Analysis of lattice thermal conductivity and phonon-phonon scattering relaxation rate: Application to Ge

The three-phonon scattering relaxation rates and their temperature exponents have been analysed in the frame of Guthrie's classification of the phonon-phonon scattering events as class I and class II events and as a result of this, a new expressionτ _3ph ^-1 =(B _N,I+B _U,Ie^-θ/αT) g(w)T ^m I ^(T)+(B _N,II+B _U,IIe^-θ/αT)g(w)T ^mII^(T) for the three phonon scattering relaxation rates has been proposed for the first time to calculate the lattice thermal conductivity of a sample. Using the expression proposed above, the lattice thermal conductivity of Ge has been analysed in the temperature range 2–1000K and result obtained shows a very good agreement with the experimental data. The percentage contributions due to three-phonon normal and umklapp processes are also reported. The role of four phonon processes is also included at high temperatures. To estimate an approximate value of the scattering strength and the phonon conductivity, the analytical expression is also obtained in the frame of the expression proposed above forτ _3ph ^-1 .     

DFT study on [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions to [60] fullerene

The functionalisation of C₆₀ fullerene with 2,3-dimethylene-1,4-dioxane (I) and 2,5-dioxabicyclo [4.2.0]octa-1(8),6-diene (II) was investigated by the use of density functional theory calculations in terms of its energetic, structural, field emission, and electronic properties. The functionalisation of C₆₀ with I was previously reported experimentally. The I and II molecules are preferentially attached to a C—C bond shared and located between two hexagons of C₆₀ via [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions bearing reaction energies of ?15.9 kcal mol^?1 and ?72.4 kcal mol^?1, respectively. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and work function of C₆₀ are significantly reduced following completion of the reactions. The field electron emission current of the C₆₀ surface will increase after functionalisation of either the I or II molecule.     

Interconverting WW Triple Bonds and W4 Clusters: Structures of W4(OPrn)16 and [Li2W2(OPrn)8(DME)]2*

Alcoholysis of W₂(NMe₂)₆ with excess n-propanol in hexane yields the tetranuclear cluster, W₄(OPrⁿ, I. Reduction of I with two equivalents of Li₂COT in THF gives a small yield of Li₂W₂(OPrⁿ)₈. Single crystals were isolated by cooling the product mixture in DME and were shown to be [Li₂W₂(OPrⁿ)₈(DME)]₂, II, which consists of a unique “dimer of dimers” structure. In this reaction sequence, W₄¹⁶⁺ cluster formation is followed by four electron reduction to reform the (W≡W)⁶⁺ unit. Better yields of the lithium salt can be obtained by the addition of LiOPrⁿ/HOPrⁿ solutions to W₂(OBu^t)₆ in which case Li₂W₂(OPrⁿ)₈ has been obtained as a 1:1 adduct with LiOPr. This identity of this salt was confirmed by solution NMR spectroscopy. In the alternative reaction, the (W≡W)⁶⁺ center remains intact from reactant to product. No attempt has been made to separate the product from excess LiOPr. DFT (ADF 2004.01) molecular orbital calculations on the model cluster W₄(OH)₁₆ are used to help elucidate the disruption of the W₄ cluster upon four electron reduction. The molecular structures of compounds I and II are reported.*Dedicated to Professor F. A Cotton on the occasion of his 75th birthday.     

The crystal structures of two Heteropolytungstate salts containing anions derived from α-octadecatungstodiphosphate(6-): (NH4)10[α2-P2W17O61]·8H2O and (ME2NH2)8[α2-P2Co(H2O)W17O61]·11H2O

The anions in (NH₄)₁₀[α₁-P₂W₁₇O₆₁]·8H₂O (I) and (Me₂NH₂)₈[α₂-P₂Co (H₂O)W₁₇O₆₁]·11H₂O (II) both have the [α-P₂W₁₈O₆₂]⁶⁻ structure with one “cap” W atom and its terminal oxygen atom missing (I), and a Co(H₂O)²⁺ group in place of one “cap” W atom and its terminal oxygen (II). Both anions have approximate mirror symmetry but are disordered in the crystal; inI the anion lies on a crystal inversion centre in two equally-weighted orientations, and in_II the Co atom appears as two Co_0.5W_0.5 composite atoms on either side of a crystallographic mirror plane. Crystal data include [diffractometer, Mo radiation, and ¦F¦>/3σ(F)]:I, Cmca, a = 18.080(8), b = 17.945(7), c = 21.546(8)Å, Z = 4, R = 0.067 for 1384 data;II, Pnam, a = 28.052(11), b = 15.069(12), c = 20.638(17)Å, Z = 4, R = 0.069 for 3057 data.     

Four supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10‐phenanthroline)cobalt(II): synthesis,structure characterization and isomerization

Crystal engineering can be described as the understanding of intermolecular interactions in the context of crystal packing and the utilization of such understanding to design new solids with desired physical and chemical properties. Free‐energy differences between supramolecular isomers are generally small and minor changes in the crystallization conditions may result in the occurrence of new isomers. The study of supramolecular isomerism will help us to understand the mechanism of crystallization, a very central concept of crystal engineering. Two supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N,N′)cobalt(II), [CoCl₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂], i.e. (IA) (orthorhombic) and (IB) (monoclinic), and two supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ²N,N′)cobalt(II) N,N‐dimethylformamide monosolvate, [CoCl₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]·C₃H₇NO, i.e. (IIA) (orthorhombic) and (IIB) (monoclinic), were synthesized in dimethylformamide (DMF) and structurally characterized. Of these, (IA) and (IIA) have been prepared and structurally characterized previously [Li et al. (2007). Acta Cryst. E 63 , m1880–m1880; Cai et al. (2008). Acta Cryst. E 64 , m1328–m1329]. We found that the heating rate is a key factor for the crystallization of (IA) or (IB), while the temperature difference is responsible for the crystallization of (IIA) or (IIB). Based on the crystallization conditions, isomerization behaviour, the KPI (Kitajgorodskij packing index) values and the density data, (IB) and (IIA) are assigned as the thermodynamic and stable kinetic isomers, respectively, while (IA) and (IIB) are assigned as the metastable kinetic products. The 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) ligands interact with each other through offset face‐to‐face (OFF) π–π stacking in (IB) and (IIB), but by edge‐to‐face (EF) C—H...π interactions in (IA) and (IIA). Meanwhile, the DMF molecules in (IIB) connect to neighbouring [CoCl₂(phen)₂] units through two C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, whereas there are no obvious interactions between DMF molecules and [CoCl₂(phen)₂] units in (IIA). Since OFF π–π stacking is generally stronger than EF C—H...π interactions for transition‐metal complexes with nitrogen‐containing aromatic ligands, (IIA) is among the uncommon examples that are stable and densely packed but that do not following Etter's intermolecular interaction hierarchy.     

Nonadiabatic transition rates in a random motion model. Near adiabatic limit

The near adiabatic limit for nonadiabatic electronic transitions in condensed media is considered. The motion of a classical subsystem is approximated by a one-dimensional stochastic gaussian process. An analytical expression for the near adiabatic transition rate W is obtained in the limits: λ <a and λ ? a, where λ is the step size of classical stochastic motion and a is the size of the nonadiabaticity region. An approx interpolating expression for the intermediate case λ ≈ a is proposed. It is shown that W decreases rapidly with the increase of adiabatic s Application of the obtained expressions to the electron transfer processes in polar liquids is discussed briefly.     

pH-Dependent synthesis of two new lead(II) coordination polymers with 4-aminoantipyrine and 5-nitroisophthalate ligands

Two novel lead(II) coordination polymers with the same mixed ligands, [Pb(AAP)(NIP)] _n (I) and {[Pb(AAP)(NIP)] · 2H₂O} _n (II) (AAP = 4-aminoantipyrine and NIP^2? = 5-nitroisophthalate), were prepared by controlling the pH value of the reaction mixture. Complexes I and II were characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses (CIF files CCDC nos. 936101 (I) and 936102 (II)). Complex I with terminal AAP molecule displays a linear chain with hemidirected Pb²⁺ ions connected by bis-bidentate chelating-NIP^2? anions. By contrast, complex II exhibits a dimeric {Pb₂(AAP)₂}-based coplanar layer extended by bidentate chelating-bidentate chelating and bridging-NIP^2? anions. Obviously, the pH-directed structural difference is dominated by the competitive binding modes of the AAP and carboxylate groups of NIP^2? ligands. Both complexes display different thermal stability due to structural difference and similar emissions originated from the intra- and/or inter-ligand electron transfer, suggesting their potential application as luminescent materials.     

Reinvestigation of the action of hydrogen peroxide on ursolic acid acetate

The action of hydrogen peroxide on ursolic acid acetate in boiling acetic acid has been reinvestigated, and the three oxidation products, designated as U_I, U_II and U_III, have been reisolated. The structure of U_I has been revised to 8a and that of U_II has been established as 11a on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. Additional spectral data are provided in support of the structure of U_III (5a). The stereoelectronic factors responsible for the unusual stability of the epoxide function in U_I towards acid-catalysed rearrangement to the 12-keto-derivative (9a) and the facile conversion of the latter to the enol-acetate (10a), compared to the normal behaviour of the structurally similar compounds, 8b and 9d of the oleanane series, have been rationalised.     

Crystal structures and electrochemical properties of two Mn(II) 2-sulfoterephthalate complexes with N-donor ligands

Two Mn(II) sulfoterephthalate complexes, [Mn(HStp)(o-Phen)₂] (I) and [Mn(HStp)(2,2′-Bipy)₂] (II) (H₃Stp = 2-sulfoterephthalic acid, o-Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-Bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), were synthesized under hydrothermal condition. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complexes I and II possess similar structure, in which the center Mn²⁺ ions are hexa-coordinated with one Hstpanion and two N-donor ligands. For both of them, the formation of 3D supramolecular structures are based on both H-bonds and π...π/C-H...π stacking interactions. Electrochemical properties of complexes I and II have been investigated by means of cyclic voltmetry, which shows that electron transfer between Mn(III) and Mn(II) in electrolysis is quasi-reversible process.     

A Salt-Like Compound Containing the Cation [Tris(1,10-Phenanthroline)manganese(II)](2+) and the Anion 3,3-Commo-Bis[η5-1,2-Dicarba-(3)-Cobalt(III)-closo-Dodecaborate](1–), [MnII(1,10-C12H8N2)3]2+{CoIII[η5-(3)-1,2-B9C2H11]2}– 2: Synthesis and Study

In this paper, the results of a comparative study of a salt-like paramagnetic Mn(II) (d ⁵) complex [Mn^II(1,10-C₁₂H₈N₂)₃]²⁺[Co^III(B₉C₂H₁₁)₂]^– ₂ (I) against [Mn^II(1,10-C₁₂H₈N₂)₂(NCS)₂]⁰ (II) and [Mn^II(1,10-C₁₂H₈N₂)₃]²⁺[B₉C₂H₁₂]^– ₂ (III) are presented. Complexes I and III were synthesized by precipitating the Mn(II) cations with the corresponding anions in the stoichiometric ratio at a pH of ～ 4.5 and were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis on single crystals; by IR, Raman, and EPR spectroscopy; and using magnetochemical methods. The structures and crystal-chemical parameters of I at 190 and 293 K are identical. The crystals are mono-clinic; space group P2₁/n. Two crystallographic types of the [Co(B₉C₂H₁₁)₂]^– anion in structure I have different conformational combinations (cisoid and transoid) of the –C₂– groups in each pair of the B₉C₂H^2– ₁₁ cluster ligands. The short contacts C–H^δ+···^δ–H–B between different-type hydrogen atoms show themselves in the IR spectra. The apparent magnetic moments of the Mn(II) atom in I, II, and III at 293 K correspond to μ = 5.86 μ_B and do not depend on its ligand or anion environment. The temperature dependences μ = f(T) pass through a maximum at about 20 K, which suggests the occurrence of ferromagnetic exchange interactions in complexes I and III, which both contain cluster carborane derivatives with three-dimensional aromaticity.     

Visible-light promoted bimetallic catalysis

Visible-light promoted molecular transformations catalyzed by bimetallic species containing a [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ (TB)-like fragment as the photosensitizing unit are reviewed. Catalytic reactions are classified according to the following two criteria: (1) electron transfer (A)/energy transfer (B) from TB and (2) intra- (I) and inter-molecular catalyst systems (II). Reactions promoted by electron transfer (A) involve reductive processes such as H⁺-reduction giving H₂ and CO₂-reduction giving CO, which have been extensively studied also by using mononuclear catalysts. The catalytic H⁺- and CO₂-reductions have been considerably improved by the use of II-A- and I-A-type bimetallic catalysts, respectively. Furthermore, as recently reported by our research group, photocatalysis is extended to organic transformations, which have been much less explored compared to transformations of small inorganic molecules mentioned above. While Sonogashira coupling is mediated by II-A-type catalysts, up-hill trans-to-cis isomerization of cyanostilbene and dimerization of α-methylstyrene follow the energy transfer processes (B). Thus new aspects of the photochemical bimetallic catalysis have been unveiled as mentioned above but catalyst design is still in its infancy. Continued accumulation of reaction data and mechanism analysis will lead to development of practical bimetallic photocatalysts, which promote unique reactions including up-hill reactions.     

Oxygen Reduction Mediated by Single Nanodroplets Containing Attomoles of Vitamin B12: Electrocatalytic Nano‐Impacts Method

We report the use of single Vitamin B₁₂ nanodroplets to mediate the reduction of oxygen in neutral buffer. Electron transfer to single Vitamin B₁₂ nanodroplets is observed using the nano‐impacts method and shown to be quantitative. The mechanism of mediated oxygen reduction by single VB₁₂ droplets is revealed as via both Co^II and Co^I reduced from Co^III in VB₁₂ through one or two electron transfer followed by the four‐electron reduction of oxygen.     

The evaluation of singlet-triplet separations for [W2(μ-H)(μ-Cl)Cl4(μ-dppm)2] and [W2(μ-H)2 (μ-O2CC6H5)2(P(C6H5)3)2] based on P NMR and crystallographic data

The singlet-triplet separations for the edge-sharing bioctahedral (ESBO) complex W₂(μ-H)(μ-Cl)(Cl₄(μ-dppm)₂ · (THF)₃ (II) has been studied by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The structural characterization of [W₂(μ-H)₂(μ-O₂CC₆H₅)₂Cl₂(P(C₆H₅)₃)₂] (I) by single-crystal X-ray crystallography has allowed the comparison of the energy of the HOMOLUMO separation determined using the Fenske-Hall method for a series of ESBO complexes with two hydride bridging atoms, two chloride bridging atoms and the mixed case with a chloride and hydride bridging atom. The complex representing the mixed case, [W₂(μ-H)(μ-Cl)Cl₄(μ-dppm)₂ · (THF)₃] (II), has been synthesized and the value of −2J determined from variable-temperature ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

Encapsulation of tricopper cluster in a synthetic cryptand enables facile redox processes from CuICuICuI to CuIICuIICuII states

One-pot reaction of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN), [Cu^I(MeCN)₄]PF₆, and paraformaldehyde affords a mixed-valent [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ complex. The macrocyclic azacryptand TREN₄ contains four TREN motifs, three of which provide a bowl-shape binding pocket for the [Cu₃(μ₃-OH)]³⁺ core. The fourth TREN caps on top of the tricopper cluster to form a cryptand, imposing conformational constraints and preventing solvent interaction. Contrasting the limited redox capability of synthetic tricopper complexes reported so far, [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ exhibits several reversible single-electron redox events. The distinct electrochemical behaviors of [TREN₄Cu^IICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₃ and its solvent-exposed analog [TREN₃Cu^IICu^IICu^II(μ₃-O)](PF₆)₄ suggest that isolation of tricopper core in a cryptand enables facile electron transfer, allowing potential application of synthetic tricopper complexes as redox catalysts. Indeed, the fully reduced [TREN₄Cu^ICu^ICu^I(μ₃-OH)](PF₆)₂ can reduce O₂ under acidic conditions. The geometric constraints provided by the cryptand are reminiscent of Nature''s multicopper oxidases (MCOs). For the first time, a synthetic tricopper cluster was isolated and fully characterized at Cu^ICu^ICu^I (4a), Cu^IICu^ICu^I (4b), and Cu^IICu^IICu^I (4c) states, providing structural and spectroscopic models for many intermediates in MCOs. Fast electron transfer rates (10⁵ to 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹) were observed for both Cu^ICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^ICu^I and Cu^IICu^ICu^I/Cu^IICu^IICu^I redox couples, approaching the rapid electron transfer rates of copper sites in MCO.

Geometric constraints and site isolation provided by the cryptand enable reversible redox of tricopper μ-oxo cluster.     

Ordered perovskites in the A(Li1/4Nb3/4)O3-A(Li2/5W3/5)O3 (A=Sr, Ca) systems

Single-phase 1:2 B-site ordered perovskites are formed in the (1−x)A²⁺(Li_1/4Nb_3/4)O₃-(x)A²⁺(Li_2/5W_3/5)O₃ systems, A²⁺=Sr and Ca, within the range 0.238?x?0.333. The X-ray and electron diffraction patterns are consistent with a P2₁/c monoclinic supercell, , , , β≈125°, where the 1:2 order is combined with b⁻b⁻c⁺ octahedral tilting. Rietveld refinements of the ordered A(B^I_1/3B^II_2/3)O₃ structures give a good fit to a model with B^I occupied by Li and Nb, B^II by W and Nb, and a general stoichiometry (Sr,Ca)(Li_3/4+y/2Nb_1/4−y/2)_1/3(Nb_1−yW_y)_2/3O₃, y=0.9x=0.21-0.30. The Sr system also includes regions of stability of a 1:3 ordered phase for 0.0?x?0.111, and a 1:1 ordered double perovskite for 0.833?x?1.0. The formation of the non-stoichiometric 1:2 ordered phases is associated with the large site charge/size differences that can be accessed in these systems, and restricted by local charge imbalances at the A-sites for W-rich compositions. These concepts are used to generate stability maps to rationalize the formation of the known 1:2 ordered oxide perovskites.     

Hardness evaluation of cured urea–formaldehyde resins with different formaldehyde/urea mole ratios using nanoindentation method

To understand the influence of formaldehyde/urea (F/U) mole ratio on the properties of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins, this study investigated hardness of cured UF resins with different F/U mole ratios using a nanoindentation method. The traditional Brinell hardness (H_B) method was also used for comparison. The H_B of cured UF resin films with different F/U mole ratios was determined after exposing the films to different post-curing temperatures. The nanoindentation method was employed for these films to measure Meyer hardness (H_M) and reduced modulus (E_r) which have been used to calculate the elastic modulus (E_s) of cured UF resins. As the F/U mole ratio decreased, the H_B decreased continuously, indicating a less rigid network structure in low F/U mole ratio UF resins. The higher the post-curing temperature, the greater the value of H_B. The H_M value also showed a similar trend as a function of F/U mole ratio. However, the E_r and E_s did not show a consistent trend as exhibited by H_M and H_B. Both H_M and E_r showed much greater variation in the coefficient of variation (COV) at lower F/U mole ratios 1.0 and 1.2, indicating a more heterogeneous composition of these resins. Linear relationships between H_M and E_r indicate that heterogeneity of the surface composition of samples contributes greatly to variations in the measured values. This variability is discussed in terms of crystal structures present in the cured UF resins of low F/U mole ratios.     

Heat capacity of polynuclear Fe(HTrz)3(B10H10)·H2O and trinuclear [Fe3(PrTrz)6(ReO4)4(H2O)2](ReO4)2 complexes (HTrz=1,2,4-triazole, PrTrz=4-propyl-1,2,4-triazole) manifesting 1A1⇔5T2 spin transition

Low-temperature heat capacity of polynuclear Fe(HTrz)₃(B₁₀H₁₀)·H₂O (I) and trinuclear [Fe₃(PrTrz)₆(ReO₄)₄(H₂O)₂](ReO₄)₂ (II) spin crossover coordination compounds was measured in 80–300 K temperature range using a vacuum adiabatic calorimeter. For I, an anomaly of heat capacity with a maximum at T _trs=234.5 K (heating mode) was observed, Δ_trs H=10.1±0.2 kJ mol^?1 Δ_trs S=43.0±0.8 J mol^? K^?1. For II, a smooth anomaly between 150 and 230 K was found, Δ_trs H=2.5±0.25 kJ mol^?1 Δ_trs S=13.6±1.4 J mol^? K^?1. Anomalies observed in both compounds correspond to ¹A₁?⁵T₂ spin transition.     

Hydrogen Bonds Dictate the Coordination Geometry of Copper: Characterization of a Square‐Planar Copper(I) Complex

6,6′′‐Bis(2,4,6‐trimethylanilido)terpyridine (H₂Tpy^NMes) was prepared as a rigid, tridentate pincer ligand containing pendent anilines as hydrogen bond donor groups in the secondary coordination sphere. The coordination geometry of (H₂Tpy^NMes)copper(I)‐halide (Cl, Br and I) complexes is dictated by the strength of the NH–halide hydrogen bond. The Cu^ICl and Cu^IICl complexes are nearly isostructural, the former presenting a highly unusual square‐planar geometry about Cu^I. The geometric constraints provided by secondary interactions are reminiscent of blue copper proteins where a constrained geometry, or entatic state, allows for extremely rapid Cu^I/Cu^II electron‐transfer self‐exchange rates. Cu(H₂Tpy^NMes)Cl shows similar fast electron transfer (≈10⁵ m ^?1 s^?1) which is the same order of magnitude as biological systems.     

Construction of 18-electron arene-ruthenium complexes based on ortho-carborane-1,2-diselenolate ligand

Treatment of ortho-carborane, n-butyl lithium, selenium and [(p-cymene)RuCl₂]₂ under argon leads to complexes (p-cymene)Ru(Se₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀) (I) and (p-cymene)₂Ru₂(μ₂-Se₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀) (II). The further reaction of 16-electron complex I with RC≡CCO₂Me affords addition complexes (p-cymene)Ru(Se₂C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(RC=C-CO₂Me) (III) (R = H (IIIa); CO₂Me (IIIb)). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass, and NMR spectroscopy. X-ray structural analyses were performed on II and IIIa.     

anti-syn and anti-anti coordination of the bridging CO 3 2− group in [Cu2(Phen)4(μ-CO3)]B10H10 binuclear complexes: Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

A redox reaction that occurs in the [Cu₂B₁₀H₁₀]/Phen system in CH₃CN/DMSO and CH₃CN/DMF in air yields a Cu(II) binuclear complex, [(Phen)₂Cu(CO₃)Cu(Phen)₂]²⁺. The [Cu₂(Phen)₄(μ-CO₃)]B₁₀H₁₀ · 2.5DMSO · 2H₂O (I) and [Cu₂(Phen)₄(μ-CO₃)]B₁₀H₁₀ · 4DMF (II) compounds have been isolated and studied by X-ray crystallography at 150 K and EPR at 295 K. Their magnetic properties have been studied in the range 300–2 K. In the cations of both compounds, the bridging CO ₃ ^2? group is bidentately coordinated to two Cu atoms. The cations in I and II have different spatial orientations of the Cu-O bonds: anti-syn and anti-anti, respectively. Compound I has weak magnetic interactions caused by a short Cu…Cu distance (4.441 Å) in the dimer. No exchange coupling is observed in II.