Luminescence properties and quenching mechanisms of Ln(Tf2N)3 complexes in the ionic liquid bmpyr Tf2N

The emission properties, including luminescence lifetimes, of the lanthanide complexes Ln(Tf(2)N)(3) (Tf(2)N = bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide); Ln(3+) = Eu(3+), Tm(3+), Dy(3+), Sm(3+), Pr(3+), Nd(3+), Er(3+)) in the ionic liquid bmpyr Tf(2)N (bmpyr = 1-n-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium) are presented. The luminescence quantum efficiencies, η, and radiative lifetimes, τ(R), are determined for Eu(3+)((5)D(0)), Tm(3+)((1)D(2)), Dy(3+)((4)F(9/2)), Sm(3+)((4)G(5/2)), and Pr(3+)((3)P(0)) emission. The luminescence lifetimes in these systems are remarkably long compared to values typically reported for Ln(3+) complexes in solution, reflecting weak vibrational quenching. The 1.5 μm emission corresponding to the Er(3+) ((4)I(13/2)→(4)I(15/2)) transition, for example, exhibits a lifetime of 77 μs. The multiphonon relaxation rate constants are determined for 10 different Ln(3+) emitting states, and the trend in multiphonon relaxation is analyzed in terms of the energy gap law. The energy gap law does describe the general trend in multiphonon relaxation, but deviations from the trend are much larger than those normally observed for crystal systems. The parameters determined from the energy gap law analysis are consistent with those reported for crystalline hosts. Because Ln(3+) emission is known to be particularly sensitive to quenching by water in bmpyr Tf(2)N, the binding properties of water to Eu(3+) in solutions of Eu(Tf(2)N)(3) in bmpyr Tf(2)N have been quantified. It is observed that water introduced into these systems binds quantitatively to Ln(3+). It is demonstrated that Eu(Tf(2)N)(3) can be used as a reasonable internal standard, both for monitoring the dryness of the solutions and for estimating the quantum efficiencies and radiative lifetimes for visible-emitting [Ln(Tf(2)N)(x)](3-x) complexes in bmpyr Tf(2)N.     

Crystal engineering in ionic liquids. The crystal structures of [Mppyr]3[NdI6] and [Bmpyr]4[NdI6][Tf2N

Single crystals of [mppyr][NdI6] and [bmpyr][NdI6][Tf2N] are the first surprising examples of how the cation of an ionic liquid determines the compound formation from an ionic liquid. Depending upon the variation of the length of the alkyl chain of the quaternary pyrrolidinium cation (C3 and C4, respectively), incorporation of the anion of the ionic liquid, [Tf2N]-, can either be evoked or suppressed.     

Rare-earth iodides in ionic liquids: the crystal structure of [SEt3]3[LnI6] (Ln = Nd, Sm)

Crystals of [SEt3]3[LnI6] (Ln = Nd, Sm) were obtained by the reaction of LnI2 with the ionic liquid [SEt3][Tf2N] [Tf2N = bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide]. The compounds are characterized by octahedral [LnI6]3- units that are surrounded by a distorted cube of triethylsulfonium cations.     

Homoleptic alkaline earth metal bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide complex compounds obtained from an ionic liquid

The first homoleptic alkaline earth bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Tf2N) complexes [mppyr]2[Ca(Tf2N)4], [mppyr]2[Sr(Tf2N)4], and [mppyr][Ba(Tf2N)3] were crystallized from a solution of the respective alkaline earth bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and the ionic liquid [mppyr][Tf2N] (mppyr = 1,1-N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium). In the calcium and strontium compounds, the alkaline earth metal (AE) is coordinated by four bidentately chelating Tf2N ligands to form isolated (distorted) square antiprismatic [AE(Tf2N)4]2- complexes which are separated by N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium cations. In contrast, the barium compound, [mppyr][Ba(Tf2N)3], forms an extended structure. Here the alkaline earth cation is surrounded by six oxygen atoms belonging to three Tf2N- anions which coordinate in a bidentate chelating fashion. Three further oxygen atoms of the same ligands are linking the Ba2+ cations to infinite (infinity)(1)[Ba(Tf2N)3] chains.     

Kinetic study of the addition of trihalides to unsaturated compounds in ionic liquids. Evidence of a remarkable solvent effect in the reaction of ICl2-

The kinetic constants and activation parameters for the reactions of Br(3)(-) and ICl(2)(-) with some alkenes and alkynes have been determined in the ionic liquids [bmim][PF(6)], [emim][Tf(2)N], [bmim][Tf(2)N], [hmim][TF(2)N], [bm(2)im][Tf(2)N], and [bpy][TF(2)N] (where emim = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium, bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, hmim = 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium, bm(2)im = 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, bpy = butylpyridinium, PF(6) = hexafluorophosphate, and Tf(2)N = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and in 1,2-dichloroethane. The rates of both reactions increase on going from 1,2-dichloroethane to ILs. Evidence suggests that, while the hydrogen bonding ability of the imidazolium cation is probably the main factor able to increase the rate of the addition of ICl(2)(-) to double and triple bonds, this property has no effect on the electrophilic addition of Br(3)(-) to alkenes and alkynes. Furthermore, in the case of the ICl(2)(-) reaction, the hydrogen bonding ability of ILs can be exploited to suppress the unwanted nucleophilic substitution reaction on the products by the Cl(-) anion.     

The glass transition and the distribution of voids in room-temperature ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics study

The glass transition in prototypical room temperature ionic liquids has been investigated by molecular dynamics simulations based on an Amber-like empirical force field. Samples of [C(4)mim][PF(6)], [C(4)mim][Tf(2)N], and [C(3)mim][Tf(2)N] have been quenched from the liquid phase at T = 500 to a glassy state at T ～ 0 K in discontinuous steps of 20 K every 1.2 ns. The glass temperature estimated by simulation (T(g) = 209 K for [C(4)mim][PF(6)], T(g) = 204 K for [C(4)mim][Tf(2)N], and T(g) = 196 K for [C(3)mim][Tf(2)N]) agrees semi-quantitatively with the experimental values (T(g) = 193÷196 K for [C(4)mim][PF(6)], T(g) = 186÷189 K for [C(4)mim][Tf(2)N], and T(g) = 183 K for [C(3)mim][Tf(2)N]). A model electron density is introduced to identify voids in the system. The temperature dependence of the size distribution of voids provided by simulation reproduce well the experimental results of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy reported in G. Dlubek, Y. Yu, R. Krause-Rehberg, W. Beichel, S. Bulut, N. Pogodina, I. Krossing, and Ch. Friedrich, J. Chem. Phys. 133, 124502 (2010), with only one free parameter needed to fit the experimental data.     

Copper(I)-containing ionic liquids for high-rate electrodeposition

New metal-containing ionic liquids [Cu(CH(3)CN)(n)][Tf(2)N] (n=2, 4; Tf(2)N=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)- amide) have been synthesised and used as a non-aqueous electrolyte for the electrodeposition of copper at current densities greater than 25 A dm(-2). The tetrahedral copper(I)-containing cation in [Cu(CH(3)CN)(4)][Tf(2)N] is structurally analogous to quaternary ammonium and phosphonium ionic liquids and overcomes problems of metal solubility and mass transport. Two CH(3)CN ligands are removed at elevated temperatures to give [Cu(CH(3)CN)(2)][Tf(2)N], which can be used as a concentrated non-aqueous electrolyte. The structural and electrochemical characterisation of these compounds is described herein.     

Steric modulation of coordination number and reactivity in the synthesis of lanthanoid(III) formamidinates

Reactions of a range of the readily prepared and sterically tunable N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidines with lanthanoid metals and bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury (Hg(C6F5)2) in THF have given an extensive series of tris(formamidinato)lanthanoid(III) complexes, [Ln(Form)3(thf)n], namely [La(o-TolForm)3(thf)2], [Er(o-TolForm)3(thf)], [La(XylForm)3(thf)], [Sm(XylForm)3], [Ln(MesForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Yb), [Ln(EtForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Ho and Yb), and [Ln(o-PhPhForm)3] (Ln=La, Nd, Sm and Er). [For an explanation of the N,N'-bis(aryl)formamidinate abbreviations used see Scheme 1.] Analogous attempts to prepare [Yb(o-TolForm)3] by this method invariably yielded [{Yb(o-TolForm)2(mu-OH)(thf)}2], but [Yb(o-TolForm)3] was isolated from a metathesis synthesis. X-ray crystal structures show exclusively N,N'-chelation of the Form ligands and a gradation in coordination number with Ln3+ size and with Form ligand bulk. The largest ligands, MesForm, EtForm and o-PhPhForm give solely homoleptic complexes, the first two being six-coordinate, the last having an eta1-pi-Ar--Ln interaction. Reaction of lanthanoid elements and Hg(C6F5)2 with the still bulkier DippFormH in THF resulted in C--F activation and formation of [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Ce, Nd, Sm and Tm) complexes, and o-HC6F4O(CH2)4DippForm in which the formamidine is functionalised by a ring-opened THF that has trapped tetrafluorobenzyne. Analogous reactions between Ln metals, Hg(o-HC6F4)2 and DippFormH yielded [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] (Ln=La, Sm and Nd) and 3,4,5-F3C6H2O(CH2)4DippForm. X-ray crystal structures of the heteroleptic fluorides show six-coordinate monomers with two chelating DippForm ligands and cisoid fluoride and THF ligands in a trigonal prismatic array. The organometallic species [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] (Ln=Nd or Sm) are obtained from reaction of Nd metal, bis(phenylethynyl)mercury (Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2) and DippFormH, and the oxidation of [Sm(DippForm)2(thf)2] with Hg(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)2, respectively. The monomeric, six-coordinate, cisoid [Ln(DippForm)2(C[triple chemical bond]CPh)(thf)] complexes have trigonal prismatic geometries and rare (for Ln) terminal C[triple chemical bond]CPh groups with contrasting Ln--C[triple chemical bond]C angles (Ln=Nd, 170.9(4) degrees; Ln=Sm, 142.9(7) degrees). Their formation lends support to the view that [Ln(DippForm)2F(thf)] complexes arise from oxidative formation and C--F activation of [Ln(DippForm)2(C6F5)] intermediates.     

Orthonitridoborate ions [BN3]6- in oxonitridosilicate cages: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of Ba4Pr7[Si12N23O][BN3], Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3], and Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3

The isotypic title compounds Ba4Pr7[Si12N23O][BN3], Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3], and Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3] were prepared by reaction of Pr, Nd, or Sm, with barium, BaCO3, Si(NH)2, and poly(boron amide imide) in nitrogen atmosphere in tungsten crucibles using a radiofrequency furnace at temperatures up to 1650 C. They were obtained as main products (approximately 70%) embedded in a very hard glass matrix in the form of intense dark green (Pr), orange-brown (Sm), or dark red (Nd) large single crystals, respectively. The stoichiometric composition of Ba4Sm7[Si12N23O][BN3] was verified by a quantitative elemental analysis. According to the single-crystal X-ray structure determinations (Ba4Ln7[Si12N23][BN3], Z= , P6 with Ln = Pr: a = 1225.7(1), c = 544.83(9) pm, R1 = 0.013, wR2 = 0.030; Ln = Nd: a = 1222.6(1), c = 544.6(1) pm, R1 = 0.017, wR2 = .039; Ln = Sm: a = 1215.97(5), c = 542.80(5) pm, R1 = 0.047, wR2 = 0.099) all three compounds are built up by a framework structure [Si12N23O]23- of corner-sharing SiX4 tetrahedrons (X = O, N). The oxygen atoms are randomly distributed over the X positions. The trigonal-planar orthonitridoborate ions [BN3]6- and also the Ln(3)3+ are situated in hexagonal cages of the framework (bond lengths Si-(N/O) 169-179 pm for Ln=Pr). The remaining Ba2+ and Ln3- ions are positioned in channels of the large-pored network. The trigonal-planar [BN3]6- ions have a B-N distance of 147.1(6) pm (for Ln = Pr). Temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements for Ba4Nd7[Si12N23O][BN3] revealed Curie-Weiss behavior above 60 K with an experimental magnetic moment of muexp = 3.36(5) microB/Nd. The deviation from Curie-Weiss behavior below 60 K may be attributed to crystal field splitting of the J = 9/2 ground state of the Nd3+ ions. No magnetic ordering is evident down to 4.2 K.     

Homogeneous enzymatic reactions in ionic liquids with poly(ethylene glycol)-modified subtilisin

Subtilisin Carlsberg was covalently modified with comb-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (PM13). PM13-modified subtilisin (PM13-Sub) was readily solubilized in three different ionic liquids (ILs), i.e., [Emim][Tf2N], [C2OC1mim][Tf2N] and [C2OHmim][Tf2N]. Analysis of homogeneous enzymatic reactions in the ILs revealed that PM13-Sub exhibited excellent catalytic performance while the native enzyme suspended in ILs showed no activity. Hydrophobicity of ILs slightly affected enzyme activity, and the relatively hydrophobic IL [Emim][Tf2N] was the preferred medium for enzymatic reactions, similar to enzymatic reactions in conventional organic solvents. Enzyme activity was much higher in [Emim][Tf2N] than in conventional organic solvents, and excellent activity was associated with unique properties of ILs such as hydrophobicity and high polarity. Furthermore, PM13-Sub showed good stability in [Emim][Tf2N], and maintained 80% of its initial activity after 60 h.     

Role of the ancillary ligand N,N-dimethylaminoethanol in the sensitization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) luminescence in dimeric beta-diketonates

Two types of dimeric complexes [Ln2(hfa)6(mu2-O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] and [Ln(thd)2(mu2,eta2-O(CH2)2NMe2)]2 (Ln = YIII, EuIII, GdIII, TbIII, TmIII, LuIII; hfa- = hexafluoroacetylacetonato, thd- = dipivaloylmethanato) are obtained by reacting [Ln(hfa)3(H2O)2] and [Ln(thd)3], respectively, with N,N-dimethylaminoethanol in toluene and are fully characterized. X-ray single crystal analysis performed for the TbIII compounds confirms their dimeric structure. The coordination mode of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol depends on the nature of the beta-diketonate. In [Tb2(hfa)6(mu2-O(CH2)2NHMe2)2], eight-coordinate TbIII ions adopt distorted square antiprismatic coordination environments and are O-bridged by two zwitterionic N,N-dimethylaminoethanol ligands with a Tb1...Tb2 separation of 3.684(1) A. In [Tb(thd)2(mu2,eta2-O(CH2)2NMe2)]2, the N,N-dimethylaminoethanol acts as chelating-bridging O,N-donor anion and the TbIII ions are seven-coordinate; the Tb1...Tb1A separation amounts to 3.735(2) A within centrosymmetric dimers. The dimeric complexes are thermally stable up to 180 degrees C, as shown by thermogravimetric analysis, and their volatility is sufficient for quantitative sublimation under reduced pressure. The EuIII and TbIII dimers display metal-centered luminescence, particularly [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] (quantum yield Q(L)Ln = 58%) and [Tb(thd)2(O(CH2)2NMe2)]2 (32%). Consideration of energy migration paths within the dimers, based on the study of both pure and EuIII- or TbIII-doped (0.01-0.1 mol %) LuIII analogues, leads to the conclusion that both the beta-diketone and N,N-dimethylaminoethanol ligands contribute significantly to the sensitization process of the EuIII luminescence. The ancillary ligand increases considerably the luminescence of [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2], compared to [Ln(hfa)3(H2O)2], through the formation of intra-ligand states while it is detrimental to TbIII luminescence in both beta-diketonates. Thin films of the most luminescent compound [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] obtained by vacuum sublimation display photophysical properties analogous to those of the solid-state sample, thus opening perspectives for applications in electroluminescent devices.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of U(IV)-hexachloro complexes in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N

The behavior of U(IV) octahedral complexes [cation]2[UCl6], where the [cation]+ is [BuMeIm]+ and [MeBu3N]+, is studied using UV/visible spectroscopy, cyclic staircase voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry in hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) [BuMeIm][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N], where BuMeIm+ and MeBu3N+ are 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and tri-n-butylmethylammonium cations, respectively, and Tf2N- is the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. The absorption spectra of [cation]2[UCl6] complexes in the RTIL solutions are similar to the diffuse solid-state reflectance spectra of the corresponding solid species, indicating that the octahedral complex UCl6(2-) is the predominant chemical form of U(IV) in Tf2N--based hydrophobic ionic liquids. Hexachloro complexes of U(IV) are stable to hydrolysis in the studied RTILs. Voltammograms of UCl(6)2- at the glassy carbon electrode in both RTILs and at the potential range of -2.5 to +1.0 V versus Ag/Ag(I) reveal the following electrochemical couples: UCl6-/UCl6(2-) (quasi-reversible system), UCl(6)2-/UCl6(3-) (quasi-reversible system), and UCl(6)2-/UCl6(Tf2N)x-3+x (irreversible reduction). The voltammetric half-wave potential, Ep/2, of the U(V)/U(IV) couple in [BuMeIm][Tf2N] is positively shifted by 80 mV compared with that in [MeBu3N][Tf2N]. The positive shift in the Ep/2 value for the quasi-reversible U(IV)/U(III) couple is much greater (250 mV) in [BuMeIm][Tf2N]. Presumably, the potential shift is due to the specific interaction of BuMeIm+ with the uranium-hexachloro complex in ionic liquid. Scanning the negative potential to -3.5 V in [MeBu3N][Tf2N] solutions of UCl6(2-) reveals the presence of an irreversible cathodic process at the peak potential equal to -3.12 V (at 100 mV/s and 60 degrees C), which could be attributed to the reduction of U(III) to U(0).     

Thermal effect on C-H stretching vibrations of the imidazolium ring in ionic liquids

We have studied temperature dependent IR spectra of the C-H stretching modes of the imidazolium ring in [bmim][PF(6)], [bmim][Tf(2)N], [emim][Tf(2)N], [hmim][Tf(2)N], and [bmim][BF(4)]. Temperatures in this study are from 278 to 348 K at an interval of 10 K. Spectra of the C-H stretching modes have been deconvoluted using our previous computer program of the Voigt-lineshape function. Frequency shifts, Lorentzian spectral widths, and band absorbance were examined as a function of temperature. In order to interpret the observed behaviors, we have developed a simple mechanical model as well as a chemical equilibrium model. The model analyses suggest that enthalpy changes for the cluster and/or ion-pair breaking reactions in the liquid state are several kJ mol(-1) endothermic, and the degree of dissociations of ion pairs or hydrogen bonded clusters is in the range from 0.3 to 0.9 with different magnitudes for the five ionic liquids.     

Solvation of UCl6(2-) anionic complex by MeBu3N(+), BuMe2Im(+), and BuMeIm(+) cations

The complexes [MeBu 3N] 2[UCl 6] and [BuMe 2Im] 2[UCl 6] were characterized in the solid state and in solution of [MeBu 3N][Tf 2N], [BuMe 2Im][Tf 2N], and [BuMeIm][Tf 2N] room-temperature ionic liquids using single-crystal XRD, EXAFS, electrochemistry, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and NMR. In the solid state and in solution, the existence of hydrogen bonding between the UCl 6 (2-) complex and the ionic liquid cations was revealed by these techniques. The MeBu 3N (+) cation interacts with UCl 6 (2-) via the protons on the alpha-carbon atoms of nitrogen. The protons of the imidazolium ring account for the interaction between the BuMe 2Im (+) cation and the UCl 6 (2-) anion. For the BuMeIm (+) cation the major interaction was confirmed between the most acidic proton on C(2) and the chlorides of UCl 6 (2-). The experimental results also show that the intensity of the interaction between the UCl 6 (2-) anion and the cation varies with the ionic liquid cation in the following order: MeBu 3N (+) approximately BuMe 2Im (+) < BuMeIm (+).     

High current density electrodeposition from silver complex ionic liquids

Liquid metal salts are electrolytes with the highest possible metal concentration for electrodeposition, because the metal ion is an integral part of the solvent. This paper introduces the new ionic silver complexes [Ag(MeCN)(4)](2)[Ag(Tf(2)N)(3)], [Ag(MeCN)][Tf(2)N] and [Ag(EtIm)(2)][Tf(2)N], where MeCN stands for acetonitrile, EtIm for 1-ethylimidazole and Tf(2)N is bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. These complexes have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, single crystal X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetrical analysis, Raman spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. [Ag(MeCN)(4)](2)[Ag(Tf(2)N)(3)] is a room temperature ionic liquid. Smooth silver layers of good quality could be deposited from it, at current densities of up to 25 A dm(-2) in unstirred solutions. [Ag(EtIm)(2)][Tf(2)N] melts at 65 °C and can be used as an electrolyte for silver deposition above this temperature. [Ag(MeCN)][Tf(2)N] has a melting point that is too high to be useful in electrodeposition. Addition of thiourea or 1H-benzotriazole to the electrolyte decreased the surface roughness of the silver coatings. The morphology of the metal layers was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adsorption of 1H-benzotriazole on the silver metal surface has been proven by Raman spectroscopy. This work shows the usefulness of additives in improving the quality of metal films electrodeposited from ionic liquids.     

Surface characterization of functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquids

The surface composition of oligo(ethylene glycol) ether functionalized bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids has been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For [Me(EG)MIM][Tf 2N], [Et(EG) 2MIM][Tf 2N], and [Me(EG) 3MIM][Tf 2N], which vary by the number of ethylene glycol (EG) units (from 1 to 3), we have shown that the stoichiometry of the surface near region is in excellent agreement with the bulk stoichiometry, which confirms the high purity of the ionic liquid samples investigated and rules out pronounced surface orientation effects. This has been deduced from the experimental observation that the angle-resolved XP spectra of all elements present in the IL anions and cations (C, N, O, F, S) show identical signals in the bulk and surfaces sensitive geometry, i.e., at 0 degrees and 70 degrees emission angle, respectively. The relative intensity ratios of all elements were found to be in nearly perfect agreement with the nominal values for the individual ILs. In contrast to these findings, we identified surface-active impurities in [Me(EG)MIM]I, which is the starting material for the final anion exchange step to synthesize [Me(EG)MIM][Tf 2N]. Sputtering of the surface led to a depletion of this layer, which however recovered with time. The buildup of this contamination is attributed to a surface enrichment of a minor bulk contamination that shows surface activity in the iodide melt.     

Chloride complexation by uranyl in a room temperature ionic liquid. A computational study

The stepwise addition of 1 to 4 Cl(-) anions to the uranyl cation has been studied via potential of mean force (PMF) calculations in the [BMI][Tf 2N] ionic liquid based on the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation (BMI(+)) and the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (Tf2N(-)). According to these calculations, the four Cl(-) complexation reactions are favored and UO2Cl4(2-) is the most stable chloride complex in [BMI][Tf2N]. The solvation of the different chloro-complexes is found to evolve from purely anionic (ca. 5 Tf2N(-) ions around UO2(2+)) to purely cationic (ca. 8.5 BMI (+) cations around UO2Cl4(2-)), with onion-type alternation of solvent shells. We next compare the solvation of the UO2Cl4(2-) complex to its reduced analogue UO2Cl4(3-) in the [BMI][Tf2N] and [MeBu3N][Tf2N] liquids that possess the same anion, but differ by their cation (imidazolium BMI(+) versus ammonium MeBu3N(+)). The overall solvation structure of both complexes is found to be similar in both liquids with a first solvation shell formed exclusively of solvent cations (about 9 BMI(+) cations or 7 MeBu3N(+) cations). However, a given complex is better solvated by the [BMI][Tf2N] liquid, due to hydrogen bonding interactions between Cl(-) ligands and imidazolium-ring C-H protons. According to free energy calculations, the gain in solvation energy upon reduction of UO2Cl4(2-) to UO2Cl4(3-) is found to be larger in [BMI][Tf2N] than in [MeBu3N][Tf2N], which is fully consistent with recent experimental results (Inorg. Chem. 2006, 45, 10419).     

Organolanthanide-based synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from nitriles and diazo compounds

The reaction of [(C5Me5)2Ln][(mu-Ph)2BPh2] complexes with the lithium salt of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane, Li[Me3SiCN2], gave products formulated as the dimeric isocyanotrimethylsilyl amide complexes {(C5Me5)2Ln[mu-N(SiMe3)NC]}2 (Ln = Sm, 1; La, 2). Reactions of (C5Me5)2Sm and [(C5Me5)2Sm(mu-H)]2 with Me3SiCHN2 also form 1. Complexes 1 and 2 react with Me3CCN to form the 1,2,3-triazolato complexes (C5Me5)2Ln(NCCMe3)[NNC(SiMe3)C(CMe3)N] (Ln = Sm, 3; La, 4). Complex 2 reacts with Me3SiN3 to make the isocyanide ligated azide complex {(C5Me5)2La[CNN(SiMe3)2](mu-N3)}3, 5.     

Homoleptic 2-mercapto benzothiazolate uranium and lanthanide complexes

Treatment of [Ln(BH 4) 3(THF) 3] (Ln = Ce, Nd) with 3 and 4 mol equiv of KSBT in tetrahydrofuran (THF) led to the formation of [Ln(SBT) 3(THF)] and [K(THF)Ln(SBT) 4], respectively. The uranium(IV) compound [U(SBT) 4(THF) 2] was obtained from U(BH 4) 4 and was reversibly reduced by sodium amalgam into the corresponding anionic uranium(III) complex. The crystal structures of [Ln(SBT) 3(THF) 2] (Ln = Ce, Nd), [K(15-crown-5) 2][Nd(SBT) 4], [U(SBT) 4(THF)], and [K(15-crown-5) 2][U(SBT) 4(py)] show the bidentate coordination mode and the thionate character of the SBT ligand.     

Nucleophilicity in ionic liquids. 2.(1) Cation effects on halide nucleophilicity in a series of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids

In this work, the nucleophilicities of chloride, bromide, and iodide have been determined in the ionic liquids [bmim][N(Tf)(2)], [bm(2)im][N(Tf)(2)], and [bmpy][N(Tf)(2)] (where bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, bm(2)im = 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, bmpy = 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium, and N(Tf)(2) = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). It was found that in the [bmim](+) ionic liquid, chloride was the least nucleophilic halide, but that changing the cation of the ionic liquid affected the relative nucleophilicities of the halides. The activation parameters DeltaH(), DeltaS(), and DeltaG() have been estimated for the reaction of chloride in each ionic liquid, and compared to a similar reaction in dichloromethane, where these parameters were found for reaction by both the free ion and the ion pair.