Selective solid-liquid extraction of lithium halide salts using a ditopic macrobicyclic receptor

A ditopic salt receptor that is known to bind and extract solid NaCl, KCl, NaBr, and KBr into organic solution as their contact ion pairs is now shown by NMR and X-ray crystallography to bind and extract solid LiCl and LiBr as water-separated ion pairs. The receptor can transport these salts from an aqueous phase through a liquid organic membrane with a cation selectivity of K+ > Na+ > Li+. However, the selectivity order is strongly reversed when the receptor extracts solid alkali metal chlorides and bromides into organic solution. For a three-component mixture of solid LiCl, NaCl, and KCl, the ratio of salts extracted and complexed to the receptor in CDCl3 was 94:4:2, respectively. The same strong lithium selectivity was also observed in the case of a three-component mixture of solid LiBr, NaBr, and KBr where the ratio of extracted salts was 92:5:3. This observation is attributed to the unusually high solubility of lithium salts in organic solvents. The study suggests that ditopic receptors with an ability to extract solid salts as associated ion pairs may have application in separation processes.     

Solvent tuning of the substitution behavior of a seven-coordinate iron(III) complex

A detailed kinetic study of the substitution behavior of the seven-coordinate [Fe(dapsox)(L)2]ClO4 complex (H(2)dapsox = 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(semioxamazide), L = solvent or its deprotonated form) with thiocyanate as a function of the thiocyanate concentration, temperature, and pressure was undertaken in protic (EtOH and acidified EtOH and MeOH) and aprotic (DMSO) organic solvents. The lability and substitution mechanism depend strongly on the selected solvent (i.e., on solvolytic and protolytic processes). In the case of alcoholic solutions, substitution of both solvent molecules by thiocyanate could be observed, whereas in DMSO only one substitution step occurred. For both substitution steps, [Fe(dapsox)(L)2]ClO4 shows similar mechanistic behavior in methanol and ethanol, which is best reflected by the values of the activation volumes (MeOH DeltaV(I) = +15.0 +/- 0.3 cm(3) mol(-1), DeltaV(II) = +12.0 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-1); EtOH DeltaV(I) = +15.8 +/- 0.7 cm(3) mol(-1), DeltaV(II) = +11.1 +/- 0.5 cm(3) mol(-1)). On the basis of the reported activation parameters, a dissociative (D) mechanism for the first substitution step and a D or dissociative interchange (I(d)) mechanism for the second substitution step are suggested for the reaction in MeOH and EtOH. This is consistent with the predominant existence of alcoxo [Fe(dapsox)(ROH)(OR)] species in alcoholic solutions. In comparison, the activation parameters for the substitution of the aqua-hydroxo [Fe(dapsox)(H2O)(OH)] complex by thiocyanate at pH 5.1 in MES were determined to be DeltaH = 72 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS = +38 +/- 11 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV = -3.0 +/- 0.1 cm(3) mol(-1), and the operation of a dissociative interchange mechanism was suggested, taking the effect of pressure on the employed buffer into account. The addition of triflic acid to the alcoholic solutions ([HOTf] = 10(-3) and 10(-2) M to MeOH and EtOH, respectively) resulted in a drastic changeover in mechanism for the first substitution step, for which an associative interchange (Ia) mechanism is suggested, on the basis of the activation parameters obtained for both the forward and reverse reactions and the corresponding volume profile. The second substitution step remained to proceed through an I(d) or D mechanism (acidified MeOH DeltaV(II) = +9.2 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-1); acidified EtOH DeltaV(II) = +10.2 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-1)). The first substitution reaction in DMSO was found to be slowed by several orders of magnitude and to follow an associative interchange mechanism (DeltaS = -50 +/- 9 J K(-1) mol(-1), DeltaV(I) = -1.0 +/- 0.5 cm(3) mol(-1)), making DMSO a suitable solvent for monitoring substitution processes that are extremely fast in aqueous solution.     

NMR diffusion spectroscopy as a measure of host-guest complex association constants and as a probe of complex size

The complexes of cyclohexylacetic acid and cholic acid with beta-cyclodextrin were studied by NMR diffusion coefficient measurements. The diffusion coefficient of the 1:1 cyclohexylacetic acid/beta-cyclodextrin complex, K(a) = 1800 +/- 100 M(-1), is slightly slower (3.23 +/- 0.07 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1)) than that of beta-cyclodextrin (3.29 +/- 0.07 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1)). The diffusion coefficient of the 1:1 cholic acid/beta-cyclodextrin complex, K(a) = 5900 +/- 800 M(-1), is significantly slower (2.93 +/- 0.07 x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1)) than that of beta-cyclodextrin. The results indicate that caution should be exercised when studying host-guest complexation by the so-called 'single point' technique. A novel data treatment is introduced which takes into account the diffusion behavior of all of the species when determining K(a). Experimentally determined diffusion coefficients of complexes are also a useful probe of the size of host-guest complexes.     

A ditopic ferrocene receptor for anions and cations that functions as a chromogenic molecular switch

A ferrocene-based ditopic receptor containing a urea and a benzocrown ether unit shows a remarkable colour switching (ON-and-OFF) function induced by anion and cation recognition.     

Modular assembly of a preorganised, ditopic receptor for dicarboxylates

Two types of calix[4]arene derived hosts for anions with, respectively, 1,3-alternate and cone conformations have been prepared; the 1,3-alternate system binds dicarboxylate anions in a ditopic manner while the cone compounds are deprotonated by carboxylates.     

The electronic structures of vanadate salts: Cation substitution as a tool for band gap manipulation

The electronic structures of six ternary metal oxides containing isolated vanadate ions, Ba₃(VO₄)₂, Pb₃(VO₄)₂, YVO₄, BiVO₄, CeVO₄ and Ag₃VO₄ were studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations. While the electronic structure near the Fermi level originates largely from the molecular orbitals of the vanadate ion, both experiment and theory show that the cation can strongly influence these electronic states. The observation that Ba₃(VO₄)₂ and YVO₄ have similar band gaps, both 3.8 eV, shows that cations with a noble gas configuration have little impact on the electronic structure. Band structure calculations support this hypothesis. In Pb₃(VO₄)₂ and BiVO₄ the band gap is reduced by 0.9-1.0 eV through interactions of (a) the filled cation 6s orbitals with nonbonding O 2p states at the top of the valence band, and (b) overlap of empty 6p orbitals with antibonding V 3d-O 2p states at the bottom of the conduction band. In Ag₃VO₄ mixing between filled Ag 4d and O 2p states destabilizes states at the top of the valence band leading to a large decrease in the band gap (E_g=2.2 eV). In CeVO₄ excitations from partially filled 4f orbitals into the conduction band lower the effective band gap to 1.8 eV. In the Ce_1−xBi_xVO₄ (0≤x≤0.5) and Ce_1−xY_xVO₄ (x=0.1, 0.2) solid solutions the band gap narrows slightly when Bi³⁺ or Y³⁺ are introduced. The nonlinear response of the band gap to changes in composition is a result of the localized nature of the Ce 4f orbitals.     

A detailed mechanistic study of the substitution behavior of an unusual seven-coordinate iron(III) complex in aqueous solution

A detailed mechanistic study of the substitution behavior of a 3d metal heptacoordinate complex, with a rare pentagonal-bipyramidal structure, was undertaken to resolve the solution chemistry of this system. The kinetics of the complex-formation reaction of [Fe(dapsox)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4) (H(2)dapsox = 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(semioxamazide)) with thiocyanate was studied as a function of thiocyanate concentration, pH, temperature, and pressure. The reaction proceeds in two steps, which are both base-catalyzed due to the formation of an aqua-hydroxo complex (pK(a1) = 5.78 +/- 0.04 and pK(a2) = 9.45 +/- 0.06 at 25 degrees C). Thiocyanate ions displace the first coordinated water molecule in a fast step, followed by a slower reaction in which the second thiocyanate ion coordinates trans to the N-bonded thiocyanate. At 25 degrees C and pH <4.5, only the first reaction step can be observed, and the kinetic parameters (pH 2.5: k(f(I)) = 2.6 +/- 0.1 M(-1) s(-1), DeltaH(#)(f(I)) = 62 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(#)(f(I)) = -30 +/- 10 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV(#)(f(I)) = -2.5 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-1)) suggest the operation of an I(a) mechanism. In the pH range 2.5 to 5.2 this reaction step involves the participation of both the diaqua and aqua-hydroxo complexes, for which the complex-formation rate constants were found to be 2.19 +/- 0.06 and 1172 +/- 22 M(-1) s(-1) at 25 degrees C, respectively. The more labile aqua-hydroxo complex is suggested to follow an I(d) or D substitution mechanism on the basis of the reported kinetic data. At pH > or =4.5, the second substitution step also can be monitored (pH 5.5 and 25 degrees C: k(f(II)) = 21.1 +/- 0.5 M(-1) s(-1), DeltaH(#)(f(II)) = 60 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(#)(f(II)) = -19 +/- 6 J K(-1) mol(-1), and DeltaV(#)(f(II)) = +8.8 +/- 0.3 cm(3) mol(-1)), for which an I(d) or D mechanism is suggested. The results are discussed in terms of known structural parameters and in comparison to relevant structural and kinetic data from the literature.     

An extremely stable host-guest complex that functions as a fluorescence probe for calcium ions

Herein, we report a crown ether based molecular cage that forms extremely stable supramolecular complexes with dimethyldiazapyrenium (DMDAP) ions in CD(3)CN through the collaboration of multiple weak C-HO hydrogen bonds. The very strong binding affinity in this host-guest system allows the molecular cage to bleach the fluorescence signal of DMDAP substantially in equimolar solutions at concentrations as low as 1 x 10(-5) M. Remarkably, a 1x10(-5) M equimolar solution of the molecular cage and DMDAP is highly selective toward Ca(2+) ions-relative to other biologically important Li(+), Na(+), K(+), and Mg(2+) ions-and causes a substantial increase in the fluorescence intensity of the solution. As a result, this molecular cage/DMDAP complex behaves as a supramolecular fluorescence probe for the detection of Ca(2+) ions in solution.     

A bisferrocene-benzobisimidazole triad as a multichannel ditopic receptor for selective sensing of hydrogen sulfate and mercury ions

The bisferrocene-benzobisimidazole triad behaves as a selective redox and fluorescent chemosensor for HSO(4)(-) and Hg(2+) ions, exhibiting an easily detectable signal change in both the redox potential of the ferrocene/ferrocinium redox couple and in the emission band which is red-shifted (Δλ = 10-13 nm) and enhanced in intensity (Chelation Enhanced Fluorescence, CHEF = 486-225) upon complexation with these ions, in EtOH solutions.     

Reactivity,stability and electrochemical behavior of lithium iron phosphates

LiFePO₄ is a potential cathode candidate for the next generation of secondary lithium batteries. Its reactivity and thermodynamic stability have been determined. At low potentials it can be reduced to lithium phosphate and iron. The fully charged state, orthorhombic FePO₄, is metastable relative to the trigonal all tetrahedral form; however, the massive structural rearrangement necessary makes the structural change kinetically unfavorable at room temperature. LiFePO₄ has been prepared by a variety of routes. When synthesized at elevated temperatures in the presence of a carbon gel, only LiFePO₄ was detected by X-ray diffraction even when the starting material was LiFePO₄(OH). At a C/2 discharge/charge rate, LiFePO₄ retained about 80% of the theoretical capacity cycling at room temperature. The hydrothermal form shows some iron disorder, which impacts its electrochemical and chemical reactions.     

Thermal behavior of glutamic acid and its sodium,lithium and ammonium salts

Glutamic acid (H2_glu) and its lithium, sodium and ammonium monosalts were submitted to thermal analysis using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The main goal of these studies was to compare the relative thermal stability and to evaluate the effect of the counter ion in the thermal decomposition pathways. Salts were obtained by direct neutralization of the purified acid with LiOH, NaOH or NH₄OH and were characterized by elemental analysis (C, H and N) and IR spectroscopy. Decomposition occurred after conversion to the pyroglutamic acid or the respective pyroglutamates and ammonium salt loosing NH₃ being converted to H₂glu before decomposition.     

A kinetic study of guest displacement reactions on a host-guest complex with a photoswitchable calixarene

The displacement processes of several guests, incorporated in a calixarene host system, were investigated in the gas phase by electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (ESI-FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. The complexes resulting from a resorcin[4]arene host with ammonia and sec-butylamine guests were isolated in an ICR-cell, separately using both states of the photoswitch as well as two reference systems for the open and closed forms of the photoswitchable host. The isolated complexes were forced to exchange the guest by using methylamine, ethylamine and sec-butylamine, resulting in different reaction rates for all the measured systems. Especially, the reaction rates of both states of the photoswitch are dependent on the provided guest. Potential side effects like proton exchanges were examined by an H/D-exchange experiment. The results were investigated and supported by quantum chemical calculations (DFT).     

XPS valence characterization of lithium salts as a tool to study electrode/electrolyte interfaces of Li-ion batteries

X-ray photoelectron valence spectra of lithium salts LiBF4, LiPF6, LiTFSI, and LiBETI have been recorded and analyzed by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, with good agreement between experimental and calculated spectra. The results of this study are used to characterize electrode/electrolyte interfaces of graphite negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries using organic carbonate electrolytes containing LiTFSI or LiBETI salts. By a combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) core peaks/valence analysis, we identify the main constituents of the interface. Differences in the surface layers' composition can be evidenced, depending on whether LiTFSI or LiBETI is used as the lithium salt.     

Design and synthesis of a unique ditopic macrocyclic fluorescent receptor containing furan ring as a spacer for the recognition of dicarboxylic acids

A macrocyclic fluorescent receptor was designed and synthesised and the binding study with three different types of dicarboxylic acids was performed with the receptor being found to have appreciable association constants. Downfield shifts of specific amide protons in 1:1 binding by ¹H NMR and the quenching in the fluorescence spectra reveal strong binding and thus unambiguously support the complexation of the receptor 1 with dicarboxylic acids.     

Seven-coordinate anion complex with a tren-based urea: binding discrepancy of hydrogen sulfate in solid and solution states

Structural characterization of a hydrogen sulfate complex with a tren-based urea suggests that the anion is coordinated with six NH···O bonds (d(N···O) = 2.857 (3) to 3.092 (3) ?) and one OH···O bond (d(O···O) = 2.57 (2) ?) from three receptors; however, in solution the anion is bound within the pseudo-cavity of one receptor.     

Activity and behavior of imidazolium salts as a phase transfer catalyst for a liquid-liquid phase system

The structure-activity relationship and behavior of N,N′-dialkylimidazolium salts as a phase transfer and/or ion-exchange catalyst in a liquid-liquid phase system were investigated for the reactions such as β-elimination reaction of alkyl halides, nucleophilic epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, alkylation of active methylenes, and nucleophilic substitution reaction.     

Ultrafiltration as a technique for studying metal—humate interactions: studies with iron and copper

An ultrafiltration method was employed to study Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Cu(II) binding by Armadale Horizon fulvic acid. The results of the Fe—fulvate studies indicate the formation of “aggregates” between Fe and the fulvic acid molecule. The reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) by fulvic acid is also observed. Results for Cu(II)—fulvate electrode method. An algorithm developed previously for the prediction of metal ion binding by fulvic acid at different pH and salt concentration levels was tested further by comparing Cu²⁺ ion binding predictions with their measured values.     

中间相Si-Cu合金作为锂离子电池负极材料的第一性原理研究

采用第一性原理平面波赝势法,对中间相Si-Cu合金作为锂离子电池负极材料的嵌脱锂机理进行研究.结果表明,4个Si-Cu合金相中Si0.125Cu0.875合金相具有最低的体积膨胀系数及最低的嵌锂电位,导电性在4个合金相中排第二位,具有最佳的电化学综合性能.