Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of Ti, V, and Zr-HMS Prepared by Metallocene Grafting

Ti, V, and Zr-HMS molecular sieves were prepared by grafting the respective metallocene onto the pure silica HMS, XRD, N₂-physisorption, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis were performed to characterize the samples prepared. The XRD patterns of the metal-grafted samples exhibited well-defined (100) reflections, and the intensity remained almost constant as with pure silica HMS. Surface area, hysteresis loop in N₂ adsorption isotherms and N₂ volume adsorbed decreased after metal grafting. The order of catalytic activity for 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP) oxidation using H₂O₂ was V-HMS (91.5 % conversion) Ti-HMS(20.3 %) Zr-HMS(8.4 %). Metal leaching was detected for all the grafted samples in the reaction media; V-HMS(22 wt.%) Zr-HMS(3 wt.%) > Ti-HMS(2 wt.%). For V-HMS and Zr-HMS, further reaction after catalyst filtration indicated significant contribution to the reaction by the dissolved species.     

Enhancing Isolated Ti(Ⅳ) Framework Sites in HMS

Ti-HMS materials were prepared by grafting titanocene onto the inner walls of hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS). The materials were characterized via powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The template of HMS was removed by calcination,ethanol-extraction, and ethanol-extraction followed by hydrolysis. The available grafting sites of OH groups depend on the different template removal methods of HMS. Ethanol-extraction followed by hydrolysis favors site-isolated Ti atoms in HMS. The catalytic performances of Ti-HMS materials were tested in the oxidation of 4-tert-butyltoluene with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Ti-HMS prepared from HMS via the processing of ethanol-extraction followed by hydrolysis as support gave a maximum conversion of 7. 5% and a complete selectivity to 4-tert-butyl-benzaldehyde, and showed a higher activity compared with those prepared by calcination and ethanol-extraction.     

Enhancing Isolated Ti（ Ⅳ ） Framework Sites in HMS

IntroductionTitanium modified mesoporous molecular sieves,such as Ti-MCM-41[1—4], Ti-HMS[5], Ti-SBA15[6, 7], and their catalytic performances havebeen investigated. Framework substitution and graftingtechniques have been employed for the preparation ofti…     

Preparation of silica-PS composite particles and their application in PET

To investigate how the superfine particles disperse in the polymers, the paper presented the preparation of monodisperse silica particles by Stöber method, and then grafted by γ-methacrylic propyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) as a coupling agent. Using these modified particles, the more stable silica-PS superfine composite particles with higher monodispersity than these of previous reports are prepared and reported through dispersion polymerization (DP) method, whose morphology is investigated with transmission electron microscope (TEM). Their high stability is provided from the bonding of CC groups of MPS to the silanol groups on the surface of silica particles from FTIR.Using this DP process, the influence of different size grafted silica particles on the morphology, polystyrene (PS) encapsulation behavior and the distribution in these composite particles have been investigated. When the grafted silica size is in nanoscale or less than 54 nm, the spherical shape of neither silica particles nor their composite particles is regular, but they can homogeneously disperse in polystyrene. As the size (d_n) of grafted silica particles increase to submicrometer (or 100 nm < d_n < 1000 nm), their coefficient variance of size distribution (C_v) ranges from only 9.0% to 1.5%. These obtained particles are completely encapsulated by PS with more regular shape, and have their C_v below 7%. When the size of silica particles reaches 380 nm, their C_v obviously reduces to 2.5%, and specially, the number of grafted silica particles approaches to one in each of the composite particles. But, when the silica size reaches 602 nm, PS can hardly encapsulate grafted silica particles and free silica particles appear in reactive system.Furthermore, using the silica particles of 380 nm, a series of core-shell structured superfine composite particles of 640-1100 nm with C_v lower than 11% are obtained. Under the set conditions, the preparing factors on these composite particles using 380 nm grafted silica particles is discussed, and the best reaction condition for the well-dispersed and regular periphery silica-PS composite particles is optimized as, the additions amounts of PVP, styrene, AIBN, grafted SiO₂ and H₂O are 0.23 mmol L⁻¹, 0.60 mol L⁻¹, 6.10 mmol L⁻¹, 0.10 mol L⁻¹ and 5.50 mL, respectively. Under this case, the composite particles can be prepared with C_v below 8%.At last, these composite particles are mixed with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to investigate their nucleation effect. Results show that all different size particles can promote PET’s crystallization and enhance the crystallization rate, and PET’s crystallization temperature (T_mc) is obviously enhanced from 193 to 205 °C through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is strongly suggested that different silica size level all play nucleation role in PET, and thus explain the nucleation effect of multiscale inorganic particles.     

Immobilization of a cationic ruthenium(II) complex containing the hemilabile phosphaallyl ligand in hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) and application of this material as hydrogenation catalyst

The cationic ruthenium(II) complex [(η⁵-MeC₅H₄)Ru(η³-PPh₂CHCH₂)(η¹-PPh₂CHCH₂)]⁺ (1) containing the hemilabile phosphaallyl ligand in two different coordination modes has been immobilized inside the pores of aluminated hexagonal mesoporous silica HMS(Si/Al = 40) by direct ion exchange method. This material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR, solid state NMR (²⁹Si, ²⁷Al), UV-Vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The textural properties were determined from nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. (1)/HMS(Si/Al = 40) was shown to be active and selective in the catalytic hydrogenation of phenylacetylene.     

Higher hydrogen uptake capacity of C2H4Ti+ than C2H4Ti: a quantum chemical study

Using density functionals theory, we show that gravimetric hydrogen uptake of C₂H₄Ti complex and its cation, C₂H₄Ti⁺, differ by about 2 wt%. Six and five hydrogen molecules are found to be adsorbed on C₂H₄Ti⁺ and C₂H₄Ti complexes thereby showing a hydrogen-uptake capacity of 13.74 and 11.72 wt%, respectively. All hydrogen molecules are adsorbed in molecular form on C₂H₄Ti⁺ ion with an increase in metal bond strength, whereas in some cases, the hydrogen molecules are found to be dissociated on C₂H₄Ti neutral complex. The uptake capacity of neutral C₂H₄Ti complex shown in this work is in excellent agreement with that reported experimentally, Phillips and Shivaram (Phys Rev Lett 100:105505, 2008). The H₂ adsorption energy and its dependence on exchange and correlation functions in density functionals method were illustrated. Even after the adsorption of maximum number of hydrogen molecules on C₂H₄Ti and C₂H₄Ti⁺ complexes, Ti and Ti⁺ remain strongly bound to C₂H₄ substrate.     

Hydrogen adsorption on Ti containing organometallic structures grafted on silsesquioxanes

The adsorption of hydrogen molecule on a novel structure of Ti containing organometallic complexes grafted on silsequioxanes (SQ, H₈Si₈O₁₂) was investigated by means of DFT method. The hydrogen adsorption properties of the complex structures TiRH₇Si₈O₁₂ (R = C₄H₃, C₅H₄, C₆H₅) keep almost the same as that of corresponding Ti containing organometallic complexes. Moreover, these complex structures can avoid the problem of transition metal clustering which is a disadvantage for hydrogen adsorption. The maximum number of hydrogen molecules adsorbed was still determined by 18 electron rule, that is to say 5, 4, and 4 H₂ molecules for TiRH₇Si₈O₁₂ with R = C₄H₃, C₅H₄, and C₆H₅, respectively. At the same time, all the average binding energy of H₂ is located in 0.2–1.0 eV, which is an advantage for hydrogen storage at ambient conditions. Therefore, the materials studied here may provide some enlightenment for developing new types of hydrogen storage materials.     

The rotational spectrum of the cyclopentadienylallylnickel complex

The rotational spectrum of cyclopentadienylallylnickel, C₃H₅NiC₅H₅, has been studied using a pulsed molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. Twelve a-type transitions were analyzed to obtain rotational and centrifugal distortion constants for the parent C₃H₅⁵⁸NiC₅H₅ complex. The measured rotational constant A = 3107.603(93) MHz is about 160.0 MHz larger than the predicted DFT value, providing evidence for possible fluxional motion in the complex. The large distortion constants, on the order of 100 kHz, provide further evidence for fluxional motion. The experimental constants B = 1302.38(22) and C = 1276.40(15) MHz are in good agreement with the DFT calculated values and confirm the η³-bonding of the allyl ligand to the Ni–C₅H₅ moiety. DFT calculations provide a V₅ barrier for internal rotation about the Ni–C₅H₅ axis of 53 cm⁻¹, with the lowest energy conformation having the central allyl c-atom eclipsed with respect to two C₅H₅ carbon atoms. Several additional rotational lines, possibly those of an exited torsional state, were observed but not assigned.     

One-electron redox reactions involving chromium(0) and molybdenum(0) bis-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene derivatives

The reaction of M(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)₂, M = Cr, Mo, with the tetrahalides of Groups 4 and 5 elements proceeds with the monoelectronic oxidation of the metal bis-arene to the [M(η⁶-Me₃C₆H₃)₂]⁺ cation. In the case of MX₄, M = Ti, X = Cl, Br, M = V, X = Cl, and of Nb₂Cl₁₀ the reduction products are the titanium(III), vanadium(III) halides and the niobium(IV) chloride, isolated as the solvate anions [MCl₄(THF)₂]⁻ and [NbCl₄(CH₃CN)]⁻. The reaction of the tetrachloro complexes MCl₄(THF)₂, M = Zr, Hf, with Cr(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)₂ in THF produces the ionic [Cr(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)₂][MCl₅(THF)], which has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the case of hafnium.     

Adsorption of Remazol Red 3BS from aqueous solutions using APTES- and cyclodextrin-modified HMS-type mesoporous silicas

The removal of Remazol Red 3BS (C.I. 239) dye by HMS ordered mesoporous silica, aminopropyl-modified HMS (HMS-NH₂) and β-cyclodextrin-modified HMS (HMS-CD) materials was studied in the present work. The modified materials were functionalized in situ by adding the organic modifiers (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and a silylated derivative of MCT-β-CD) in the synthesis mixture and using dodecylamine as the mesopore structure directing agent. The successful incorporation of aminopropyl groups in HMS-NH₂ and of cyclodextrin moieties in HMS-CD was verified by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and N₂ porosimetry. The HMS-CD material exhibited significantly higher adsorption capacity compared to that of the HMS-NH₂ material, while the parent HMS mesoporous silica showed negligible adsorption capability. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained (at the optimum pH 2) on the basis of the Langmuir analysis were 0.28 mmol/g for HMS-CD and 0.14 mmol/g for HMS-NH₂. It was shown that the HMS-CD sorbent can be effectively regenerated by the surfactant-enhanced regeneration method using SDS and that can be reused without significant loss of its adsorption capabilities.     

Synthesis and molecular structures of dialkylselenonium methylide complexes of indium tribromide

The reaction of bromomethyl-dibromo-indium(III), Br₂InCH₂Br with dialkylselenides, R¹SeR² (R¹ = CH₃, R² = CH₂C₆H₅; R¹ = C₂H₅, R² = CH₂C₆H₅; R¹ = R² = CH₂C₆H₅) afforded the corresponding dialkylselenonium methylide complexes of indium tribromide, Br₃InCH₂SeR¹R², which were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Adsorption and Purification of Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Extract by Ionic Liquids (ILs) Grafted Silica

Baicalin which has multiple biological activities is the main active component of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG). Although its isolation and purification by adsorption methods have aroused much interest of the scientific community, it suffered from the poor selectivity of the adsorbents. In this work, an environmentally benign method was developed to prepare ionic liquids (ILs) grafted silica by using IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C₄mim]NTf₂) and ethanol as reaction media. The IL 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₃mim]Cl) grafted silica ([C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂) was used to adsorb and purify baicalin from the root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG). Experimental results indicated that the adsorption equilibrium can be quickly achieved (within 10 min). The adsorption behavior of [C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂ for baicalin was in good agreement with Langmuir and Freundlich models and the adsorption was a physisorption process as suggested by Dubinin–Radushkevich model. Compared with commercial resins, [C₃mim]⁺Cl⁻@SiO₂ showed the strongest adsorption ability and highest selectivity. After desorption and crystallization, a purity of baicalin as high as 96.5% could be obtained. These results indicated that the ILs grafted silica materials were promising adsorbents for the adsorption and purification of baicalin and showed huge potential in the purification of other bioactive compounds from natural sources.     

Characterization of an aluminium(III)–citrate species by means of ion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry detection

The aluminium(III)–citrate complex (NH₄)₄[Al₂(C₆H₄O₇)(C₆H₅O₇)₂]·4H₂O was characterized using anion exchange chromatography on-line coupled with the element specific ICP-AES detector. Time-dependent monitoring of individual species in aqueous solution at different temperatures gave information about the species stability and the decomposition pathway. The aluminium–citrate complex (NH₄)₄[Al₂(C₆H₄O₇)(C₆H₅O₇)₂]·4H₂O disintegrated via an unknown intermediary Al(III)–citrate species from which the thermodynamically stable complex [Al₃(C₆H₄O₇)₃(OH)(H₂O)]⁴⁻ was formed. The activation energy for the decomposition reaction and the pre-exponential factor were determinated to be E_a = 81.95 kJ mol⁻¹ and A = 3.62 × 10¹³ s⁻¹.     

High-capacity hydrogen storage of magnesium-decorated boron fullerene

By theoretical analysis, we have explored the feasibility of functionalizing boron fullerene (B₈₀) by adsorbing Mg atoms for the application as hydrogen storage nanomaterials. Our results show that due to the charge transfer from Mg to B atoms Mg atoms reside above the pentagonal faces of the B₈₀ cage. The electric field induced around the positive charged Mg atoms polarizes H₂ molecules, and the resulting binding is strong enough to adsorb H₂ without dissociation. Further calculations indicated that the 12Mg-decorated-B₈₀ has a high hydrogen storage capacity storing up to 96 H₂ molecules with an ideal binding energy of 0.20 eV/H₂ according to the approximation of GGA and 0.5 eV/H₂ according to LDA, corresponding to a hydrogen uptake of 14.2%. This suggested a possible method of engineering new structure for high-capacity hydrogen storage materials with the reversible adsorption and desorption of hydrogen molecules.     

Determination of hydrogen sulfide and volatile thiols in air samples by mercury probe derivatization coupled with liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

A new procedure is proposed for the sampling and storage of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and volatile thiols (methanethiol or methyl mercaptan, ethanethiol and propanethiol) for their determination by liquid chromatography. The sampling procedure is based on the trapping/pre-concentration of the analytes in alkaline aqueous solution containing an organic mercurial probe p-hydroxymercurybenzoate, HO-Hg-C₆H₄-COO⁻ (PHMB), where they are derivatized to stable PHMB complexes based on mercury-sulfur covalent bonds. PHMB complexes are separated on a C₁₈ reverse phase column, allowing their determination by liquid chromatography coupled with sequential non-selective UV-vis (DAD) and mercury specific (chemical vapor generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry, CVGAFS) on-line detectors. PHMB complexes, S(PHMB)₂CH₃S-PHMB, C₂H₅S-PHMB and C₃H₇S-PHMB, are stable alt least for 12 h at room temperature and for 3 months if stored frozen (−20 °C).The best analytical figures of merits in the optimized conditions were obtained by CVGAFS detection, with detection limits (LODc) of 9.7 μg L⁻¹ for H₂S, 13.7 μg L⁻¹ for CH₃SH, 17.7 μg L⁻¹ for C₂H₅SH and 21.7 μg L⁻¹ for C₃H₇SH in the trapping solution in form of RS-PHMB complexes, the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) ranging between 1.0 and 1.5%, and a linear dynamic range (LDR) between 10 and 9700 μg L⁻¹. Conventional UV absorbance detectors tuned at 254 nm can be employed as well with comparable R.S.D. and LDR, but with LODc one order of magnitude higher than AFS detector and lower specificity. The sampling procedure followed by LC-DAD-CVGAFS analysis has been validated, as example, for H₂S determination by a certified gas permeation tube as a source of 3.071 ± 0.154 μg min⁻¹ of H₂S, giving a recovery of 99.8 ± 7% and it has been applied to the determination of sulfur compounds in real gas samples (biogas and the air of a plant for fractional distillation of crude oil).     

Single-walled carbon nanotubes as stationary phase in gas chromatographic separation and determination of argon, carbon dioxide and hydrogen

A chromatographic technique is introduced based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as stationary phase for separation of Ar, CO₂ and H₂ at parts per million (ppm) levels. The efficiency of SWCNTs was compared with solid materials such as molecular sieve, charcoal, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. The morphology of SWCNTs was optimized for maximum adsorption of H₂, CO₂ and Ar and minimum adsorption of gases such as N₂, O₂, CO and H₂O vapour. To control temperature of the gas chromatography column, peltier cooler was used. Mixtures of Ar, CO₂ and H₂ were separated according to column temperature program. Relative standard deviation for nine replicate analyses of 0.2 mL H₂ containing 10 μL of each Ar or CO₂ was 2.5% for Ar, 2.8% for CO₂ and 3.6% for H₂. The interfering effects of CO, and O₂ were investigated. Working ranges were evaluated as 40-600 ppm for Ar, 30-850 ppm for CO₂ and 10-1200 ppm for H₂. Significant sensitivity, small relative standard deviation (RSD) and acceptable limit of detection (LOD) were obtained for each analyte, showing capability of SWCNTs for gas separation and determination processes. Finally, the method was used to evaluate the contents of CO₂ in air sample.     

Syntheses,crystal structure and theoretical modelling of tetrahedral mono-β-diketonato titanocenyl complexes

A comparative investigation on three novel bis(cyclopentadienyl) mono(β-diketonato) titanium(IV) complexes, [Cp₂Ti^IV(R¹COCHCOR²)]⁺ClO₄⁻ (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅), i.e. [Cp₂Ti(tfba)]⁺, [Cp₂Ti(tfth)]⁺ and [Cp₂Ti(tfba)]⁺ where tfba = CF₃COCHCOC₆H₅⁻, tfth = CF₃COCHCOC₄H₃S⁻ and tffu = CF₃COCHCOC₄H₃O⁻, has been performed based on structural data and DFT calculations. The preparation of [Cp₂Ti^IV(β-diketonato)]⁺ClO₄⁻ involves the reaction of Cp₂TiCl₂ with AgClO₄ and the respective β-diketones. The crystal structures show that the structures are isomorphous. All the complexes exhibit π-stacking between one Cp ring and the aromatic R-group ring, i.e. the C₆H₅, C₄H₃S and C₄H₃O fragments, respectively. The DFT calculations show that the formal 16-electron count of these d⁰ titanium(IV) complexes is increased via Ti ← O π bonding. The bonding mode in the [Cp₂Ti(β-diketonato)]⁺ complexes is different from that in Cp₂Ti(OR)₂ and Cp₂Ti(dioxolene) complexes.     

Vapour pressure and excess Gibbs free energy of binary mixtures of hydrogen sulphide with ethane, propane, and n-butane at temperature of 182.33 K

The vapour pressure of binary mixtures of hydrogen sulphide with ethane, propane, and n-butane was measured at T = 182.33 K covering most of the composition range. The excess Gibbs free energy of these mixtures has been derived from the measurements made. For the equimolar mixtures for (H₂S + C₂H₆), (820.1 ± 2.4) J · mol⁻¹ for (H₂S + C₃H₈), and (818.6 ± 0.9) J · mol⁻¹ for (H₂S + n-C₄H₁₀). The binary mixtures of H₂S with ethane and with propane exhibit azeotropes, but that with n-butane does not.     

Redox reactions with bis(η-arene) derivatives of early transition metals

The reactivity of M(η⁶-arene)₂ derivatives of early transition metals (M = Ti, Cr, Mo, arene = MeC₆H₅; M = V, Nb, arene = 1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃) has been investigated and the syntheses of new and known compounds are described. The derivatives M(CH₃COO)₃, M = Ti, V, Nb, Cr; M(CF₃COO)₃, M = Ti, Nb, Cr; M(acac)₃, M = Ti, V, Mo, acac = acetylacetonato, and M(F₆acac)₃, F₆acac = hexafluoroacetylacetonato, M = V, Nb have been prepared by reaction of the metal bis(arene) derivatives with the appropriate Lewis acid. The crystal and molecular structure of V(F₆acac)₃ has been determined. Hydrogen halides or halogens react with M(η⁶-arene)₂ with formation of metal halides, a highly reactive form of VCl₃ being obtained from V(η⁶-1,3,5-Me₃C₆H₃)₂ and hydrogen chloride in heptane. TiCl₄ oxidizes Ti(η⁶-arene)₂ with complete loss of the arene ligands. An electron transfer process affording ionic derivatives of formula [M(η⁶-MeC₆H₅)₂][TiCl₄(THF)₂], M = Cr (structurally characterized), Mo, has been observed between the THF-adduct of TiCl₄ and the appropriate metal-arene derivative of Group 6.     

Synthesis of chromium(III) bis(benzamidinate) complexes via single electron oxidation

Single-electron oxidation of the known Cr(II) bis(amidinate) Cr[(Me₃SiN)₂CPh]₂ (1) provides synthetic access to neutral Cr(III) complexes. The complexes Cr[(Me₃SiN)₂CPh]₂X were prepared by reaction of 1 with AgO₂CPh (X = O₂CPh, 2), of 1 with iodine in THF (X = I/THF, 3), or of 1 with iodine in pentane, followed by addition of 2-adamantanone (X = I/2-adamantanone, 4). Treatment of 2 or 3 with C₃H₅MgCl resulted in the thermally stable allyl complex (X = η³-C₃H₅, 5). A preliminary kinetics study of the reaction of 1 with excess allyl benzoate and allyl acetate was performed. The molecular structures of 2, 3 and 5 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.