Gas phase vibrational spectroscopy of mass-selected vanadium oxide anions

The vibrational spectra of vanadium oxide anions ranging from V(2)O(6)(-) to V(8)O(20)(-) are studied in the region from 555 to 1670 cm(-1) by infrared multiple photon photodissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The cluster structures are assigned and structural trends identified by comparison of the experimental IRMPD spectra with simulated linear IR absorption spectra derived from density functional calculations, aided by energy calculations at higher levels of theory. Overall, the IR absorption of the V(m)O(n)(-) clusters can be grouped in three spectral regions. The transitions of (i) superoxo, (ii) vanadyl and (iii) V-O-V and V-O single bond modes are found at approximately 1100 cm(-1), 1020 to 870 cm(-1), and 950 to 580 cm(-1), respectively. A structural transition from open structures, including at least one vanadium atom forming two vanadyl bonds, to caged structures, with only one vanadyl bond per vanadium atom, is observed in-between tri- and tetravanadium oxide anions. Both the closed shell (V(2)O(5))(2,3)VO(3)(-) and open shell (V(2)O(5))(2-4)(-) anions prefer cage-like structures. The (V(2)O(5))(3,4)(-) anions have symmetry-broken minimum energy structures (C(s)) connected by low-energy transition structures of C(2v) symmetry. These double well potentials for V-O-V modes lead to IR transitions substantially red-shifted from their harmonic values. For the oxygen rich clusters, the IRMPD spectra prove the presence of a superoxo group in V(2)O(7)(-), but the absence of the expected peroxo group in V(4)O(11)(-). For V(4)O(11)(-), use of a genetic algorithm was necessary for finding a non-intuitive energy minimum structure with sufficient agreement between experiment and theory.     

pH-Specific structural speciation of the ternary V(V)-peroxido-betaine system: a chemical reactivity-structure correlation

Vanadium involvement in cellular processes requires deep understanding of the nature and properties of its soluble and bioavailable forms arising in aqueous speciations of binary and ternary systems. In an effort to understand the ternary vanadium-H(2)O(2)-ligand interactions relevant to that metal ion's biological role, synthetic efforts were launched involving the physiological ligands betaine (Me(3)N(+)CH(2)CO(2)(-)) and H(2)O(2). In a pH-specific fashion, V(2)O(5), betaine, and H(2)O(2) reacted and afforded three new, unusual, and unique compounds, consistent with the molecular formulation K(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}]·H(2)O (1), (NH(4))(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}]·0.75H(2)O (2), and {Na(2)[V(2)O(2)(O(2))(4){(CH(3))(3)NCH(2)CO(2))}(2)]}(n)·4nH(2)O (3). All complexes 1-3 were characterized by elemental analysis; UV/visible, FT-IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy in solution and the solid state; cyclic voltammetry; TGA-DTG; and X-ray crystallography. The structures of 1 and 2 reveal the presence of unusual ternary dinuclear vanadium-tetraperoxido-betaine complexes containing [(V(V)═O)(O(2))(2)] units interacting through long V-O bonds. The two V(V) ions are bridged through the oxygen terminal of one of the peroxide groups bound to the vanadium centers. The betaine ligand binds only one of the two V(V) ions. In the case of the third complex 3, the two vanadium centers are not immediate neighbors, with Na(+) ions (a) acting as efficient oxygen anchors and through Na-O bonds holding the two vanadium ions in place and (b) providing for oxygen-containing ligand binding leading to a polymeric lattice. In 1 and 3, interesting 2D (honeycomb) and 1D (zigzag chains) topologies of potassium nine-coordinate polyhedra (1) and sodium octahedra (3), respectively, form. The collective physicochemical properties of the three ternary species 1-3 project the chemical role of the low molecular mass biosubstrate betaine in binding V(V)-diperoxido units, thereby stabilizing a dinuclear V(V)-tetraperoxido dianion. Structural comparisons of the anions in 1-3 with other known dinuclear V(V)-tetraperoxido binary anionic species provide insight into the chemical reactivity of V(V)-diperoxido systems and their potential link to cellular events such as insulin mimesis and anitumorigenicity modulated by the presence of betaine.     

Matrix infrared spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of uranium atom and methanol reaction products

Reactions of laser-ablated uranium atoms and methanol are investigated in solid argon using matrix isolation and infrared spectroscopy. Four new product molecules are identified with the help of isotopically substituted methanol as well as density functional frequency calculations. Uranium atoms react spontaneously with methanol on annealing to form the U(II) insertion product CH(3)OUH, which has a quintet ground state with strong C-O and U-H stretching vibrations. Further sample annealing allows the reaction of CH(3)OUH and another methanol molecule to eliminate H(2) and give the U(OCH(3))(2) product. Near-UV-vis irradiation isomerizes the CH(3)OUH molecule to the 32 kcal/mol lower energy U(IV) CH(3)U(O)H isomer and the U(OCH(3))(2) molecule to the 28 kcal/mol lower energy CH(3)OU(O)CH(3) isomer. Both U(IV) products have triplet ground states, U═O double bonds, and pyramidal skeletal structures.     

Crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7)

Red-brown crystals of a new mixed alkali oxo sulfato vanadium(V) compound Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7), suitable for X-ray determination, have been obtained from the catalytically important binary molten salt system M(2)S(2)O(7)-V(2)O(5) (M = 80% K and 20% Na). By slow cooling of a mixture with the mole fraction X(V(2)O(5)) = 0.24 from 325 degrees C, i.e., just below the liquidus temperature, to the solidus temperature of around 300 degrees C, a dark reddish amorphous phase was obtained containing crystals of the earlier described V(V)-V(IV) mixed valence compound K(6)(VO)(4)(SO(4))(8) and Na(2)K(6)(VO)(2)(SO(4))(7) described here. This compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4(3)2(1)2 (No. 96) with a = 9.540(3) A, c = 29.551(5) A at 20 degrees C and Z = 4. It contains a distorted VO(6) octahedron with a short V-O bond of 1.552(6) A, a long one of 2.276(5) A trans to this, and four equatorial V-O bonds in the range 1.881(6)-1.960(6) A. The deformation of the VO(6) octahedron is less pronounced compared to that of the known oxo sulfato V(V) compounds. Each VO(3+) group is coordinated to five sulfate groups of which two are unidentately coordinated and three are bidentate bridging to neighboring VO(3+) groups. The length of the S-O bonds in the S-O-V bridges of the two unidentately coordinated sulfato groups are 1.551(6) A and 1.568(6) A, respectively, which are unusually long compared to our earlier measurements of sulfate groups in other V(III), V(IV), and V(V) compounds.     

Ring-closing metathesis reactions of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes

The first examples of ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of a series of terminal alkene-derived cyclic phosphazenes have been carried out. The tetrakis-, hexakis-, and octakis(allyloxy)cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2))(2) (1), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(6) (2), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(8) (3) and the tetrakis(allyloxy)-S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (4) were prepared by the reactions of CH(2)=CHCH(2)ONa with the cyclophosphazenes (NPPh(2))(NPCl(2))(2), N(3)P(3)Cl(6), and N(4)P(4)Cl(8) and the S-phenylthionylphosphazene (NS(O)Ph)(NPCl(2))(2). The reactions of 1-4 with Grubbs first-generation olefin metathesis catalyst Cl(2)Ru=CHPh(PCy(3))(2) resulted in the selective formation of seven-membered di-, tri-, and tetraspirocyclic phosphazene compounds (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (5), N(3)P(3)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(3) (6), and N(4)P(4)(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)(4) (7) and the dispirocyclic S-phenylthionylphosphazene compound (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH=CHCH(2)O)](2) (8). X-ray structural studies of 5-8 indicated that the double bond of the spiro-substituted cycloalkene units is in the cis orientation in these compounds. In contrast to the reactions of 1-4, RCM reactions of the homoallyloxy-derived cyclophosphazene and thionylphosphazene (NPPh(2))[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (9) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)](2) (10) with the same catalyst resulted in the formation of 11-membered diansa compounds NPPh(2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (11) and (NS(O)Ph)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)](2) (13) and the intermolecular doubly bridged ansa-dibino-ansa compounds 12 and 14. The X-ray structural studies of compounds 11 and 13 indicated that the double bonds of the ansa-substituted cycloalkene units are in the trans orientation in these compounds. The geminal bis(homoallyloxy)tetraphenylcyclotriphosphazene [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(2)] (15) upon RCM with Grubbs first- and second-generation catalysts gave the spirocyclic product [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)] (16) along with the geminal dibino-substituted dimeric compound [NPPh(2)](2)[NP(OCH(2)CH(2)CH=CHCH(2)CH(2)O)(2)PN][NPPh(2)](2) (17) as the major product. The dibino compound 17, upon reaction with the Grubbs second-generation catalyst, was found to undergo a unique ring-opening metathesis reaction, opening up the bino bridges and partially converting to the spirocyclic compound 16.     

The elusive vanadate (V(3)O(9))(3-): isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution behavior.

The isolation, crystal structure, and nonaqueous solution characteristics of the first trinuclear vanadate are presented. The crystal structure reveals a six-membered cyclic arrangement of alternating vanadium and oxygen atoms for the anion of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)). The (51)V NMR spectrum of this compound in CD(3)CN exhibits multiple peaks. The relative intensities of each resonance can be altered by concentration and temperature changes, the later of which are reversible. Addition of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N]Br and NaClO(4) also perturbs the equilibria between species observed. Conductivity data for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) in CH(3)CN as a function of concentration display pronounced curvature and indicate formation of a neutral species in solution at the highest concentrations studied. Stoichiometric mixtures of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) with the known vanadates [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(HV(4)O(12)), [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(5)O(14)), and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(H(3)V(10)O(28)) are prepared and examined by (51)V NMR. Equilibration between the various vanadates is observed and characterized. Resonances for these known vanadates, however, cannot be used to identify the peaks found for [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)), alone, in solution. The existence of ion pairs in acetonitrile is the only interpretation for the solution behavior of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) consistent with all data. As such, we can directly observe each possible ion pairing state by (51)V NMR: (V(3)O(9))(3-) at -555 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](V(3)O(9))] (2-) at -569 ppm, [[(C(4)H(9))(4)N](2)(V(3)O(9))](-) at -576 ppm, and [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) at -628 ppm. To the best of our knowledge, [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)(V(3)O(9)) presents the first case in which every possible ion paired state can be observed directly from a parent polyion. Isolation and characterization of this simple metal oxo moiety may now facilitate efforts to design functional polyoxometalates.     

Ion chemistry of OV(OCH3)3 in the gas phase: molecular cations and anions and their primary fragmentations

Trimethyl vanadate(V), OV(OCH(3))(3) (1), is examined by various mass spectrometric means. Photoionization experiments yield an ionization energy of IE(OV(OCH(3))(3)) = 9.54 +/- 0.05 eV for the neutral molecule. The primary fragmentation of the molecular cation 1(+), i.e., loss of neutral formaldehyde, can occur via two independent routes of hydrogen migrations to afford the formal V(IV) compounds HOV(OCH(3))(2)(+) and OV(OCH(3))(CH(3)OH)(+), respectively. These two pathways are associated with low-lying activation barriers of almost identical height. At elevated energies, direct V-O bond cleavage of 1(+) allows for expulsion of a methoxy radical concomitant with the generation of the cationic fragment OV(OCH(3))(2)(+), a formal V(V) compound. Trimethyl vanadate can also form a molecular anion, 1(-), whose most abundant dissociation channel involves loss of a methyl radical, thereby leading to the formal V(V) compound OV(OCH(3))(2)O(-). Various mass spectrometric experiments and extensive theoretical studies provide detailed insight into the ion structures and the relative energetics of the primary dissociation reactions of the molecular cations and anions of 1.     

Formation and chemical reactivities of a new type of double-butterfly [[Fe2(mu-CO)(CO)6]2(mu-SZS-mu)]2-: synthetic and structural studies on novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S,Se) cluster complexes

A new type of double-butterfly [[Fe(2)(mu-CO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)](2-) (3), a dianion that has two mu-CO ligands, has been synthesized from dithiol HSZSH (Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)), [Fe(3)(CO)(12)], and Et(3)N in a molar ratio of 1:2:2 at room temperature. Interestingly, the in situ reactions of dianions 3 with various electrophiles affords a series of novel linear and macrocyclic butterfly Fe/E (E=S, Se) cluster complexes. For instance, while reactions of 3 with PhC(O)Cl and Ph(2)PCl give linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-PhCO)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (4 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)) and [[Fe(2)(mu-Ph(2)P)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (5 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2)), reactions with CS(2) followed by treatment with monohalides RX or dihalides X-Y-X give both linear clusters [[Fe(2)(mu-RCS(2))(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (6 a-e: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2), FeCp(CO)(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(mu-CS(2)YCS(2)-mu)] (7 a-e: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(2-4), 1,3,5-Me(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(3), 1,4-(CH(2))(2)C(6)H(4)). In addition, reactions of dianions 3 with [Fe(2)(mu-S(2))(CO)(6)] followed by treatment with RX or X-Y-X give linear clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu-RS)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)] (8 a-c: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1,2)CH(2); R=Me, PhCH(2)) and macrocyclic clusters [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-S)](2)(mu-SYS-mu)(mu-SZS-mu)] (9 a,b: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(2,3)CH(2); Y=(CH(2))(4)), and reactions with SeCl(2) afford macrocycles [[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)(mu-SZS-mu)] (10 d: Z=CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(3)CH(2)) and [[[Fe(2)(CO)(6)](2)(mu(4)-Se)](2)(mu-SZS-mu)(2)] (11 a-d: Z=(CH(2))(4), CH(2)(CH(2)OCH(2))(1-3)CH(2)). Production pathways have been suggested; these involve initial nucleophilic attacks by the Fe-centered dianions 3 at the corresponding electrophiles. All the products are new and have been characterized by combustion analysis and spectroscopy, and by X-ray diffraction techniques for 6 c, 7 d, 9 b, 10 d, and 11 c in particular. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the double-butterfly cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 d is severely distorted in comparison to that in 11 c. In view of the Z chains in 10 a-c being shorter than the chain in 10 d, the double cluster core Fe(4)S(2)Se in 10 a-c would be expected to be even more severely distorted, a possible reason for why 10 a-c could not be formed.     

Structure and reactivity of V(2)O(5): bulk solid, nanosized clusters, species supported on silica and alumina, cluster cations and anions

Vanadyl bond dissociation energies are calculated by density functional theory (DFT). While the hybrid (B3LYP) functional results are close to the available reference data, gradient corrected functionals (BP86, PBE) yield large errors (about 50 to 100 kJ mol(-1)), but reproduce trends correctly. PBE calculations on a V(20)O(62)H(24) cluster model for the (001) surface of V(2)O(5) crystals virtually reproduce periodic slab calculations. The low bond dissociation energy (formation of oxygen surface defect) of 113 kJ mol(-1)(B3LYP) is due to substantial structure relaxations leading to formation of V-O-V bonds between the V(2)O(5) layers of the crystal. This relaxation cannot occur in polyhedral (V(2)O(5))(n) clusters and also not for V(2)O(5) species supported on silica or alumina (represented by cage-type models) for which bond dissociation energies of 250-300 kJ mol(-1) are calculated. The OV(OCH(3))(3) molecule and its dimer are also considered. Radical cations V(2)O(5)(+) and V(4)O(10)(+) have very low bond dissociation energies (22 and 14 kJ mol(-1), respectively), while the corresponding radical anions have higher dissociation energies (about 330 kJ mol(-1)) than the neutral clusters. The bond dissociation energies of the closed shell V(3)O(7)(+) cation (165 kJ mol(-1)) and the closed shell V(3)O(8)(-) anion (283 kJ mol(-1)) are closest to the values of the neutral clusters. This makes them suitable for gas phase studies which aim at comparisons with V(2)O(5) species on supporting oxides.     

Silver(I)-ethynide clusters constructed with phosphonate-functionized polyoxovanadates

Two neutral silver(I)-phenylethynide clusters incorporating the [((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](4-) unit as an integral shell component, namely {(NO(3))(2)@Ag(16)(C≡CPh)(4)[((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](2)(DMF)(6)(NO(3))(2)}·DMF·H(2)O and {[(O(2))V(2)O(6)](3)@Ag(43)(C≡CPh)(19)[((t)BuPO(3))(4)V(4)O(8)](3)(DMF)(6)}·5DMF·2H(2)O, have been isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The central cavities of the Ag(16) and Ag(43) clusters are occupied by two NO(3)(-) and three [(O(2))V(2)O(6)](4-) template anions, respectively.     

ε-Keggin-based coordination networks: Synthesis, structure and application toward green synthesis of polyoxometalate@graphene hybrids

Four coordination networks based on the {ε-PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)(OH)(4)Zn(4)} Keggin unit (εZn) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. (TBA)(3){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(36)(OH)(4)Zn(4)}[C(6)H(4)(COO)(2)](2) (ε(isop)(2)) is a 2D material with monomeric εZn units connected via 1,3 benzenedicarboxylate (isop) linkers and tetrabutylammonium (TBA) counter-cations lying between the planes. In (TPA)(3){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(37)(OH)(3)Zn(4)}[C(6)H(3)(COO)(3)] (TPA[ε(trim)](∞)), 1D inorganic chains formed by the connection of εZn POMs, via Zn-O bonds, are linked via 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylate (trim) ligands into a 2D compound with tetrapropylammonium (TPA) cations as counter-cations. (TBA){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)Zn(4)}(C(7)H(4)N(2))(2)(C(7)H(5)N(2))(2)·12H(2)O (ε(bim)(4)) is a molecular material with monomeric εZn POMs bound to terminal benzimidazole (bim) ligands. Finally, (TBA)(C(10)H(10)N(4))(2)(HPO(3)){PMo(V)(8)Mo(VI)(4)O(40)Zn(4)}(2)(C(10)H(9)N(4))(3)(C(10)H(8)N(4)) (ε(2)(pazo)(4)) is a 1D compound with dimeric (εZn)(2) POMs connected by HPO(3)(2-) ions and terminal para-azobipyridine (pazo) ligands. In this compound an unusual bond cleavage of the central N[double bond, length as m-dash]N bond of the pazo ligand is observed. We report also a green chemistry-type one-step synthesis method carried out in water at room temperature using ε(2)(pazo)(4) and ε(isop)(2) as reducing agent of graphite oxide (GO) to obtain graphene (G). The POM@G hybrids were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Characterization of K(6)(VO)(4)(SO(4))(8) Containing Mixed-Valent Vanadium(IV)-Vanadium(V)

Pleochroistic crystals (dark green to colorless) of a mixed-valence V(IV)-V(V) compound, K(6)(VO)(4)(SO(4))(8), suitable for X-ray determination have been obtained from the catalytically important K(2)S(2)O(7)-V(2)O(5)/SO(2)-O(2)-SO(3)-N(2) molten salt-gas system, at approximately 400 degrees C. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) (No. 4) with a = 8.931(2) ?, b = 18.303 (3) ?, c = 9.971(2) ?, beta = 90.11(2) degrees, and Z = 2. It contains two rather similar V(IV)-V(V) pairs of VO(6) octahedra distorted as usual having a short V-O bond of around 1.57 ?, a long bond of around 2.40 ? trans to this, and four equatorial bonds around 2.00 ?. The bond lengths of the V(V)O(6) octahedra are significantly shorter than those found for the V(IV)O(6) octahedra. The eight different SO(4)(2)(-) groups are all bridging bidentate between the V(IV) and V(V) atoms; a third oxygen is coordinated to a vanadium atom of a neighboring chain trans to the short V=O bond, and the fourth oxygen remains uncoordinated. The measured bond distances and angles show a considerable distortion of the SO(4) tetrahedra. This is confirmed by the IR spectra of the compound, where large shift and splitting of the sulfate nu(3) bands up to wave numbers of around 1300 cm(-)(1) is observed. The ESR spectra of the compound exhibit weak anisotropy with g(iso) = 1.972 +/- 0.002 and DeltaB(pp) = 65 +/- 2 G. The compound may cause the deactivation for industrial sulfuric acid catalysts observed around 400 degrees C in highly converted SO(2)-O(2)-N(2) gas mixtures.     

Synthesis of heterometallic bismuth/molydenum alkoxides and their behavior on silica surfaces

The reaction of [(C(3)H(5))Mo(CO)(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl], 2, with [Bi(OCH(2)CH(2)OCH(3))(3)](2) on a large scale leads to the novel molybdenum/bismuth alkoxide [(C(3)H(5))Mo(CO)(2)(mu-kappa O,2 kappa O'-OCH(2)CH(2)OCH(3))(2)(mu-kappa O-OCH(2)CH(2)OCH(3))BiCl], 6, as the main product as well as to [(C(3)H(5))Mo(CO)(2)(mu-kappa O,2 kappa O'-OCH(2)CH(2)OCH(3))(2)(mu-Cl)BiCl], 4, as a byproduct. Both compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray diffraction. If 6 is brought into contact with a large excess of silica gel, aggregation and condensation reactions are initiated, which led to clusters of ca. 200 nm size spread over the silica surface. When the resulting material is calcinated at 350 degrees C in the presence of O(2), all organic ligands are eliminated and the metal oxo units rearrange: SEM/EDX measurements showed afterward Mo-free bismuth oxo clusters with sizes between 30 and 1000 nm, which are distributed together with molybdenum oxo particles of lower nuclearity over the silica surface. If such a material is employed as a potential catalyst for the propene oxidation under technical conditions, no activity is observed. If, however, the process is performed under very low pressures, a conversion of 5% is found. This result is discussed in the context of the mechanism proposed for the technical oxidation of propene to acrolein on bismuthmolybdate catalysts.     

Molecular, supramolecular and solution structures of peroxovanadium complexes with ON and O3N donor set ligands: two new types of cationic-anionic peroxovanadium(V) peroxovanadates(V)

The complexes, [VO(O(2))(pa)(2)]ClO(4).3H(2)O (1), [VO(O(2))(pa)(2)][VO(O(2))(2)(pa)].3H(2)O (2), [VO(O(2))(pa)(2)][VO(O(2))(ada)].2H(2)O (3) and [VO(O(2))(pa)(pca)].H(2)O (4)[pa = picolinamide, ada = carbamoylmethyliminodiacetate(2-) and pca = 2-pyrazinecarboxylate(1-)], were synthesized. 2 and 3 are new types of peroxovanadium complexes: monoperoxovanadium diperoxovanadate (2) and monoperoxovanadium monoperoxovanadate (3). The complexes were characterized by chemical analysis and IR spectroscopy, and 1, 3 and 4 also by X-ray analysis. The structure of 1 is disordered, with alternating positions of the oxo and peroxo ligands. The peroxo oxygen atoms, O(p), in 1 are involved in weak hydrogen bonds with water molecules and close intramolecular C-HO...(p) bonds [d(HO(p)) approximately 2.0 A]. The supramolecular structure of 1 is formed by a network of hydrogen bonds and strong attractive intermolecular pi-pi interactions between the pyridine rings. The supramolecular architecture in 4 is constructed by (N,O)-H...O hydrogen bonds between the neutral complex molecules and water of crystallization. The peroxo oxygen atoms in 4 form intramolecular C-H...O(p) bonds [d(H...O(p))= 2.303 A]. The pa and pca ligands are ON coordinated via the oxygen atoms of the C(NH(2))=O and COO(-) groups, respectively, and nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic rings, and ada as a tetradentate O(3)N ligand. The thermal analysis of 4 showed that the loss of water of crystallization and the active oxygen release (T(min)/ degrees C 82, T(max)/degrees C 165) are, under given conditions, individual processes separated by the temperature interval 90-132 degrees C. The solution structures and stability were studied by UV-VIS and (51)V NMR spectroscopies.     

Stabilising pentavalent actinides--visible-near infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of the utility of the [(Np3W4O15)(H2O)3(MW9O33)3]18- (M = Sb, Bi) structural type

We report the interaction between B-type tri-lacunary heteropolyoxotungstate anions and actinyl(V) cations in aqueous solution, yielding a greater understanding of the stability of the O≡An≡O(1+) linear dioxo actinide moiety. Previously we reported that B-α-[BiW(9)O(33)](9-) and B-α-[SbW(9)O(33)](9-) will react with NpO(2)(1+) to yield [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb). Single crystal structural characterisation of salts of these complexes revealed a core in which three Np(V) atoms interact with a central W(VI) atom through bridging oxo groups. These bridging oxygen atoms come from one of the two axial oxygens in O≡Np≡O(1+) and represent a highly unusual interaction for a discrete molecular species. In this study visible/near infra-red spectroscopy indicates that [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) could be readily stabilized in solution at near neutral pH for several months, with (NH(4))(14)Na(4)[(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(39)BiW(9)O(33))(3)]·62H(2)O crystallising from solution in high yield. At lower pH and [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) ratios additional Np(V) species could be observed in solution. Stabilization of [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in solution proved more challenging, with several distinctive Np(V) near infra-red transitions observed in solution. Slow complexation kinetics and reduction to Np(IV) was also observed. High [SbW(9)O(33)](9-) : NpO(2)(1+) molar ratios and careful control of solution pH was required to prepare solutions in which [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(SbW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) was the only neptunium containing species. In stark contrast to the NpO(2)(1+) chemistry, [BiW(9)O(33)](9-) readily oxidizes PuO(2)(1+) to PuO(2)(2+) yielding further evidence of the decreased stability of Pu(V)vs. Np(V). Np L(II)-edge XAFS measurement revealed very good agreement with single crystal diffraction data for the Np structural environment for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(MW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) (M = Bi, or Sb) in the solid state. There was also good agreement between coordination shells for [(Np(3)W(4)O(15))(H(2)O)(3)(BiW(9)O(33))(3)](18-) in the solid state and in solution, yielding further confirmation of the high stability of this particular cluster.     

Deoxygenation of Polynuclear Metal-Oxo Anions: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of the Condensed Polyoxoanion [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)(NbW(5)O(18))(2)O

The deoxygenation of the mixed-metal polyoxoanion [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](3)NbW(5)O(19) with benzoyl chloride in dichloromethane forms quantitatively the condensed polyoxanion [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)(NbW(5)O(18))(2)O, in which two polyoxoanion fragments are linked together by a Nb-O-Nb oxo bridge. The product is characterized by a strong IR band at 692 cm(-)(1) assigned to a Nb-O-Nb stretch and a broad single (93)Nb NMR resonance at 975 ppm. Partial hydrolysis of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)(NbW(5)O(18))(2)O to NbW(5)O(19)O(3)(-) in wet acetonitrile was observed by IR and (17)O NMR spectroscopy. The reaction of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)(NbW(5)O(18))(2)O with a variety of alcohols and phenol forms alkoxide-derivatized polyoxoanions [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](2)Nb(OR)W(5)O(18) (R = methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cholesteryl, phenyl). The similarity of the IR spectra of these deriviatives suggests that functionalization occurs at the terminal NbO oxygen. A crystallographic study of [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](4)(NbW(5)O(18))(2)O revealed a crystallographically imposed linear Nb-O-Nb oxo bridge (Nb-O(bridge) = 1.887(3) ?) and a structure in which the terminal tungsten-oxo bonds on the adjoining polyoxoanion fragments are eclipsed. Crystal data: orthorhombic, Cmca; Z = 4, a = 15.817(2) ?, b = 17.870(2) ?, c = 35.058(2) ?; V = 9928.0(10) ?(3); R = 5.52%.     

Molecular structure of a supported VO4 cluster and its interfacial geometry as a function of the SiO2, Nb2O5, and ZrO2 support

The influence of the support oxide on the molecular structure of a VO(4) cluster and its interfacial geometry has been determined for SiO(2), Nb(2)O(5), and ZrO(2) as supports. Raman, IR, UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance, electron spin resonance, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopies were used to characterize the supported vanadium oxide clusters after dehydration. It has been found that for all supports under investigation the vanadium ion is tetrahedral coordinated and consists of one V=O and three V-O bonds. For a VO(4)/SiO(2) catalyst it has been established that only one O neighbor is shared with the SiO(2) support via a V-O(b)-Si(support) bond with an angle of approximately 101 degrees (+/-0.5 degrees ) and a V...Si distance of 2.61 A. The absence of a second vanadium atom in the vicinity of the vanadium oxide cluster further subverts the classical assignment of the 920 cm(-1) Raman band to a V-O-V related vibration. The EXAFS results combined with structural modeling using Cerius(2) software lead to structural constraints, which imply a similar V-O(b)-M(support) interaction for Nb(2)O(5) and ZrO(2) as well. The V-O(b) and the V...M(support) distances depend on the geometry of each support surface. The results show that the classical model with three V-O(b)-M(support) bonds could not be experimentally observed with EXAFS under the applied measuring conditions. Additional experiments with IR and Raman spectroscopy under experimental conditions mimicking those of the EXAFS measurements reveal the presence of V-OH groups, giving further support for the presence of a O=V(OH)(2)-O(b)-M moiety at the support surface.     

Density functional theory study of small vanadium oxide clusters

Density functional theory is employed to study structure and stability of small neutral vanadium oxide clusters in the gas phase. BPW91/LANL2DZ level of theory is used to obtain structures of VOy (y=1-5), V2Oy (y=2-7), V3Oy (y=4-9), and V4Oy (y=7-12) clusters. Enthalpies of growth and fragmentation reactions of the lowest energy isomers of vanadium oxide molecules are also obtained to study the stability of neutral vanadium oxide species under oxygen saturated gas-phase conditions. Our results suggest that cyclic and cage-like structures are preferred for the lowest energy isomers of neutral vanadium oxide clusters, and oxygen-oxygen bonds are present for oxygen-rich clusters. Clusters with an odd number of vanadium atoms tend to have low spin ground states, while clusters with even number of vanadium atoms have a variety of spin multiplicities for their ground electronic state. VO2, V2O5, V3O7, and V4O10 are predicted to be the most stable neutral clusters under the oxygen saturated conditions. These results are in agreement with and complement previous gas-phase experimental studies of neutral vanadium oxide clusters.     

Sulfates of the refractory metals: crystal structure and thermal behavior of Nb2O2(SO4)3, MoO2(SO4), WO(SO4)2, and two modifications of Re2O5(SO4)2

The sulfates Nb(2)O(2)(SO(4))(3), MoO(2)(SO(4)), WO(SO(4))(2,) and two modifications of Re(2)O(5)(SO(4))(2) have been synthesized by the solvothermal reaction of NbCl(5), WOCl(4), Re(2)O(7)(H(2)O)(2), and MoO(3) with sulfuric acid/SO(3) mixtures at temperatures between 200 and 300 °C. Besides the X-ray crystal structure determination of all compounds, the thermal behavior was investigated using thermogravimetric studies. WO(SO(4))(2) (monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.453(1) ?, b = 11.8232(8) ?, c = 7.881(1) ?, β = 107.92(2)°, V = 660.7(1) ?(3), Z = 4) and both modifications of Re(2)O(5)(SO(4))(2) (I: orthorhombic, Pba2, a = 9.649(1) ?, b = 8.4260(8) ?, c = 5.9075(7) ?, V = 480.27(9) ?(3), Z = 2; II: orthorhombic, Pbcm, a = 7.1544(3) ?, b = 7.1619(3) ?, c = 16.8551(7) ?, V = 863.64(6) ?(3), Z = 4) are the first structurally characterized examples of tungsten and rhenium oxide sulfates. Their crystal structure contains layers of sulfate connected [W═O] moieties or [Re(2)O(5)] units, respectively. The cohesion between layers is realized through weak M-O contacts (343-380 pm). Nb(2)O(2)(SO(4))(3) (orthorhombic, Pna2(1), a = 9.9589(7) ?, b = 11.7983(7) ?, c = 8.6065(5) ?, V = 1011.3(1) ?(3), Z = 4) represents a new sulfate-richer niobium oxide sulfate. The crystal structure contains a three-dimensional network of sulfate connected [Nb═O] moieties. In MoO(2)(SO(4)) (monoclinic, I2/a, a = 8.5922(6) ?, b = 12.2951(6) ?, c = 25.671(2) ?, β = 94.567(9)°, V = 2703.4(3) ?(3), Z = 24) [MoO(2)] units are connected through sulfate ions to a three-dimensional network, which is pervaded by channels along [100] accommodating the terminal oxide ligands. In all compounds except WO(SO(4))(2), the metal ions are octahedrally coordinated by monodentate sulfate ions and oxide ligands forming short M═O bonds. In WO(SO(4))(2), the oxide ligand and two monodentate and two bidentate sulfate ions build a pentagonal bipyramid around W. The thermal stability of the sulfates decreases in the order Nb > Mo > W > Re; the residues formed during the decomposition are the corresponding oxides.