The Silicides M4Si4 with M = Na,K, Rb,Cs, and Ba2Si4 – NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanical Calculations

The Zintl phases M₄Si₄ with M = Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Ba₂Si₄ feature a common structural unit, the Si₄^4– anion. The coordination of the anions by the cations varies significantly. This allows a systematic investigation of the bonding situation of the anions by ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy. The compounds were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, ²³Na, ²⁹Si, ⁸⁷Rb, ¹³³Cs NMR spectroscopy, and quantum mechanical calculation of the NMR coupling parameter. The chemical bonding was investigated by quantum mechanical calculations of the electron localizability indicator (ELI). Synthesis of the compounds results for all of them in single phase material. A systematic increase of the isotropic ²⁹Si NMR signal shift with increasing atomic number of the cations is observed by NMR experiments and quantum mechanical calculation of the NMR coupling parameter. The agreement of experimental and theoretical results is very good allowing an unambiguous assignment of the NMR signals to the atomic sites. Quantum mechanical modelling of the NMR shift parameter indicates a dominant influence of the cations on the isotropic ²⁹Si NMR signal shift. In contrast to this a negligible influence of the geometry of the anions on the NMR signal shift is obtained by these model calculations. The origin of the systematic variation of the isotropic NMR signal shift is not yet clear although an influence of the charge transfer estimated by calculation using the QTAIM approach is indicated.     

Electronic Structure,Chemical Bonding,and Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy of the Digallides of Ca,Sr, and Ba

Delving into digallides : The characteristics of the chemical bonding of the digallides of the alkaline‐earth metals (see figure) have been studied by application of experimental methods, such as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, in combination with quantum mechanical calculations.

     

The Solid Solution Sr1−xBaxGa2: Substitutional Disorder and Chemical Bonding Visited by NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanical Calculations

Complete miscibility of the intermetallic phases (IPs) SrGa₂ and BaGa₂ forming the solid solution Sr_1?xBa_xGa₂ is shown by means of X‐ray diffraction, thermoanalytical and metallographic studies. Regarding the distances of Sr/Ba sites versus substitution degree, a model of isolated substitution centres (ISC) for up to 10 % cation substitution is explored to study the influence on the Ga bonding situation. A combined application of NMR spectroscopy and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations proves the electric field gradient (EFG) to be a sensitive measure of different bonding situations. The experimental resolution is boosted by orientation‐dependent NMR on magnetically aligned powder samples, revealing in first approximation two different Ga species in the ISC regimes. EFG calculations using superlattice structures within periodic boundary conditions are in fair agreement with the NMR spectroscopy data and are discussed in detail regarding their application on disordered IPs.     

NMR Crystallography Enhanced by Quantum Chemical Calculations and Liquid State NMR Spectroscopy for the Investigation of Se-NHC Adducts**

N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHC) are widely utilized in catalysis and material science. They are characterized by their steric and electronic properties. Steric properties are usually quantified on the basis of their static structure, which can be determined by X-ray diffraction. The electronic properties are estimated in the liquid state; for example, via the ⁷⁷Se liquid state NMR of Se-NHC adducts. We demonstrate that ⁷⁷Se NMR crystallography can contribute to the characterization of the structural and electronic properties of NHC in solid and liquid states. Selected Se-NHC adducts are investigated via ⁷⁷Se solid state NMR and X-ray crystallography, supported by quantum chemical calculations. This investigation reveals a correlation between the molecular structure of adducts and NMR parameters, including not only isotropic chemical shifts but also the other chemical shift tensor components. Afterwards, the liquid state ⁷⁷Se NMR data is presented and interpreted in terms of the quantum chemistry modelling. The discrepancy between the structural and electronic properties, and in particular the π-accepting abilities of adducts in the solid and liquid states is discussed. Finally, the ¹³C isotropic chemical shift from the liquid state NMR and the ¹³C tensor components are also discussed, and compared with their ⁷⁷Se counterparts. ⁷⁷Se NMR crystallography can deliver valuable information about NHC ligands, and together with liquid state ⁷⁷Se NMR can provide an in-depth outlook on the properties of NHC ligands.     

Tetrahedral [Tt4]4– Zintl Anions Through Solution Chemistry: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the Ammoniates Rb4Sn4·2NH3, Cs4Sn4·2NH3, and Rb4Pb4·2NH3

The crystalline isotypic solvates Rb₄Sn₄·2NH₃, Cs₄Sn₄·2NH₃, and Rb₄Pb₄·2NH₃ have been synthesized using the direct reduction of elemental tin or tetraphenyltin, respectively, with heavier alkali metals or the dissolution of the binary phase RbPb in liquid ammonia. These compounds contain the cluster ions [Sn₄]^4– or [Pb₄]^4– respectively. This is the first time that[Tt₄]^4– ions (Tt = tetrels) are detected as result of a solution reaction. The accommodation of the ammonia molecules, which build up ion‐dipole interactions to alkali metal cations, requires some modifications of the crystal structures compared to the binary phases RbSn, CsSn, and RbPb. The tetrahedral [Tt₄]^4– anions have a slightly lower coordination by Rb⁺ or Cs⁺ cations and, furthermore, the intercluster distances show a remarkable increase.     

From a Si3‐Cyclopropene to a Si3S‐Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane to a Si3S‐Cyclopropene to a Si3S2‐Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane: Back‐and‐Forth,and In‐Between

Compact and highly reactive bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes constitute one of the most fascinating classes of organic compounds. Furthermore, interplay of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with their valence isomers, such as buta‐1,3‐dienes and cyclobutenes, is among the fundamental pericyclic transformations in organic chemistry. Herein we report the back‐and‐forth interconversion between the cyclotrisilenes and thiatrisilabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes, allowing for the synthesis of novel representatives of such classes of highly reactive organometallics. The peculiar structural and bonding features of the newly synthesized compounds, as well as the mechanism of their isomerization, were verified both experimentally and computationally.     

Superstructure of a Substituted Zeolitic Imidazolate Metal–Organic Framework Determined by Combining Proton Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Calculations

We report the supercell crystal structure of a ZIF‐8 analog substituted imidazolate metal–organic framework (SIM‐1) obtained by combining solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and powder X‐ray diffraction experiments with density functional theory calculations.     

Protonated Melonate Ca[HC6N7(NCN)3]·7H2O – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Properties

Calcium hydrogenmelonate heptahydrate Ca[HC₆N₇(NCN)₃] · 7H₂O was obtained by metathesis reaction in aqueous solution. The structure of the molecular salt was elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure consists of alternating layers of planar monopronated melonate ions, Ca²⁺ and crystal water molecules. The anions of adjacent layers are staggered so that no π–π stacking occurs. The melonate entities are interconnected by hydrogen bonds within and between the layers. Ca[HC₆N₇(NCN)₃] · 7H₂O was investigated by solid‐state NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, TG and DTA measurements.     

Structure and dynamics of homoleptic beryllocenes: a solid-state 9Be and 13C NMR study

The correlation between anisotropic 9Be NMR (quadrupolar and chemical shielding) interactions and the structure and dynamics in [Cp2Be], [Cp2*Be], and [(C5Me4H)2Be] is examined by solid-state 9Be NMR spectroscopy, as well as by ab initio and hybrid density functional theory calculations. The 9Be quadrupole coupling constants in the three compounds correspond well to the relative degrees of spherical ground-state electronic symmetry of the environment about beryllium. Theoretical computations of NMR interaction tensors are in excellent agreement with experimental values and aid in understanding the origins of NMR interaction tensors and their correlation to molecular symmetry. Variable-temperature (VT) 9Be and 13C NMR experiments reveal a highly fluxional structure in the condensed phase of [Cp2Be]. In particular, the pathway by which the Cp rings of [Cp2Be] 'invert' coordination modes is examined in detail using hybrid density functional theory in order to inspect variations of the 9Be NMR interaction tensors. The activation energy for the 'inversion' process is found to be 36.9 kJ mol(-1) from chemical exchange analysis of 13C VT CP/MAS NMR spectra. The low-temperature (ca. -100 degrees C) X-ray crystal structures of all three compounds have been collected and refined, and are in agreement with previously reported structures. In addition, the structure of the same Cp2Be crystal was determined at 20 degrees C and displays features consistent with increased intramolecular motion, supporting observations by 9Be VT NMR spectroscopy.     

Polymorphism of N,N'-diacetylbiuret studied by solid-state 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and X-ray diffraction

The molecular configuration and crystal structure of solid polycrystalline N,N′′‐diacetylbiuret (DAB), a potential nitrogen‐rich fertilizer, have been analyzed by a combination of solid‐ and liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and DFT calculations. Initially a pure NMR study (“NMR crystallography”) was performed as available single crystals of DAB were not suitable for X‐ray diffraction. Solid‐state ¹³C NMR spectra revealed the unexpected existence of two polymorphic modifications (α‐ and β‐DAB) obtained from different chemical procedures. Several NMR techniques were applied for a thorough characterization of the molecular system, revealing chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors of selected nuclei in the solid state, chemical shifts in the liquid state, and molecular dynamics in the solid state. Dynamic NMR spectroscopy of DAB in solution revealed exchange between two different configurations, which raised the question, is there a correlation between the two different configurations found in solution and the two polymorphic modifications found in the solid state? By using this knowledge, a new crystallization protocol was devised which led to the growth of single crystals suitable for X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray data showed that the same symmetric configuration is present in both polymorphic modifications, but the packing patterns in the crystals are different. In both cases hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of planes of DAB molecules. Additional symmetry elements, a two‐fold screw in the case of α‐DAB and a c‐glide plane in the case of β‐DAB, lead to a more symmetric (α‐DAB) or asymmetric (β‐DAB) intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding pattern for each molecule.     

Halogenotrinitromethanes: A Combined Study in the Crystalline and Gaseous Phase and Using Quantum Chemical Methods

The halogenotrinitromethanes FC(NO₂)₃ ( 1 ), BrC(NO₂)₃ ( 2 ), and IC(NO₂)₃ ( 3 ) were synthesized and fully characterized. The molecular structures of 1 – 3 were determined in the crystalline state by X‐ray diffraction, and gas‐phase structures of 1 and 2 were determined by electron diffraction. The Hal?C bond lengths in F?, Cl?, and Br?C(NO₂)₃ in the crystalline state are similar to those in the gas phase. The obtained experimental data are interpreted in terms of Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO), Atoms in Molecules (AIM), and Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) theories. All halogenotrinitromethanes show various intra‐ and intermolecular non‐bonded interactions. Intramolecular N ??? O and Hal ??? O (Hal=F ( 1 ), Br ( 2 ), I ( 3 )) interactions, both competitors in terms of the orientation of the nitro groups by rotation about the C?N bonds, lead to a propeller‐type twisting of these groups favoring the mentioned interactions. The origin of the unusually short Hal?C bonds is discussed in detail. The results of this study are compared to the molecular structure of ClC(NO₂)₃ and the respective interactions therein.     

Pentagermapyramidane: Crystallizing the “Transition‐State” Structure

The first example of the homonuclear pyramidanes, pentagermapyramidane, was synthesized, fully characterized, and computationally studied to reveal its peculiar structural features and the nature of its apex‐to‐base bonding interactions. Both solid‐state and solution structures of pentagermapyramidane are discussed based on the computed stabilities of its square‐pyramidal and distorted forms.     

Preparation and Conformation of Organo‐Bridged Bis[tris(arylchalcogenolato)tin] Compounds – An Experimental and Quantum Chemical Study

Seven organo‐bridged bis[tris(arylchalcogenolato)tin] compounds with the general formulae (R′E)₃Sn–R–Sn(ER′)₃ (R = –(CH₂)₄–, 1,4‐bis(methyl)benzene, 4,4′‐bis(methyl)biphenyl; R′ = Ph, 1‐Np, 2‐Np; E = S, Se) were synthesized and characterized by means of X‐ray diffractometry as well as NMR spectroscopy. Three different conformations of the arylchalcogenolato groups ER′ with respect to the bridging group R were rationalized and explained by means of quantum chemical investigations.     

The Metallic Zintl Phase Ba3Si4 – Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Chemical Bonding,and Physical Properties

The Zintl phase Ba₃Si₄ has been synthesized from the elements at 1273 K as a single phase. No homogeneity range has been found. The compound decomposes peritectically at 1307(5) K to BaSi₂ and melt. The butterfly‐shaped Si₄⁶⁻ Zintl anion in the crystal structure of Ba₃Si₄ (Pearson symbol tP28, space group P4₂/mnm, a = 8.5233(3) Å, c = 11.8322(6) Å) shows only slightly different Si‐Si bond lengths of d(Si–Si) = 2.4183(6) Å (1×) and 2.4254(3) Å (4×). The compound is diamagnetic with χ ≈ −50 × 10⁻⁶ cm³ mol⁻¹. DC resistivity measurements show a high electrical resistivity (ρ(300 K) ≈ 1.2 × 10⁻³ Ω m) with positive temperature gradient dρ/dT. The temperature dependence of the isotropic signal shift and the spin‐lattice relaxation times in ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy confirms the metallic behavior. The experimental results are in accordance with the calculated electronic band structure, which indicates a metal with a low density of states at the Fermi level. The electron localization function (ELF) is used for analysis of chemical bonding. The reaction of solid Ba₃Si₄ with gaseous HCl leads to the oxidation of the Si₄⁶⁻ Zintl anion and yields nanoporous silicon.     

Reactions of Beryllium Halides in Liquid Ammonia: The Tetraammineberyllium Cation [Be(NH3)4]2+, its Hydrolysis Products,and the Action of Be2+ as a Fluoride‐Ion Acceptor

The first structural characterization of the text‐book tetraammineberyllium(II) cation [Be(NH₃)₄]²⁺, obtained in the compounds [Be(NH₃)₄]₂Cl₄ ? 17NH₃ and [Be(NH₃)₄]Cl₂, is reported. Through NMR spectroscopic and quantum chemical studies, its hydrolysis products in liquid ammonia were identified. These are the dinuclear [Be₂(μ‐OH)(NH₃)₆]³⁺ and the cyclic [Be₂(μ‐OH)₂(NH₃)₄]²⁺ and [Be₃(μ‐OH)₃(NH₃)₆]³⁺ cations. The latter species was isolated as the compound [Be₃(μ‐OH)₃(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ ? 7NH₃. NMR analysis of solutions of BeF₂ in liquid ammonia showed that the [BeF₂(NH₃)₂] molecule was the only dissolved species. It acts as a strong fluoride‐ion acceptor and forms the [BeF₃(NH₃)]^? anion in the compound [N₂H₇][BeF₃(NH₃)]. The compounds presented herein were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, ⁹Be, ¹⁷O, and ¹⁹F NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, deuteration studies, and quantum chemical calculations. The extension of beryllium chemistry to the ammine system shows similarities but also decisive differences to the aquo system.     

Unprecedented Electron‐Poor Octahedral Ta6 Clusters in a Solid‐State Compound: Synthesis,Characterisations and Theoretical Investigations of Cs2BaTa6Br15O3

The crystal structure of Cs₂BaTa₆Br₁₅O₃ has been elucidated by using synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction and absorption experiments. It is built from edge‐bridged octahedral [(Ta₆${{\rm Br}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 9\hfill}}}$ ${{\rm O}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$ )${{\rm Br}{{{\rm a}\hfill \atop 6\hfill}}}$ ]^4? cluster units with a singular poor metallic electron (ME) count equal to thirteen. This leads to a paramagnetic behaviour related to one unpaired electron. The arrangement of the Ta₆ clusters is similar to that of Cs₂LaTa₆Br₁₅O₃ exhibiting 14‐MEs per [(Ta₆${{\rm Br}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 9\hfill}}}$ ${{\rm O}{{{\rm i}\hfill \atop 3\hfill}}}$ )${{\rm Br}{{{\rm a}\hfill \atop 6\hfill}}}$ ]^5? motif. The poorer electron‐count cluster presents longer metal–metal distances as foreseen according to the electronic structure of edge‐bridged hexanuclear cluster. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on molecular models were used to rationalise the structural properties of 13‐ and 14‐ME clusters. Periodic DFT calculations demonstrate that the electronic structure of these solid‐state compounds is related to those of the discrete octahedral units. Oxygen–barium interactions seem to prevent the geometry of the octahedral cluster to strongly distort, allowing stabilisation of this unprecedented electron‐poor Ta₆ cluster in the solid state.