Probing the electronic structure of early transition-metal oxide clusters: polyhedral cages of (V2O5)n(-) (n = 2-4) and (M2O5(2)(-) (M = Nb, Ta)

Vanadium oxide clusters, (V2O5)n, have been predicted to possess interesting polyhedral cage structures, which may serve as ideal molecular models for oxide surfaces and catalysts. Here we examine the electronic properties of these oxide clusters via anion photoelectron spectroscopy for (V2O5)n(-) (n = 2-4), as well as for the 4d/5d species, Nb4O10(-) and Ta4O10(-). Well-resolved photoelectron spectra have been obtained at 193 and 157 nm and used to compare with density functional calculations. Very high electron affinities and large HOMO-LUMO gaps are observed for all the (V2O5)n clusters. The HOMO-LUMO gaps of (V2O5)n, all exceeding that of the band gap of the bulk oxide, are found to increase with cluster size from n = 2-4. For the M4O10 clusters, we find that the Nb/Ta species yield similar spectra, both possessing lower electron affinities and larger HOMO-LUMO gaps relative to V4O10. The structures of the anionic and neutral clusters are optimized; the calculated electron binding energies and excitation spectra for the global minimum cage structures are in good agreement with the experiment. Evidence is also observed for the predicted trend of electron delocalization versus localization in the (V2O5)n(-) clusters. Further insights are provided pertaining to the potential chemical reactivities of the oxide clusters and properties of the bulk oxides.     

New class of ruthenium sulfide clusters: Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4), Ru(5)S(6)(PPh(3))(5), and Ru(6)S(8)(PPh(3))(6)

Reaction of RuCl(2)(PPh(3))(3) with S(2)(-) sources yields a family of phosphine-containing Ru-S clusters which have been characterized crystallographically and by MALDI-MS. Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4) (Ru-Ru(av) = 2.94 A) has idealized T(d)() symmetry whereas Ru(6)S(8)(PPh(3))(6) (Ru-Ru(av) = 2.82 A) adopts the idealized O(h)() symmetry characteristic of Chevrel clusters. Ru(5)S(6)(PPh(3))(5) is formally derived by the addition of Ru(PPh(3)) to one face of Ru(4)S(6)(PPh(3))(4). In terms of its M-S connectivity, the Ru(5)S(6) cluster resembles a fragment of the FeMo cluster in nitrogenase.     

Ni(3)(Mo(2)O(8))(XO(3)) (X = Se, Te): the first nickel selenite- and tellurite-containing Mo4 clusters

Two new nickel(II) molybdenum(VI) selenium(IV) and tellurium(IV) oxides generally formulated as Ni3(Mo2O8)(XO3) (X = Se, Te) have been synthesized by solid-state reactions of NiO, MoO3, and SeO2 (or TeO2). Both compounds feature 3D network structures built of [Mo4O16]8- tetranuclear cluster units and 2D nickel(II) selenite or tellurite layers. The nickel(II) selenite layer in Ni3(Mo2O8)(SeO3) is formed by [Ni6O22]32- hexanuclear clusters interconnected by selenite groups whereas the thick nickel(II) tellurite layer in Ni3(Mo2O8)(TeO3) is constructed by corrugated nickel(II) oxide chains bridged by the tellurite groups. The results of magnetic property measurements indicate that there are considerable ferromagnetic interactions between nickel(II) centers in both compounds. Their optical properties and band structures have been also studied.     

A combined stopped-flow, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and (31)P NMR study on the acetic acid-mediated fragmentation of the hydroxo-chalcogenide cluster [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) to yield the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) complex

The reaction of the incomplete-cuboidal [W(3)Se(4)(OH)(3)(dmpe)(3)](+) ([1](+)) cluster with acetic acid in acetonitrile solution leads to cluster fragmentation with formation of the dinuclear [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. The X-ray structure of [2]PF(6) presents two equivalent metal centres bridged by one acetate ligand. Each W atom is additionally coordinated by one terminal selenium atom, two bridging selenido and two diphosphane phosphorus atoms in an essentially octahedral environment. Stopped-flow and conventional UV-vis studies indicate that fragmentation of [1](+) into [2](+) occurs through a complex mechanism. Three steps can be distinguished in the stopped-flow time scale, all of them showing a first order dependence with respect to the acetic acid concentration, followed by very slow spectral changes that lead to the formation of [2](+). Phosphorus NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) have been used to identify the nature of the reaction intermediates formed in the different steps. These studies indicate that the first two steps correspond to the formal substitutions of the hydroxo ligands at two metal centres by terminal acetate ligands. The third step involves bridging of one of the terminal acetate ligands, which actually prepares the trinuclear cluster to afford the acetate-bridged [W(2)Se(2)(mu-Se)(2)(mu-CH(3)CO(2))(dmpe)(2)](+) ([2](+)) complex. Although the precise details of the final conversion to [2](+) have not been established, the results obtained by combination of the different experimental techniques provide a complete picture of the speciation of the cluster [1](+) in acetonitrile solutions containing acetic acid.     

Unprecedented gold-tellurolate clusters [Au(8)(mu-TeR)(8)(PR'(3))(4)

The reaction of [AuCl(PR'3)] with KTeR, prepared from RTeTeR and K-selectride, gives the gold-tellurolate clusters [Au8(mu-TeR)8(PR'3)4] (R = Ph, Tol; PR'3 = PPh3, PPh2py) in high yield. This result contrasts with the one obtained from the reaction with thiolates or selenolates, from which mononuclear complexes are synthesized. The structures of these species have been determined and consist on three layers of gold and tellurium atoms in the ratio Au3Te2:Au2Te4:Au3Te2. There are short gold...gold interactions ranging from 2.9463(7) to 3.31132(7) A, and the clusters are composed of di- and tri-coordinated gold centers. The result is unprecedented in gold-chalcogenolate chemistry from which mononuclear species are expected and represents one of the few examples of gold-tellurolate derivatives. These species show an interesting luminescent behavior in the solid state (at 77 K) and in solution (both at 298 and 77 K).     

Reactivity of Ph2P(Se)CH2C6H4CH2P(Se)Ph2 with [M3(CO)12] (M=Ru or Fe). Synthesis and characterization of the new carbene cluster [Ru3(mu3-Se)(mu3-H)(mu2-PPh2)(CO)6(mu2-CHC6H4CH2PPh2)

The reactions of [M3(CO)12] (M=Ru or Fe) with 1,2 bis[(diphenylphosphino)methyl]benzene diselenide (dpmbSe2) in hot toluene afford a variety of phosphine-substituted selenido carbonyl clusters. They belong to the following three families: (i) 50-electron clusters with a M3Se2 core (2, 3, 5-7), (ii) 48-electron clusters with a M3Se core (1, 8), (iii) 34-electron clusters with a M2Se2 core (4). All these species derive from the P=Se bond cleavage. Cluster 1, which contains a hydrido, a phosphido, and a carbene ligand, is produced by multiple fragmentation of the diphosphine. This fragmentation appears related to the presence of the selenido ligand on the cluster, as the reaction of [Ru3(CO)12] with dpmb (not selenized) produces only carbonyl substitution by the phosphine to give [Ru3(CO)10(mu-dpmb)] (9). All the clusters synthesized have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques, and in some cases fluxional behavior has been detected in solution by NMR analysis. The structures of 1, 2, and 7-9 have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Heterobimetallic bismuth-transition metal salicylate complexes as molecular precursors for ferroelectric materials. Synthesis and structure of Bi(2)M(2)(sal)(4)(Hsal)(4)(OR) (4) (M = Nb,Ta; R = CH(2)CH(3), CH(CH(3))(2)), Bi(2)Ti(3)(sal)(8)(Hsal)(2), and Bi(2)Ti(4)(O(i)Pr)(sal)(10)(Hsal) (sal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-O; Hsal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-OH)

The reactions between triphenylbismuth, salicylic acid, and the metal alkoxides M(OCH(2)CH(3))(5) (M = Nb, Ta) or Ti[OCH(CH(3))(2)](4) have been investigated under different reaction conditions and in different stoichiometries. Six novel heterobimetallic bismuth alkoxy-carboxylate complexes have been synthesized in good yield as crystalline solids. These include Bi(2)M(2)(sal)(4)(Hsal)(4)(OR)(4) (M = Nb, Ta; R = CH(2)CH(3), CH(CH(3))(2)), Bi(2)Ti(3)(sal)(8)(Hsal)(2), and Bi(2)Ti(4)(O(i)Pr)(sal)(10)(Hsal) (sal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-O; Hsal = O(2)CC(6)H(4)-2-OH). The complexes have been characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds of the group V transition metals contain metal ratios appropriate for precursors of ferroelectric materials. The molecules exhibit excellent solubility in common organic solvents and good stability against unwanted hydrolysis. The nature of the thermal decomposition of the complexes has been explored by thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. We have shown that the complexes are converted to the corresponding oxide by heating in an oxygen atmosphere at 500 degrees C. The mass loss of the complexes, as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis, and the resulting unit cell parameters of the oxides are consistent with the formation of the desired heterobimetallic oxide. The complexes decomposed to form the bismuth-rich phases Bi(4)Ti(3)O(12) and Bi(5)Nb(3)O(15) as well as the expected oxides BiMO(4) (M = Nb, Ta) and Bi(2)Ti(4)O(11).     

Synthetic Strategies To Obtain V-P-O Open Frameworks Containing Organic Species as Structural Directing Agents. Crystal Structure of the V(IV)-Fe(III) Bimetallic Phosphate [H(3)N(CH(2))(2)NH(3)](2)[H(3)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2)][Fe(III)(H(2)O)(2)(V(IV)O)(8)(OH)(4)(HPO(4))(4)(PO(4))(4)].4H(2)O

A general synthetic approach to rationalize the solution preparative chemistry of oxovanadium phosphates containing organic species as structural directing agents is presented. Careful attention is payed to the hydrolysis and condensation processes involving the ionic species in solution, and a simple restatement of the partial charge model (PCM) has been used in order to organize the experimental results. The structure of a new V(IV)-Fe(III) bimetallic oxovanadium phosphate, [H(3)N(CH(2))(2)NH(3)](2)[H(3)N(CH(2))(2)NH(2)] [Fe(III)(H(2)O)(2)(V(IV)O)(8)(OH)(4)(HPO(4))(4)(PO(4))(4)].4H(2)O, has been determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction methods. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n and the cell dimensions are as follows: a = 14.383(3) ?, b = 10.150(2) ?, c = 18.355(4) ?, and beta = 90.39(3) degrees (Z = 2). The existence of a complex intercrossing channel system, including a very large channel of 18.4 ? of diameter (in which both water molecules and ethylenediamine species are located), is the more interesting feature of this structure. Thermal decomposition, including the dehydration/rehydration process, has been studied by thermal analysis and variable temperature X-ray powder diffraction techniques. A complementary SEM study of the different intermediate decomposition products is presented.     

Symmetry-switching molecular Fe(O2)n(+) clusters

Experimental and theoretical studies based on mass spectrometry, collision-induced dissociation, and ab initio calculations are performed on the formation and stability of FeO(n)(+) clusters, as well as on their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. In the mass spectra, clusters with an even number of oxygen atoms show increased stability, most prominently for FeO(10)(+). The extra stability of this cluster is confirmed by measurements of fragmentation cross sections through crossed molecular beam experiments. In addition, the calculations indicate a structural phase transition at this size, and most importantly, the FeO(n)(+) clusters show unique magnetic features, exhibiting isoenergetic low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) ground states. In the LS state, the magnetic moments of the O atoms adopt an antiferromagnetic alignment with respect to the magnetic moment of Fe(+), whereas in the HS state, the alignment is ferromagnetic. FeO(10)(+) is the largest thermodynamically stable complex, with the highest magnetic moment among the FeO(n)(+) clusters (13 μ(B) in HS).     

In search of CS2(H2O)(n=1-4) clusters

Gaussian-3 and MP2/aug-cc-pVnZ methods have been used to calculate geometries and thermochemistry of CS(2)(H2O)n, where n=1-4. An extensive molecular dynamics search followed by optimization using these two methods located two dimers, six trimers, six tetramers, and two pentamers. The MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ structure matched best with the experimental result for the CS(2)(H2O) dimer, showing that diffuse functions are necessary to model the interactions found in this complex. For larger CS(2)(H2O)n clusters, the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ minima are significantly different from the MP2(full)6-31G* structures, revealing that the G3 model chemistry is not suitable for investigation of sulfur containing van der Waals complexes. Based on the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ free energies, the concentration of saturated water in the atmosphere and the average amount of CS(2) in the atmosphere, the concentrations of these clusters are predicted to be on the order of 10(5) CS(2)(H2O) clusters.cm(-3) and 10(2) CS(2)(H2O)(2) clusters.cm(-3) at 298.15 K. The MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ scaled harmonic and anharmonic frequencies of the most abundant dimer cluster at 298 K are presented, along with the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ scaled harmonic frequencies for the CS(2)(H(2)O)(n) structures predicted to be present in a low-temperature molecular beam experiment.     

Association patterns in (HF)(m)(H2O)(n) (m + n = 2-8) clusters

In an attempt to understand the phase behavior of aqueous hydrogen fluoride, the clustering in the mixture is investigated at the molecular level. The study is performed at the mPW1B95/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. Several previous studies attempted to describe the dissociation of HF in water, but in this investigation, the focus is only on the association patterns that are present in this binary mixture. A total of 214 optimized geometries of (HF)n(H2O)m clusters, with m + n as high as 8, were investigated. For each cluster combination, several different conformations are investigated, and the preferred conformations are presented. Using multiple linear regressions, the average strengths of the four possible H-bonding interactions are obtained. The strongest H-bond interaction is reported to be the H2O...H-F interaction. The most probable distributions of mixed clusters as a function of composition are also deduced. It is found that the larger (HF)n(H2O)m clusters are favored both energetically and entropically compared to the ones that are of size m + n < or = 3. Also, the clusters with equimolar contributions of HF and H2O are found to have the strongest interactions.     

Novel structures and energy spectra of hydroxylated (SiO2)8-based clusters: searching for the magic (SiO2)8O2H3- cluster

The prominent (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) mass peak resulting from the laser ablation of hydroxylated silica, attributed to magic cluster formation, is investigated employing global optimization with a dedicated interatomic potential and density functional calculations. The low-energy spectra of cluster isomers are calculated for the closed shell clusters: (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) and (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) giving the likely global minima in each case. Based upon our calculated cluster structures and energetics, and further on the known experimental details, it is proposed that the abundant formation of (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) clusters is largely dependent on the high stability of the (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) ground state cluster. Both the (SiO(2))(8)O(2)H(3) (-) and (SiO(2))(8)OH(-) ground state clusters are found to exhibit cagelike structures with the latter containing a particularly unusual tetrahedrally four-coordinated oxygen center not observed before in either bulk silica or silica clusters. The bare ground state (SiO(2))(8)O(2-) cluster ion core is also found to have four tetrahedrally symmetric Si==O terminations making it a possible candidate, when combined with suitable cations, for extended cluster-based structures/materials.     

Small gas-phase dianions of Zn3O(4)(2-), Zn4O(5)(2-), CuZn2O(4)(2-), Si2GeO(6)(2-), Ti2O(5)(2-) and Ti3O(7)(2-)

We have searched for new species of small oxygen-containing gas-phase dianions produced in a secondary ion mass spectrometer by Cs+ ion bombardment of solid samples with simultaneous exposure of their surfaces to O2 gas. The targets were a pure zinc metal foil, a copper-contaminated zinc-based coin, two silicon-germanium samples (Si(1-x)Ge(x)(with x= 6.5% or 27%)) and a piece of titanium metal. The novel dianions Zn3O(4)(2-), Zn4O(5)(2-), CuZn2O(4)(2-), Si2GeO(6)(2-), Ti2O(5)(2-) and Ti3O(7)(2-) have been observed at half-integer m/z values in the negative ion mass spectra. The heptamer dianions Zn3O(4)(2-) and Ti2O(5)(2-) have been unambiguously identified by their isotopic abundances. Their flight times through the mass spectrometer are approximately 20 micros and approximately 17 micros, respectively. The geometrical structures of the two heptamer dianions Ti2O(5)(2-), and Zn3O(4)(2-) are investigated using ab initio methods, and the identified isomers are compared to those of the novel Ge2O(5)(2-) and the known Si2O(5)(2-) and Be3O(4)(2-) dianions.     

The identification of a solvated electron pair in the gaseous clusters of Na(-)(H2O)n and Li(-)(H2O)n

By first principles calculations, we explore the possibility that Na(-)(H(2)O)(n) and Li(-)(H(2)O)(n) clusters, which have been measured previously by photoelectron experiments, could serve as gas-phase molecular models for the solvation of two electrons. Such models would capture the electron-electron interaction in a solution environment, which is missed in the well-known anionic water clusters (H(2)O)(n) (-). Our results show that by n = 10, the two loosely bound s electrons in Li(-)(H(2)O)(n) are indeed detached from lithium, and they could exist in either the singlet (spin-paring) or the triplet (spin-coupling) state. In contrast, the two electrons would prefer to stay on the sodium atom in Na(-)(H(2)O)(n) and on the surface of the cluster. The formation of a solvated electron pair and the variation in solvation structures make these two cluster series interesting subjects for further experimental investigation.     

Site-differentiated hexanuclear rhenium(III) cyanide clusters [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(n)()(CN)(6)(-)(n)()](n)()(-)(4) (n = 4, 5) and kinetics of solvate ligand exchange on the cubic [Re(6)Se(8)](2+) Core

The site-differentiated, cyanide-substituted hexanuclear rhenium(III) selenide clusters cis- and trans-[Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(4)(CN)(2)] and [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(CN)](+) have been prepared from heterogeneous reactions of the corresponding iodo clusters with AgCN in refluxing chloroform. Isolated yields are 68%, 46%, and 64% for cis-[Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(4)(CN)(2)], trans-[Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(4)(CN)(2)], and [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(CN)](+), respectively. The new compounds are air- and water-stable and are characterized by X-ray diffraction crystallography, (31)P NMR and IR spectroscopies, and FAB mass spectrometry. In related work, the solvent exchange rates of two site-differentiated monosolvate clusters, [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(MeCN)](SbF(6))(2) and [Re(6)Se(8)(PEt(3))(5)(Me(2)SO)](SbF(6))(2), in neat solvents were measured by (1)H NMR. These clusters are substitutionally inert; k approximately 10(-)(5)-10(-)(6) s(-)(1) at 318 K. Activation parameters indicate a dissociative ligand exchange mechanism; DeltaH() values obtained from least-squares fitting of temperature-dependent kinetics data exceed RT by a factor of ca. 50 over the temperature range studied. These results demonstrate that the substitutional lability encountered in a previous study of cluster photophysics (Gray, T. G.; Rudzinski, C. M.; Nocera, D. G.; Holm, R. H. Inorg. Chem. 1999, 38, 5932) cannot result from ground-state thermal reactions.     

Nanoscale Hemispheres in Novel Mixed-Valent Uranyl Chromate(V,VI), (C(3)NH(10))(10)[(UO(2))(13)(Cr(12)(5+)O(42))(Cr(6+)O(4))(6)(H(2)O)(6)](H(2)O)(6)

The structure of a novel mixed-valent chromium uranyl compound, (C(3)NH(10))(10)[(UO(2))(13)(Cr(12)(5+)O(42))(Cr(6+)O(4))(6)(H(2)O)(6)](H(2)O)(6) (1), obtained by the combination of a hydrothermal method and evaporation from aqueous solutions with isopropylammonium, contains uranyl chromate hemispheres with lateral dimensions of 18.9 × 18.5 ?(2) and a height of about 8 ?. The hemispheres are centered by a UO(8) hexagonal bipyramid surrounded by six dimers of Cr(5+)O(5) square pyramids, UO(7) pentagonal bipyramids, and Cr(6+)O(4) tetrahedra. The hemispheres are linked into two-dimensional layers so that two adjacent hemispheres are oriented in opposite directions relative to the plane of the layer. From a topological point of view, the hemispheres have the formula U(21)Cr(23) and can be considered as derivatives of nanospherical cluster U(26)Cr(36) composed of three-, four-, and five-membered rings.     

Single photon ionization of van der Waals clusters with a soft x-ray laser: (CO2)n and (CO2)n(H2O)m

Pure neutral (CO2)n clusters and mixed (CO2)n(H2O)m clusters are investigated employing time of flight mass spectroscopy and single photon ionization at 26.5 eV. The distribution of pure (CO2)n clusters decreases roughly exponentially with increasing cluster size. During the ionization process, neutral clusters suffer little fragmentation because almost all excess cluster energy above the vertical ionization energy is taken away by the photoelectron and only a small part of the photon energy is deposited into the (CO2)n cluster. Metastable dissociation rate constants of (CO2)n+ are measured in the range of (0.2-1.5) x 10(4) s(-1) for cluster sizes of 5< or =n< or =16. Mixed CO2-H2O clusters are studied under different generation conditions (5% and 20% CO2 partial pressures and high and low expansion pressures). At high CO2 concentration, predominant signals in the mass spectrum are the (CO2)n+ cluster ions. The unprotonated cluster ion series (CO2)nH2O+ and (CO2)n(H2O)2+ are also observed under these conditions. At low CO2 concentration, protonated cluster ions (H2O)nH+ are the dominant signals, and the protonated CO2(H2O)nH+ and unprotonated (H2O)n+ and (CO2)(H2O)n+ cluster ion series are also observed. The mechanisms and dynamics of the formation of these neutral and ionic clusters are discussed.     

Triangular oxalate clusters [W(3)(mu(3)-S)(mu(2)-S(2))(3)(C(2)O(4))(3)](2)(-) as building blocks for coordination polymers and nanosized complexes

The reaction of aqueous [W3S7(C2O4)3](2-) with Ln(3+) and Th(4+) in a 1:1 molar ratio leads to oxalate-bridged heteropolynuclear molecular complexes and coordination polymers. La(3+) and Ce(3+) give a layered structure with big (about 1.8 nm) honeycomb pores which are filled with water molecules and lanthanide ions, in {[Ln(H2O)6]3[W3S7(C2O4)3]4}Br x xH2O (Ia and Ib). The smaller Pr(3+), Nd(3+), Sm(3+), Eu(3+), and Gd(3+) ions give discrete nanomolecules [(W3S7(C2O4)3Ln(H2O)5)2(mu-C2O4)] (with a separation of about 3.2 nm between the most distant parts of the molecule), which are further united into zigzag chains by specific S2...Br- contacts to achieve the overall stoichiometry K[(W3S7(C2O4)3Ln(H2O)5)2(mu-C2O4)]Br.xH2O (IIa-IId). Th(4+) gives K2[(W3S7(C2O4)3)4Th2(OH)2(H2O)10] x 14.33H2O (III) with a nanosized discrete anion (with a separation of about 2.7 nm between the most distant parts of the molecule), in which two thorium atoms are bound via two hydroxide groups into the Th2(OH)2(6+) unit, and each Th is further coordinated by five water molecules and two monodentate [W3S7(C2O4)](2-) cluster ligands. All compounds were characterized by X-ray structure analysis and IR spectroscopy. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range of 2-300 K show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between two lanthanides atoms for compounds IIa, IIb, and IId. The thermal decomposition of Ia, Ib, and IIb was studied by thermogravimetry.     

Electron impact ionization of water-doped superfluid helium nanodroplets: observation of He(H(2)O)(n)(+) clusters

Electron impact mass spectra have been recorded for helium nanodroplets containing water clusters. In addition to identification of both H(+)(H(2)O)(n) and (H(2)O)(n)(+) ions in the gas phase, additional peaks are observed which are assigned to He(H(2)O)(n)(+) clusters for up to n=27. No clusters are detected with more than one helium atom attached. The interpretation of these findings is that quenching of (H(2)O)(n)(+) by the surrounding helium can cool the cluster to the point where not only is fragmentation to H(+)(H(2)O)(m) (where m < or = n-1) avoided, but also, in some cases, a helium atom can remain attached to the cluster ion as it escapes into the gas phase. Ab initio calculations suggest that the first step after ionization is the rapid formation of distinct H(3)O(+) and OH units within the (H(2)O)(n)(+) cluster. To explain the formation and survival of He(H(2)O)(n)(+) clusters through to detection, the H(3)O(+) is assumed to be located at the surface of the cluster with a dangling O-H bond to which a single helium atom can attach via a charge-induced dipole interaction. This study suggests that, like H(+)(H(2)O)(n) ions, the preferential location for the positive charge in large (H(2)O)(n)(+) clusters is on the surface rather than as a solvated ion in the interior of the cluster.     

A Cationic Antimonite Chain Templated by Sulfate: [Sb(6)O(7)(4+)][(SO(4)(2-))(2)

An extended metal oxide possessing a cationic charge on the host has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods. The structure consists of 1D antimony oxide [Sb(6)O(7)](4+) chains with a new structural motif of four Sb atoms wide and unprotonated sulfate anions between the chains. The material was characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Thermal behavior and chemical resistance in aqueous acidic conditions (pH ～2) indicate a highly stable cationic material. The stability is attributed to the entirely inorganic composition of the structure, where 1D covalently extended chains are electrostatically bound to divalent anions.