Preparation and crystal structures of an ionic triple-hydrogen-bridged derivative of 9-BBN hydroborate zirconium(IV)

An ionic dinuclear triple-hydrogen-bridged 9-BBN hydroborate zirconium complex, [K(Et₂O)₄][{(μ-H)₂BC₈H₁₄}₃Zr(μ-H)₃Zr{(μ-H)₂BC₈H₁₄}₃] (1) was formed from the reaction of Zr{(μ-H)₂BC₈H₁₄}₄ with KH and aniline in diethyl ether. The molecular structure of compound 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Six 9-BBN hydroborate ligands are coordinated to two Zr atoms via two bridging H atoms, and two Zr atoms are connected by three bridging hydrogens in the anion part of this molecule. The distance of Zr?Zr is 3.1025(5) Å. The crystal structure of 1 suggests that agostic interactions between the zirconium metal center and α-C-H of the 9-BBN hydroborate ligand exist in the solid state. The Zr?H distances corresponding to the α-C-H?Zr agostic interactions are 2.579(4) Å and 2.743(4) Å.     

New members of ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides containing finite boron-carbon chains: RE25B14C26 (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd25B12C28

New ternary rare-earth metal boride carbides RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) and Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ were synthesized by co-melting the elements. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈ is stable up to 1440 K. RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ (RE=Pr, Nd) exist above 1270 K. The crystal structures were investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: space group P, a=8.3209(7) Å, b=8.3231(6) Å, c=29.888(2) Å, α=83.730(9)°, β=83.294(9)°, γ=89.764(9)°. Pr₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: space group P2₁/c, a=8.4243(5) Å, b=8.4095(6) Å, c=30.828(1) Å, β=105.879(4)°, V=2100.6(2) Å³, (R1=0.048 (wR2=0.088) from 2961 reflections with I_o>2σ(I_o)); for Nd₂₅B₁₄C₂₆ space group P2₁/c, Z=2, a=8.3404(6) Å, b=8.3096(6) Å, c=30.599(2) Å, β=106.065(1)°. Their structures consist of a three-dimensional framework of rare-earth metal atoms resulting from the stacking of slightly corrugated and distorted square nets, leading to cavities filled with cumulene-like molecules [B₂C₄]⁶⁻ and [B₃C₃]⁷⁻, nearly linear [BC₂]⁵⁻ and bent [BC₂]⁷⁻ units and isolated carbon atoms. Structural and theoretical analysis suggests the ionic formulation for RE₂₅B₁₄C₂₆: (RE³⁺)₂₅[B₂C₄]⁶⁻([B₃C₃]⁷⁻)₂([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·5e⁻ and for Nd₂₅B₁₂C₂₈: (Nd³⁺)₂₅([B₂C₄]⁶⁻)₃([BC₂]⁵⁻)₄([BC₂]⁷⁻)₂(C⁴⁻)₄·7e⁻. Accordingly, extended Hückel tight-binding calculations indicate that the compounds are metallic in character.     

Prediction of stable BC3N2 monolayer from first-principles calculations: Stoichiometry,crystal structure,electronic and adsorption properties

In this paper, a novel BC₃N₂ monolayer has been found with a graphene-like structure using the developed particle swarm optimization algorithm in combination with ab initio calculations. The predicted structure meets the thermodynamical, dynamical, and mechanical stability requirements. Interestingly, the BC₃N₂ plane shows a metallic character. Importantly, BC₃N₂ has an in-plane stiffness comparable to that of graphene. We have also investigated the adsorption characteristics of CO₂ on pristine monolayer and Mo functionalized monolayer using density functional theory. Subsequently, electronic structures of the interacting systems (CO₂ molecule and substrates) have been preliminarily explored. The results show that Mo/BC₃N₂ has a stronger adsorption capacity towards CO₂ comparing with the pristine one, which can provide a reference for the further study of the CO₂ reduction mechanism on the transition metal-functionalized surface as well as the new catalyst’s design.     

Factorial-based response-surface modeling with confidence intervals for optimizing thermal-optical transmission analysis of atmospheric black carbon

Thermal-optical transmission (TOT) analysis measures black carbon (BC) in atmospheric aerosol on a fibrous filter. The method pyrolyzes organic carbon (OC) and employs laser light absorption to distinguish BC from the pyrolyzed OC; however, the instrument does not necessarily separate the two physically. In addition, a comprehensive temperature protocol for the analysis based on the Beer-Lambert Law remains elusive. Here, empirical response-surface modeling was used to show how the temperature protocol in TOT analysis can be modified to distinguish pyrolyzed OC from BC based on the Beer-Lambert Law. We determined the apparent specific absorption cross sections for pyrolyzed OC (σ_Char) and BC (σ_BC), which accounted for individual absorption enhancement effects within the filter. Response-surface models of these cross sections were derived from a three-factor central-composite factorial experimental design: temperature and duration of the high-temperature step in the helium phase, and the heating increase in the helium-oxygen phase. The response surface for σ_BC, which varied with instrument conditions, revealed a ridge indicating the correct conditions for OC pyrolysis in helium. The intersection of the σ_BC and σ_Char surfaces indicated the conditions where the cross sections were equivalent, satisfying an important assumption upon which the method relies. 95% confidence interval surfaces defined a confidence region for a range of pyrolysis conditions. Analyses of wintertime samples from Seattle, WA revealed a temperature between 830 °C and 850 °C as most suitable for the helium high-temperature step lasting 150 s. However, a temperature as low as 750 °C could not be rejected statistically.     

Electron transfer from laser excited rydberg atoms to molecules. Absolute rate constants at low and intermediate principal quantum numbers

Using mass spectrometric detection of positive and negative ions, we have investigated ionizing reactions of Ne(ns,nd) Rydberg atoms, efficiently excited by resonant two-photon excitation of metastable Ne(3s ³ P ₂) atoms, with electron attaching moleculesBC (BC=SF₆, CCl₄, CS₂, O₂) at thermal collision energies. Absolute rate constants have been determined in the range of low and intermediate principal quantum numbersn(5≦n?30) by utilizing the photoionization signal caused by room temperature black-body radiation and the loss of Ne(3s ³ P ₂) atoms, associated with the laser excitation. Substantially differentn-dependences of the electron transfer cross section have been found for the larger molecules (BC = SF₆, CCl₄) and the smaller molecules (BC = CS₂, O₂). Simple model calculations have been performed to gain new insight into the dynamics of the electron transfer process; forBC = SF₆, our results at lown(5 ≦n ≦ 10) suggest that internal energy conversion in the Coulombic complex Ne⁺ — SF ₆ ^? is important for the formation of the detected ions.     

Role of sodium decoration on the methane storage properties of BC3 nanosheet

First-principles calculations including dispersion correction are carried out to investigate pristine and Na-decorated graphene-like BC₃ (h-BC₃) for their application as methane storage materials. Structural optimization shows that the methane is physisorbed on the pristine sheet via van der Waals forces with adsorption energy of ?2.7 kcal/mol. It was found that unlike the pristine graphene, sodium decorated sheet can effectively interact with the CH₄ molecule, so that each metal atom bound on sheet may adsorb up to four CH₄. Furthermore, no bond dissociation was observed for the adsorption of CH₄ on Na-decorated h-BC₃, which means that decorated sheet can act as a storage device for methane safety storage. The results indicate that decoration of the Na atom on surface of sheet induces significant changes in electronic properties of the sheet and its E _g is unchanged after adsorption of CH₄ molecules. Theoretical methane storage capacity of Na-decorated BC₃ nanosheet could approach 18.1 wt%.     

Pressure-induced polymorphism in Al3BC3: A first-principles study

Al₃BC₃, an isostructural phase to Mg₃BN₃, experienced no pressure-induced phase transformation that occurred in the latter material (J. Solid State Chem. 154 (2000) 254-256). The discrepancy is not clear yet. Using the first-principles density functional calculations, we predict that Al₃BC₃ undergoes a hexagonal-to-tetragonal structural transformation at 24 GPa. The predicted phase equilibrium pressure is much higher than the previously reported pressure range, i.e., 2.5-5.3 GPa, conducted on phase stability of Al₃BC₃. A homogeneous orthorhombic shear strain transformation path is proposed for the phase transformation. The transformation enthalpy barrier is estimated to yield a low value, i.e., 0.129 eV/atom, which ensures that the transformation can readily take place at the predicted pressure.     

On the initial charge separation in bacterial reaction centers: Long-range electron transfer via an exciton-charge transfer (ECT) coupling mechanism

The low-lying electronically excited states for the reaction center of Rps. viridis are investigated using PPP/CI calculations. The six pigments are treated as three interacting pairs, the symmetric special pair dimer BC_MPBC_LP and the two loosely coupledasymmetric dimers BC_LABP_L and BC_MABP_M. It is shown that the charge transfer state BC_LA⁺BP_L⁻ can fall below the special pair excitation P* due to partial charge transfer from a histidine to BC_LA and due to stabilization of BP_L⁻ by a glutamic acid residue. As a result P* can decay in 2.8 ps into BC_LA⁺BP_L⁻ which goes over into the radical pair P⁺ BP_L⁻ in less than 1 ps. The first step can be described as an excitonic interaction between P* and BC_LA⁺ BP_L⁻.     

Interplay of Electronic Structure and Bulk Properties in 2D and 3D Ternary Carbonitrides from First Principles

The changes in electronic structure and hardness as inferred from the bulk modulus are investigated for model structures of ternary compounds XC₃N₃ (X = B, Al, P, As, Ga) within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The optimisations of the proposed two‐ (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) structures and the calculations of the bulk moduli are performed by a pseudo potential method. The electronic structures are calculated with the augmented sphere wave method (ASW). The obtained hardness for 2D BC₃N₃ system (B₀ ～ 220 GPa) points to a magnitude close to that of graphitic C₃N₄. For heavier X atoms it decreases rapidly. This is equally observed for the 3D systems examined in the β‐C₃N₄ structure for which B₀(β‐BC₃N₃) amounts to ～330 GPa. Within the magnitude of the well known hard material cubic BN, the BC₃N₃ phases can be predicted as candidates for ultra hard materials. The electronic effect induced by the chemical nature of the X substitutional was examined according to its position in the periodic table i.e. X_III or X_V. Both, band structures and the electron localisation function (ELF) were used for this analysis. The ELF plots show a decreasing covalency with heavier X‐atoms. Potential applications of the devised systems are proposed such as dopings with atoms (Li, rare gas) and molecules (N₂).     

Sensing Characteristics of a Graphene‐like Boron Carbide Monolayer towards Selected Toxic Gases

By using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory, we study the adsorption efficiency of a BC₃ sheet for various gases, such as CO, CO₂, NO, NO₂, and NH₃. The optimal adsorption position and orientation of these gas molecules on the BC₃ surface is determined and the adsorption energies are calculated. Among the gas molecules, CO₂ is predicted to be weakly adsorbed on the graphene‐like BC₃ sheet, whereas the NH₃ gas molecule shows a strong interaction with the BC₃ sheet. The charge transfer between the molecules and the sheet is discussed in terms of Bader charge analysis and density of states. The calculated work function of BC₃ in the presence of CO, CO₂, and NO is greater than that of a bare BC₃ sheet. The decrease in the work function of BC₃ sheets in the presence of NO₂ and NH₃ further explains the affinity of the sheet towards the gas molecules. The energy gap of the BC₃ sheets is sensitive to the adsorption of the gas molecules, which implies possible future applications in gas sensors.     

Bis(ligand)metall-komplexe von nickel,palladium und platin mit cyclischen liganden vom divinylboran-typ

Nine complexes of type ML₂ with M = Ni, Pd, Pt and L = X(CHCH)₂BC₆H₅ (X = (CH₃)₂C, (CH₃)₂Si, (CH₂)₂) are described. The X-ray structural analysis of Ni[(CH₃)₂Si(CHCH)₂BC₆H₅]₂ and the ¹H and ¹¹B NMR spectra demonstrate a sandwich-type bis(η⁵-divinylborane)metal structure with C₂ molecular symmetry. All complexes show exceptional thermal stability as compared to the corresponding bis(1,5-cyclooctadienyl)metal complexes. In the ¹H NMR spectra internal rotation of the two ligands with respect to each other is observed for two Pd complexes and the Pt complexes at room temperature.     

Crystal structure and luminescence of compounds A3BC10O20

In this paper we describe compounds A₃BC₁₀O₂₀ (A = Sr, Ba, Pb; B = Ti, Ge, Sn; and C = Al, Ga). The crystal structure of Ba₃TiAl₁₀O₂₀ has been determined by neutron powder profile refinement. The luminescence of these compounds has been investigated. Apart from the titanate luminescence of Ba₃TiAl₁₀O₂₀, these compounds show a semiconductor type of luminescence.     

Synthesis,Coordination Behavior,and Reduction Chemistry of Cymantrenyl‐1,3‐bis(2,3,4,5‐tetraphenyl)borole

We describe the synthesis of base‐free bisborole [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂]—Cym^?=(OC)₃Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₃)—and its transformation into two fully characterized Lewis acid–base adducts with pyridine bases of the type 4‐R? NC₅H₄ (R=tBu, NMe₂). The results of electrochemical, as well as NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies on [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] and the related monoborole derivative [Cym(BC₄Ph₄)]—Cym=(OC)₃Mn(η⁵‐C₅H₄)—provided conclusive evidence for 1) the enhanced Lewis acidity of the two boron centers that result from conjugation of two borole fragments, and 2) the fact that Mn? B bonding interactions between the Lewis acidic borole moieties and the Mn center are considerably less pronounced for bisborole [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂]. In addition, the reduction chemistry of [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] has been studied in detail, both electrochemically and chemically. Accordingly, chemical reduction of [Cym^?(BC₄Ph₄)₂] with magnesium anthracene afforded the corresponding tetraanion, which features a rare Mg? OC bonding mode in the solid state.     

Modeling of the three-phase equilibrium in systems of the type water + nonionic surfactant + alkane

Liquid–liquid equilibria of systems water (A) + C_iE_j surfactant (B) + n-alkane (C) have been modeled by a mass-action law model previously developed and so far successfully applied to a series of binary water + C_iE_j systems and to the ternary system water + C₄E₁ + n-dodecane. These calculations provide the basis for the presented modeling. The aqueous systems give information about the association constants and the χ_AB-parameter of the Flory–Huggins theory and the ternary C₄E₁-system provides universal temperature functions for the χ_AC- and the χ_BC-parameter. The three-phase equilibrium for seven ternary C_iE_j systems (i = 6–12, j = 3–6) has been calculated by fitting one additional parameter for each of both temperature functions to the characteristic “fish-tail” point. The agreement with the experimental data is reasonably well. For systems with very small three-phase areas the results can considerably be improved by individual temperature functions that incorporate the experimental temperature maximum of the “fish” into the parameter fit. Based on the parameters of the system water + C₈E₄ + n-C₈H₁₈ the “fish-shaped” phase diagram of the system water + C₈E₄ + n-C₁₄H₃₀ was predicted reasonably well.     

First-principles study of ternary metal borocarbide compounds containing finite linear BC2 units

Electronic structures of the ternary metal borocarbide compounds Sc₂BC₂, Al₃BC₃ and Lu₃BC₃ containing linear BC₂ units are compared using density functional calculations. Results reveal a covalent bonding between the metallic matrix and the formally BC₂⁵⁻ nonmetal anions which is stronger for the aluminum compound than for the two others.     

A theoretical study on surface modification of a nanosized BC3 tube using C2H4 and its derivatives

Chemical functionalization of a BC₃ nanotube (BC₃NT) with C₂X₄ (X = –H, –F, –CH₂F, –CN, –NH₂, –NO₂, –CH₃, and –OCH₃) was investigated by density functional theory calculations. It was found that C₂H₄ prefers to be added to a B–C bond of the tube wall. The interaction energies are calculated to be ranging from ?0.03 to ?40.32 kcal/mol, and their relative magnitude order is found to be as follows: C₂F₄ > C₂(NH₂)₄ > C₂H₄ > C₂(NO₂)₄ > C₂(OCH₃)₄ > C₂(CN₄)₂ > C₂(CH₃)₄ > C₂(CH₂F)₄. For chemically modified BC₃NTs with various functional groups, the functionalization energy can be correlated with the trend of relative electron-withdrawing or electron-donating capability of the adsorbates. The calculated density of states shows that the functionalization of BC₃NT with these functional groups (except C₂(NO₂)₄) can be generally classified as a certain type of “electronically harmless modification”. We believe that the preservation of electronic properties of BC₃NTs coupled with the enhancement of solubility may render the chemical modification to be an effective way for the purification of BC₃NTs. The insight provided by this theoretical study may also assist future development of BC₃NTs with targeted chemoselectivity through chemical functionalization.     

Exploring the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag and armchair BC2N nanotubes: a DFT study

A density functional study is performed to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag and armchair BC₂N nanotubes based on the ¹³C, ¹⁵N, and ¹¹B NMR parameters and natural charge analysis. We considered three types of zigzag nanotubes, ZZ-1, ZZ-2, and ZZ-3 (n, 0) with n = 3, 4, and 5, as well as two types of armchair nanotubes: AC-1 and AC-2 (n, n) with n = 3 and 4. The obtained results indicate the divisions of the electrostatic environments around C nuclei into a few layers, consistent with the calculated natural charges on C atoms. A good correlation is seen between the layers of chemical shielding isotropy as well as anisotropy, σ _iso, and Δσ, and the five local structures around carbon atoms. Successive BN units lead to larger ¹⁵N σ _iso values (96.5–105.5 ppm) in comparison with the individual BN units (74.3–92.0 ppm in the ZZ-2(n, 0) and 47.4–61.7 ppm in the ZZ-3(n, 0)). Slight differences in the values of ¹¹B σ _iso clarify diminutive diversity in the electron densities of boron nuclei, while Δσ values indicate the more apparent range of changes.     

Concise synthesis of di- and trisaccharides related to the O-antigens from Shigella flexneri serotypes 6 and 6a,based on late stage mono-O-acetylation and/or site-selective oxidation

Shigella flexneri serotypes 6 and 6a are closely related bacteria causing shigellosis in humans. Their O-antigens are {→4)-β-d-GalpA-(1→3)-β-d-GalpNAc-(1→2)-[3Ac/4Ac]-α-l-Rhap-(1→2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→}_n acidic polysaccharides ({AB_AcCD}_n), which only differ in the degree of O-acetylation. A concise synthesis of two disaccharides (BC, B_AcC) and four trisaccharides, representing portions and/or analogs of the O-antigens, is described. A protected intermediate compatible with late stage 3_C-O-acetylation, and/or galactosyl (A°) to galacturonic acid (A) conversion, was designed and assembled from trichloroacetimidate and thioglycoside donors tuned for high yielding glycosylation and excellent stereocontrol. The galacturonic moiety was efficiently introduced from galactose using a TEMPO/NaOCl/NaClO₂-based oxidation protocol optimized for full compatibility with sensitive moieties, such as allyl ethers and acetates. Final Pd/C-mediated deprotection provided the targets, including the propyl glycoside AB_AcC, its non O-acetylated counterpart ABC, and the non acidic analogs A°B_AcC and A°BC. The BC and ABC oligosaccharides are also portions of the O-antigen from Escherichia coli O147, which causes diarrhea in pigs.     

The (phosphino)tetraphenylborate ligand in ruthenium-arene chemistry

The synthesis of a series of anionic half-sandwich ruthenium-arene complexes [E][RuCl₂(η⁶-p-cymene){PR₂(p-Ph₃BC₆H₄)}] (E = Bu₄N⁺: R = Ph, 1a, ⁱPr, 1b or Cy, 1c; E = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium or PNP⁺: R = Ph, 1a′, ⁱPr, 1b′ or Cy, 1c′) are reported. X-ray crystallographic studies of 1a′ and 1b′ confirmed the three-legged piano-stool coordination geometry. In solution, complexes 1a-c and 1a′-c′ are proposed to form monomer-dimer equilibria as a result of chloride ligand dissociation. Complexes 1a-c and 1a′-c′ also form the formally neutral zwitterionic complexes [RuCl(L)(η⁶-p-cymene){PR₂(p-Ph₃BC₆H₄)}] (L = pyridine: R = Ph, 2a, ⁱPr, 2b or Cy, 2c; L = MeCN: R = Ph, 3a, ⁱPr, 3b or Cy, 3c) via chloride ligand abstraction using AgNO₃ or MeOTf.     

Structure,chemical bonding and electrochemical behavior of heteroatom-substituted carbons prepared by arc discharge and chemical vapor deposition

The structural characteristics, chemical bonding and electrochemical properties of the heteroatom-substituted carbons synthesized by arc discharge and chemical vapor deposition have been investigated. C_xN was prepared only as a soot by arc discharge in nitrogen atmosphere; BC_x and B_xC_yN_z were obtained both as soot and cathode deposits by arc discharge of graphite rods having B₄C and boron nitride (BN) in argon and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. Transmission electron microscopic study showed that C_xN, BC_x and B_xC_yN_z soots were composed of nanoparticles with diameters of 20–100 nm, while cathode deposits contained nanotubes with diameters of ca. 20 nm or less and nanoparticles with diameters less than 100 nm. It was found from XPS study that C_xN contained a large amount of pyridine type nitrogen atoms at the edge of graphene layer; the BBC₂ structure was dominant in BC_x; and B₃N, B₂NC and BNC₂ structures might exist in B_xC_yN_z. Carbon- and C_xN-coated graphite were prepared by deposition of carbon and C_xN onto natural graphite powder, respectively. The concentrations of coated C_xN layers were between C₂₁N and C₆₂N. Charge–discharge profiles of C_xN, BC_x and B_xC_yN_z soots prepared by arc discharge were similar to each other, giving linearly increasing potential with lithium ion deintercalation. C_xN soot heat-treated at 3000°C showed a similar profile for charge–discharge curves to that of graphite with a charge capacity of 334 mAh g⁻¹. On the other hand, C_xN-coated graphite exhibited as high as 397 mAh g⁻¹ larger than ∼365 mAh g⁻¹ for carbon-coated graphite and that of heat-treated C_xN soot.