Preparation and Crystal Structure of K2Ag12Te7

Summary.  Single crystals of K₂Ag₁₂Te₇ (a = 11.460(2), c = 4.660(1) ?; V = 530.01 ?³; space group: P6₃/m; Z = 1) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 250°C in concentrated aqueous KOH solution from elementary silver and tellurium. The crystal structure is characterized by trigonal prismatic KTe₆ polyhedra, connected via two common faces to KTe₃ rods parallel to [001]. These rods are combined by two crystallographically independent Ag atoms, each coordinated to four Te and three Ag atoms (Ag–Te and Ag–Ag < 3.1 ?) to a framework of the formula (K₂Ag₁₂Te₆)^2 + and with channels parallel to the sixfold axis. These channels are statistically occupied by one further Te atom per unit cell, distributed over two independent positions. Received May 17, 2001. Accepted (revised) July 3, 2001     

Solvothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Properties of New [Mn(<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">dien</Emphasis>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Complexes

Summary.  The two new compounds Mn(dien)₂[MoS₄] (1) and Mn(dien)₂[Mo₂O₂S₆] (2) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were prepared under solvothermal conditions. Both compounds were obtained as phase-pure products. The structures consist of new [Mn(dien)₂]²⁺ cations and isolated tetrahedral [MoS₄]²⁻ (1) or [Mo₂O₂S₆]²⁻ (2) anions. Between the anions and the cations, hydrogen bonding is observed. Compound 1 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I (a = 10.219(2), c = 9.259(2) ?, Z = 2), whereas 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (a = 8.703(2), b = 18.390(4), c = 14.603(3) ?, β = 103.18(3)°, Z = 4). The thermal behaviour of the thiomolybdates was investigated using difference thermoanalysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG). Both compounds decompose under argon with a single endothermic signal in the DTA curve (peak maximum: 252 (1) and 242°C (2)). Received November 5, 2001. Accepted December 27, 2001     

Iodo Derivatives of Bimetallic Fe—Pd and Fe—Pt Complexes. Crystal Structures of

Summary.  Iodo derivatives of diphosphine-bridged heterobimetallic Fe—Pd and Fe—Pt complexeshave been prepared in which an alkoxysilyl ligand bridges the two metals in a μ₂−η²-SiO manner. In the course of their synthesis by halide exchange from (dppx = dppm (Ph₂ PCH₂ PPh₂) or dppa (Ph₂PNHPPh₂); M = Pd or Pt), loss of the alkoxysilyl ligand occurred resulting in the formation of complexes in which a bridging iodide has replaced, as a 3e⁻-donor, the bridging alkoxysilyl ligand. These complexes of formula (M = Pd, Pt are better prepared by reaction of with [MI₂(cod)]. The crystal structures of (2a), (2b), and  · CH₂Cl₂ (3b · CH₂Cl₂) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Received January 24, 2001. Accepted February 12, 2001     

Influence of Al2O3 Nanoparticles on the Thermal Stability of Ultra-Fine Grained Copper Prepared by High Pressure Torsion

Summary.  Ultra-fine grained (UFG) Cu (grain size 80 nm) containing 0.5 wt.% Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (size 20 nm) was prepared by high pressure torsion (HPT). Positron lifetime spectroscopy was employed to characterize the microstructure of this material, especially with respect to types and concentration of lattice defects. The evolution of microstructure with increasing temperature was studied by positron lifetime spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The thermal stability of the Cu + 0.5 wt.% Al₂O₃ nanocomposite was compared with that of pure UFG Cu prepared by the same technique. The processes taking place during thermal recovery of the initial nanoscale structure in both studied materials are described. Received October 5, 2001. Accepted (revised) December 20, 2001     

Polygermanosilyne Calcium Hydroxide Intercalation Compounds Formed by Topotactic Transformation of Ca(Si 1 − x Ge x )2 Alloy Zintl Phases in Ambient Atmosphere

Summary.   Epitaxial thin films of Ca(Si _1 − x Ge _x )₂ with 0 < x ≤ 1 are found to react with the moisture of ambient atmosphere to form new Ca-Si-Ge-O-H compounds which were studied by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, infrared absorption, and thermally induced hydrogen desorption measurements. Pure CaGe₂ forms the polygermyne calcium hydroxide intercalation compound Ca(OH)₂(GeH)₂ upon exposure to humidity, with a trigonal tr6 crystal lattice with a = 4.00(1) and c = 65.3(1)?. In mixed Ca(Si _1 − x Ge _x )₂ with smaller Ge content, the group-14 layers are subject to intense oxidation leading to decreased crystallinity. The products exhibit characteristic colours and intense photoluminescence, the peak luminescence varying from 1.35 eV for the reaction product of Ca(Si_0.3Ge_0.7)₂ to 2.6 eV for that of Ca(Si_0.5Ge_0.5)₂. Received March 12, 2001. Accepted (revised) May 2, 2001     

Catalytic Spectrophotometric Determination of Molybdenum

Summary.  A highly selective, sensitive, and simple catalytic method for the determination of molybdenum in natural and waste waters was developed. It is based on the catalytic effect of Mo(VI) on the oxidation of 2-aminophenol with H₂O₂. The reaction is monitored spectrophotometrically by tracing the oxidation product at 430 nm after 10 min of mixing the reagents. Addition of 800 μg · cm⁻³ EDTA conferred high selectivity; however, interfering effects of Au(III), Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Fe(III) had to be eliminated by a reduction and co-precipitation procedure with SnCl₂ and Al(OH)₃. Mo(VI) shows a linear calibration graph up to 11.0 ng · cm⁻³; the detection limit, based on the 3S _b-criterion, is 0.10 ng · cm⁻³. The unique selectivity and sensitivity of the new method allowed its direct application to the determination of Mo(VI) in natural and waste waters. Received April 11, 2001. Accepted (revised) June 18, 2001     

Crystal Structures of Na3PO2S2 · 11H2O and Na3POS3 · 11H2O

Summary.  Single crystals of sodium dithiophosphate undecahydrate (Na₃PO₂S₂ · 11H₂O) and sodium trithiophosphate undecahydrate (Na₃POS₃ · 11H₂O) were grown from aqueous solution. The crystal structures of Na₃PO₂S₂ · 11H₂O (P2₁2₁2₁; a = 1248.1(1), b = 945.2(1), c = 1383.1(1) pm; R ₁ = 0.0202, wR ₂ = 0.0502) and Na₃POS₃ · 11H₂O (Pna2₁; a = 1262.0(2), b = 947.6(2), c = 1431.5(2) pm; R ₁ = 0.0720, wR ₂ = 0.1371) are related to each other in a sense that all constituting units are arranged in similar positions and with similar orientations. The geometries of the anions were determined with high accuracy; thus, the structural parameters of the POS³⁻ ₃ anion were measured for the first time. Received September 25, 2001. Accepted January 21, 2002     

Kinetic Determination of Iodide Based on its Effect on the Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation of Triflupromazine

Summary.  A new selective, sensitive, and simple kinetic method is developed for the determination of trace amounts of iodide. The method is based on the catalytic effect of iodide on the reaction of triflupromazine (TFP) with H₂O₂. The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by tracing the oxidation product at 498 nm within 1 min after addition of H₂O₂. The optimum reaction conditions are TFP (0.4 × 10⁻³ M), H₂SO₄ (1.0M), H₃PO₄ (2.0M), and H₂O₂ (1.6M) at 30°C. Following this procedure, iodide can be determined with a linear calibration graph up to 4.5 ng ċ cm⁻³ and a detection limit of 0.04 ng ċ cm⁻³, based on the 3 S_b criterion. The method can also be applied to the determination of iodate and periodate ions. Determination of as little as 0.2, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 ng ċ cm⁻³ of I⁻, IO₃ ^-, or IO₄ ^- in aqueous solutions gave an average recovery of 98% with relative standard deviations below 1.6% (n = 5). The method was applied to the determination of iodide in Nile river water and ground waters as well as in various food samples after alkaline ashing treatment. The method is compared with other catalytic spectrophotometric procedures for iodide determination. Received January 19, 2001. Accepted (revised) March 12, 2001     

Thermodynamic Investigation of Phase Equilibria in Metal Carbonate–Water–Carbon Dioxide Systems

Summary.  Solubility measurements as a function of temperature have been shown to be a powerful tool for the determination of thermodynamic properties of sparingly-soluble transition metal carbonates. In contrast to calorimetric methods, such as solution calorimetry or drop calorimetry, the evaluation of solubility data avoids many systematic errors, yielding the enthalpy of solution at 298.15 K with an estimated uncertainty of ±3 kJ · mol⁻¹. A comprehensive set of thermodynamic data for otavite (CdCO₃), smithsonite (ZnCO₃), hydrozincite (Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂), malachite (Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃), azurite (Cu₃(OH)₂(CO₃)₂), and siderite (FeCO₃) was derived. Literature values for the standard enthalpy of formation of malachite and azurite were disproved by these solubility experiments, and revised values are recommended. In the case of siderite, data for the standard enthalpy of formation given by various data bases deviate from each other by more than 10 kJ · mol⁻¹ which can be attributed to a discrepancy in the auxiliary data for the Fe²⁺ ion. A critical evaluation of solubility data from various literature sources results in an optimized value for the standard enthalpy of formation for siderite. The Davies approximation, the specific ion-interaction theory, and the Pitzer concept are used for the extrapolation of the solubility constants to zero ionic strength in order to obtain standard thermodynamic properties valid at infinite dilution, T = 298.15 K, and p = 10⁵ Pa. The application of these electrolyte models to both homogeneous and heterogeneous (solid-solute) equilibria in aqueous solution is reviewed. Received June 26, 2001. Accepted July 2, 2001     

Structural, Spectroscopic, and Thermal Behaviour of Bis-(thiosaccharinate)-aqua-cadmium(II)

Summary.  The crystal structure of the title complex, [Cd(tsac)₂(H₂O)], has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (a = 12.236(3), b = 8.919(3), c = 16.655(3) ?, β = 96.18(2)°, Z = 4). The molecular structure was solved from 1705 independent reflections with I > σ(I) and refined to R ₁ = 0.0489. Infrared and Raman spectra of the complex were recorded and are briefly discussed. Its thermal behaviour was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Received December 18, 2000. Accepted February 19, 2001     

The Thermal Dehydration of Magnesium Aluminum Pentafluoride Dihydrate: Crystal Structures of MgAlF5(H2O)2 and MgAlF5

Summary.  Small plate-like single crystals of MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ have been obtained during hydrothermal treatment (270°C) of microcrystalline material prepared by precipitation of stoichiometric solutions of Al₂(SO₄)₃ ·  18H₂O and Mg(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O with diluted hydrofluoric acid. The crystal structure of MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ has been refined from single crystal data (Imma (# 74), Z = 4, a = 7.0637(7), b = 10.1308(10), c = 6.7745(7) ?, 398 structure factors, 33 parameters, R(F² > σ(F ²)) = 0.0245, wR(F² all) = 0.0525). Main features of the inverse weberite type structure are infinite chains of trans-bridged [AlF₆] octahedra which are connected via common fluorine atoms by isolated [MgF₄(H₂O)₂] octahedra. MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ dehydrates at temperatures above 300°C to give MgAlF₅. XRPD analysis of this phase has revealed isotypism with FeAlF₅. The crystal structure of MgAlF₅ (Immm (# 71), Z = 2, a = 7.268(1), b = 6.123(2), c = 3.543(1) ?) is built of infinite chains of edge-sharing [MgF₆] octahedra and chains of corner-sharing [AlF₆] octahedra along [001]. Upon further heating to temperatures above 500°C, MgAlF₅ decomposes to MgF₂ and α − AlF₃. Received January 15, 2001. Accepted February 12, 2001     

The Protonation and Deprotonation Equilibria of Hypericin Revisited

Summary.  The protonation and deprotonation behaviour and the assignment of pK _a values of hypericin are reviewed and discussed. Three experiments (electrospray MS, ¹H NMR, acid–base indicator equilibria) provided additional evidences for the assignment of pK _a values of −5 and −6 to mono- and diprotonation at the carbonyl groups of hypericin, of pK _a = 2 to monodeprotonation at the bay-region, and of pK _a = 11 to dideprotonation at the bay- and peri-regions. Received September 26, 2001. Accepted October 1, 2001     

X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectroscopic Study of Bis-(Pyridine Base) Complexes of Cadmium(II) Halogenides

Summary.  The molecular structures of bis-(pyridine base) complexes of cadmium(II) chloride and bromide, where the pyridine base is pyridine ( py), 3-methylpyridine (3-Me-py), 4-methylpyridine (4-Me-py), and 4-ethylpyridine (4-Et-py), were investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structures of CdCl₂ py ₂ (1), CdCl₂(3-Me-py)₂ (2), and CdCl₂(4-Me-py)₂ (3) were determined. All crystals are monoclinic; 1: a = 17.784(2), b = 8.666(1), c = 3.8252(7) ?, β = 91.54(1)°, space group: P2₁/n; 2: a = 11.89(1), b = 14.41(1), c = 3.874(6) ?, β = 92.3(1)°, space group: P2₁/a; 3: a = 21.091(2), b = 3.8884(5), c = 18.2317(3) ?, β = 113.64(1)°, space group: C2/c. The structures were refined to R/R _w values (%) of 3.2/5.5, 3.0/5.0, and 3.4/5.1 for 1–3. All cadmium atoms are octahedrally coordinated with the chloride ions forming infinite di-μ-chloro polymeric linear chains and the nitrogen atoms of the pyridine base in trans configuration. The Cd chains are oriented along the c-axis in 1 and 2 and along the b-axis in 3. The crystal structures indicate the absence of a peculiar interaction between the polymeric chains. The Raman spectra of eight complexes were measured in the range of 550–50 cm⁻¹, and the Raman peaks originating from cadmium-halogen vibrations were assigned. The Raman spectra of 1 and 2 are quite alike in the lattice mode vibration region. The resemblance of the cadmium-halogen vibration peaks indicates the same halogenide ion bridged octahedral structure for all complexes. Received March 27, 2001. Accepted (revised) June 19, 2001     

Solid-Solute Phase Equilibria in Aqueous Solutions XIV [1]. Thermodynamic Analysisof the Solubility of Hellyerite in Water

Summary.  The solubility of hellyerite, NiCO₃ · 6H₂O, in water was studied at different temperatures. From the experimental data obtained, a preliminary set of the thermodynamic quantities Δ_f G ^⊖, Δ_f H ^⊖, and S ^⊖ for hellyerite was derived using the ChemSage optimizer routine. Received January 16, 2001. Accepted January 18, 2001     

An ab initio Molecular Orbital Study of the Conformational Properties of all-(Z)-Cyclododeca-1,4,7,10-tetraene

Summary.  Ab initio HF/6-31G^* and MP2/6-31G^*//HF/6-31G^* methods were used to calculate the structure optimization and conformational interconversion pathways for all-(Z )-cyclododeca-1,4,7,10-tetraene. This compound adopts the symmetrical crown (C _4v) conformation. Ring inversion takes place via symmetrical intermediates, such as boat-chair (BC, C _s) and twist (C _2h) conformers and requires about 22.3 kJ · mol⁻¹. The calculated strain energies for BC and twist conformers are 5.9 and 13.5 kJ · mol⁻¹. The results of semiempirical AM1 calculations for structural parameters and relative energies of the important geometries of the title compound are in good agreement with the results of ab initio methods. Received July 9, 2001. Accepted September 26, 2001     

Rotational Energy Barrier of the Polarized Carbon–Carbon Double Bond in Quinophthalone

Summary.  A dynamic NMR effect is observed in the ¹³C NMR spectra of anhydrous quinophthalone (quinoline yellow) and its monohydrate in the vicinity of 47°C and 0°C, respectively, and is attributed to a restricted rotation around the polarized carbon–carbon double bond. The free energy of activation for this process in anhydrous quinophthalone and the monohydrate is 65±2 and 55±2 kJ · mol⁻¹, respectively, in CDCl₃. Received September 25, 2001. Accepted (revised) November 14, 2001     

Preparation,Thermal Behaviour,and Crystal Structure of MgAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Summary.  Single crystals of MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions (250°C, 14 d) from a starting mixture of AlF₃ and MgAlF₅(H₂O)₂ in a 5% (w/w) HF solution. The crystal structure has been determined and refined from single crystal data (Fmmm (#69), Z = 4, a = 7.2691(7), b = 7.0954(16), c = 12.452(2) ?, 281 structure factors, 27 parameters, R(F ² > 2σ (F ²)) = 0.0282, wR(F ² all) = 0.0885). The obtained crystals were systematically twinned according to (010/100/001) as twinning matrix, reflecting the pseudo-tetragonal metric. The crystal structure is composed of perowskite-type layers built of corner sharing AlF₆ octahedra with an overall composition of AlF₄ ⁻ which are connected via common fluorine atoms of [MgF_4/2(H₂O)_2/1] octahedra. Group-subgroup relations of MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ to WO₃(H₂O)_0.33 and to other M(II)M(III)₂ F₈(H₂O)₂ structures are briefly discussed. Above 570°C, MgAl₂F₈(H₂O)₂ decomposes under elimination of water into α-AlF₃, β-AlF₃, and MgF₂. Received October 29, 2001. Accepted (revised) December 6, 2001     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Stannyloligosilanes IV [1]: From Hydrido Substituted Stannasilanes Towards Stannasiloxanes

Summary.  Hydrido substituted stannasilanes of the type or (Z = H, Me, Ph; R, R′ = alkyl, Ph) are accessible by reaction of either alkali metal stannides (MSn(Z)R ₂; M = Li, Na) with halogen substituted silanes (; X = F, Cl) or chlorostannanes (R ₂SnCl₂, Ph₃SnCl) and fluorosilanes in the presence of magnesium. Stannasilanes with halogen substituents at the silicon as well as the tin atom are formed by treatment of the hydrido substituted stannasilanes with CHCl₃ or CCl₄. The hydrido substituted stannasilanes decompose in contact with air to distannanes and siloxanes or to the linear ( ^t Bu₂Sn(–O– ^t Bu₂Si–OH)₂) and cyclic ((– ^t Bu₂Sn–O– ⁱ Pr₂Si–O–)₂) stannasiloxanes. Received November 29, 2001. Accepted (revised) January 16, 2002     

A Rapid Spectrophotometric Method to Resolve Ternary Mixtures of Propyphenazone, Caffeine, and Acetaminophen in Tablets

Summary.  A simple and rapid derivative spectrophotometric assay procedure is described for the analysis of caffeine (1), acetaminophen (2), and propyphenazone (3) in tablet formulations. The concentration range of application is 5.0–25.0 μg·cm⁻³ for 2 and 3 and 1.0–5.0 μg·cm⁻³ for 1. The method involves the extraction of the drugs from tablets with 0.1 N H₂SO₄, filtration, appropriate dilution, and measurement of the fourth derivative absorbance values at zero crossing wavelengths of 230.0, 263.2, and 256.6 nm for 1, 2, and 3. As a reference method, a reversed phase HPLC procedure was developed. Commercially available tablets were analyzed; statistical comparison of the results with those obtained from the reference method showed good agreement. The derivative spectrophotometric method has the advantage of being simple, rapid, inexpensive, and easy to perform. Received April 18, 2001. Accepted (revised) June 5, 2001     

Cathodic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry for Estimation of the Forest Area Pollution with Nickel and Cobalt

 Necessary conditions were established for simultaneous nickel and cobalt determination in environmental samples, such as oak wood and soil, based on cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry. Ni(II) and Co(II), complexed with dimethylglyoxime, were determined using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Optimum conditions were found to be: accumulation time 90 s, accumulation potential −0.80 V vs. SCE, supporting electrolyte 0.2 mol dm⁻³ ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer (pH = 9.4) + 0.05 mol dm⁻³ NaNO₂ and dimethylglyoxime 2 × 10⁻⁴ mol dm⁻³. A linear current-concentration relationship was observed up to 7.51×10 ⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ for Ni(II) and 7.0 × 10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ for Co(II). Excess amounts of zinc(II) interfering with cobalt peaks were masked by complexation with EDTA. Wood and soils were mineralized by applying a microwave digestion system, using the mixtures H₂O₂ + HNO₃ or HNO₃ + HF, respectively. The developed procedure was tested by analysing international reference materials (BCR 62 Olive Leaves and GBW 08302 Tibet Soil). The developed procedure was used to determine pollution of oak stand with nickel and cobalt in different regions of Poland. Received August 10, 2000. Revision May 22, 2001.