Modelling of Pb-(TAPS)x-(OH)y system and refinement of stability constants in the region of lead hydrolysis and lead hydroxide precipitation

The influence of [(2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid (TAPS) on solutions containing lead(II) was studied by direct current polarography (DCP) and glass electrode potentiometry (GEP). The readings were taken at fixed total TAPS to total lead(II) concentration ratios and various pH values, at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C and ionic strength 0.1 M KNO₃.Due to the basic pK_a of the ligand, which occurs in the pH range where large amount of lead polynuclear species are formed, and the occurrence of ligand adsorption, that disabled the use of high concentrations of TAPS on DCP experiments, GEP and DCP experimental conditions were put to the limit in order to provide the correct Pb-TAPS-OH model and reliable stability constants.The proposed final model is: PbL, PbL₂, PbL₂(OH) and PbL₂(OH)₂ with overall stability constants values, as log β, 3.27 ± 0.06, 6.5 ± 0.1, 12.7 ± 0.1 and 17.27 ± 0.06, respectively.A comparative analysis of the strength of complexation of TAPS and a structural related buffer, 2-hydroxy-3-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]-1-propanesulfonic acid (TAPSO), with lead is also discussed.     

Challenges in modelling and optimisation of stability constants in the study of metal complexes with monoprotonated ligands: Part I. A glass electrode potentiometric and polarographic study of a Cu-TAPSO-OH system

The behaviour of solutions containing 3-(N-tris[hydroxymethyl]methylamine)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (TAPSO) and copper(II) was studied by two analytical techniques, direct current polarography (DCP) and glass electrode potentiometry (GEP), at fixed total TAPSO to total copper(II) concentration ratios and various pH values, at 25 °C and ionic strength 0.1 M KNO₃. DCP and GEP, when used independently, were not able to provide a final metal-ligand model. Combined interpretation of data from DCP and GEP indicated the formation of six main species, CuL⁺, CuL(OH), CuL(OH)₂⁻, CuL₂, CuL₂(OH)⁻ and CuL₂(OH)₂²⁻ for which stability constants (as log β) were found to be 4.41, 11.43, 17.55, 8.08, 14.3 and 20.3, respectively. Five of these complexes, CuL(OH), CuL(OH)₂⁻, CuL₂, CuL₂(OH)⁻ and CuL₂ (OH)₂²⁻ are reported for the first time.     

Challenges in Modelling and Optimization of Stability Constants in the Study of Metal Complexes with Monoprotonated Ligands. Part II

The influence of 2‐hydroxy‐3‐[(2‐hydroxy‐1,1‐dimethylethyl)amino]propane‐1‐sulfonic acid (AMPSO=HL) on systems containing copper(II) was studied by glass‐electrode potentiometry (GEP) and direct‐current polarography (DCP), at fixed total‐ligand‐to‐total‐metal‐concentration ratios and various pH values (25°, 0.1M KNO₃ medium). The predicted model ([CuL]⁺, [CuL(OH)], [CuL₂], [CuL₂(OH)]^?, [CuL₂(OH)₂]^2?, and [CuL₃]^?) and the overall stability constants for species found were obtained by combining results from both electrochemical techniques. The last five complexes are reported for the first time. For the species [CuL]⁺, [CuL₂], [CuL₃]^?, and [CuL₂(OH)₂]^2?, it was possible to determine stability constants with reasonable certainty and their values, as log β, were found to be 4.62±0.04, 9.5±0.1, 13.4±0.1, and 21.2±0.1, respectively. For the species [CuL(OH)] and [CuL₂(OH)]^?, stability constants 11.7±0.2 and 15.6±0.2, respectively, are presented as indicative values. It was demonstrated that AMPSO buffer may decrease the Cu²⁺ concentration by ten orders of magnitude by forming complexes with Cu²⁺. For the first time, the correction in DCP waves for the adsorption of the ligand and quasi‐reversibility of the metal allowed to determine stability‐constant values that are in good agreement with the values obtained by GEP. The importance of graphic analysis of data and significance of employing two analytical techniques was demonstrated; neither GEP nor DCP would be able to provide the correct M/L/OH^? model and reliable stability constants when used independently.     

Magnetostructural correlations in the antiferromagnetic Co2−x Cux(OH)AsO4 (x=0 and 0.3) phases

The Co_2−xCu_x(OH)AsO₄ (x=0 and 0.3) compounds have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction and spectroscopic data. The hydroxi-arsenate phases crystallize in the Pnnm orthorhombic space group with Z=4 and the unit-cell parameters are a=8.277(2) Å, b=8.559(2) Å, c=6.039(1) Å and a=8.316(1) Å, b=8.523(2) Å, c=6.047(1) Å for x=0 and 0.3, respectively. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional framework in which M(1)O₅-trigonal bipyramid dimers and M(2)O₆-octahedral chains (M=Co and Cu) are present. Co₂(OH)AsO₄ shows an anomalous three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering influenced by the magnetic field below 21 K within the presence of a ferromagnetic component below the ordering temperature. When Co²⁺ is partially substituted by Cu²⁺ions, Co_1.7Cu_0.3(OH)AsO₄, the ferromagnetic component observed in Co₂(OH)AsO₄ disappears and the antiferromagnetic order is maintained in the entire temperature range. Heat capacity measurements show an unusual magnetic field dependence of the antiferromagnetic transitions. This λ-type anomaly associated to the three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering grows with the magnetic field and becomes better defined as observed in the non-substituted phase. These results are attributed to the presence of the unpaired electron in the dx²−y² orbital and the absence of overlap between neighbour ions.     

Modelling and Optimization of Stability Constants of Cadmium or Zinc with Biological Buffers (DIPSO or TAPS) in Aqueous Solutions by Electrochemical Techniques

The complexation behavior of four systems involving cadmium(II) or zinc(II) in aqueous solutions with the biological buffers 3-[N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid (DIPSO), and [(2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid (TAPS) was studied by direct current polarography (DCP) and glass electrode potentiometry (GEP), at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C and ionic strength 0.1 mol·dm^?3 KNO₃. Except for the Cd–TAPS system, for which full characterization of the system was possible either by DCP or GEP, full characterization of the other metal-buffer systems (Zn–DIPSO, Zn–TAPS and Cd–DIPSO) was only possible using DCP. For Zn-buffers systems, ZnL⁺ and $ {\text{ZnL(OH)}}_{2}^{ - } $ ZnL(OH) 2 ? (where L stands for buffer) were identified. For the Zn–DIPSO system, the overall stability constant values (as log₁₀ β) are 2.1 ± 0.2 and 13.4 ± 0.2, respectively. For the Zn–TAPS system, the overall stability constants values (as log₁₀ β) are 2.4 ± 0.1 and 12.9 ± 0.3, respectively. For the Cd–DIPSO system, the overall stability constants values (as log₁₀ β) of CdL⁺ and CdL(OH) are 2.9 ± 0.1 and 6.9 ± 0.3, respectively. For the Cd–TAPS system, only the species CdL⁺ was identified with log₁₀ β = 2.5 ± 0.1.     

Copper(II) complexes of N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from pyridine-2-carbaldehyde: Crystal structure of a binuclear complex

Ten copper(II) complexes {[CuL¹Cl] (1), [CuL¹NO₃]₂ (2), [CuL¹N₃]₂ · 2/3H₂O (3), [CuL¹]₂(ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (4), [CuL²Cl]₂ (5), [CuL²N₃] (6), [Cu(HL²)SO₄]₂ · 4H₂O (7), [Cu(HL²)₂] (ClO₄)₂ · 1/2EtOH (8), [CuL³Cl]₂ (9), [CuL³NCS] · 1/2H₂O (10)} of three NNS donor thiosemicarbazone ligands {pyridine-2-carbaldehyde-N(4)-p-methoxyphenyl thiosemicarbazone [HL¹], pyridine-2-carbaldehyde-N(4)-2-phenethyl thiosemicarbazone [HL²] and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde N(4)-(methyl), N(4)-(phenyl) thiosemicarbazone [HL³]} were synthesized and physico-chemically characterized. The crystal structure of compound 9 has been determined by X-ray diffraction studies and is found that the dimer consists of two square pyramidal Cu(II) centers linked by two chlorine atoms.     

Revision of iron(III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution. Voltammetric and spectrophotometric studies

A detailed study of iron (III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution (θ = 25 °C, I_c = 0.7 mol L⁻¹) was carried out by voltammetric and UV–vis spectrophotometric measurements and the obtained data were used for reconciled characterization of iron (III)–citrate complexes. Four different redox processes were registered in the voltammograms: at 0.1 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of iron(III)–monocitrate species (Fe:cit = 1:1), at about −0.1 V (pH = 5.5) that was related to the reduction of FeL₂⁵⁻, FeL₂H⁴⁻ and FeL₂H₂³⁻ complexes, at −0.28 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of polynuclear iron(III)–citrate complex(es), and at −0.4 V (pH = 7.5) which was probably a consequence of Fe(cit)₂(OH)_x species reduction. Reversible redox process at −0.1 V allowed for the determination of iron(III)–citrate species and their stability constants by analyzing E_p vs. pH and E_p vs. [L⁴⁻] dependence. The UV–vis spectra recorded at varied pH revealed four different spectrally active species: FeLH (log β = 25.69), FeL₂H₂³⁻ (log β = 48.06), FeL₂H⁴⁻ (log β = 44.60), and FeL₂⁵⁻ (log β = 38.85). The stability constants obtained by spectrophotometry were in agreement with those determined electrochemically. The UV–vis spectra recorded at various citrate concentrations (pH = 2.0) supported the results of spectrophotometric–potentiometric titration.     

Iron(III) complexes of the tris-(3-aminopropyl) derivative of a 14-membered tetraazamacrocycle: Potentiometric,spectroscopic and electrochemical studies

The properties of the iron(III) complexes of the ditopic macrocyclic ligand with three aminopropyl pendant arms, L¹ = 3,7,11-tris-(3-aminopropyl)-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),13,15-triene were investigated in aqueous solution. Potentiometric studies indicated the presence of mononuclear [FeH_hL¹]^h+3 (h = 0–3), and dinuclear [Fe₂L¹]⁶⁺, [Fe₂L¹(OH)]⁵⁺ and [Fe₂L¹(OH)₂]⁴⁺ complexes, and their stability constants were determined at 298.2 K and ionic strength 0.10 mol dm⁻³ in KNO₃. The log K values of mononuclear protonated species indicated the consecutive deprotonation of the aminopropyl arms, suggesting the nitrogen donor atoms from the macrocycle as the preferred coordination environment for the first metal centre, and the amines from the pendant arms for the second one. The dinuclear complex is formed at about 85% of the total amount of the metal ion for 2:1 Fe:L¹ ratio solutions at pH 4.0–4.5. The log K values of the deprotonation of dinuclear hydrolysed species are consistent with the presence of two water molecules directly bound to the metal centres. Spectroscopic UV–Vis and IR data for 2:1 Fe³⁺:L¹ ratio samples confirmed the existence of dinuclear and hydroxo dinuclear species. EPR spectra of these solutions were interpreted by an equilibrium of two high-spin d⁵ state of iron(III) species with different rhombic E/D distortions. Electrochemical studies also established the formation of mono- and dinuclear complexes, showing irreversible redox behaviour. The two metal centres on the dinuclear complexes have only weak interactions.     

Estimation of stability constants of copper(II) chelates with triamines and their mixed complexes with amino acids by using topological indices and the overlapping spheres method

Our two original approaches, the first based on the topological (connectivity) index ³χ^v and the second based on the model of overlapping spheres (OS), were applied for the estimation of stability constants of copper(II) complexes (CuL) with ethylenediamines (N = 14) and diethylenetriamines (N = 8), and mixed complexes (CuLA) of amino acids and diethylenetriamines (N = 18). The stability constants of the ethylenediamine complexes were predicted “indirectly” from calibration models developed on diethylenetriamines and vice versa, and also by a more direct method using the leave-one-out procedure of cross validation (cv). By averaging all the estimates, stability constants were reproduced with a rms error of 0.56 and 0.43 log K units for diethylenetriamines and ethylenediamines, respectively.     

Effect of ring substituents on crystal packing and H-bonding in a series of halobis(phen)copper(II) arylphosphonic acid complexes

The synthesis and crystal structures of five new analogues of the supramolecular copper(II) organophosphonate [Cu^II(phen)₂Cl][(C₆H₅PO(OH)₂)((OH)O₂PC₆H₅)] (1) are presented. The structures contain substituted phenylphosphonic acids, and are of the general formula [Cu^II(phen)₂Cl][(XPO(OH)₂)((OH)O₂PX)] · Z, where X = o-CH₃(C₆H₅) (2); X = p-CH₃(C₆H₅), Z = H₂O · 2CH₃CH₂OH (4); X = o-NO₂(C₆H₅), m-NO₂(C₆H₅) (5); X = m-NO₂(C₆H₅) (6); X = C₁₀H₇ (7).     

Versatility of an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate group as a signaling subunit for anion recognition

The versatility of the 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate (DMAB) group embedded in host 1 as a signaling subunit for anion recognition was elucidated in terms of ¹H NMR, CD, and fluorescence studies. Host 1 showed 1:1 complexation with monovalent anions and stepwise 1:1 and 2:1 (host 1: anion) complexation with divalent phosphate anions. The binding constants between host 1 and anions were determined by means of ¹H NMR titrations in CD₃CN (HPO₄²⁻: log K_1:1=6.2, log K_2:1=4.9; H₂P₂O₇²⁻: log K_1:1=4.4, log K_2:1=1.8; AMP²⁻: log K_1:1>7, log K_2:1>5) and the affinity of host 1 toward divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻, H₂P₂O₇²⁻, and AMP²⁻, is stronger than that toward monovalent anions, NO₃⁻, BF₄⁻, ClO₄⁻, HSO₄⁻, and PF₆⁻. The CD exciton chirality studies of host 1 with divalent anions, HPO₄²⁻ and AMP²⁻, revealed that the two DMAB groups in the 2:1 complexes were arranged with negative chirality (counterclockwise). The dual fluorescence behavior of the DMAB group demonstrated not only the complexation stoichiometry but also the role(s) of the lipophilic countercation such as tetrabutylammonium and/or the hydrophilic residue in AMP during anion recognition.     

Sensitive DNA biosensor improved by Luteolin copper(II) as indicator based on silver nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes modified electrode

A novel and sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor has been developed for the detection of DNA hybridization. The biosensor was proposed by using copper(II) complex of Luteolin C₃₀H₁₈CuO₁₂ (CuL₂) as an electroactive indicator based on silver nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ag/MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In this method, the 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) and Ag nanoparticles were covalently grafted on MWCNTs to form Ag/4-ABA/MWCNTs. The proposed method dramatically increased DNA attachment quantity and complementary ssDNA detection sensitivity for its large surface area and good charge-transport characteristics. DNA hybridization detection was performed using CuL₂ as an electroactive indicator. The CuL₂ was synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis (EA) and IR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to investigate the interaction between CuL₂ and ds-oligonucleotides (dsDNA). It was revealed that CuL₂ presented high electrochemical activity on GCE, and it could be intercalated into the double helices of dsDNA. The target ssDNA of the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) was quantified in a linear range from 3.23 × 10⁻¹² to 5.31 × 10⁻⁹ M (r = 0.9983). A detection limit of 6.46 × 10⁻¹³ M (3σ, n = 11) was achieved.     

Hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis and structural characterization of a new organically templated gallophosphate: [H3N(CH2)2NH3]1/2·[Ga5 (PO4)4(OH)4]

A new three-dimensional open-framework gallophosphate: [H₃N(CH₂)₂NH₃]_1/2·[Ga₅ (PO₄)₄(OH)₄] has been prepared by hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis in presence of ethylenediamine (en) as structure-directing agent. Its structure was determined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with the following crystal data: monoclinic space group C2/m, a=10.1604(9) Å, b=12.0085(15) Å, c=7.1892(7) Å, β=90.797(6)°, V=877.08(16) Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0264, wR₂=0.0764. The total numbers of measured reflections and unique reflections were 3508 and 1300, respectively. It is built up from a new secondary building unit (SBU) Ga₄P₄O₂₀(OH)₄, in which Ga atoms exhibit distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination and P atoms are in tetrahedral coordination. The SBU Ga₄P₄O₂₀(OH)₄ are linked into a layer by bridge oxygen atoms. The GaO₄(OH)₂ octahedra link the layers into a three-dimentional framework. Diprotonated ethylenediamine was found in the channel of the framework. The material was characterized by IR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectra, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses and elemental analysis.     

Displacement of neutral nitrogen donors by chloride in [Pt(SNS)(R-py)](ClO4)2 (SNS = 2,6-bis(methylthiomethyl)pyridine; R-py = pyridines): A reactivity comparison between meta- and para-substituted pyridines

The kinetics of the process [Pt(SNS)(R-py)]²⁺ + Cl⁻ → [Pt(SNS)Cl]⁺ + R-py {SNS = 2,6-bis(methylsulfanylmethyl)pyridine; R-py = meta- or para-substituted pyridines covering a wide range of basicity} were studied in methanol at 25 °C. The reactions obey the usual two-term rate law observed in the substitution reactions of square-planar d⁸ complexes. The plots of log k₂ {k₂ = second-order rate constants} against the pK_a of the heterocycles conjugate acids highlighted a different sensitivity of the two groups of N-donors to changes in basicity, thepara-substituted pyridines (4R-py) showing a weaker dependence on pK_a than the meta-substituted (3R-py). The results have been explained on the basis of a π-acidity difference between 3R-py and 4R-py which influences the reaction ground state.     

Copper complexes with 1,10-phenanthrolines tethered to a cyclotriphosphazene platform

The synthesis of two ligands, L¹ and L², each containing two 2-oxy-1,10-phenanthroline moieties attached to the same phosphorus atom of a substituted cyclotriphosphazene ring via an oxy-bridge, but differing in substitution on the biphenyl capping groups, is described. The single-crystal X-ray structure of L¹ · 2CH₂Cl₂ shows an ordered structure in the lattice with channels, containing dichloromethane molecules, running parallel to the a-axis. The reactions of L¹ and L² with [Cu(MeCN)₄](PF₆) afford the dimetallic copper(I) derivatives, [(CuL¹)₂] (PF₆)₂ · CH₂Cl₂ and [(CuL²)₂](PF₆)₂. The single-crystal X-ray structure of the former complex shows that the L¹ ligands of the cation [(CuL¹)₂]²⁺ act as a bridges coordinating to the two copper(I) centres in a helical fashion. The copper atoms have distorted tetrahedral geometries with the interligand dihedral angle being 85°. With copper(II) chloride and copper(II) perchlorate, the monomeric copper(II) complexes, [CuL¹Cl]Cl · 2CH₂Cl₂, [CuL²Cl]Cl · CH₂Cl₂, [CuL¹(OMe)]PF₆ · 2H₂O, [CuL²(OMe)]PF₆ · 2H₂O, [CuL¹(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂ and [CuL²(OH₂)](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O are obtained. The single-crystal X-ray structure of [CuL¹Cl]Cl · 2CH₂Cl₂ shows the copper to be in a square-base pyramidal distorted trigonal-bipyramidal (SBPDTB) environment (τ = 0.57) with L¹ acting as a κ⁴N donor, coordinating via the four nitrogen atoms of the two tethered 1,10-phenanthrolines. In CH₃CN, this complex undergoes hydrolysis via the presence of adventitious water losing one oxyphenanthroline arm to form the centrosymmetric dimetallic species, [(CuL³Cl)₂] · 4CH₃CN · 3H₂O (L³ = [N₃P₃(biph)₂(ophen)O]⁻ where biph = 2,2′-dioxybiphenyl and O replaces an oxyphenanthroline and is attached to the phosphorus of the phosphazene ring). The two monomeric units, which are linked by bridging chlorine atoms, have a distorted square-based pyramidal geometry about the copper with the basal plane made by the ‘ON₂Cl’ ligand set. Spectroscopic (mass spectral, electronic and ESR) and magnetic moment data for the complexes are discussed.     

Preparation,spectroscopic characterization and X-ray crystal and molecular structures of nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of the Schiff base formed from isatin and S-methyldithiocarbazate (Hisa-sme)

Complexes of general formula, [M(isa-sme)₂] · n(solvate) [M = Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺; isa-sme = monoanionic form of the Schiff base formed by condensation of isatin with S-methyldithiocarbazate; n = 1 or 1.5; solvate = MeCN, DMSO, MeOH or H₂O] have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques. An X-ray crystallographic structure determination of the [Ni(isa-sme)₂] · MeCN complex reveals a six-coordinate, distorted octahedral geometry. The two uninegatively charged, tridentate, Schiff base ligands are coordinated to the nickel(II) ion meridionally via the amide O-atoms, the azomethine N-atoms and the thiolate S-atoms. By contrast, the crystal structure of [Zn(isa-sme)₂] · MeOH shows a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedral geometry. The two dithiocarbazate ligands are coordinated as N, S bidentate chelates with the amide O-atom not coordinated. The structure of the copper(II) complex [Cu(isa-sme)₂] · DMSO is complicated and comprises two different complexes in the asymmetric unit, one four- and the other five-coordinate. The four-coordinate copper(II) has a distorted (flattened) tetrahedral geometry as seen in the Zn(II) analogue whereas the five-coordinate copper(II) has a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with one ligand coordinated to the copper(II) ion as a tridentate (N, S, O) ligand and the other coordinated as a bidentate N, S chelate. EPR spectroscopy indicates that in solution only one form is present, that being a distorted tetrahedral complex.     

Separation and quantification of [RhCln(H2O)6−n] (n = 0-6) complexes, including stereoisomers, by means of ion-pair HPLC-ICP-MS

A hyphenated ion-pair (tetrabutylammonium chloride—TBACl) reversed phase (C₁₈) HPLC-ICP-MS method (High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy) for anionic Rh(III) aqua chlorido-complexes present in an HCl matrix has been developed. Under optimum chromatographic conditions it was possible to separate and quantify cationic Rh(III) complexes (eluted as a single band), [RhCl₃(H₂O)₃], cis-[RhCl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻, trans-[RhCl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻ and [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ (n = 5, 6) species. The [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ (n = 5, 6) complex anions eluted as a single band due to the relatively fast aquation of [RhCl₆]³⁻ in a 0.1 mol L⁻¹ TBACl ionic strength mobile phase matrix. Moreover, the calculated t_1/2 of 1.3 min for [RhCl₆]³⁻ aquation at 0.1 mol kg⁻¹ HCl ionic strength is significantly lower than the reported t_1/2 of 6.3 min at 4.0 mol kg⁻¹ HClO₄ ionic strength. Ionic strength or the activity of water in this context is a key parameter that determines whether [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ (n = 5, 6) species can be chromatographically separated. In addition, aquation/anation rate constants were determined for [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ (n = 3-6) complexes at low ionic strength (0.1 mol kg⁻¹ HCl) by means of spectrophotometry and independently with the developed ion-pair HPLC-ICP-MS technique for species assignment validation. The Rh(III) samples that was equilibrated in differing HCl concentrations for 2.8 years at 298 K was analyzed with the ion-pair HPLC method. This analysis yielded a partial Rh(III) aqua chlorido-complex species distribution diagram as a function of HCl concentration. For the first time the distribution of the cis- and trans-[RhCl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻ stereoisomers have been obtained. Furthermore, it was found that relatively large amounts of ‘highly’ aquated [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ (n = 0-4) species persist in up to 2.8 mol L⁻¹ HCl and in 1.0 mol L⁻¹ HCl the abundance of the [RhCl₅(H₂O)]²⁻ species is only 8-10% of the total, far from the 70-80% as previously proposed. A 95% abundance of the [RhCl₆]³⁻ complex anion occurs only when the HCl concentration is above 6 mol L⁻¹. The detection limit for a Rh(III) species eluted from the column is below 0.147 mg L⁻¹.     

Ferromagnetic exchange coupling in phosphonato-bridged dinuclear copper(II) compound with monoethyl (pyridyn-2-ylmethyl)phosphonate ligand (2-mpmpe): Cu2(2-mpmpe)2(H2O)2(NO3)2

The interaction of diethyl (pyridyn-2-ylmethyl)phosphonate (2-pmpe) with Cu(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O leads to a partial hydrolysis of the starting ligand and formation of the compound of the formula Cu₂(2-mpmpe)₂(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂, where 2-mpmpe = monoethyl (pyridyn-2-ylmethyl)phosphonate. The crystal and molecular structure of a copper(II) compound was determined by single X-ray diffraction method. Its structure consists of five-coordinated in distorted square planar geometry (CuNO₄ chromophore) copper(II) ions doubly bridged by OPO from phosphonate. The Cu?Cu distance is 4.69 Å. The crystal packing is determined by the interdinuclear hydrogen bond system, which leads to a three-dimensional (3D) H-bonds network. The compound was characterized by infrared, ligand field, EPR spectroscopy, and magnetic studies. The magnetic properties of the title compound investigated over the 1.8–300 K, revealed the occurrence of a weak ferromagnetic coupling through phosphonate bridge (J = 1.86 cm⁻¹) and interdimer superexchange coupling through H-bond network (zJ′ = −0.17 cm⁻¹). Spectroscopic and magnetic properties are presented in the light of crystal structure.     

Quantitative parameters for the sequestering capacity of polyacrylates towards alkaline earth metal ions

The complex formation constants of polyacrylic (PAA) ligands (1.4≤log N≤2.4, N=number of monomer units) with calcium and magnesium ions were determined in different ionic media at different ionic strengths, 0≤I≤1 mol l⁻¹, at t=25 °C. Experimental pH-metric data in the presence of Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺ were firstly analysed in terms of apparent protonation constants, log K^H*, using the “three parameter model” proposed by Högfeldt; differences in log K^H*, determined in different ionic media, were interpreted in terms of complex species formation. The only species present in the system M-PAA (M=Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺) is ML₂: attempts to find species of different stoichiometry were unsuccessful. The stability dependence of this species on ionic strength, on the degree of neutralisation (α) and on PAA molecular weight is discussed using empirical equations. The formation constant, log β₂, is significantly higher for Ca²⁺ than for Mg²⁺: at I=0.1 mol l⁻¹ (NaCl), log N=1.8 and α=0.5, log β₂^Ca=4.43 and log β₂^Mg=4.24. The formation of polyacrylate-alkaline earth metal complexes is discussed in the light of sequestering effects in natural waters.     

Quaternary selenostannates Na2−xGa2−xSn1+xSe6 and AGaSnSe4 (A=K, Rb, and Cs) through rapid cooling of melts. Kinetics versus thermodynamics in the polymorphism of AGaSnSe4

The quaternary alkali-metal gallium selenostannates, Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ and AGaSnSe₄ (A=K, Rb, and Cs), were synthesized by reacting alkali-metal selenide, Ga, Sn, and Se with a flame melting-rapid cooling method. Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group C2 with cell constants a=13.308(3) Å, b=7.594(2) Å, c=13.842(3) Å, β=118.730(4)°, V=1226.7(5) Å³. α-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/mcm with a=8.186(5) Å and c=6.403(5) Å, V=429.1(5) Å³. β-KGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with cell constants a=7.490(2) Å, b=12.578(3) Å, c=18.306(5) Å, β=98.653(5)°, V=1705.0(8) Å³. The unit cell of isostructural RbGaSnSe₄ is a=7.567(2) Å, b=12.656(3) Å, c=18.277(4) Å, β=95.924(4)°, V=1741.1(7) Å³. CsGaSnSe₄ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmcn with a=7.679(2) Å, b=12.655(3) Å, c=18.278(5) Å, V=1776.1(8) Å³. The structure of Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ consists of a polar three-dimensional network of trimeric (Sn,Ga)₃Se₉ units with Na atoms located in tunnels. The AGaSnSe₄ possess layered structures. The compounds show nearly the same Raman spectral features, except for Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆. Optical band gaps, determined from UV-Vis spectroscopy, range from 1.50 eV in Na_2−xGa_2−xSn_1+xSe₆ to 1.97 eV in CsGaSnSe₄. Cooling of the melts of KGaSnSe₄ and RbGaSnSe₄ produces only kinetically stable products. The thermodynamically stable product is accessible under extended annealing, which leads to the so-called γ-form (BaGa₂S₄-type) of these compounds.