The electronic gas-phase spectrum of B3 radical revisited

The gas-phase electronic spectrum of cyclic-B₃ (D_3h) radical has been remeasured in a supersonic molecular beam using a mass-selective resonant 2-color 2-photon technique, leading to a revision of previously reported spectroscopic constants. The species was prepared by ablation of a boron nitride rod in the presence of helium. Ab intio calculations on the geometries and vertical electronic excitation energies, as well as mass identification, indicate that the detected band, centered at 21848.77(2) cm⁻¹, is the origin of the cyclic-¹¹B₃ system. A spectral fit yields the rotational constants as B″ = 1.2246(45) and C″ = 0.62131(72) cm⁻¹ in the ground state, and B′ = 1.1914(44) and C′ = 0.61173(69) cm⁻¹ in the excited 2 ²E′ state.     

Neutron diffraction study of the β′ and γ phases of LiFeO2

The β, β′, γ and α phases of LiFeO₂, synthesized as powders, were annealed at different temperatures and characterized by X-ray measurements. The β′ and γ modifications were also studied by time-of-flight neutron diffraction (ISIS Facility, UK). The structure of the β′ phase was refined in the monoclinic C2/c space group (a=8.566(1), b=11.574(2), c=5.1970(5) Å, β=146.064(5)°) to wR_p=0.071–0.080 (data from four counter banks). Fe and Li atoms are ordered over two of the four independent sites, and partially disordered over the other two. The ordered Li has a distorted tetrahedral coordination. The γ structure was refined at RT (a=4.047(1), c=8.746(2) Å) and at 570 °C (a=4.082(3), c=8.822(6) Å) in the I4₁/amd symmetry, showing full order with Li in octahedral coordination at RT, and in a split-atom configuration at high temperature. On annealing, the β′ polymorph was found to transform to γ at 550 °C, thus suggesting that it is a metastable phase. Electrostatics is discussed as the driving force for the α→β′→γ ordering process of LiFeO₂.     

The B1 ← A1 absorption system of NO2 in Xe matrices: evidence for Renner—Teller interaction

A tentative vibrational assignment of the ²B₁ ← ²A₁ absorption system of NO₂ in solid Xe is reported. About 65 bands were analysed, yielding normal vibration energies of ν₁ = 1230, ν₂ = 450 and ν₃ = 2040 cm⁻¹. The electronic transition energy can be estimated to be T₀₁₀ = 14160 cm⁻¹ (14220 cm⁻¹ for the gaseous phase). These observations are in good agreement with predictions made using ab initio calculations. Evidence for Renner—Teller interaction is documented by a systematic staggering of frequency intervals between successive bands in the ν₂ progression of the state.     

Mechanism and kinetics of crystallization of α-Fe in amorphous Fe81B13Si4C2 alloy

The non-isothermal crystallization of α-Fe from Fe₈₁B₁₃Si₄C₂ amorphous alloy was investigated. The kinetic parameters of crystallization process were determined by Kissinger and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. It was established that the kinetic parameters of transformation do not change with the degree of crystallization in the range of 0.1–0.7. The kinetic model of the crystallization process was determined using the Malek's procedure. It was established that the primary crystallization α-Fe phase from amorphous alloy can be described by Šesták–Berggren autocatalytic model with kinetic triplet E_a = 349.4.0 kJ mol⁻¹, ln A = 50.76 and f(α) = α^0.72(1 − α)^1.02.     

A1 → E emission of 1-phosphapropyne cation, CH3CP

The ²A₁ → ²E emission spectrum of CH₃CP⁺ in the gas phase has been observed in the 530–590 nm region. The cations were produced by electron impact on either an effusive beam or seeded helium supersonic free jet or CH₃CP. Two pairs of spin-orbit separated bands are identified: O⁰₀, ^O_O and 2^O₁, ^O₁. The derived constants are (in cm⁻¹): T₀=18656(1), a″_O=−85(2) and ν″₂=1503(2).     

Intergrowth in tunnel structures: The titanates A2Ti6O13)n·A′Ti4Og

A new structural family, (A₂M₆O₁₃)_n·A′M₄O₉, was isolated and studied by means of X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and electron microscopy. The structure consists of an ordered intergrowth of two types of structural units: A₂Ti₆O₁₃ and hypothetical A′M₄O₉, both characterized by zigzag ribbons of, respectively, 2 × 3 and 2 × 2 edge-sharing octahedra, joined by corner sharing to form a series of open tunnels containing A and A′ cations. The monoclinic unit-cell parameters can be deduced, for an “n” term, from those of A₂Ti₆O₁₃.     

Micellization behavior of [C16-12-C16], 2Br gemini surfactant in binary aqueous-solvent mixtures

The micellization behavior of bis cationic gemini surfactant, N,N′-dihexadecyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,12-dodecanediammonium dibromide [C₁₆H₃₃N⁺(CH₃)₂-(CH₂)₁₂-N⁺(CH₃)₂C₁₆H₃₃, 2Br⁻] has been studied in binary aqueous mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, 1,4-dioxane, glycerol and ethylene glycol by conductivity and surface tension measurements at 300 K. The critical micellar concentration, degree of micelle ionization (α), surface excess concentration (Г_max), minimum surface area per molecule of surfactant (A_min), Gibbs free energy of micellization (ΔG_m°), the surface pressure at cmc (π_cmc), and the Gibbs energy of adsorption (ΔG_ad°) of the gemini surfactant have also been determined. The cmc, α, A_min increases where as (ΔG_m°), Г_max, and π_cmc decreases with increasing volume percentage of the solvents in the solvent–water binary mixture. The interfacial properties of the gemini surfactant, solute–solute, solvent–solute interactions and the effectiveness of a surface-active molecule in binary solvent systems have been discussed.     

Electronic spectra of jet-cooled tropolone(-OD). vibrational analysis for the à B2- A1 transition

The fluorescence excitation spectrum and the single vibronic level fluorescence spectra from the vibronic levels in the à ¹B₂ state of tropolone(-OD) have been measured in a supersonic free jet. Some low frequency fundamentals in the ¹A₁ and à ¹B₂ states have been determined. A tunneling doublet separation has been measured to be 11 cm⁻¹ for the in-plane ring deformation ν′₁₄(a₁) mode, which is significantly larger than 2 cm⁻¹ for the vibrationless state.     

Effect of magnetostrictive phase on structural, dielectric and electrical properties of NiFe2O4 + Pb0.93La0.07(Zr0.60Ti0.40)O3 composites

Particulate composites of NiFe₂O₄ (NFO) and Pb_0.93La_0.07 (Zr_0.60Ti_0.40) O₃ (PLZT) were synthesized by solid-state reaction technique. Structure and surface morphological studies were carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques, respectively. Frequency dependent variation of dielectric constant (), loss tangent (tan δ) and ac resistivity for (x) NFO + (1−x) PLZT composites in the range 100 Hz–5 MHz at room temperature were studied. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant (′), loss tangent (tan δ) was studied in wide temperature range of measurement at fixed frequencies. Also DC resistivity measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 300 K–923 K. Structural, dielectric and electrical properties show notable change due to presence of magnetostrictive NFO phase along with PLZT.     

Carbomolybdate clusters formed by carbonyl insertion into molybdenum-oxygen bonds. Structural investigation of the [RMo4O15X] core (R = ---C9H4O, X = OCH3; R = ---C14H10, X = ---C7H5O2; R = C14H8, X = ---OH)

[C₄H₉)₄N]₂[Mo₂O₇] reacts with a variety of organic species containing α-diketone groups to give tetranuclear complexes of general composition [RMo₄O₁₅X]³⁻. The complexes [(C₄H₉)₄N]₃[(C₉H₄O)Mo₄O₁₅(OCH₃)] (I), [(C₄H₉)₄N]₃[(C₁₄H₁₀)Mo₄O₁₅(C₆H₅CO₂)] (11) and [(C₄H₉)₄N]₃[(C₁₄H₈)Mo₄O₁₅(OH)] (III) were synthesized from the reactions of dimolybdate with ninhydrin, benzil and phenanthraquinone, respectively. Complex II may also be prepared from dimolybdate and benzoin in acetonitrile-methanol solution, from which it co-crystallizes with the binuclear species [(C₄H₉)₄N]₂[Mo₂O₅(C₆H₅C(O)C(O)C₆H₅)₂] · CH₃CN · CH₃OH (IV). Complexes I–III exhibit the tetranuclear core, previously described for the α-glyoxal derivatives [(C₄H₉)₄N]₃[(HCCH)Mo₄O₁₅X], where X = F⁻ or HCO₂⁻. The ligands may be formally described as diketals, formed by insertion of ligand carbonyl subunits into molybdenum-oxygen bonds. The structures I–III differ most dramatically in the identity and coordination mode of the anionic ligand X⁻ which occupies a position opposite the diketal moiety relative to the [Mo₄O₁₁]²⁺ central cage. Thus, I exhibits a doubly bridging methoxy group in this position, while II possesses a benzoate ligand with an unusual μ₃-O,O′coordination mode. Complex III presents a hydroxy-group unsymmetrically bonded to three of the molybdenum centres. The stereochemical consequences of the various coordination modes are discussed. Crystal data: Compound I, monoclinic space group Pc, a = 24.888(2), b = 12.897(3), c = 24.900(3) Å, β = 101.94(2)°, D_calc = 1.28 g cm⁻¹ for Z = 4. Structure solution and refinement based on 8695 reflections with F_o 6σ(F_o) (Mo-K_α, λ = 0.71073 Å) converged at a conventional discrepancy factor of 0.060. Compound II, orthorhombic space group Pbca, a = 20.426(6), b = 26.916(6), c = 32.147(7) Å, V = 17673.2(20) ų, D_calc = 1.33 g cm⁻³ for Z = 8; 5224 reflections, R = 0.076. Compound III, tetragonal space group I4₁/a, a = b = 48.129(6), c = 13.057(2) Å, V = 30246.2(12) ų, D_calc = 1.35 g cm⁻³ for Z = 16; 5554 reflections, R = 0.053. Compound IV, orthorhombic space group Pnca, a = 16.097(4), b = 16.755(4), c = 25.986(7) Å, V = 7008.1(13) ų, Z = 4, D_calc = 1.18 g cm⁻³ ; 2944 reflections, R = 0.061.     

RbAuUSe3, CsAuUSe3, RbAuUTe3, and CsAuUTe3: Syntheses and structure; magnetic properties of RbAuUSe3

The compounds RbAuUSe₃, CsAuUSe₃, and RbAuUTe₃ were synthesized at 1073 K from the reactions of U, Au, Q, and A₂Q₃ (A=Rb or Cs; Q=Se or Te). The compound CsAuUTe₃ was synthesized at 1173 K from the reaction of U, Au, Te, and CsCl as a flux. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the KCuZrS₃ structure type in space group Cmcm of the orthorhombic system. The structure consists of layers that contain nearly regular UQ₆ octahedra and distorted AuQ₄ tetrahedra. The infinite layers are separated by bicapped trigonal prismatic A cations. The magnetic behavior of RbAuUSe₃ deviates significantly from Curie–Weiss behavior at low temperatures. For T>200 K, the values of the Curie constant C and the Weiss constant θ_p are 1.82(9) emu K mol⁻¹ and −3.5(2)×10² K, respectively. The effective magnetic moment μ_eff is 3.81(9) μ_B. Formal oxidation states of A/Au/U/Q may be assigned as +1/+1/+4/−2, respectively.     

Heterometallic clusters arising from cubic Ni3M′O4 (M′=K and Na) entity: Solvothermal synthesis with/without the assistance of microwave

Solvothermal reaction assisted with microwave leads to the formation of two unique heterometallic cubic clusters [Ni₃M′(L)₃(OH)(CH₃CN)₃]₂·CH₃CN (M′=K for 1 and M′=Na for 2, where L is an anion of 2-[(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-ethanesulfonate) with higher efficiency, yields and purity than those without it. The 6-metallacrown-3 [Ni₃(OH)(L)₃]⁻ groups exhibit interesting ion trapping and self-assembly of size-different Na⁺ and K⁺ through form recognition and coordination activity in 1 and 2. The magnetic studies for 1 and 2 suggest that the {Ni₃M′O₄} (M′=K and Na) cores both display dominant ferromagnetic interactions from the nature of the binding modes of μ₃-O (oxidophenyl) and μ₃-OH.     

Unusual valences and fast electron exchange in MoFe2O4

The distribution of d electrons over the cations in MoFe₂O₄, which is represented by the formal valence assignment, is shown to be complicated by the equilibrium reactionsFe²⁺_B+Fe³⁺_A+Mo³⁺Fe³⁺_B+Fe²⁺_A+Mo⁴⁺We have used thermal treatment to confirm that the Mo are primarily on octahedral sites; Fe_A[Mo_BFe_B]O₄. K-shell absorption and Mössbauer data at T = 423 K > T_c demonstrate that the iron has an average valence near 2.5+ with fast electron transfer (τ_h < 10⁻⁸ sec) on both octahedral and tetrahedral sites. Paramagnetic susceptibility data give a Curie constant C_M = 7.95 ± 0.2 emu/mole and a Weiss constant θ_p = −445 K; magnetometer measurements confirm a compensation point near 160 K. Transport data give a surprisingly high electronic conductivity, but also give an activated mobility similar to that found in AlFe₂O₄ and CrFe₂O₄ where mixed Fe^3+/2+ valences on both A and B sites have been demonstrated. However, a positive Seebeck coefficient and a preexponential factor one order of magnitude higher in MoFe₂O₄ point to involvement of a fraction of the Mo atoms in electronic transport, which would be consistent with the observation of a τ_h < 10⁻⁸ sec on the A sites of a spinel. An energy diagram consistent with these data and other information about the relative redox potentials of these ions in oxides are proposed for this system.     

Self-powdering and nonlinear optical domain structures in ferroelastic β′-Gd2(MoO4)3 crystals formed in glass

Ferroelastic β′-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃, (GMO), crystals are formed through the crystallization of 21.25Gd₂O₃–63.75MoO₃–15B₂O₃ glass (mol%), and two scientific curious phenomena are observed. (1) GMO crystals formed in the crystallization break into small pieces with a triangular prism or pyramid shape having a length of 50–500 μm spontaneously during the crystallizations in the inside of an electric furnace, not during the cooling in air after the crystallization. This phenomenon is called “self-powdering phenomenon during crystallization” in this paper. (2) Each self-powdered GMO crystal grain shows a periodic domain structure with different refractive indices, and a spatially periodic second harmonic generation (SHG) depending on the domain structure is observed. It is proposed from polarized micro-Raman scattering spectra and the azimuthal dependence of second harmonic intensities that GMO crystals are oriented in each crystal grain and the orientation of (MoO₄)²⁻ tetrahedra in GMO crystals changes periodically due to spontaneous strains in ferroelastic GMO crystals.     

Ruthenium-azoimine-chloranilates Synthesis,Spectra and Electrochemistry of Ruthenium(II)-1-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazole-chloranilate Complexes

Ag⁺-assisted dechlorination of blue cis-trans-cis Ru(R-aai-R′)₂Cl₂ followed by the reaction with chloranilic acid (H₂CA) in the presence of Et₃N, gives a neutral mononuclear violet complex [Ru(R-aai-R′)₂(CA)]. [R-aai-R′=p-R-C₆H₄—N=N—C₃H₂—NN, abbreviated as an N,N′ chelator where N(imidazole) and N(azo) represent N and N′, respectively; R = H (a), OMe (b), NO₂ (c) and R′= Me (4), Et(5), Bz(6)]. All the complexes exhibit strong intense MLCT transitions in the visible region and weak broad bands at higher wavelength (>700 nm). Visible transitions (580–595 nm) show a negative solvatochromic effect. The cyclic voltammograms show two quasireversible to irreversible couples positive to SCE and are due to CA⁻/CA²⁻ (1.2–1.35 V) and Ru(III)/Ru(II) (1.6–1.8 V) redox processes. Three couples, negative to SCE, are assigned to CA²⁻/CA³⁻ (−0.2 to −0.3 V), and azo reductions (−0.5 to −0.7, −0.8 to −0.9 V) of the chelated R-aai-R′.     

Three modifications of BaCu(SeO3)2 and the compound SrCu(SeO3)2: Preparation and crystal structure determination

The crystal structures of four hydrothermally synthesized alkaline earth-copper-selenites were determined: BaCu(SeO₃)₂-I [a = 5.247(1), B = 13.353(2), C = 8.981(1) Å, space group Pnm2₁, Z = 4, R_w = 0.024 for 1270 reflections], BaCu(SeO₃)₂-II [a = 5.256(1), B = 13.231(2), C = 8.933(1) Å, β = 90.19(1)°, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, R_w = 0.046 for 2238 reflections], BaCu(SeO₃)₂-III [a = 8.031(1), B = 5.185(1), C = 15.823(2) Å, β = 90.83(1)°, space group C2/c, Z = 4, R_w = 0.038 for 1866 reflections], and SrCu(SeO₃)₂ [a = 7.929(1), B = 5.132(1), C = 14.997(2) Å, β = 90.53(1)°, space group C2/c, Z = 4, R_w = 0.028 for 1414 reflections; isotypic with BaCu(SeO₃)₂-III].BaCu(SeO₃)₂-I and -II contain Cu(SeO₃)₂ sheets lying parallel to (100) formed by CuO₄ “squares” and selenite groups. These sheets are topologically different: in BaCu(SeO₃)₂-I they are formed by the connection of Cu₂(SeO₃) and Cu₆(SeO₃)₄ rings while in BaCu(SeO₃)₂-II they are formed by Cu₂(SeO₃)₂ and Cu₆(SeO₃)₆ rings. The Cu(SeO₃)₂ sheets are rugged in BaCu(SeO₃)₂-I and they are slightly waved in BaCu(SeO₃)₂-II. In both compounds they are connected to each other by a fifth Cu---O bond and by the Ba atoms. In BaCu(SeO₃)₂-III and in its isotypic Sr analog the CuO₄ “squares” and the selenite groups form parallel chains [010], which are connected by the alkaline earth atoms.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of KEu[AsS4], K3Dy[AsS4]2 and Rb4Nd0.67[AsS4]2

Three rare earth compounds, KEu[AsS₄] (1), K₃Dy[AsS₄]₂ (2), and Rb₄Nd_0.67[AsS₄]₂ (3) have been synthesized employing the molten flux method. The reactions of A₂S₃ (A = K, Rb), Ln (Ln = Eu, Dy, Nd), As₂S₃, S were accomplished at 600 °C for 96 h in evacuated fused silica ampoules. Crystal data for these compounds are: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m (no. 11), a = 6.7276(7) Å, b = 6.7190(5) Å, c = 8.6947(9) Å, β = 107.287(12)°, Z = 2; 2, monoclinic, space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 10.3381(7) Å, b = 18.7439(12) Å, c = 8.8185(6) Å, β = 117.060(7)°, Z = 4; 3, orthorhombic, space group Ibam (no. 72), a = 18.7333(15) Å, b = 9.1461(5) Å, c = 10.2060(6) Å, Z = 4. 1 is a two-dimensional structure with ²_∞[Eu(AsS₄)]⁻ layers separated by potassium cations. Within each layer, distorted bicapped trigonal [EuS₈] prisms are linked through distorted [AsS₄]³⁻ tetrahedra. Each Eu²⁺ cation is coordinated by two [AsS₄]³⁻ units by edge-sharing and bonded to further two [AsS₄]³⁻ units by corner-sharing. Compound 2 contains a one-dimensional structure with ¹_∞[Dy(AsS₄)₂]³⁻ chains separated by potassium cations. Within each chain, distorted bicapped trigonal prisms of [DyS₈] are linked by slightly distorted [AsS₄]³⁻ tetrahedra. Each Dy³⁺ ion is surrounded by four [AsS₄]³⁻ moieties in an edge-sharing fashion. For compound 3 also a one-dimensional structure with ¹_∞[Nd₀.₆₇(AsS₄)₂]⁴⁻ chains is observed. But the Nd position is only partially occupied and overall every third Nd atom is missing along the chain. This cuts the infinite chains into short dimers containing two bridging [As₄]³⁻ units and four terminal [AsS₄]³⁻ groups. 1 is characterized with UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, IR, and Raman spectra.     

Preparation and electrochemical behaviour of dinuclear platinum complexes containing NCN ligands (NCN=[C6H3(Me2NCH2)2-2,6]). The crystal structure of [C6H3(Me2NCH2)2-1,3-(CC)-5]2

A series of homodinuclear Pt compounds containing the anionic, potentially terdentate NCN ligand (NCN=[C₆H₃(Me₂NCH₂)₂-2,6]⁻) or its 4-ethynyl derivative were prepared. The two platinum centres are linked together in two different fashions: (i) directly linked by an ethynyl or diethynylphenyl group (head-to-head) and (ii) indirectly bonded by a ethynyl- or butadiynyl-linked bis-NCN ligand (tail-to-tail). The reaction of the head-to-head σ,σ′-ethynylide complex {Pt}CC{Pt} ({Pt}=[Pt(C₆H₃{CH₂NMe₂}₂-2,6)]⁺) with [CuCl]_n yields {Pt}Cl and [Cu₂C₂]_n, while with [Cu(NCMe)₄][BF₄] a Cu(I) bridged complex was formed: [(η²-{Pt}CC{Pt})₂Cu][BF₄]. The results of cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that both connection modes of the two platinum centres lead to electrochemically independent Pt–NCN units. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of the neutral, tail-to-tail bridging butadiyne bis-NCNH ligand [C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)-1,3-(CC)-5]₂ is reported.     

Synthesis and reactivity of neodymium(III) amido-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

The reaction of the heteroleptic Nd(III) iodide, [Nd(L′)(N″)(μ-I)] with the potassium salts of primary aryl amides [KN(H)Ar′] or [KN(H)Ar^*] affords heteroleptic, structurally characterised, low-coordinate neodymium amides [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar′)] and [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] cleanly (L′ = t-BuNCH₂CH₂[C{NC(SiMe₃)CHNt-Bu}], N″ = N(SiMe₃)₂, Ar′ = 2,6-Dipp₂C₆H₃, Dipp = 2,6-Prⁱ₂C₆H₃, Ar^* = 2,6-(2,4,6-Prⁱ₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃). The potassium terphenyl primary amide [KN(H)Ar^*] is readily prepared and isolated, and structurally characterised. Treatment of these primary amide-containing compounds with alkali metal alkyl salts results in ligand exchange to give alkali metal primary amides and intractable heteroleptic Nd(III) alkyl compounds of the form [Nd(L′)(N″)(R)] (R = CH₂SiMe₃, Me). Attempted deprotonation of the Nd-bound primary amide in [Nd(L′)(N″)(N(H)Ar^*)] with the less nucleophilic phosphazene superbase Bu^tNP{NP(NMe₂)₃}₃ resulted in indiscriminate deprotonations of peripheral ligand CH groups.