Preparation and properties of the aqua ions [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](n+) (n = 5, 6) and crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O

The [3 + 1] reaction of [W(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with [W(CO)(6)] in 2 M HCl under hydrothermal conditions (130 degrees C) gives the [W(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) cuboidal cluster, reduction potential 35 mV vs NHE (6+/5+ couple). The reduced form is obtained by controlled potential electrolysis. X-ray crystal structure was determined for (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[W(4)S(4)(NCS)(12)].0.5H(2)O. The W-W and W-S bond lengths are 2.840 and 2.379 A, respectively.     

Interconversion and Reactivity of Two Heterometallic Tin-Containing Cuboidal Clusters from [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+): X-ray Structure of the Single Cube with an Mo(3)SnS(4) Core

The Mo(3)SnS(4)(6+) single cube is obtained by direct addition of Sn(2+) to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). UV-vis spectra of the product (0.13 mM) in 2.00 M HClO(4), Hpts, and HCl indicate a marked affinity of the Sn for Cl(-), with formation of the more strongly yellow [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](3+) complex complete in as little as 0.050 M Cl(-). The X-ray crystal structure of (Me(2)NH(2))(6)[Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)].0.5H(2)O has been determined and gives Mo-Mo (mean 2.730 ?) and Mo-Sn (mean 3.732 ?) distances, with a difference close to 1 ?. The red-purple double cube cation [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) is obtained by reacting Sn metal with [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). The double cube is also obtained in approximately 50% yield by BH(4)(-) reduction of a 1:1 mixture of [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+). Conversely two-electron oxidation of [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O(6)](3+) gives the single cube [Mo(3)SnS(4)(H(2)O)(12)](6+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) (up to 70% yield), followed by further two-electron oxidation to [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Sn(IV). The kinetics of the first stages have been studied using the stopped-flow method and give rate laws first order in [Mo(6)SnS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) and the Co(III) or Fe(III) oxidant. The oxidation with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) has no [H(+)] dependence, [H(+)] = 0.50-2.00 M. With Fe(III) as oxidant, reaction steps involving [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) and [Fe(H(2)O)(5)OH](2+) are implicated. At 25 degrees C and I = 2.00 M (Li(pts)) k(Co) is 14.9 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and k(a) for the reaction of [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) is 0.68 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) (both outer-sphere reactions). Reaction of Cu(2+) with the double but not the single cube is observed, yielding [Mo(3)CuS(4)(H(2)O)(10)](5+). A redox-controlled mechanism involving intermediate formation of Cu(+) and [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) accounts for the changes observed.     

Reactions of [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) with water-soluble tertiary phosphines

In aqueous solutions under mild conditions, [Ru(H(2)O)(6)](2+) was reacted with various water-soluble tertiary phosphines. As determined by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, reactions with the sulfonated arylphosphines L =mtppms, ptppms and mtppts yielded only the mono- and bisphosphine complexes, [Ru(H(2)O)(5)L](2+), cis-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+), and trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)L(2)](2+) even in a high ligand excess. With the small aliphatic phosphine L = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-[3.3.1.1(3,7)]decane (pta) at [L]:[Ru]= 12:1, the tris- and tetrakisphosphino species, [Ru(H(2)O)(3)(pta)(3)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(2)(pta)(4)](2+), [Ru(H(2)O)(OH)(pta)(4)](+), and [Ru(OH)(2)(pta)(4)] were also detected, albeit in minor quantities. These results have significance for the in situ preparation of Ru(II)-tertiary phosphine catalysts. The structures of the complexes trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaMe)(2)](tos)(4)x2H(2)O, trans-[Ru(H(2)O)(4)(ptaH)(2)](tos)(4)[middle dot]2H(2)O, and trans-mer-[RuI(2)(H(2)O)(ptaMe)(3)]I(3)x2H(2)O, containing protonated or methylated pta ligands (ptaH and ptaMe, respectively) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Interactions between GaO4Al12(OH)24(H2O)12(7+) and cellulosic materials

The adsorption qualities of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+), a polycation with ε-Keggin structure, and its stability in contact with anionic cellulosic materials, was investigated under different concentration and ionic strength conditions. The cellulosic materials employed were two different fully bleached fibre materials, carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), and a spin-coated cellulose model surface. As analytical techniques, pH-measurements, potentiometric titrations, ICP-OES, QCM-D, equilibrium calculations and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) were used. The adsorption is substantial and the addition of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) to a fibre suspension results in a rapid decrease in pH, followed by a small and slow increase in pH. This behaviour can be explained as due to a rapid and strong (log β>2) equilibrium adsorption of intact GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) ions, followed by a slow, and minor, 3-8%, decomposition into different monomers. Alternative layer by layer adsorption of this ion, and CMC, on a spin-coated cellulose model surface constitutes further evidence for the strong interactions between the anionic cellulose materials and GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+). It is shown that the adsorption observed could not be described as due to an unspecific Donnan adsorption behaviour, neither of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) nor Ga and Al monomers, and specific surface complex formation is therefore discussed and applied. The (≡COO)(7)GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12) species found to explain the pH- and metal adsorption data should be considered strictly as a stoichiometric entity.     

Lead hydro sodalite [Pb2(OH)(H2O)3]2[Al3Si3O12]2: synthesis and structure determination by combining X-ray rietveld refinement, 1H MAS NMR FTIR and XANES spectroscopy

Ion exchange of the sodium hydro sodalites [Na3(H2O)4]2-[Al3Si3O12]2 [Na4(H3O2)]2[Al3Si3O12]2 and [Na4(OH)]2[Al3Si3O12]2 with aqueous Pb(NO3)2 solutions yielded, whichever reactant sodalite phase was used, the same lead hydro sodalite, [Pb2(OH)-(H2O)3]2[Al3Si3O12]2. Thus, in the case of the non-basic reactant [Na3(H2O)4]2-[Al3Si3O12]2 an overexchange occurs with respect to the number of nonframework cationic charges. Rietveld structure refinement of the lead hydro sodalite based on powder X-ray diffraction data (cubic, a = 9.070 A, room temperature, space group P43n) revealed that the two lead cations within each polyhedral sodalite cage form an orientationally disordered dinuclear [Pb2(micro-OH)(micro-H2O)(H2O)2]3+ complex. Due to additional lead framework oxygen bonds the coordination environment of each metal cation (CN 3+3) is approximately spherical, and clearly the lead 6s electron lone pair is stereochemically inactive. This is also suggested by the absence of a small peak at 13.025 keV, attributed in other Pb2+-O compounds to an electronic 2p-6s transition, in the PbL3 edge XANES spectrum. 1H MAS NMR and FTIR spectra show that the hydrogen atoms of the aqua hydroxo complex (which could not be determined in the Rietveld analysis) are involved in hydrogen bonds of various strengths.     

Nanospheric [M20(OH)12(maleate)12(Me2NH)12]4+ clusters (M = Co, Ni) with O(h) symmetry

Nanospheric hydroxo-bridged clusters of [M(20)(OH)(12)(maleate)(12)(Me(2)NH)(12)](BF(4))(3)(OH)·nH(2)O (M = Co (1), Ni (2)) with O(h) symmetry were afforded under hydrothermal condition with Co(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O/Ni(BF(4))(2)·6H(2)O and fumaric acid in a DMF/EtOH mixed solvent. They are characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and X-ray diffraction. X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses show that these two complexes are isostructural containing an ideally cubic M(8) core in that each two M atoms are doubly bridged at the edges by one OH(-) and one maleate, while these OH(-) and maleate groups are coordinated further by exterior identical 12 M atoms which construct a perfect M(12) icosahedron to encapsulate the cubic core. To our knowledge, such large clusters with O(h) symmetry are seldom. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that these two isostructures exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Electronic structure of oxidized complexes derived from cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)2(H2O)2]2+ and its photoisomerization mechanism

The geometry and electronic structure of cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) and its higher oxidation state species up formally to Ru(VI) have been studied by means of UV-vis, EPR, XAS, and DFT and CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations. DFT calculations of the molecular structures of these species show that, as the oxidation state increases, the Ru-O bond distance decreases, indicating increased degrees of Ru-O multiple bonding. In addition, the O-Ru-O valence bond angle increases as the oxidation state increases. EPR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations indicate that low-spin configurations are favored for all oxidation states. Thus, cis-[Ru(IV)(bpy)(2)(OH)(2)](2+) (d(4)) has a singlet ground state and is EPR-silent at low temperatures, while cis-[Ru(V)(bpy)(2)(O)(OH)](2+) (d(3)) has a doublet ground state. XAS spectroscopy of higher oxidation state species and DFT calculations further illuminate the electronic structures of these complexes, particularly with respect to the covalent character of the O-Ru-O fragment. In addition, the photochemical isomerization of cis-[Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) to its trans-[Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) isomer has been fully characterized through quantum chemical calculations. The excited-state process is predicted to involve decoordination of one aqua ligand, which leads to a coordinatively unsaturated complex that undergoes structural rearrangement followed by recoordination of water to yield the trans isomer.     

Dimer-of-dimers model for the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II. Synthesis and properties of [MnIV4O5(terpy)4(H2O)2](ClO4)6

A dimer-of-dimers model compound for the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, [[(H(2)O)(terpy)Mn(IV)(micro-O)(2)Mn(IV)(terpy)](2)(micro-O)](ClO(4))(6) (terpy = 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine), has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography and ESI-MS. Low pH was found to promote the disproportionation of [Mn(III/IV)(2)O(2)(terpy)(2)(OH(2))(2)](3+) to Mn(2+) and a Mn(IV/IV)(2)O(2)(terpy)(2) species; the latter complex slowly dimerizes to form the title complex. Protonation of a micro-oxo bridge is proposed to initiate the disproportionation, based on analogy with the [Mn(III/)(IV)(2)O(2)(bpy)(4)](3+) system.     

Synthesis and characterization of a twin Cubane-type molybdenum-rhodium-sulfur cluster, [{Mo3RhCp*S4(H2O)7(O)}2]8+. X-ray structure of [{Mo3RhCpS4(H2O7O}2](CH3C6H4SO3)(8).14H2O

The reaction of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) (1) with [(CpRhCl(2))(2)] afforded a novel rhodium-molybdenum cluster, [{Mo(3)RhCpS(4)(H(2)O)(7)(O)}(2)](8+) (2). X-ray structure analysis of [2](pts)(8).14H(2)O (pts(-) = CH(3)C(6)H(4)SO(3)(-)) has revealed the existence of a new oxo-bridged twin cubane-type core, (Mo(3)RhCpS(4))(2)(O)(2). The high affinity of the CpRh group for sulfur atoms in 1 seems to be the main driving force for this reaction. The strong Lewis acidity of the CpRh group in intermediate A, [Mo(3)RhCpS(4)(H(2)O)(9)](6+), caused a release of proton from one of the water molecules attached to the molybdenum atoms to give intermediate B, [Mo(3)RhCpS(4)(H(2)O)(8)(OH)](5+). The elimination of two water molecules from two intermediate B molecules, followed by the deprotonation reaction of hydroxo bridges, generated the twin cubane-type cluster 2. The formal oxidation states of rhodium and molybdenum atoms are the same before and after the reaction (i.e., Mo(IV)(3), Rh(III)). The Mo-O-Mo moieties in [2](pts)(8).14H(2)O are nearly linear with a bond angle of 164.3(3) degrees, and the basicity of the bridging oxygen atoms seems to be weak. For this reason, protonation at the bridging oxygen atoms does not occur even in a strongly acidic aqueous solution. The binding energy values of Mo 3d(5/2), Rh 3d(5/2), and C 1s obtained from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements for [2](pts)(8).14H(2)O are 229.8, 309.3, and 285 eV, respectively. The XPS measurements on the Rh 3d(5/2) binding energy indicate that the oxidation state of Rh is 3+. The binding energy of Mo 3d(5/2) (229.8 eV) compares with that observed for [1](pts)(4).7H(2)O (230.7 eV, Mo 3d(5/2)). A lower energy shift (0.9 eV) is observed in the binding energy of Mo 3d(5/2) for [2](pts)(8).14H(2)O. This energy shift may correspond to the coordination of an oxygen atom having a negative charge to the molybdenum atom.     

Crystal engineering through face interactions between tetrahedral and octahedral building blocks: crystal structure of [epsilon-Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]2[V2W4O19]3(OH)2).27H2O

A new intercluster salt crystal [epsilon-Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]2[V2W4O19]3(OH)2).27H2O (1) was synthesized from the reaction of octahedral Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate [V2W4O19](4-) and truncated tetrahedral Keggin-type [epsilon-Al13O4(OH)24-H2O)(12)](7+) cluster ions. The crystal structure shows that the oppositely charged cluster ions are arranged alternately and have their contacting faces parallel to each other for maximal interactions, both electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. The face-to-face interaction mode of the clusters allows analysis of the crystal structure in an analogy to the bond directionality of conventional inorganic crystals. Therefore, the packing of clusters in 1 is that of As2O3 (Claudetite-II). With the bond directionality, the crystal has large one-dimensional channels with a cross-sectional area of 14.17 x 13.88 A(2) that are filled by lattice water and charge-balancing OH-.     

Reactions of acetonitrile coordinated to a nitrosylruthenium complex with H2O or CH(3)OH under mild conditions: structural characterization of imido-type complexes

The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) in H(2)O at room temperature proceeded to afford two new nitrosylruthenium complexes. These complexes have been identified as nitrosylruthenium complexes containing the N-bound methylcarboxyimidato ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+), and methylcarboxyimido acid ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+), formed by an electrophilic reaction at the nitrile carbon of the acetonitrile coordinated to the ruthenium ion. The X-ray structure analysis on a single crystal obtained from CH(3)CN-H(2)O solution of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(3) has been performed: C(22)H(20.5)N(6)O(2)P(2.5)F(15)Ru, orthorhombic, Pccn, a = 15.966(1) A, b = 31.839(1) A, c = 11.707(1) A, V = 5950.8(4) A(3), and Z = 8. The structural results revealed that the single crystal consisted of 1:1 mixture of cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(O)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](2+) and cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH)CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+) and the structural formula of this single crystal was thus [Ru(NO)(NH=C(OH(0.5))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(2.5). The reaction of cis-[Ru(NO)(CH(3)CN)(bpy)(2)](3+) in dry CH(3)OH-CH(3)CN at room temperature afforded a nitrosylruthenium complex containing the methyl methylcarboxyimidate ligand, cis-[Ru(NO)(NH=C(OCH(3))CH(3))(bpy)(2)](3+). The structure has been determined by X-ray structure analysis: C(25)H(29)N(8)O(18)Cl(3)Ru, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.129(1) A, b = 17.053(1) A, c = 15.711(1) A, beta = 90.876(5) degrees, V = 3517.3(4) A(3), and Z = 4.     

Bridging nitrate groups in [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))(O(2)CMe)(3)(R(2)dbm)(3)] (R = H, Et) and [Mn(4)O(2)(NO(3))(O(2)CEt)(6)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)): acidolysis routes to tetranuclear manganese carboxylate complexes

New synthesis procedures are described to tetranuclear manganese carboxylate complexes containing the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) or [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) (X(-) = MeCO(2)(-), F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-)) core. These involve acidolysis reactions of [Mn(4)O(3)(O(2)CMe)(4)(dbm)(3)] (1; dbm is the anion of dibenzoylmethane) or [Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)CEt)(6)(dbm)(2)] (8) with HX (X(-) = F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-)); high-yield routes to 1 and 8 are also described. The X(-) = NO(3)(-) complexes [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))(O(2)CR)(3)(R'(2)dbm)(3)] (R = Me, R' = H (6); R = Me, R' = Et (7); R = Et, R' = H (12)) represent the first synthesis of the [Mn(4)O(3)(NO(3))](6+) core, which contains an unusual eta(1):mu(3)-NO(3)(-) group. Treatment of known [Mn(4)O(2)(O(2)CEt)(7)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) with HNO(3) gives [Mn(4)O(2)(NO(3))(O(2)CEt)(6)(bpy)(2)](ClO(4)) (15) containing a eta(1):eta(1):mu-NO(3)(-) group bridging the two body Mn(III) ions of the [Mn(4)O(2)](8+) butterfly core. Complex 7 x 4CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with (at -168 degrees C) a = 21.110(3) A, b = 22.183(3) A, c = 15.958(2) A, Z = 4, and V = 7472.4(3) A(3). Complex 15 x (3)/(2)CH(2)Cl(2) crystallizes in space group P2(1)/c with (at -165 degrees C) a = 26.025(4) A, b = 13.488(2) A, c = 32.102(6) A, beta = 97.27(1) degrees, Z = 8, and V = 11178(5) A(3). Complex 7 contains a [Mn(4)(mu(3)-O)(3)(mu(3)-NO(3))](6+) core (3Mn(III), Mn(IV)) as seen for previous [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complexes. Complex 15 contains a butterfly [Mn(4)(mu(3)-O)(2)](8+) core. (1)H NMR spectra have been recorded for all complexes reported in this work and the various resonances assigned. All complexes retain their structural integrity on dissolution in chloroform and dichloromethane. Magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)) data were collected on 12 in the 5-300 K range in a 10.0 kG (1 T) field. Fitting of the data to the theoretical chi(M) vs T expression appropriate for a [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complex of C(3)(v)() symmetry gave J(34) = -23.9 cm(-)(1), J(33) = 4.9 cm(-)(1), and g = 1.98, where J(34) and J(33) refer to the Mn(III)Mn(IV) and Mn(III)Mn(III) pairwise exchange interactions, respectively. The ground state of the molecule is S = 9/2, as found previously for other [Mn(4)O(3)X](6+) complexes. This was confirmed by magnetization data collected at various fields and temperatures. Fitting of the data gave S = 9/2, D = -0.45 cm(-1), and g = 1.96, where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter.     

Preparation and Properties of the Corner-Shared Double Cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) as a Derivative of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) in Aqueous Acidic Solutions

The reaction of [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) with Bi(III) in the presence of BH(4)(-) (rapid), or with Bi metal shot (3-4 days), gives a heterometallic cluster product. The latter has been characterized as the corner-shared double cube [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) by the following procedures. Analyses by ICP-AES confirm the Mo:Bi:S ratio as 6:1:8. Elution from a cation-exchange column by 4 M Hpts (Hpts = p-toluenesulfonic acid), but not 2 M Hpts (or 4 M HClO(4)), is consistent with a high charge. The latter is confirmed as 8+ from the 3:1 stoichiometries observed for the oxidations with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) or [Fe(H(2)O)(6)](3+) yielding [Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9)](4+) and Bi(III) as products. Heterometallic clusters [Mo(6)MS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) are now known for M = Hg, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi and are a feature of the P-block main group metals. The color of [Mo(6)BiS(8)(H(2)O)(18)](8+) in 2.0 M Hpts (turquoise) is different from that in 2.0 M HCl (green-blue). Kinetic studies (25 degrees C) for uptake of a single chloride k(f) = 0.80 M(-)(1) s(-)(1), I = 2.0 M (Hpts), and the high affinity for Cl(-) (K > 40 M(-)(1)) exceeds that observed for complexing at Mo. A specific heterometal interaction of the Cl(-) not observed in the case of other double cubes is indicated. The Cl(-) can be removed by cation-exchange chromatography with retention of the double-cube structure. Kinetic studies with [Co(dipic)(2)](-) and hexaaqua-Fe(III) as oxidants form part of a survey of redox properties of this and other clusters. The Cl(-) adduct is more readily oxidized by [Co(dipic)(2)](-) (factor of approximately 10) and is also more air sensitive.     

Formation of a spiral-shaped inorganic-organic hybrid chain, [Cu(II)(2,2'-bipy)(H(2)O)(2)Al(OH)(6)Mo(6)O(18)](n)()(n)()(-): influence of intra- and interchain supramolecular interactions

A novel chainlike coordination polymer [Cu(II)(2,2'-bipy)(H(2)O)(2)Al(OH)(6)Mo(6)O(18)](n)()(n)()(-), formed from a heteropolyanion [Al(OH)(6)Mo(6)O(18)](3)(-) as a building unit and a copper(II) complex fragment, [Cu(II)(2,2'-bipy)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), as a linker, provides the first example of an extended structure based on an Anderson type of polyanion and a transition metal complex with organic ligand. The intra- and interchain O-H.O hydrogen-bonding interactions are seemingly responsible for the spiral shape of this chain. Crystal data: triclinic space group Ponemacr;, a = 11.2253(18) A, b = 14.5194(17) A, c = 15.2672(10) A, alpha = 112.191(8) degrees, beta = 106.693(9) degrees, gamma = 93.916(13) degrees, and Z = 2.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of [Ag(UO2)3(OAc)9][Zn(H2O)4(CH3CH2OH)2]: a novel compound containing closed-shell 3d10, 4d10 and 5d10 metal ions

[Ag(UO(2))(3) (OAc)(9)][Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)] (, OAc = CH(3)COO(-)) crystallized from an ethanol solution and its structure was determined by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallography; it is composed of [Zn(H(2)O)(4)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)](2+) cations and [Ag(UO(2))(3)(OAc)(9)](2-) anions in which triuranyl [(UO(2))(OAc)(3)](3) clusters are linked by the Ag ion.     

Transition metal containing decatungstosilicate dimer [M(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (M = Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+))

The new, monometal substituted silicotungstates [Mn(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (1), [Co(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (2) and [Ni(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)](10-) (3) have been synthesized and isolated as the potassium salts K(10)[Mn(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 8.25 H(2)O (K-1), K(10)[Co(H(2)O0(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 8.25 H(2)O (K-2) and K(10)[Ni(H(2)O)(2)(gamma-SiW(10)O(35))(2)] x 13.5 H(2)O (K-3), which have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and cyclic voltammetry. Polyanions 1-3 are composed of two (gamma-SiW(10)O(36)) units fused on one side via two W-O-W' bridges and on the other side by an octahedrally coordinated trans-MO(4)(OH(2))(2) transition metal fragment, resulting in a structure with C(2v) point group symmetry. Anions 1-3 were synthesized by reaction of the dilacunary precursor [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) with Mn(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+) ions, respectively, in 1 M KCl solution at pH 4.5. The electrochemical properties of 1-3 were studied by cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry in a pH 5 buffer medium. The waves associated with the W-centers are compared with each other and with those of the parent lacunary precursor [gamma-SiW(10)O(36)](8-) in the same medium. They appear to be dominated by the acid-base properties of the intermediate reduced species. A facile merging of the waves for 3 is observed while those for 1 and 2 remain split. Controlled potential coulometry of the single wave of 3 or the combined waves of 1 and 2 is accompanied by catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction. No redox activity was detected for the Ni(2+) center in 3, whereas the Co(2+) center in 2 shows a one-electron redox process. The two-electron, chemically reversible process of the Mn(2+) center in 1 is accompanied by a film deposition on the electrode surface.     

Two iron-containing tungstogermanates: [K(H2O)(beta-Fe2GeW10O37(OH))(gamma-GeW10O36)]12- and [{beta-Fe2GeW10O37(OH)2}2]12-

Interaction of the dilacunary polyanion precursor [gamma-GeW(10)O(36)](8-) with Fe(3+) ions in aqueous buffer medium (pH 4.8) results in the formation of two dimeric tungstogermanates depending on the reactant ratios. When using an Fe3+ to [gamma-GeW(10)O(36)](8-) ratio of 1:1, the asymmetric anion [K(H(2)O)(beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)(OH))(gamma-GeW(10)O(36))](12-) (1) is formed, whereas [{beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)(OH)2}2]12- (2) is formed when using a ratio of 2:1. Single-crystal X-ray analyses were carried out on Cs(3)K(9)[K(H(2)O)(beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)(OH))(gamma-GeW(10)O(36))].19H(2)O (CsK-1), which crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, a = 11.4547(2), b = 19.9181(5), c = 21.0781(6) A, alpha = 66.7977(12), beta = 89.1061(12), gamma = 84.4457(11) degrees, and Z = 2 and on Cs(7)K(4)Na[{beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)(OH)(2)}(2)].39H(2)O (CsKNa-2), which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/m, a = 32.7569(13), b = 12.2631(5), c = 14.2895(5) A, beta = 104.135(2) degrees , and Z = 2. Polyanion 1 consists of (beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)) and (gamma-GeW(10)O(36)) units linked via two Fe-O-W bridges and a central potassium ion. Two equivalent FeO(6) octahedra complete the belt of the beta-Keggin unit and link to the (gamma-GeW(10)O(36)) fragment. On the other hand, 2 consists of two {beta-Fe(2)GeW(10)O(37)(OH)(2)} units with four bridging hydroxo groups linking the four Fe(3+) ions, forming an eight-membered ring. The magnetic properties of CsK-1 and CsKNa-2 have been studied by magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements and fitted according to an isotropic exchange model. Both polyanions 1 and 2 exhibit diamagnetic ground states with a small amount of paramagnetic impurity. Electrochemistry studies on 1 and 2 were carried out in a pH 5 acetate medium. The two polyanions have in common the simultaneous reduction of all of their Fe(3+) centers. This observation suggests the existence of identical or almost-identical influences on these centers and their equivalence, especially in the reduced state. Controlled potential coulometry results indicate the presence of two Fe(3+) centers in 1 and four in 2. The splitting of the tungsten wave of 1 compared to the single tungsten wave of 2 is attributed to a difference in acid-base properties of the polyanions. Voltammetric peak-potential shifts as a function of pH were studied in the case of 2.     

Synthesis and x-ray crystal structure of [(THF)Zn(O(2)(OH)SiR)](4) (R = (2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))): enroute to larger aggregates

Reaction of aminosilanetriol RSi(OH)(3) (1) (R = (2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))) with diethyl zinc at room temperature in 1:1 stoichiometric ratio affords [(THF)Zn(O(2)(OH)SiR)](4) (2) (R = (2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))) in good yield. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 2 is monoclinic, P2(1), with a = 17.117(3) A, b = 16.692(5) A, c = 17.399(4) A, alpha = gamma = 90 degrees, beta = 91.45(7) degrees, and Z = 2. The molecular structure of 2 contains two puckered eight-membered Zn(2)Si(2)O(4) rings, which are connected by the Zn-O bonds and form two planar four-membered Zn(2)O(2) rings. Compound 2 contains an unreacted hydroxyl group on each silicon atom, and hence, we carried out the reactions of 2 with dimethylzinc and methyllithium to form [Zn(4)(THF)(4)(MeZn)(4)(O(3)SiR)(4)] (3) (R = (2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))) and [(L)ZnLi(O(3)SiR)](4) (4) (L = 1,4-(Me(2)N)(2)C(6)H(4), R = (2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3))N(SiMe(3))), respectively. This suggested that 2 could be an intermediate product formed during the synthesis of 3 and 4.     

Polyoxoanions Derived from [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-)-Containing Oxo-Centered Dinuclear Chromium(III) Carboxylato Complexes: Synthesis and Single-Crystal Structural Determination of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-)

The previously unknown heteropolyoxometalates [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCR)(2)(OH(2))(2)](5-) (R = H, CH(3)) have been prepared by the reaction of [gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)](8-) with [Cr(OH(2))(6)](3+) in formate or acetate buffer solution. Isolation of these new Cr(III)-substituted polyoxometalates was accomplished both as Cs(+) salts and as the Bu(4)N(+) salt for the acetate-containing anion. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, UV/vis, IR, and ESR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The single-crystal X-ray structural analysis of (Bu(4)N)(3)H(2)[gamma-SiO(4)W(10)O(32)(OH)Cr(2)(OOCCH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)].3H(2)O [P2(1)2(1)2(1); a = 17.608(12), b = 20.992(13), c = 24.464(11) ?; Z = 4; R = 0.057 for 6549 observed independent reflections] reveals that the two corner-linked CrO(6) octahedra are additionally bridged by two acetate groups, demonstrating the relationship to the well-studied oxo-centered trinuclear carboxylato complexes of Cr(III).     

Single ion and dimerization studies of the Al(III) ion in aqueous solution

Aqueous trivalent aluminum (Al) ions and their oligomers play important roles in diverse areas, such as environmental sciences and medicine. The geometries of octahedral Al(H(2)O)(6)(3+) and tetrahedral Al(OH)(4)(-) species have been studied extensively. However, structures of intermediate hydrolysis products of the Al(III) ion, such as the penta-coordinated Al(OH)(2+) species, which exists at pH values ranging from 3.0 to 4.3, and their mode of formation have been poorly understood. Here, we present that a trigonal bipyramidal Al(OH)(H(2)O)(4)(2+) structure is formed in aqueous solution and how this monomeric species dimerizes to a dinuclear [(H(2)O)(4)Al(OH)(2)Al(H(2)O)(4)](4+) complex in aqueous solution. The Gibbs free energy change calculations indicate that the formation of the dinuclear complex is preferred over the existence of two single trigonal bipyramidal Al(OH)(H(2)O)(4)(2+) species in aqueous solution. This study captures the solution dynamics and proton transfer in the oligomerization reactions of penta-coordinated Al(OH)(2+) species in aqueous solution.