Proton Ordering in Cubic Ice. I. Combinatorial Optimization of the Structure

The model of strong and weak H-bonds suggested previously for hexagonal ice is used to study the structure of the ground energy state of the proton subsystem of cubic ice. Combinatorial optimization of the structure showed that the configurations containing only strong bonds may be of two types. The first type includes one-dimensionally disordered structures consisting of crystal-ordered layers; the second is characterized by stepwise ordering of twin type.     

Polysynthetic Twinning in RbIn3S5

The real structure of the new ternary compound RbIn₃S₅ is characterized by polysynthetic twinning of nanosized domains separated by coherent twin boundaries. Based on electron microscopy, a model of the structure at the twin interface is derived which allows a convincing simulation of experimental images. The details of twinning are described in a unified model. As a rule, a disordered arrangement of twin lamellas with a random distribution of their widths is observed with ordering of twin boundaries only in nanosized regions of the crystallites. For a minimal distance of the twin boundaries (back-to-back twinning) the close relationship between twinning and shearing is discussed. The distinction of these two cases is only possible by close inspection of the atomic structure at the boundaries. Twinning is not the only crystal defect in the structure of RbIn₃S₅. Variations in the connection of the characteristic structural units occur which lead to the formation of different real structures.     

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers. I. Cholesterol-containing polymers and copolymers

An approach to the creation of thermotropic cholesterol-containing liquid crystalline polymers by the chemical binding of cholesterol molecules with side chains of comblike polymers is presented. This type of structure permits a decrease in the steric hindrances provided by the backbone chains for the purpose of realizing the liquid crystalline state. A number of new cholesteric esters of poly(N-methacryloyl-ω-aminocarbonic acid)s (PChMAA-n) with different side-chain lengths (n = 2–11) as well as a series of copolymers of ChMA-n with n-alkylacrylates and n-alkylmethacrylates have been synthesized. The experimental evidence of liquid crystalline structure formation in these polymers in glass, viscoelastic, and fluid states is discussed. Molecular and supermolecular structures of cholesterol-containing comblike polymers have been studied and the model of macromolecular packing in the liquid crystalline state is proposed. It is shown that the existence of a layered order of side methylene groups together with ordering of cholesterol groups is necessary to the production of the liquid crystalline state in these polymers.     

Magnetic structure and orbital ordering in tetragonal and monoclinic KCrF(3) from first-principles calculations

KCrF(3) has been systematically investigated by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital method within the generalized gradient approximation and the local spin density approximation plus the on-site Coulomb repulsion approach. The total energies for ferromagnetic and three different antiferromagnetic configurations are calculated in the high-temperature tetragonal and low-temperature monoclinic phases, respectively. It reveals that the ground state is the A-type antiferromagnetic in both phases. Furthermore, the ground states of the two phases are found to be Mott-Hubbard insulators with the G-type orbital ordering pattern. In addition, our calculations show the staggered orbital ordering of the 3d(x(2) ) and 3d(y(2) ) orbitals for the tetragonal phase and the 3d(z(2) ) and 3d(x(2) ) orbitals for the monoclinic phase, which is in agreement with the available data. More importantly, the relationship between magnetic structure and orbital ordering as well as the origin of the orbital ordering are analyzed in detail.     

The Twin-Excited State as a Probe for the Transition State in Concerted Unimolecular Reactions: The Semibullvalene Rearrangement

A twin of the transition state , which can be investigated spectroscopically and can thus supply information about the structure of the transition state, has now been characterized for the Cope rearrangement of semibullvalene (shown below). It involves an excited state with B₂ symmetry and results from a linear combination of the ground-state wave functions of (mirror-image) reactant and product.     

Photoreactivity and emission properties of liquid-crystalline twin dimers containing cinnamic acid moieties at both ends of ethylene glycol spacers. II. Emission properties

Emission properties of liquid-crystalline twin dimers containing 4-methoxy-cinnamic acid moieties at both ends of various ethylene glycol derivatives (nEGMC), where n denotes the number of the ethylene glycol units in the spacers, have been explored by steady-state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in relation to the morphology of the system. Characteristic emissions were observed in the twin dimers, particularly in 2EGMC and 5EGMC, which were ascribed to excimer emission, and the energy gap between the locally excited state (monomer emission) and the excimer state and could be correlated to the difference in the spatial orientation of the mesogenic 4-methoxycinnamate groups adopted in nEGMC in the ground state. The picosecond time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy revealed no observed rise in the excimer emission in any sample at any temperature, indicating that the excimer is most probably formed by direct excitation of the pair wise arrangement of the 4-methoxycinnamate moieties in the ground state; thus, the excimer formation behaviour reflects well the ground state morphology of the twin dimers.     

The S1 ← S0 0–0 transition energies of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) revisited: CIS(D) and MP2 calculations with correction for correlation energies

This paper reexamines the structures and energies of dibenzofuran and twenty PCDFs in S₁–S₃ states. It was demonstrated that, although the CIS method gives a false relative ordering of excited states, the false ordering can be remedied by the CIS(D) method. Moreover the CIS geometries of typical PCDF molecules reasonably agree with their SAC-CI geometries. It was found that molecules chlorinated at the 1- and 9-positions are twisted in the S₂ state but are planar in other states, except for 1,4,6,9-TeCDF and fully chlorinated dibenzofuran (OCDF). The twisted structure of 1,4,6,9-TeCDF occurs in the S₃ state, but the structure of OCDF is twisted in every state. We partitioned the molecule into the parent structure and four chlorine groups and measured the twist energy with reference to the ground state. Then, the S_i ← S₀ 0–0 transition energies (i = 1, 2) calculated using the CIS(D) and MP2 methods could be expressed as a multiple linear equation with components and twist energy. It was further confirmed that if the multiple linear equation is corrected for residual correlation energies of the parent structure, it can predict the S₁ ← S₀ 0–0 transition energies with high precision.     

Relaxation of a liquid-crystalline order induced by an electric field

The influence of a strong electric field on isotropic melts of 6-cyanobiphenyl and comb-shaped polyacrylate with mesogenic groups in its side chains is investigated. It is established that the electric field induces the isotropic liquid-nematic liquid crystal phase transition in melts of these compounds. A relaxation process was discovered that destroys the nematic ordering induced in substances by electric fields. It was established that, for polymer liquid crystals, the time of transition from the ordered state to the isotropic phase is several orders longer then that for low-molecular liquid crystal.     

Calculating the free energy of self-assembled structures by thermodynamic integration

We discuss a method for calculating free energy differences between disordered and ordered phases of self-assembling systems utilizing computer simulations. Applying an external, ordering field, we impose a predefined structure onto the fluid in the disordered phase. The structure in the presence of the external, ordering field closely mimics the structure of the ordered phase (in the absence of an ordering field). Self-consistent field theory or density functional theory provides an accurate estimate for choosing the strength of the ordering field. Subsequently, we gradually switch off the external, ordering field and, in turn, increase the control parameter that drives the self-assembly. The free energy difference along this reversible path connecting the disordered and the ordered state is obtained via thermodynamic integration or expanded ensemble simulation techniques. Utilizing Single-Chain-in-Mean-Field simulations of a symmetric diblock copolymer melt we illustrate the method and calculate the free energy difference between the disordered phase and the lamellar structure at an intermediate incompatibility chiN=20. Evidence for the first-order character of the order-disorder transition at fixed volume is presented. The transition is located at chi(ODT)N=13.65+/-0.10 for an invariant degree of polymerization of N=14 884. The magnitude of the shift of the transition from the mean field prediction qualitatively agrees with other simulations.     

Nonstoichiometric compounds: A critique of current structural views

The current status of experimental knowledge and theoretical views about nonstoichiometric compounds and heteroionic solid solutions is briefly surveyed, particularly in relation to structural aspects. It is emphasised that there is a little understood transition from the state adequately described by point defect theory, valid for very small deviations from ideal stoichiometry, to the highly organised local structure of crystals with a high formal concentration of defects. The role of short range ordering effects, of microdomains of modified, ordered structure and of defect clusters in different systems is considered. Orderdisorder transformations undergone by nonstoichiometric phases at high temperatures present a special problem. The high temperature phases have very high formal defect concentrations, and the site correlation coefficients found experimentally differ but little from those predicted for completely random structures, although the high defect concentrations imply that all the factors promoting short range ordering must be strong. Theoretical developments are considered. Treatments of pair interaction effects, and calculations of the energetics of defect interaction and the reconstructive formation of defect clusters hold some promise for theoretical development.     

Crystallographic analysis of atomic structures in the study of crystallization mechanisms

By means of the mechanical-wave concept of crystal state and the crystallographic analysis the universal regularities of the crystal structure formation are determined: presudotranslational ordering of atoms within unit cells; separate ordering of different groups of atoms with the alignment of their sublattice parameters; the principle of coherent assembly a structure from stable building blocks with the local geometry and block symmetry spread on the structure formed, and so on. The crystallization mechanism is illustrated by specific structures.     

Magnetostructural relationship in the spin-crossover complex t-{Fe(abpt)2[N(CN)2]2}: polymorphism and disorder phenomenon

t-{Fe(abpt)(2)[N(CN)(2)](2)} [abpt = 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole] is an intriguing spin-crossover system that crystallizes in two polymorphs. Polymorph A is paramagnetic; its crystal structure consists of a single molecule located at the center of inversion symmetry. Polymorph B, on the other hand, exhibits a rather complicated two-step-like spin transition; its crystal structure consists of two symmetry-independent molecules. The crystal structure of polymorph B has been derived in the different spin states: above the high-temperature step (300 K), between the two steps (90 K), below the incomplete low-temperature step (50 K), in the light-induced metastable state (15 K), in the thermally quenched metastable state (15 K), and after relaxation from the quenched state (15 K). The correlation between the structure and magnetic properties is precisely established, allowing the complicated magnetic behavior of polymorph B to be well understood. A unique order-disorder phase transition, resulting in a modulation of the metastable state structures, is detected for the first time on such spin-transition compounds. The modulation of the structure originates from a particular ordering of the dicyanamide ligand at one of the two Fe sites.     

10.1007/s10973-006-8228-4

The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy HRTEM study of the atomic scale mechanism of crystal structure organization within the amorphous polymeric structure of the model multicomponent glass TiO₂–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂– in the glass transformation temperature range has been undertaken. In the glass transition (T _g) temperature range, glass transforms from the solid of rigid amorphous structure into viscoelastic state of weakened chemical bonds. This is an example of nuclei formation and crystal growth in the polymeric amorphous structure of low atomic scale homogeneity due to middle range ordering. It has been demonstrated that in this case crystal structure formation proceeds by successive displacement and local ordering of atoms in the amorphous structure, like disorder-order transformation in crystalline solid bodies. As the consequence in the crystallization by parent structure reorganization mechanism, traditional model of glass crystallization as well as kinetic models of reactions in solid bodies according Avrami or others, are worthy to be revised.     

Ferrielectric and antiferroelectric chiral twin liquid crystals showing a stable chiral nematic phase

A homologous series of chiral twin liquid crystals possessing identical chiral moieties at both peripheral ends, i.e. optically active α,ω -bis{4-[(4′-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)-4-biphenylyl)oxycarbony]phenoxy}alkanes, has been prepared and their liquid crystalline properties investigated. The homologues preferred to show the ferrielectric and/or antiferroelectric phase rather than the ferroelectric phase. With ascending central spacer length, the temperature range of the ferrielectric phase became narrow and eventually disappeared for the dodecyl homologue, suggesting that the coupling in motion and/or direction between two mesogenic parts of each twin molecule has an important effect on the stabilization of the ferrielectric phase. The octyl and dodecyl homologues showed a wide temperature range chiral nematic phase (ca. 10°C or more), so that these compounds were found to be the first examples showing antiferroelectric and/or ferrielectric phases with a broad temperature range of the chiral nematic phase. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the homologues tend to form a mono-layered structure. The formation of a relatively well defined layered structure was also indicated, which is considered to be important for generating anticlinic ordering in the antiferroelectric and ferrielectric phases. An isotropic-isotropic transition characterized by the emergence of a broad diffuse DSC peak was observed for the even-membered homologues.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of the new one-dimensional manganate Cs3Mn2O4

Cs(3)Mn(2)O(4), a new member of the small family of ternary manganese (II/III) mixed-valent compounds, has been synthesized via the azide/nitrate route and studied using powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements and density functional theory (DFT). Its crystal structure (P2(1)/c, Z = 8, a = 1276.33(1) pm, b = 1082.31(2) pm, c = 1280.29(2) pm, β = 118.390(2)°) is based on one-dimensional MnO(2)(1.5-) chains built up from edge-sharing MnO(4) tetrahedra. The title compound is the first example of an intrinsically doped transition metalate of the series A(x)MnO(2), (A = alkali metal) where a complete 1:1 charge ordering of Mn(2+) and Mn(3+) is observed along the chains (-Mn(2+)-Mn(3+)-Mn(2+)-Mn(3+)-). From the magnetic point of view it basically consists of ferrimagnetic MnO(2) chains, where the Mn(2+) and Mn(3+) ions are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled up to high temperatures. Very interestingly, their long-range three-dimensional ordering below the Néel temperature (T(N)) ~12 K give rise to conspicuous field dependent magnetic ordering phenomena, for which we propose a consistent picture based on the change from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic coupling between the chains. Electronic structure calculations confirm the antiferromagnetic ordering as the ground state for Cs(3)Mn(2)O(4) and ferrimagnetic ordering as its nearly degenerate state.     

Special features of ion association in concentrated LiCl aqueous solutions at various temperature

The influence of high (up to 623 K) and low (up to 138 K) temperatures on ion association in 18.5–3.7 molar aqueous LiCl solutions was studied. It was found that the ion association in concentrated and highly concentrated solutions takes different directions as temperature increases (298–623). The interrelation between thermal structure changes and types of interparticle interactions was considered. The concentration region of the appearance of melt-like state of the systems under study was found (9.25–13.88 mol kg^?1). Under the vitrification conditions (143–138 K) in 11.1 molal solution hydrate-separated ion pairs are the main structure units. It is probable that an ordering at medium distances typical for water-electrolyte glasses is formed on the basis of this units in the temperature range of 174–138 K.     

Investigation of an Unusual Crystal Habit of Hydrochlorothiazide Reveals Large Polar Enantiopure Domains and a Possible Crystal Nucleation Mechanism

The observation of an unusual crystal habit in the common diuretic drug hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), and identification of its subtle conformational chirality, has stimulated a detailed investigation of its crystalline forms. Enantiomeric conformers of HCT resolve into an unusual structure of conjoined enantiomorphic twin crystals comprising enantiopure domains of opposite chirality. The purity of the domains and the chiral molecular conformation are confirmed by spatially revolved synchrotron micro‐XRD experiments and neutron diffraction, respectively. Macroscopic inversion twin symmetry observed between the crystal wings suggests a pseudoracemic structure that is not a solid solution or a layered crystal structure, but an unusual structural variant of conglomerates and racemic twins. Computed interaction energies for molecular pairs in the racemic and enantiopure polymorphs of HCT, and the observation of large opposing unit‐cell dipole moments for the enantiopure domains in these twin crystals, suggest a plausible crystal nucleation mechanism for this unusual crystal habit.     

An X-ray diffraction study of aqueous solutions of lutetium trichloride

The X-ray diffraction analysis is used to study aqueous solutions of lutetium chloride in a wide concentration range under standard conditions. Small angle peaks on the functions of the X-ray scattering intensity and the maxima of radial distribution functions of the atomic-electron density are interpreted. It is found that highly concentrated solutions are characterized by a unique quasi-crystalline structure distinguished by short- and long-range ordering. Dilution of solutions results in that the own structure of the solvent starts to play the major role in the structure of the systems. It is established for the first time that small angle peaks on the scattering intensity functions are also manifested for diluted solutions, which indicates that long-range ordering is preserved in them.     

Specific features of liquid-crystalline comb-like polymers with mesogenic groups

The results of structural investigation of the new type of the liquid-crystalline thermotropic methacrylic polymers are discussed. These polymers contain mesogenic groups as models for cholesteric, nematic and smectic types of low-molecular liquid crystals. The groups are attached to the backbone through methylene bridges of various lengths. The polymers of the first group have amorphous structure; the polymers of the second group are characterized by liquid crystalline structure and those of the third group can exist in both crystalline and liquid-crystalline states, manifesting properties of enantiotropic liquid crystals. The temperatures and heats of phase transitions have been determined. It is shown that the ability to realize the liquid-crystalline state of comb-like polymers with mesogenic groups depends on and is determined by the proceess of ordering of these groups.