Incommensurate Phase in Λ-cobalt (III) Sepulchrate Trinitrate Governed by Highly Competitive N−H⋅⋅⋅O and C−H⋅⋅⋅O Hydrogen Bond Networks**

Phase transitions in molecular crystals are often determined by intermolecular interactions. The cage complex of [Co(C₁₂H₃₀N₈)]³⁺ ⋅ 3 NO₃⁻ is reported to undergo a disorder-order phase transition at T_c1 ≈133 K upon cooling. Temperature-dependent neutron and synchrotron diffraction experiments revealed satellite reflections in addition to main reflections in the diffraction patterns below T_c1. The modulation wave vector varies as function of temperature and locks in at T_c3≈98 K. Here, we demonstrate that the crystal symmetry lowers from hexagonal to monoclinic in the incommensurately modulated phases in T_c1<T<T_c3. Distinctive levels of competitions: trade-off between longer N−H⋅⋅⋅O and shorter C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds; steric constraints to dense C−H⋅⋅⋅O bonds give rise to pronounced modulation of the basic structure. Severely frustrated crystal packing in the incommensurate phase is precursor to optimal balance of intermolecular interactions in the lock-in phase.     

Nature and Strength of Weak O⋅⋅⋅O Interactions in Nitryl Halide Dimers

The use of real space functions and molecular graphs has pushed some chemists to wonder: Are interactions between negatively charged oxygen atoms possible? In this contribution we analyze whether there is a real interaction between oxygen atoms in nitryl halide dimers (XNO₂)₂ (X=F, Cl, Br and I) and in tetranitromethane and derivatives. Based on ab-initio and density functional theories (DFT) methods, we show these complexes are weakly stabilized. Energy decomposition analyses based on local molecular orbitals (LMOEDA) and interacting quantum atoms (IQA) reveal both dispersion and exchange play a crucial role in the stabilization of these complexes. Electron charge density and IQA analyses indicate that the oxygen atoms are connected by privileged exchange channels. In addition, electrostatic interactions between O and N atoms are also vital for the stabilization of the complexes. Finally, a reasonable explanation is given for the dynamic behavior of nitryl groups in tetranitromethane and derivatives.     

Reactions of ZrOCl2·8H2O with carboxylic acids and thionyl chloride: crystal and molecular structures of K4[Zr(mal)4]·2H2O and K4[Zr(dipic)3]2·13.5H2O

Reactions of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O in aqueous solution with a carboxylic acid in the presence of K₂CO₃ have been studied as a route to Zr^IV-carboxylates. With malonic acid (HO₂CCH₂CO₂H) (H₂mal) the product has been identified as K₄[Zr(mal)₄]·2H₂O (1) by X-ray crystallography. The individual eight-coordinate zirconium anions contain four bidentate (OO) malonate anions with the metal geometry approximating to a square antiprism with each chelating ligand spanning the two square faces, Zr—O 2.091(3)–2.288(3) Å. The four potassium cations feature irregular coordination spheres of oxygen atoms [from both H₂O and (mal) ligand molecules] with a 7–9 coordination range. With 2,6-dicarboxypicolinicacid (HO₂CC₅NH₃CO₂H) (H₂dipic) the product has been characterised as K₄[Zr(dipic)₃]₂·13.5H₂O (2) following X-ray diffraction studies. The structure consists of two [Zr(dipic)₃]^2- anions, four potassium cations and lattice solvate (H₂O) molecules. Individual anions feature nine-coordinate zirconium in which each dipic ligand is terdentate, being bonded via one N (pyridine) and two O (carboxylate) atoms. The metal geometry approximates to tricapped trigonal prismatic with each nitrogen atom capping a regular face of four oxygen atoms, Zr—O, 2.216(6)–2.261(6) Å; Zr—N, 2.343(8)–2.361(7) Å. The potassium cations show similar environments to those observed in structure (1). Dehydration of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O using SOCl₂ in the presence of an excess of THF effects removal of coordinated H₂O molecules and hydroxy bridging groups to provide the anhydrous bis-adduct ZrCl₄(thf)₂ in good yield (72%).     

Crystal Structure and Properties of Rb4H2I2O10 · 4H2O

Single crystals of the Rb₄H₂I₂O₁₀· 4H₂O were synthesized for the first time and studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are monoclinic, a = 7.321(6) Å, b = 12.599(8) Å, c = 8.198(8) Å, = 96.30(7)°, Z = 2, space group P2₁/c. The H₂I₂O₁₀ ^4– anion is formed by the edge-sharing IO₆ octahedra. The anions are united by hydrogen bonds into a chain running along the x axis. The chains are combined by water molecules into a three-dimensional structure through hydrogen bonds. The compound is a proton conductor. The conductivity values measured at 20–60°C vary within 10^–6 to 10^–4 ohm^–1 cm^–1.     

Syntheses and structures of p-HOOCC6F4COOH · H2O (H2L · H2O) and luminescent coordination polymers [Tb2(H2O)4(L)3 · 2H2O] n and Tb2(Phen)2(L)3 · 2H2O

Compounds p-HOOCC₆F₄COOH · H₂O (H₂L · H₂O), [Tb₂(H₂O)₄(L)₃ · 2H₂O] _n (I), and Tb₂(Phen)₂(L)₃ · 2H₂O (II) are synthesized. According to the X-ray structure analysis data, the crystal structure of H₂L · H₂O is built of centrosymmetric molecules H₂L and molecules of water of crystallization. The crystal structure of compound I is built of layers of coordination 2D polymer [Tb₂(H₂O)₄(L)₃] _n and molecules of water of crystallization. The ligands are the L^2? anions performing both the tetradentate bridging and pentadentate bridging-chelating functions. The coordination polyhedron TbO₉ is a distorted three-capped trigonal prism. Acid H₂L manifests photoluminescence in the UV region (??_max = 368 nm). Compounds I and II have the green luminescence characteristic of the Tb³⁺ ions, and the band with ??_max = 545 nm (transition ⁵ D ₄?? ⁷ F ₅) is maximum in intensity. The photoluminescence intensity of compound II is higher than that for compound I.     

An analysis of the vibrational frequencies and amplitudes of the H5O+2 ion in H4SiW12O40·6H2O (TSA·6H2O) and H3PW12O40·6H2O (TPA·6H2O)

The infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectra of TSA·6H₂O and TPA·6H₂O are in agreement with those expected for the presence of H₅O⁺₂ ions. Force fields for different assignment schemes are compared with the observed vibrational frequencies and the INS spectral profile. All but two schemes are eliminated. Whilst low-resolution INS spectroscopy cannot distinguish between these two schemes, the orientations of the vibrational ellipsoids for one scheme are in better agreement with those reported from low-temperature crystallographic studies of the H₅O⁺₂ ion.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Ni(H2O)6][Ni(H2O)2(C4H2O4)]·4H2O

Reaction of a freshly prepared Ni(OH)_{2?2 x} (CO₃) _x ·yH₂O with maleic acid in H₂O at room temperature afforded [Ni(H₂O)₆][Ni(H₂O)₂(C₄H₂O₄)]·4H₂O, which consists of [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations, [Ni(H₂O)₂(C₄H₂O₄)]^2? anions and lattice H₂O molecules. Ni atoms in cations are octahedrally coordinated and Ni atoms in anions are each octahedrally coordinated by bidentate chelating maleato ligands and two water molecules at trans positions. Cations and anions are interlinked by hydrogen bonds to form 1D chains, which are hexagonally arranged and connected by the lattice water molecules. When heated in a flowing argon stream, the compound decomposes, with complete dehydration being followed by dissociation of nickel maleate into NiO and maleic anhydride.     

Heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of MnCl2·2H2O and MnCl2·2D2O

The heat capacities of MnCl₂·2H₂O and MnCl₂·2D₂O have been experimentally determined from 1.4 to 300 K. The smooth heat capacity and the thermodynamic functions (H°_T − H°₀) and S°_T are reported for the two compounds over the 10 and 300 K temperature range. The error in the thermodynamic functions at 10 K is estimated at 3%. Additional error in the tabulated values arising from the heat capacity data above 10 K is thought to be less than 1%. Lambda-shaped heat capacity features associated with antiferromagnetic ordering were observed at 6.67 ± 0.08 and 6.61 ± 0.08 K for the dihydrate and dideuterate, respectively. In addition, compound heat capacity anomalies consisting of a small lambda-shaped feature at 57.7 ± 0.5 K with a comparably large high-temperature shoulder extending to approximately 70 K were observed in both the dihydrate and dideuterate. The entropies associated with these anomalies are 0.42 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.04 J/mole-K, respectively.     

Fourier transform infrared studies of 5′-GMP in 2H2O and H2O solutions.

In a previous work (ref. 1) we observed important changes in the 1700–1400 cm⁻¹ region of FTIR spectra in ²H₂O solutions when 5′-GMP concentration increases. These changes can be attributed to the self-association of this mononucleotide. Recently, study of this process has been extended to other regions of the spectrum and to H₂O solution. Fourier deconvolution has been employed in order to resolve the broad band into component bands. Differences have been observed between spectra in H₂O and ²H₂O for the same solute concentration. The possible causes of these differences are indicated.     

Synthesis and thermochemical characteristics of Na2O · Al2O3 · 2.5H2O

A pure phase of monosodium aluminate hydrate Na₂O · Al₂O₃ · 2.5H₂O (MAH) is synthesized and characterized by means of XRD, IR, SEM, TGA, and DSC. The heat capacity of the compound is measured in the temperature range of ?100 to 100°C, and the thermal contributions to enthalpy and entropy are calculated. The standard entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs energy of formation of MAH at 298 K are estimated.     

Syntheses and structures of seven-coordinate K3[Cd(Dtpa)], K2[Cd(H2O)4][Cd(Edta)(H2O)]2 · 2H2O, and Na2[Cd(H2O)4][Cd(Edta)(H2O)]2 · 2H2O complexes

The title complexes, K₃[Cd(Dtpa)] (H₅Dtpa = diethylenetriamine-N,N,N,N′,N′-pentaacetic acid, (I)), K₂[Cd(H₂O)₄][Cd(Edta)(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O (H₄Edta = ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, (II)), and Na₂[Cd(H₂O)₄][Cd(Edta)(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O (III), were prepared, and their compositions and structures were determined by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. In complex I, the Cd is seven-coordinated by one Dtpa ligand yielding a pseudo-monocapped trigonal prism conformation, and the complex crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with the Pi space group. The crystal data are as follows: a = 8.7300(17), b = 9.1200(18), c = 15.110(3) Å, α = 95.52(3)°, β = 96.59(3)°, γ = 99.63(3)°, V = 1170.0(4) ų, Z = 2, ρ = 1.754 g/cm³, μ = 1.519 mm^?1, F(000) = 616, R = 0.0644 and wR = 0.1712 for 3842 observed reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I). For complex II, in the [Cd(Edta)(H₂O)]^2? complex anion the Cd²⁺ ion is seven-coordinated by one Edta ligand and one water molecule, yielding a pseudo-pentagonal bipyramid conformation. In the [Cd(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cation, the bridged Cd is six-coordinated, yielding an almost standard octahedral conformation. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system with P2₁/n space group. The crystal data are as follows: a = 9.098(3), b = 16.442(6), c = 12.023(4) Å, β = 91.053(6)°, V = 1798.3(12) ų, Z = 2, ρ = 2.098 g/cm³, μ = 2.086 mm^?1, F(000) =1124, R = 0.0406 and wR = 0.1152 for 3680 observed reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I). In complex III, the conformations of Cd²⁺ ions are similar to those of the potassium salt complex, and the complex also crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the P2₁/n space group. The crystal data are as follows: a = 9.134(7), b = 16.500(13), c = 12.075(10) Å, β = 91.054(12)°, V = 1820(2) ų, Z = 2, ρ = 2.015 g/cm³, μ = 1.856 mm^?1, F(000) = 1092, R = 0.0363 and wR = 0.0879 for 3707 observed reflections with I ≥ 2σ(I).     

Thermal dehydration and decomposition of cobalt chloride hydrate (CoCl2·xH2O)

Dehydration and decomposition of an undried and a partly dried sample of hydrated CoCl₂ have been investigated by using both isothermal and non-isothermal weight loss methods. The intermediate products of dehydration and decomposition at different temperatures have been characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, microscopy, infrared and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Though XRD failed to identify clearly the formation of basic salt, infrared spectra reveal the occurrence of hydrogen bonded OH groups in the samples heated at even 500°–600°C. This is further supported from the diffuse reflectance spectra of dehydrated samples which indicate tetragonally distorted co-ordination structures due to the presence of H₂O. Thermodynamic functions for different steps of dehydration have been calculated and discussed in the light of structural changes taking place in the dehydrated salts.The authors wish to express their sincere thanks to Mr. D. N. Ney, head of Pyrometallurgy Division for his keen interest and support during the course of investigation. Thanks are also due to Director R. R. L. Bhubaneswar for his kind permission to publish the paper. One of the authors is thankful the CISR, New Delhi for awarding a Junior Research Fellowship.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the hydrated magnesium diphosphate Mg2P2O7·3.5H2O and its high temperature variant Mg2P2O7·H2O

The synthesis and crystal structure of a novel hydrated magnesium diphosphate and its high temperature variant are described. Both structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data. The room temperature variant with composition Mg₂P₂O₇·3.5H₂O crystallises in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (No. 14) with a=10.9317(1), b=8.05578(9), c=9.2774(1) Å, β=90.201(1)°, V=816.99(2) ų and Z=4. The structure consists of sheets stacked along [100] which are linked through MgO₂(H₂O)₄ pillars into a three-dimensional framework with cavities containing water molecules. Within the sheets there are infinite edge-sharing chains of Mg octahedra along [010] which are cross linked by P₂O₇⁴⁻ groups. A high temperature variant exists around 200°C. The crystal structure of this compound with composition Mg₂P₂O₇·H₂O was solved and refined in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with a=18.6596(4), b=7.9769(1), c=8.9757(2) Å, β=107.378(1)°, V=1275.01(4) ų, Z=8. The transformation to Mg₂P₂O₇·H₂O involves removal of the water molecules in the cavities and the water molecules of the Mg octahedral pillars in Mg₂P₂O₇·3.5H₂O. The sheets in Mg₂P₂O₇·3.5H₂O however remain unchanged during the transformation as the water molecule coordinating Mg here is retained. These sheets are linked through tetrahedral MgO₄ pillars into a three-dimensional structure containing infinite 10-membered ring channels along [001]. Both compounds have been further characterised by ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and high temperature powder X-ray diffraction.     

A combined experimental and model analysis on the effect of pH and O2(aq) on γ-radiolytically produced H2 and H2O2

The effects of pH and dissolved O₂ on the γ-radiolysis of water were studied at an absorbed dose rate of 2.5 Gy s⁻¹. Argon- or air-saturated water with no headspace was irradiated and the aqueous samples were analyzed for molecular radiolysis products (H₂ and H₂O₂) as a function of irradiation time. The experimental results were compared with computer simulation results using a comprehensive water-radiolysis kinetic model, consisting of the primary radiolysis production, subsequent reactions and related acid–base equilibria. Both the experimental and computer model results were discussed based on the steady-state kinetic analysis of smaller reaction sets consisting of key production and removal reactions. While the main production path for a water decomposition product is the primary radiolysis, the main removal path varies. For H₂O₂ the main removal path is the reactions with e_aq⁻ and OH, whereas for H₂ it is the reaction with OH. As a result, the presence of a dissolved species, or a change in chemical environment, affects the concentrations of H₂O₂ and H₂ through interaction with radicals e_aq⁻ and OH. Over a wide range of conditions, there exist quantitative but simple relationships between the radical and the molecular product concentrations. The experimental and model analyses show that dissolved oxygen increases the steady-state concentrations of H₂O₂ and H₂ by reacting with OH and e_aq^–, and the impact of oxygen is more noticeable at pH below 8. The steady-state concentrations of water decomposition products are nearly independent of pH in the range 5–8. However, raising pH above the pKa value of the acid–base equilibrium of H (⇆e_aq⁻+H⁺) significantly increases [H₂O₂] and [H₂] at the expenses of [OH] and [e_aq^–]. At pH >10, the radiolytical production of O₂ becomes significant, but at a finite rate. This considerably increases the time for the irradiated system to reach a steady state, and is responsible for different impacts on [H₂O₂] and [H₂] due to radically produced O₂, compared to impacts due to initially dissolved O₂. Model sensitivity analysis has shown that at higher pHs (pH >10) transient species such as O₂⁻ and O₃⁻ play a major role in determining the steady-state concentration of molecular products H₂ and H₂O₂. Further validation of the water radiolysis model, particularly at higher pHs, is also discussed.     

Syntheses and structural determination of eight-coordinate Na[YbIII(Cydta)(H2O)2] · 5H2O and [YbIII(Hegta)] · 2H2O complexes

Na[Yb^III(Cydta)(H₂O)₂] · 5H₂O (1) (H₄Cydta = trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) and [Yb^III(Hegta)] · 2H₂O (2) (H₄egta = ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) were prepared and their composition and structures were determined by elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Complex 1 crystallized in the triclinic crystal system with space group P 1; the Yb^III is eight-coordinate by a hexadentate Cydta and two water molecules. Complex 2 is a protonated egta complex, crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system with space group P 2 ₁ /c; Yb^III is coordinated only by the octadentate Hegta ligand. Both these complexes adopt a pseudo-square antiprismatic conformation.     

Transport numbers of H+ and O2- in the electrochemical system (H2 + H2O),Me/BaCe0.9Nd0.1O3-α/Me,(H2 + H2O)

In the temperature range 873–1123 K, transport numbers of oxygen ions and protons are determined in the system (H₂ + H₂O), Me/BaCe_0.9Nd_0.1O_3-α/Me,(H₂ + H₂O), where Me = Ag, Au, Pt, Ni, by the emf and current methods. The determined transport numbers are independent of the determination method, the electrode material, the current direction (anodic and cathodic polarization of the electrode), polarizability of electrodes, and the partial water (hydrogen) pressure in the gas phase. This unambiguously suggests that the transport numbers refer to the solid electrolyte, and not the electrochemical system as a whole. It also follows that partial currents of the hydrogen ionization and the oxygen ion discharge are determined by the transport numbers of protons and oxygen ions in the electrolyte. At a constant temperature, their ratio is affected by neither the electrode potential nor the gas phase composition, i.e., both electrode reactions have a common limiting step (or steps). Deceased.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [H4As8V14O42(H2O)]·6H2O

The title compound [H4As8V14O42(H2O)]·6H2O 1 has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It crystallizes in trigonal, space group R3c with a = b = 36.447(6), c = 21.485(5) (A), V = 24717(8) (A)3, Z = 18, Mr = 2114.66, Dc = 2.557g/cm3, F(000) = 17928, μ = 7.149 mm-1, R = 0.0792 and wR = 0.1265. The [H4As8V14O42- (H2O)] cluster consists of fourteen VO5 square pyramids linked by four As2O5 handle-like units.