Control of Oxidation States of Transition Elements (Cr,Mn) in Nitridometalates and the Solid Solution Series Li6(Ca1‐xSrx)2[Mn2N6]

The formation of ternary nitridometalates from the elements in the case of the systems Li—Cr, V, Mn—N leads to compounds which contain the transition metals in the highest (V^V, Cr^VI) or a comparably high (Mn^V) oxidation state. In the corresponding calcium and strontium systems, the transition metals show a lower oxidation state (V^III, Cr^III, Mn^III). Transition metals with intermediate oxidation states (Cr^V, Mn^IV) are present in the quaternary (mixed cation) compounds Li₄Sr₂[CrN₆], Li₆Ca₂[MnN₆], and Li₆Sr₂[MnN₆] (R3¯(#148), a = 585.9(3) pm, c = 1908.6(4) pm, Z = 3), as well as in the solid solution series Li₆(Ca_1—xSr_x)₂[MnN₆].     

Li7PS6 and Li6PS5X (X: Cl,Br, I): Possible Three‐dimensional Diffusion Pathways for Lithium Ions and Temperature Dependence of the Ionic Conductivity by Impedance Measurements

Possible three‐dimensional diffusion pathways of lithium ions in crystalline lithium argyrodites are discussed based on earlier studies of local dynamics and site preferences. The specific Li‐ionic conductivities of the lithium argyrodites Li₇PS₆ and Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br, I) and their temperature dependences are measured by impedance spectroscopy using different electron‐blocking and ion‐blocking electrode systems. Measurements were carried out between 160 K and 550 K depending on the respective sample. Bulk and grain boundary contributions and the influence of sample preparation are discussed. Typical values for the ionic conductivities at room temperature are in the range 10^–7 to 10^–5 S ·  cm^–1 and at 500 K between 10^–6 and 10^–3 S ·  cm^–1. Thermal activation energies are in the range 0.16 to 0.56 eV. The electronic conductivity at room temperature was measured by polarization measurements for the samples Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br) and was shown to be in the order of magnitude of 10^–8 S ·  cm^–1. Chemical diffusion coefficients of lithium were calculated based on the polarization measurements. For Li₆PS₅Br a high value of 3.5 × 10^–6 cm² · s^–1 was found.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Properties of Li2Cu5(PO4)4

Li₂Cu^II₅(PO₄)₄ has been obtained by various reactions starting from copper or Cu₂O. Crystallization was achieved using I₂ as oxidant and mineralizer. The new orthophosphate crystallizes in space group P$\bar{1}$ , Z = 2, with a = 6.0502(3) Å, b = 9.2359(4) Å, c = 11.4317(5) Å, α = 75.584(2)°, β = 80.260(2)°, γ = 74.178(2)°, at 293 K. Its structure has been determined from X‐ray single‐crystal data and refined to R₁ = 0.022{wR₂ = 0.058 for 4633 unique reflections with F_o > 4σ (F_o)}. From magnetic measurements μ_eff = 1.51 μ_B/Cu and θ_P = –37.4 K have been determined. The Vis/NIR spectrum of aqua‐green Li₂Cu₅(PO₄)₄ shows a single broad band centered around $\bar{1}$ = 12000 cm^–1. Magnetic behavior and spectrum are discussed within the angular overlap model.     

Polymerization of the new double‐charged monomer bis‐1,3(N,N,N‐trimethylammonium dicyanamide)‐2‐propylmethacrylate and ionic conductivity of the novel polyelectrolytes

The achievement of high ionic conductivity in single‐ion conducting polymer electrolytes is one of the important aims for various electrochemical devices including modern lithium batteries. One way to enhance the ionic conductivity in polyelectrolyte systems is to increase the quantity of charge carriers in each monomer unit. Highly charged poly(bis‐1,3(N,N,N‐trimethylammonium)‐2‐propylmethacrylate) with one of the most conducting anions, namely dicyanamide, was prepared via free radical bulk polymerization or using ionic liquids as reaction medium. The cationic polymers of the double‐charged monomer have molar masses up to = 1,830,000 g/mol and the ionic conductivity equal to 5.51 × 10^?5 S / cm at 25°C. The film forming ability, crystallinity, thermal stability, and glass transition temperatures of the new polymeric ionic liquids obtained from detailed studies are presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dilithium Hexaboride,Li2B6

Li₂B₆ is formed from the elements as transparent red microcrystalline compound (Li : B = 1 : 3; Mo crucible in closed Nb ampoule; 1723 K; 4 h). Single crystals are grown from a lithium silicide melt with large Li excess at 1923 K. Li₂B₆ is a semiconductor with electron as well as Li⁺ ionic conductivity which dominates above 600 K. Microcrystalline samples react with H₂O liberating gases and forming a brownish amorphous product, but larger crystals are not very sensitive. – Li₂B₆ crystallizes tetragonally in a new tP16 structure type which is a variant of the CaB₆ structure (a = 5.975 Å, c = 4.189 Å; Z = 2; space group P4/mbm). The [B₆^2–] net of the polymeric octahedro-anion is slightly distorted to give space for the insertion of a (3²434) net of the Li⁺ cations in the cavities (d(B–B)_endo = 1.766 Å; d(B–B)_exo = 1.720 Å; d(Li–B) = 2.363 Å; d(Li–Li) = 3.094 Å). The incomplete occupancy of the Li position (80%) and the electron density at a further position (20%) indicate the mobility of the Li⁺ cations.     

LixNayBa14LiN6: New Representatives of the Subnitride Family

Three new metal‐rich phases, Li₄Na₁₁Ba₁₄LiN₆, Li₅Na₁₀Ba₁₄LiN₆ and Na₁₄Ba₁₄LiN₆ have been prepared and their crystal structure determined. According to single crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction data, all compounds crystallize with cubic unit cells (Li₄Na₁₁Ba₁₄LiN₆: , a = 17.874(2) Å, Z = 4, V = 5710(1) ų; Li₅Na₁₀Ba₁₄LiN₆: , a = 17.799(1) Å, Z = 4, V = 5638.7(6) ų; Na₁₄Ba₁₄LiN₆: , a = 17.7955(5) Å, Z = 4, V = 5635.6(2) Å). The last mentioned compound crystallizes in the Na₁₄Ba₁₄CaN₆ type, and both Li₄Na₁₁Ba₁₄LiN₆ and Li₅Na₁₀Ba₁₄LiN₆ have related structures. These compounds open a series of metal‐rich Ba nitrides, containing the new Ba₁₄LiN₆ cluster.     

Zur Struktursystematik der Li2O-Varianten vom Typ Li5MIIIO4

The possibilities to form corresponding to Li₅□₂M^IIIO₄ ordered derivatives of the Li₂O structure using a cubic super cell with a ≈ 2 · a are systematically discussed within some limits (see text ). It is shown that besides of the known examples new ones are to be expected.     

Incorporating glycidyl methacrylate into block copolymers using poly(methacrylate‐ran‐styrene) macroinitiators synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated polymerization

Methyl methacrylate/styrene (MMA/S), ethyl methacrylate/styrene (EMA/S) and butyl methacrylate/styrene (BMA/S) feeds (>90 mol % methacrylate) were copolymerized in 50 wt % p‐xylene at 90 °C with 10 mol % of additional SG1‐free nitroxide mediator relative to unimolecular initiator (BlocBuilder^®) to yield methacrylate rich copolymers with polydispersities _w/ _n = 1.23–1.46. k_pK values (k_p = propagation rate constant, K = equilibrium constant) for MMA/S copolymerizations were comparable with previous literature, whereas EMA/S and BMA/S copolymerizations were characterized by slightly higher k_pK's. Chain extensions with styrene at 110 °C initiated by the methacrylate‐rich macroinitiators (number average molecular weight _n = 12.9–33.5 kg mol^?1) resulted in slightly broader molecular weight distributions with _w/ _n = 1.24–1.86 and were often bimodal. Chain extensions with glycidyl methacrylate/styrene/methacrylate (GMA/S/XMA where XMA = MMA, EMA or BMA) mixtures at 90 °C using the same macroinitiators resulted frequently in bimodal molecular weight distributions with many inactive macroinitiators and higher _w/ _n = 2.01–2.48. P(XMA/S) macroinitiators ( _n = 4.9–8.9 kg mol^?1), polymerized to low conversion and purified to remove “dead” chains, initiated chain extensions with GMA/MMA/S and GMA/EMA/S giving products with _w/ _n ～ 1.5 and much fewer unreacted macroinitiators (<5%), whereas the GMA/BMA/S chain extension was characterized by slightly more unreacted macroinitiators (～20%). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2574–2588, 2009     

Iodostannate(II) mit kettenförmigen [SnI3]–‐Anionen – der Übergang von fünffach zu sechsfach koordinierten SnII‐Zentralatomen

Iodostannates(II) with Anionic [SnI₃]^– Chains – the Transition from Five to Six‐coordinated Sn^II The iodostannates (Me₄N) [SnI₃] ( 1 ), [Et₃N–(CH₂)₄–NEt₃] [SnI₃]₂ ( 2 ), [EtMe₂N–(CH₂)₂–NEtMe₂] [SnI₃]₂ ( 3 ), [Me₂HN–(CH₂)₂–NH–(CH₂)₂–NMe₂H] [SnI₃]₂ ( 4 ), [Et₃N–(CH₂)₆–NEt₃] [SnI₃]₂ ( 5 ) and [Pr₃N–(CH₂)₄–NPr₃]‐ [SnI₃]₂ · 2 DMF ( 6 ) with the same composition of the anionic [SnI₃]^– chains show differences in the coordination of the Sn^II central atoms. Whereas the Sn atoms in 1 and 2 are coordinated in an approximately regular octahedral fashion, in compounds 3 – 6 the continuous transition to coordination number five in (Pr₄N) [SnI₃] ( 7 ) or [Fe(dmf)₆] [SnI₃]₂ ( 8 ) can be observed. Together with the shortening of two or three Sn–I bonds, the bonds in trans position are elongated. Thus weak, long‐range Sn…I interactions complete the distorted octahedral environment of SnI₄ groups in 3 and 4 and SnI₃ groups in 5 and 6 . Obviously the shape, size and charge of the counterions and the related cation‐anion interactions are responsible for the variants in structure and distortion.     

Structural Characterisation of the Li Argyrodites Li7PS6 and Li7PSe6 and their Solid Solutions: Quantification of Site Preferences by MAS‐NMR Spectroscopy

Li₇PS₆ and Li₇PSe₆ belong to a class of new solids that exhibit high Li⁺ mobility. A series of quaternary solid solutions Li₇PS_6?xSe_x (0≤x≤6) were characterised by X‐ray crystallography and magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) spectroscopy. The high‐temperature (HT) modifications were studied by single‐crystal investigations (both F$\bar 4$ 3m, Z=4, Li₇PS₆: a=9.993(1) Å, Li₇PSe₆: a=10.475(1) Å) and show the typical argyrodite structures with strongly disordered Li atoms. HT‐Li₇PS₆ and HT‐Li₇PSe₆ transform reversibly into low‐temperature (LT) modifications with ordered Li atoms. X‐ray powder diagrams show the structures of LT‐Li₇PS₆ and LT‐Li₇PSe₆ to be closely related to orthorhombic LT‐α‐Cu₇PSe₆. Single crystals of the LT modifications are not available due to multiple twinning and formation of antiphase domains. The gradual substitution of S by Se shows characteristic site preferences closely connected to the functionalities of the different types of chalcogen atoms (S, Se). High‐resolution solid‐state ³¹P NMR is a powerful method to differentiate quantitatively between the distinct (PS_4?nSe_n)^3? local environments. Their population distribution differs significantly from a statistical scenario, revealing a pronounced preference for P? S over P? Se bonding. This preference, shown for the series of LT samples, can be quantified in terms of an equilibrium constant specifying the melt reaction Se_P+S^2??S_P+Se^2?, prior to crystallisation. The ⁷⁷Se MAS‐NMR spectra reveal that the chalcogen distributions in the second and third coordination sphere of the P atoms are essentially statistical. The number of crystallographically independent Li atoms in both LT modifications was analysed by means of ⁶Li{⁷Li} cross polarisation magic angle spinning (CPMAS).     

Lamellar Copper(I) Thiocyanate‐Based Coordination Polymers containing the Alkali Cation ligating Thiacrown Ether 1,10‐Dithia‐18‐crown‐6

The lamellar coordination polymer [(CuSCN)₂(μ‐1,10DT18C6)] (1,10DT18C6 = 1,10‐dithia‐18‐crown‐6), in which staircase‐like CuSCN double chains are bridged by thiacrown ether ligands, may be prepared in two triclinic modifications 1 a and 1 b by reaction of CuSCN with 1,10DT18C6 in respectively benzonitrile or water. Performing the reaction in acetonitrile in the presence of an equimolar quantity of KSCN leads, in contrast, to formation of the K⁺ ligating 2‐dimensional thiocyanatocuprate(I) net [{Cu₂(SCN)₃}^–] of 2 , half of whose Cu(I) atoms are connected by 1,10DT18C6 macrocycles. The potassium cations in [{K(CH₃CN)}{Cu₂(SCN)₃(μ‐1,10DT18C6)}] ( 2 ) are coordinated by all six potential donor atoms of a single thiacrown ether in addition to a thiocyanate S and an acetonitrile N atom. Under similar conditions, reaction of CuI, NaSCN and 1,10DT18C6 affords [{Na(CH₃CN)₂}{Cu₄I₄(SCN)(μ‐1,10DT18C6)}] ( 3 ), which contains distorted Cu₄I₄ cubes as characteristic molecular building units. These are bridged by thiocyanate and thiacrown ether ligands into corrugated Na⁺ ligating sheets. In the presence of divalent Ba²⁺ cations, charge compensation requirements lead to formation of discrete [Cu(SCN)₃(1,10DT18C6‐κS)]^2– anions in [Ba{Cu(SCN)₃(1,10DT18C6‐κS)}] ( 4 ).     

High Lithium Ionic Conductivity in the Lithium Halide Hydrates Li3‐n(OHn)Cl (0.83≤n≤2) and Li3‐n(OHn)Br (1≤n≤2) at Ambient Temperatures

Lithium ionic conductivity and phase transitions in a series of lithium halides hydrates and hydroxides with general formula Li_3‐n(OH_n)X (0.83≤n≤2; X=Cl,Br) were studied using impedance measurements and ¹H and ⁷Li NMR spectroscopy. All compounds studied in this work crystallize in the antiperovskite structure or are closely related to this structure type. With the exception of LiCl?H₂O, all compounds with integer lithium content exhibit good lithium ionic conductivity in their high temperature cubic phases above T=33 °C. Lithium doping of samples LiX?H₂O and Li₂(OH)X leads to a suppression of the phase transition into the noncubic phases and the good ionic conductivity is extended down to lower temperatures (T<0 °C). Thus, lithium doping of the lithium halide hydrates provides a promising tool for tailoring the ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures to its optimum value.     

Neue schnelle Ionenleiter vom Typ MMIIICl6 (MI = Li,Na, Ag; MIII = In,Y)

Novel Fast Ion Conductors of the Type M M^IIICl₆ (M^I = Li, Na, Ag; M^III = In, Y) The ternary chlorides Li₃InCl₆, Na₃InCl₆, Ag₃InCl₆, and Li₃YCl₆ have been studied by difference scanning calorimetry, high-temperature X-ray, infrared, and high-temperature Raman methods. Impedance spectroscopic measurements exhibit fast ionic conductivity increasing in the sequence Na₃InCl₆ < Li₃YCl₆ < Ag₃InCl₆ < Li₃InCl₆. In the range of 300°C, Li₃InCl₆ is the best lithium ion conductor known so far (σ = 0,2 Ω^?1 cm^?1 at 300°C). With the exception of Na₃InCl₆, the chlorides exhibit complicated order-disorder phase transitions.     

Structure and Bonding of the Hexameric Platinum(II) Dichloride,Pt6Cl12 (β‐PtCl2)

The crystal structure of Pt₆Cl₁₂ (β‐PtCl₂) was redetermined ( a_h = 13.126Å, c_h = 8.666Å, Z = 3; a_rh = 8.110Å, α = 108.04°; 367 hkl, R = 0.032). As has been shown earlier, the structure is in principle a hierarchical variant of the cubic structure type of tungsten (bcc), which atoms are replaced by the hexameric Pt₆Cl₁₂ molecules. Due to the 60° rotation of the cuboctahedral clusters about one of the trigonal axes, the symmetry is reduced from to ( ). The molecule Pt₆Cl₁₂ shows the (trigonally elongated) structure of the classic M₆X₁₂ cluster compounds with (distorted) square‐planar PtCl₄ fragments, however without metal‐metal bonds. The Pt atoms are shifted outside the Cl₁₂ cuboctahedron by Δ = +0.046Å ( (Pt—Cl) = 2.315Å; (Pt—Pt) = 3.339Å). The scalar relativistic DFT calculations results in the full symmetry for the optimized structure of the isolated molecule with d(Pt—Cl) = 2.381Å, d(Pt—Pt) = 3.468Å and Δ = +0.072Å. The electron distribution of the Pt‐Pt antibonding HOMO exhibits an outwards‐directed asymmetry perpendicular to the PtCl₄ fragments, that plays the decisive role for the cluster packing in the crystal. A comparative study of the Electron Localization Function with the hypothetical trans‐(Nb₂Zr₄)Cl₁₂ molecule shows the distinct differences between Pt₆Cl₁₂ and clusters with metal‐metal bonding. Due to the characteristic electronic structure, the crystal structure of Pt₆Cl₁₂ in space group is an optimal one, which results from comparison with rhombohedral Zr₆I₁₂ and a cubic bcc arrangement.     

Direct Cyclodextrin‐Mediated Ring Opening Polymerization of ϵ‐Caprolactone in the Presence of Yttrium Trisphenolate Catalyst

Unmodified β‐cyclodextrin has been directly used to initiate ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone in the presence of yttrium trisphenolate. Well‐defined cyclodextrin (CD)‐centered star‐shaped poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)s have been successfully synthesized containing definite average numbers of arms (N_arm = 4–6) and narrow polydispersity indexes (below 1.10). The number‐average molecular weight ( ) and average molecular weight per arm ( ) are controlled by the feeding molar ratio of monomer to initiator. The prepared star‐PCL with of 2.7 × 10³ is in fully amorphous and that with of 13.3 × 10³ is crystallized. In addition, the obtained poly(e‐caprolactone) (PCL) stars with various molecular weights have different solubilities in methanol and tetrahydrofuran, which can be applied for further modifications.     

Theoretical study of one‐electron bonds in a series of high‐spin lithium–beryllium–hydrogen clusters: “Valence shell single‐electron repulsion” rule and electron localization function analysis

A series of high‐spin clusters containing Li, H, and Be in which the valence shell molecular orbitals (MOs) are occupied by a single electron has been characterized using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A first type (⁵Li₂, ⁿ⁺¹LiH_n+ (n = 2–5), ⁸Li₂H) possesses only one electron pair in the lowest MO, with bond energies of ～3 kcal/mol. In a second type, all the MOs are singly occupied, which results in highly excited species that nevertheless constitute a marked minimum on their potential energy surface (PES). Thus, it is possible to design a larger panel of structures (⁸LiBe, ⁷Li₂, ⁸Li, ⁴LiH⁺, ⁶BeH, ⁿ⁺³LiH (n = 3, 4), ⁿ⁺²LiH (n = 4–6), ⁸Li₂H, ⁹Li₂H, ²²Li₃Be₃ and ²²Li₆H), single‐electron equivalent to doublet “classical” molecules ranging from CO to C₆H₆. The geometrical structure is studied in relation to the valence shell single‐electron repulsion (VSEPR) theory and the electron localization function (ELF) is analyzed, revealing a striking similarity with the corresponding structure having paired electrons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Atomistic Characterisation of Li+ Mobility and Conductivity in Li7−xPS6−xIx Argyrodites from Molecular Dynamics Simulations,Solid‐State NMR,and Impedance Spectroscopy

The atomistic mechanisms of Li⁺ ion mobility/conductivity in Li_7?xPS_6?xI_x argyrodites are explored from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. Ionic conductivity in the title compound is associated with a solid–solid phase transition, which was characterised by low‐temperature differential scanning calorimetry, ⁷Li and ¹²⁷I NMR investigations, impedance measurements and molecular dynamics simulations. The NMR signals of both isotopes are dominated by anisotropic interactions at low temperatures. A significant narrowing of the NMR signal indicates a motional averaging of the anisotropic interactions above 177±2 K. The activation energy to ionic conductivity was assessed from both impedance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The latter revealed that a series of interstitial sites become accessible to the Li⁺ ions, whilst the remaining ions stay at their respective sites in the argyrodite lattice. The interstitial positions each correspond to the centres of tetrahedra of S/I atoms, and differ only in terms of their common corners, edges, or faces with adjacent PS₄ tetrahedra. From connectivity analyses and free‐energy rankings, a specific tetrahedron is identified as the key restriction to ionic conductivity, and is clearly differentiated from local mobility, which follows a different mechanism with much lower activation energy. Interpolation of the lattice parameters as derived from X‐ray diffraction experiments indicates a homogeneity range for Li_7?xPS_6?xI_x with 0.97≤x≤1.00. Within this range, molecular dynamics simulations predict Li⁺ conductivity at ambient conditions to vary considerably.     

On the 4JHH long‐range coupling in 2‐bromocyclohexanone: conformational insights

2‐Bromocyclohexanone is a model compound in which a ⁴J_{H2, H6} coupling constant is observed, whereas the corresponding ⁴J_{H2, H4} is absent. The observed long‐range coupling is not only a result of the known W‐type coupling, in the axial conformation, but also because of the less usual diaxial spin–spin coupling in the equatorial conformer. The carbonyl group plays a determining role in describing the coupling pathway, as concluded by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis; although the and interactions in the axial conformer contribute for transmitting the spin information associated with the W‐type coupling, the strong and hyperconjugations in the equatorial conformer define an enhanced coupling pathway for ⁴J_{H2, H6}, despite the inhibition of this coupling because of interaction and the large carbonyl angle. These findings provide the experimental evidence that orbital interactions contribute for the conformational isomerism of 2‐bromocyclohexanone. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Zur Thermodynamik der Metallcarbonate 3. Mitteilung [1]. Löslichkeitskonstanten und Freie Bildungsenthalpien von ZnCO3 und Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2 bei 25°

The solubilities of ZnCO₃ and Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂ have been investigated at 25°C in solutions of the constant ionic strength 0,2 M consisting primarily of sodium perchlorate. From experimental data the following values for equilibrium constants and GIBBS free energies of formation are deduced: A predominance area diagram for the ternary system Zn²⁺–H₂O–CO_2(g) including ZnO, ZnCO₃, Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃₎₂, and Zn²⁺ is given.     

The kinetics of the reaction: Br + C3H6 ⇌ HBr + C3H5

Studies of the reaction of Br + propylene to produce HBr and allyl radical were made using VLPR (Very Low Pressure Reactor) over the range 263–363 K. Apparent bimolecular rate constants k were found to vary in an inverse manner with the initial concentration of bromine atoms introduced into the reactor. Plots of k against [Br] give straight lines whose intercepts were taken to be the true bimolecular, metathesis rate constant k₁. The reaction scheme is where k₂ ? k₁ and k_?1 [HBr] is negligibly small under our conditions. Arrhenius parameters for k₁ were assigned for linear and bent transition states and shown to give excellent fits to the observed intercepts. where θ = 2.303 RT (kcal mol^?1). The dependence of k on [Br] is accounted for in terms of the reactivity of Br* (²P_1/2) produced in the microwave discharge. The activation energy for the metathesis reaction of Br* with propylene is shown to be very small.