On the postronium spin exchange reactions promoted by 3d aqua ions

In order to ascertain possible relationships between the rate constants, K_SE, of positronium, Ps, spin exchange /SE/ reactions promoted by 3d aqua ions and the electron configuration of the ion, the K_SE's of Mn _aq ²⁺ and Co _aq ²⁺ aqua ions were measured together with that of [Cr(NH₃)₆]³⁺. The K_SE's values obtained are discussed together with those of the Cr _aq ³⁺ , Fe _aq ²⁺ , Ni _aq ²⁺ and [Ni(NH₃)₆]²⁺ ions previously measured. It was found that Cr _aq ³⁺ and Mn _aq ²⁺ K_SE's are 1 M^–1ns^–1, while those of Fe _aq ²⁺ , Co _aq ²⁺ and Ni _aq ²⁺ ions are 2.5 M^–1ns^–1. Thus the K_SE values of 3d aqua ions do not depend solely on the number of their unpaired electrons as it was found for the 4f aqua ions. The trend observed parallels that of the electron delocalization from the metal atom; the delocalization occurs only with Fe _aq ²⁺ , Co _aq ²⁺ and Ni _aq ²⁺ ions, but not with the Cr _aq ³⁺ and Mn _aq ²⁺ aqua ions. The trend of the K_SE's of aqua, ammine and perhaps of chloro complexes parallels that of ligand capabilities to cause d-electron cloud expansion, and thus d-electron delocalization from metal atoms.     

Sur de nouveaux borates mixtes des métaux de transition isotypes de la warwickite

The isomorphism of borates CaLn³⁺BO₄ where Ln³⁺ stands for a small rare earth cation of Y³⁺, with the mineral warwickite (Fe,Mg)₃Ti(BO₄)₂ is demonstrated. The octahedral sites of the warwickite structure seem thus to accommodate rather large cations, like trivalent Y³⁺ or Dy³⁺ and bivalent Ca²⁺. The synthesis of several new transition-metal borates with this structure is reported. From a survey of all the warwickite-type compounds one comes to the conclusion that the structure is only stable when the size of the divalent cation M²⁺ is larger than that one of the trivalent M³⁺.     

Ln(Fe3+M2+)O4 compounds with layer structure [Ln : Y,Er, Tm,Yb, and Lu, M : Mg,Mn, Co,Cu, and Zn]

A series of new compounds Ln(Fe³⁺M²⁺)O₄ [Ln : Y, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, M : Mg, Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn] were successfully synthesized and their lattice constants were determined. These compounds have the same crystal structure as YbFe₂O₄ and Fe³⁺ and M²⁺ are both surrounded by five oxygen ions forming a trigonal bipyramid. The synthetic conditions are presented. They are strongly dependent upon the constituent cations of the compound.     

Quinaldic Acid Complexes with Some Trivalent Rare Earth Metals

The Polarographic behaviour of quinaldic acid in the presence of lanthanide cations (Kd³⁺, Gd³⁺, Er³⁺) is studied at pH=4.5 and 0.1 M HClO₄ as supporting electrolyte. The polarographic reduction gives two waves at lower concentrations of quinaldic acid and three waves at higher concentrations. The nature of the waves was investigated. The dissociation constant of quinaldic acid as well as the stability constants of some lanthanide cation complexes with quinaldic acid were determined potentiometrically in 75% (v/v) dioxane-water at 25°C and 0.1 M KNO₃. The solid complexes of Nd, Gd and Er were isolated and studied by ir, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,electrochemical and magnetic properties of dinuclear complexes with strong electron-drawing groups in the diphenoxo-tetraaza macrocyclic ligand

Three symmetrical macrocyclic dinuclear complexes [M₂L(H₂O) _n ](ClO₄)₂ (M²⁺ = Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺ and n = 0, 2) have been synthesized by cyclocondensation between 2,6-diformyl-4-fluorophenol and 1,4-diaminobutane in the presence of M²⁺ cations. The crystal structure of [Cu₂L](ClO₄)₂ was determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The electronic and magnetic properties of the complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and magnetic susceptibility. The results confirm that the complexes obtain electrons easily and there are very strong antiferromagnetic couplings between two copper(II) ions in [Cu₂L](ClO₄)₂. The strong electron-drawing groups of fluorine attached to the phenyl ring of a macrocyclic complex enhances the antiferromagnetic exchange of the complex and makes it more easily reduced than its analogs.     

Insights on the Structural Chemistry of Hydrocalumite and Hydrotalcite-like Materials: Investigation of the Series Ca2M(OH)6Cl·2H2O (M: Al, Ga, Fe, and Sc) by X-Ray Powder Diffraction

Hydrotalcite and hydrocalumite are two close minerals belonging to the layered double hydroxide family. Both structures are based on positive brucite-like layers alternating with layers containing anions and water molecules. Most of synthetic (LDHs) are hydrotalcite-like materials. On the other hand, the hydrocalumite structure type is rare for those less broad in composition, typically Ca²⁺ and Al³⁺ in the hydroxide layers. In order to get further insight into the conditions of stabilization of this structure type, we have undertaken the synthesis and the structural characterization by powder X-ray diffraction of the series Ca₂M³⁺(OH)₆Cl·2H₂O(M³⁺:Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, Fe³⁺ and Sc³⁺). The incorporation of Sc³⁺ ions is quite original. All phases crystallize in the rhombohedral space group R-3 resulting in a three-layers polytype. The main consequence of the replacement of Al³⁺ cations by large M³⁺ cations is a compression of the octahedral layers like it proceeds in hydrotalcite-like materials. The existence of Sc-containing phase allows us to say that it is the size of Ca²⁺ ions and the pronounced anisotropy of coordination spheres around Ca²⁺ and M³⁺ which are responsible for the ordered distribution of cations in hydrocalumite-like materials.     

Two Hexagonal Series of Lanthanoid(III) Oxide Fluoride Selenides: M6O2F8Se3 (M = La – Nd) and M2OF2Se (M = Nd,Sm, Gd – Ho)

Two hexagonal series of lanthanoid(III) oxide fluoride selenides with similar structure types can be obtained by the reaction of the components MF₃, M₂O₃, M, and Se in sealed niobium tubes at 850 °C using CsI as fluxing agent. The compounds with the lighter and larger representatives (M = La – Nd) occur with the formula M₆O₂F₈Se₃, whereas with the heavier and smaller ones (M = Nd, Sm, Gd – Ho) their composition is M₂OF₂Se. For both systems single‐crystal determinations were used in all cases. The compounds crystallize in the hexagonal crystal system (space group: P6₃/m) with lattice parameters of a = 1394–1331 pm and c = 403–372 pm (Z = 2 for M₆O₂F₈Se₃ and Z = 6 for M₂OF₂Se). The (M1)³⁺ cations show different square antiprismatic coordination spheres with or without an extra capping fluoride anion. All (M2)³⁺ cations exhibit a ninefold coordination environment shaped as tricapped trigonal prism. In both structure types the Se^2– anions are sixfold coordinated as trigonal prisms of M³⁺ cations, being first condensed by edges to generate trimeric units and then via faces to form strands running along [001]. The light anions reside either in threefold triangular or in fourfold tetrahedral cationic coordination. For charge compensation, both structures have to contain a certain amount of oxide besides fluoride anions. Since F^– and O^2– can not be distinguished by X‐ray diffraction, bond‐valence calculations were used to address the problem of their adjunction to the available crystallographic sites.     

Structure of Aqueous Gallium(III) Bromide Solutions Over a Temperature Range 80–333 K by Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Absorption Fine Structure, and X-ray Diffraction

The structure and complex formation of concentrated aqueous gallium(III) bromide (GaBr₃) solutions have been investigated over a temperature range 80–333 K by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), and X-ray diffraction. The Raman spectra obtained at various [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] molar ratios and temperatures have shown that complex formation between Ga³⁺ and Br^? occurs as a predominant species, with [GaBr₄]^? at [Ga³⁺] as high as 1～2 M (M = mol?dm ^?3) and [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] ratios > ～2, and that cooling of the solutions favors the formation of the aqua Ga³⁺. The intermediate species were not seen in the Raman spectra. The XAFS data have revealed that the aqua complex has a sixfold coordination as [Ga(H₂O)₆]³⁺ with a Ga³⁺–H₂O distance of (1.96 ± 0.02) Å, whereas the [GaBr₄]^? complex has a Ga³⁺–Br^? distance of (2.33± 0.02) Å, and that vitrification of the aqueous GaBr₃ solution at liquid nitrogen temperature shifts the equilibrium toward the aqua complex. The X-ray diffraction data at different subzero temperatures have shown a tendency of decreasing Ga³⁺–Br^? and increasing Ga³⁺–H₂O interactions with lowering temperature, confirming the preference of aqua Ga³⁺ in the supercooled liquid state as well as in the glassy state. The Ga³⁺–H₂O distance of ～1.8 Å for the tetrahedral coordination was found in a 2.01 M gallium(III) bromide solution with a [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] ratio of 3.7 and gradually increased to a value of 1.92 Å for octahedral geometry with decreasing temperature, suggesting that equilibrium shifts from [GaBr₄]^? to [Ga(H₂O)₆]³⁺ through intermediate species, [GaBr _n ]^(3?n)+ (n = 2 and 3). The Ga³⁺–Br^? and Br^?–Br^? distances within [GaBr₄]^? with an almost tetrahedral symmetry are (2.35± 0.02) and (3.82± 0.03) Å, respectively. The Ga³⁺ has the second hydration shell at (4.03± 0.03) Å and the hydration of Br^? is characterized with a Br^?–H₂O distance of (3.35± 0.02) Å at all temperatures investigated.     

Verbindungen des Typs MII3MIII(PO4)3 mit Eulytinstruktur (MII = Pb,Sr, Ba; MIII = La,Lanthanide, Y,Sc, Bi,In, TI)1

A number of new phosphates of the formula M^II₃M^III(PO₄)₃ has been prepared. They have the cubic structure of eulytite (Bi₄(SiO₄)₃). Obviously all combinations of the cations being specified in the title for M^II and M^III seem to be possible; moreover, Ca₃Bi(PO₄)₃ does exist. The ions M^II and M^III are distributed on the positions of Bi in a statistical manner. The peculiar dependence of the lattive constants of the lanthanide compounds Pb₃Ln(PO₄)₃ (including La) on the (Atomic number of the lanthanide ions suggests the conclusion that the small trivalent cations (r < 1 Å) do not have a close contact with the surrounding oxygen ions forming a distorted octahedron.     

Cd2Cu(PO4)2

During an investigation of the insufficiently known system M1O–M2O–X₂O₅–H₂O (M1 = Cd²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺; M2 = Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺; X = P⁵⁺, As⁵⁺ and V⁵⁺), single crystals of the novel compound dicadmium copper(II) bis[phosphate(V)], Cd₂Cu(PO₄)₂, were obtained. This compound belongs to a small group of compounds adopting a Cu₃(PO₄)₂‐type structure and having the general formula M1₂M2(XO₄)₂ (M1/M2 = Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺; X = As⁵⁺, P⁵⁺ and V⁵⁺). The crystal structure is characterized by the interconnection of infinite [Cu(PO₄)₂]_n chains and [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains, both extending along the a axis. Exceptional characteristics of this structure are its novel chemical composition and the occurrence of double chains of CdO₆ polyhedra that were not found in related structures. In contrast to the isomorphous compounds, where the M1 cations are coordinated by five O atoms, the Cd atom is coordinated by six. The dissimilarity in the geometry of M1 coordination between Cd₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and the isomorphous compounds is mostly due to the larger ionic radius of the Cd cation in comparison with the Cu, Mg and Zn cations. Sharing a common edge, two CdO₆ polyhedra form Cd₂O₁₀ dimers. Each such dimer is bonded to another dimer sharing common vertices, forming [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains in the [100] direction. The Cu atoms, located on an inversion centre (site symmetry ), form isolated CuO₄ squares interconnected by PO₄ tetrahedra, forming [Cu(PO₄)₂]_n chains similar to those found in related structures. Conversely, the [Cd₂O₁₀]_n double chains, which were not found in related structures, are an exclusive feature of this structure.     

Theoretical study of the structure and water affinity of [M(18C6)(HFA)<Subscript>2</Subscript>] complexes for M = Zn,Cu, Hg,Co, Ni,and Pt

The structures of the [M(18C6)]²⁺ cations, where M = Zn, Cu, Hg, Ni, Co, and Pt, and cis- and trans-[M(18C6)(HFA)₂]/[M(18C6)(NO₃)₂] molecules in the gas phase have been calculated by the density functional theory method in the B3LYP/6-31G*//6-311++G** + LanL2Dz approximation. Geometry optimization has been performed, and the strength of binding of the central cation to the crown ether (18C6) and the degree of structural similarity of the [M(18C6)(HFA)₂] compounds for different central atoms M have been evaluated. For all [M(18C6)(NO₃)₂]/[M(18C6)(HFA)₂] molecules (M = Zn, Cu, Hg, Ni, Co, Pt), the vertical ionization potential and the vertical electron affinity have been calculated. These parameters are of interest for analysis of the stability of volatile compounds [M(18C6)(HFA)₂] to donor–acceptor interactions with other components of the gas phase, for example, with water vapor, which is usually a Lewis base with respect to the systems in question and can donate electron density in the course of complexation with the central atom. The propensity of the [M(18C6)(NO₃)₂]/[M(18C6)(HFA)₂] molecules to react with water is considered for a wider range of metals M²⁺ = Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Pt²⁺, with taking into account the degree of matching between the ionic radii of M²⁺ cations and the 18C6 cavity size.     

Synthesis and structure of In(IO3)3 and vibrational spectroscopy of M(IO3)3 (M=Al, Ga, In)

The reaction of Al, Ga, or In metals and H₅IO₆ in aqueous media at 180 °C leads to the formation of Al(IO₃)₃, Ga(IO₃)_3, or In(IO₃)₃, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments have shown In(IO₃)₃ contains the Te₄O₉-type structure, while both Al(IO₃)₃ and Ga(IO₃)₃ are known to exhibit the polar Fe(IO₃)₃-type structure. Crystallographic data for In(IO₃)₃, trigonal, space group , a=9.7482(4) Å, c=14.1374(6) Å, V=1163.45(8) Z=6, R(F)=1.38% for 41 parameters with 644 reflections with I>2σ(I). All three iodate structures contain group 13 metal cations in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. M(IO₃)₃ (M=Al, Ga) contain a three-dimensional network formed by the bridging of Al³⁺ or Ga³⁺ cations by iodate anions. With In(IO₃)₃, iodate anions bridge In³⁺ cations in two-dimensional layers. Both materials contain distorted octahedral holes in their structures formed by terminal oxygen atoms from the iodate anions. The Raman spectra have been collected for these metal iodates; In(IO₃)₃ was found to display a distinctively different vibrational profile than Al(IO₃)₃ or Ga(IO₃)₃. Hence, the Raman profile can be used as a rapid diagnostic tool to discern between the different structural motifs.     

Impact of metal substitutions for cobalt in YBaCo4O7

The “114” YBaCo₄O₇ cobaltite undergoes structural transition just beyond room temperature at T_S∼310 K. Correspondingly, its signature in the physical properties is detected by T-dependent measurements of electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and thermoelectric power. It is found that low-level substitutions of divalent (M=Zn²⁺) or trivalent (M=Ga³⁺, Al³⁺) cations for cobalt according to the YBaCo_4−xM_xO₇ formula with x?0.4 have a strong impact upon this transition. On the one hand, Zn²⁺ substitutions preserve the transition but with T_S decreasing as x increases. On the other hand, for x=0.2 Ga³⁺ or Al³⁺, the transition is suppressed, i.e., for only 5% trivalent foreign cation substituted for cobalt. Though at first, this contrasted behaviour between divalent and trivalent substituting cations appears to be linked to the opposite evolution of hole carriers “Co³⁺” concentration with x, a possible destabilization of 3Co²⁺: 1Co³⁺ charge ordering induced by the M³⁺ cations is considered.     

Effect of the Cationic Form of a Fiban K-1 Fibrous Sulfo Cation Exchanger on the Degree of Reduction and Activity of Palladium in the Oxidation of Hydrogen

The effect of the nature of the exchanged cation M ^z+ (M ^z+ = Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ba²⁺) of a Fiban K-1 fibrous sulfo cation exchanger on the degree of reduction of the immobilized complex cations [Pd(NH₃)₄]²⁺ to Pd⁰ was studied. A linear correlation was found between the degree of palladium reduction and the difference of the relative electronegativities of atoms that participate in the O–M ^z+ bond. The activity of the catalysts in the oxidation of H₂ depends on the degree of palladium reduction.     

Raman study of cation distribution in the scheelite-like double molybdates and tungstates

Compounds M⁺ M³⁺ (TO₄)₂ have been investigated (M⁺, M³⁺ are alkaline and rare earth metals, respectively; T=Mo, W). The way of cation distribution (statistical or orderec) is given by the ratio of their ionic radii. The boundary between the distributions has been determinea: r _ion (M⁺)/r _ion (M³⁺)=1.3–1.32. In molybdates the cations are partly ordered even when M⁺ and M³⁺ have close dimensions because they interact with each other. The compounds KLa(MoO₄)₂ and KN l(MoO₄)₂ fall within the transition range and have, therefore, a complex polymorphic composition. The phase transition from the high-to low-temperature form of KLa(MoO₄)₂ is identical to the corresponding transition in KEu(MoO₄)₂ known from X-ray studies.Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. Translated fromZhurnal Struktumoi Khimii, Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 42–58, July–August, 1993.Translated by L. Smolina     

Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen in o- und m-Phenylendiammonium-aquapentafluorometallaten(III) (MIII = Al,Cr, Fe)

Hydrogen Bonds in o- and m-Phenylenediammonium Aquapentafluoro Metallates(III) (M^III = Al, Cr, Fe) m- and o-Phenylenediammonium-[M^IIIF₅(H₂O)] compounds of Al, Cr and Fe were synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. All structures are described in the space group P2₁2₁2₁ (Z = 4). m-Ph(NH₃)₂²⁺ (Ph(NH₃)₂²⁺ = phenylenediammonium) compounds: Al : a = 6.489(2), b = 7.943(2), c = 18.204(2) Å, R/wR = 0.084/0.050 for 1 533 reflections; Cr : a = 6.571(2), b = 8.006(2), c = 18.456(3) Å, R/wR = 0.050/0.040 for 1 571 reflections; Fe : a = 6.608(2), b = 8.052(2), c = 18.424(4) Å, R/wR = 0.042/0.034 for 1 947 reflections. o-Ph(NH₃)₂²⁺ compounds: Al : a = 6.580(2), b = 7.891(2), c = 18.319(5) Å, R/wR = 0.050/0.045 for 2 370 reflections; Cr : a = 6.642(2), b = 7.954(2), c = 18.484(4) Å, R/wR = 0.065/0.043 for 2 041 reflections; Fe : a = 6.693(2), b = 7.995(4), c = 18.529(7) Å, R/wR = 0.035/0.033 for 2 651 reflections. Isolated distorted octahedral [M^IIIF₅(H₂O)]^2? anions are connected by double O? H ?F hydrogen bonds of alternating strength to form chains in the b direction. Those chains, packed in a pseudohexagonal way, are further linked by the ammonium functions of the phenylenediammonium cations to a 3 D hydrogen bond network.     

M+M3+2As(HAsO4)6 and α‐ and β‐M+M3+(HAsO4)2 (M+M3+ = RbAl or CsFe): six new compounds crystallizing in three closely related structure types

The crystal structures of hydrothermally synthesized (T = 493 K, 7–9 d) rubidium aluminium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], RbAl(HAsO₄)₂, caesium iron bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsFe(HAsO₄)₂, rubidium dialuminium arsenic(V) hexakis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], RbAl₂As(HAsO₄)₆, and caesium diiron arsenic(V) hexakis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsFe₂As(HAsO₄)₆, were solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The four compounds with the general formula M⁺M³⁺(HAsO₄)₂ adopt the RbFe(HPO₄)₂ structure type (Rc) and a closely related new structure type, which is characterized by a different stacking order of the building units, leading to noncentrosymmetric space‐group symmetry R32. The second new structure type, with the general formula M⁺M³⁺₂As(HAsO₄)₆ (Rc), is also a modification of the RbFe(HPO₄)₂ structure type, in which one third of the M³⁺O₆ octahedra are replaced by AsO₆ octahedra, and two thirds of the voids in the structure, which are usually filled by M⁺ cations, remain empty to achieve charge balance.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel heteropolytungstoarsenate containing lanthanum (LaAs4W40O140)25- and its derivatives (LaAs4W40O140M2)n-

Summary A novel polyanionic ligand (LaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀)^25- and its derivatives (LaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀M₂)^n- (M = Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., u.v.-vis. and emission spectra, ¹⁸³W-n.m.r. and polarography. There is evidence that lanthanide occupies the central S1 site, whereas the transition metal cations occupy the S2 site, in the complexes.     

Crystal Chemistry of the M11+,2+–M22+,3+–(H)‐Arsenites: the First Cadmium(II) Arsenite,Na4Cd7(AsO3)6

The crystal structures among M1–M2–(H)‐arsenites (M1 = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺; M2 = Mg²⁺, Mn^2+,3+, Fe^2+,3+, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) are less investigated. Up to now, only the structure of Pb₃Mn(AsO₃)₂(AsO₂OH) was described. The crystal structure of hydrothermally synthesized Na₄Cd₇(AsO₃)₆ was solved from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Its trigonal crystal structure [space group R$\bar{3}$ , a = 9.5229(13), c = 19.258(4) Å, γ = 120°, V = 1512.5(5) ų, Z = 3] represents a new structure type. The As atoms are arranged in monomeric (AsO₃)^3– units. The surroundings of the two crystallographically unique sodium atoms show trigonal antiprismatic coordination, and two mixed Cd/Na sites are remarkably unequal showing tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations. Despite the 3D connection of the AsO₃ pyramids, (Cd,Na)O_x polyhedra and NaO₆ antiprisms, a layer‐like arrangement of the Na atoms positioned in the hexagonal channels formed by CdO₄ deformed tetrahedra and AsO₃ pyramids in z = 0, 1/3, 2/3 is to be mentioned. These pseudo layers are interconnected to the 3D network by (Cd,Na)O₆ octahedra. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of isolated AsO₃ pyramids.     

Ruthenium Nanoparticles Intercalated in Hectorite: A Reusable Hydrogenation Catalyst for Benzene and Toluene

The cationic organometallic aqua complexes formed by hydrolysis of [(C₆H₆)RuCl₂]₂ in water, mainly [(C₆H₆)Ru(H₂O)₃]²⁺, intercalate into sodium hectorite by ion exchange, replacing the sodium cations between the anionic silicate layers. The yellow hectorite thus obtained reacts in ethanol with molecular hydrogen (50 bar, 100°C) with decomposition of the organometallic aqua complexes to give a black material, in which ruthenium(0) nanoparticles (9–18 nm) are intercalated between the anionic silicate layers, the charges of which being balanced by hydronium cations. The black ruthenium-modified hectorite efficiently catalyses the hydrogenation of benzene and toluene in ethanol (50 bar H₂, 50°C), the turnover frequencies attaining 7000 catalytic cycles per hour. Dedicated to Professor Günter Schmid, pioneer of nanocluster chemistry, on the occasion of his 70th birthday