Interaction of AnVI with Isothiocyanate Ion in Water‐Organic Media (An = U,Np, Pu)

Behavior of U^VI, Np^VI and Pu^VI in water‐acetonitrile solutions was studied spectrophotometrically with the successive addition of the polar organic ligands (dimethyl sulfoxide or hexamethylphosphoric triamide) and the NCS^– ion. The detected spectral effects – changes in the absorption intensity, bathochromic shifts in the absorption bands, the absence of isosbestic points, a change in the color of the solution – indicate complex competitive processes occurring in the studied solutions. In the case of Np^VI, its partial reduction to Np^IV by NCS^– ion is observed. Solid U^VI complex, [UO₂(HMPA)₂(NCS)₂], was isolated, its crystal structure was determined using X‐ray diffraction. In contrast to known AnO₂²⁺ compounds with the NCS^– ion, this complex exhibits tetragonal bipyramidal environment of the U atom. [UO₂(HMPA)₂(NCS)₂] is also characterized by UV/Vis, IR and luminescence spectroscopy.     

Highly Dispersed Ruthenium Hydroxide Supported on Titanium Oxide Effective for Liquid‐Phase Hydrogen‐Transfer Reactions

Supported ruthenium hydroxide catalysts (Ru(OH)_x/support) were prepared with three different TiO₂ supports (anatase TiO₂ (TiO₂(A), BET surface area: 316 m² g^?1), anatase TiO₂ (TiO₂(B), 73 m² g^?1), and rutile TiO₂ (TiO₂(C), 3.2 m² g^?1)), as well as an Al₂O₃ support (160 m² g^?1). Characterizations with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR), and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) showed the presence of monomeric ruthenium(III) hydroxide and polymeric ruthenium(III) hydroxide species. Judging from the coordination numbers of the nearest‐neighbor Ru atoms and the intensities of the ESR signals, the amount of monomeric hydroxide species increased in the order of Ru(OH)_x<Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂(C)<Ru(OH)_x/Al₂O₃<Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂(B)<Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂(A). These supported ruthenium hydroxide catalysts, especially Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂(A), showed high catalytic activities and selectivities for liquid‐phase hydrogen‐transfer reactions, such as racemization of chiral secondary alcohols and the reduction of carbonyl compounds and allylic alcohols. The catalytic activities of Ru(OH)_x/TiO₂(A) for these hydrogen‐transfer reactions were at least one order of magnitude higher than those of previously reported heterogeneous catalysts, such as Ru(OH)_x/Al₂O₃. These catalyses were truly heterogeneous, and the catalysts recovered after the reactions could be reused several times without loss of catalytic performance. The reaction rates monotonically increased with an increase in the amount of monomeric ruthenium hydroxide species, which suggests that the monomeric species are effective for these hydrogen‐transfer reactions.     

Cation‐Mediated Conversion of the State of Charge in Uranium Arene Inverted‐Sandwich Complexes

Two new arene inverted‐sandwich complexes of uranium supported by siloxide ancillary ligands [K{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 3 ) and [K₂{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 4 ) were synthesized by the reduction of the parent arene‐bridged complex [{U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃}₂(μ‐η⁶:η⁶‐C₇H₈)] ( 2 ) with stoichiometric amounts of KC₈ yielding a rare family of inverted‐sandwich complexes in three states of charge. The structural data and computational studies of the electronic structure are in agreement with the presence of high‐valent uranium centers bridged by a reduced tetra‐anionic toluene with the best formulation being U^V–(arene^4?)–U^V, KU^IV–(arene^4?)–U^V, and K₂U^IV–(arene^4?)–U^IV for complexes 2 , 3 , and 4 respectively. The potassium cations in complexes 3 and 4 are coordinated to the siloxide ligands both in the solid state and in solution. The addition of KOTf (OTf=triflate) to the neutral compound 2 promotes its disproportionation to yield complexes 3 and 4 (depending on the stoichiometry) and the U^IV mononuclear complex [U(OSi(OtBu)₃)₃(OTf)(thf)₂] ( 5 ). This unprecedented reactivity demonstrates the key role of potassium for the stability of these complexes.     

Cation‐Directed Dimeric versus Tetrameric Assemblies of Lanthanide‐Stabilized Dilacunary Keggin Tungstogermanates

Reaction of mid‐ to late lanthanide ions with GeO₂ and Na₂WO₄ in NaOAc buffer results in a library of [Ln₂(GeW₁₀O₃₈)]^6? clusters ( Ln₂ ), which consist of dilacunary Keggin fragments stabilized by the insertion of 4f atoms in the vacant sites and show the ability to undergo cation‐directed self‐assembly processes. In the presence of Na⁺, two β‐ Ln₂ subunits assemble by means of Ln‐O(WO₅)‐Ln bridges to form the chiral [Ln₄(H₂O)₆(β‐GeW₁₀O₃₈)₂]^12? dimeric anions (ββ‐ Ln₄ , Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu). When Cs⁺ is present, two Ln₄ ‐like dimers further assemble into the [{Ln₄(H₂O)₅(GeW₁₀O₃₈)₂}₂]^24? species ( Ln₈ , Ln=Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu). Two types of tetramers coexist in the solid state: One shows a full ββ‐ Ln₈ architecture, whereas the other one is a mixed αβ‐ Ln₈ assembly in which each β‐subunit is linked to its corresponding α‐ Ln₂ derivative. Regardless of differences in isomeric forms and the relative arrangement of Ln₂ subunits, all anions display virtually identical {Ln₄} cores as a common structural feature. A combination of ESI mass spectrometry and ¹⁸³W NMR spectroscopy experiments indicates that Ln₈ tetramers fragment into Ln₄ dimers upon dissolution, which undergo partial dissociation into Ln₂ monomers and slow dimer/monomer equilibration. This is most likely followed by β‐to‐α isomerization of Ln₂ clusters with consequent reassembly, as indicated by isolation of three additional αα‐ Ln₄ derivatives. Magnetic and photoluminescence properties in the Na ‐ββ‐ Ln₄ series are also discussed.     

Atomic‐Level Alloying and De‐alloying in Doped Gold Nanoparticles

Atomically precise alloying and de‐alloying processes for the formation of Ag–Au and Cu–Au nanoparticles of 25‐metal‐atom composition (referred to as Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ and Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈, in which R=CH₂CH₂Ph) are reported. The identities of the particles were determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (MALDI‐MS). Their structures were probed by fragmentation analysis in MALDI‐MS and comparison with the icosahedral structure of the homogold Au₂₅(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles (an icosahedral Au₁₃ core protected by a shell of Au₁₂(SR)₁₈). The Cu and Ag atoms were found to preferentially occupy the 13‐atom icosahedral sites, instead of the exterior shell. The number of Ag atoms in Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ (x=0–8) was dependent on the molar ratio of Ag^I/Au^III precursors in the synthesis, whereas the number of Cu atoms in Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ (x=0–4) was independent of the molar ratio of Cu^II/Au^III precursors applied. Interestingly, the Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles show a spontaneous de‐alloying process over time, and the initially formed Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles were converted to pure Au₂₅(SR)₁₈. This de‐alloying process was not observed in the case of alloyed Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles. This contrast can be attributed to the stability difference between Cu_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ and Ag_xAu_25?x(SR)₁₈ nanoparticles. These alloyed nanoparticles are promising candidates for applications such as catalysis.     

Redox‐Controlled Exchange Bias in a Supramolecular Chain of Fe4 Single‐Molecule Magnets

Tetrairon(III) single‐molecule magnets [Fe₄(pPy)₂(dpm)₆] ( 1 ) (H₃pPy=2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)propane‐1,3‐diol, Hdpm=dipivaloylmethane) have been deliberately organized into supramolecular chains by reaction with Ru^IIRu^II or Ru^IIRu^III paddlewheel complexes. The products [Fe₄(pPy)₂(dpm)₆][Ru₂(OAc)₄](BF₄)_x with x=0 ( 2 a ) or x=1 ( 2 b ) differ in the electron count on the paramagnetic diruthenium bridges and display hysteresis loops of substantially different shape. Owing to their large easy‐plane anisotropy, the s=1 diruthenium(II,II) units in 2 a act as effective s_eff=0 spins and lead to negligible intrachain communication. By contrast, the mixed‐valent bridges (s=3/2, s_eff=1/2) in 2 b introduce a significant exchange bias, with concomitant enhancement of the remnant magnetization. Our results suggest the possibility to use electron transfer to tune intermolecular communication in redox‐responsive arrays of SMMs.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Fluorescent Properties of Lanthanide Complexes Based on 8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐7‐carboxylic Acid

The lanthanide complex [Eu₃(8‐HQCA)₃(COOH)(OH)₂(H₂O)₃]_n · nH₂O (8‐HQCA = 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐7‐carboxylic acid) was synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that the trinuclear structures are linked by ligands to form 2D layers. The results of DFT calculation shows that energy can be transferred effectively from the ligand to Eu^III ions. A series of heteronuclear complexes {[(Eu_1–xY_x)₃(8‐HQCA)₃(COOH) (OH)₂(H₂O)₃]_n · nH₂O (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8)} were synthesized and their luminescent properties were studied. The results showed that the doping of Y^III ions could change the fluorescent intensity of the Eu^III complex, but could not change their positions.     

Control of the Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior of Lanthanide‐Diarylethene Photochromic Assemblies by Irradiation with Light

Lanthanide‐based extended coordination frameworks showing photocontrolled single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior were prepared by combining highly anisotropic Dy^III and Ho^III ions with the carboxylato‐functionalized photochromic molecule 1,2‐bis(5‐carboxyl‐2‐methyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (H₂dae), which acts as a bridging ligand. As a result, two new compounds of the general formula [{Ln^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(MeOH)} ? 10 M eOH]_n (M=Dy for 1 a and Ho for 2 ) and two additional pseudo‐polymorphs [{Dy^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(H₂O)} ? x MeOH]_n ( 1 b ) and [{Dy^III₂(dae)₃(DMSO)₃(DMSO)} ? x MeOH]_n ( 1 c ) were obtained. All four compounds have 2D coordination‐layer topologies, in which carboxylate‐bridged Ln₂ units are linked together by dae^2? anions into grid‐like frameworks. All four compounds exhibited a strong reversible photochromic response to UV/Vis light. Moreover, both 1 a and 2 show field‐induced SMM behavior. The slow magnetic relaxation of 1 a is influenced by the photoisomerization reaction leading to the observation of the cross‐effect: photocontrolled SMM behavior.     

Guest‐, Light‐ and Thermally‐Modulated Spin Crossover in [FeII2] Supramolecular Helicates

A new bis(pyrazolylpyridine) ligand (H₂L) has been prepared to form functional [Fe₂(H₂L)₃]⁴⁺ metallohelicates. Changes to the synthesis yield six derivatives, X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃]X(PF₆)₂?xCH₃OH ( 1 , x=5.7 and X=Cl; 2 , x=4 and X=Br), X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃]X(PF₆)₂?yCH₃OH?H₂O ( 1 a , y=3 and X=Cl; 2 a , y=1 and X=Br) and X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃](I₃)₂?3 Et₂O ( 1 b , X=Cl; 2 b , X=Br). Their structure and functional properties are described in detail by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments at several temperatures. Helicates 1 a and 2 a are obtained from 1 and 2 , respectively, by a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal mechanism. The three possible magnetic states, [LS–LS], [LS–HS], and [HS–HS] can be accessed over large temperature ranges as a result of the structural nonequivalence of the Fe^II centers. The nature of the guest (Cl^? vs. Br^?) shifts the spin crossover (SCO) temperature by roughly 40 K. Also, metastable [LS–HS] or [HS–HS] states are generated through irradiation. All helicates (X@[Fe₂(H₂L)₃])³⁺ persist in solution.     

Crystal Structure of the Mixed-Valence Neptunium Compound Na6[(NpVO2)2(NpVIO2)(MoO4)5] · 13H2O

The crystal structure of the mixed-valence Np(V) and Np(VI) compound Na₆[(Np^VO₂)₂(Np^VIO₂)(MoO₄)₅] · 13H₂O was determined. The structure is built of the anionic layers [(Np^VO₂)₂(Np^VIO₂)(MoO₄)₅] ^6n- _n with the Na⁺ cations and crystal water molecules between them. The Np(V) and Np(VI) atoms in the anionic layers are ordered. The motif of the anionic layer is close to that found in Mg₂[(UO₂)₃(SeO₄)₅] · 16H₂O. The isostructural mixed-valence Np(V) and U(VI) compound was also synthesized.     

2D l‐Di‐toluoyl‐tartaric acid Lanthanide Coordination Polymers: Toward Single‐component White‐Light and NIR Luminescent Materials

A series of five l ‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐tartaric acid (l ‐DTTA) lanthanide coordination polymers, namely {[Ln₄K⁴ L₆(H₂O)_x]?yH₂O}_n, [Ln=Dy ( 1 ), x=24, y=12; Ln=Ho ( 2 ), x=23, y=12; Ln=Er ( 3 ), x=24, y=12; Ln=Yb ( 4 ), x=24, y=11; Ln=Lu ( 5 ), x=24, y=12] have been isolated by simple reactions of H₂L (H₂L= L ‐DTTA) with LnCl₃?6 H₂O at ambient temperature. X‐ray crystallographic analysis reveals that complexes 1 – 5 feature two‐dimensional (2D) network structures in which the Ln³⁺ ions are bridged by carboxylate groups of ligands in two unique coordinated modes. Luminescent spectra demonstrate that complex 1 realizes single‐component white‐light emission, while complexes 2 – 4 exhibit a characteristic near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Effect of Cation–π Interaction on Macroionic Self‐Assembly

A series of rod‐shaped polyoxometalates (POMs) [Bu₄N]₇[Mo₆O₁₈NC(CH₂O)₃MnMo₆O₁₈(OCH₂)₃CNMo₆O₁₈] and [Bu₄N]₇[ArNMo₆O₁₇NC(CH₂O)₃MnMo₆O₁₈(OCH₂)₃CNMo₆O₁₇NAr] (Ar=2,6‐dimethylphenyl, naphthyl and 1‐methylnaphthyl) were chosen to study the effects of cation–π interaction on macroionic self‐assembly. Diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) techniques show that the binding affinity between the POMs and Zn²⁺ ions is enhanced significantly after grafting aromatic groups onto the clusters, leading to the effective replacement of tetrabutylammonium counterions (TBAs) upon the addition of ZnCl₂. The incorporation of aromatic groups results in the significant contribution of cation–π interaction to the self‐assembly, as confirmed by the opposite trend of assembly size vs. ionic strength when compared with those without aromatic groups. The small difference between two aromatic groups toward the Zn²⁺ ions is amplified after combining with the clusters, which consequently triggers the self‐recognition behavior between two highly similar macroanions.     

Gold(III) Complexes of Asymmetrically Aryl‐Substituted 1,2‐Dithiolene Ligands Featuring Potential‐Controlled Spectroscopic Properties: An Insight into the Electronic Properties of bis(Pyren‐1‐yl‐ethylene‐1,2‐dithiolato)Gold(III)

The electrochemical, UV/Vis–NIR absorption, and emission‐spectroscopic features of (TBA⁺)( 1 ⁻) and the corresponding neutral complex 1 were investigated (TBA⁺=tetrabutylammonium; 1 ⁻=[Au^III(Pyr,H‐edt)₂]⁻; Pyr,H‐edt²⁻=pyren‐1‐yl‐ethylene‐1,2‐dithiolato). The intense electrochromic NIR absorption (λ_max=1432 nm; ε=13000 M ⁻¹ cm⁻¹ in CH₂Cl₂) and the potential‐controlled visible emission in the range 400–500 nm, the energy of which depends on the charge of the complex, were interpreted on the grounds of time‐dependent DFT calculations carried out on the cis and trans isomers of 1 , 1 ⁻, and 1 ²⁻. In addition, to evaluate the nonlinear optical properties of 1 ^x− (x=0, 1), first static hyperpolarizability values β_tot were calculated (β_tot=78×10⁻³⁰ and 212×10⁻³⁰ esu for the cis isomer of 1 ⁻ and 1 , respectively) and compared to those of differently substituted [Au(Ar,H‐edt)₂]^x− gold dithiolenes [Ar=naphth‐2‐yl ( 2 ), phenyl ( 3 ); x=0, 1].     

Properties and Structure of Spinel Li‐Mn‐O‐F Compounds for Cathode Materials of Secondary Lithium‐ion Battery

The spinel Li‐Mn‐O‐F compound cathode materials were synthesized by solid‐state reaction from calculated amounts LiOH‐H₂O, MnO₂(EMD) and LiF. The results of the electrochemical test demonstrated that these materials exhibited excellent electrochemical properties. It's initial capacity is ‐ 115 mAh.g¹ and reversible efficiency is about 100%. After 60 cycles, its capacity is still around 110 mAh.g¹ with nearly 100% reversible efficiency. The spinel Li‐Mn‐O‐F compound possibly has two structure models: interstitial model [Li]‐[Mn³⁺_xMn⁴⁺_2‐x]O₄F_δ, in which the fluorine is located on the interstice of crystal lattice, and substituted model [Li]‐[Mn³⁺_xMn⁴⁺_2‐x]O_4‐δF_δ, which the fluorine atom substituted the oxygen atom. The electrochemical result supports the interstitial model [Li][Mn³⁺_xMn⁴⁺_2‐x]O₄F_δ.     

A Copper‐Carboxylate Layer‐Framework with Pseudo‐­Kagomé Net

A two dimensional coordination polymer with pseudo‐Kagomé net [Cu₃(btc)₂(NH₃)₈(H₂O)] was prepared from Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O and 1, 3, 5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (btc) in ammonia aqua solution and was structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The magnetic susceptibility measurements, measured from 2 to 300 K, revealed a weak anti‐ferromagnetic interaction between the Cu^II ions via the btc ligands.     

A Uranium‐Based UO2+–Mn2+ Single‐Chain Magnet Assembled trough Cation–Cation Interactions

Single‐chain magnets (SCMs) are materials composed of magnetically isolated one‐dimensional (1D) units exhibiting slow relaxation of magnetization. The occurrence of SCM behavior requires the fulfillment of stringent conditions for exchange and anisotropy interactions. Herein, we report the synthesis, the structure, and the magnetic characterization of the first actinide‐containing SCM. The 5f–3d heterometallic 1D chains [{[UO₂(salen)(py)][M(py)₄](NO₃)}]_n, (M=Cd ( 1 ) and M=Mn ( 2 ); py=pyridine) are assembled trough cation–cation interaction from the reaction of the uranyl(V) complex [UO₂(salen)py][Cp*₂Co] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with Cd(NO₃)₂ or Mn(NO₃)₂ in pyridine. The infinite UMn chain displays a high relaxation barrier of 134±0.8 K (93±0.5 cm^?1), probably as a result of strong intra‐chain magnetic interactions combined with the high Ising anisotropy of the uranyl(V) dioxo group. It also exhibits an open magnetic hysteresis loop at T<6 K, with an impressive coercive field of 3.4 T at 2 K.     

Capping [H<Subscript>8−n</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>42</Subscript>C<Subscript>8</Subscript>(CO)<Subscript>44</Subscript>]<Superscript>n−</Superscript> (n = 6, 7, 8) Octa-carbide Carbonyl Nanoclusters with [Ni(CO)] and [CuCl] Fragments

The reactions of [Ni₁₆(C₂)₂(CO)₂₃]^4? and [Ni₃₈C₆(CO)₄₂]^6? with CuCl afforded mixtures of the previously reported [HNi₄₂C₈(CO)₄₄(CuCl)]^7? bimetallic octa-carbide cluster and the new [HNi₄₃C₈(CO)₄₅]^7? and [HNi₄₄C₈(CO)₄₆]^7? homo-metallic octa-carbides. The three species have very similar properties resulting always in co-crystals such as [NMe₄]₇[HNi_42+2xC₈(CO)_44+2x(CuCl)_1?x]·6.5MeCN (x = 0.14) (86% [HNi₄₂C₈(CO)₄₄(CuCl)]^7?, 14%[HNi₄₃C₈(CO)₄₅]^7?/[HNi₄₄C₈(CO)₄₆]^7?) and [NMe₄]₇[HNi_42+2xC₈(CO)_44+2x(CuCl)_1?x]·5.5MeCN (x = 0.30) (70% [HNi₄₂C₈(CO)₄₄(CuCl)]^7?, 30% [HNi₄₃C₈(CO)₄₅]^7?/[HNi₄₄C₈(CO)₄₆]^7?). The new homo-metallic octa-carbides can be obtained free from the Ni–Cu octa-carbido cluster by reacting [Ni₁₀(C₂)(CO)₁₆]^2? in thf with a stoichiometric amount of CuCl, and crystals of [NMe₄]₆[H₂Ni_43+xC₈(CO)_45+x]·6MeCN (x = 0.72), which contain [H₂Ni₄₄C₈(CO)₄₆]^6? (72%) and [H₂Ni₄₃C₈(CO)₄₅]^6? (28%), have been obtained. Despite the different charges and compositions, these anions display almost identical structures, which are also closely related to those previously reported for the bimetallic Ni–Cd octa-carbido clusters [Ni_42+xC₈(CO)_44+x(CdCl)]^7? and [HNi_42+xC₈(CO)_44+x(CdBr)]^6?. Indeed, all these clusters are based on the same Ni₄₂C₈ cage decorated by miscellaneous [CdX]⁺ (X = Cl, Br), [CuCl] and [Ni(CO)] fragments.     

Spectral and crystallography studies of new palladacycle complexes with P,C‐ and C,C‐donor ligands; Application of (OAL16) to optimizing the yield of Mizoroki‐Heck reaction

The new symmetrical diphosphonium salt [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂(CH₂C(O)C₆H₄Br)₂] Br₂ ( S ) was synthesized in the reaction of 1,2‐bis (diphenylphosphino) ethane (dppe) and related ketone. Further treatment with NEt₃ gave the symmetrical α‐keto stabilized diphosphine ylide [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂(CHC(O)C₆H₄Br)₂] ( Y ¹ ). The unsymmetrical α‐keto stabilized diphosphine ylide [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂(CHC(O)C₆H₄Br)] ( Y ² ) was synthesized in the reaction of diphosphine in 1:1 ratio with 2.3′‐dibromoacetophenone, then treatment with NEt_3. The reaction of dibromo (1,5‐cyclooctadiene)palladium (II), [PdBr₂(COD)] with this ligand ( Y ¹ ) in equimolar ratio gave the new C,C‐chelated [PdBr₂(Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂(C(H)C(O)C₆H₄Br)₂)] ( 1 ) and with unsymmetrical phosphorus ylide [Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂C(H)C(O)C₆H₄Br] ( Y ² ) gave the new P, C‐chelated palladacycle complex [PdBr₂(Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂C(H)C(O)Br)] ( 2 ). These compounds were characterized successfully by FT‐IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopic methods and the crystal structure of Y ¹ and 2 were elucidated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The results indicated that the complex 1 was C, C‐chelated whereas complex 2 was P, C‐chelated. These air/moisture stable complexes were employed as efficient catalysts for the Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reaction of several aryl chlorides, and the Taguchi method was used to optimize the yield of Mizoroki‐Heck coupling. The optimum condition was found to be as followed: base; K₂CO₃, solvent; DMF and loading of catalyst; 0.005 mmol.     

Atmospheric chemistry of n‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3): Kinetics and mechanisms

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure the kinetics of the reaction of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) with Cl atoms and OH radicals: k(CH₃CN + Cl) = (1.04 ± 0.25) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + Cl) = (9.20 ± 3.95) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + Cl) = (2.03 ± 0.23) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + Cl) = (6.70 ± 0.67) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃CN + OH) = (4.07 ± 1.21) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + OH) = (1.24 ± 0.27) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + OH) = (4.63 ± 0.99) × 10⁻¹³, and k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + OH) = (1.58 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at a total pressure of 700 Torr of air or N₂ diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The atmospheric oxidation of alkyl nitriles proceeds through hydrogen abstraction leading to several carbonyl containing primary oxidation products. HC(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, ClC(O)OONO₂, and HCN were identified as the main oxidation products from CH₃CN, whereas CH₃CH₂CN gives the products HC(O)CN, CH₃C(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, and HCN. The oxidation of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 2–3) leads to a range of oxygenated primary products. Based on the measured OH radical rate constants, the atmospheric lifetimes of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) were estimated to be 284, 93, 25, and 7 days for x = 0,1, 2, and 3, respectively.     

The role of cation-cation interactions in a neptunyl chloride hydrate and topological aspects of neptunyl structural units

The compound K₄(NpO₂)₃Cl₇(H₂O)₄ was synthesized by evaporation of a Np⁵⁺-bearing solution. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and refined to R₁=0.0374. The compound is triclinic, P−1, a=8.882(1) Å, b=12.082(2) Å, c=12.403(2) Å, α=65.855(2)°, β=69.604(2)°, γ=74.432(2)°, V=1126.0(3) Å³, and Z=2. The structure contains dimers of edge sharing Np⁵⁺ pentagonal bipyramids that are linked into infinite chains through cation-cation interactions with an additional Np⁵⁺ pentagonal bipyramid. The structural units are linked through bonds to interstitial K cations and by H bonding. A graphical representation for neptunyl structural units including cation-cation interactions is introduced.