A high‐pressure single‐crystal‐diffraction experimental system at 4W2 beamline of BSRF

Information on the structural evolution of materials under high pressure is of great importance for understanding the properties of materials exhibited under high pressure. High‐pressure powder diffraction is widely used to investigate the structure evolution of materials at such pressure. Unfortunately, powder diffraction data are usually insufficient for retrieving the atomic structures, with high‐pressure single‐crystal diffraction being more desirable for such a purpose. Here, a high‐pressure single‐crystal diffraction experimental system developed recently at beamline 4W2 of Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) is reported. The design and operation of this system are described with emphasis on special measures taken to allow for the special circumstance of high‐pressure single‐crystal diffraction. As an illustration, a series of diffraction datasets were collected on a single crystal of LaB₆ using this system under various pressures (from ambient pressure to 39.1 GPa). The quality of the datasets was found to be sufficient for structure solution and subsequent refinement.     

Crocoite PbCrO4 and mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl: rare minerals in highly degraded mediaeval murals in Northern Bohemia

Mural paintings of exceptional quality, which can be discerned in spite of their extensive mechanical damage and colour fading, have been uncovered in the church of St. Gallus in Kuřívody, Northern Bohemia, dated to the second half of the 13th century. Materials research with particular use of portable X‐ray fluorescence, Raman micro‐spectroscopy and powder X‐ray micro‐diffraction revealed the presence of rare pigments. In Kuřívody, it is only a second identification of intentionally used yellow mineral crocoite (PbCrO₄) in European art. Its identification is facilitated by providing a very good Raman scattering, even when present in small amounts in fragmentarily preserved colour layers. Light yellow mimetite (Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl) was never before mentioned as intentionally used pigment in Europe. Its finding in Kuřívody, however, corresponds more likely with undesirable physical–chemical conditions causing its formation by alteration of orpiment (As₂S₃) and minium (Pb₃O₄). Obtained results highlight the importance of Raman spectroscopy for direct identification of mineral pigments in low concentrations, which may be crucial for interpreting cultural heritage objects in historical context. By materials, the almost forgotten paintings in Kuřívody can be seen as outstanding and rare example of ancient artistic tradition that has spread to Europe from Mediterranean in early Middle Ages. After all, mineral crocoite was already used by ancient Egyptians to paint sarcophagi and degraded orpiment decorates the walls of the Nefertari's tomb in Thebes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structure and NMR properties of 6‐substituted‐5,6‐dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids

We report a preparation of new 6‐substituted‐5,6‐dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridines by the reaction of azoles with quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine. The prepared compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Conformational behaviors of carbazole derivatives in solution have been investigated by low‐temperature NMR experiments. Barriers to rotation around newly formed C6–N bonds were determined to be 12–13 kcal/mol. Quantum chemical calculations have been used to reproduce the experimental observations. Large structural effects on several ¹H NMR resonances were observed experimentally, analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)/PCM level, and interpreted by ring‐current effects of the benzo[c]phenanthridine and carbazole units. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Substituent effects on gas‐phase homolytic Fe–N bond energies of m‐G‐C6H4NHFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and m‐G‐C6H4N(COMe)Fe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) studied using density functional theory methods

One of the most fundamental properties in chemistry is the bond dissociation energy, the energy required to break a specific bond of a molecule. In this paper, the Fe–N homolytic bond dissociation energies [ΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s] of 2 series of (meta‐substituted anilinyl)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄NHFp ( 1 )] and (meta‐substituted α‐acetylanilinyl)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄N(COMe)Fp ( 2 )] were studied using density functional theory methods with large basis sets. In this study, Fp is (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, and G is NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe₂. The results show that Tao‐Perdew‐Staroverov‐Scuseria, Minnesota 2006, and Becke's power‐series ansatz from 1997 with dispersion corrections functionals can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s. The ΔΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s ( 1 and 2 ) conform to the captodative principle. The polar effects of the meta‐substituents show the dominant role to the magnitudes of ΔΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s. σ_α· and σ_c· values for meta‐substituents are all related to polar effects. Spin‐delocalization effects of the meta‐substituents in ΔΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s are small but not necessarily zero. RE plays an important role in determining the net substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe–N)'s. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes.     

High‐pressure Raman spectroscopic and other structural studies of hydrotalcites containing intercalated dicarboxylic acid anions

The results of pressure‐tuning Raman spectroscopic, X‐ray powder diffraction and solid‐state ¹³C‐NMR studies of selected dicarboxylate anions intercalated in a Mg–Al layered double hydroxide lattice are reported. The pressure dependences of the vibrational modes are linear for pressures up to 4.6 GPa, indicating that no phase transitions occur. The interlayer spacings show that the oxalate, malonate and succinate dianions are oriented perpendicular to the layers, but the glutarate and adipate are tilted. The solid‐state ¹³C‐NMR spectra of these materials show full chemical shift anisotropy and, therefore, the anions are not mobile at room temperature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Control of photoluminescence in Ca3–3x /7Y2x /7(PO4)2:Eu2+ phosphors by migration of the dopant

A series of Ca_{3–3x /7}Y_{2x /7}(PO₄)₂:Eu²⁺ phosphors were synthesized by conventional solid‐state reaction. The photoluminescence spectra elucidate that the evolution of emission hue from violet–blue to blue–greenish could be realized by incorporating Y³⁺ ions. The aliovalent substitution of Y³⁺ for Ca²⁺ forms cationic vacancies (h denotes a vacancy) at Ca(4) site according to the formula 3Ca²⁺ = 2Y³⁺ + h, and then facilitates the migration of dopant Eu²⁺ from Ca(4) site to other sites in host lattice. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Substituent effects on gas‐phase homolytic Fe–O and Fe–S bond energies of m‐G‐C6H4OFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and m‐G‐C6H4SFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods

The thermochemistry of organometallic complexes in solution and in the gas phase has been an area of increasing research interest. In this paper, the Fe–O and Fe–S homolytic bond dissociation energies [ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s] of two series of meta‐substituted phenoxydicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄OFp ( 1 )] and (meta‐substituted benzenethiolato)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄SFp ( 2 )] were studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods with large basis sets. In this study, Fp is (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, and G are NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe₂. The results show that Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria and Minnesota 2006 functionals can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s. The polar effects of the meta substituents show that the dominant role to the magnitudes of ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s or ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s. σ_α·, σ_c· values for meta substituents are all related to polar effects. Spin‐delocalization effects of the meta substituents in ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s are small but not necessarily zero. Molecular effects rather than ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s are more suitable indexes for the overall substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s. The meta substituent effects of meta‐electron‐withdrawing groups on the Fe–S bonds are much stronger than those on the Fe–O bonds. For meta‐electron‐donating groups, the meta substituent effects have the comparable magnitudes between series 1 and 2 . ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s ( 1 ) and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s ( 2 ) conform to the captodative principle. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PAC experiments for a short range study of the Zr(10%Pr)O2 solid solution

A Zr(10 mol % Pr)O₂ powder obtained by high-energy ball milling has been investigated at nanoscopic scale using primarily the Perturbed Angular Correlations technique. The aim has been to determine the nanoconfigurations around Zr⁴⁺ cations present in the solid solution and their thermal evolution with the intention of providing knowledge on the stability of the system. Results indicate that the milled product is a substitutional cubic solid solution described by two hyperfine interactions: a highly disordered interaction due to oxygen vacancies located very close to Zr⁴⁺ and an ordered interaction probably depicting a charge distribution including Pr³⁺ as nearest neighbor to Zr⁴⁺ probes. On cooling from high temperatures, monoclinic zirconia appears mostly at the expense of the oxygen defective cubic form. A gradual cooling indicates that destabilization of the solid solution takes place around 500°C. Thermal cycling leads to increasing amounts of the monoclinic phase.     

Hartree–Fock and density functional theory study of remote substituent effects on heterolytic Fe–N bond energies of p‐G‐C6H4NHFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and p‐G‐C6H4N(COMe)Fe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)

The nature and strength of metal–ligand bonds in organotransition‐metal complexes are crucial to the understanding of organometallic reactions and catalysis. Quantum chemical calculations at different levels of theory have been used to investigate heterolytic Fe–N bond energies of para‐substituted anilinyldicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)iron [p‐G‐C₆H₄NH(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, abbreviated as p‐G‐C₆H₄NHFp (1), where G = NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe₂] and para‐substituted α‐acetylanilinyldicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)iron [p‐G‐C₆H₄N(COMe)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, abbreviated as p‐G‐C₆H₄N(COMe)Fp (2)] complexes. The results show that BP86 and TPSSTPSS can provide the best price/performance ratio and more accurate predictions in the study of ΔH_het(Fe–N)'s. The linear correlations [r = 0.98 (g, 1a), 0.93 (g, 2b)] between the substituent effects of heterolytic Fe–N bond energies [ΔΔH_het(Fe–N)'s] of series 1 and 2 and the differences of acidic dissociation constants (ΔpK_a) of N–H bonds of p‐G‐C₆H₄NH₂ and p‐G‐C₆H₄NH(COMe) imply that the governing structural factors for these bond scissions are similar. And the linear correlations [r = ?0.99 (g, 1c), ?0.92 (g, 2d)] between ΔΔH_het(Fe–N)'s and the substituent σ_p^? constants show that these correlations are in accordance with Hammett linear free energy relationships. The polar effects of these substituents and the basis set effects influence the accuracy of ΔH_het(Fe–N)'s. ΔΔH_het(Fe–N)'s(1, 2) follow the captodative principle. ME_{α‐COMe, para‐G}s include the influences of the whole molecules. The correlation of ME_{α‐COMe, para‐G}s with σ_p^? is excellent. ME_{α‐COMe, para‐G}s rather than ΔΔH_het(Fe–N)'s in series 2 are more suitable indexes for the overall substituent effects on ΔH_het(Fe–N)'s(2). Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectroscopic,structural and theoretical studies of 2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (MNA) crystal. Electronic transitions in IR

Polarized FT‐IR, Raman, neutron scattering (IINS), and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra of 2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (MNA) crystal plates, powder, and solutions were measured in the 10–50 000 cm⁻¹ range. The FT‐IR spectrum of deuterated MNA (DMNA) in KBr pellet, the Raman spectrum of the DMNA powder as well as the EPR spectrum of the MNA powder were also recorded. Complete assignments of bands to normal vibrations have been proposed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of wavenumbers and potential energy distribution (PED) have been performed to strengthen the assignments. The analysis of vibrational and electronic spectra has revealed vibronic couplings in MNA molecules in solutions and in crystals. In the polarized FT‐IR spectra of the crystal five unusually large bands are observed in MIR and NIR regions. Their origin is discussed in terms of N H···O, C H···O, C H···H N hydrogen bonds, intermolecular charge transfers, electrostatic interactions, and ion radicals formation in the crystal. The role of a methyl group introduction to 4‐nitroaniline is analyzed. The crystal structure of MNA at the room temperature was re‐investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation,luminescence and structural properties of rare‐earth‐doped RbLuS2 compounds

Rare‐earth (RE = Ce, Pr, Sm, Tb) doped ternary sulfides of the general formula RbLu_0.99RE_0.01S₂ and undoped RbLuS₂ were synthesized in the form of crystalline hexagonal platelets by chemical reaction in the electric resistance furnace under the flow of hydrogen sulfide. Only a single crystalline phase of the rhombohedral lattice system (space group $ {\rm R}\bar 3{\rm m}) $ was detected by X‐ray powder diffraction. Absorption and luminescence characteristics were measured. The band edge of RbLuS₂ is found at 310 nm, and characteristic Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺ and Tb³⁺ 4f–4f emission lines in the visible spectral range are observed. A charge transfer transition in the Pr³⁺ excitation spectrum in the near UV spectral region is revealed and an efficient energy transfer from the host to the emission centers is found. The application potential for white LED or X‐ray phosphors is discussed. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Study of Structural and Photoluminescent Properties of Ca8Eu2(PO4)6O2

In this work it is presented for the first time the nanostructured hydroxyapatites doped with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt% of Eu³⁺ prepared at room temperature by the mechanical alloying technique. X-ray diffraction powder (XRD), infrared (IR) and Raman scattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness measurements as well as luminescent data of Eu³⁺ were used to investigate the structural and optical properties of these nanomaterials. The electrical and dielectrical analyses were used with the intention of having a better comprehension about the electromagnetic fields in pure and doped hydroxyapatites.     

Computer simulations and analysis of structural and energetic features of crystalline cage energetic compound: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12‐pentanitro‐10‐(3, 5, 6‐trinitro (2‐pyridyl))‐2, 4, 6, 8, 12‐hexaazatetracyclo [5.5.0.03,11.05,9]dodecane

First principles molecular orbital and plane‐wave ab initio calculations have been used to investigate the structural and energetic properties of a new cage compound 2, 4, 6, 8, 12‐pentanitro‐10‐(3, 5, 6‐trinitro (2‐pyridyl))‐2, 4, 6, 8, 12‐hexaazatetracyclo [5.5.0.0^3,11.0^5,9]dodecane (PNTNPHATCD) in both the gas and solid phases. The molecular orbital calculations using the density functional theory methods at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level indicate that both the heat of formation and strain energy of PNTNPHATCD are larger than those of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12‐hexanitro‐2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12‐hexaazatetracyclo [5.5.0.0.0] dodecane (CL‐20). The infrared spectra and the thermodynamic property in gas phase were predicted and discussed. The calculated detonation characteristics of PNTNPHATCD estimated using the Kamlet–Jacobs equation equally matched with those of CL‐20. Bond‐breaking results on the basis of natural bond orbital analysis imply that C–C bond in cage skeleton, C–N bond in pyridine, and N–NO₂ bond in the side chain of cage may be the trigger bonds in the pyrolysis. The structural properties of PNTNPHATCD crystal have been studied by a plane‐wave density functional theory method in the framework of the generalized gradient approximation. The crystal packing predicted using the Condensed‐phase Optimized Molecular Potentials for Atomistic Simulation Studies (COMPASS) force fields belongs to the Pbca space group, with the lattice parameters a = 20.87 Å, b = 24.95 Å, c = 7.48 Å, and Z = 8, respectively. The results of the band gap and density of state suggest that the N–NO₂ bond in PNTNPHATCD may be the initial breaking bond in the pyrolysis step. As the temperature increases, the heat capacity, enthalpy, and entropy of PNTNPHATCD crystal all increase, whereas the free energy decreases. Considering that the cage compound has the better detonation performances and stability, it may be a superior high energy density compound. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of SERRS and RRS excitation profiles of [Fe(tpy)2]2+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2'‐terpyridine) supported by DFT calculations: effect of the electrostatic bonding to chloride‐modified Ag nanoparticles on its vibrational and electronic structure

Nonresonance (or normal) Raman scattering (NRS), resonance Raman scattering (RRS), surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and surface‐enhanced RRS (SERRS) spectra of [Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ complex dication (tpy = 2,2':6',2''‐terpyridine) are reported. The comparison of RRS/NRS and SERRS/SERS excitation profiles of [Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ spectral bands in the range of 445–780 nm is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Raman depolarization measurements, comparison of the solid [Fe(tpy)₂](SO₄)₂ and solution RRS spectra, and characterization of the Ag nanoparticle (NP) hydrosol/[Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ SERS/SERRS active system by surface plasmon extinction spectrum and transmission electron microscopy image of the fractal aggregates (D = 1.82). By DFT calculations, both the Raman active modes and the electronic states of the complex have been assigned to the symmetry species of the D_2d point group. It has been demonstrated that upon the electrostatic bonding of the complex dication to the chloride‐modified Ag NPs, the geometric and ground state electronic structure of the complex and the identity of the three different metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (¹MLCT) electronic transitions remain preserved. On the other hand, the effect of ion pairing manifests itself by a slight change in localization of one of the electronic transitions (with max. at 552 nm) as well as by promotion of the Herzberg–Teller activation of E modes resulting from coupling of E and B₂ excited electronic states. Finally, the very low, 1 × 10⁻¹¹ M SERRS spectral detection limit of [Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ at 532‐nm excitation is attributed to a concerted action of the electromagnetic and molecular resonance mechanism, in conjunction to the electrostatic bonding of the complex dication to the chloride‐modified Ag NP surface. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Remote substituent effects on gas‐phase homolytic Fe–O and Fe–S bond energies of p‐G‐C6H4OFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and p‐G‐C6H4SFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods

Metal–ligand bond enthalpy data can afford invaluable insights into important reaction patterns in organometallic chemistry and catalysis. In this paper, the Fe–O and Fe–S homolytic bond dissociation energies [ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s] of two series of para‐substituted phenoxydicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [p‐G‐C₆H₄OFp ( 1 )] and (para‐substituted benzenethiolato)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [p‐G‐C₆H₄SFp ( 2 )] were studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory (DFT) methods with large basis sets. In this study, Fp is (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, and G are NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe₂. The results show that DFT methods can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s. The remote substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s [ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s] can also be satisfactorily predicted. The good correlations [r = 0.98 (g, 1), 0.98 (g, 2)] of ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s in series 1 and 2 with the substituent σ_p⁺ constants imply that the para‐substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s originate mainly from polar effects, but those on radical stability originate from both spin delocalization and polar effects. ΔΔH_homo(Fe–O)'s ( 1 ) and ΔΔH_homo(Fe–S)'s ( 2 ) conform to the captodative principle. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Remote substituent effects on homolytic Fe‐N bond energies of p‐G‐C6H4NHFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and p‐G‐C6H4(COMe)NFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) studied using Hartree–Fock and density functional theory methods

The nature and strength of metal–ligand bonds in organotransition–metal complexes is crucial to the understanding of organometallic reactions and catalysis. The Fe‐N homolytic bond dissociation energies [ΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s] of two series of para‐substituted Fp anilines p‐G‐C₆H₄NHFp [1] and p‐G‐C₆H₄N(COMe)Fp [2] were studied using the Hartree–Fock (HF) and the density functional theory methods with large basis sets. In this study, Fp is (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂ and G are NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO and NMe₂. The results show that BP86 and TPSSTPSS can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s. B3LYP can also satisfactorily predict the α and remote substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s [ΔΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s]. The good correlations [r = 0.96 (g, 1), 0.99(g, 2)] of ΔΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s in series 1 and 2 with the substituent σ_p⁺ constants imply that the para‐substituent effects on ΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s originate mainly from polar effects, but those on radical stability originate from both spin delocalization and polar effects. ΔΔH_homo(Fe‐N)′s(1,2) conform to the captodative principle. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐Raman,FT‐IR spectral and DFT studies on 6, 8‐dichloroflavone and 6, 8‐dibromoflavone

In this study, experimental and theoretical vibrational spectral results of the molecular structures of 6,8‐dichloroflavone (6,8‐dcf) and 6,8‐dibromoflavone (6,8‐dbf) are presented. The FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of the compounds have been recorded together between 4000 and 400 cm⁻¹ and 3500–5 cm⁻¹ regions, respectively. The molecular geometry and vibrational wavenumbers of 6,8‐dcf and 6,8‐dbf in their ground state have been calculated by using DFT/B3LYP functional, with 6‐31 + + G(d,p) basis set used in calculations. All calculations were performed with Gaussian03 software. The obtained vibrational wavenumbers and optimized geometric parameters were seen to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Scale factors have been used in order to compare how the calculated and experimental data are in agreement. Theoretical infrared intensities are also reported. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low‐temperature synthesis and Raman scattering of Mn‐doped ZnO nanopowders

Nanocrystalline Mn‐doped zinc oxides Zn_1−xMn_xO (x = 0–0.10) were synthesized by the sol–gel technique at low temperature. The calcination temperature of the as‐prepared powder was found at 350 °C using differential thermal analysis. A thermogravimetric analysis showed that there is a mass loss in the as‐prepared powder till 350 °C and an almost constant mass till 800 °C. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of investigated nanopowders calcined at 350 °C correspond to the hexagonal ZnO structure without any foreign impurities. The average grain size of the nanocrystal that was observed around ∼25–40 nm from transmission electron microscopy matched well with the crystallite size calculated from the line shape of X‐ray diffraction. The chemical bonding structure in Zn_1−xMn_xO nanopowders was examined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques, which indicate substitution of Mn²⁺ ions into Zn²⁺ sites in ZnO lattice. Micro Raman spectroscopy confirmed the insertion of Mn ions in the ZnO host matrix, and similar wurtzite structure of Zn_1−xMn_xO (x < 10%) nanocrystals. Temperature‐dependent Raman spectra of the nanocrystals displayed suppression of luminescence and enhancement in full width at half maximum in pure ZnO nanocrystals with increase in temperature, which suggests an enhancement in particle size at elevated temperature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Density functional theory study of substituent effects on gas‐phase heterolytic Fe–O and Fe–S bond energies of m‐G‐C6H4OFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5) and m‐G‐C6H4SFe(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)

The knowledge of accurate bond strengths is a fundamental basis for a proper analysis of chemical reaction mechanisms. Quantum chemical calculations at different levels of theory have been used to investigate heterolytic Fe–O and Fe–S bond energies of (meta‐substituted phenoxy)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄OFp ( 1 )] and (meta‐substituted benzenethiolato)dicarbonyl(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl) iron [m‐G‐C₆H₄SFp ( 2 )] complexes. In this study, Fp is (η⁵‐C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂, and G is NO₂, CN, COMe, CO₂Me, CF₃, Br, Cl, F, H, Me, MeO, and NMe₂. The results show that Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria and Becke's power‐series ansatz from 1997 with dispersion corrections functionals can provide the best price/performance ratio and accurate predictions of ΔH_het(Fe–O)'s and ΔH_het(Fe–S)'s. The excellent linear free energy relations [r = 1.00 (g, 1e), 1.00 (g, 2b)] among the ΔΔH_het (Fe–O)'s and δΔG⁰ of O?H bonds of m‐G‐C₆H₄OH or ΔΔH_het(Fe–S)'s and ΔpK_a's of S?H bonds of m‐G‐C₆H₄SH imply that the governing structural factors for these bond scissions are similar. And, the linear correlations [r = ?0.97 (g, 1 g), ?0.97 (g, 2 h)] among the ΔΔH_het (Fe–O)'s or ΔΔH_het(Fe–S)'s and the substituent σ_m constants show that these correlations are in accordance with Hammett linear free energy relationships. The inductive effects of these substituents and the basis set effects influence the accuracy of ΔH_het(Fe–O)'s or ΔH_het(Fe–S)'s. The ΔΔH_het(Fe–O)'s(g) (1) and ΔΔH_het(Fe–S)'s(g)(2) follow the capto‐dative Principle. The substituent effects on the Fe–O bonds are much stronger than those on the less polar Fe–S bonds. Insight from this work may help the design of more effective catalytic processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Dy3+, Sm3+ activated Sr5SiO4Cl6 phosphor

Dy³⁺ and Sm³⁺ doped Sr₅SiO₄Cl₆ phosphors were prepared by the modified solid state method and their luminescent properties were studied. From a powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis the formation of Sr₅SiO₄Cl₆ was confirmed. In the photoluminescence emission spectra, the Sr₅SiO₄Cl₆:Dy³⁺ phosphors show efficient blue and yellow band emissions, which originates from the ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transitions of Dy³⁺ ion, respectively. Photoluminescence properties of Sm³⁺ doped Sr₅SiO₄Cl₆ phosphor exhibited characteristic orange-red emission coming from the intra-4f-shell ⁴G_5/2 →⁶H_J electron transitions.