Effect of SiO2 on the dynamics of proton conducting [Nafion/(SiO2)X] composite membranes: a solid-state 19F NMR study

Composite membranes, consisting of Nafion and inorganic oxide additives, are frequently discussed alternative materials to overcome the known low conductivity of pure Nafion at temperatures above 100 °C and at low relative humidity. It has been reported that under dry conditions, these membranes show enhanced water uptake and diffusion as compared to filler-free Nafion. This work focuses on the polymer mobility in Nafion/SiO(2) composites and on the impact of the silica particles on the polymer dynamics. [Nafion/(SiO(2))(X)] composite membranes (with X ranging from 0 to 15 wt%) in the dry and wet states were investigated by variable temperature solid-state (19)F NMR spectroscopy. (19)F T(1) and T(1ρ) relaxation times, and NMR lineshapes (linewidths and spinning sideband intensities) were analyzed to get information about the polymer mobility. It is found that Nafion composite membranes, in general, possess a higher mobility as compared to recast Nafion which is in agreement with previous results from conductivity studies. These findings are attributed to the ability of the SiO(2) particles to keep more water inside the composite membranes which also leads to a higher mobility of the polymer component. The results are further supported by the experimental (19)F{(1)H} CP/MAS NMR spectra. It is also shown that the structure of the composite membranes is more stable after dehydration, and possible condensation reactions are diminished in these membranes. In addition, the decrease in ionic exchange capacity after dehydration is less pronounced for the composite membranes as compared to filler-free Nafion.     

Mixed crystals containing the dioxo complex [[Ph3SiO]2VO2]- and novel pentacoordinated oxoperoxo complex [[Ph3SiO]2VO(O2)]-: X-ray crystal structure and assessment as oxidation catalysts

[n-Bu4N][[Ph3SiO]2VO2] reacts with H2O2 to yield an oxoperoxo complex which crystallizes as a mixed-crystal compound, [P(C6H5)4][[(C6H5)3 SiO]2VO2]x[[(C6H5)3 SiO]2VO(O2)](1-x), 1(x = 0.57). It has been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy (51V NMR, UV-visible and IR). The X-ray structure analysis reveals the presence of two interrelated anions: [[Ph3SiO]2VVO2]-, 1a, and [[Ph3SiO]2VVO(O2)]-, 1b with a cisoid geometry of the [VO(O2)]+ moiety. The two structures differ only slightly: anion 1a exhibits unusual tetrahedral coordination around the vanadium centre found in the precursor, whereas the geometry at the metal ion in 1b can be described as a trapezoidal pyramid. Steric constraints due to Ph3SiO- ligands and PPh4+ cations are responsible for this geometry. The reactivity of 1 in the C-C bond cleavage of 2-methylcyclohexanone under anaerobic conditions has been studied. The results suggest that peroxygen species are involved in the oxidative cleavage of C-C bonds of cycloalkanones.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono- and micro6-sulfato hexanuclear zinc complexes of a new symmetric dinucleating ligand

Zinc complexes of a new symmetric dinucleating ligand, N,N'-Bis[2-carboxybenzomethyl]-N,N'-Bis[carboxymethyl]-1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol (H5ccdp) with mixed donating groups, have been studied in the solid state as well as in solution. In methanol, the reaction of stoichiometric and substoichiometric amounts of Zn(ClO4)2 x 6H2O and the ligand H5ccdp, in the presence of K2CO3 or Et3N, afforded a mononuclear zinc complex, [Zn(H2O)6][Zn(H2ccdp)(H2O)2]2 x 12H2O (1). The solid state structure of 1 contains two units of the zinc-ligand anion, [Zn(H2ccdp)(H2O)2]-, and one [Zn(H2O)6]2+ counter cation. The Zn(II) center of the anion is in a distorted octahedral geometry. However, in methanol, the reaction of ZnSO4 x 7H2O and the ligand Hsccdp in the presence of NaOH afforded a unique micro6-sulfato hexanuclear zinc complex, Na6[Zn6(ccdp)3(micro6-SO4)](OH) x 10.5H2O (2). The structure of 2 contains a [ZnII6(micro6-SO4)] core unit which is held together by three heptadentate bridging ligands, ccdp5-. Three of the Zn(II) centers are in highly distorted square pyramidal geometry, the other three Zn(II) centers are in a distorted octahedral geometry.     

Molecular understanding of the formation of surface zirconium hydrides upon thermal treatment under hydrogen of [([triple bond]SiO)Zr(CH2tBu)3] by using advanced solid-state NMR techniques

The reaction of [([triple bond]SiO)Zr(CH(2)tBu)(3)] with H(2) at 150 degrees C leads to the hydrogenolysis of the zirconium-carbon bonds to form a very reactive hydride intermediate(s), which further reacts with the surrounding siloxane ligands present at the surface of this support to form mainly two different zirconium hydrides: [([triple bond]SiO)(3)Zr-H] (1a, 70-80%) and [([triple bond]SiO)(2)ZrH(2)] (1b, 20-30%) along with silicon hydrides, [([triple bond]SiO)(3)SiH] and [([triple bond]SiO)(2)SiH(2)]. Their structural identities were identified by (1)H DQ solid-state NMR spectroscopy as well as reactivity studies. These two species react with CO(2) and N(2)O to give, respectively, the corresponding formate [([triple bond]SiO)(4-x)Zr(O-C(=O)H)(x)] (2) and hydroxide complexes [([triple bond]SiO)(4-x)Zr(OH)(x)] (x = 1 or 2 for 3a and 3b, respectively) as major surface complexes.     

Hydrophilicity/porous structure-tuned, SiO2/polyetherimide-coated polyimide nonwoven porous substrates for reinforced composite proton exchange membranes

Porous substrate-reinforced composite proton exchange membranes have drawn considerable attention due to their promising application to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In the present study, we develop silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles/polyetherimide (PEI) binders-coated polyimide (PI) nonwoven porous substrates (referred to as "S-PI substrates") for reinforced composite membranes. The properties of S-PI substrates, which crucially affect the performance of resulting reinforced composite membranes, are significantly improved by controlling the hygroscopic SiO(2) particle size. The 40 nm S-PI substrate (herein, 40 nm SiO(2) particles are employed) shows the stronger hydrophilicity and highly porous structure than the 530 nm S-PI substrate due to the larger specific surface area of 40 nm SiO(2) particles. Based on the comprehensive understanding of the S-PI substrates, the structures and performances of the S-PI substrates-reinforced composite membranes are elucidated. In comparison with the 530 nm S-PI substrate, the hydrophilicity/porous structure-tuned 40 nm S-PI substrate enables the impregnation of a large amount of a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer (Nafion), which thus contributes to the improved proton conductivity of the reinforced Nafion composite membrane. Meanwhile, the reinforced Nafion composite membranes effectively mitigate the steep decline of proton conductivity with time at low humidity conditions, as compared to the pristine Nafion membrane. This intriguing finding is further discussed by considering the unusual features of the S-PI substrates and the state of water in the reinforced Nafion composite membranes.     

Amphiphilic guest sorption of K2[Cr3O(OOCC2H5)6(H2O)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] ionic crystal

An ionic crystal K2[Cr3O(OOCC2H5)6(H2O)3]2[alpha-SiW12O40] x 3H2O (1a) is synthesized by the complexation of a Keggin-type polyoxometalate of [alpha-SiW12O40]4- with K+ and a macrocation of [Cr3O(OOCC2H5)6(H2O)3]+. Compound 1a possesses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels in the crystal lattice. The 3 mol mol(-1) of the water of crystallization in 1a resides in the hydrophilic channel. The water of crystallization is removed by the evacuation at 303 K to form the guest-free phase 1b with small changes in the lattice lengths (+/-0.2 A). The water sorption profile is reproduced by the single rate constant. Therefore, the water sorbed probably resides in the hydrophilic channel. Compound 1b sorbs various kinds of polar organic molecules, and the amounts of < or = C3 alcohols are comparable to or larger than that of water, while chlorocarbons with no hydrogen-bonding ability and nonpolar molecules are excluded. Thus, 1b showed the amphiphilic sorption property. The states of the polar organic molecules sorbed in 1b have been quantitatively investigated using ethanol as a probe molecule. The IR, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies combined with the sorption kinetics reveal that ethanol molecules are mainly sorbed into the hydrophilic channel at P/P0 < or = 0.5, while the sorption into the hydrophobic channel is dominant at P/P0 > or = 0.6. Thus, it is demonstrated that ethanol molecules enter both hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels of 1b.     

A family of new glutarate compounds: synthesis, crystal structures of: Co(H2O)5L(1), Na2[CoL2] (2), Na2[L(H2L)4/2] (3), {[Co3(H2O)6L2](HL)2}.4H2O (4), {[Co3(H2O)6L2](HL)2}.10H2O (5), {[Co3(H2O)6L2]L2/2}.4H2O (6), and Na2{[Co3(H2O)2]L8/2].6H2O (7), and magnetic properties of 1 and 2 with H2L = HOOC-(CH2)3-COOH

Seven new glutaric acid complexes, Co(H 2O) 5L 1, Na 2[CoL 2] 2, Na 2[L(H 2L) 4/2] 3, {[Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2](HL) 2}.4H 2O 4, {[Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2](HL) 2}.10H 2O 5, {[Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2]L 2/2}.4H 2O 6, and Na 2{[Co 3(H 2O) 2]L 8/2].6H 2O 7 were obtained and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods along with elemental analyses, IR spectroscopic and magnetic measurements (for 1 and 2). The [Co(H 2O) 5L] complex molecules in 1 are assembled into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture based on intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Compound 2 consists of the Na (+) cations and the necklace-like glutarato doubly bridged [ C o L 4 / 2 ] 2 - infinity 1 anionic chains, and 3 is composed of the Na (+) cations and the anionic hydrogen bonded ladder-like [ L ( H 2 L ) 4 / 2 ] 2 - infinity 1 anionic chains. The trinuclear {[Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2](HL) 2} complex molecules with edge-shared linear trioctahedral [Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2] (2+) cluster cores in 4 and 5 are hydrogen bonded into two-dimensional (2D) networks. The edge-shared linear trioctahedral [Co 3(H 2O) 6L 2] (2+) cluster cores in 6 are bridged by glutarato ligands to generate one-dimensional (1D) chains, which are then assembled via interchain hydrogen bonds into 2D supramolecular networks. The corner-shared linear [Co 3O 16] trioctahedra in 7 are quaternate bridged by glutarato ligands to form 1D band-like anionic {[Co 3(H 2O) 2]L 8/2} (2+) chains, which are assembled via interchain hydrogen bonds into 2D layers, and between them are sandwiched the Na (+) cations. The magnetic behaviors of 1 and 2 obey the Curie-Weiss law with chi m = C/( T - Theta) with the Curie constant C = 3.012(8) cm (3) x mol (-1) x K and the Weiss constant Theta = -9.4(7) K for 1, as well as C = 2.40(1) cm (3) x mol (-1) x K and Theta = -2.10(5) K for 2, indicating weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) ions.     

Evolution of nickel speciation during preparation of Ni-SiO(2) catalysts: effect of the number of chelating ligands in [Ni(en)x(H2O)6-2x]2+ precursor complexes

The evolution of nickel speciation during the successive preparation steps of Ni-SiO(2) catalysts is studied by UV-Vis-NIR, FT-IR, DTG, TPR and TEM. The study focuses on the effect of the number of chelating ligands in the precursor complexes [Ni(en)(x)(H(2)O)((6-2x))](2+) (en = ethylenediamine, x = 1, 2, 3) on the adsorption on silica, and on nickel speciation after thermal treatment. When the en:Ni ratio in solution increases from 1 to 3, the most abundant complex is [Ni(en)(H(2)O)(4)](2+) (64% of all Ni complexes), [Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) (81%) and [Ni(en)(3)](2+) (61%), respectively. Equilibrium adsorption of [Ni(en)(x)(H(2)O)((6-2x))](2+) on SiO(2) results in the selective grafting of [Ni(en)(H(2)O)(4)](2+) and [Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+), through the substitution of two labile H(2)O ligands by two surface SiO(-) groups. The surface [Ni(en)(H(2)O)(2)(SiO)(2)] complex formed by the grafting of [Ni(en)(H(2)O)(4)](2+) onto silica tends to transform into NiO and nickel phyllosilicate after calcination, which consequently leads to large and heterogeneously distributed metallic Ni particles upon reduction. In contrast, [Ni(en)(2)(SiO)(2)], resulting from the grafting of [Ni(en)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) onto silica, no longer has aqua ligands able to react with other nickel complexes or silicium-containing species. Calcination transforms these complexes into isolated Ni(2+) ions, which are reduced into small metallic Ni particles with a more homogeneous size distribution, even at higher Ni loading.     

A building block approach to the synthesis of organic-inorganic oxide materials: the hydrothermal synthesis and network structure of [[Ni4(tpypyz)3][Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2] x 23H2O (tpypyz = tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine)

The hydrothermal reaction of MoO3, [Ni(CH3CO2)2] x 4H2O, tpypyz, ethylenediphosphonic acid and water yields the 2D material [[Ni4(tpypyz)3][Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]2] x 23H2O (1 x 23H2O), constructed from [Mo5O15(O3PCH2CH2PO3)]4- clusters linked in one-dimension through the ethylene tethers of the diphosphonate component; these molybdodiphosphonate chains are in turn linked into a 2D network through the tetranuclear secondary metal-ligand subunit [Ni4(tpypyz)3]8+.     

Physicochemical characterization of the dimeric lanthanide complexes [en{Ln(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Ln(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2-: a variable-temperature 17O NMR study

The Gd(III) complexes of the two dimeric ligands [en(DO3A)2] {N,N'-bis[1,4,7-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-10-yl-methylcarbonyl]-N,N'-ethylenediamine} and [pi(DTTA)2]8- [bisdiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine)] were synthesized and characterized. The 17O NMR chemical shift of H2O induced by [en{Dy(DO3A)}2] and [pi{Dy(DTTA)}2]2- at pH 6.80 proved the presence of 2.1 and 2.2 inner-sphere water molecules, respectively. Water proton spin-lattice relaxation rates for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- at 37.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 20 MHz are 3.60 +/- 0.05 and 5.25 +/- 0.05 mM(-1) s(-1) per Gd, respectively. The EPR transverse electronic relaxation rate and 17O NMR transverse relaxation time for the exchange lifetime of the coordinated H2O molecule and the 2H NMR longitudinal relaxation rate of the deuterated diamagnetic lanthanum complex for the rotational correlation time were thoroughly investigated, and the results were compared with those reported previously for other lanthanide(III) complexes. The exchange lifetimes for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] (769 +/- 10 ns) and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- (910 +/- 10 ns) are significantly higher than those of [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (243 ns) and [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (303 ns) complexes. The rotational correlation times for [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] (150 +/- 11 ps) and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- (130 +/- 12 ps) are slightly greater than those of [Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]- (77 ps) and [Gd(DTPA)(H2O)]2- (58 ps) complexes. The marked increase in relaxivity (r1) of [en{Gd(DO3A)(H2O)}2] and [pi{Gd(DTTA)(H2O)}2]2- result mainly from their longer rotational correlation time and higher molecular weight.     

Polar symmetry and intercalation of new multilayered hybrid molybdates: [M2(pzc)2(H2O)x][Mo5O16] (M = Co, Ni)

The layered molybdate [M2(pzc)2(H2O)x][Mo5O16] (I: M = Ni, x = 5.0; II: M = Co, x = 4.0; pzc = pyrazinecarboxylate) hybrid solids were synthesized via hydrothermal reactions at 160-165 degrees C. The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data for I (Cc, Z = 4; a = 33.217(4) A, b = 5.6416(8) A, c = 13.982(2) A, beta = 99.407(8) degrees , and V = 2585.0(6) A3) and powder X-ray diffraction data for II (C2/c, Z = 4; a = 35.42(6) A, b = 5.697(9) A, c = 14.28(2) A, beta = 114.95(4) degrees , and V = 2614(12) A3). The polar structure of I contains new [Ni2(pzc)2(H2O)5]2+ double layers that form an asymmetric pattern of hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds to stair-stepped [Mo5O16]2- sheets, inducing a net dipole moment in the latter. In II, however, the [Co2(pzc)2(H2O)4]2+ double layers have one less coordinated water and subsequently exhibit a symmetric pattern of covalent and hydrogen bonding to the [Mo5O16]2- sheets, leading to a centrosymmetric structure. Thermogravimetric analyses and powder X-ray diffraction data reveal that I can be dehydrated and rehydrated with from 0 to 6.5 water molecules per formula unit, which is coupled with a corresponding contraction/expansion of the interlayer distances. Also, the dehydrated form of I can be intercalated by approximately 4.3 H2S molecules per formula unit, but the intercalation by pyridine or methanol is limited to less than one molecule per formula unit.     

Positively charged GdIII cryptates: slow, associative water exchange

A combined variable-temperature and multiple field 17O NMR, EPR and NMRD study has been performed for the first time on gadolinium(III) complexes of cryptand ligands, L1 and L2, where L1 contains three 2,2'-bipyridine units ([bpy.bpy.bpy]) and L2 is the disubstituted methyl ester derivative of L1. The experimental data have been analysed in a simultaneous fit in order to determine parameters for water exchange, rotational dynamics and electronic relaxation for both complexes. The cryptates have three water molecules in the inner sphere which exchange with a rate of k(ex)298 = 1.8 x 10(6) s(-1) and 0.97 x 10(6) s(-1) for [GdL1(H2O)3]3+ and [GdL2(H2O)3)]3+, respectively. The k(ex)298 values obtained for these positively charged cryptates are smaller than those of the negatively charged Gd-poly(amino carboxylate) complexes. The water exchange mechanism was assessed for [GdL2(H2O)3]3+ by variable-pressure 17O NMR relaxation measurements. Based on the activation volume, DeltaV++ = -2.5 cm3 mol(-1), the water exchange is an associative interchange process. The proton relaxivities, r1, of the cryptate complexes are 9.79 mM(-1) s(-1) for [GdL1(H2O)3]3+ and 11.18 mM(-1) s(-1) for [GdL2(H2O)3]3+ (298 K, 20 MHz), which, due to the presence of three inner sphere water molecules, represent much higher values than those obtained for Gd3+ poly(amino carboxylate) complexes of similar molecular weight.     

Chlorine anion encapsulation by molecular capsules based on cucurbit[5]uril and decamethylcucurbit[5]uril

Three barrel-shaped artificial molecular capsules 1-3, based on normal cucurbit[5]uril (Q[5]) and decamethylcucurbit[5]uril (Me10Q[5]), were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Encapsulation of a chlorine anion in the cavity of a Q[5] or Me10Q[5] to form closed a molecular capsule with the coordinated metal ions or coordinated metal ions and water molecules in the crystal structures of these compounds is common. The three complexes [Pr2(C30H30N20O10)Cl3(H2O)13]3+ 3 Cl- x 5 H2O (1), [Sr2(C40H50N20O10)(H2O)4Cl]3+ 3 Cl- x 2 (HCl) 19 H2O (2) and [K(C40H50N20O10)(H2O)Cl] x [Zn(H2O)2Cl2] x [ZnCl4]2- x 2 (H3O)+ x 8 H2O (3) all crystallize as isolated molecular capsules.     

Dinuclear complexes formed with the triazacyclononane derivative ENOTA4-: high-pressure 17O NMR evidence of an associative water exchange on [MnII2(ENOTA)(H2O)2

Mn2+ has five unpaired d-electrons, a long electronic relaxation time, and labile water exchange, all of which make it an attractive candidate for contrast agent application in medical magnetic resonance imaging. In the quest for stable and nonlabile Mn2+ complexes, we explored a novel dimeric triazacyclononane-based ligand bearing carboxylate functional groups, H4ENOTA. The protonation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of the complexes formed with some endogenously important metals (Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+), as well as with Mn2+ and Ce3+, have been assessed by NMR methods, potentiometry, and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Overall, the thermodynamic stability of the complexes is lower as compared to that of the corresponding NOTA analogues (H3NOTA, 1,4,7-triaazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid). The crystal structure of Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O) x 5H2O contains two six-coordinated Mn2+, in addition to the three amine nitrogens and the two oxygens from the pendent monodentate carboxylate groups, and one water (Mn2) or one bridging carboxylate oxygen (Mn1) completes the coordination sphere of the metal ion. In an aqueous solution, this bridging carboxylate is replaced by a water molecule, as evidenced by the 17O chemical shifts and proton relaxivity data that point to monohydration for both metal ions in the dinuclear complex. A variable-temperature and -pressure 17O NMR study has been performed on [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] to assess the rate and, for the first time on a Mn2+ chelate, also the mechanism of the water exchange. The inner sphere water is slightly more labile in [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] (k298ex = 5.5 x 107 s-1) than in the aqua ion (2.1 x 107 s-1, Merbach, A. E.; et al. Inorg. Chem. 1980, 19, 3696). The water exchange proceeds via an almost limiting associative mechanism, as evidenced by the large negative activation volume (deltaV = -10.7 cm3 mol-1). The proton relaxivities measured on [Mn2(ENOTA)(H2O)2] show a low-field dispersion at approximately 0.1 MHz arising from a contact interaction between the MnII electron spin and the water proton nuclear spins.     

Structural studies of high dispersion H3PW12O40/SiO2 solid acid catalysts

Highly dispersed H(3)PW(12)O(40)/SiO(2) catalysts with loadings between 3.6 and 62.5 wt% have been synthesised and characterised. The formation of a chemically distinct interfacial HPW species is identified by XPS, attributed to pertubation of W atoms within the Keggin cage in direct contact with the SiO(2) surface. EXAFS confirms the Keggin unit remains intact for all loadings, while NH(3) adsorption calorimetery reveals the acid strength >0.14 monolayers of HPW is loading invariant with initial DeltaH(ads) = approximately -164 kJ mol(-1). Lower loading catalysts exhibit weaker acidity which is attributed to an inability of highly dispersed clusters to form crystalline water. For reactions involving non-polar hydrocarbons the interfacial species where the accessible tungstate is highest confer the greatest reactivity, while polar chemistry is favoured by higher loadings which can take advantage of the H(3)PW(12)O(40) pseudo-liquid phase available within supported multilayers.     

Dinuclear nickel complexes with a Ni(2)O(2) core: a structural and magnetic study

The acetylacetonate complexes [Ni(2)L(1)(acac)(MeOH)] x H(2)O, 1 x H(2)O and [Ni(2)L(3)(acac)(MeOH)] x 1.5H(2)O, 2 x 1.5H(2)O (H(3)L(1) = (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine and H(3)L(3) = (2-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine) were prepared and fully characterised. Their crystal structures show that they are dinuclear complexes, extended into chains by hydrogen bond interactions. These compounds were used as starting materials for the isolation of the corresponding [Ni(2)HL(x)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x n MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(x)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)]x nH(2)O dicarboxylate complexes (x = 1, 3; n = 1-3). The crystal structures of [Ni(2)HL(1)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x MeOH, 3 x MeOH, [Ni(2)HL(3)(o-O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 3 MeOH, 4 x 3 MeOH and [Ni(2)HL(1)(O(2)CCH(2)CO(2))(H(2)O)] x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, 5 x 2.5H(2)O x 0.25 MeOH x MeCN, were solved. Complexes 3-5 show dinuclear [Ni(2)HL(x)(dicarboxylate)(H(2)O)] units, expanded through hydrogen bonds that involve carboxylate and water ligands, as well as solvate molecules. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of all the complexes show an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni(II) ions, which is attempted to be rationalized by comparison with previous results and in the light of molecular orbital treatment. Magnetisation measurements are in accord with a S = 2 ground state in all cases.     

A quantum mechanical study of the reactivity of (SiO)2-defective silica surfaces

The reactivity of the strained (SiO)(2)-four atom ring defect at the silica surfaces has been studied in a cluster approach adopting the ONIOM2[B3LYP6-31+G(d,p):MNDO] method to compute the ring opening reaction by interaction with H(2)O and NH(3). The vibrational "fingerprints" of the isolated defect are computed at 921, 930, and 934 cm(-1) in reasonable agreement with experimental evidence on amorphous silica outgassed at T>900 K. The opening of the (SiO)(2)-four-member ring by the considered molecules is exergonic and the actual value depends on the possible constraints enforced on the reaction products by the silica surrounding. The free kinetic energy barriers result from the interplay between the nucleophilic/electrophilic character of the adsorbed molecule and are 22 and 25 kcal mol(-1) for NH(3) and H(2)O, respectively. All free energy profiles envisage an activated complex in which the nucleophilic part of the molecule interacts on the coordinatively strained silicon atom of the (SiO)(2) defect followed by the proton transfer from the coordinated molecule towards the oxygen of the defective ring. Calculations show that this step can be speed up by the presence of more than one adsorbed molecule or even more (about seven orders of magnitude), by the copresence of water molecules acting as "proton transfer helpers." In these cases, the free energy barriers decrease to approximately 13 and 15 kcal mol(-1) for NH(3) and H(2)O, respectively. For the case of H(2)O adsorption, benchmark test calculations reveal that MP2, BLYP, and B3LYP energy profiles are in very good agreement with each other, whereas for PBE, both the reaction energy and the activation barrier are underestimated. Present data also show that the molecular model mimicking the (SiO)(2) defect is far less reactive than what appears to occur on the real defect at the surface of amorphous silica. So, only a combination of some further geometrical strains imparted by the solid on the (SiO)(2) defect, not accounted for by the cluster models, and higher adsorbate loadings are needed to reharmonize experiment and simulation. Notwithstanding, the vibrational features of the reaction products have been characterized and support the available experimental measurements.     

Structure of an I- x (H2O)6 anion cluster in a 3D anion crystal host [I x (H2O)6Fe(CN)6 x H2O]4-

A planar structure of an anion cluster I- x (H2O)6 in a 3D supramolecular complex [Ru(bpy)3]2[I x (H2O)6Fe(CN)6 x H2O] has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In the supramolecule, the anion cluster I- x (H2O)6, together with the anion [Fe(CN)6 x H2O]2-, acts as a 3D crystal host, and the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ cations, as the guest molecules, occupy the vacancies of the 3D host framework. This is the first crystal example of the anion cluster I- x (H2O)6.     

Directed synthesis of noncentrosymmetric molybdates using composition space analysis

A systematic investigation of the factors governing the reaction product composition, hydrogen bonding, and symmetry was conducted in the MoO3/3-aminoquinuclidine/H2O system. Composition space analysis was performed through 36 individual reactions under mild hydrothermal conditions using racemic 3-aminoquinuclidine. Single crystals of three new compounds, [C7H16N2][Mo3O10] x H2O, [C7H16N2]2[Mo8O26] x H2O, and [C7H16N2]2[Mo8O26] x 4 H2O, were grown. The relative phase stabilities for these products are dependent upon the reactant mole fractions in the initial reaction gel. This phase stability information was used to direct the synthesis of two new noncentrosymmetric compounds, using either (S)-(-)-3-aminoquinuclidine dihydrochloride or (R)-(+)-3-aminoquinuclidine dihydrochloride. [(R)-C7H16N2]2[Mo8O26] and [(S)-C7H16N2]2[Mo8O26] both crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric space group P2(1) (No. 4), which has the polar crystal class 2 (C2). The second-harmonic generation activities were measured on sieved powders. The structure-directing properties of the molybdate components in each compound were determined using bond valence sums. The structures of all five compounds were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Crystallization Behavior of SiO2-TiO2 Ceramics Derived from Titanosiloxanes on Pyrolysis

The crystallization behavior of SiO2-TiO2 ceramics derived from titanosiloxanes was investigated in relation to the structure of the precursor and the pyrolysis temperature. The titanosiloxanes, [Si(OBut)2OTi(acac) 2O]2, [(ButO)3SiO] 2Ti (OPri)2, and [(ButO)3SiO] 3Ti(OPri), were pyrolyzed in an air atmosphere to form SiO2-TiO2 ceramics which crystallized to anatase at 600–650°C, 700–750°C, and 800–850°C, respectively. The crystallization temperature decreased with increased titanium content of the precursor. The average crystallite size of anatase increased with increased pyrolysis temperature and the titanium content. The crystallization temperature and the crystallite size for SiO2-TiO2 ceramics is controlled by the precursor structure, which may enable control of the physical properties of the ceramic materials.