Supramolecular compounds constructed from Keggin anions and metal–organic complex cations of 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid

Three new supramolecular compounds based on Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM) and transition metal complexes, [M(Hapca)₂(H₂O)₂]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·nH₂O, (M = Ni^II(1), Zn^II(2), n = 12; Co^II (3), n = 15; Hapca = 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid), have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, TG analyses, IR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The X-ray structrual analysis reveals that three compounds are isostructural with a P21/c space group. [M(Hapca)₂(H₂O)₂] ₂ ⁴⁺ are linked together via O···N hydrogen-bonding interaction to give birth to 2D layer with rectangle grids. Anions [SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4? are located in the cavities and link the 2D layers into 3D supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bonds. The compounds represent the first examples of self-assembly of 2D metal–Hapca complex supramolecular “host” networks formed by hydrogen bonding interactions and “guest” polyoxoanion species. In addition, solid-state luminescence properties of compounds 2 and 3 have been studied at room temperature.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes of 4,6-Dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-one

Some cobalt(II) complexes of 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-one (HL) have been prepared and studied by infrared and electronic spectra and by magneto-chemical and conductometric measurements. The ligand is coordinated through the unprotonated ring-nitrogen atom and in one case also through the carbonylic oxygen atom. The “blue” complexes [CoX₂ · 2HL] (X₂ = Cl₂, ClBr, Br₂, (NCS)₂) and [CoX₂ · 2HL] · 2HL (X = Cl, Br) have a distorted C_2v [CoX₂N₂] coordination; the thiocyanate ion is N-bonded to the metal. The “green” complexes CoX₂ · 2HL (X = Cl(4H₂O), Br) have a square-pyramidal [CoX₂N₂O] coordination. The “pink” CoX₂ · 4HL · nH₂O (X = ClO₄, n = 2; X = BF₄, n = 8; X = F₃Ac, n = 4) and “cream” CoX₂ · 4HL · 6 H₂O (X = I, ClO₄) complexes have an octahedral coordination; only the F₃Ac^? ion is coordinated. The “cyclamen” CoAcL · 2HL · 2 H₂O and Co₃Ac₄L₂ · 2HL · 2H₂O complexes have a polynuclear constitution; the Ac^? ion behaves as bidentate ligand.     

The mechanism of methanol formation and other reactions following formaldehyde adsorption on Ni(110)

The adsorption/desorption and reactive behavior of formaldehyde was studied on clean single-crystal Ni(110) at adsorption temperatures down to 200 °K. For low exposures of the surface to formaldehyde, hydrogen and CO binding states were populated due to decomposition of the molecule upon adsorption. Higher exposures gave rise to a decomposition-limited hydrogen peak exhibiting an activation energy of 20 kcal/gmol and an apparent frequency factor of 10¹⁴ sec^?1. At initial coverages of H₂CO exceeding about 0.5, monolayer methanol was observed to form. The formation of methanol involved a hydrogen atom transfer between two adsorbed H₂CO molecules and did not occur totally via surface hydrogen. Self-oxidation to form CO₂ was also observed. The surface exhibited reaction heterogeneity, and the surface reactivity was observed to depend on the temperature of adsorption of reactants, suggesting strong adsorbate-induced surface “reconstruction.”     

Hexanuclear 3d − 4f metal–organic cages assembled from a carboxylic acid‐functionalized tris‐triazamacrocycle for highly selective fluorescent sensing of picric acid

Two Ln^III ions are sandwiched by dinuclear Co^II building blocks derived from a tris‐triazamacrocyclic ligand bearing pendant carboxylic acid functionality, 1,3,5‐tris((4,7‐bis(2‐carboxyethyl)‐1,4,7‐triazacyclonon‐1‐yl)methyl)‐benzene (H₆L), giving rising to two nanoscale heterometallic metal–organic cages formulated as [Co₄Ln₂(LH_2.5)₂(H₂O)₄]·(ClO₄)₆·NO₃·nH₂O [Ln = Dy, n = 12 ( 1 ); Ln = Yb, n = 9 ( 2 )], whose internal cavity accommodates a guest NO₃^? anion. Their hexanuclear cage‐like architectures are maintained both in solution and solid states as confirmed by mass spectrum as well as X‐ray diffraction experiments. These two cages display ligand‐based fluorescence emissions and therefore both were chosen to be operated as fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. Attractively, these metal–organic cages allow highly selective and sensitive detection of picric acid (PA) over other nitroaromatics in solution and suspension, and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the cage probes and PA is mainly responsible for the remarkable detection efficiency.     

Infrared Spectroscopic Studies on the Surface Chemistry of High‐Surface‐Area Gallia Polymorphs

Polymorphs α, β, and γ of Ga₂O₃ having hexagonal (corundum‐type), monoclinic and cubic (spinel‐type) structure, respectively, were prepared in a high‐surface‐area form, and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. Nitrogen adsorption at 77 K showed these gallia samples to have specific surface areas of 77 (α‐Ga₂O₃), 40 (β‐Ga₂O₃) and 120 m² g^?1 (γ‐Ga₂O₃). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed carbon monoxide (at 77 K) and pyridine (at room temperature) showed that the three gallia polymorphs have a very similar surface Lewis acidity, regardless of their different crystal structures. This Lewis acidity was assigned, mainly, to coordinatively unsaturated tetrahedral Ga³⁺ ions situated on the surface of the small crystallites which constitute the different metal oxide varieties. Ga³⁺···CO adducts formed after CO adsorption gave (in all cases) a characteristic C–O stretching band at 2195–2200 cm^?1, while Lewis‐type adducts formed with adsorbed pyridine were characterized by IR absorption bands at 1610–1612 and 1446–1450 cm^?1. The three (partially hydroxylated) gallia polymorphs showed also a very weak Brønsted acidity, which they manifested by forming hydrogen‐bonded adducts with both CO and pyridine; however no protonation of adsorbed pyridine occurred.     

Syntheses,Characterization, and Fluorescence Properties of Four Divalent Lead Coordination Polymers based on Zwitterionic Ligands

Four novel divalent lead coordination polymers based on a series of zwitterionic ligands, Pb₂Cl₄L₁ ( 1 ), [Pb₂Cl₄L₂]·2H₂O ( 2 ), Pb₂Cl₂(CH₃COO)₂L₂ ( 3 ), and Pb₃Cl₄(NO₃)₂L₃ ( 4 ) were solvothermally synthesized and successfully characterized. Single crystal structure studies reveal that compound 1 is a chain structure based on the inorganic “PbCl₂” chain motif, whereas compounds 2 – 4 are sheet structures each constructed by inorganic “PbCl₂”, “PbCl(CH₃COO)”, and “Pb₃Cl₄” chain motifs. Hydrogen bonding interactions in term of C–H ··· Cl and C–H ··· O play a key role to form supramolecular 3D structures of 1 – 4 . Additionally, studies of solid state fluorescence indicate 1 – 4 emit in the ultraviolet and visible region that can be assigned to the inter‐ligand π*–π and/or π*–n transitions.     

Über Dicyanothiocyanatomercurate(II) der Erdalkalimetalle

On the Dicyanothiocyanatomercurates(II) of the Alkaline-earth Metals The reactions between Hg(CN)₂ and M(NCS)₂ · nH₂O (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; n = 3, 4) in aqueous solutions lead to the compounds M[Hg(CN)₂SCN]₂ · 4 H₂O. The compounds yielded by crystallization are characterized with x-ray, spectroscopic, and thermal methods. The crystal structures of Mg[Hg(CN)₂SCN]₂ · 4 H₂O and Sr[Hg(CN)₂SCN]₂ · 4 H₂O have been determined by x-ray structure analysis. These structures can be compared with the compounds M′Hg(CN)₂SCN (M′ = K, Rb, Cs).     

Thermal behaviour,surface properties and vibrational spectroscopic studies of the synthesized Co3xNi3−3x(PO4)2·8H2O (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)

Co_3xNi_3−3x(PO₄)₂·8H₂O (x = 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, and 0) were synthesized via simple wet chemical reaction and energy saving route method. The final decomposition products of hydrates are corresponding anhydrous tri(cobalt nickel) diphosphates. The metal and water contents of the synthesized hydrates were confirmed by AAS and TG/DTG/DTA techniques, respectively. The observed metal and water contents agree well with the formula of the title compounds. The crystal structures and lattice parameters as well as crystallite sizes of the studied compounds were determined using XRD data. The results from XRD and TG/DTG/DTA techniques confirmed that Co_3xNi_3−3x(PO₄)₂·8H₂O at all ratios were the single phase. The FTIR spectra of studied compounds were recorded and assigned. The thermal behaviours of single and binary tri(cobalt nickel) diphosphate octahydrates were studied for the first time. The morphologies of the studied compounds were investigated by using the SEM technique. The micrographs of all studied compounds exhibited the thin plated morphology. The surface area and the pore size data of anhydrous forms were measured by N₂ adsorption at −190 °C according to the BET method. The anhydrous forms of binary metal phosphate at x = 0.8, Co_2.4Ni_0.6(PO₄)₂, exhibits the highest surface area and expects to improve the catalytic activity.     

Hydrogen binding property of Co- and Ni-based organometallic compounds

The binding property of hydrogen on organometallic compounds consisting of Co, and Ni transition metal atoms bound to C _m H _m rings (m = 4, 5) is studied through density functional theory calculation. CoC _m H _m and NiC _m H _m complexes can store up to 3.49 wt% hydrogen with an average binding energy of about 1.3 eV. The adsorption characteristics of hydrogen to organometallic compounds are investigated by analyzing vibrational spectra of CoC₄H₄(H₂) _n and NiC₄H₄(H₂) _n (n = 0, 1, 2). The kinetic stability of these hydrogen-covered organometallic complexes is assured by analyzing the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbitals and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. It is also discussed the application of 18-electron rule in predicting maximum number of hydrogen molecules that could be adsorbed by these organometallic compounds.     

Hydrogen adsorption on Ti containing organometallic structures grafted on silsesquioxanes

The adsorption of hydrogen molecule on a novel structure of Ti containing organometallic complexes grafted on silsequioxanes (SQ, H₈Si₈O₁₂) was investigated by means of DFT method. The hydrogen adsorption properties of the complex structures TiRH₇Si₈O₁₂ (R = C₄H₃, C₅H₄, C₆H₅) keep almost the same as that of corresponding Ti containing organometallic complexes. Moreover, these complex structures can avoid the problem of transition metal clustering which is a disadvantage for hydrogen adsorption. The maximum number of hydrogen molecules adsorbed was still determined by 18 electron rule, that is to say 5, 4, and 4 H₂ molecules for TiRH₇Si₈O₁₂ with R = C₄H₃, C₅H₄, and C₆H₅, respectively. At the same time, all the average binding energy of H₂ is located in 0.2–1.0 eV, which is an advantage for hydrogen storage at ambient conditions. Therefore, the materials studied here may provide some enlightenment for developing new types of hydrogen storage materials.     

Thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions onto a new cation exchanger derived from tamarind fruit shell

A novel cation exchanger (TFS-CE) having carboxylate functionality was prepared through graft copolymerization of hydroxyethylmethacrylate onto tamarind fruit shell (TFS) in the presence of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a cross-linking agent using K₂S₂O₈/Na₂S₂O₃ initiator system, followed by functionalisation. The TFS-CE was used for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. At fixed solid/solution ratio the various factors affecting adsorption such as pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. Kinetic experiments showed that the amount of Cu(II) adsorbed increased with increase in Cu(II) concentration and equilibrium was attained at 1 h. The kinetics of adsorption follows pseudo-second-order model and the rate constant increases with increase in temperature indicating endothermic nature of adsorption. The Arrhenius and Eyring equations were used to obtain the kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E_a) and enthalpy (ΔH^#), entropy (ΔS^#) and free energy (ΔG^#) of activation for the adsorption process. The value of E_a for adsorption was found to be 10.84 kJ · mol^?1 and the adsorption involves diffusion controlled process. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) was 64 · 10 mg · g^?1 at T = 303 K. The thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy (ΔG^°), enthalpy (ΔH^°), and entropy (ΔS^°) were derived to predict the nature of adsorption process. The isosteric heat of adsorption increases with increase in surface loading indicating some lateral interactions between the adsorbed metal ions.     

A theoretical study on the hydrogen storage properties of planar (AlN)<Subscript>n</Subscript> clusters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3-5)

The structures and hydrogen storage capacities of (AlN)_n (n = 3-5) clusters have been systematically investigated by using density functional theoretical calculations. At ωB97xD/6-311 + G(d, p) level, the planar structures of (AlN)_n (n = 3-5) can adsorb 6-10 H₂ molecules with average adsorption energies in the range 0.16 to 0.11 eV/H₂, which meet the adsorption energy criteria of reversible hydrogen storage. The gravimetric density of H₂ adsorbed on (AlN)_n clusters can reach 8.96 wt%, which exceed the target set by Department of Energy. The hydrogen adsorption energies with Gibbs free energy correction indicate that the adsorption of 6 H₂ in (AlN)₃, 8 H₂ in (AlN)₄ and 10 H₂ in (AlN)₅ is energetically favorable below 96.48, 61.43, and 34.21 K, respectively. These results are expected to motivate further the applications of clusters to be efficient hydrogen storage materials.     

A comparative study of some lithium and hydrogen‐bonded complexes: Ab initio and QTAIM studies

The nature of the interactions of cyanide with lithium and hydrogen halides was investigated using ab initio calculations and topological analysis of electron density. The computed properties of the lithium‐bonded complexes RCN···LiX (R = H, F, Cl, Br, C?CH, CH?CH₂, CH₃, C₂H₅; X = Cl, Br) were compared with those of corresponding hydrogen‐bonded complexes RCN···HX. The results show that both types of intermolecular interactions are “closed‐shell” noncovalent interactions. The effect of substitution on the interaction energy and electron density at the bond critical points of the lithium and hydrogen bonding interactions is similar. In comparison, the interaction energies of lithium‐bonded complexes are more negative than those of hydrogen‐bonded counterparts. The electrostatic interaction plays a more important role in the lithium bond than in the hydrogen bond. On complex formation, the net charge and energy of the Li atom decrease and the atomic volume increases, while the net charge and energy of the H atom increase and the atomic volume decreases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A comparative catalytic study using different metal ions by incorporating functionalized metallosalen into the lacunary position of Keggin polyoxometalate

A series of new hybrids, POM (M-Salen@POM) were synthesized by successfully inserting metallosalen compounds (where M ​= ​Co, Cu, Fe and Ru) into the lacunary position of Keggin type polyoxometalate, K₈SiW₁₁O₃₉ (POM). The hybrids were characterized by FT-IR, powder XRD, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis, energy dispersive X-Ray and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP) techniques. The hybrids with different metal centers were comparatively studied for their catalytic activity in the oxidation of cycloalkanes, cycloalcohols and alkyl aromatic using a green oxidant, hydrogen peroxide. The products obtained during catalysis were estimated by gas chromatography(GC) and mass spectroscopy(MS). Catalytically synthesized products are of high industrial importance.     

DFT Study on Planar (CaO)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> Rings (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–5) and Their Hydrogen Storage Behavior: Ca–O Versus Mg–O Clusters

In this work, the results of DFT-based calculations on the structures, stabilities, vibrational, electronic, and hydrogen storage behavior of (CaO) _n rings are presented and discussed systematically. The equilibrium ring structures of Ca–O clusters for n = 2–5 are found to be stable. Vibrational frequencies and IR intensities further support the enhanced stability with an increase in the size of Ca–O clusters. The HOMO–LUMO surfaces and their derived parameters are used to explain the electronic properties of the titled systems. For efficient hydrogen storage, metals especially, the transition metals with large cohesive energy (CE) suffer from the problem of cohesion as it is expected that the adsorption energies of metal decorated absorbents should be larger than the CEs of metal. In order to avoid this, hydrogen adsorbed directly on the absorbents is preferred. Due to relatively smaller CEs of the s-block metals, hydrogen adsorbs directly on the cluster which indeed solves the problem of cohesion. The hydrogen storage capacity of (CaO) _n clusters, considering hydrogen adsorption on (CaO)₄ and (CaO)₅ rings is studied. The outcomes appear to give meaningful and satisfactory results. Thus the present work is expected to lead further the applications of small clusters for easy, efficient, and eco-friendly hydrogen storage.     

Studies on the removal of phosphate in water through adsorption using a novel Zn-MOF and its derived materials

A novel zinc-based metal–organic framework, {[Zn₃(atz)₂(pda)₂]·2(H₂O)}_n (Zn-MOF; Hatz is 5-aminote-1H-terazole; H₂pda is malonic acid), was prepared using the solvothermal method. Carbonization of the prepared Zn-MOF was conducted under elevated temperatures to investigate its phosphate adsorption performance. Through pre-adsorption experiments, the optimal carbonization temperature of 500 °C was determined, yielding Zn-MOF-500. Besides, multiple characterization methods were used to analyze the properties of Zn-MOF and Zn-MOF-500 materials before and after the adsorption of phosphate ions. The results showed that the BET surface area of Zn-MOF-500 was 18.57 m²/g, which was 16.37 times larger than that of the BET surface area of Zn-MOF. At 25 °C, Zn-MOF and Zn-MOF-500 exhibited an adsorption capacity of 123.44 and 226.07 mg/g, respectively. Based on the adsorption isotherms and the adsorption kinetics, the adsorption of PO₄^3- occurs via monolayer. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that P was adsorbed on Zn-MOF and Zn-MOF-500 as the zinc hydrogen phosphate and zinc phosphate ions, respectively.     

Studies of two different types of intramolecular C–H···F–C interactions from polyfluorinated diiodometal(II) diimine complexes

The X‐ray crystal structures of the polyfluorinated complexes [5,5′‐bis(HCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂OCH₂)‐2,2′‐bpy]MI₂ ( 55‐8F‐PtI ₂ and 55‐8F‐PdI ₂ where M = Pt and Pd, respectively) were obtained. These two structures are found to show not only two different types of intramolecular, six‐membered cyclic C–H···F–C interactions (F₂C–H···F–C and HC–H···F–C) as important structural features but also alternating fluorinated and non‐fluorinated layers. The F₂C–H···F–C interactions, which are close to the metal core, are much better structurally characterized in this type of complexes with fluorous ponytails at the 5,5′ positions than those previously reported at the 4,4′ positions. The molecular planes of (bpy)MI₂ are extended by self‐matching, using two C–H···I hydrogen bonds and one C–H···F–C blue‐shifting hydrogen bond. The F₂C–H···F–C hydrogen bonds interact at the supramolecular level such that one polyfluorinated ponytail of the title compounds is transoid without an intramolecular C–H···F–C interaction, while the other polyfluorinated ponytail is cisoid with an intramolecular C–H···F–C interaction. Why one ponytail is cisoidal while the other is transoidal will be explained. Furthermore, the second type of C–H···F–C interactions involving the methylene H atom has been identified for the first time. In addition, these two metal structures are studied by density functional theory (DFT).     

Tweaking the affinity of aryl‐substituted diazosalicylato‐ and pyridine ligands towards Zn (II) and its neighbors in the periodic system of the elements,Cu (II) and Cd (II), and their antimicrobial activity

A series of six new Zn (II) compounds, viz., [Zn(HL^ASA)₂(Py)₂] ( 1 ), [Zn(HL^MASA)₂(Py)₂] ( 2 ), [Zn(HL^MASA)₂(4‐MePy)₂] ( 3 ), [Zn(HL^CASA)₂(4‐MePy)₂] ( 4 ), [Zn(HL^BASA)₂(Py)₂] ( 5 ), [Zn(HL^BASA)₂(4‐MePy)₂] ( 6 ) and representative Cu (II) and Cd (II) complexes, viz., [Cu(HL^ASA)₂(Py)₂(H₂O)] ( 7 ) and [Cd(HL^BASA)₂(Py)₃] ( 8 ) [(HL^XASA)^? = para‐substituted 5‐[(E)‐2‐(aryl)‐1‐diazenyl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoate with X = H (ASA), Me (MASA), Cl (CASA) or Br (BASA); Py = pyridine; 4‐MePy = 4‐methylpyridine] have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The structural characterization of the compounds revealed distorted tetrahedral ( 1 – 6 ), square‐pyramidal ( 7 ) and pentagonal‐bipyramidal ( 8 ) coordination geometries around the metal atom, in which the aryl‐substituted diazosalicylate ligands are coordinated only through the oxygen atoms of carboxylate groups, either in an anisobidentate or isobidentate mode; meanwhile, the 2‐hydroxy groups of the monoanionic ligand (HL^XASA)^? are involved only in intramolecular O‐H···O hydrogen bonds with the carboxylate function. In the crystal structures of 1 – 8 , the complex molecules are assembled by π‐stacking interactions giving mostly infinite 1D strands. The intermolecular binding in the solid state structures is accomplished by diverse additional non‐covalent contacts including C‐H···O, C‐H···N, C‐H···π, C‐H···Br, O···Br, Br···π and van der Waals contacts. Although the primary and secondary ligands in the Zn (II) complex series 1 – 6 carry different substituents at the periphery (X = H, Me, Cl, Br for (HL^XASA)^? and R = H, Me for 4‐Py‐R), five of the crystal structures were isostructural. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the pro‐ligands H₂L^XASA and their Zn (II), Cu (II) and Cd (II) compounds were studied in a comparative manner, showing high sensitivity (IZD ≥ 20) against Bacillus subtilis.     

Crystal-chemical analysis of the structures of oxalic acid and its salts M x (C2O4) y ·nH2O (n=0−3)

Crystal-chemical analysis of the structures of oxalic acid and its salts M_x(C₂O₄)y·nH₂O (n=0?3) is carried out. It is shown that the dimensions of oxalate ions play a critical role for closest packing in the structures of the acid and anhydrous and aqueous metal salts. In most compounds, the centers of masses of oxalate ions lie in the planes and form trigonal loops with average bond lengths and angles of 5–6 Å and 60°, respectively. The dimensions and distortions of the nets depend on the proximity of the cations and/or water molecules to the planes. For the structures of one cation, the influence of the quantity of water on the arrangement of oxalate ions is shown. The relationship between the polymorphism and variations of orientations and packings of oxalate ions is discussed. The analysis gives grounds for predicting the structural arrangement of ionic or molecular compounds provided that the structure-forming units have a pseudospherical form.     

The coupled TG-MS investigations of lanthanide(III) nitrate complexes with hexamethylenetetramine

New transition metal compounds of the general formula Ln(NO₃)₃·2[N₄(CH₂)₆]·nH₂O, where Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Lu, and n = 7-12, were obtained. The compounds and the gases evolved in the course of their thermal decomposition were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis. The measurements were carried out in air and argon environment in order to compare the intermediate products, final products and the mechanism of the thermal decomposition. The combined TG-MS system was used to identify the main volatile products of thermal decomposition and fragmentation processes of the obtained compounds. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.