopyrylium-4-olate, generated from o-methoxycarbonyl-α-diazoacetophenone, and 3-cinnamoyl- or 3-[(E)-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)propenoyl]-2-oxazolidinones, using the same chiral Lewis acid, the reaction favored the endo-adduct with relatively good enantioselectivity (72 and 78% ee, respectively).     

Molecular structure and reactivity of titania-supported transition metal oxide catalysts synthesized by equilibrium deposition filtration for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

The molecular structure and catalytic performance of (MoO_x)_n/TiO₂, (WO_x)_n/TiO₂ and (VO_x)_n/TiO₂ catalysts (synthesized by the equilibrium–deposition–filtration/EDF method) for oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane were studied by in situ Raman spectroscopy at 430 °C and catalytic measurements in the temperature range of 420–480 °C. The extent of association within the deposited oxometallic phase followed the sequence (VO_x)_n/TiO₂ >> (MoO_x)_n/TiO₂ > (WO_x)_n/TiO₂; a concurrent trend in reduction susceptibility was evidenced by exploiting the relative normalized Raman band intensities while monitoring the response of the vibrational properties of the catalytic samples under reactive (C₂H₆/O₂/He) and reducing (C₂H₆/He) conditions by in situ Raman spectroscopy. The catalyst reactivity tracks the corresponding trend in reduction susceptibility as evidenced by the in situ Raman spectra. Selective reaction pathways are favored at high coverage whilst combustion routes are activated at low coverages due to the involvement of carrier lattice oxygen sites. The observed apparent reaction rates and activation energies are discussed in relation to various structural and reactivity aspects.     

Practical resolution of an atropoisomeric α,α-disubstituted glycine with l-phenylalanine cyclohexylamide as chiral auxiliary

l-Phenylalanine cyclohexylamide has been used as a chiral auxiliary for the medium-scale resolution of 2′,1′:1,2;1″,2″:3,4-dinaphthcyclohepta-1,3-diene-6-amino-6-carboxylic acid (Bin), an α,α-disubstituted glycine with only axial dissymmetry. Coupling of X–Bin–OH (X=Ac; Bz) with H–(l)-Phe–NH–C₆H₁₁ by the EDC/HOBt method gave the dipeptide diastereoisomers X–(R)-Bin–(l)-Phe–NH–C₆H₁₁ and X–(S)-Bin–(l)-Phe–NH–C₆H₁₁, which were separated by crystallization (X=Bz) and/or chromatography. Extensive acidic hydrolysis, followed by esterification of the resulting free amino acid enantiomers, led to enantiomerically pure (−)-(R)-H–Bin–OMe and (+)-(S)-H–Bin–OMe with high yields.     

Lanthanoid metal nitrates with hydrogen bonded hexamethylenetetramine

Cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium nitrate complexes with hydrogen bonded hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) of the formula [Ce(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₅](HMTA)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)₃, [Pr(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₆]₂[Pr(H₂O)₉](HMTA)₆(NO₃)₆(H₂O)₄ and [Nd(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₅](HMTA)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)₃ have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. All the complexes belong to monoclinic crystal system. Ce and Nd complexes have P21/n space group, whereas Pr complex has C2/c. Thermal analyses of these complexes were carried out using TG, DSC, which showed their multi-step decomposition. Kinetics of thermolysis has been done by applying model fitting as well as model free isoconversional method. In order to see the response of rapid heating, ignition delay measurements were carried out. The thermal decomposition pathways have also been demonstrated. On the basis of thermal studies the thermal stability of the complexes was found in the order; Pr > Ce > Nd. In order to identify the end products of thermolyses, X-ray diffraction patterns of end product were carried out which showed the formation of corresponding metal oxides.     

Dehydrogenation,disproportionation and transfer hydrogenation reactions of formic acid catalyzed by molybdenum hydride compounds

The cyclopentadienyl molybdenum hydride compounds, Cp^RMo(PMe₃)_3–x(CO)_xH (Cp^R = Cp, Cp*; x = 0, 1, 2 or 3), are catalysts for the dehydrogenation of formic acid, with the most active catalysts having the composition Cp^RMo(PMe₃)₂(CO)H. The mechanism of the catalytic cycle is proposed to involve (i) protonation of the molybdenum hydride complex, (ii) elimination of H₂ and coordination of formate, and (iii) decarboxylation of the formate ligand to regenerate the hydride species. NMR spectroscopy indicates that the nature of the resting state depends on the composition of the catalyst. For example, (i) the resting states for the CpMo(CO)₃H and CpMo(PMe₃)(CO)₂H systems are the hydride complexes themselves, (ii) the resting state for the CpMo(PMe₃)₃H system is the protonated species [CpMo(PMe₃)₃H₂]⁺, and (iii) the resting state for the CpMo(PMe₃)₂(CO)H system is the formate complex, CpMo(PMe₃)₂(CO)(κ¹-O₂CH), in the presence of a high concentration of formic acid, but CpMo(PMe₃)₂(CO)H when the concentration of acid is low. While CO₂ and H₂ are the principal products of the catalytic reaction induced by Cp^RMo(PMe₃)_3–x(CO)_xH, methanol and methyl formate are also observed. The generation of methanol is a consequence of disproportionation of formic acid, while methyl formate is a product of subsequent esterification. The disproportionation of formic acid is a manifestation of a transfer hydrogenation reaction, which may also be applied to the reduction of aldehydes and ketones. Thus, CpMo(CO)₃H also catalyzes the reduction of a variety of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols by formic acid, via a mechanism that involves ionic hydrogenation.     

The crystal structure of Yb2(SO4)3·3H2O and its decomposition product, β-Yb2(SO4)3

Yb₂(SO₄)₃·3H₂O, synthesised by hydrothermal methods at 220(2) °C, has been investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Yb₂(SO₄)₃·3H₂O crystallises in space group Cmc2₁ and is isostructural with Lu₂(SO₄)₃·3H₂O. The crystal structure has been refined to R₁=0.0145 for 3412 reflections [F_o>3σ(F)], and 0.0150 for all 3472 reflections. The structure of Yb₂(SO₄)₃·3H₂O is a complex framework of YbO₆ octahedra, YbO₈ and YbO₅(H₂O)₃ polyhedra and SO₄ tetrahedra. Thermal data shows that Yb₂(SO₄)₃·3H₂O decomposes between 120 and 190 °C to form β-Yb₂(SO₄)₃. The structure of a twinned crystal of β-Yb₂(SO₄)₃ was solved and refined using an amplimode refinement in R3c with an R₁=0.0755 for 8944 reflections [F_o>3σ(F)], and 0.1483 for all 16,361 reflections. β-Yb₂(SO₄)₃ has a unique structural topology based on a 3D network of pinwheels.     

Preparation and application of an environmentally friendly compound lubricant based biological oil for drilling fluids

As the basic raw material of bio-oil based eco-friendly lubricant, a special selected by-product vegetable acidified oil (AO) was modified by vulcanization, esterification, or vulcanization followed by esterification. The optimized vulcanization process conditions are 1% sulfur powder catalyzed, temperature 130 ℃, reaction time 2 h, while the optimized esterification process requires 20% glycerol and 1% H₂SO₄ catalysis, reaction temperature 220 ℃, reaction time 3 h. We compounded modified AO, diluent, pour point depressant and emulsifier into an advanced drilling lubricant F-1. F-1 has excellent performances in bentonite drilling fluids, the extreme pressure lubrication coefficient reduction rate (Δf) in fresh water mud is 86.84%, and 85.76% in 4% NaCl salt water mud. After aging at 150 ℃ for 16 h, its Δf is improved compared with room temperature. Adding F-1 to the basic bentonite mud system, the filtration loss of drilling fluids decreased from 10 mL to 6.5 mL, the apparent viscosity and plastic viscosity experienced little change before and after aging. The new bio-oil compound lubricant has an excellent temperature resistance, a high salt contamination resistance and cost-effective. Vulcanization and esterification processes help to improve the lubricity and reduce foaming rates.