LaTe1.82(1): modulated crystal structure and chemical bonding of a chalcogen‐deficient rare earth metal polytelluride

Crystals of the rare earth metal polytelluride LaTe_1.82(1), namely, lanthanum telluride (1/1.8), have been grown by molten alkali halide flux reactions and vapour‐assisted crystallization with iodine. The two‐dimensionally incommensurately modulated crystal structure has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction experiments. In contrast to the tetragonal average structure with unit‐cell dimensions of a = 4.4996 (5) and c = 9.179 (1) Å at 296 (1) K, which was solved and refined in the space group P4/nmm (No. 129), the satellite reflections are not compatible with a tetragonal symmetry but enforce a symmetry reduction. Possible space groups have been derived by group–subgroup relationships and by consideration of previous reports on similar rare earth metal polychalcogenide structures. Two structural models in the orthorhombic superspace group, i.e.Pmmn(α,β,)000(?α,β,)000 (No. 59.2.51.39) and Pm2₁n(α,β,)000(?α,β,)000 (No. 31.2.51.35), with modulation wave vectors q₁ = αa* + βb* + c* and q₂ = ?αa* + βb* + c* [α = 0.272 (1) and β = 0.314 (1)], have been established and evaluated against each other. The modulation describes the distribution of defects in the planar [Te] layer, coupled to a displacive modulation due to the formation of different Te anions. The bonding situation in the planar [Te] layer and the different Te anion species have been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) methods and an electron localizability indicator (ELI‐D)‐based bonding analysis on three different approximants. The temperature‐dependent electrical resistance revealed a semiconducting behaviour with an estimated band gap of 0.17 eV.     

Bulk polarity of 3,5,7‐trinitro‐1‐azaadamantane mediated by asymmetric NO2(lone pair)…NO2(π‐hole) supramolecular bonding

Molecular crystals exhibiting polar symmetry are important paradigms for developing new electrooptical materials. Though accessing bulk polarity still presents a significant challenge, in some cases it may be rationalized as being associated with the specific molecular shapes and symmetries and subtle features of supramolecular interactions. In the crystal structure of 3,5,7‐trinitro‐1‐azaadamantane, C₉H₁₂N₄O₆, the polar symmetry of the molecular arrangement is a result of complementary prerequisites, namely the C_3v symmetry of the molecules is suited to the generation of polar stacks and the inherent asymmetry of the principal supramolecular bonding, as is provided by NO₂(lone pair)…NO₂(π‐hole) interactions. These bonds arrange the molecules into a trigonal network. In spite of the apparent simplicity, the structure comprises three unique molecules (Z′ =  +  + ), two of which are donors and acceptors of three N…O interactions and the third being primarily important for weak C—H…O hydrogen bonding. These distinct structural roles agree with the results of Hirshfeld surface analysis. A set of weak C—H…O and C—H…N hydrogen bonds yields three kinds of stacks. The orientation of the stacks is identical and therefore the polarity of each molecule contributes additively to the net dipole moment of the crystal. This suggests a special potential of asymmetric NO₂(lone pair)…NO₂(π‐hole) interactions for the supramolecular synthesis of acentric materials.     

Synthesis,structural elucidation,characterization and theoretical DFT study of 1‐(o‐tolyl)biguanidium chloride

The structure of the new salt 1‐(o‐tolyl)biguanidium chloride, C₉H₁₄N₅⁺·Cl^?, has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. In this structure, the chloride and biguanidium hydrophilic ions are mostly connected to each other via N—H…N and N—H…Cl hydrogen bonds to form layers parallel to the ab plane around y = and y = . The 2‐methylbenzyl groups form layers between these layers around y = 0 and y = , with the methyl group forming C—H…π interactions with the aromatic ring. Intermolecular interactions on the Hirshfeld surface were investigated in terms of contact enrichment and electrostatic energy, and confirm the role of strong hydrogen bonds along with hydrophobic interactions. A correlation between electrostatic energy and contact enrichment is found only for the strongly attractive (N—H…Cl^?) and repulsive contacts. Electrostatic energies between ions reveal that the interacting biguanidium cation pairs are repulsive and that the crystal is maintained by attractive cation…Cl^? dimers. The vibrational absorption bands were identified by IR spectroscopy.     

Isolation and structure of an 18‐membered macrocycle containing two diselenide linkages and its precursor

The structures of the 18‐membered diselenide‐linked macrocycle 10,27‐di‐tert‐butyl 11,28‐dioxo‐2,3,19,20‐tetraselena‐10,12,27,29‐tetraazapentacyclo[28.4.0.0^4,9.0^13,18.0^21,26]tetratriaconta‐1(30),4(9),5,7,13,15,17,21,23,25,31,33‐dodecaene‐10,27‐dicarboxylate, C₃₆H₃₄N₄O₆Se₄, and its precursor di‐tert‐butyl 2,2′‐[diselane‐1,2‐diylbis(2,1‐phenylene)]dicarbamate, C₂₂H₂₈N₂O₄Se₂, are reported. The precusor to the macrocycle contains two tert‐butyl phenylcarbamate arms connected to a diselenide group, with Se—C and Se—Se bond lengths of 1.914 (4) and 2.3408 (6) Å, respectively. The macrocycle resides on a crystallographic center of inversion in space group P with one molecule in the unit cell (Z′ = ). It contains an 18‐membered macrocyclic ring with two diselenide linkages. In this macrocycle, there are two free and two protected amino groups.     

N‐Tosyl‐l‐proline benzene hemisolvate: a rare example of a hydrogen‐bonded carboxylic acid dimer with symmetrically disordered H atoms

The carboxylic acid group is an example of a functional group which possess a good hydrogen‐bond donor (–OH) and acceptor (C=O). For this reason, carboxylic acids have a tendency to self‐assembly by the formation of hydrogen bonds between the donor and acceptor sites. We present here the crystal structure of N‐tosyl‐l ‐proline (TPOH) benzene hemisolvate {systematic name: (2S)‐1‐[(4‐methylbenzene)sulfonyl]pyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid benzene hemisolvate}, C₁₂H₁₅NO₄S·0.5C₆H₆, (I), in which a cyclic R₂²(8) hydrogen‐bonded carboxylic acid dimer with a strong O—(H)…(H)—O hydrogen bond is observed. The compound was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy, and crystallizes in the space group I2 with half a benzene molecule and one TPOH molecule in the asymmetric unit. The H atom of the carboxyl OH group is disordered over a twofold axis. An analysis of the intermolecular interactions using the noncovalent interaction (NCI) index showed that the TPOH molecules form dimers due to the strong O—(H)…(H)—O hydrogen bond, while the packing of the benzene solvent molecules is governed by weak dispersive interactions. A search of the Cambridge Structural Database revealed that the disordered dimeric motif observed in (I) was found previously only in six crystal structures.     

Crystal structure of a new polyoxometalate (POM) compound with a high level of crystallographic disorder

The crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and spectroscopic analysis of a new polyoxometalate (POM) compound, namely, nonakis(2‐methoxyaniline) bis(diphosphopentamolybdate) trihydrate, (C₇H₉NO)₉[P₂Mo₅O₂₃]₂·3H₂O, is reported. The title compound was synthesized using the solution method and was structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, which revealed P symmetry. A study of the intermolecular interactions using Hirshfeld surface analysis confirmed that the hydrogen‐bonding interactions play the dominant role in the stability of the crystal structure. The refinement was complicated by extensive disorder affecting 11 of the 16 ions and molecules in the asymmetric unit. IR and UV–Vis spectroscopic techniques were used to identify the vibrational modes and to classify this compound as an insulator.     

Deep hydration of an Li7–3xLa3Zr2MIIIxO12 solid-state electrolyte material: a case study on Al- and Ga-stabilized LLZO

Single crystals of an Li-stuffed, Al- and Ga-stabilized garnet-type solid-state electrolyte material, Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO), have been analysed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the pristine structural state immediately after synthesis via ceramic sintering techniques. Hydrothermal treatment at 150 °C for 28 d induces a phase transition in the Al-stabilized compound from the commonly observed cubic Iad structure to the acentric I3d subtype. Li^I ions at the interstitial octahedrally (4 + 2-fold) coordinated 48e site are most easily extracted and Al^III ions order onto the tetrahedral 12a site. Deep hydration induces a distinct depletion of Li^I at this site, while the second tetrahedral site, 12b, suffers only minor Li^I loss. Charge balance is maintained by the incorporation of H^I, which is bonded to an O atom. Hydration of Ga-stabilized LLZO induces similar effects, with complete depletion of Li^I at the 48e site. The Li^I/H^I exchange not only leads to a distinct increase in the unit-cell size, but also alters some bonding topology, which is discussed here.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of iridium(I) complexes of 20‐membered macrocyclic rings bearing chelating bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) ligands

The reactivities of two 20‐membered macrocyclic ligands, each containing two N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and two amine groups, towards [IrCl(COD)]₂ (COD is cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) were investigated. Macrocycles containing imidazolin‐2‐ylidene groups formed the monometallic complex [(1,2,5,6‐η)‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene](5,16‐dibenzyl‐1,5,9,12,16,20‐hexaazatricyclo[18.2.1.1^9,12]tetracosa‐10,21‐dien‐21,22‐diylidene)iridium(I) bromide dichloromethane monosolvate, [Ir(C₈H₁₂)(C₃₂H₄₂N₆)]Br·CH₂Cl₂, 2a . The structure of iridium complex 2a at 100 K has triclinic P symmetry. The ligand in 2a coordinates to the Ir center through the NHC moieties in a cis fashion. Additionally, the ligand adopts an umbrella‐like structure that appears to envelope the Ir center. The structure displays C—H…Br interactions. Macrocycles containing benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene groups formed the bimetallic complex [μ‐5,20‐dibenzyl‐1,5,9,16,20,24‐hexaazapentacyclo[22.6.1.1^9,16.0^10,15.0^25,30]dotriaconta‐10(15),11,13,25(30),26,28‐hexaene‐31,32‐diylidene]bis{bromido[(1,2,5,6‐η)‐cycloocta‐1,5‐diene]iridium(I)}, [Ir₂Br₂(C₈H₁₂)₂(C₄₀H₄₆N₆)], 2b . The structure of complex 2b at 100 K has orthorhombic Pbca symmetry. Each NHC moiety in 2b coordinates in a monodentate fashion to an Ir(COD) fragment. The structure exhibits disorder of the main molecule. This disorder is found in the portion of the macrocycle containing an amine group. This structure also displays C—H…Br interactions. Finally, the structure of the hexafluorophosphate salt of the imidazolin‐2‐ylidene‐containing macrocycle, namely 5,16‐dibenzyl‐1λ⁵,5,9,12λ⁵,16,20‐hexaazatricyclo[18.2.1.1^9,12]tetracosa‐1(23),10,12(24),21‐tetraene‐1,12‐diium bis(hexafluorophosphate), C₃₂H₄₄N₆²⁺·2PF₆^?, 1c , was determined. The structure of macrocycle 1c at 100 K has triclinic P symmetry and was found to contain C—H…F interactions.     

Three polymorphs of 3‐(3‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one formed from different solvents

The polymorphic study of 3‐(3‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one, C₁₇H₁₁N₃O₂, was performed due to its potential biological activity and revealed three polymorphic modifications in the triclinic space group P, the monoclinic space group P2₁ and the orthorhombic space group Pbca. These polymorphs have a one‐column layered type of crystal organization. The strongest interactions between the molecules of the studied structures is stacking between π‐systems, while N—H…N and C—H…O hydrogen bonds link stacked columns forming layers as a secondary basic structural motif. C—H…π hydrogen bonds were observed between neighbouring layers and their role is the least significant in the formation of the crystal structure. Packing differences between the polymorphic modifications are minor and can be identified only using an analysis based on a comparison of the pairwise interaction energies.     

Synthesis and crystallographic studies of two new 1,3,5‐triazines

The synthesis and characterization of two new 1,3,5‐triazines containing 2‐(aminomethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole hydrochloride as a substituent are reported, namely, 2‐{[(4,6‐dichloro‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)amino]methyl}‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium chloride, C₁₁H₉Cl₂N₆⁺·Cl^? ( 1 ), and bis(2,2′‐{[(6‐chloro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diyl)bis(azanediyl)]bis(methylene)}bis(1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium)) tetrachloride heptahydrate, 2C₁₉H₁₈ClN₉²⁺·4Cl^?·7H₂O ( 2 ). Both salts were characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy. Moreover, the NMR (¹H and ¹³C) spectra of 1 were obtained. Salts 1 and 2 have triclinic symmetry (space group P) and their supramolecular structures are stabilized by hydrogen bonding and offset π–π interactions. In hydrated salt 2 , the noncovalent interactions yield pseudo‐nanotubes filled with chloride anions and water molecules, which were modelled in the refinement with substitutional and positional disorder.     

Crystallographic and computational studies of a new organoarsenate compound: o‐anisidinium dihydroarsenate

The crystal structure and the results of theoretical calculations for the new organoarsenate salt o‐anisidinium dihydroarsenate (systematic name: 2‐methoxyanilinium dihydrogen arsenate), C₇H₁₀NO⁺·H₂AsO₄^?, are reported. The salt, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P, was synthesized using a solution method and was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. It possesses a layered supramolecular architecture in the crystal. The intermolecular interactions were studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis which confirmed that hydrogen bonds and H…H contacts play dominant roles in the crystal structure of the investigated system. An analysis of the electronic structure and molecular modelling using charge distribution confirms the good electrophilic reactivity of the title compound.     

Characteristic features of polytypism in compounds with the La18W10O57‐type structure

Crystals with the La₁₈W₁₀O₅₇‐type structure (6H and 5H polytypes) were obtained by a self‐flux method from high‐temperature solutions. Some of the crystal samples were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The diffraction patterns indicated that two phases co‐exist in each sample. The hexagonal lattices have a common period of a ≈ 9.0 Å and are non‐equal in length but have equally oriented superstructure periods 6c (phase I) and 5c (phase II), c ≈ 5.4 Å. The structures of phases I and II were solved in the symmetry groups P2c and P321, respectively, based on the X‐ray data for crystals I and II, with predominant content of the first and second phase. The motif of isolated WO₆ prisms with W atoms on the cell edges is common to both phases. WO₆ octahedra, both isolated and joined by faces, are distributed along the c axis within the unit cells. Phase I contains extra layers of isolated WO₆ octahedra compared to phase II. Tungsten sites in joined octahedra are disordered and partially occupied. Disordering is more expressed in phase II, which in return contains rather more W and O per atom of La. The refined chemical compositions are La₁₈W₁₀O₅₇ for I and La₁₅W_8.5O₄₈ for II.     

Electronic stabilization by occupational disorder in the ternary bismuthide Li3–x–yInxBi (x ≃ 0.14, y ≃ 0.29)

A ternary derivative of Li₃Bi with the composition Li_3–x–yIn_xBi (x ? 0.14, y ? 0.29) was produced by a mixed In+Bi flux approach. The crystal structure adopts the space group Fdm (No. 227), with a = 13.337 (4) Å, and can be viewed as a 2 × 2 × 2 superstructure of the parent Li₃Bi phase, resulting from a partial ordering of Li and In in the tetrahedral voids of the Bi fcc packing. In addition to the Li/In substitutional disorder, partial occupation of some Li sites is observed. The Li deficiency develops to reduce the total electron count in the system, counteracting thereby the electron doping introduced by the In substitution. First‐principles calculations confirm the electronic rationale of the observed disorder.     

The rich crystal chemistry of the AMM′(PO4)2 morphotropic series: NaZnAl(PO4)2, the first Na representative with a new structure type

A novel phosphate, sodium zinc aluminium bis(phosphate), NaZnAl(PO₄)₂, was obtained under mild‐temperature hydrothermal conditions at 553 K. The crystal structure has been studied using single‐crystal X‐ray experimental data. The pseudo‐hexagonal phase NaZnAl(PO₄)₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c. Its unique crystal structure is based on a three‐dimensional (3D) framework built by Zn‐, Al‐ and P‐centred tetrahedra sharing vertices. Channels parallel to the [101] and [01] directions are limited by six‐ and eight‐membered windows, and incorporate Na atoms. The new compound is discussed as a member of the morphotropic series AMM′PO₄, where A = Na, K, Rb or NH₄, M = Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Zn or Mg and M′ = Fe, Al or Ga. The title compound is the first Na representative within the series and is characterized by a 3D architecture of tetrahedra populated in an ordered manner by Zn²⁺, Al³⁺ and P⁵⁺ ions.     

Tuning the energy level of TAPC: crystal structure and photophysical and electrochemical properties of 4,4′‐(cyclohexane‐1,1‐diyl)bis[N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)aniline]

The energy level of a hole‐transporting material (HTM) in organic electronics, such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs), is important for device efficiency. In this regard, we prepared 4,4′‐(cyclohexane‐1,1‐diyl)bis[N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)aniline] ( TAPC‐OMe ), C₄₆H₄₆N₂O₄, to tune the energy level of 4,4′‐(cyclohexane‐1,1‐diyl)bis[N,N‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)aniline] ( TAPC ), which is a well‐known HTM commonly used in OLED applications. A systematic characterization of TAPC‐OMe , including ¹H and ¹³C NMR, elemental analysis, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, was performed. TAPC‐OMe crystallized in the triclinic space group P, with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The dihedral angles between the central amine triangular planes and those of the phenyl groups varied from 26.56 (9) to 60.34 (8)° due to the steric hindrance of the central cyclohexyl ring. This arrangement might be induced by weak hydrogen bonds and C—H…π(Ph) interactions in the extended structure. The emission maxima of TAPC‐OMe showed a significant bathochomic shift compared to that of TAPC . A strong dependency of the oxidation potentials on the nature of the electron‐donating ability of substituents was confirmed by comparing oxidation potentials with known Hammett parameters (σ).     

Oxidative addition of 1,4‐dichloro‐2‐butyne to an organoplatinum complex: A new precursor for synthesis of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles thin film at liquid/liquid interface as the electrocatalyst in methanol oxidation reaction

In this study, the usage of ClCH₂CCCH₂Cl alkyne as a reagent for the oxidative addition reaction with organoplatinum?(II) complex [PtMe₂(bipy)] ( 1 ), in which bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine to give a mixture including of trans‐[PtClMe₂(CH₂CCCH₂Cl)(bipy)] ( 2a ) and a cis‐[PtClMe₂(CH₂CCCH₂Cl)(bipy)] ( 2b ) complexes is reported. Kinetic study was investigated by monitoring the disappearance of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band in the UV–Vis spectra. ¹H NMR experimental results confirmed that trans isomer ( 2a ) is more stable than its corresponding cis isomer. A liquid–liquid planar interface has been employed as a template for self‐assembly of platinum nanoparticles. The as prepared complex was applied for the synthesis of platinum thin film that characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDAX), field emission‐scanning electron micrographs (FE‐SEM) and elemental mapping. The electrocatalytical activity of Pt thin film was investigated in methanol oxidation reaction.     

Bis(tetraphenylarsonium) hexafluoridotechnetate(IV) dihydrate: preparation,structure and spectroscopic analysis

Reports of quadrivalent transition‐metal fluoride salts containing bulky organic cations are limited. In this context, we prepared the bis(tetraphenylarsonium) hexafluoridotechnetate(IV) dihydrate salt, (C₂₄H₂₀As)₂[TcF₆]·2H₂O, by a cation metathesis reaction of (NH₄)₂[TcF₆] in water. This is the first report of an arsonium salt of the hexafluoridotechnetate(IV) dianion. (AsPh₄)₂[TcF₆]·2H₂O crystallizes in the triclinic space group P. The [TcF₆]^2? anion adopts a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with an average Tc—F bond length of 1.933 Å. The cyclic voltammogram of (AsPh₄)₂[TcF₆]·2H₂O in CH₃CN shows a one‐electron reversible oxidation wave at 1.496 V.     

Crystal structure,thermal behaviour and detonation characterization of bis(4,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane monohydrate

Bis(4,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane monohydrate (BDATZM·H₂O or C₅H₁₀N₁₀·H₂O) was synthesized and its crystal structure characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction; it belongs to the space group P (triclinic) with Z = 2. The structure of BDATZM·H₂O can be described as a two‐dimensional ladder plane with extensive hydrogen bonding and no disorder. The thermal behaviour was studied under non‐isothermal conditions by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) methods. The detonation velocity (D) and detonation pressure (P) of BDATZM were estimated using the nitrogen equivalent equation according to the experimental density. A comparison between BDATZM·H₂O and bis(5‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)methane (BATZM) was made to determine the effect of the amino group; the results suggest that the amino group increases the hydrophilicity, space utilization and energy, and decreases the thermal stability and symmetry of the resulting compound.     

Synthesis,structures and properties of two donor–acceptor acridone-based compounds

Two donor–acceptor acridone-based compounds, namely, 2-{10-[4-(diphenylamino)phenyl]acridin-9-ylidene}malononitrile ( TPA-AD-DCN ), C₃₄H₂₂N₄, and 2-{10-[4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl]acridin-9-ylidene}malononitrile ( CzPh-AD-DCN ), C₃₄H₂₀N₄, have been synthesized in high yield and their structures determined. TPA-AD-DCN and CzPh-AD-DCN crystallized in the centrosymmetric space groups P and P2₁/c, respectively. Both molecules adopt a `butterfly-like' configuration of the common part of the structure and differences occur within the substituents on the acridine N atom. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the H…H and C…H/H…C contacts constitute a high percentage of the intermolecular interactions. The optical and electrochemical properties, as well as theoretical calculations, of TPA-AD-DCN and CzPh-AD-DCN support the structural characterization of these materials. As crystallization-induced emission materials, TPA-AD-DCN and CzPh-AD-DCN are anticipated to be of potential use in the construction of promising optoelectronic materials.