F/Cl-exchange on AlCl(3)-pyridine adducts: synthesis and characterization of trans-difluoro-tetrakis-pyridine-aluminum-chloride, [AlF2(Py)4]+Cl-

Whereas liquid CCl3F reacts with solid AlCl3 exothermically under chlorine-fluorine-exchange already above -20 degrees C, no reaction takes place between CCl3F and the pyridine complexes of AlCl3 (AlCl3.Py, AlCl3.2Py, or AlCl3.3Py) up to 100 degrees C. The desired chlorine by fluorine substitution on the monomer AlCl3-pyridine adducts occurs, however, easily using Me3SiF as fluorinating agent. By reacting AlCl3.3Py with Me3SiF (even up to 10-fold stoichiometric excess) in pyridine as a solvent, only two of the three Cl atoms can be substituted by fluorine, leading in good yield to the new "mixed aluminum halide", AlF2Cl.4Py. Actually, it represents the first example of a stable solid donor-acceptor adduct of an aluminum-III halide with two different halogens of defined stoichiometry. It was characterized by multinuclear solid-state NMR (27Al and 19F), IR spectroscopy, as well as single-crystal structure analysis. The new compound has an ionic solid-state structure with helical trans-octahedral [(Py)4AlF2]+ cations and isolated Cl- anions. The comparison of its 27Al MAS solid-state NMR spectra with those of a compound bearing the analogous [(Py)4AlCl2]+ cation reveals an extreme increase in the quadrupolar coupling constants, from 0.24 MHz in case of the chlorine cation to about 16 MHz in case of the new [(Py)4AlF2]+ cation.     

Catalytic synthesis of tricyclic quinoline derivatives from the regioselective hydroamination and C-H bond activation reaction of benzocyclic amines and alkynes

The cationic ruthenium-hydride complex [(PCy3)2(CO)(CH3CN)2RuH]+BF4- (1) was found to be an effective catalyst for the regioselective coupling reaction of benzocyclic amines and terminal alkynes to form the tricyclic quinoline derivatives. The scope of the reaction was explored by using the catalytic system Ru3(CO)12/NH4PF6. The catalytically active cationic ruthenium-acetylide complex [(PCy3)2(CO)(CH3CN)2RuCCPh]+BF4- was isolated from the reaction of 1 with phenylacetylene.     

Charge effects on oxygen atom transfer

The rhenium(V) complex [(HCpz3)ReOCl2]+ ([1]+), the tris(pyrazolyl)methane analogue of the known tris(pyrazolyl)borate complex (HBpz3)ReOCl2 (2), has been prepared. The two complexes are strikingly similar, as are the phosphine oxide adducts [(HCpz3)ReCl2(OPPh3)]Cl ([3]Cl) and (HBpz3)ReCl2(OPPh3) (4), which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Comparison of the bimolecular reduction of [1]BF4 and 2 by triarylphosphines reveals a pronounced charge effect, with the cationic species being reduced by PPh3 about 1,000 times faster than its neutral analogue in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. Ligand substitution of the adducts [3]+ and 4 is dissociative, with the cationic complex dissociating phosphine oxide about 56 times more slowly than the neutral compound. The relative impact of charge on ground and transition states in atom transfer reactions is discussed.     

Enhanced reactivity of 2-rhodaoxetanes through a labile acetonitrile ligand

New cationic, square-planar, ethene complexes [(Rbpa)RhI(C2H4)]+ [2a]--[2c]+ (Rbpa = N-alkyl-N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)amine; [2a]+: alkyl =R=Me; [2b]+: R = Bu; [2c]+: R = Bz) have been selectively oxygenated in acetonitrile by aqueous hydrogen peroxide to 2-rhoda(III)oxetanes with a labile acetonitrile ligand, [(Rbpa)RhIII(kappa2-C,O-CH2CH2O-)(MeCN)]+, [3a]+-[3c]+. The rate of elimination of acetaldehyde from [(Rbpa)RhIII(kappa2-C,O-CH2CH2O-)(MeCN)]+ increases in the order R = Me< R = Bu< R = Bz. Elimination of acetaldehyde from [(Bzbpa)RhIII(kappa2-C,O-CH2CH2O)(MeCN)]+ [3c]+, in the presence of ethene results in regeneration of ethene complex [(Bzbpa)RhI(C2H4)]+ [2c]+, and closes a catalytic cycle. In the presence of Z,Z-1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) the corresponding cod complex [(Bzbpa)RhI(cod)]+ [6c]+ is formed. Further oxidation of [3c]+ by H2O2 results in the transient formylmethyl-hydroxy complex [(Bzbpa)RhIII(OH)[kappa1-C-CH2C(O)H]]+ [5c]+.     

2-rhodaoxetanes: their formation of oxidation of [RhI(ethene)]+ and their reactivity upon protonation

New cationic, pentacoordinate complexes [(TPA)Rh1(ethene)]+, [1a]+, and [(MeTPA)Rh1(ethene)]+, [1b]+, have been prepared (TPA = N,N,N-tri(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, MeTPA = N-[(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-methyl]-N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)amine). Complex [1a]+ is selectively converted by aqueous HCl to [(TPA)RhIII-(ethyl)Cl]+, [2a]+. The same reaction with [1b]+ results in the [(MeTPA)RhIII-(ethyl)Cl]+ isomers [2b]+ and [2c]+. Treatment of [1a]+ and [1b]+ with aqueous H2O2 results in a selective oxygenation to the unsubstituted 2-rho-da(III)oxetanes (1-oxa-2-rhoda(III)cyclo-butanes) [(TPA)RhIII(kappa2-C,O-2-oxyethyl)]+, [3a]+, and [(MeTPA)RhIII(kappa2-C,O-2-oxyethyl)]+, [3b]+. The reactivity of 2-rhodaoxetanes [3a]+ and [3b]+ is dominated by the nucleophilic character of their 2-oxyethyl oxygen. Reaction of [3a]+ and [3b]+ with the non-coordinating acid HBAr(f)4 results in the dicationic protonated 2-rhodaoxetanes [(TPA)RhIII(kappa2-2-hydroxyethyl)]2+, [4a]2+, and [(MeTPA)RhIII(kappa2-2-hydroxyethyl)]2+, [4b]2+. These eliminate acetaldehyde at room temperature, probably via a coordinatively unsaturated kappa1-2-hydroxyethyl complex. In acetonitrile, complex [4a]2+ is stabilised as [(TPA)-RhIII(kappa1-2-hydroxyethyl)(MeCN)]2+, [5a]2+, whereas the MeTPA analogue [4b]2+ continues to eliminate acetaldehyde. Reaction of [3a]+ with NH4Cl and Mel results in the coordinatively saturated complexes [(TPA)RhIII(kappa1-2-hydroxyethyl)(Cl)]+, [6a]+, and [(TPA)-RhIII(kappa1-2-methoxyethyl)(I)+, [7a]+, respectively. Reaction of [3a]+ with NH4+ in MeCN results in formation of the dicationic metallacyclic amide [(TPA)-RhIII [kappa2-O,C-2-(acetylamino)ethyl]]2+, [9]2+, via the intermediates [4a]2+, [5a]2+ and the metallacyclic iminoester [(TPA)RhIII[kappa2-N,C-2-(acetimidoyloxy)ethyl]]2+, [8]2+. The observed overall conversion of the [Rh(I)(ethene)] complex [1a]+ to the metallacyclic amide [9]2+ via 2-rhodaoxetane [3a]+, provides a new route for the amidation of a [RhI(ethene)] fragment.     

Activation of dimethyl zirconocene by methylaluminoxane (MAO)-size estimate for Me-MAO(-) anions by pulsed field-gradient NMR

In a study of the reaction system MAO/(C5H5)2ZrMe2, the size of the ion pair [(C5H5)2Zr(mu-Me)2AlMe2]+ [Me-MAO]- was determined by pulsed field-gradient NMR of its cationic moiety. A mean effective hydrodynamic radius of 12.2-12.5 A, determined from diffusion rates in benzene solution at different zirconocene and MAO concentrations, indicates that the ion pair remains associated even at the lowest concentrations studied. At elevated concentrations, aggregation to ion quadruples or higher aggregates is indicated by an apparent size increase and by shifts of the C5H5 and Me 1H NMR signals. The equilibrium constant for the reaction [(C5H5)2ZrMe+...Me-MAO-] + 1/2Al2Me6 right harpoon over left harpoon [(C5H5)2Zr(mu-Me)2AlMe2]+ [Me-MAO]- changes at different Al/Zr ratios; this indicates that MAO contains various species that produce Me-MAO- anions with different Lewis basicities. The volume of the Me-MAO- anion suggests that it contains 150-200 Al atoms.     

A single-bonded cationic terminal borylene complex

The cationic terminal borylene complex [(eta5-C5H5)(CO)2FeB(eta5-C5Me5)][AlCl4] has been isolated from the reaction of [(eta5-C5H5)(CO)2FeB(Cl)(eta1-C5Me5)] with AlCl3 and on the basis of X-ray crystallographic data, spectroscopic data and a DFT calculation it is concluded that the B-->Fe bond order is one.     

New bidentate cationic and zwitterionic relatives of Crabtree's hydrogenation catalyst

Inspired by the monodentate P,N ligation strategy featured in Crabtree's catalyst [(COD)Ir(PCy3)(Py)]+PF6-([1]+PF6-), a new class of bidentate cationic ([2]+X-) and zwitterionic (3) Ir complexes have been developed, which are capable of mediating the hydrogenation of alkenes under mild conditions and in a wider range of solvents than is possible for [1]+PF6-.     

Establishment of mass spectrometric fingerprints of novel synthetic cholesteryl neoglycolipids: The presence of a unique <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>-glycoside species during electrospray ionization and during collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry

In this study we evaluated the fragmentation pattern of 16 novel amphiphilic neoglycolipid cholesteryl derivatives that can be efficiently used to increase cationic liposomal stability and to enhance gene transfer ability. These neoglycolipids bear different sugar moieties, such as D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-trideuterioacetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, L-fucose, N-allyloxycarbonyl-D-glucosamine, and some of their per-O-acetylated derivatives. Regardless of the structure of the tested neoglycolipid, QqToF-MS analysis using electrospray ionization (ESI) source showed abundant protonated [M+H]+ species. We also identified by both QqToF-MS and low-energy collision tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) of the [M+H]+ ion, the presence of specific common fingerprint fragment ions: [Cholestene]+, sugar [oxonium]+, [(Sugar-spacer-OH)+H]+, [oxonium-H2O]+, and [(Cholesterol-spacer-OH)+H]+. In addition, we observed a unique ion that could not be rationally explained by the expected fragmentation of these amphiphilic molecules. The structure of this ion was tentatively proposed with that of a C-glycoside species formed by a chemical reaction between the sugar portion and the cholesterol. MS/MS analysis of this unique [C-glycoside]+ confirmed the validity of the proposed structure of this ion. The presence of an amino group at position C-2 and free hydroxyl groups of the sugar motif is crucial for the formation of a "reactive" sugar oxonium ion that can form the [C-glycoside]+ species. In summary, we precisely established the fragmentation patterns of the tested series of neoglycolipid cholesteryl derivatives and authenticated their structure as well; moreover, we speculated on the formation of a C-glycoside with the ESI source under atmospheric pressure and in the collision cell during MS/MS analysis.     

Generation and collision-induced dissociation of ammonium tetrafluoroborate cluster ions

Singly and doubly charged cluster ions of ammonium tetrafluoroborate (NH4BF4) with general formula [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ and [(NH4BF4)m(NH4)2]2+, respectively, were generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) and their fragmentation examined using collision-induced dissociation (CID) and ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry. CID of [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ caused the loss of one or more neutral NH4BF4 units. The n = 2 cluster, [(NH4BF4)2NH4]+, was unique in that it also exhibited a dissociation pathway in which HBF4 was eliminated to create [(NH4BF4)(NH3)NH4]+. Dissociation of [(NH4BF4)m(NH4)2]2+ occurred through two general pathways: (a) 'fission' to produce singly charged cluster ions and (b) elimination of one or more neutral NH4BF4 units to leave doubly charged product ions. CID profiles, and measurements of changing precursor and product ion signal intensity as a function of applied collision voltage, were collected for [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ and compared with those for analogous [(NaBF4)nNa]+ and [(KBF4)nK]+ ions to determine the influence of the cation on the relative stability of cluster ions. In general, the [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ clusters were found to be easier to dissociate than both the sodium and potassium clusters of comparable size, with [(KBF4)nK]+ ions the most difficult to dissociate.     

Electron-structure calculations and bond order analysis using density functional theory of cationic dinuclear arene ruthenium complexes

The structure and nature of the metal-metal bonding interaction in the cationic complexes [(eta6-C6Me6)2Ru2(mu2-H)3]+ (1), [(eta6-C6Me6)2Ru2(mu2-H)2(mu2-1,4-SC6H4Br)]+ (2), [(eta6-C6Me6)2Ru2(mu2-H)(mu2-1,4-SC6H4Br)2]+ (3), and [(eta6-C6Me6)2Ru2(mu2-1,4-SC6H4Br)3]+ (4) have been studied at the density functional theory (DFT) level using molecular orbital (MO) theory, bond order (BO) analysis, bond decomposition energy (BDE), electron localization function (ELF), and Laplacian of the density methods. The results show that there is no direct bond between the two ruthenium atoms in 1-4, the MO interaction within the diruthenium backbone being stabilized by the bridging ligands. For complex 1, the ELF clearly shows that the bond within the diruthenium backbone is through the three bridging hydride ligands, which act as a sort of glue by forming three-center two-electron bonds characterized by (Ru, H, Ru) basins with 1.8 e mostly located in the H atomic basin.     

Gaseous iron(II) and iron(III) complexes with BINOLate ligands

Electrospray ionization (ESI) of dilute solutions of 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) and iron(II) or iron(III) sulfate in methanol/water allows the generation of monocationic complexes of iron and deprotonated BINOL ligands with additional methanol molecules in the coordination sphere, and the types of complexes formed can be controlled by the valence of the iron precursors used in ESI. Thus, iron(II) sulfate leads to [(BINOLate)Fe(CH3OH)n]+ complexes (n=0-3), whereas usage of iron(III) sulfate allows the generation of [(BINOLdiate)-Fe(CH3OH)n]+ cations (n=0-2); here, BINOLate and BINOLdiate stand for singly and doubly deprotonated BINOL, respectively. Upon collision-induced dissociation, the mass-selected ions with n>0 first lose the methanol ligands and then undergo characteristic fragmentations. Bare [(BINOLdiate)Fe]+, a formal iron(III) species, undergoes decarbonylation, which is known as a typical fragmentation of ionized phenols and phenolates either as free species or as the corresponding metal complexes. The bare [(BINOLate)Fe]+ cation, on the other hand, preferentially loses neutral FeOH to afford an organic C20H12O+* cation radical, which most likely corresponds to ionized 1,1'-dinaphthofurane.     

Role of the metal oxidation state in the SNS-Cr catalyst for ethylene trimerization: isolation of di- and trivalent cationic intermediates

The reaction of the highly selective [CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy]CrCl3 catalyst precursor with alkyl aluminum activators was examined with the aim of isolating reactive intermediates. Reaction with Me3Al afforded a cationic trivalent chromium alkyl species {[CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy]CrMe(mu-Cl)}2{(AlMe3)2(m-Cl}2.(C7H8)2 (1a). Although it was not possible to obtain crystalline samples of sufficient quality from the reaction with MAO (the most preferred activator), the near-to-identical EPR spectra indicated a very close structural similarity with 1a. Ethylene oligomerization tests clearly revealed that 1 and other cationic trivalent dimeric complexes {[CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy] CrCl(mu-Cl)}2{AlCl4}2.(C7H8)1.5 (2), monomeric [(CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy)CrCl2 (THF)][AlCl4] (3), and {[CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy]Cr(eta2-AlCl4)}{Al2Cl7} (4) adducts display the same catalyst selectivity as the [CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy]CrCl3 complex and, therefore, are probably all precursors to the same catalytically active species. 2, 3, and 4 were obtained upon treatment of [CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy] CrCl3 with different stoichiometric ratios of AlCl3.. When i-BAO activator was used, reduction of the metal center occurred readily, affording {([CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2S Cy]Cr)(mu-Cl)]2}{(i-Bu)2AlCl2}2 (5). 5 is also a selective catalyst, thus indicating that trivalent species are most probably precursors to a divalent catalytically active complex. Reaction of CrCl2(THF)2 with the ligand afforded the labile divalent adduct [CySCH2CH2N(H)CH2CH2SCy]CrCl2(THF) (6), also catalytically active and selective. Instead, deprotonation of the ligand with n-BuLi followed by reaction with CrCl2(THF)2 gave the dinuclear complex [(mu-CySCH2CH2NCH2CH2SCy)CrCl]2 (7), which did not produce oligomers.     

Unprecedented stereoselective synthesis of catalytically active chiral Mo3CuS4 clusters

Cluster excision of polymeric {Mo3S7Cl4}n phases with chiral phosphane (+)-1,2-bis[(2R,5R)-2,5-(dimethylphospholan-1-yl)]ethane ((R,R)-Me-BPE) or with its enantiomer ((S,S)-Me-BPE) yields the stereoselective formation of the trinuclear cluster complexes [Mo3S4{(R,R)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(P)-1]+) and [Mo3S4{(S,S)-Me-BPE}3Cl3]+ ([(M)-1]+), respectively. These complexes possess an incomplete cuboidal structure with the metal atoms defining an equilateral triangle and one capping and three bridging sulfur atoms. The P and M symbols refer to the rotation of the chlorine atoms around the C3 axis, with the capping sulphur atom pointing towards the viewer. Incorporation of copper into these trinuclear complexes affords heterodimetallic cubane-type compounds of formula [Mo3CuS4{(R,R)-Me-BPE}3Cl4]+ ([(P)-2]+) or [Mo3CuS4{(S,S)-Me-BPE}3Cl4]+ ([(M)-2]+), respectively, for which the chirality of the trinuclear precursor is preserved in the final product. Cationic complexes [(P)-1]+, [(M)-1]+, [(P)-2]+, and [(M)-2]+ combine the chirality of the metal cluster framework with that of the optically active diphosphane ligands. The known racemic [Mo3CuS4(dmpe)3Cl4]+ cluster (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane) as well as the new enantiomerically pure Mo3CuS4 [(P)-2]+ and [(M)-2]+ complexes are efficient catalysts for the intramolecular cyclopropanation of 1-diazo-5-hexen-2-one (3) and for the intermolecular cyclopropanation of alkenes, such as styrene and 2-phenylpropene, with ethyl diazoacetate. In all cases, the cyclopropanation products were obtained in high yields. The diastereoselectivity in the intermolecular cyclopropanation of the alkenes and the enantioselectivity in the inter- or intramolecular processes are only moderate.     

Electrochemistry of aluminum phthalocyanine: solvent and anion effects on UV-visible spectra and reduction mechanisms

The electrochemistry and UV-vis spectral properties of neutral and electroreduced Al(III) phthalocyanine, (Pc)AlCl, were characterized in four different nonaqueous solvents (THF, DMSO, DMF, and pyridine) containing tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate, as well as in THF containing 0.4 M TBAP and the more strongly coordinating Cl-, F-, OH-, or CN- anions added to solution in the form of a tetra-n-butylammonium salt. The initial phthalocyanine added to solution is represented as (Pc)AlCl, but the actual electroactive form of the compound varied as a function of both the solvent and type or number of bound anionic axial ligands. An uncharged (Pc)AlCl(THF) or (Pc)Al(CN)(THF) complex is present in THF solutions containing 0.4 M TBAP and excess Cl- or CN-, while transient mu-oxo dimers are spectroscopically observed upon addition of OH- or F- to (Pc)AlCl(THF) in THF followed by the ultimate formation of stable six-coordinate anionic species represented as [(Pc)Al(OH)2]- or [(Pc)AlF2]-. Each phthalocyanine undergoes three reversible one-electron additions at the conjugated Pc macrocycle within the negative potential limit of the solvent, and the UV-vis spectral changes obtained during the first two reductions were recorded in a thin-layer cell to evaluate the prevailing electron-transfer mechanisms.     

Cyclotetraphosphinophosphonium ions: synthesis, structures, and pseudorotation

The first derivatives of catenated cyclotetraphosphinophosphonium cations, [(PhP)4PPhMe]+ (8a), [(MeP)4PMe2]+ (8b), [(CyP)4PPh2]+ (8d), [(CyP)4PMe2]+ (8e), [(PhP)4PPh2]+ (8f), [(PhP)4PMe2]+ (8g), are synthesized as trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate, OSO2CF3-) salts through the reaction of cyclopentaphosphines (PhP)5 (4a) or (MeP)5 (4b) with methyl triflate (MeOTf) or by a net phosphenium ion [PR2+, R = Ph, Me; from R2PCl and trimethylsilyltriflate (Me3SiOTf)] insertion into the P-P bond of either cyclotetraphosphine (CyP)4 (3c) or cyclopentaphosphines (PhP)5 (4a) or (MeP)5 (4b). Although more conveniently prepared from 4a, compound 8a[OTf] can also be formed from (PhP)4 (3a) and MeOTf, and derivatives 8f[OTf] and 8g[OTf] are also accessible through reactions of 3a and R2PCl/Me3SiOTf with R = Ph or Me, respectively. A tetrachlorogallate salt of [(PhP)4PPhtBu]+ (8c) has been synthesized by alkylation of 4a with tBuCl/GaCl3. 31P[1H] NMR parameters for all derivatives of 8 have been determined by iterative simulation of experimental data. Derivatives 8a[OTf], 8b[OTf], 8c[GaCl4], 8e[OTf], 8f[OTf], and 8g[OTf] and have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, showing the most favorable all-trans configuration of substituents for the phosphine centers, thus minimizing steric interactions. Each derivative adopts a unique envelope or twist conformation of C1 symmetry. The effective C2 symmetry observed for 8b, d, e, f, and g in solution, signified by their 31P[1H] NMR AA'BB'X spin systems, implies a rapid conformational exchange for derivatives of 8. The core frameworks of the cations in the solid state are viewed as snapshots of different conformational isomers within the solution-phase pseudorotation process.     

Raman Study of Aluminum Chloride-Dimethylsulfone Solutions

The Raman spectra of AlCl(3)-LiCl-dimethylsulfone mixtures with different molar compositions have been recorded as a solid (300 K) and as a melt (400 K). In any case, only AlCl(4)(-) ion lines at 120, 179, and 347 cm(-)(1) were observed; we were unable to detect any other chloroaluminate species. Furthermore, some bands assigned to the Al[(CH(3))(2)SO(2)](3)(3+) octahedral coordination compound are evidence for a high AlCl(3) content.     

Models for the Carbonyl–ene Cyclization Reaction: Open and Closed Transition States

Different cyclization products are formed with different Lewis acids in the ene cyclization of 5-hexenals (see scheme on the right; a: methylaluminum bisphenoxide, b: Me₂AlCl, c: Sc(OSO₂CF₃)₃). This is not surprising, but it is gratifying that these result can be rationalized with an internally consistent model.     

Electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of meso-substituted free-base corroles in nonaqueous media: reactions of (Cor)H3, [(Cor)H4]+, and [(Cor)H2]-

Eleven free-base corroles with different electron-donating or electron-withdrawing meso substituents were characterized as to their electrochemistry and UV-visible spectroscopy in benzonitrile (PhCN) or pyridine containing tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate (0.1 M). Six forms of the compounds with different numbers of protons and/or oxidation states were spectroscopically identified and are represented as (Cor)H3, (.Cor)H2, [(Cor)H2]-, [(.Cor)H2]2-, [(Cor)H4]+, and [(.Cor)H4]2+, where Cor is a trianionic corrole macrocycle. The electrochemistry and UV-visible properties are a function of corrole basicity, solvent basicity, and types or sizes of the meso substituents, and the compounds could be subdivided into one of two different groups, one of which comprises sterically hindered corroles and another that does not. The electroactive species in PhCN is (Cor)H3, whereas in pyridine, one inner proton dissociates, generating a mixture of (Cor)H3, [(Cor)H2]-, and pyH+. The addition of one electron to [(Cor)H2]- reversibly gives the [(.Cor)H2]2- pi-anion radical, whereas a reversible oxidation of the same species gives the neutral radical (.Cor)H2. The first one-electron reduction of (Cor)H3 occurs at the macrocycle in PhCN, but the initial product rapidly converts to [(Cor)H2]-, which undergoes additional reversible redox reactions at the conjugated pi-ring system. The first oxidation of (Cor)H3 in PhCN leads to a mixture of (.Cor)H2 and [(Cor)H4]+, both of which could be further oxidized or reduced. The UV-visible spectra of [(Cor)H4]+ were measured in PhCN after titrations with trifluoroacetic acid, after which selected samples were examined as to their electrochemistry. The HOMO-LUMO gaps of [(Cor)H2]-, (Cor)H3, and [(Cor)H4]+ were also determined.     

A pulsed corona discharge switchable high resolution ion mobility spectrometer-mass spectrometer

A pulsed corona discharge ionisation source, a candidate replacement for 63Ni ionisation sources for ion mobility spectrometry, is described along with a new design of ion mobility spectrometer-mass spectrometer. Preliminary research on the characterisation of the reactant ion peaks associated with the use of this ionisation source was undertaken by assembling a pulsed corona discharge ionisation switchable high-resolution ion mobility spectrometer-mass spectrometer to enable the mobility spectra, atmospheric chemical ionisation mass spectra and selected-mass mobility spectra to be obtained. With ammonia doping at 2.39 mg m(-3) in air and a water content of approximately 80 mg m(-3) in the positive mode the observed response was attributable to the formation of 1(H2O)(n)NH4]+ and [(H2O)n(NH3)NH4]+ in the reaction region. The observed responses in the negative mode were more complex with evidence for the formation [(H2O)(n)O2]-, [(H2O)(n)CO3]-, [(H2O)(n)HCO3]-, [(H2O)(n)CO4]- and [(H2O)(n)NO3]-. The responses due to these species were clearly discernible in the resultant mobility spectra, with enough oxygen-based species formed to support analytically useful responses.