X‐Ray Emission Spectroscopy: A Spectroscopic Measure for the Determination of NO Oxidation States in Fe–NO Complexes

Extensive study of the electronic structure of Fe‐NO complexes using a variety of spectroscopic methods was attempted to understand how iron controls the binding and release of nitric oxide. The comparable energy levels of NO π* orbitals and Fe 3d orbitals complicate the bonding interaction within Fe? NO complexes and puzzle the quantitative assignment of NO oxidation state. Enemark–Feltham notation, {Fe(NO)_x}ⁿ, was devised to circumvent this puzzle. This 40‐year puzzle is revisited using valence‐to‐core X‐ray emission spectroscopy (V2C XES) in combination with computational study. DFT calculation establishes a linear relationship between ΔE_σ2s*‐σ2p of NO and its oxidation state. V2C Fe XES study of Fe? NO complexes reveals the ΔE_σ2s*‐σ2p of NO derived from NO σ_2s*/σ_2p→Fe_1s transitions and determines NO oxidation state in Fe? NO complexes. Quantitative assignment of NO oxidation state will correlate the feasible redox process of nitric oxide and Fe‐nitrosylation biology.     

A New Example of the Structure Type A2[{Z2R4}X9]: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Na2[{(ON)Ce4}Cl9]

First single crystals of Na₂[{(ON)Ce₄}Cl₉] were obtained during synthesis attempts for the cerium nitride chloride Ce₂NCl₃(= {N₂Ce₄}Cl₆). With a molar ratio of 8:10:3 for Ce, CeCl₃ and NaN₃ along with an excess of the flux NaCl, the mixture obviously contained a small amount of CeOCl that led to the formation of quinary Na₂[{(ON)Ce₄}Cl₉]. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/m(no. 11) with two formula units in the unit cell with dimensions of a = 813.21(6) pm, b = 1146.13(9) pm, c = 942.86(7) pm and β = 107.504(5) °. As the dominating structural feature {ZCe₄}^9.5+ tetrahedra are fused through trans‐oriented edges to generate chains (Z = ¹/₂ O + ¹/₂ N) just as in the structurally isotypic compounds A₂[{Z₂R₄}X₉] (A = Na, K; R = Pr, Nd, Gd; X = Cl, Br; Z = O, O/N).     

Strukturchemische und impedanzspektroskopische Untersuchungen an Mg2+-stabilisierten Na+/Pr3+-β″-Al2O3-Kristallen

Structural Chemistry and Impedance Spectroscopy of Mg²⁺ stabilized Na⁺/Pr³⁺-β″-Aluminas The structure with the ionic distribution in the conduction planes of a Pr³⁺-exchanged Mg²⁺ stabilized Na⁺-β″-alumina crystal, composition determined by electron microprobe analysis to Na_1.19Pr_0.13Mg_0.49Al_10.49O₁₇ (degree of exchange ξ = 25%, related to Na⁺ content), has been investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods at room temperature (R3 m, Z = 3, a = 561.8(2) pm, c = 3 361.5(11) pm). Pr³⁺ is slightly shifted in the ab-plane from the centrosymmetric 9 d (mO) into a 18 h site. Na⁺ occupies 18 h as well as 6 c (BR) positions. Ionic conductivity data of Mg²⁺ stabilized Na⁺/Pr³⁺-β″-Al₂O₃ crystals with varying degree of exchange determined by impedance spectroscopy are given in an Arrhenius diagram. With growing Pr³⁺ content the conductivity σ decreases with increasing activation energy.     

X‐Ray Crystal Structures of Hexa‐oxotellurate Complexes of Ruthenium(VI) and Silver(III): Na6[RuO2{TeO4(OH)2}2]·16H2O and Na5[Ag{TeO4(OH)2}2]·16H2O

X‐ray crystal structures are reported for Na₆[RuO₂{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O and Na₅[Ag{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O which contain respectively Ru^VI and Ag^III coordinated to chelating bidentate tellurate ([TeO₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻) groups. Na₆[RuO₂{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O: Space group P1¯, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 120 K; a = 6.9865(1), b = 8.7196(2), c = 11.7395(2)Å, α = 74.008(1), β = 79.954(1), γ = 88.514(1)°; R1 = 0.025. Na₅[Ag{TeO₄(OH)₂}₂]·16H₂O: Space group P1¯, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 120 K; a = 5.888(1), b = 8.932(1), c = 12.561(2)Å, α = 98.219(6), β = 97.964(9), γ = 93.238(14)°; R1 = 0.047.     

Mg2Na2V10O28·20H2O and Mg3V10O28·28H2O

The crystal structures of dimagnesium disodium decavanadate icosahydrate, Mg₂Na₂V₁₀O₂₈·20H₂O, (I), and trimagnesium decavanadate octacosahydrate, Mg₃V₁₀O₂₈·28H₂O, (II), have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They crystallize with monoclinic (C2/c) and triclinic () symmetry, respectively. All the Mg²⁺ cations in (I) and (II) are octahedrally coordinated by six water mol­ecules. The Na⁺ cations in (I) are coordinated by three water mol­ecules and three O atoms of the decavanadate anions, and link the latter into a three‐dimensional network. The decavanadate anions in (II) are not linked to one another.     

Enhanced Zintl anions by carbon doping in Al-Na clusters and new magic structure Al6Na4C

This article investigated the low-energy structures of Al₆Na _mC (m = 2, 4, 6, 8) clusters and their electronic structures by using genetic algorithm combined with density functional theory and configuration interaction methods. The computations show that the C atoms prefer sitting at the center, whereas the Na atoms tend to locate at the outside of the clusters. The valence molecular orbitals (MOs) agree well with the prediction of the jellium model. The stronger attraction of the central carbon to the valence electrons will depress the potential energies locally, which makes the 2S level go obviously lower and the 2P and 1D orbitals form a sub-band. The 26 valence electrons in Al₆Na₄C form closed 1S²1P⁶2S²1D¹⁰2P⁶ shells and correspond to a new magic structure. The MOs and electron localization function show that the sodium cores are exposed at the outside of the valence electrons and form naked cations. The contraction of the valence electrons because of the carbon doping enhances the charges on the Al₆C moieties, and the Na⁺ cores on the peripheries are ionically bonded to the Zintl anions (Al₆C)^q−. The Al₆Na₄C has a tetrahedral structure with symmetry T_d, and it may be used as building blocks to synthesize Zintl solid.     

Water-soluble Self-assembled {Pd84}Ac Polyoxopalladate Nano-wheel as a Supramolecular Host

Polyoxopalladates (POPs) are a class of self-assembling palladium-oxide clusters that span a variety of sizes, shapes and compositions. The largest of this family, {Pd₈₄}^Ac, is constructed from 14 building units of {Pd₆} and lined on the inner and outer torus by 28 acetate ligands. Due to its high water solubility, large hydrophobic cavity and distinct ¹H NMR fingerprint {Pd₈₄}^Ac is an ideal molecule for exploring supramolecular behaviour with small organic molecules in aqueous media. Molecular visualisation studies highlighted potential binding sites between {Pd₈₄}^Ac and these species. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, including ¹H NMR, ¹H Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) and Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY), were employed to study the supramolecular chemistry of this system. Here, we provide conclusive evidence that {Pd₈₄}^Ac forms a 1 : 7 host-guest complex with benzyl viologen (BV²⁺) in aqueous solution.     

Chelate‐Thiolate‐Coordinate Ligands Modulating the Configuration and Electrochemical Property of Dinitrosyliron Complexes (DNICs)

As opposed to the reversible redox reaction ({Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ reduced‐form DNIC [(NO)₂Fe(S(CH₂)₃S)]^2? ( 1 )?{Fe(NO)₂}⁹ oxidized‐form [(NO)₂Fe(S(CH₂)₃S)]^?), the chemical oxidation of the {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ DNIC [(NO)₂Fe(S(CH₂)₂S)]^2? ( 2 ) generates the dinuclear {Fe(NO)₂}⁹–{Fe(NO)₂}⁹ complex [(NO)₂Fe(μ‐SC₂H₄S)₂Fe(NO)₂]^2? ( 3 ) bridged by two terminal [SC₂H₄S]^2? ligands. On the basis of the Fe K‐edge pre‐edge energy and S K‐edge XAS, the oxidation of complex 1 yielding [(NO)₂Fe(S(CH₂)₃S)]^? is predominantly a metal‐based oxidation. The smaller S1‐Fe1‐S2 bond angle of 94.1(1)° observed in complex 1 (S1‐Fe1‐S2 88.6(1)° in complex 2 ), compared to the bigger bond angle of 100.9(1)° in the {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ DNIC [(NO)₂Fe(S(CH₂)₃S)]^?, may be ascribed to the electron‐rich {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ DNIC preferring a restricted bite angle to alleviate the electronic donation of the chelating thiolate to the electron‐rich {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ core. The extended transition state and natural orbitals for chemical valence (ETS‐NOCV) analysis on the edt‐/pdt‐chelated {Fe(NO)₂}⁹ and {Fe(NO)₂}¹⁰ DNICs demonstrates how two key bonding interactions, that is, a Fe?S covalent σ bond and thiolate to the Fe d charge donation, between the chelating thiolate ligand and the {Fe(NO)₂}^9/10 core could be modulated by the backbone lengths of the chelating thiolate ligands to tune the electrochemical redox potential (E_1/2=?1.64 V for complex 1 and E_1/2=?1.33 V for complex 2 ) and to dictate structural rearrangement/chemical transformations (S‐Fe‐S bite angle and monomeric vs. dimeric DNICs).     

Na3[BN2] and Na2K[BN2]: A Known and a Novel Alkali Metal Dinitridoborate Obtained via Mild Thermal Dehydrogenation

Na₃[BN₂] and Na₂K[BN₂] were obtained as white polycrystalline powders from the reaction of the respective binary mixtures NaNH₂:NaBH₄ and NaNH₂:KBH₄ in molar ratio 2:1 at 873 K and 683 K, respectively, in an argon stream. According to the results of thermal analysis measurements, both compounds are thermally stable only up to 954 K (Na₃[BN₂]) and 712 K (Na₂K[BN₂]), respectively, decomposing under evolution of alkali metal and nitrogen to yield hexagonal BN as final residue, which was identified from powder patterns. The crystal structure of Na₃[BN₂] {β‐Li₃[BN₂] type; P2₁/c (No. 14); Z = 4} was confirmed and the unit cell parameters redetermined: a = 5.724(1) Å, b = 7.944(1) Å, c = 7.893(1) Å, β = 111.31(1)°. According to X‐ray powder data, Na₂K[BN₂] crystallizes isotypic to Na₂KCuO₂ in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (No. 139) with a = 4.2359(1) Å, c = 10.3014(2) Å and Z = 2. The crystal structure of Na₂K[BN₂] is composed of linear [N–B–N]^3– anions centering elongated M₁₄ rhombic dodecahedra, which are formed by 8 sodium and 6 potassium atoms. The [BN₂]@Na_8/4K_6/6 polyhedra are stacked along [001] and condensed via common tetragonal faces to generate a space‐filling 3D arrangement. The B–N bond lengths for the strictly linear [N–B–N]^3– units are 1.357(4) Å. Vibrational spectra of the title compounds were measured and analyzed based on D_∞h symmetry of the relevant [N–B–N]^3– groups taking into account the site symmetry effects for Na₃[BN₂]. Both the wavenumbers, as well as the calculated valence force constants f(B–N) = 7.29 N · cm^–1 (Na₃[BN₂]) and 7.33 N · cm^–1 (Na₂K[BN₂]), respectively, are in good agreement with those of the known alkali and alkaline earth dinitridoborates.     

The influence of P/As substitution in the melilite‐like Na2Co(P2–xAsx)O7 (x = 0.40 and 0.93) solid solutions

To investigate the influence of P/As substitution on structures and electrical properties, e.g. the effect on material densities, two new solid P/As‐doped solutions, Na₂CoP_1.60As_0.40O₇ (disodium cobalt diphosphorus arsenic heptaoxide) and Na₂CoP_1.07As_0.93O₇ (disodium cobalt phosphorus arsenic heptaoxide), with melilite‐like structures have been synthesized by solid‐state reactions. Their unit‐cell parameters are in agreement with Vegard's law. The obtained structural models were investigated by the bond valence sum (BVS) and charge distribution (CHARDI) validation tools and, for the latter, the structures are described as being built on anion‐centred polyhedra. The frameworks can be described as layered and formed by {[Co(P,As)₂O₇]²⁻}_∞ slabs, with alkali cations sandwiched between the layers and with the interlayer spaces increased due to P/As substitution. The BVS model was extended to a preliminary simulation of the sodium conduction properties in the studied structural type and suggests that the most probable sodium conduction pathways are bidimensional, at the (002) planes.     

Vacancy‐Controlled Na+ Superion Conduction in Na11Sn2PS12

Highly conductive solid electrolytes are crucial to the development of efficient all‐solid‐state batteries. Meanwhile, the ion conductivities of lithium solid electrolytes match those of liquid electrolytes used in commercial Li⁺ ion batteries. However, concerns about the future availability and the price of lithium made Na⁺ ion conductors come into the spotlight in recent years. Here we present the superionic conductor Na₁₁Sn₂PS₁₂, which possesses a room temperature Na⁺ conductivity close to 4 mS cm^?1, thus the highest value known to date for sulfide‐based solids. Structure determination based on synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction data proves the existence of Na⁺ vacancies. As confirmed by bond valence site energy calculations, the vacancies interconnect ion migration pathways in a 3D manner, hence enabling high Na⁺ conductivity. The results indicate that sodium electrolytes are about to equal the performance of their lithium counterparts.     

Salts of Anionic Metal Carbonyl Clusters with Cryptand[2.2.2](Na+), DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na+), and Paramagnetic Cp*2Cr+ Cations Obtained by Reduction

Reduction of neutral metal clusters (Co₄(CO)₁₂, Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Fe₃(CO)₁₂, Ir₄(CO)₁₂, Rh₆(CO)₁₆, {CpMo(CO)₃}₂, {Mn(CO)₅}₂) by decamethylchromocene (Cp*₂Cr) or sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of cryptand[2.2.2] and DB‐18‐crown‐6 was studied. Nine new salts with paramagnetic Cp*₂Cr⁺, cryptand[2.2.2](Na⁺), and DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺) cations and [Co₆(CO)₁₅]^2– ( 1 , 2 ), [Ru₆(CO)₁₈]^2– ( 3 – 4 ) dianions, [Rh₁₁(CO)₂₃]^3– ( 6 ) trianions, and new [Ir₈(CO)₁₈]^2– ( 5 ) dianions were obtained and structurally characterized. The increase of nuclearity of clusters under reduction was shown. Fe₃(CO)₁₂ preserves the Fe₃ core under reduction forming the [Fe₃(CO)₁₁]^2– dianions in 7 . The [CpMo(CO)₃]₂ and [Mn(CO)₅]₂ dimers dissociate under reduction forming mononuclear [CpMo(CO)₃]^– ( 8 ) and [Mn(CO)₅]^– ( 9 ) anions. In all anions the increase of negative charge on metal atoms shifts the bands attributed to carbonyl C–O stretching vibrations to smaller wavenumbers in agreement with the elongation of the C–O bonds in 1 – 9 . In contrast, the M–C(CO) bonds are noticeably shortened at the reduction. Magnetic susceptibility of the salts with Cp*₂Cr⁺ is defined by high spin Cp*₂Cr⁺ (S = 3/2) species, whereas all obtained anionic metal clusters and mononuclear anions are diamagnetic. Rather weak magnetic coupling between S = 3/2 spins is observed with Weiss temperature from –1 to –11 K. That is explained by rather long distances between Cp*₂Cr⁺ and the absence of effective π–π interaction between them except compound 7 showing the largest Weiss temperature of –11 K. The {DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺)}₂[Co₆(CO)₁₅]^2– units in 2 are organized in infinite 1D chains through the coordination of carbonyl groups of the Co₆ clusters to the Na⁺ ions and π–π stacking between benzo groups of the DB‐18‐crown‐6(Na⁺) cations.     

From Bowls to Capsules: Assembly of Hexanuclear NiII Rings Tailored by Alkali Cations

An anionic hexanuclear Ni^II metallamacrocycle with endo and exo linking sites has been employed as a building block to generate a series of capsules and bowls of nanometric size. The supramolecular arrangement of the {Ni₆} rings was tailored by the size of the alkali cations, showing the transition from {Ni₆-M₂-Ni₆} capsules (M=Li^I and Na^I) to {Ni₆-M} bowls (M=K^I and Cs^I). The alkyl co-cations are determinant to stabilize the assemblies by means of CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions on the exo side of the metallamacrocycles. The effect on the topology of the supramolecular assemblies of the cation size, cation charge, Et₃NH⁺ or Me₄N⁺ counter cations has been analyzed. Magnetic measurements reveal the presence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions inside the rings that allow a S=0 ground state.     

Untersuchungen zur Darstellung von [CpxSb{M(CO)5}2] (Cpx = Cp,Cp*; M = Cr,W)

Investigations of the Synthesis of [Cp^xSb{M(CO)₅}₂] (Cp^x = Cp, Cp*; M = Cr, W) The reaction of CpSbCl₂ with [Na₂{Cr₂(CO)₁₀}] leads to the chlorostibinidene complex [ClSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂(thf)] ( 1 ), whereas the reaction of CpSbCl₂ with [Na₂{W₂(CO)₁₀}] results in the formation of the complexes [ClSb{W(CO)₅}₃] ( 2 ), [Na(thf)][Cl₂Sb{W(CO)₅}₂] ( 3 ), [ClSb{W(CO)₅}₂(thf)] ( 4 ) and [Sb₂{W(CO)₅}₃] ( 5 ). The stibinidene complex [CpSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] ( 6 ) is obtained by the reaction of [ClSb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] with NaCp, while its Cp* analogue [Cp*Sb{Cr(CO)₅}₂] ( 7 ) is formed via the metathesis of Cp*SbCl₂ with [Na₂{Cr₂(CO)₁₀}]. The products 2 , 3 , 4 and 7 are additionally characterised by X‐ray structure analyses.     

Syntheses and Structures of Na2Mg3(OH)2(SO4)3·4H2O and K2Mg3(OH)2(SO4)3·2H2O

The crystal structures of Na₂Mg₃(OH)₂(SO₄)₃ · 4H₂O and K₂Mg₃(OH)₂(SO₄)₃ · 2H₂O, were determined from conventional laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data. Synthesis and crystal growth were made by mixing alkali metal sulfate, magnesium sulfate hydrate, and magnesium oxide with small amounts of water followed by heating at 150 °C. The compounds crystallize in space group Cmc2₁ (No. 36) with lattice parameters of a = 19.7351(3), b = 7.2228(2), c = 10.0285(2) Å for the sodium and a = 17.9427(2), b = 7.5184(1), c = 9.7945(1) Å for the potassium sample. The crystal structure consists of a linked MgO₆–SO₄ layered network, where the space between the layers is filled with either potassium (K⁺) or Na⁺‐2H₂O units. The potassium‐bearing structure is isostructural to K₂Co₃(OH)₂(SO₄)₃ · 2(H₂O). The sodium compound has a similar crystal structure, where the bigger potassium ion is replaced by sodium ions and twice as many water molecules. Geometry optimization of the hydrogen positions were made with an empirical energy code.     

Structure and 31P NMR spectroscopy of a new phosphate,Na8Ca1.5Mg12.5(PO4)12

A new phosphate, sodium calcium magnesium tetrakis(phosphate), Na₈Ca_1.5Mg_12.5(PO₄)₁₂, has been synthesized by a flux method. Its novel structure consists of MgO_x (x = 5 and 6) polyhedra and MO₇ (M = Mg or Na) octahedra linked directly through common corners or edges to form a rigid three‐dimensional skeleton, reinforced by corner‐sharing between identical Mg₁₂MO₄₈ units. The connection of these units by the PO₄ tetrahedra induces cavities and crossing tunnels where the Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ cations are located. This structural model was supported by a ³¹P NMR spectroscopy study which confirmed the existence of 12 crystallographically independent sites for the P atoms.     

Intrinsic kinetics of the oxidation of Na2TiF6 and Na3TiF6

The intrinsic kinetics, unaffected by diffusional and mass transfer effects, of the air oxidation of Na₂TiF₆ and Na₃TiF₆ were determined by using a nonisothermal technique. The oxidation of these sodium fluorotitanates proceeds through two-step reactions involving the formation of oxyfluorotitanate, i.e. Na₃TiOF₅, as the intermediate. The oxidation rate shows a first-order dependence on the amount of the unreacted solids for each of the two-step reactions for both fluorotitanates. The activation energy for the further oxidation of Na₃TiOF₅ to a mixture of NaF + TiO₂ was determined to be 52.4 kJ/mol and 55.3 kJ/raol for Na₂TiF₆ and Na₃TiF₆ as reactants, respectively.     

Na1.72Mn3.28(AsO4)3

The single crystal of sodium manganese arsenate (1.72/3.28/12), Na_1.72Mn_3.28(AsO₄)₃, used for analysis was prepared by solid‐state reaction at 1073 K. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system in space group C2/c. The structure consists of a complex network of edge‐sharing MnO₆ octahedral chains, linked together by AsO₄ tetrahedra, forming two distinct channels, one containing Na⁺ cations and the other occupied statistically by Mn⁺ and Na⁺ cations.     

Zur Synthese und Kristallstruktur der ternären Carbide Na2PdC2 und Na2PtC2

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Ternary Carbides Na₂PdC₂ and Na₂PtC₂ Na₂PdC₂ and Na₂PtC₂ were synthesized by the reaction of sodium carbide with palladium and platinum respectively. The crystal structures could be solved from X-ray powder diffraction data (space group: P3 m1, Z = 1). Both compounds crystallize in a new structure type with [M(C₂)_2/2^2?] chains (M?Pd, Pt) as the characteristic structural unit. The existence of a C? C triple bond was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.     

Sodium magnesium sulfate decahydrate,Na2Mg(SO4)2·10H2O,a new sulfate salt

The structure of synthetic disodium magnesium disulfate decahydrate at 180 K consists of alternating layers of water‐coordinated [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ octahedra and [Na₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₄]²⁻ sheets, parallel to [100]. The [Mg(H₂O)₆]²⁺ octahedra are joined to one another by a single hydrogen bond, the other hydrogen bonds being involved in inter‐layer linkage. The Mg²⁺ cation occupies a crystallographic inversion centre. The sodium–sulfate sheets consist of chains of water‐sharing [Na(H₂O)₆]⁺ octahedra along b, which are then connected by sulfate tetrahedra through corner‐sharing. The associated hydrogen bonds are the result of water–sulfate interactions within the sheets themselves. This is believed to be the first structure of a mixed monovalent/divalent cation sulfate decahydrate salt.