Investigation of inorganic–organic hybrid materials containing polyoxometalate cluster anions and organic dye cations

Two new ionic-pair salts containing an organic dye cation, i.e. New Fuchsin or Pararosaniline cation, with Keggin-type POMs, [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? and [BW₁₂O₄₀]^6?, have been isolated under hydrothermal conditions. [(C₂₂H₂₄N₃)₄][SiW₁₂O₄₀] (1) and [(C₁₉H₁₈N₃)₆][BW₁₂O₄₀] (2) have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Both of these complexes have strong absorption in the visible-light range due to the involvement of the organic dye and both show weak fluorescence emission.     

Two inorganic–organic hybrids based on a polyoxometalate: Structures,characterizations, and epoxidation of olefins

Two new inorganic–organic hybrids, [Co₃(bpdo)₆(H₂O)₄Cl₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]·H₂O (Co-SiW) and [Ni₃(bpdo)₆(H₂O)₄Cl₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]·H₂O (Ni-SiW) (bpdo = 4,4′-bis(pyridine-N-oxide)), were synthesized from the Keggin-type [SiW₁₂O₄₀] anion and Co(II) and Ni(II) under hydrothermal conditions, respectively, and characterized by elemental analyses, powder XRD, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural analysis indicates that the 1D chain is constructed from a POM-based half-cage as a secondary building block linked by bridging bpdo ligands. The zigzag chains further stack into a three-dimensional body with channels. The 3D network structure with amphiphilic cavities is shaped by electrostatic interactions through the planes, which has potential to allow molecules such as styrene and H₂O₂ ingress and egress. Both of the hybrids demonstrated catalytic activity for epoxidation of olefins, which was examined using styrene and aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%) as oxidant in acetonitrile, along with Co-SiW and Ni-SiW in a heterogeneous manner at 60 °C. Moreover, the conversion of epoxidation reaction in a heterogeneous manner is close to that of homogeneous catalysis, while being conveniently recovered and steadily reused without change of catalyst structure after epoxidation reactions.     

PVC-silica hybrids: effect of sol–gel conditions on the morphology of silica particles and thermal mechanical properties of the hybrids

Hybrid materials from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and silica have been prepared using different conditions by the sol–gel technique. In situ generation of silica network in the PVC matrix was carried out by hydrolysis/condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in the matrix. Morphology of the silica particles produced in hybrid films was studied by scattering electron microscopy. The shape of silica particle produced in the matrix was modified by carrying out the sol–gel process under steam on the hybrid films using TEOS. The films were subjected to strain conditions during this process, which produced lamellar shaped particles in the matrix. It was possible to produce platelet type of structure with different aspect ratio by changing the composition and the stress conditions on the films during the steaming process. Addition of a very small amount of γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane as compatibilizer drastically reduced the silica particles size in the matrix to nano-level. Thermal–mechanical properties of some of these hybrids were studied and related to the composition, structure and inter-phase interaction between the silica and the matrix.     

Electrochemical and ESR-study of the mechanism of organic compound oxidation in the presence of mediators—Radical cations of substituted pyrazin-di-N-oxydes

The mechanism of methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, triethyl-o-formate, cyclohexanol, and cyclohexane oxidation in the presence of electrochemically generated radical cations of 2,5-dimethyl-, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-, 2,3-dimethyl-5,6-cyclohexa-, and 3-phenyl-5,6-cyclohexapyrazin-di-N-oxydes as mediators was studied by cyclic voltammetry, ESR-electrolysis, and gas chromatography. The studies were carried out at glassy-carbon-, Pt-, and Au-electrodes in 0.1 M LiClO₄ solutions in acetonitrile and methanol, the alcohol being used as a solvent and substrate simultaneously. ESR-spectra of the radical cations of the pyrazin-di-N-oxydes were recorded. Effects of temperature, oxygen, admixtures of water and acid, and the nature of substrate and solvent on the shape of the cyclic voltammograms and intensity of the ESR-spectra of the pyrazin-di-N-oxydes are elucidated. By comparing experimental and calculated voltammograms, the rate constants for the interaction between the pyrazin-di-N-oxydes and the substrates C-H-bonds are determined. Mechanism of the ultimate two-electron catalytic oxidation of the organics as a constituent of complexes, formed with the radical cations of the mediators (pyrazin-di-N-oxydes), is suggested.     

Three inorganic–organic hybrid compounds based on Keggin polyoxometalate and transition metal complexes: crystal structures and electrochemical properties

Polyoxometalate (POM)-based coordination polymers, [Cu(L)₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀]·4py·H₂O (1), [Ag(py)₂]₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀] (2) and [Co(L)₃]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·py·7H₂O (3) (L?=?pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, py?=?pyridine), have been obtained hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Electrochemical properties are also investigated.     

Supramolecular compounds constructed from Keggin anions and metal–organic complex cations of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid

Three new supramolecular compounds based on Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) and transition metal complexes, [M(Hapca)₂(H₂O)₂]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·nH₂O, (M = Ni^II(1), Zn^II(2), n = 12; Co^II (3), n = 15; Hapca = 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid), have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, TG analyses, IR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The X-ray structrual analysis reveals that three compounds are isostructural with a P21/c space group. [M(Hapca)₂(H₂O)₂] ₂ ⁴⁺ are linked together via O···N hydrogen-bonding interaction to give birth to 2D layer with rectangle grids. Anions [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? are located in the cavities and link the 2D layers into 3D supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bonds. The compounds represent the first examples of self-assembly of 2D metal–Hapca complex supramolecular “host” networks formed by hydrogen bonding interactions and “guest” polyoxoanion species. In addition, solid-state luminescence properties of compounds 2 and 3 have been studied at room temperature.     

Effect of alkaline and alkaline–earth cations on the supercapacitor performance of MnO2 with various crystallographic structures

The electrochemical performances of the α-, γ-, and δ-MnO₂ with different crystallographic structures were systematically investigated in 0.5 mol/L Li₂SO₄, 0.5 mol/L Na₂SO₄, 1 mol/L Ca(NO₃)₂, and 1 mol/L?Mg(NO₃)₂ electrolytes. The results showed that the electrochemical performances of the manganese dioxides depended strongly on the crystallographic structures of MnO₂ as well as the cation in the electrolytes. Because the δ-MnO₂ consists with layers of structure and the interlayer separation is 7 Å, which is suitable for insertion/extraction of some alkaline and alkaline–earth cations, the δ-MnO₂ electrode showed the higher specific capacitance than that of α-MnO₂ and γ-MnO₂. We also found that the α-, γ-, and δ-MnO₂ electrodes in the Mg(NO₃)₂ electrolyte showed a higher specific capacitance, while all the α-, γ-, and δ-MnO₂ electrodes in the Li₂SO₄ electrolyte exhibited a better cycle life. The reason for the different behavior of Li⁺ and Mg²⁺ during the charge/discharge process can be ascribed to the charge effect of the cations in the electrolytes. The ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and long-time cyclic voltammogram measurements were used to systematically study the energy storage mechanism of MnO₂-based electrodes. A progressive crystallinity loss of the materials is also observed upon potential cycling at the oxidized states. A reasonable charge/discharge mechanism is proposed in this work.     

Effect of magnesium cations on the activity and stability of β-galactosidases

It was shown that the presence of magnesium cations in the reaction mixture increases, approximately twofold, the activity of bacterial Escherichia coli and yeast Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidases but does not affect the activity of bovine liver and fungous Penicillium canescens β-galactosidases. The catalytic constants for E. coli and yeast K. lactis β-galactosidases in the presence of 0.01 M and in the absence of Mg²⁺ cations were determined (490 and 220 s^?1 and 59.8 and 37.4 s^?1, respectively). It was shown that the Michaelis constants for these two enzymes are higher in the presence of Mg²⁺ cations, that the thermal stability of E. coli and K. Lactis β-galactosidases is higher in the presence of 0.01 M Mg²⁺, and that the effective rate constants of thermal inactivation of the enzymes are two-to eightfold lower, depending on conditions, in the presence of Mg²⁺ cations. The maximum stabilizing effect of magnesium cations was observed at weak alkaline pH values (7.5–8.5).     

Individual extraction constants of some organic cations in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium C⁺(aq) + Cs⁺(nb) ⇔ C⁺(nb) + Cs⁺(aq) taking part in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system (C⁺ = organic cation; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Furthermore, the individual extraction constants of 15 organic cations in the mentioned two-phase system were calculated.     

UV-light and visible-light photochromism of inorganic–organic multilayer films based on polyoxometalate and poly(acrylamide)

Novel UV-light and visible-light photochromic inorganic–organic multilayers composed of polyoxometalates (phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA)) and poly(acrylamide) (PAM) were prepared by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. The grown process, composition, surface topography, and photochromic properties and mechanism of the multilayer films were investigated by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron resonance spectra (ESR), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Irradiation with UV-light or visible-light, the transparent films changed from colorless to blue and showed reversible photochromism. PMoA/PAM LbL films had higher photochromic efficiency under UV-light irradiation than visible-light irradiation. The bleaching process occurred when the films were in contact with O₂ in the dark or heated in air. The photochromic process of PMoA/PAM LbL film was in accordance with radical mechanism.     

Does the determination of inorganic arsenic in rice depend on the method?

In answering a request from the Directorate General for Health and Consumers of the European Commission, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food, with the support of the International Measurement Evaluation Program, organized a proficiency test (PT), IMEP-107, on the determination of total and inorganic arsenic (As) in rice. The main aim of this PT was to judge the state of the art of analytical capability for the determination of total and inorganic As in rice. For this reason, participation in this exercise was open to laboratories from all over the world. Some 98 laboratories reported results for total As and 32 for inorganic As.The main conclusions of IMEP-107 were that the concentration of inorganic As determined in rice does not depend on the analytical method applied and that introduction of a maximum level for inorganic As in rice should not be postponed because of analytical concerns.     

Synthesis and studies of new organic conductors based on ET and EDT-TTF with the [ZnBr4]2− anions

New layer organic conductors based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (ET)₄ZnBr₄Solv (Solv stands for solvent) were synthesized in various halobenzenes as solvents (C₆H₅X, X = Cl, Br, F and C₆H₄Y₂, Y = Cl, Br), as well as based on ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene (EDT-TTF)₄MBr₄(1,1,2-C₂H₃Cl₃) (M = Zn, Mn) and (EDT-TTF)₉(ZnBr₄)₂. The crystal structure of (ET)₄ZnBr₄(C₆H₄Cl₂) at room temperature was established. It was found to be composed of alternating conducting layers with various structure of stacks formed of the ET radical cations. Their conductivity and ESR spectra were measured. The ET compounds obtained are organic metals up to the temperatures of 4.2, 72, 80, or 183 K (depending on the solvent: C₆H₄Cl₂, C₆H₅Cl, C₆H₅Br, or C₆H₅F, respectively); the replacement of the solvent with more bulky 1,2-dibromobenzene led to the formation of a semiconductor. The compounds (EDT-TTF)₄MBr₄(C₂H₃Cl₃) with M = Zn, Mn and (EDT-TTF)₉(ZnBr₄)₂ retain metallic character of conductivity up to the temperatures of 260, 280, and 210 K.     

Do computed crystal structures of nonpolar molecules depend on the electrostatic interactions? The case of tetracene

We present a strategy for comparing the global properties of competing potential models. By systematically sampling the potential energy surface of crystalline tetracene, we assess how the number, energy and structure of its minima are modified by switching on (or off) the Coulombic interactions. The increased complexity of the Coulombic potential leads to a more "rugged" potential energy surface with a larger number of minima, but the effect is not large. In fact, we find a subset of minima stable only in presence of the Coulombic interactions, a smaller subset stable only in their absence, and a large majority stable in both cases. Among these, there is a very good, but not perfect, correlation between the energies and the structures computed with and without the electrostatic interactions. Although electrostatic interactions play a role even in a rigid nonpolar molecule such as tetracene, they are not as crucial as often believed, because altering the electrostatic model (or switching it off completely) leads, in most cases, to equivalent results.     

The assembly of POM-induced inorganic–organic hybrids based on copper ions and mixed ligands

Three inorganic–organic hybrid materials based on Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs), [Cu^II₂(phen)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂][PMo₁₂O₄₀]₂·2H₂O (1), [Cu^II(phen)₂(H4,4′bipy)][PW₁₂O₄₀]·H₂O (2), and [Cu^II₂(phen)₂(4,4′-bipy)(BW₁₂O₄₀)(H₂O)₂](H₂4,4′-bipy)_0.5·3H₂O (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), were synthesized using different POMs in the hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1–3 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction analyses, and thermogravimetric analyses. Compound 1 presents a two-dimensional (2-D) network containing the Keggin-type [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3? anion and dinuclear metal–organic units [Cu^II₂(phen)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂]³⁺. Compound 2 is a 2-D architecture constructed from a [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3? and mononuclear metal–organic units [Cu^II(phen)₂(H4,4′-bipy)]³⁺. In 3, the [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5? anions link [Cu^II₂(phen)₂(4,4′-bipy)] units to form a one-dimensional (1-D) chain [Cu^II₂(phen)₂(4,4′-bipy)(BW₁₂O₄₀)(H₂O)₂]; the 1-D chain connects with protonated 4,4′-bipy ligands and lattice waters, yielding a 2-D layer. Fluorescence spectra, UV–vis spectra, and electrochemical properties of 1–3 have been investigated.     

Prompt gamma activation analysis and time of flight neutron diffraction on ‘black boxes’ in the ‘Ancient Charm’ project

The aim of the ‘Ancient Charm’ project is combining neutron tomography, prompt gamma activation analysis, time of flight neutron diffraction and neutron resonance transmission to generate elemental, and phase compositions of complex museum objects in 3D. To develop a protocol for such investigations, complex test samples were constructed and then analyzed by each method. The ‘black boxes’ are sealed iron and aluminum walled cubes, containing 2D or 3D arrangements of materials relevant for the compositions of archaeological samples. The experimental results obtained from bulk PGAA at BNC and TOF-ND at ISIS on two selected boxes are reported.     

Ab initio investigation on the structures and spectra of the firefly luciferin

The ground state (S0) geometry of the firefly luciferin (LH2) was optimized by both DFT B3LYP and CASSCF methods. The vertical excitation energies (Tv) of three low-lying states (S1, S2, and S3) were calculated by TD-DFT B3LYP//CASSCF method. The S1 geometry was optimized by CASSCF method. Its Tv and the transition energy (Te) were calculated by MS-CASPT2//CASSCF method. Both the TD-DFT and MS-CASPT2 calculated S1 state Tv values agree with the experimental one. The IPEA shift greatly affects the MS-CASPT2 calculated Tv values. Some important excited states of LH2 and oxyluciferin (oxyLH2) are charge-transfer states and have more than one dominant configuration, so for deeply researching the firefly bioluminescence, the multireference calculations are desired.     

Consequences of the ‘jacketed’ effect on mesomorphic and orientational properties of ‘side-on fixed’ liquid crystalline polymers

Abstract

The mesomorphic properties have been studied as a function of the degree of polymerization for certain ‘side-on fixed’ polyacrylates. A peculiar evolution of the clearing temperature, T _IN, as well as of the glass transition temperatures, T _g, revealed that beyond a certain backbone length, T _IN and T _g decrease as the main chain length increases. The nematic ‘jacketed’ structure of these polymers induces a more or less high anisotropy of the polymer backbone conformation in the nematic phase and this can counterbalance the usual effect of an increase in the degree of polymerization on the thermodynamical properties of these systems. This evolution allows us to explain the unusual diamagnetic anisotropy anomaly observed as a function of temperature for this type of polymer.     

Alternate sign reversal in the ζ potential and synchronous expansion and contraction in the absorbed multi-layers of poly(4-vinyl-N-n-butylpyridinium bromide) cations and poly(styrene sulfonate) anions on colloidal silica spheres

Alternative multiple absorbed layers of up to ten macrocations [poly(4-vinyl-N-n-butylpyridinium bromide)] and macroanions [sodium poly(styrene sulfonate)] are formed on colloidal silica spheres above the critical concentration of macroions, m*. The m* value is the minimum number of macroions required to reverse the sign of the ζ potential of the spheres in the first absorption step. Alternative sign reversal in the ζ potential and expansive–contractive thickness changes are observed by the repeated and alternate addition of macrocations first and macroanions next. During multiple absorption, the pH and conductivity values decrease and increase continuously as the number of absorbed layers increases. When the macroanions are added first, sign reversal in the ζ potential and reversible expansion and contraction do not occur. Breaking of the alternate multiple-type absorption occurs when equivalency in the number of dissociative groups of macrocations and macroanions is broken. Synchronous conformational changes of macrocations and macroanions in the multiple- absorbed layers, where balancing of the conformational rigidities with the multiple electrostatic attraction and repulsion between macrocations and anions occurs, are supported strongly. Received: 12 January 1999 Accepted in revised form: 25 March 1999     

Stepwise synthesis of two inorganic–organic hybrids based on the manganese monosubstituted Keggin polyanion chains

Two new hybrid compounds based on the manganese monosubstituted Keggin polyanion chains, [H₂bpy][Ag(bpy)]₂[HPMnMo₁₁O₃₉] (1) and [H₂bpy]₂[Hbpy][PMnMo₁₁O₃₉]·H₂O (2), (bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) have been stepwise synthesized under hydrothermal condition and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Structural characterization reveals that although both 1 and 2 contain manganese monosubstituted Keggin polyanion chains, the polyanion chains are not in the full consistent way. In 1, the neighboring manganese monosubstituted Keggin clusters are connected via sharing the para position oxygen atoms of the clusters to form a linear polyanion chain in which the monosubstituted Keggin clusters are further grafted by silver coordination polymer chains forming a 2D network. Whereas the polyanion chain in 2 exhibits a zigzag structure, which is formed by sharing the metaposition terminal oxygen atoms of the clusters, rather than para position terminal oxygen atoms as that in 1. Each zigzag chain contacts with four adjacent chains along four directions through short interspecies contacts, forming a 3D supramolecular framework. The protonated Hbipy⁺ and H₂bipy²⁺ molecules as the counter cations exist in voids of the supramolecular framework in 2. Furthermore, photocatalytic experiments indicate that 1 has good activities for photocatalytic degradation of RhB under UV irradiation.