Controlled Incorporation of Nitrides into W‐Fe‐S Clusters

Incorporation of monatomic 2p ligands into the core of iron–sulfur clusters has been researched since the discovery of interstitial carbide in the FeMo cofactor of Mo‐dependent nitrogenase, but has proven to be a synthetic challenge. Herein, two distinct synthetic pathways are rationalized to install nitride ligands into targeted positions of W‐Fe‐S clusters, generating unprecedented nitride‐ligated iron–sulfur clusters, namely [(Tp*)₂W₂Fe₆(μ₄‐N)₂S₆L₄]^2? (Tp*=tris(3,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrazolyl)hydroborate(1?), L=Cl^? or Br^?). ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer study discloses metal oxidation states of W^IV₂Fe^II₄Fe^III₂ with localized electron distribution, which is analogous to the mid‐valent iron centres of FeMo cofactor at resting state. Good agreement of Mössbauer data with the empirical linear relationship for Fe–S clusters indicates similar ligand behaviour of nitride and sulfide in such clusters, providing useful reference for reduced nitrogen in a nitrogenase‐like environment.     

Synthesis of an All‐Ferric Cuboidal Iron–Sulfur Cluster [FeIII4S4(SAr)4]

An unprecedented, super oxidized all‐ferric iron–sulfur cubanoid cluster with all terminal thiolates, Fe₄S₄(STbt)₄ ( 3 ) [Tbt=2,4,6‐tris{bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl}phenyl], has been isolated from the reaction of the bis‐thiolate complex Fe(STbt)₂ ( 2 ) with elemental sulfur. This cluster 3 has been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, zero‐field ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and other relevant physico‐chemical methods. Based on all the data, the electronic ground state of the cluster has been assigned to be S_tot=0.     

Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of the New Iron Thioantimonates(III) [Fe(C6H18N4)]FeSbS4 and [Fe(C4H13N3)2]Fe2Sb4S10 Containing FeII and FeIII and Protein‐Analogous [2FeIII‐2S]2+ Clusters

The two new compounds [Fe(tren)]FeSbS₄ ( 1 ) (tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine) and [Fe(dien)₂]Fe₂Sb₄S₁₀ ( 2 ) (dien = diethylendiamine) were prepared under solvothermal conditions and represent the first thioantimonates(III) with iron cations integrated into the anionic network. In both compounds Fe³⁺ is part of a [2Fe^III‐2S] cluster which is often found in ferredoxines. In addition, Fe²⁺ ions are present which are surrounded by the organic ligands. In ( 1 ) the Fe²⁺ ion is also part of the thioantimonate(III) network whereas in ( 2 ) the Fe²⁺ ion is isolated. In both compounds the primary SbS₃ units are interconnected into one‐dimensional chains. The mixed‐valent character of [Fe(tren)]FeSbS₄ was unambiguously determined with Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both compounds exhibit paramagnetic behaviour and for ( 1 ) a deviation from linearity is observed due to a strong zero‐field splitting. Both compounds decompose in one single step.     

Crystal structure and the magnetic properties of tris(2-chloromethyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-5-olato-κ2O5,O4)iron(III)

The tris(2-chloromethyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-5-olato-κ²O⁵,O⁴)iron(III), [Fe(kaCl)₃], has been synthesized and characterized by the crystal structure analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, Mössbauer, and EPR spectroscopic methods. The X-ray single crystal analysis of [Fe(kaCl)₃] revealed a mer isomer. The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated the paramagnetic character in the temperature range of 2 K–298 K. The EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of an iron center in a high-spin state. Additionally, the temperature-independent Mössbauer magnetic hyperfine interactions were observed down to 77 K. These interactions may result from spin–spin relaxation due to the interionic Fe³⁺ distances of 7.386 Å.     

A Strongly Spin‐Frustrated FeIII7 Complex with a Canted Intermediate Spin Ground State of S=7/2 or 9/2

A disk‐shaped [Fe^III₇(Cl)(MeOH)₆(μ₃‐O)₃(μ‐OMe)₆ (PhCO₂)₆]Cl₂ complex with C₃ symmetry has been synthesised and characterised. The central tetrahedral Fe^III is 0.733 Å above the almost co‐planar Fe^III₆ wheel, to which it is connected through three μ₃‐oxide bridges. For this iron‐oxo core, the magnetic susceptibility analysis proposed a Heisenberg–Dirac–van Vleck (HDvV) mechanism that leads to an intermediate spin ground state of S=7/2 or 9/2. Within either of these ground state manifolds it is reasonable to expect spin frustration effects. The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer (MS) analysis verifies that the central Fe^III ion easily aligns its magnetic moment antiparallel to the externally applied field direction, whereas the other six peripheral Fe^III ions keep their moments almost perpendicular to the field at stronger fields. This unusual canted spin structure reflects spin frustration. The small linewidths in the magnetic Mössbauer spectra of polycrystalline samples clearly suggest an isotropic exchange mechanism for realisation of this peculiar spin topology.     

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: μ‐Oxo‐Diiron Corroles Revisited

For well over 20 years, μ‐oxo‐diiron corroles, first reported by Vogel and co‐workers in the form of μ‐oxo‐bis[(octaethylcorrolato)iron] (Mössbauer δ 0.02 mm s^?1, ΔE_Q 2.35 mm s^?1), have been thought of as comprising a pair antiferromagnetically coupled low‐spin Fe^IV centers. The remarkable stability of these complexes, which can be handled at room temperature and crystallographically analyzed, present a sharp contrast to the fleeting nature of enzymatic, iron(IV)‐oxo intermediates. An array of experimental and theoretical methods have now shown that the iron centers in these complexes are not Fe^IV but intermediate‐spin Fe^III coupled to a corrole^.2?. The intramolecular spin couplings in {Fe[TPC]}₂(μ‐O) were analyzed via DFT(B3LYP) calculations in terms of the Heisenberg–Dirac–van Vleck spin Hamiltonian H=J_Fe–corrole(S_Fe?S_corrole)+J_Fe–Fe′(S_Fe?S_Fe′)+J_{Fe′–corrole}(S_Fe′?S_corrole′), which yielded J_Fe–corrole=J_{Fe′–corrole′}=0.355 eV (2860 cm^?1) and J_Fe–Fe′=0.068 eV (548 cm^?1). The unexpected stability of μ‐oxo‐diiron corroles thus appears to be attributable to charge delocalization via ligand noninnocence.     

A Redox‐Induced Spin‐State Cascade in a Mixed‐Valent Fe3(μ3‐O) Triangle

One‐electron reduction of a pyrazolate‐bridged triangular Fe₃(μ₃‐O) core induces a cascade wherein all three metal centers switch from high‐spin Fe³⁺ to low‐spin Fe^2.66+. This hypothesis is supported by spectroscopic data (¹H‐NMR, UV‐vis‐NIR, infra‐red, ⁵⁷Fe‐Mössbauer, EPR), X‐ray crystallographic characterization of the cluster in both oxidation states and also density functional theory. The reduction induces substantial contraction in all bond lengths around the metal centers, along with diagnostic shifts in the spectroscopic parameters. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of a one‐electron redox event causing concerted change in multiple iron centers.     

Unravelling the Structure of Electrocatalytically Active Fe–N Complexes in Carbon for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Non‐precious Fe/N co‐modified carbon electrocatalysts have attracted great attention due to their high activity and stability in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Compared to iron‐free N‐doped carbon electrocatalysts, Fe/N‐modified electrocatalysts show four‐electron selectivity with better activity in acid electrolytes. This is believed relevant to the unique Fe–N complexes, however, the Fe–N structure remains unknown. We used o,m,p‐phenylenediamine as nitrogen precursors to tailor the Fe–N structures in heterogeneous electrocatalysts which contain FeS and Fe₃C phases. The electrocatalysts have been operated for 5000 cycles with a small 39 mV shift in half‐wave potential. By combining advanced electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy, we have identified the electrocatalytically active Fe–N₆ complexes (FeN₆, [Fe^III(porphyrin)(pyridine)₂]). We expect the understanding of the FeN₆ structure will pave the way towards new advanced Fe–N based electrocatalysts.     

Mössbauer Spectroscopic Investigation of FeII and FeIII 3,4,5‐Trihydroxybenzoates (Gallates) – Proposed Model Compounds for Iron‐Gall Inks

Iron gallates with iron in the oxidation states Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were prepared and studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and IR spectroscopy. Fe^III 3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoate (gallate) Fe(C₇O₅H₄) · 2H₂O, whose structure was first determined by Wunderlich, was obtained by the reaction of gallic acid and metallic iron or by oxidation of the Fe^II gallate, which was obtained by the reaction of ferrous sulfate with 3,4,5‐trihydroxybezoic acid (gallic acid) under anoxic conditions. Trials to reproduce the hydrothermal preparation method of Feller and Cheetham show that the result depends crucially on the free gas volume in the reaction vessel. If there is no free volume one obtains the same Fe^III gallate as in the other preparation methods. With a large free volume another compound was found to form whose composition and structure could not be determined. It could be specified only by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Fe^III gallate, the Fe^II gallate, and the new phase show magnetic ordering at liquid helium temperature.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of tris(2-hydroxymethyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran- 5-olato-κ2O5,O4)iron(III)

Tris(2-hydroxymethyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-5-olato-κ²O⁵,O⁴)iron(III) [Fe(ka)₃], has been characterised by magnetic susceptibility measurements Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of [Fe(ka)₃] has been determined by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Magnetic susceptibility and EPR measurements indicated a paramagnetic high-spin iron centre. Mössbauer spectra revealed the presence of magnetic hyperfine interactions that are temperature-independent down to 4.2?K. The interionic Fe³⁺ distance of 7.31?Å suggests spin-spin relaxation as the origin of these interactions.     

An unexpected P-cluster like intermediate en route to the nitrogenase FeMo-co

The nitrogenase MoFe protein contains two different FeS centers, the P-cluster and the iron–molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co). The former is a [Fe₈S₇] center responsible for conveying electrons to the latter, a [MoFe₇S₉C-(R)-homocitrate] species, where N₂ reduction takes place. NifB is arguably the key enzyme in FeMo-co assembly as it catalyzes the fusion of two [Fe₄S₄] clusters and the insertion of carbide and sulfide ions to build NifB-co, a [Fe₈S₉C] precursor to FeMo-co. Recently, two crystal structures of NifB proteins were reported, one containing two out of three [Fe₄S₄] clusters coordinated by the protein which is likely to correspond to an early stage of the reaction mechanism. The other one was fully complemented with the three [Fe₄S₄] clusters (RS, K1 and K2), but was obtained at lower resolution and a satisfactory model was not obtained. Here we report improved processing of this crystallographic data. At odds with what was previously reported, this structure contains a unique [Fe₈S₈] cluster, likely to be a NifB-co precursor resulting from the fusion of K1- and K2-clusters. Strikingly, this new [Fe₈S₈] cluster has both a structure and coordination sphere geometry reminiscent of the fully reduced P-cluster (P^N-state) with an additional μ²-bridging sulfide ion pointing toward the RS cluster. Comparison of available NifB structures further unveils the plasticity of this protein and suggests how ligand reorganization would accommodate cluster loading and fusion in the time-course of NifB-co synthesis.

The K-cluster of NifB as a key intermediate in the synthesis of the nitrogenase active site supports [Fe₄S₄] cluster fusion occurs before carbide and sulfide insertion and displays ligand spatial arrangement reminiscent to that of the P-cluster.     

Superparamagnetic behavior of iron oxides supported on porous silica gels

Spinel iron oxide (Fe₃O₄-γ-Fe₂O₃) particles were supported on microbeads of silica gel by the calcination of the silica gel base adsorbing citric acid and Fe³⁺ ions. The X-ray diffraction patterns and the⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra measured for the spinel iron oxide indicated that the particle size of the oxide was regulated by the mean pore diameter (4–82 nm) of the silica gel support employed. In the case of α-Fe₂O₃ particles prepared by using the same silica gel beads, it was revealed by the Mössbauer spectra and the electron micrographs that there were relatively large particles of the oxide on the surface of the beads, in addition to the particles in the silica gel micropores.     

Structural Properties,Mössbauer Spectra,and Magnetism of Perovskite‐Type Oxides SrFe1–xTixO3–y

Perovskite‐type phases SrFe_1–xTi_xO_3–y with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 have been prepared from the oxides, and, in order to reach high oxygen contents and Fe^IV fractions, annealed at oxygen pressures of 60 MPa. The materials were characterised by powder x‐ray and neutron diffraction, ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. All samples of the series crystallise in a cubic perovskite structure and reveal considerable oxygen deficiency. The Mössbauer parameters suggest that for x = 0.1, where the Fe^IV fraction is about 90%, the itinerant electronic state of SrFeO₃ is essentially retained. In materials with larger x increasing amounts of Ti^IV and Fe^III ions lead to a stronger localisation of the σ* (Fe 3 d – O 2 p) electrons. There is no evidence for a charge disproportionation of Fe^IV in any of the materials. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show a divergence of zero‐field cooled and field‐cooled data below a temperature T_m and deviations from Curie‐Weiss behaviour above T_m. The data are indicative of spin‐glass behaviour due to disorder and competing exchange interactions.     

Mössbauer and thermogravimetric study of ferrous gluconate

Ferrous gluconate Fe(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂·2H₂O was investigated by means of⁵⁷Fe (14.4 keV)-Mössbauer spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The Mössbauer study was performed in the temperature range 80 to 423 K. It was found that Fe²⁺ occupies two distinctly different Mössbauer sites in the hydrated phase and a single site in the product of the thermal treatment. All samples were contaminated by some amount of Fe³⁺. A significant oxidation occurs during thermal treatment (about 378 K) at least for the samples exposed to the air. No Goldanskii-Karyagin effect has been detected, in contrast to the previous claim. It has to be noted that the ferrous gluconate is often used as the iron containing component of drugs used in the treatment of anaemia.     

Charge dynamics of 57Fe probe atoms in La2Li0.5Cu0.5O4

The objective of this study is to characterize the electronic state and local surrounding of ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer probe atoms within iron-doped layered perovskite La₂Li_0.5Cu_0.5O₄ containing transition metal in unusual formal oxidation states “+3”. An approach based on the qualitative energy diagrams analysis and the calculations within the cluster configuration interaction method have been developed. It was shown that a large amount of charge is transferred via Cu-O bonds from the O: 2p bands to the Cu: 3d orbitals and the ground state is dominated by the d⁹L configuration (“Cu²⁺-O^-” state). The dominant d⁹L ground state for the (CuO₆) sublattice induces in the environment of the ⁵⁷Fe probe cations a charge transfer Fe³⁺ + O⁻(L) → Fe⁴⁺ + O²⁻, which transforms “Fe³⁺” into “Fe⁴⁺” state. The experimental spectra in the entire temperature range 77–300 K were described with the use of the stochastic two-level model based on the assumption of dynamic equilibrium between two Fe³⁺↔Fe⁴⁺ valence states related to the iron atom in the [Fe(1)O₄]^4- center. The relaxation frequencies and activation energies of the corresponding charge fluctuations were estimated based on Mössbauer data. The results are discussed assuming a temperature-induced change in the electronic state of the [CuO₄]^5- clusters in the layered perovskite.     

Verteilung und Valenz der Kationen in Spinellsystemen mit Eisen und Chrom. III. Gitterkonstanten,Mößbauer-Spektren und Thermokraft der Mischkristalle ZnFeCrO4?Fe2CrO4

Distribution and Valence of the Cations in Spinel Systems with Iron and Chromium. III. Lattice Constants, Mössbauer Spectra, and Seebeck Coefficients of the Solid Solution ZnFeCrO₄? Fe₂CrO₄ For the spinel system Zn_1–x²⁺Fe_x–λ²⁺Fe_λ³⁺(Fe_λ²⁺ · Fe_1?λ³⁺ Cr³⁺)O₄ λ has been determined by lattice constants and ionic distances: λ = 0 in the region 0 ? x ? 0.3; in the region 0.3 < x ? 1 λ increases linearly to 0.44. Mössbauer spectra between x = 0 and x = 0.6 confirm this distribution. All spinels are n-type hopping conductors mainly conducting on the octahedral sites.     

Synthesis and immobilization of molecular switches onto titaniumdioxide nanowires

The precursor [Fe^III(L)Cl (L = N,N′-bis(2′-hydroxy-3′-methyl-benzyliden)-1,7-diamino-4-azaheptane) is combined with [Mo(CN)₈]^4? yields a star shaped nona-nuclear cluster, [Mo^IV{(CN)Fe^III(L)}₈]Cl₄. This Fe₈Mo molecule is a high-spin system at room temperature. On cooling to 20 K some of the iron(III) centres in the molybdenum(IV)-star switch to the low-spin state as proven by Mössbauer spectroscopy. This molecule was deposited on TiO₂ nanowires by electrostatic interactions between the cluster cations and the surface functionalized titanium oxide nanowire. The synthesis and surface binding of the multistable molecular switch was demonstrated using IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy ((HR)TEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. High- and low-temperature Mössbauer spectra indicate that the spin state transition of the free cluster molecules is preserved after surface binding. The above results emphasize the possibility of fabricating molecule-based low-dimensional structures by using traditional bottom-up approaches based on the electrostatic interaction between the cluster cations and polymer functionalized nanowires. These results can be generalized for the application to both charged and non-charged molecules.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structure Determination,and Magnetic Properties of a New Calcium Iron Iridium Hydrogarnet Ca3(Ir2–xFex)(FeO4)2–x(O4H4)1+x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1

The new calcium iron iridium hydrogarnet Ca₃(Ir_2–xFe_x)(FeO₄)_2–x(H₄O₄)_1+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis under strongly oxidizing alkaline conditions. The compound adopts a garnet‐like crystal structure and crystallizes in the acentric cubic space group I4 3d (no. 220) with a = 12.5396(6) Å determined at T = 100 K for a crystal with a refined composition Ca₃(Ir_1.4Fe_0.6)(FeO₄)_1.4(O₄H₄)_1.6. Iridium and iron statistically occupy the octahedrally coordinated metal position, the two crystallographically independent tetrahedral sites are partially occupied by iron. Hydroxide groups are found to cluster as hydrogarnet defects, i.e. partially substituting oxide anions around the empty tetrahedral metal sites. The presence of hydroxide ions was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and the hydrogen content was quantified by carrier gas hot extraction; the overall composition was verified by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The structure model is supported by ⁵⁷Fe‐Mössbauer spectroscopic data evidencing different Fe sites and a magnetic ordering of the octahedral iron sublattice at room temperature. The thermal decomposition proceeds via three steps of water loss and results in Ca₂Fe₂O₅, Fe₂O₃ and Ir. Mössbauer and magnetization data suggest magnetic order at ambient temperature with complex magnetic interactions.     

Intercalation and dynamics of hydrated Fe<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in the vermiculites from Santa Olalla and Ojén

Although the intercalation of Fe³⁺ into layered phyllosicilicates—especially into smectites—attracted much attention in the past two decades, the information about Fe²⁺ loaded phyllosilicates is sparse. Here we present an investigation of the Fe²⁺ exchanged vermiculites from Santa Olalla and Ojén (Andalusia, Spain) by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy. The room temperature Mössbauer spectra are very similar to those of the starting compounds (Na forms) except for a decrease of the contribution of structural Fe³⁺ and a concomitant increase of the contribution of Fe²⁺ sites, indicating an internal redox process. The extent of this redox reaction is different for the two vermiculites. Thus, the intercalated Fe²⁺ acts as an electron mediator from the external medium to the structural Fe³⁺ ions. A new component attributable to intercalated Fe²⁺ is practically invisible in the room temperature Mössbauer spectra, but increases strongly and continuously during cooling to 4.2 K, where it is the dominant feature of the Mössbauer patterns. At 4.2 K, its quadruple splitting amounts to 3.31 mm/s, which is in excellent agreement with the quadrupole slitting of Fe²⁺ coordinated to six water molecules in a highly symmetric octahedral arrangement. The strong decrease of the Mössbauer–Lamb factor of this component with increasing temperature indicates a weak bonding of the Fe²⁺ in the interlayer space.     

Substitution of Fe(III) for Ga(III) in calcium gallate glass confirmed from the Debye temperature

A Debye temperature θ_D of 378 (±5K) has been obtained by applying a simplified Debye model to the⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra of 60CaO·39Ga₂O₃·⁵⁷Fe₂O₃ glass. The θ_D value is comparable to those (280–580 K) obtained so far in several oxide glasses, glass-ceramics, and ceramics in which Mössbauer atoms are covalently bonded to oxygen atoms and play a role of network former. It proves that Fe(III) atoms occupy the substitutional sites of Ga(III) constituting distorted GaO₄ tetrahedra.