Anion‐Dependence of Ytterbium Complexes and Their NIR Luminescence

The reaction of 2‐aldehyde‐8‐hydroxyquinoline, histamine, and YbX₃ · 6H₂O (X = NO₃^–, ClO₄^–) affords two ytterbium complexes [Yb(nma)₂] · ClO₄ · 2CH₂Cl₂ ( 1 ) and [Yb(nma)(NO₃)₂(DMSO)] · CH₃OH ( 2 ) (Hnma = N‐(2‐(8‐hydroxylquinolinyl)methane(2‐(4‐imidazolyl)ethanamine))). The crystal structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction and it has been revealed that the anions have played important role in the assembly. In the case of 1 , the Yb³⁺ ions are completely encapsulated by two nma ligands with uncoordinated perchlorate anion balancing the positive charge. In the case of 2 , the Yb³⁺ ions are ligated by the ligand, oxygen atoms of the nitrate ion, and DMSO. Both complexes exhibit essential NIR luminescence of Yb³⁺ ions.     

(Acetato‐κ2O,O′)dihydroxidoytterbium(III) hemihydrate

The title compound, [Yb(C₂H₃O₂)(OH)₂]·0.5H₂O, was obtained via hydrothermal reaction of Yb(CH₃COO)₃·H₂O with NaOH at 443 K. The compound forms two‐dimensional layers with six crystallographically independent Yb^III atoms. Four of these form YbO₈ coordination polyhedra, while the coordination number of the remaining two Yb^III atoms is 7. Five of these coordination polyhedra are interconnected mainly via hydroxide groups, as they build a narrow inner layer that extends infinitely within the ab plane. The sixth Yb^III atom resides outside this inner layer and builds a terminal YbO₈ coordination polyhedron on the layer surface. Its coordination environment comprises four carboxylate O atoms belonging to three different acetate entities, three hydroxide groups and one water molecule. Adjacent layers experience weak interactions via hydrogen bonds. The Yb—O distances lie in the range 2.232 (4)–2.613 (5) Å.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Polymeric Network Constructed by Tetranuclear [Yb<Subscript>4</Subscript>(μ<Subscript>3</Subscript>-OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>8+</Superscript> Cluster and 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate

Abstract  

A new lanthanide coordination polymer, {[Yb₄(μ ₃ -OH)₄(bpdc)₄(H₂O)₆]}₂·17(H₂O) (1), which contains the tetranuclear lanthanide cluster of cubane-like [Yb₄(μ ₃ -OH)₄]⁸⁺, was obtained by hydrothermal reaction. As building blocks, [Yb₄(μ ₃ -OH)₄]⁸⁺ clusters were further assembled into two-dimensional network structure through the linking of 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate (bpdc) with different four coordination modes. It is unprecedented that the adjacent [Yb₄(μ ₃ -OH)₄]⁸⁺ clusters are in the arraying form of ···AABB···(Yb1–Yb4 unit as A and Yb5–Yb8 unit as B). The thermal stability and magnetic property of compound 1 were investigated further.     

Discrete [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5] Molecules in Pentaaquatriisothiocyanatoytterbium(III) Monohydrate

Single crystals of [Yb(NCS)₃(H₂O)₅] · H₂O were synthesized from a salt‐metathesis reaction between stoichiometric amounts of aqueous solutions of Yb₂(SO₄)₃ · 8H₂O and Ba(NCS)₂ · 3H₂O driven by the precipitation of Ba(SO₄), followed by isothermic evaporation of the filtered‐off solution at room temperature under atmospheric conditions. These crystals of the title compound came as transparent, colorless and hygroscopic needles. According to the X‐ray diffraction structure analysis [Yb(NCS)₃(H₂O)₅] · H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with the lattice parameters a = 845.38(5), b = 719.26(4), c = 1219.65(7) pm, β = 103.852(3)° for Z = 2. The acentric crystal structure contains crystallographically unique Yb³⁺ cations, each surrounded by three thiocyanate anions, all grafting with their nitrogen atoms, and five water molecules forming a neutral [Yb(NCS)₃(H₂O)₅] complex with square antiprismatic shape, completed by a sixth interstitial water molecule. ATR‐FT infrared and single‐crystal Raman spectra of [Yb(NCS)₃(H₂O)₅] · H₂O confirm these findings.     

Formation and Stability of Gaseous WS2Cl2, WS2Br2 and WS2I2 – A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Gaseous WS₂Cl₂ and WS₂Br₂ are formed by the reaction of solid WS₂ with chlorine resp. bromine at temperatures of about 1000 K. This could be shown by mass spectrometric measurements. The heats of formation and entropies of WS₂Cl₂ and WS₂Br₂ have been determined by means of mass spectrometry (MS) and quantum chemical calculations (QC). WS₂I₂ could not be detected by experimental methods. This is in line with the quantum chemically determined equilibrium constant of the formation reaction. The following values are given:, Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = –230.8 kJ · mol^–1 (MS), Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = –235.0 kJ · mol^–1 (QC),, S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Cl₂) = 370.7 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂Cl₂) = 103.78 + 7.07 × 10^–3 T – 0.93 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 3.25 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = –141.9 kJ · mol^–1 (MS), Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = –131.5 kJ · mol^–1 (QC),, S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂Br₂) = 393.9 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂Br₂) = 104.84 + 5.32 × 10^–3 T – 0.75 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 2.45 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). Δ_fH⁰₂₉₈(WS₂I₂) = –18.0 kJ · mol^–1 (QC), S⁰₂₉₈(WS₂I₂) = 409.9 J · K^–1 · mol^–1 (QC) and, c_p⁰_T(WS₂I₂) = 105.17 + 4.77 × 10^–3 T – 0.67 × 10⁵ T^–2 – 2.19 × 10^–6 T² (298.15 K < T < 1000 K) (QC). These molecules have the expected C_2v‐symmetry.     

Analysis of the unimolecular reaction N2O5 + M ⇌ NO2 + NO3 + M

Recent experimental results on the thermal decomposition of N₂O₅ in N₂ are evaluated in terms of unimolecular rate theory. A theoretically consistent set of fall-off curves is constructed which allows to identify experimental errors or misinterpretations. Limiting rate constants k₀ = [N₂] 2.2 × 10^?3 (T/300)^?4.4 exp(?11,080/T) cm³/molec·s over the range of 220–300 K, k_∞ = 9.7 × 10¹⁴ (T/300)^+0.1 exp(?11,080/T) s^?1 over the range of 220–300 K, and broadening factors of the fall-off curve F_cent = exp(-T/250) + exp(?1050/T) over the range of 220–520 K have been derived. NO₂ + NO₃ recombination rate constants over the range of 200–300 K are k_rec,0 = [N₂] 3.7 × 10^?30 (T/300)^?4.1 cm⁶/molec²·s and k_rec,∞ = 1.6 × 10^?12 (T/300)^+0.2 cm³/molec·s.     

Low-Temperature Heat Capacities and Thermodynamic Properties of Octahydrated Barium Dihydroxide,Ba（OH）2·8H2O（s）

Low-temperature heat capacities of octahydrated barium dihydroxide, Ba（OH）2·8H2O（s）, were measured by a precision automated adiabatic calorimeter in the temperature range from T=78 to 370 K. An obvious endothermic process took place in the temperature range of 345-356 K. The peak in the heat capacity curve was correspondent to the sum of both the fusion and the first thermal decomposition or dehydration. The experimental molar heat capacifies in the temperature ranges of 78-345 K and 356-369 K were fitted to two polynomials. The peak temperature, molar enthalpy and entropy of the phase change have been determined to be （355.007±0.076） K, （73.506±0.011） kJ·ol^-1 and （207.140±0.074） J·K^-1·mol^-1, respectively, by three series of repeated heat capacity measurements in the temperature region of 298-370 K. The thermodynamic functions, （Hr-H298.15 k ）and （Sr-S298.15k）, of the compound have been calculated by the numerical integral of the two heat-eapacity polynomials. In addition, DSC and TG-DTG techniques were used for the further study of thermal behavior of the compound. The latent heat of the phase change became into a value larger than that of the normal compound because the melfing process of the compound must be accompanied by the thermal decomposition or dehydration of 71-120.     

Yb2+3—xPd12—3+xP7 (x = 0.40): Different Ytterbium Species in a Substituted Structural Motif of the Zr2Fe12P7 Type

The new compound Yb_2+3—xPd_12—3+xP₇ x = 0.40(4)) was synthesized by sintering of a mixture of elemental components at 1100 °C with subsequent annealing at 800 °C. The crystal structure of Yb_2+3—xPd_12—3+xP₇ was solved and refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data: space group P6¯, a = 10.0094(4)Å, c = 3.9543(2)Å, Z = 1; R(F) = 0.022 for 814 observed unique reflections and 38 refined parameters. The atomic arrangement reproduces a structure motif of the hexagonal Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type in which one of the transition metal positions is substituted predominantly by ytterbium (Yb : Pd = 0.86(1) : 0.14). The ytterbium atoms are embedded in the 3D polyanion formed by palladium and phosphorus atoms. Two different environments for ytterbium atoms are present in the structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and XAS spectroscopy at the Yb L_III edge show the presence of ytterbium in two electronic configurations, 4?¹³ and 4?¹⁴. The following model was derived. Ytterbium atoms in the 3k site are in the 4?¹³ state, the two remaining positions contain ytterbium in intermediate‐valence states, giving totally 79 % ytterbium in the 4?¹³ electronic configuration.     

Magnetic Investigations and 151Eu Mössbauer Spectroscopy of MYbSi4N7 with M = Sr,Ba, Eu

The isotypic nitridosilicates MYb[Si₄N₇] (M = Sr, Ba, Eu) were obtained by the reaction of the respective metals with Si(NH)₂ in a radiofrequency furnace below 1600 °C. On the basis of powder diffraction data of MYb[Si₄N₇] Rietveld refinements of the lattice constants were performed; these confirmed the previously published single‐crystal data. The compounds contain a condensed network of corner‐sharing [N(SiN₃)₄] units. The central nitrogen thus exhibits ammonium character. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of MYb[Si₄N₇] (M = Sr, Ba, Eu) show paramagnetic behavior with experimental magnetic moments of 3.03(2), (Sr), 2.73(2) (Ba), and 9.17(2) (Eu) μ_B per formula unit. In EuYbSi₄N₇ the europium and ytterbium atoms are in stable divalent and trivalent states, respectively. According to the non‐magnetic character of the alkaline earth cations, ytterbium has to be in an intermediate valence state Yb^III‐x in the strontium and barium compound. Consequently, either a partial exchange N^3—/O^2— resulting in compositions MYb^III‐x[Si₄N_7—xO_x] or an introduction of anion defects according to MYb^III‐x[Si₄N_7—x/3□_x/3] has to be assumed. The phase width 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 was estimated according to the magnetic measurements. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectra of EuYb[Si₄N₇] at 78 K show a single signal at an isomer shift of δ = —12.83(3) mm s^—1 subject to quadrupole splitting of ΔE_Q = 5.7(8) mm s^—1, compatible with purely divalent europium.     

Synthesis,Structure and Magnetic Properties of Two Cobalt(II) Dicyanamide (dca) Complexes with Heterocyclic Nitrogen Donors Tetra(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) and 2,4,6‐Tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tptz): [Co2(tppz)(dca)4]·CH3CN and [Co(tptz)(dca)(H2O)](dca)

Two new transition metal dicyanamide complexes [Co₂(tppz)(dca)₄]·CH₃CN ( 1 ) [tppz=tetra(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine, dca=dicyanamide] and [Co(tptz)(dca)(H₂O)](dca) ( 2 ) [tptz=2,4,6‐tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine] were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In 1 each cobalt(II) atom is coordinated to three dca anions and one tppz molecule to form a distorted octahedral geometry, the neigbour two cobalt(II) atoms are bridged by one tppz ligand to form a dimer, then the cobalt(II) atoms in each dimer are joined together to form a ladder chain structure. In 2 the coordination geometry around the central metal is also distorted octahedral, each cobalt(II) atom is coordinated by two dca anions, one tptz molecule and one water ligand to form a cationic part, and the cationic part is linked with the free dca anions via the electrostatic attraction to give an infinite chain structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurement in the range of 2–300 K indicates that there are antiferromagnetic couplings between adjacent metal ions in 1 (T>29 K, (=?9.78 K, C=4.92 cm³·K·mol^?1) and ferromagnetic couplings in 2 (T>150 K, (=7.97 K, C=2.59 cm³·K·mol^?1) respectively.     

Zur Kenntnis der inversen Perowskite M3TO (M = Ca,Sr, Yb; T = Si,Ge, Sn,Pb)

On the Inverse Perovskites M₃TO (M = Ca, Sr, Yb; T = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) Ca₃SiO and seven further inverse perovskites M₃TO (M = Ca, Sr, Yb; T = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) were prepared in iron crucibles under argon by the reactions 6 M + TO₂ + T = 2 M₃TO, and 3 M+ TO = M₃TO for Yb₃PbO, respectively, at temperatures between 1123 to 1173 K. The crystal structures of all compounds were solved and refined using X—ray powder diffraction methods. Ca₃SiO, Ca₃GeO, Sr₃SiO, Sr₃GeO, Yb₃SiO and Yb₃GeO are orthorhombic perovskites (anti—GdFeO₃—type, space group Pbnm, No. 62, Z = 4). They show slightly distorted corner—sharing OM₆ octahedra that are tilted with respect to their positions in the ideal perovskite structure. The effective radii of the T^4— vary significantly with M²⁺. Thus, these perovskites can no longer be discussed in terms of the hard—sphere model, and Goldschmidt's tolerance factor does not apply. The ideal cubic representatives Yb₃SnO and Yb₃PbO were refined in space group Pm3¯m (anti—SrTiO₃ type, Z = 1).     

Synthesis and Properties of [Ba(CHZ)(BT)(H2O)2]n as a New Energetic Coordination Compound

In order to enhance the thermal stability of the barium salt of 5,5′‐bistetrazole (H₂BT), carbohydrazide (CHZ) was used to build [Ba(CHZ)(BT)(H₂O)₂]_n as a new energetic coordination compound by using a simple aqueous solution method. It was characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic P2₁/c space group [a = 8.6827(18) Å, b = 17.945(4) Å, c = 7.2525 Å, β = 94.395(2)°, V = 1126.7(4) ų, and ρ = 2.356 g · cm^–3]. The Ba^II cation is ten‐coordinated with one BT^2–, two shared carbohydrazides, and four shared water molecules. The thermal stabilities were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravity analysis (TGA). The dehyration temperature (T_dehydro) is at 187 °C, whereas the decomposition temperature (T_d) is 432 °C. Non‐isothermal reaction kinetics parameters were calculated by Kissinger's method and Ozawa's method to work out E_K = 155.2 kJ · mol^–1, lgA_K = 9.25, and E_O = 158.8 kJ · mol^–1. The values of thermodynamic parameters, the peak temperature (while β → 0) (T_p0 = 674.85 K), the critical temperature of thermal explosion (T_b = 700.5 K), the free energy of activation (ΔG^≠ = 194.6 kJ · mol^–1), the entropy of activation (ΔS^≠ = –66.7 J · mol^–1), and the enthalpy of activation (ΔH^≠ = 149.6 kJ · mol^–1) were obtained. Additionally, the enthalpy of formation was calculated with density functional theory (DFT), obtaining Δ_fH°₂₉₈ ≈ 1962.6 kJ · mol^–1. Finally, the sensitivities toward impact and friction were assessed according to relevant methods. The result indicates the compound as an insensitive energetic material.     

New chain polymer [Yb(tpa)(H2O)2Co(CN)6]n · 7n H2O: synthesis,structure, and magnetic characteristics

The 3d– 4f heterometallic polymeric complex, namely [Yb(tpa)(H₂O)₂Co(CN)₆]_n·7n H₂O [tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)- amine], was synthesized and characterized. Its polymer structure is formed of [Yb(tpa)(H₂O)₂Co(CN)₆] chains and crystallization water molecules with a two-capped trigonal prism Yb³⁺ coordination polyhedron; the Yb³⁺ coordination number is 8, and the coordination site is YbN₆O₂. Magnetic characteristics indicate that the complex exhibits the properties of a single-chain magnet with a magnetization reversal barrier(!E/k_B) of 42 K.     

Synthesis,spectra, crystal structure and thermal properties of a polymeric 1-D cobalt(II) cyanato complex with hexamethylenetetramine

A new cobalt(II) cyanato complex, [Co(NCO)₂(H₂O)₂(hmt)] (I) where hmt is hexamethylenetetramine, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The electronic spectra of the solid compound suggest octahedral cobalt and IR spectra revealed monodentate N-cyanato groups and aqua ligands, while hmt is a bridging N, N′-bidentate leading to a 1-D infinite polymeric chain. The structure has been confirmed from single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for I : Fw 319.20, a = 9.234(2), b = 11.252(2), c = 12.576(3) Å, β = 107.75(3)°, V = 1244.5(4) ų, Z = 4, T = 100 K. Crystal system : monoclinic, space group : C2/c. Hydrogen bonds of the type O–H ··· O and O–H ··· N between aqua molecules and O atom of the terminal N-cyanato groups or an N atom of hmt ligands consolidate and extend the structure to a 3-D network. The thermal properties of I are reported.     

A ladder-like 4d–4f complex constructed from edge-sharing rhombus and square of Mo2Yb2 based on [Mo(CN)8]4? and Yb3+ ions as building Blocks

A novel 4d-4f complex, {Cs[Yb(MeOH)₃(DMF)(H₂O)Mo(CN)₈] · H₂O} _n (1) (DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The complex 1 is a one-dimensional (1D) infinite chain, which adopts a 1D ladder-like structure motif assembled from an edge-sharing rhombus and square of Mo₂Yb₂ based on the [Mo(CN)₈]⁴⁻ and Yb³⁺ as building blocks. The complex 1 crystallizes in triclinic, space group P1 with a = 9.841(2) b = 10.226(2) ?, c = 13.404(3) ?, α = 82.02(3)°, β = 86.86(3)°, γ = 65.10(3)°, V = 1211.7(4) ?³ and Z = 2.     

The Binary Silicides Eu5Si3 and Yb3Si5 – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Chemical Bonding

The binary silicides Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ were prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes and their crystal structures were determined from single crystal X-ray data: I4/mcm, a = 791.88(7) pm, c = 1532.2(2) pm, Z = 4, wR2 = 0.0545, 600 F² values, 16 variables for Eu₅Si₃ (Cr₅B₃-type) and P62m, a = 650.8(2) pm, c = 409.2(1) pm, Z = 1, wR2 = 0.0427, 375 F² values, 12 variables for Yb₃Si₅ (Th₃Pd₅ type). The new silicide Eu₅Si₃ contains isolated silicon atoms and silicon pairs with a Si–Si distance of 242.4 pm. This silicide may be described as a Zintl phase with the formula [5 Eu²⁺]¹⁰⁺[Si]^4–[Si₂]^6–. The silicon atoms in Yb₃Si₅ form a two-dimensional planar network with two-connected and three-connected silicon atoms. According to the Zintl-Klemm concept the formula of homogeneous mixed-valent Yb₃Si₅ may to a first approximation be written as [3 Yb]⁸⁺[2 Si^–]^2–[3 Si^2–]^6–. Magnetic susceptibility investigations of Eu₅Si₃ show Curie-Weiss behaviour above 100 K with a magnetic moment of 7.85(5) μ_B which is close to the free ion value of 7.94 μ_B for Eu²⁺. Chemical bonding in Eu₅Si₃ and Yb₃Si₅ was investigated by semi-empirical band structure calculations using an extended Hückel hamiltonian. The strongest bonding interactions are found for the Si–Si contacts followed by Eu–Si and Yb–Si, respectively. The main bonding characteristics in Eu₅Si₃ are antibonding Si1₂-π* and bonding Eu–Si1 states at the Fermi level. The same holds true for the silicon polyanion in Yb₃Si₅.     

Self‐Assembly,Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Studies of Nickel(II)‐4,8‐Diazaundecanediamide Complex

The self‐assembly of NiCl₂·6H₂O with a diaminodiamide ligand 4,8‐diazaundecanediamide (L‐2,3,2) gave a [Ni(C₉H₂₀N₄O₂)(Cl)(H₂O)] Cl·2H₂O ( 1 ). The structure of 1 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Structural data for 1 indicate that the Ni(II) is coordinated to two tertiary N atoms, two O atoms, one water and one chloride in a distorted octahedral geometry. Crystal data for 1: orthorhombic, space group P 21nb, a = 9.5796(3) Å, b = 12.3463(4) Å, c = 14.6305(5) Å, Z = 4. Through NH···Cl–Ni (H···Cl 2.42 Å, N···Cl 3.24 Å, NH···Cl 158°) and OH···Cl–Ni contacts (H···Cl 2.36 Å, O···Cl 3.08 Å, OH···Cl 143°), each cationic moiety [Ni(C₉H₂₀N₄O₂) (Cl)(H₂O)]⁺ in 1 is linked to neighboring ones, producing a charged hydrogen‐bonded 1D chainlike structure. Thermogrametric analysis of compound 1 is consistent with the crystallographic observations. The electronic absorption spectrum of Ni(L‐2,3,2)²⁺ in aqueous solution shows four absorption bands, which are assigned to the ³A_2g → ³T_2g, ³T_2g → ¹Eg, ³T_2g → ³T_1g, and ³A_2g → ³T_1g transitions of triplet‐ground state, distorted octahedral nickel(II) complex. The cyclic volammetric measurement shows that Ni²⁺ is more easily reduced than Ni(L‐2,3,2)²⁺ in aqueous solution.     

Dehydration of Magnesium Bromide Hexahydrate Studied by in situ X‐ray Powder Diffraction

Laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data were used to investigate the dehydration process of magnesium bromide hexahydrate in the temperature range 300 K ≤ T ≤ 420 K. By heating of the as synthesized hexahydrate (MgBr₂ · 6H₂O, observed in the temperature range 300 K ≤ T ≤ 349 K), three lower hydrates can be obtained in overlapped temperature regions: MgBr₂ · 4H₂O (332 K ≤ T ≤ 367 K), MgBr₂ · 2H₂O (361 K ≤ T ≤ 380 K) and MgBr₂ · H₂O (375 K ≤ T ≤ 390 K). Although the crystal structure of the hexahydrate was published almost eighty years ago, there are no data on the structures of the lower hydrates. The crystal structures are reported and are found to be isotypical with the structures of the respective chlorides. The structure of MgBr₂ · 6H₂O is characterized by discrete Mg(H₂O)₆ octahedra and is the only hydrate of this group that contains unbonded Br^– anions. MgBr₂ · 4H₂O is composed of discrete MgBr₂(H₂O)₄ octahedra, and the structure was found to be disordered. The crystal structure of MgBr₂ · 2H₂O is formed by single chains of edge‐sharing MgBr₄(H₂O)₂ octahedra, while in the case of MgBr₂ · H₂O double chains of edge‐shared MgBr₅H₂O are formed. By increasing the temperature, as expected, positive thermal expansion was evidenced. Thermal expansion coefficients, based on the changes of the unit cell parameters, were derived for the following hydrates: MgBr₂ · 6H₂O, MgBr₂ · 4H₂O, and MgBr₂ · 2H₂O.     

Novel Derivatives of the CaIn2 Type of Structure: Yb1+xMg1—xGa4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa4

The compounds Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.058) and YLiGa₄ were synthesized by direct reaction of the elements in sealed niobium crucibles. The atomic arrangement of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) represents a new structure type (space group P6¯m2, a = 4.3979(3)Å and c = 6.9671(7)Å) as evidenced by single crystal structure analysis and can be described as an ordered variant of CaIn₂. YLiGa₄ is isotypic to the ytterbium compound according to X‐ray Guinier powder data (a = 4.3168(1)Å and c = 6.8716(2)Å). Measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of both compounds reveal intrinsic diamagnetic behaviour, i.e., ytterbium in the 4f¹⁴ configuration for Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0). From electrical resistivity data both compounds can be classified as metals. The compressibility of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) as measured in diamond anvil cells by angle‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction is compatible with a valence change of the ytterbium atoms at high‐pressures and indicates a slight anisotropy which is in accordance with the structural organisation of the gallium network. X‐ray absorption spectra of the Yb L_III edge of Yb_1+xMg_1—xGa₄ (x = 0.058) at pressures up to 25.0 GPa show a two‐peak structure which reveals the presence of Yb in the 4f¹⁴ and 4f¹³ states. The amount of ytterbium in the 4f¹³ state increases in two steps with progressing compression. The bonding analysis by means of the electron localization function reveals the Zintl‐like character of both compounds and confirms the 4f¹⁴ state for the majority of ytterbium atoms.     

Kinetic study of the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with ethane and propane

Absolute rate coefficients for the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with ethane (k₁, 297–300 K) and propane (k₂, 297–690 K) were measured using the flash photolysis–resonance fluorescence technique. The rate coefficient data were fit by the following temperature-dependent expressions, in units of cm³/molecule·s: k₁(T) = 1.43 × 10^?14T^1.05 exp (?911/T) and k₂(T) = 1.59 × 10^?15T^1.40 exp (-428/T). Semiquantitative separation of OH-propane reactivity into primary and secondary H-atom abstraction channels was obtained.