Crystal structures of the NO and N2O4 sorption complexes of fully dehydrated fully Cd2+-exchanged zeolite X (FAU): coordination of neutral NO and N2O4 to Cd2+

The structures of the nitric oxide and dinitrogen tetroxide sorption complexes of dehydrated fully Cd2+-exchanged zeolite X (FAU) have been determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the cubic space group Fdm at 21(1) degrees C. Ion exchange was accomplished by allowing an aqueous stream 0.05 M in Cd2+ to flow past each crystal for 5 days. Each crystal was then dehydrated at 500 degrees C and 2 x 10(-6) Torr for 2 days, followed by exposure to 100 Torr of zeolitically dry NO or NO2/N2O4 gas. The structures were determined in these atmospheres. The unit cell constants at 21(1) degrees C are 24.877(2) A for the dark-yellow NO complex, |Cd46(NO)16|[Si100Al92O384]-FAU, and 24.735(2) A for the black N2O4 complex, |Cd46(N2O4)25.5|[Si100Al92O384]-FAU. The structure of the NO complex was refined to R1 = 0.072 and wR2 = 0.134. In this structure, Cd2+ ions occupy four crystallographic sites. Fifteen Cd2+ ions occupy site I (at the centers of the double 6-rings (D6Rs)), and one occupies site I' (in the sodalite cavity opposite a D6R). The remaining 30 Cd2+ ions occupy two different sites II (near 6-rings in the supercages): 16 coordinate to nitric oxide molecules and 14 do not. Sixteen NO molecules lie in the supercage where each interacts weakly with a Cd2+ ion: Cd-N = 2.57(22) A. The observed N-O bond distance is 1.28(25) A and Cd-N-O is 118(10) degrees. The structure of the N2O4 complex was refined to R1 = 0.084 and wR2 = 0.216. In this structure, Cd2+ ions occupy only three crystallographic sites. The 16 D6Rs per unit cell are filled with 11.5 Cd2+ ions at site I and 9 Cd2+ ions at site I': 11.5 + 9/2 = 16. The remaining 25.5 Cd2+ ions occupy site II where each coordinates at 2.43(8) A to a nitrogen atom of a N2O4 molecule. At the coordinating nitrogen atom, O-N-O is 147(10) degrees and the N-O bond lengths are 1.07(9) and 1.23(10) A. At the second nitrogen atom, O-N-O is 140(10) degrees, and the N-O bond lengths are 1.03(13) and 1.42(12) A. The imprecisely determined N-N bond length, 2.74(17) A, appears to be very much lengthened by coordination to Cd2+. The Cd-N-N angle is 144(10) degrees. This appears to be the first crystallographic report of the coordination of N2O4 to a cation.     

Factors controlling metal-ion selectivity in the binding sites of calcium-binding proteins. The metal-binding properties of amide donors. A crystallographic and thermodynamic study

The metal-ion complexing properties of the ligand EDTAM (ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetamide) are investigated as a model for the role of amide oxygen donors in the binding sites of Ca-binding proteins. The structures of the complexes [Ca(EDTAM)NO3]NO3 (1), [La(EDTAM)(H2O)4](NO3)3.H2O (2), and [Cd(EDTAM)(NO3)]NO3 (3) are reported: 1 monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.853(2) angstroms, b = 12.893(3) angstroms, c = 13.407(3) angstroms, beta = 103.28(3) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0281; 2 triclinic, P, a = 8.695(2) angstroms, b = 9.960(2) angstroms, c = 16.136(3) angstroms, alpha = 95.57(3) degrees, beta = 94.84(3) degrees, gamma = 98.72(3) degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.0394; 3 monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 10.767(2) angstroms, b = 12.952(2) angstroms, c = 13.273(2) angstroms, beta = 103.572(3) degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.0167. Compounds 1 and 3 are isostructural, and the EDTAM binds to the metal ion through its two N-donors and four O-donors from the amide groups. Ca(II) in 1 is 8-coordinate with a chelating NO3- group, while Cd(II) in 3 may possibly be 7-coordinate, with an asymmetrically coordinated NO3- that is best regarded as unidentate. The La(III) in 2 is coordinated to the EDTAM in a manner similar to that of 1 and 3, but it is 10-coordinate with four water molecules coordinated to the La(III). The formation constants (log K1) for complexes of a variety of metal ions with EDTAM are reported in 0.1 M NaNO3 at 25.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C. These are compared to the log K1 values for en (ethylenediamine) and THPED (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine). For large metal ions, such as Ca2+ or La3+, log K1 increases strongly when the four acetamide groups are added to en to give EDTAM, whereas for a small metal ion, such as Mg2+, this increase is small. The log K1 values for EDTAM compared to THPED suggest that the amide oxygen is a much stronger base than the alcoholic oxygen. Structures of binding sites in 40 Ca-binding proteins are examined. It is shown that the Ca-O=C bond angles involving coordinated amides in these sites are large, commonly being in the 150-180 degrees range. This is discussed in terms of the idea that for purely ionic bonding the M-O=C bond angle will approach 180 degrees, while for covalent bonding the angle should be closer to 120 degrees. How this fact might be used by the proteins to control selectivity for different metal ions is discussed.     

Crystal structure of an ethylene sorption complex of fully vacuum-dehydrated fully Ag+-exchanged zeolite X (FAU). Silver atoms have reduced ethylene to give CH2 2- carbanions at framework oxide vacancies

The crystal structure of an ethylene sorption complex of fully vacuum-dehydrated fully Ag(+)-exchanged zeolite X (FAU), a = 24.865(2) A, has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques in the cubic space group Fd at 21 degrees C. It is very different from the ethylene complex of Ag(92)-X that had been dehydrated at 400 degrees C in flowing oxygen, as were the two dehydrated structures. The crystal was prepared by ion exchange in a flowing stream of aqueous 0.05 M AgNO(3) for 3 days, followed by dehydration at 400 degrees C and 2 x 10(-6) Torr for 2 days, followed by exposure to 300 Torr of zeolitically dry ethylene gas for 2 h at 21 degrees C. The structure was determined in this atmosphere and was refined using all data to the final error indices (based upon the 534 reflections for which F(o) > 4sigma(F(o))) R(1) = 0.062 and wR(2) = 0.135. In this structure, per unit cell, 14 Ag(+) ions were found at the octahedral site I (Ag-O = 2.611(9) A), and 32 partially reduced Ag(+) ions fill two different site I' positions deep in the sodalite cavities (Ag-O = 2.601(13) and 2.618(12) A). The sodalite cavities host two different cationic silver clusters. In about 47% of sodalite units, eight silver atoms form interpenetrating tetrahedra, Ag(8)(n+) (n = 4 is suggested), with T(d)() symmetry. The other 53% of the sodalite units host cyclo-Ag(4)(m+) (m = 2 is suggested) cations with near S(4) symmetry. These clusters are very similar to those in vacuum-dehydrated Ag(92)-X. Thirty-two Ag(+) ions fill the single 6-rings, 15 at site II' (Ag-O = 2.492(10) A), and 17 at site II (Ag-O = 2.460(9) A). The latter 17 lie in supercages where each forms a lateral pi-complex with an ethylene molecule. In turn, each C(2)H(4) molecule forms two cis electrostatic hydrogen bonds to framework oxygens. The remaining 14 Ag+ ions occupy three different II' sites. Vacuum dehydration had caused substantial decomposition: per unit cell, 30 of the 92 Ag(+) ions were reduced and 15 of the 384 framework oxide ions were oxidized to O2(g), leaving lattice vacancies. The sorption of C(2)H(4) at 21 degrees C reoxidized about 7 of the 30 Ag(0) atoms to Ag(+) and reduced 1.75 ethylene molecules to give CH(2)(2-) groups which refilled 3.5 of these 15 lattice vacancies. The remaining vacancies may have been filled with H(2)C=C(2-) ions. The unit cell formula, which originally contained 384 oxygen atoms, may be |Ag(92)(C2H4)17|[Si(100)Al(92)O(369)(CH2)3.5] or |Ag(92)H(23)(C2H4)17|[Si(100)Al(92)O(369)(CH2)3.5(C2H2)11.5].     

Ca(2+)/vacancies and O2-/F- ordering in new oxyfluoride pyrochlores Li(2x)Ca1.5-x square 0.5-xM2O6F (M = Nb,Ta) for 0 < or = x < or = 0.5

New oxyfluorides Li(2x)Ca(1.5-x) square (0.5-x)M2O6F (M = Nb, Ta), belonging to the cubic pyrochlore structural type (Z = 8, a approximately 10.5 angstroms), were synthesized by solid state reaction for 0 < or = x < or = 0.5. XRD data allowed us to determine their structures from single crystals for the two alpha and beta-Ca(1.5) square (0.5)Nb2O6F forms and from powder samples for the others. This characterisation was completed by TEM and solid state 19F NMR experiments. For the Ca(1.5) square (0.5)M2O6F (x = 0) pyrochlore phases, the presence of a double ordering phenomenon is demonstrated, involving on one hand the Ca(2+) ions and the vacancies and on the other hand the oxide and the fluoride anions which are strictly located in the 8b sites of the Fd3m aristotype space group. The Ca(2+) ions/vacancies ordering leads to a reversible phase transition, a (P4(3)32) <--> beta (Fd3m). The 19F NMR study strongly suggests that, in the beta-phases, the fluoride ions are only on average at the centre of the Ca3 square tetrahedron. It shows that slightly different Ca-F distances occuring in alpha-Ca(1.5) square (0.5)Nb2O6F may be related to a more difficult thermal ionic and vacancies diffusion process than in the tantalate compound. This may explain the hysteresis phenomenon presented by the phase transition. A solid solution Li(2x)Ca(1.5-x) square (0.5-x) Ta2O6F (0 < or = x < or = 0.5) was prepared and the order-disorder phase transition observed for Ca(1.5) square (0.5)M2MO6F compounds disappears for all the other compositions where less or no more vacancies exist in the 16d sites. In the LiCaM2O6F compounds, the 19F NMR study allows us to determine the Ca(2+) and Li+ ions distributions around the fluoride ions and shows that the [FLi2Ca2] environment is clearly favoured.     

New insights into the thermal stability of Mn12 clusters: the case of complex [Mn12O12(O2CC[triple bond]-CH)16(H2O)4] x 3H2O and its thermolysis derived [Mn3(O2CC[triple bond]CH)6(H2O)4] x 2H2O complex

Two novel Mn12 derivatives [Mn12O12(O2CC[triple bond]CH)16(H2O)4] x 3H2O (1) and [Mn12(O2CC[triple bond]CC6H5)16(H2O)4] x 3H2O (2) have been prepared and characterized. Magnetic measurements confirm that both function as single-molecule magnets (SMM), showing frequency-dependent out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals and magnetization hysteresis curves. Thermal stability studies of both complexes were first conducted in the solid state. While complex 1 undergoes a sudden exothermal decomposition at T(onset) = 118 degrees C, complex 2 exhibits a higher stability. Thermolysis reaction of 1 was hence assessed in solution to yield dark red crystals of a two-dimensional Mn(II)-based co-ordination polymer [Mn3(O2CC[triple bond]CH)6(H2O)4] x 2H2O (3), which corresponds to an extended sheet-like structure that crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n; a = 9.2800(2) angstroms, b = 9.4132(2) angstroms, c = 14.9675(3) angstroms, beta = 99.630(1) degrees, and Z = 2. Finally, the magnetic properties of complex 3 have been studied on an oriented single crystal over two different orientations of the reciprocal vector versus the external field.     

A kinetic study of the reactions of Ca+ ions with O3, O2, N2, CO2 and H2O

The reactions between Ca(+)(4(2)S(1/2)) and O(3), O(2), N(2), CO(2) and H(2)O were studied using two techniques: the pulsed laser photo-dissociation at 193 nm of an organo-calcium vapour, followed by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of Ca(+) at 393.37 nm (Ca(+)(4(2)P(3/2)-4(2)S(1/2))); and the pulsed laser ablation at 532 nm of a calcite target in a fast flow tube, followed by mass spectrometric detection of Ca(+). The rate coefficient for the reaction with O(3) is essentially independent of temperature, k(189-312 K) = (3.9 +/- 1.2) x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), and is about 35% of the Langevin capture frequency. One reason for this is that there is a lack of correlation between the reactant and product potential energy surfaces for near coplanar collisions. The recombination reactions of Ca(+) with O(2), CO(2) and H(2)O were found to be in the fall-off region over the experimental pressure range (1-80 Torr). The data were fitted by RRKM theory combined with quantum calculations on CaO(2)(+), Ca(+).CO(2) and Ca(+).H(2)O, yielding the following results with He as third body when extrapolated from 10(-3)-10(3) Torr and a temperature range of 100-1500 K. For Ca(+) + O(2): log(10)(k(rec,0)/cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -26.16 - 1.113log(10)T- 0.056log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 1.4 x 10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.56. For Ca(+) + CO(2): log(10)(k(rec,0)/ cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -27.94 + 2.204log(10)T- 1.124log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 3.5 x 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.60. For Ca(+) + H(2)O: log(10)(k(rec,0)/ cm(6) molecule(-2) s(-1)) = -23.88 - 1.823log(10)T- 0.063log(10)(2)T, k(rec,infinity) = 7.3 x 10(-11)exp(830 J mol(-1)/RT) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1), F(c) = 0.50 (F(c) is the broadening factor). A classical trajectory analysis of the Ca(+) + CO(2) reaction is then used to investigate the small high pressure limiting rate coefficient, which is significantly below the Langevin capture frequency. Finally, the implications of these results for calcium chemistry in the mesosphere are discussed.     

Preparation, crystal structure, and thermal stability of the cadmium sulfide nanoclusters Cd6S44+ and Cd2Na2S4+in the sodalite cavities of zeolite A (LTA)

The crystal structure and thermal stability of two cadmium sulfide nanoclusters prepared in zeolite A (LTA) have been studied by XPS, TGA, and single-crystal and powder XRD. The crystal structures of Cd2.4Na3.2(Cd6S4)0.4(Cd2Na2S)0.6(H2O)> or =5.8[Si12Al12O48]-LTA (a = 12.2919(7) A, crystal 1 (hydrated)) and /Cd4Na2(Cd2O)(Na2O)/[Si12Al12O48]-LTA (a = 12.2617(4) A, crystal 2 (dehydrated)) were determined by single-crystal methods in the cubic space group Pm3m at 294(1) K. Crystal 1 was prepared by ion exchange of Na12-LTA in an aqueous stream 0.05 M in Cd2+, followed by washing in a stream of water, followed by reaction in an aqueous stream 0.05 M in Na2S. Crystal 2 was made by dehydrating crystal 1 at 623 K and 1 x 10(-6) Torr for 3 days. In crystal 1, Cd6S4(4+) nanoclusters were found in and extending out of about 40% of the sodalite cavities. Central to each Cd6S4(4+) cluster is a Cd4S4 unit (interpenetrating Cd2+ and S2- tetrahedra with near Td symmetry, Cd-S = 2.997(24) A, Cd-S-Cd = 113.8(12) degrees, and S-Cd-S = 58.1(24) degrees). Each of the two remaining Cd2+ ions bonds radially through a 6-ring of the zeolite framework to a sulfide ion of this Cd4S4 unit (Cd-S = 2.90(8) A). In each of the remaining 60% of the sodalite cavities of crystal 1, a planar Cd2Na2S4+ cluster was found (Cd-S/Na-S = 2.35(5)/2.56(14) A and Cd-S-Cd/Na-S-Na = 122(5)/92(7) degrees). Cd6S4(4+) and Cd2Na2S4+ are stable within the zeolite up to about 700 K in air. Upon vacuum dehydration at 623 K, all sulfur was lost (crystal 2). Instead as anions, only two oxide ions remain per sodalite unit. One bridges between two Cd2+ ions (Cd2O2+, Cd-O = 2.28(3) A) and the other between two Na+ ions (Na2O, Na-O = 2.21(10) A).     

Syntheses, structures, ionic conductivities, and magnetic properties of three new transition-metal borophosphates Na5(H3O){M(II)3[B3O3(OH)]3(PO4)6}.2H2O (M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni)

Three new open-framework transition-metal borophosphates Na5(H3O){M(II)3[B3O3(OH)]3(PO4)6}.2H2O (M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni) (denoted as MBPO-CJ25) have been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the three compounds possess isostructural three-dimensional (3D) open frameworks with one-dimensional 12-ring channels along the [001] direction. Notably, the structure can also be viewed as composed of metal phosphate layers [M(II)(PO4)2]4- with Kagomé topology, which are further connected by [B3O7(OH)] triborates, giving rise to a 3D open framework. The guest water molecules locate in the 12-ring channels. Partial Na+ ions reside in the 10-ring side pockets within the wall of the 12-ring channels, and the other Na+ ions and protonated water molecules locate in the 6-ring windows delimited by MO6 and PO4 polyhedra to compensate for the negative charges of the anionic framework. These compounds show a high thermal stability and are stable upon calcinations at ca. 500 degrees C. Ionic conductivities, due to the motion of Na+ ions, are measured for these three compounds. They have similar activation energies of 1.13-1.25 eV and conductivities of 2.7 x 10(-7)-9.9 x 10(-7) S cm(-1) at 300 degrees C. Magnetic measurements reveal that there are very weak antiferromagnetic interactions among the metal centers of the three compounds. Crystal data: MnBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.9683(5) A, c = 12.1303(6) A, and Z = 2; CoBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.7691(15) A, c = 12.112(2) A, and Z = 2; NiBPO-CJ25, hexagonal, P6(3)/m (No. 176), a = 11.7171(5) A, c = 12.0759(7) A, and Z = 2.     

Proton character of the peptide unit in the Ca2+-binding sites of calcium pump

The effect of forming calcium pump structures in biological systems on the proton character of the peptide unit has been studied theoretically using the density-functional theory calculations with a large basis set. One acetic acid, one acetate, and three acetamide molecules as well as the modeling peptide unit (MPU) have been employed to mimic the amino acid residues forming the Ca2+-binding sites. To highlight the limiting case of the Ca2+-binding effect on the proton property and the proton countertransport possibility in the direction opposite to the ion, the MPU bounded by the bare or the hydrated Ca2+ has also been investigated. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicates that the increase of the p-character of the (N-H) sigma orbital results in weakening of the N-H bond which is lengthened when a Ca2+ ion is introduced to the MPU. Calculated NMR shielding sigma(H1) of the MPU shifts upfield upon the Ca2+ ion combination, which reveals the donating of the electron from the amide H as represented by the increase of the calculated positive natural charge for amide H of the MPU. Moreover, the proton affinities (PA) and gas-phase basicities (GB) for the amide nitrogen active site of the MPU are reduced; that is, the acidity of the amide hydrogen gets stronger because of the influence of the Ca2+ ion. To prove the transport possibility of the N-H proton in the direction opposite to the Ca2+ ion along the N-H...O=C hydrogen bond in the helical peptide linkage, NH3 and H2O are used here to assist the dissociation of the amide H of the MPU, and the calculated results show the notable decrease of the deprotonation energies compared to that of the case without this assistance. Moreover, calculated results also reveal that the variation of the quantities discussed here for amide H of the MPU gets smaller when the acidity of Ca2+ ion decreases. Ionization states of the acidic residues forming the Ca2+-binding sites may influence the activity of the amide H of the MPU and further affect the transport tendency of the peptide unit proton in the direction opposite to Ca2+.     

Architectural isomerism in the three-dimensional polymeric spin crossover system [Fe(pmd)2[Ag(CN)2]2]: synthesis, structure, magnetic properties, and calorimetric studies

Two coordination polymers formulated [Fe(pmd)2[Ag(CN)2]2] (pmd = pyrimidine) have been synthesized and characterized. Both polymers, considered to be architectural isomers, display different crystal structures and magnetic properties. Isomer 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group with a = 6.9750(8) angstroms, b = 16.1700(9) angstroms, c = 14.2020(8) angstroms, beta = 97.954(2) degrees, V = 1586.37(14) angstroms3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure of isomer 2 has been studied at 250 and 150 K. At both temperatures, 2 displays the orthorhombic Pccn space group with a = 15.7700(2) [14.8950(2)] angstroms, b = 8.2980(4) [8.1580(4)] angstroms, c = 13.4180(6) [13.3480(5)] angstroms, V = 1755.87(14) [1621.96(10)] angstroms3, and Z = 4 for 250 [150] K. The iron(II) ions define distorted octahedral [FeN6] chromophores in both isomers. The equatorial positions are occupied by four [Ag(CN)2]- bridging ligands, which connect the defining layers of two iron(II) ions. Isomer 1 has two crystallographically distinct [Ag(CN)2]- groups; one is essentially linear, while the other is severely distorted [C(5)-Ag(2)-C(5i)] = 138.8(5) degrees. This fact facilitates the parallel interpenetration of two layers, which in addition show short Ag(1)....Ag(2) interactions (distance Ag(1)....Ag(2) = 2.9972(10) angstroms). Isomer 2 shows only one type of Ag atom, which is slightly bent [C-Ag-C = 161.54(12) degrees], and as a consequence, the layers defined are not interpenetrated. In both cases, the axial positions are occupied by the pmd ligands which interact with the Ag atoms of adjacent layers defining a 3D coordination polymer. Compound 1 is high spin in the whole range of temperatures, while 2 undergoes a cooperative high-spin <--> low-spin effect centered at ca. 184 K with a hysteresis loop ca. 5 K wide. The experimental enthalpy and entropy variations were 11.5 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-1) and 64 +/- 3 J K(-1) mol(-1). Consistency between the experimental thermodynamic data and the magnetic data was checked in the frame of regular solution theory.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new ternary imide-Li2Ca(NH)2

The ternary imide Li(2)Ca(NH)2 was successfully synthesized by dehydrogenating a mixture of LiNH(2) and CaH(2) at a molar ratio of 2:1 in a stream of purified argon at 300 degrees C. A powder X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that Li(2)Ca(NH)2 was of the trigonal anti-La(2)O(3) structure (space group Pm1) with lattice constants of a = 3.5664(3)A and c = 5.9540(8) A. Ca occupied the 1b site (0, 0, 1/2), Li occupied the 2d site (1/3, 2/3, 0.8841(22)), and N occupied the 2d site (1/3, 2/3, 0.2565(15)). Nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray absorption fine structure analyses demonstrated that each Li ion was coordinated with four imide ions and each Ca ion was coordinated with six imide ions.     

Particular topological complexity of lead oxide blocks in Pb31O22X18 (X = Br, Cl)

Dark-green platy crystals of the new compound Pb31O22Br10Cl8 (1) have been obtained by rapid quenching of a lead oxide halide melt. The structure of 1 (triclinic, P1, a = 12.1192(7) angstroms, b = 16.2489(10) angstroms, c = 18.3007(11) angstroms, alpha = 93.104(2) degrees, beta = 95.809(2) degrees, gamma = 111.252(1) degrees, V = 3325.4(3) angstroms3, Z = 2) can be viewed as incorporation of [PbX6]4- halide units (X = Br, Cl) into the defect PbO matrix. The latter represents a two-dimensional [O22Pb30]16+ cationic layer of OPb4 tetrahedra that can be derived from the [OPb] tetrahedral layer observed in tetragonal PbO. The layer consists of 22 symmetrically inequivalent OPb4 tetrahedra and represents the topologically most complicated arrangement of tetrahedra known to date.     

Validation of the general purpose tripos 5.2 force field

A molecular mechanics force field implemented in the Sybyl program is described along with a statistical evaluation of its efficiency on a variety of compounds by analysis of internal coordinates and thermodynamic barriers. The goal of the force field is to provide good quality geometries and relative energies for a large variety of organic molecules by energy minimization. Performance in protein modeling was tested by minimizations starting from crystallographic coordinates for three cyclic hexapeptides in the crystal lattice with rms movements of 0.019 angstroms, 2.06 degrees, and 6.82 degrees for bond lengths, angles, and torsions, respectively, and an rms movement of 0.16 angstroms for heavy atoms. Isolated crambin was also analyzed with rms movements of 0.025 angstroms, 2.97 degrees, and 13.0 degrees for bond lengths, angles, and torsions respectively, and an rms movement of 0.42 angstroms for heavy atoms. Accuracy in calculating thermodynamic barriers was tested for 17 energy differences between conformers, 12 stereoisomers, and 15 torsional barriers. The rms errors were 0.8, 1.7, and 1.13 kcal/mol, respectively, for the three tests. Performance in general purpose applications was assessed by minimizing 76 diverse complex organic crystal structures, with and without randomization by coordinate truncation, with rms movements of 0.025 angstroms, 2.50 degrees, and 9.54 degrees for bond lengths, angles and torsions respectively, and an average rms movement of 0.192 angstroms for heavy atoms.     

Chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO2CF3: structure and conformational properties in the gaseous and condensed phases

Pure chlorocarbonyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3), has been prepared in about 58% yield by the ambient-temperature reaction between ClC(O)SCl and AgCF(3)SO(3). The conformational properties of the gaseous molecule have been studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR(gas), IR(matrix), and Raman(liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations (HF and B3LYP with 6-31+G* basis sets); in addition, the solid-state structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. ClC(O)OSO(2)CF(3) exists in the gas phase as a mixture of trans [ClC(O) group trans with respect to the CF(3) group] and gauche conformers, with the trans form being the more abundant [66(8)% from IR(matrix) measurements]. In both conformers, the C=O bond of the ClC(O) group is oriented synperiplanar with respect to the S-O single bond. The experimental free energy difference between the two forms, DeltaG degrees = 0.8(2) kcal mol(-1) (IR), is slightly smaller than the calculated value (1.0-1.5 kcal mol(-1)). The crystalline solid at 150 K [monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 7.3951(9) angstroms, b = 24.897(3) angstroms, c = 7.4812(9) angstroms, beta = 99.448(2) degrees, Z = 8] consists surprisingly of both trans and gauche forms. Whereas the more stable conformer for the more or less discrete molecules and the polarization effects would tend to favor the trans form, the packing effects would stabilize the gauche rotamer in the solid state.     

The reaction between ZnO and molten Na2S2O7 or K2S2O7 forming Na2Zn(SO4)2 orK2Zn(SO4)2, studied by Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction

Reactions between solid zinc oxide and molten sodium or potassium pyrosulfates at 500 degrees C are shown by Raman spectroscopy to be 1:1 reactions leading to solutions. By lowering the temperature of the solution melts, colorless crystals form. Raman spectra of the crystals are given and tentatively assigned. Crystal structures of the monoclinic salts at room temperature are given. Na(2)Zn(SO(4))(2): space group = P2/n (No. 13), Z = 8, a = 8.648(3) Angstroms, b = 10.323(3) Angstroms, c = 15.103(5) Angstroms, beta = 90.879(6) degrees, and wR(2) = 0.0945 for 2748 independent reflections. K(2)Zn(SO(4))(2): space group = P2(1)/n (No.14), Z = 4, a = 5.3582(11) Angstroms, b = 8.7653(18) Angstroms, c = 16.152(3) Angstroms, beta = 91.78(3) degrees , and wR(2) = 0.0758 for 1930 independent reflections. In both compounds, zinc is nearly perfectly trigonally bipyramidal, coordinated to five oxygen atoms, with Zn-O bond lengths ranging from 1.99 to 2.15 Angstroms, equatorial bonds being slightly shorter on the average. The O-Zn-O angles are approximately 90 degrees and 120 degrees . The sulfate groups connect adjacent Zn(2+) ions, forming complicated three-dimensional networks. All oxygen atoms belong to nearly perfect tetrahedral SO(4)(2-) groups, bound to zinc. No oxygen atom is terminally bound to zinc; all zinc oxygens are further connected to sulfur atoms (Zn-O-S bridging). In both structures, some oxygen atoms are uniquely bound to certain S atoms. The sulfate group tetrahedra have quite short (1.42-1.45 Angstroms) terminal S-O bonds in comparison to the longer (1.46-1.50 Angstroms) Zn-bridging S-O bonds. The Na(+) or K(+) ions adopt positions between the ZnO(5) hexahedra and the SO(4) tetrahedra, completing the three-dimensional network of the M(2)Zn(SO(4))(2) structures. Bond distances and angles compare well with literature values. Empirical correlations between S-O bond distances and average O-S-O bond angles follow a previously found trend.     

Effect of metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) and water coordination on the structure of glycine and zwitterionic glycine

Interactions between metal ions and amino acids are common both in solution and in the gas phase. Here, the effect of metal ions and water on the structure of glycine is examined. The effect of metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) and water on structures of Gly.Mn+(H2O)m and GlyZwitt.Mn+(H2O)m (m = 0, 2, 5) complexes have been determined theoretically by employing the hybrid B3LYP exchange-correlation functional and using extended basis sets. Selected calculations were carried out also by means of CBS-QB3 model chemistry. The interaction enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs energies of eight complexes Gly.Mn+ (Mn+ = Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) were determined at the B3LYP density functional level of theory. The computed Gibbs energies DeltaG degrees are negative and span a rather broad energy interval (from -90 to -1100 kJ mol(-1)), meaning that the ions studied form strong complexes. The largest interaction Gibbs energy (-1076 kJ mol(-1)) was computed for the NiGly2+ complex. Calculations of the molecular structure and relative stability of the Gly.Mn+(H2O)m and GlyZwitt.Mn+(H2O)m (Mn+ = Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+; m = 0, 2, and 5) systems indicate that in the complexes with monovalent metal cations the most stable species are the NO coordinated metal cations in non-zwitterionic glycine. Divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ prefer coordination via the OO bifurcated bonds of the zwitterionic glycine. Stepwise addition of two and five water molecules leads to considerable changes in the relative stability of the hydrated species. Addition of two water molecules at the metal ion in both Gly.Mn+ and GlyZwitt.Mn+ complexes reduces the relative stability of metallic complexes of glycine. For Mn+ = Li+ or Na+, the addition of five water molecules does not change the relative order of stability. In the Gly.K+ complex, the solvation shell of water molecules around K+ ion has, because of the larger size of the potassium cation, a different structure with a reduced number of hydrogen-bonded contacts. This results in a net preference (by 10.3 kJ mol(-1)) of the GlyZwitt.K+H2O5 system. Addition of five water molecules to the glycine complexes containing divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ results in a net preference for non-zwitterionic glycine species. The computed relative Gibbs energies are quite high (-10 to -38 kJ mol(-1)), and the NO coordination is preferred in the Gly.Mn+(H2O)5 (Mn+ = Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) complexes over the OO coordination.     

Infrared action spectra of Ca2+(H2O)(11-69) exhibit spectral signatures for condensed-phase structures with increasing cluster size

Infrared laser action spectroscopy is used to characterize divalent calcium ions solvated by up to 69 water molecules. The spectrum for Ca(2+)(H2O)12 indicates that in the predominant structure, eight inner-shell water molecules solvate the metal ion and donate one hydrogen bond to one of four second-shell, double-acceptor water molecules. Eight-coordinate solvation is consistent with results from many condensed-phase studies, and contrasts with results for smaller gas-phase clusters that are most consistent with six-coordinate solvation. Each water molecule in this structure of Ca(2+)(H2O)12 coordinates with two other members of the cluster. With increasing cluster size, the number of two-coordinate water molecules decreases, whereas that of three-coordinate water molecules increases. The number of one-coordinate water molecules increases until n approximately 18, but they are essentially depleted by n approximately = 30. Spectra of the largest clusters, which have effective concentrations of divalent calcium that are less than 1 M, exhibit only subtle changes with increasing cluster size. The bonded-OH regions of these spectra are similar to, but blue-shifted from that of bulk water, whereas the free-OH regions are well-resolved and indicate that the surfaces of these clusters are well-structured. These results comprise the most extensive vibrational spectroscopic study yet performed on metal ion hydration in the gas phase and provide insights into metal ion solvation in bulk and interfacial environments.     

Characterization and ab initio XRPD structure determination of a novel silicate with Vierer single chains: the crystal structure of NaYSi2O6

The crystal structure of a sodium yttrium silicate with composition NaYSi2O6 has been determined from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data by simulated annealing, and has been subsequently refined with the Rietveld technique. The compound is monoclinic with space group P2(1)/c and unit cell parameters of a=5.40787(2) A, b=13.69784(5) A, c=7.58431(3) A, and beta=109.9140(3) degrees at 23.5 degrees C (Z=4). The structure was found to be a single-chain silicate with a chain periodicity of four. The two symmetry dependent [Si4O12] chains in the unit cell are parallel to c. A prominent feature is the strong folding of the crankshaft-like chains within the b,c-plane resulting in intrachain Si-Si-Si angles close to 90 degrees. The coordination of the Y3+ ions by O2- is 7-fold in the form of slightly irregular pentagonal bipyramids, with oxygen atoms from four different chains contributing to the coordination polyhedron. Na+ ions are irregularly coordinated by 10 oxygens from two neighboring chains. No disorder of Na+ and Y3+ between the two nontetrahedral cation sites could be observed. Furthermore, micro-Raman spectra have been obtained from the polycrystalline material.     

Be2+ hydration in concentrated aqueous solutions of BeCl2

Neutron diffraction experiments were carried out on concentrated aqueous solutions of beryllium chloride at three concentrations: 1.5, 3, and 6 molal. By working with a specific ("null") mixture of heavy water (D2O) and water (H2O), information on the local structure around Be2+ ions was extracted directly. For all three BeCl2 solutions, the results show that the Be2+ ion has a well-defined 4-fold coordination shell that is dominated by oxygen atoms. There is also a relatively small probability (10-15%) that there are direct contacts between Be2+ and Cl- at a distance of approximately 2.2 angstroms. The oxygen atoms of the highly structured Be2+ first hydration shell are found to be situated at 2.6 angstroms apart, and form a pyramidal structure, in agreement with recent MD simulation results. The Cl- ions have approximately seven oxygen atoms (water molecules) in their hydration shells sited at 3.2 angstroms.     

Syntheses; 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR; and theoretical studies of the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), and Tl3Se7(5-) anions and the X-ray crystal structures of [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en and [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4](infinity)1.en

The 2,2,2-crypt salts of the Tl4Se8(4-) and [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anions have been obtained by extraction of the ternary alloy NaTl0.5Se in ethylenediamine (en) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and 18-crown-6 followed by vapor-phase diffusion of THF into the en extract. The [2,2,2-crypt-Na]4[Tl4Se8].en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, with Z = 2 and a = 14.768(3) angstroms, b = 16.635(3) angstroms, c = 21.254(4) angstroms, beta = 94.17(3) degrees at -123 degrees C, and the [2,2,2-crypt-Na]2[Tl2Se4]infinity1.en crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with Z = 4 and a = 14.246(2) angstroms, b = 14.360(3) angstroms, c = 26.673(8) angstroms, beta = 99.87(3) degrees at -123 degrees C. The TlIII anions, Tl2Se6(6-) and Tl3Se7(5-), and the mixed oxidation state TlI/TlIII anion, Tl3Se6(5-), have been obtained by extraction of NaTl0.5Se and NaTlSe in en, in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and/or in liquid NH3, and have been characterized in solution by low-temperature 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR spectroscopy. The 1J(203,205Tl-77Se) and 2J(203,205Tl-203,205Tl) couplings of the three anions have been used to arrive at their solution structures by detailed analyses and simulations of all spin multiplets that comprise the 205,203Tl NMR subspectra arising from natural abundance 205,203Tl and 77Se isotopomer distributions. The structure of Tl2Se6(6-) is based on a Tl2Se2 ring in which each thallium is bonded to two exo-selenium atoms so that these thalliums are four-coordinate and possess a formal oxidation state of +3. The Tl4Se8(4-) anion is formally derived from the Tl2Se6(6-) anion by coordination of each pair of terminal Se atoms to the TlIII atom of a TlSe+ cation. The structure of the [Tl2Se4(2-)]infinity1 anion is comprised of edge-sharing distorted TlSe4 tetrahedra that form infinite, one-dimensional [Tl2Se42-]infinity1 chains. The structures of Tl3Se6(5-) and Tl3Se7(5-) are derived from Tl4Se4-cubes in which one thallium atom has been removed and two and three exo-selenium atoms are bonded to thallium atoms, respectively, so that each is four-coordinate and possesses a formal oxidation state of +3 with the remaining three-coordinate thallium atom in the +1 oxidation state. Quantum mechanical calculations at the MP2 level of theory show that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions exhibit true minima and display geometries that are in agreement with their experimental structures. Natural bond orbital and electron localization function analyses were utilized in describing the bonding in the present and previously published Tl/Se anions, and showed that the Tl2Se6(6-), Tl3Se6(5-), Tl3Se7(5-), and Tl4Se8(4-) anions are electron-precise rings and cages.