The Model of “Minimal Oscillator” Derived from the Kinetic Mechanism of the H2O2–NaSCN–NaOH–CuSO4 Dynamical System

Dissipative chemical reactions, which involve oscillatory variations of the concentrations of the intermediates in time, are usually characterized with complicated kinetic mechanisms. However, the essential source of the oscillations can often be reduced to only a few reaction steps providing the alternative domination of the positive and negative feedback loops. In an extreme case such a reduction leads to the so–called “minimal oscillator,” the concept used in the past for the well‐known Belousov‐Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. In the present work, we construct such a minimal system for the (discovered by M. Orbán) H₂O₂–NaSCN–NaOH–CuSO₄ homogeneous oscillator, in which instabilities originate from kinetic mechanism substantially different from that proposed for the BZ system. The methodology involves intuitive analysis of the reaction mechanism, supported by numerical calculations and spectrophotometric measurements. We show how the actual, only three‐variable model evolves from our previously elaborated: nine‐ and five–variable mechanisms and prove that its further reduction to two–variable one is not possible. Thus the present work is a final step in our searches for the “minimal Orbán oscillator”.     

Model Calculations and Experimental Studies as a Route Toward Simplification of the Kinetic Mechanism of the H2O2–NaSCN–NaOH–CuSO4 Homogeneous Oscillator

Oscillatory chemical reactions are usually characterized by complicated kinetic mechanisms in which the source of instability is combined with the parallel dissipative process. One of such systems is the H₂O₂–NaSCN–NaOH–CuSO₄ homogeneous oscillator, in which dynamic instabilities are associated with the irreversible oxidation of thiocyanate ions with hydrogen peroxide. Following our previous studies on this system, we now propose further intuitive and substantial simplification of its kinetic mechanism toward the scheme involving only five intermediates. Its compatibility with our previous, nine‐variable model is verified in terms of model calculations, compared with experimental potentiometric and spectrophotometric data. In particular, supercritical nature of a Hopf bifurcation as a route toward oscillations born out of a single steady state upon increasing catalyst (copper species) concentration was observed in the model and an analogous type of bifurcation is suggested by available experimental data. Our work is a step toward final reduction of the mechanism of the studied system to the “minimum oscillator,” the concept used earlier, e.g., for the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction, of however remarkably different kinetic mechanism.     

Monodentate Coordination of 4,4′‐Bipyridine Leading to a Supramolecular Network – Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [H2bpp][{Cu(Hbpy)2}{α‐HP2W18O62}]·4H2O

The new supramolecular compound [H₂bpp][{Cu(Hbpy)₂}{α‐HP₂W₁₈O₆₂}]·4H₂O ( 1 ) (bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, bpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane) was synthesized hydrothermally and characterized byelemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In compound 1 , the cationic fragment [Cu(Hbpy)₂]⁺ connects to the Dawson anion through a coordinating Cu←O bond, and the copper atom is coordinated by another polyoxoanion through a weak covalent bond with a Cu1–O26 distance of 2.879(2) Å, forming a polymeric chain. The bpy ligand in [Cu(Hbpy)₂]⁺ adopts a monodentate coordination mode, the other nitrogen atom of the bpy ligand is protonated. The protonated Hbpy⁺ acts as hydrogen‐bond donor and constructs a two‐dimensional double‐sheet supramolecular network involving the one‐dimensional chains through the hydrogen bonds. The H₂bpp²⁺ ion connects twoα‐HP₂W₁₈O₆₂^6– clusters from two supramolecular networks through hydrogen bonds and creates a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The thermal decomposition of 1 happens over a wide temperature range (450–800 °C), which indicates that it might include complicated oxidation–reduction processes.     

(Zn1-xMnx)C2O4·2H2O在空气中的热分解动力学研究

用热分析（TG-DTG/DTA）、X射线衍射（XRD）技术和透射电镜（TEM）研究了固态物质Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O在空气中热分解的过程。热分析结果表明，Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O在空气中分两步分解，其失重率与理论计算失重率相吻合。 XRD和TEM结果表明，Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O分解的最终产物为Zn_1-xMn_xO,其颗粒大小约为10-13 nm。在非等温条件下对Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O的热分解动力学进行了分析。用Friedman法和Flynn-Wall-Ozawa(FWO)法求取了分解过程的活化能E，并用多元线性回归给出了可能的机理函数。Zn_1-xMn_xC₂O₄•2H₂O两步热分解的活化能分别为155.7513 kJ/mol 和215.9397 kJ/mol。     

Removal of Cu(II) from CuSO4 Aqueous Solution by Mg‐Al Hydrotalcite‐like Compounds

Hydrotalcite‐like compound (HTlc) with a Mg/Al molar ratio of 2:1 was synthesized by using a coprecipitation method and the sorption removal of Cu(II) by the Mg‐Al HTlc sample from CuSO₄ solution was investigated. It was found that the Mg‐Al HTlc showed a good sorption ability for Cu(II) from CuSO₄ solution, indicating that the use of hydrotalcite‐like compounds as promising inorganic sorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from water is possible. The sorption kinetics and the sorption isotherm of Cu(II) on the HTlc obeyed the pseudo‐second order kinetic model and Langmuir equation, respectively. The percent removal of Cu(II) by the HTlc was strongly dependent on the initial pH of bulk solution. It increased sharply with the increase of initial pH value in the range of 5–7, and was relatively small in the initial pH range of 4–5, while it reached about 100% after initial pH was higher than 7. The presence of AlCl₃ might obviously lower the equilibrium sorption amount (q_e) of Cu(II) on the HTlc. However, the presences of NaCl and MgCl₂ might increase the q_e. The presences of ligands (citric acid and EDTA) in the studied concentration range might obviously decrease the q_e of Cu(II) on the HTlc. The removal mechanism of Cu(II) cations by HTlc in the presence of SO₄^2? anions may be attributed to the surface‐induced precipitation of Cu(II) hydroxides and the surface complex adsorption by the linking effect of SO₄^2? between the HTlc and Cu(II) cations, and the removal ability arising from the surface‐induced precipitation is much higher than that from the linking effect of SO₄^2?.     

Experimental measurements and kinetic modeling of CH4/O2 and CH4/C2H6/O2 conversion at high pressure

A detailed chemical kinetic model for homogeneous combustion of the light hydrocarbon fuels CH₄ and C₂H₆ in the intermediate temperature range roughly 500–1100 K, and pressures up to 100 bar has been developed and validated experimentally. Rate constants have been obtained from critical evaluation of data for individual elementary reactions reported in the literature with particular emphasis on the conditions relevant to the present work. The experiments, involving CH₄/O₂ and CH₄/C₂H₆/O₂ mixtures diluted in N₂, have been carried out in a high‐pressure flow reactor at 600–900 K, 50–100 bar, and reaction stoichiometries ranging from very lean to fuel‐rich conditions. Model predictions are generally satisfactory. The governing reaction mechanisms are outlined based on calculations with the kinetic model. Finally, the mechanism was extended with a number of reactions important at high temperature and tested against data from shock tubes, laminar flames, and flow reactors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 778–807, 2008     

Hydroxo‐bridged Tetranuclear CuII Complexes: {[Cu(bpy)(OH)]4Cl2}Cl2 · 6 H2O and {[Cu(phen)(OH)]4(H2O)2}]Cl4 · 4 H2O

The blue tetranuclear Cu^II complexes {[Cu(bpy)(OH)]₄Cl₂}Cl₂ · 6 H₂O ( 1 ) and {[Cu(phen)(OH)]₄(H₂O)₂}Cl₄ · 4 H₂O ( 2 ) were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. ( 1 ): P 1 (no. 2), a = 9.240(1) Å, b = 10.366(2) Å, c = 12.973(2) Å, α = 85.76(1)°, β = 75.94(1)°, γ = 72.94(1)°, V = 1152.2(4) ų, Z = 1; ( 2 ): P 1 (no. 2), a = 9.770(3) Å, b = 10.118(3) Å, c = 14.258(4) Å, α = 83.72(2)°, β = 70.31(1)°, γ = 70.63(1)°, V = 1252.0(9) ų, Z = 1. The building units are centrosymmetric tetranuclear {[Cu(bpy)(OH)]₄Cl₂}²⁺ and {[Cu(phen)(OH)]₄(H₂O)₂}⁴⁺ complex cations formed by condensation of four elongated square pyramids CuN₂(OH)₂L^ap with the apical ligands L^ap = Cl, H₂O, OH. The resulting [Cu₄(μ₂‐OH)₂(μ₃‐OH)₂] core has the shape of a zigzag band of three Cu₂(OH)₂ squares. The cations exhibit intramolecular and intermolecular π‐π stacking interactions and the latter form 2D layers with the non‐bonded Cl^– anions and H₂O molecules in between (bond lengths: Cu–N = 1.995–2.038 Å; Cu–O = 1.927–1.982 Å; Cu–Cl^ap = 2.563; Cu–O^ap(OH) = 2.334–2.369 Å; Cu–O^ap(H₂O) = 2.256 Å). The Cu…Cu distances of about 2.93 Å do not indicate direct interactions, but the strongly reduced magnetic moment of about 2.74 B.M. corresponds with only two unpaired electrons per formula unit of 1 (1.37 B.M./Cu) and obviously results from intramolecular spin couplings (χ_m(T‐θ) = 0.933 cm³ · mol^–1 · K with θ = –0.7 K).     

3Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·8H2O: A Metastable Phase in the System Mg(OH)2‐MgSO4‐H2O

In the course of investigations relating to magnesia oxysulfate cement the basic magnesium salt hydrate 3Mg(OH)₂ · MgSO₄ · 8H₂O (3–1–8 phase) was found as a metastable phase in the system Mg(OH)₂‐MgSO₄‐H₂O at room temperature (the 5–1–2 phase is the stable phase) and was characterized by thermal analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The complex crystal structure of the 3–1–8 phase was determined from high resolution laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data [space group C2/c, Z = 4, a = 7.8956(1) Å, b = 9.8302(2) Å, c = 20.1769(2) Å, β = 96.2147(16)°, and V = 1556.84(4) ų]. In the crystal structure of the 3–1–8 phase, parallel double chains of edge‐linked distorted Mg(OH₂)₂(OH)₄ octahedra run along [–110] and [110] direction forming a pattern of crossed rods. Isolated SO₄ tetrahedra and interstitial water molecules separate the stacks of parallel double chains.     

Bioscillation and Birhythmicity in the H_2O_2-KSCN-CuSO_4-NaOH System

Two kinds of different mechanistic oscillations can be displayed in the H_2O_2-KSCN-CuSO_4-NaOH system. One discovered by this study is the pH oscillation in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor(CSTR) resulting from the oxidation of KSCN. The other is the oscillation of H_2O_2 decomposition in both CSTR and batch reactors(reported by Orbáin in 1986). Under appropriate experimental conditions, the system exhibits a birhythmicity in a CSTR. Two different pH oscillations are reported here. The pH oscillations which accompany the decomposition of H_2O_2 exist in the batch reactor and the CSTR at a high flowrate, but the pH oscillations in a CSTR at a low flowrate originates from proton positive and negative feedback in the oxidation of KSCN. The oscillation of non-catalyzed oxidation of KSCN by hydrogen peroxide in a CSTR can be found. Also we have observed whether Cu~(2+) exists or not in the batch system, the pH increases to near neutral ultimately after pH drops twice.     

A tetranuclear copper(II) cluster: bis(μ‐4‐chlorobenzoato‐κ2O:O′)(4‐chlorobenzoato‐κ2O,O′)(4‐chlorobenzoato‐κO)tetrakis(μ3‐2‐pyridylmethanolato‐κ4N,O:O:O)tetracopper(II)

The title compound, [Cu₄(C₇H₄ClO₂)₄(C₆H₆NO)₄], consists of isolated tetranuclear clusters, where the Cu²⁺ cations are five‐ and sixfold coordinated by O atoms from the 4‐chlorobenzoate anions and by pyridine N and methanolate O atoms from bidentate 2‐pyridylmethanolate ligands. While three Cu atoms are six‐coordinated by an NO₅ donor set forming distorted octahedra, the fourth Cu atom is five‐coordinated by an NO₄ donor set forming a distorted tetragonal–pyramidal coordination around the Cu atom. The nucleus is a deformed cubane‐like Cu₄O₄ structure, with Cu...Cu distances in the range 3.0266 (11)–3.5144 (13) Å.     

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of CuSO4 · 5H2O to CuO

The effect of particle size, type of crucible, and heating rate on the thermal curves obtained simultaneously for CuSO₄ · 5H₂O were discussed. The dissociation steps were confirmed. Thermogravimetric techniques for determining the rate-controlling processes and kinetic parameters were applied for the dehydration steps and the calcination of CuSO₄ and CuSO₄ · CuO. For the dehydration of the monohydrate one mechanism operates but the activation energy and preexponential factor vary over wide ranges. Differentiating between various mechanisms using the same technique was sometimes difficult giving completely different values for the kinetic parameters. In view of such difficulties the various methods were assessed, the best techniques to treat similar results were recommended and the operating mechanisms and kinetic parameters for the various steps were thus established.     

The 4‐(Dimethylamino) benzaldehyde‐4‐ethylthiosemicarbazone as Ionophore for Mercury(II) Solid State Selective Electrode

Hg(II) has formed a soluble complex with 4‐(dimethylamino) benzaldehyde‐4‐ethylthiosemicarbazone (DMABET) in methanol with a molar ratio of mercury(II):DMABET of 1 : 4. The formation constant (K_f) and Gibbs free energy (?G) of the complex showed that the formation of the complex was favorable. The DMABET was investigated as ionophore for Hg(II)‐ion selective electrode (ISE). At optimum pH 1–5 the proposed Hg(II)‐ISE showed an almost Nernstian slope at 27.8±1 mV, with linear regression coefficient, R²=0.995 and a detection limit of 5×10^?6 M. There was no serious interference from silver(I) with selectivity coefficient 5.69×10^?3. The electrode life span was more than 3 months. It has been applied for real water sample analysis and the results were in good agreement with the standard method.     

Two Novel CuII Phenanthroline Adipato Complexes with π‐π Stacking Interactions: [Cu(phen)2(C6H8O4)] · 4.5 H2O and [(Cu2(phen)2Cl2)(C6H8O4)] · 4 H2O

The blue copper complex compounds [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4.5 H₂O ( 1 ) and [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4 H₂O ( 2 ) were synthesized from CuCl₂, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) and adipic acid in CH₃OH/H₂O solutions. [Cu(phen)₂‐ (C₆H₈O₄)] complexes and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules form the crystal structure of ( 1 ) (P1 (no. 2), a = 10.086(2) Å, b = 11.470(2) Å, c = 16.523(3) Å, α = 99.80(1)°, β = 115.13(1)°, γ = 115.13(1)°, V = 1617.5(5) ų, Z = 2). The Cu atoms are square‐pyramidally coordinated by four N atoms of the phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion (d(Cu–O) = 1.989 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.032–2.040 Å, axial d(Cu–N) = 2.235 Å). π‐π stacking interactions between phen ligands are responsible for the formation of supramolecular assemblies of [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] complex molecules into 1 D chains along [111]. The crystal structure of ( 2 ) shows polymeric [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains (P1 (no. 2), a = 7.013(1) Å, b = 10.376(1) Å, c = 11.372(3) Å, α = 73.64(1)°, β = 78.15(2)°, γ = 81.44(1)°, V = 773.5(2) ų, Z = 1). The Cu atoms are fivefold coordinated by two Cl atoms, two N atoms of phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion, forming [CuCl₂N₂O] square pyramids with an axial Cl atom (d(Cu–O) = 1.958 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.017–2.033 Å, d(Cu–Cl) = 2.281 Å; axial d(Cu–Cl) = 2.724 Å). Two square pyramids are condensed via the common Cl–Cl edge to centrosymmetric [Cu₂Cl₂N₄O₂] dimers, which are connected via the adipate anions to form the [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains. The supramolecular 3 D network results from π‐π stacking interactions between the chains. H₂O molecules are located in tunnels.     

On Cu(Hg)/Cu(II) equilibria and reactions in aqueous sulphate solution

Combined thermodynamic and kinetic studies have revealed amalgam properties, solution activities, and diffusion data besides charge-transfer parameters and exchange rates for either step of the Cu(Hg)/Cu(II) electrode in aqueous solutions of xM CuSO₄+(0.5?x) M MgSO₄+H₂SO₄ (to pH about 2.5) at 25°C. The studies allow separation of mean ionic activities into convenient single-ion ones. The kinetic results demonstrate the consecutive two-step mechanism involved. Comparison is made to the solid Cu/Cu(II) electrode, and double-layer effects are discussed.     

A new hybrid organic–inorganic chain: [(phen)Cu–μ‐(κ2O:O′‐VP2O10H3)2–Cu(phen)]n

The structure of the title compound, poly[(dihydrogenphosphato‐κO)(μ₃‐hydrogenphosphato)di‐μ‐oxido‐(1,10‐phenanthroline)copper(II)vanadium(V)], [CuV(HPO₄)(H₂PO₄)O₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)]_n, is defined by [(phen)Cu–μ‐(κ²O:O′‐VP₂O₁₀H₃)₂–Cu(phen)] units (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline), which are connected to neighbouring units through vanadyl bridges. Neighbouring chains have no covalent bonds between them, although they interdigitate through the phen groups viaπ–π interactions.     

Luminol/H2O2/KSCN/CuSO4 Oscillating Chemiluminescence System in the Presence of Complexing Agents

The oscillating system luminol/H₂O₂/KSCN/CuSO₄ with (2‐hydroxyethyl)trimethylammoniumhydroxide (2‐HETMAOH) was investigated by using luminometry technique. Temperature and solvent effects on the behavior of the oscillating system were studied. The influences of complexing agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and methionine were also investigated for this system. All experiments were performed by using the luminometer technique in a batch reactor.     

Determination of the dielectric tensor function of triclinic CuSO4·5H2O

We present the first successful dispersion analysis of a triclinic crystal in the infrared spectral region. The corresponding scheme involves the parallel evaluation of 12 polarized reflection spectra recorded from three mutual perpendicular faces of a cube-shaped crystal. The dispersion analysis was carried out on a CuSO₄·5H₂O single crystal. The determined oscillator parameters and the corresponding dielectric function tensor were used to model the spectra of polycrystalline CuSO₄·5H₂O. The good correspondence between modeled and experimental spectra of the polycrystalline species proves the correctness of the approach.     

Catalytic CO Oxidation by O2 Mediated by Noble‐Metal‐Free Cluster Anions Cu2VO3–5−

Catalytic CO oxidation by molecular O₂ is an important model reaction in both the condensed phase and gas‐phase studies. Available gas‐phase studies indicate that noble metal is indispensable in catalytic CO oxidation by O₂ under thermal collision conditions. Herein, we identified the first example of noble‐metal‐free heteronuclear oxide cluster catalysts, the copper–vanadium bimetallic oxide clusters Cu₂VO_3–5^? for CO oxidation by O₂. The reactions were characterized by mass spectrometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional calculations. The dynamic nature of the Cu?Cu unit in terms of the electron storage and release is the driving force to promote CO oxidation and O₂ activation during the catalysis.     

Hydrate isomerism in [Cu(en)2(H2O)1.935]2[Fe(CN)6]·4H2O

The title compound, bis[di­aqua­bis­(ethyl­enedi­amine‐κ²N,N′)copper(II)­] hexa­cyano­iron(II) tetrahydrate, [Cu(C₂H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)_1.935]₂[Fe(CN)₆]·4H₂O, was crystallized from an aqueous reaction mixture initially containing CuSO₄, K₃[Fe(CN)₆] and ethyl­enedi­amine (en) in a 3:2:6 molar ratio. Its structure is ionic and is built up of two crystallographically different cations, viz. [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ and [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)_1.87]²⁺, there being a deficiency of aqua ligands in the latter, [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions and disordered solvent water mol­ecules. All the metal atoms lie on centres of inversion. The Cu atom is octahedrally coordinated by two chelate‐bonded en mol­ecules [mean Cu—N = 2.016 (2) Å] in the equatorial plane, and by axial aqua ligands, showing very long distances due to the Jahn–Teller effect [mean Cu—O = 2.611 (2) Å]. In one of the cations, significant underoccupation of the O‐atom site is observed, correlated with the appearance of a non‐coordinated water mol­ecule. This is interpreted as the partial contribution of a hydrate isomer. The [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions form quite regular octahedra, with a mean Fe—C distance of 1.913 (2) Å. The dominant intermolecular interactions are cation–anion O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds and these inter­actions form layers parallel to (001).     

RbCrIII(C2O4)2·2H2O,Cs2Mg(C2O4)2·4H2O and Rb2CuII(C2O4)2·2H2O: three new complex oxalate hydrates

Rubidium chromium(III) dioxalate dihydrate [di­aqua­bis(μ‐oxalato)­chromium(III)­rubidium(I)], [RbCr(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂], (I), and dicaesium magnesium dioxalate tetrahydrate [tetra­aqua­bis(μ‐oxalato)­magnesium(II)­dicaesium(I)], [Cs₂Mg(C₂­O₄)₂(H₂O)₄], (II), have layered structures which are new among double‐metal oxalates. In (I), the Rb and Cr atoms lie on sites with imposed 2/m symmetry and the unique water molecule lies on a mirror plane; in (II), the Mg atom lies on a twofold axis. The two non‐equivalent Cr and Mg atoms both show octahedral coordination, with a mean Cr—O distance of 1.966 Å and a mean Mg—O distance of 2.066 Å. Dirubid­ium copper(II) dioxalate dihydrate [di­aqua­bis(μ‐oxalato)­copper(II)­dirubidium(I)], [Rb₂Cu(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂], (III), is also layered and is isotypic with the previously described K₂‐ and (NH₄)₂Cu^II(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O compounds. The two non‐equivalent Cu atoms lie on inversion centres and are both (4+2)‐coordinated. Hydro­gen bonds are medium‐strong to weak in the three compounds. The oxalate groups are slightly non‐planar only in the Cs–Mg compound, (II), and are more distinctly non‐planar in the K–Cu compound, (III).