Changes in the Structural Dimensionality of Selenidostannates in Ionic Liquids: Formation,Structures, Stability,and Photoconductivity

In situ transformations of selenidostannate frameworks in ionic liquids (ILs) were initiated by treatment of the starting phase K₂[Sn₂Se₅] and the consecutive reaction products by means of temperature increase and/or amine addition. Along the reaction pathway, the framework dimensionalities of the five involved selenidostannate anions develop from 3D to 1D and back, both in top‐down and bottom‐up style. Addition of ethane‐1,2‐diamine (en) led to the reversion of the 2D→1D step from 2D‐{[Sn₂₄Se₅₆]^16?} to 1D‐{[Sn₆Se₁₄]^4?}. As rationalized by DFT investigations, the 2D anion is thermodynamically favored. Photoconductivity measurements reveal that all samples show Schottky contact behavior with absolute thresholds below 10 V. One of the samples exhibits conductive states within the energy range of visible photons.     

Synthesis and Structure of [Sn4Se11]6–, [Sn2Se52–], and [Sn3Se72–] – Model Anions for the Solventothermal Reaction Pathway to Lamellar Selenidostannates(IV)

Reaction of A₂CO₃ (A = K, Rb) with Sn and Se in an H₂O/CH₃OH mixture at 115–130°C affords the isotypic selenidostannates(IV) A₆Sn₄Se₁₁ _. xH₂O (A = K, x = 8) 1 and 2 whose discrete [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– anions each contain two corner‐bridged ditetrahedral [Sn₂Se₆]^4– species. Similar reaction conditions with A = Cs afford Cs₂Sn₂Se₅ _. H₂O ( 3a ) and Cs₂Sn₂Se₅ ( 3b ) in which such [Sn₂Se₆]^4– building blocks are connected through common Se atoms into infinite [Sn₂Se₅^2–] chains. The [Sn₃Se₇^2–] ribbons of (Et₄N)₂Sn₃Se₇ ( 4 ), formed by treating (Et₄N)I with Sn and Se in methanol at 130°C, can be regarded as resulting from the condensation of [Sn₂Se₅^2–] chains with molecular [SnSe₄]^4– anions. The anions [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6–, [Sn₂Se₅^2–], and [Sn₃Se₇^2–] represent the products of individual reaction steps on the potential condensation pathway of [Sn₂Se₆]^4– to the lamellar selenidostannates(IV) [Sn₄Se₉^2–] or [Sn₃Se₇^2–].     

Transition Metal Complexes with Linkage to the Thiostannate Units Forced by Suitable Amine Molecules

Using the solvothermal approach five new tin‐sulfur compounds were synthesized. All compounds exhibit a direct covalent bond between the thiostannate unit and the charge compensating transition metal TM²⁺ ion, leading to the formation of discrete neutral molecules, chains or layered structures. In the structures, the [Sn₂S₆]^4– anion is connected to the TM²⁺ cations in three different ways: (a) only two and opposite terminal S atoms are involved in bonding; (b) the four terminal S atoms connect two different complexes, and (c) the four terminal S atoms link four complexes. The compounds are: {[Ni(phen)₂]₂[Sn₂S₆]} · biph ( 1 ), {[Ni(phen)₂]₂[Sn₂S₆]} · phen · H₂O ( 2 ), {[Fe(1,2‐dach)₂][Sn₂S₆]}_n · 2n1,2‐dachH ( 3 ), {[Ni(cyclam)]₂[Sn₂S₆]}_n · 2nH₂O ( 4 ), and {[Mn(2,2′‐bipy)₂]₂[Sn₂S₆]} ( 5 ). Compounds 1 – 3 were prepared from elements/chlorides, whereas for the preparation of compounds 4 and 5 a new synthesis strategy was developed using Na₄SnS₄ · 14H₂O and TM²⁺ centered complexes as precursor. Under solvothermal conditions in situ condensation reaction of the [SnS₄]^4– anions leads to the formation of the [Sn₂S₆]^4– moiety.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Reactivity of [enH]4[Sn2Se6]·en, [enH]4[Sn2Te6]·en and [enH]4[Sn2S6]: Known Anions within Novel Coordination Spheres obtained by Novel Synthesis Routes

The hexachalcogenodistannates K₆[Sn^III₂Se₆] or Li₄[Sn^IV₂Te₆]·8en were recently reported to simultaneously act as mild oxidants and chalcogenide sources in reactions with CoCl₂/LiCp* (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienide) while the Sn—E (E = Se, Te) fragment is not kept in the products, e.g. [(Cp*Co)₃(μ₃‐Se)₂], [(Cp*Co)₃(μ₃‐Se)₂][Cl₂Co(μ₂‐Cl)₂Li(thf)₂] or [(Cp*Co)₄(μ₃‐Te)₄]. In search of related reagents with possibly different reaction behavior, we isolated and crystallographically characterized isotypic compounds [enH]₄[Sn^IV₂Se₆]�en ( 1 ), and [enH]₄[Sn^IV₂Te₆]·en ( 2 ) (en = 1, 2‐diaminoethane), that result from an uncommon disproportion/re‐arrangement reaction: distannate(III) K₆[Sn₂E₆] (E = Se, Te) was reacted with en·2HCl to yield 1 or 2 under disproportion of Sn^III to Sn^II and Sn^IV. Another pathway was necessary to synthesize the respective but solvent‐free thiostannate [enH]₄ [Sn^IV₂S₆] ( 3 ), since the phase “K₆[Sn₂S₆]” is unknown. This second method started out from SnCl₄·2THF and S(SiMe₃)₂ in en solution. However, using E(SiMe₃)₂ (E = Se, Te) instead of S(SiMe₃)₂, 1 and 2 are also obtained this way. 1—3 are the first chalcogenostannates that exhibit exclusively [enH]⁺ counterions. The compounds were characterized by means of X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. They seem to be suitable for reactions towards group 8‐10 metal complexes. Preliminary experiments indicate that the binary anions 1 — 3 coordinated by 1‐aminoethylammonium ions react more slowly compared to the anionic phases tested until now.     

Dimensional Reduction of a Selenido Stannate Salt in Ionic Liquids to form 2D-K2Sn2Se5, a Direct Heavy Analogue of an Oxo Silicate

The structural motifs of SiO₂ or silicates, on one hand, and their heavier homologues of group 14 (T) and group 16 (E) elements, on the other hand, commonly differ, as the strict adherence to corner-sharing is not necessary in the latter owing to larger interatomic distances. On the contrary: larger coordination numbers as well as edge-sharing of the coordination polyhedra are preferred in [T_xE_y] subunits with T = Si, Ge, Sn and E = S, Se, Te. Hence, we were surprised to find a new modification of the selenido stannate K₂Sn₂Se₅, which is comprised of exclusively corner-sharing [SnSe₄] tetrahedra in a layer-type anionic substructure 2D-{[Sn₂Se₅]^2–}. While the structure of the title compound 2D-K₂Sn₂Se₅ ( 1 ) differs significantly from the known parent compound, 3D-K₂Se₂Se₅, it shows similarities with layered silicates of the apophyllite family. To the best of our knowledge, 1 represents the first known selenido stannate with an oxo silicate-like 2D structure. It formed besides known selenido stannes upon heating 3D-K₂Sn₂Se₅ in in imidazolium-based ionic liquids (C₂C₂Im)[BF₄] or (C₂C₂Im)[BF₄] in the presence of DMMP and Cd²⁺ or Zn²⁺.     

Poly[[(pentaethylenehexamine)manganese(II)] [hepta‐μ‐selenido‐tritin(IV)]]: a tin–selenium net with remarkable flexibility

The title compound, {[Mn(C₁₀H₂₈N₆)][Sn₃Se₇]}_n, consists of anionic _∞{[Sn₃Se₇]²⁻} layers interspersed by [Mn(peha)]²⁺ complex cations (peha is pentaethylenehexamine). Pseudocubic (Sn₃Se₄) cluster units within each layer are held together to form a 6³ net with a hole size of 8.74 × 13.87 Å. Weak N—H...Se interactions between the host inorganic frameworks and metal complexes extend the components into a three‐dimensional network. The incorporation of metal complexes into the flexible anion layer dictates the distortion of the holes.     

Pseudohalogen Chemistry in Ionic Liquids with Non-innocent Cations and Anions

Within the second funding period of the SPP 1708 “Material Synthesis near Room Temperature”,which started in 2017, we were able to synthesize novel anionic species utilizing Ionic Liquids (ILs) both, as reaction media and reactant. ILs, bearing the decomposable and non-innocent methyl carbonate anion [CO₃Me]⁻, served as starting material and enabled facile access to pseudohalide salts by reaction with Me₃Si−X (X=CN, N₃, OCN, SCN). Starting with the synthesized Room temperature Ionic Liquid (RT-IL) [nBu₃MeN][B(OMe)₃(CN)], we were able to crystallize the double salt [nBu₃MeN]₂[B(OMe)₃(CN)](CN). Furthermore, we studied the reaction of [WCC]SCN and [WCC]CN (WCC=weakly coordinating cation) with their corresponding protic acids HX (X=SCN, CN), which resulted in formation of [H(NCS)₂]⁻ and the temperature labile solvate anions [CN(HCN)_n]⁻ (n=2, 3). In addition, the highly labile anionic HCN solvates were obtained from [PPN]X ([PPN]=μ-nitridobis(triphenylphosphonium), X=N₃, OCN, SCN and OCP) and HCN. Crystals of [PPN][X(HCN)₃] (X=N₃, OCN) and [PPN][SCN(HCN)₂] were obtained when the crystallization was carried out at low temperatures. Interestingly, reaction of [PPN]OCP with HCN was noticed, which led to the formation of [P(CN)₂]⁻, crystallizing as HCN disolvate [PPN][P(CN⋅HCN)₂]. Furthermore, we were able to isolate the novel cyanido(halido) silicate dianions of the type [SiCl_0.78(CN)_5.22]²⁻ and [SiF(CN)₅]²⁻ and the hexa-substituted [Si(CN)₆]²⁻ by temperature controlled halide/cyanide exchange reactions. By facile neutralization reactions with the non-innocent cation of [Et₃HN]₂[Si(CN)₆] with MOH (M=Li, K), Li₂[Si(CN)₆] ⋅ 2 H₂O and K₂[Si(CN)₆] were obtained, which form three dimensional coordination polymers. From salt metathesis processes of M₂[Si(CN)₆] with different imidazolium bromides, we were able to isolate new imidazolium salts and the ionic liquid [BMIm]₂[Si(CN)₆]. When reacting [Mes(nBu)Im]₂[Si(CN)₆] with an excess of the strong Lewis acid B(C₆F₅)₃, the voluminous adduct anion {Si[CN⋅B(C₆F₅)₃]₆}²⁻ was obtained.     

Versatile 2,5‐Pyridinedicarboxylate in Linking Transition‐Metal Atoms into 1D and 2D Coordination Polymers and Concomitant Polymorphs

By employing one bridging ligand, 2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate (2,5‐pda^2?), in the presence or absence of another bridging ligand, 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy), one one‐dimensional (1D) {[Co₂(2,5‐pda)(2,5‐Hpda)₂(4,4′‐bpy)(H₂O)₃]·6H₂O}_∞ ( 1 ) and two two‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymers, {[Cu₃(2,5‐pda)₃(H₂O)₃]·6H₂O}_∞ ( 2 ) and {[Co(2,5‐pda)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_∞ ( 3 ) were synthesized. Complexes 2 and 3 are characterized as concomitant polymorphs from a one‐pot reaction at ambient temperature. A comparison of the coordination geometries of all neutral and anionic coordination polymers containing {M_x(2,5‐pda)_y(H₂O)_z}_∞ available to date is presented.     

Contribution to Halo‐Chalcogenates Chemistry

Abstract. By direct reactions of selenium with halogen and trimethylphenylammonium halogenide and tetraphenylphosphonium, ethyltriphenylphosphonium, and methyltriphenylphosphonium bromides, the tetrahalogenidoselenates(II) – bis(trimethylphenylammonium)tetrabromidoselenate(II) bromide, [NPhMe₃]₂[SeBr₄] · [NPhMe₃]Br, a mixed bis(trimethylphenylammonium) tetra(bromido/chlorido)selenate(II), [NPhMe₃]₂[SeBr_4–xCl_x] · [NPhMe₃]₂SeBr_1–yCl_y], [NPhMe₃]₂[SeBr_4–xCl_x],the haxahalogenidodiselenates(II) – bis(trimethylphenylammonium) hexabromidodiselenate(II), [NPhMe₃]₂[Se₂Br₆], bis(trimethylphenylammonium) hexachloridodiselenate(II), [NPhMe₃]₂[Se₂Cl₆], a mixed bis(trimethylphenylammonium) bromido/chlorido‐diselenate(II), [NPhMe₃]₂[Se₂Br₅Cl], bis(tetraphenylphosphonium) hexabromidodiselenate(II), [PPh₄]₂[Se₂Br₆], bis(ethyltriphenylphosphonium) hexabromidodiselenate(II), [PEtPh₃]₂[Se₂Br₆], and bis(methyltriphenylphosphonium) hexabromidodiselenate(II), [PMePh₃]₂[Se₂Br₆], were prepared. By the reaction of selenium with bromine in acetonitrile in the presence of trimethylphenylammonium, benzyltrimethylammonium, and tetramethylammonium bromides, the salts of the unique bromidoselenate(I) anions – bis(trimethylphenylammonium) hexabromidotetraselenate(I), [NPhMe₃]₂[Se₄Br₆], bis(benzyltrimethylammonium) hexabromidotetraselenate(I), [NBzMe₃]₂[Se₄Br₆], and bis(tetramethylammonium) octadecabromidohexadecaselenate(I), [NMe₄]₂[Se₁₆Br₁₈], were isolated. First mixed‐valence bromidoselenates(II/I) – bis(tetraethylammonium) octabromidotriselenate(II){dibromidodiselenate(I)}, [NEt₄]₂[Se₃Br₈(Se₂Br₂)], bis(tetraphenylphosphonium) hexabromidodiselenate(II)‐bis{dibromidodiselenate(I)}, [PPh₄]₂[Se₂Br₆(Se₂Br₂)₂], and tetrakis(tetramethylammonium) bis{decabromidotetraselenate(II)}‐bis{dibromidodiselenate(I)}, [(CH₃)₄N]₄[(Se₄Br₁₀)₂(Se₂Br₂)₂] – were synthesized. Mixed bis(trimethylphenylammonium) hexabromidoselenate/tellurate(IV), [NPhMe₃]₂[Se_0.75Te_0.25Br₆], catena‐poly[(di‐μ‐bromidobis‐{tetrabromidoselenate/tellurate(IV)})‐ μ‐bromine], [NPhMe₃]_2n[Se_1.5Te_0.5Br₁₀ · Br₂]_n were isolated. First mixed‐valence bromidoselenate(IV/I)‐bis(trimethylphenylammonium) hexabromidoselenate(IV)‐bis{dibromidodiselenate(I)}, [NPhMe₃]₂[SeBr₆(Se₂Br₂)₂], a number of mixed bromidochalcogenates(IV/I) – bis(trimethylphenylammonium), bis(tetraethylphosphonium), bis(ethyltriphenylphosphonium) hexabromidotellurates(IV)‐bis{dibromidodiselenates(I)}, [NPhMe₃]₂[TeBr₆(Se₂Br₂)₂], [PEt₄]₂[TeBr₆(Se₂Br₂)₂], [PEtPh₃]₂[TeBr₆(Se₂Br₂)₂], bis(triethylmethylammonium) hexabromidotellurate(IV)‐tris{dibromidodiselenate(I)}, [NMeEt₃]_2n[TeBr₆(Se₂Br₂)₃]_n, were synthesized. Mixed‐valence bromidoselenate(IV/II) – bis(methyltriphenylphosphonium) hexabromidoselenate(IV)‐bis{dibromidoselenate(II)},[PMePh₃]₂[SeBr₆(SeBr₂)₂], received by direct synthesis and two mixed‐valence bromidochalcogenates(IV/II) – bis(methyltriphenylphosphonium) and bis(tetrapropylammonium) hexabromidotellurates(IV)‐selenates(II), [PMePh₃]₂[TeBr₆(SeBr₂)₂] and [NⁿPr₄]₂[TeBr₆(SeBr₂)₂], were synthesized from elemental selenium, tellurium dioxide, and corresponding onium bromide. The structures of all compounds were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

[(C2H5)3NH]2Sn3Se7 · 0,25 H2O und [(C3H7)2NH2]4Sn4Se10 · 4 H2O

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Some Selenidostannates. II. [(C₂H₅)₃NH]₂Sn₃Se₇ · 0,25 H₂O and [(C₃H₇)₂NH₂]₄Sn₄Se₁₀ · 4 H₂O The new selenidostannate hydrates [(C₂H₅)₃NH]₂Sn₃Se₇ · 0.25 H₂O ( I ) and [(C₃H₇)₂NH₂]₄Sn₄Se₁₀ · 4 H₂O ( II ) were synthesized from an aqueous suspension of triethylammonium (tripropylammonium), tin, selenium I and in addition sulfur II at 130 °C. I crystallizes at ambient temperature in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (a = 2069,3(4) pm, b = 1396,6(3) pm, c = 2342,8(5) pm, β = 114,68(3)°, Z = 8) and is characterized by two different anions, chains from edge‐sharing [Se₃Se₇]^2– units and nets from trigonal SnSe₅ bipyramids. II crystallizes at ambient temperature in the tetragonal space group I4₁/amd (a = 2150,0(3) pm, c = 1174,4(2) pm, Z = 4) and contains adamantane like [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4–‐cages. The UV‐VIS spectra of the selenidostannates demonstrate that the absorption edges red shift as the dimensionality of the compounds is increased.     

Synthese,Struktur und Eigenschaften von [(C4H9)2NH2]4[Sn2Se6], [(C4H9)2NH2]4[Sn4Se10] · 2 H2O und [(C3H7)3NH]2[Sn3Se7]

About Selenidostannates. I Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of [Sn₂Se₆]^4–, [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4–, and [Sn₃Se₇]^2– The selenidostannates [(C₄H₉)₂NH₂]₄Sn₂Se₆ · H₂O ( I ), [(C₄H₉)₂NH₂]₄Sn₄Se₁₀ · 2 H₂O ( II ) und [(C₃H₇)₃NH]₂Sn₃Se₇ ( III ) were prepared by hydrothermal syntheses from the elements and the amines. I crystallizes in the monoclinic spacegroup P2₁/n (a = 1262.9(3) pm, b = 1851.3(4) pm, c = 2305.2(4) pm, β = 104.13(3)° and Z = 4). The [Sn₂Se₆]^4– anion consists of two edge‐sharing tetrahedra. II crystallizes in the orthorhombic spacegroup Pna2₁ (a = 2080.3(4) pm, b = 1308.2(3) pm, c = 2263.5(5) pm and Z = 4). The anion is formed from four SnSe₄ tetrahedra which are joined by common corners to the adamantane cage [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4–. III crystallizes in the orthorhombic spacegroup Pbcn (a = 1371.1(3) pm, b = 2285.4(5) pm, c = 2194.7(4) pm and Z = 8). The anion is a chain, built from edge‐sharing [Sn₃Se₅Se_4/2]^2– units, in which two corner sharing tetrahedra are connected to a trigonal bipyramid by an edge of one and a corner of the other tetrahedron. The results of the TG/DSC measurements and of temperature dependent X‐ray diffractograms reveal that I and II decompose at first by release of minor quantities of triethylammonium to compounds with layer structure and larger cell dimensions. At still higher temperature the rest of triethylammonium and H₂Se is evolved, leaving SnSe₂ and Se in the bulk. The former decomposes partially at the highest temperature to SnSe. In the measurements of III the complex intermediate compound was not observed. III decomposes directly to SnSe₂.     

Using Me3Si–F–Al(ORF)3 and Me3Si–Cl as Methylating Agents – Synthesis and Characterization of SeMeCl2[F{Al(ORF)3}2]

Upon reacting SeCl₄ with Me₃Si–F–Al(OR^F)₃, the selenonium salt SeMeCl₂[al‐f‐al] ( 1 ) {[al‐f‐al]^– = [F[Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₃]₂]^–} was obtained and characterized by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy as well as single crystal XRD experiments. Despite the [SeX₃]⁺ (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and [SeR₃]⁺ salts (R = aliphatic organic residue) being well known and thoroughly studied, the mixed cations are scarce. The only previous example of a salt with the [SeMeCl₂]⁺ cation is SeMeCl₂[SbCl₆], which was never structurally characterized and is unstable in solution over hours. Only ¹H‐NMR studies and IR spectra of this compound are known. The unexpected use of Me₃Si–F–Al(OR^F)₃ as a methylating agent was investigated via DFT calculations and NMR experiments of the reaction solution. The reaction of SeCl₃[al‐f‐al] with Me₃Si‐Cl at room temperature in CH₂Cl₂ proved to yield the same product with Me₃Si–Cl acting as a methylating agent.     

Lanthanoid‐Based Ionic Liquids Incorporating the Dicyanonitrosomethanide Anion

A series of low‐melting‐point salts with hexakisdicyanonitrosomethanidolanthanoidate anions has been synthesised and characterised: (C₂mim)₃[Ln(dcnm)₆] ( 1 Ln ; 1 Ln = 1 La , 1 Ce , 1 Pr , 1 Nd ), (C₂C₁mim)₃[Pr(dcnm)₆] ( 2 Pr ), (C₄C₁pyr)₃[Ce(dcnm)₆] ( 3 Ce ), (N₁₁₁₄)₃[Ln(dcnm)₆] ( 4 Ln ; 4 Ln = 4 La , 4 Ce , 4 Pr , 4 Nd , 4 Sm , 4 Gd ), and (N_1112OH)₃[Ce(dcnm)₆] ( 5 Ce ) (C₂mim=1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, C₂C₁mim=1‐ethyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium, C₄C₁py=N‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium, N₁₁₁₄=butyltrimethylammonium, N_1112OH=2‐(hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium=choline). X‐ray crystallography was used to determine the structures of complexes 1 La , 2 Pr , and 5 Ce , all of which contain [Ln(dcnm)₆]^3? ions. Complexes 1 Ln and 2 Pr were all ionic liquids (ILs), with complex 3 Ce melting at 38.1 °C, the lowest melting point of any known complex containing the [Ln(dcnm)₆]^3? trianion. The ammonium‐based cations proved to be less suitable for forming ILs, with complexes 4 Sm and 4 Gd being the only salts with the N₁₁₁₄ cation to have melting points below 100 °C. The choline‐containing complex 5 Ce did not melt up to 160 °C, with the increase in melting point possibly being due to extensive hydrogen bonding, which could be inferred from the crystal structure of the complex.     

Killing two birds with one stone: 2D+2D→3D parallel stacking and 3D self‐penetrating structures in one reaction and their crystal‐to‐crystal transformation

Reaction of the flexible phenolic carboxylate ligand 2‐(3,5‐dicarboxylbenzyloxy)benzoic acid (H₃L) with nickel salts in the presence of 1,2‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethylene (bpe) leads to the generation of a mixture of the two complexes under solvolthermal conditions, namely poly[[aqua[μ‐1,2‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethylene‐κ²N:N′]{μ‐5‐[(2‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ³O¹,O^1′:O³}nickel(II)] dimethylformamide hemisolvate monohydrate], {[Ni(C₁₆H₁₀O₇)(C₁₂H₁₀N₂)(H₂O)]·0.5C₃H₇NO·H₂O}_n or {[Ni(HL)(bpe)(H₂O)]·0.5DMF·H₂O}_n, 1 , and poly[[diaquatris[μ‐1,2‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethylene‐κ²N:N′]bis{μ‐5‐[(2‐carboxyphenoxy)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O¹:O⁵}nickel(II)] dimethylformamide disolvate hexahydrate], {[Ni₂(C₁₆H₁₀O₇)₂(C₁₂H₁₀N₂)₃(H₂O)₂]·2C₃H₇NO·6H₂O}_n or {[Ni₂(HL)₂(bpe)₃(H₂O)₂]·2DMF·6H₂O}_n, 2 . In complex 1 , the Ni^II centres are connected by the carboxylate and bpe ligands to form two‐dimensional (2D) 4‐connected (4,4) layers, which are extended into a 2D+2D→3D (3D is three‐dimensional) supramolecular framework. In complex 2 , bpe ligands connect to Ni^II centres to form 2D layers with Ni₆(bpe)₆ metallmacrocycles. Interestingly, 2D+2D→3D inclined polycatenation was observed between these layers. The final 5‐connected 3D self‐penetrating structure was generated through further connection of Ni–carboxylate chains with these inclined motifs. Both complexes were fully characterized by single‐crystal analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction analysis, FT–IR spectra, elemental analyses, thermal analysis and UV–Vis spectra. Notably, an interesting metal/ligand‐induced crystal‐to‐crystal transformation was observed between the two complexes.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Bicyclic [Sn4Se11]6– Anion in Na6Sn4Se11 · 22 H2O

Na₆Sn₄Se₁₁ · 22 H₂O can be crystallised at –8 °C as yellow‐orange needles from the 1 : 2 H₂O/CH₃OH mother liquor of a superheated reaction mixture of NaOH(s), Sn and Se. The bicyclic [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– anion exhibits crystallographic C₂ symmetry and is composed of corner‐bridged SnSe₄ tetrahedra. Two opposite tin atoms of an Sn₄Se₄ 8‐membered ring are linked by a common Se atom, thereby affording two 6‐membered boat‐shaped Sn₃Se₃ rings with a shared Sn–Se–Sn bridging unit. [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– thus represents the immediate precursor of the well‐known adamantane‐like [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4– anion.     

Molten Salt Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of a Novel Quaternary Metal Selenide, K2AgIn3Se6

K2AgIn3Se6 was synthesized by a molten-salt (alkali-metal polyselenide flux) reaction at 500 ℃. The orange red granular crystal crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with cell parameters, a=1.16411(7) nm, b=1.16348(8) nm, c=2.14179(12) nm, V=2.8740(9) nm^3, and Z=8. The crystal has a new two-dimensional structure containing ^2∞[AgIn3Se6]^2- anionic layers separated by K^- cations and the ^2∞[AgIn3Se6]^2- layer is constructed with corner-shared [AgSe4] and [InSe4] tetrahedra. The optical band gap of K2AgIn3Se6 was determined to be ca. 2.9 eV by UV/vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectra.     

Water‐Free Rare‐Earth‐Metal Ionic Liquids/Ionic Liquid Crystals Based on Hexanitratolanthanate(III) Anion

The hexanitratolanthanate anion (La(NO₃)₆^3?) is an interesting symmetric anion suitable to construct the component of water‐free rare‐earth‐metal ionic liquids. The syntheses and structural characterization of eleven lanthanum nitrate complexes, [C_nmim]₃[La(NO₃)₆] (n=1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18), including 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₁mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 1 ), 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₂mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 2 ), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₄mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 3 ), 1‐isobutyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexanetratolanthanate ([isoC₄mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 4 ), 1‐methyl‐3‐(3′‐methylbutyl)imidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([MC₄mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 5 ), 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₆mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 6 ), 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₈mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 7 ), 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₁₂mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 8 ), 1‐methyl‐3‐tetradecylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₁₄mim]₃[La‐(NO₃)₆], 9 ), 1‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimid‐azolium hexanitratolanthanum ([C₁₆dmim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 10 ), and 1‐methyl‐3‐octadecylimidazolium hexanitratolanthanate ([C₁₈mim]₃[La(NO₃)₆], 11 ) are reported. All new compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. The crystal structure of compound 1 was determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, giving the following crystallographic information: monoclinic; P2₁/c; a=15.3170 (3), b=14.2340 (2), c=13.8954(2) Å; β=94.3453(15)°, V=3020.80(9) ų, Z=4, ρ=1.764 g cm^?3. The coordination polyhedron around the lanthanum ion is rationalized by six nitrate anions with twelve oxygen atoms. No hydrogen‐bonding network or water molecule was found in 1 . The thermodynamic stability of the new complexes was investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The water‐free hexanitratolanthanate ionic liquids are thermal and moisture stable. Four complexes, namely complexes 8 – 11 , were found to be ionic liquid crystals by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). They all present smectic A liquid‐crystalline phase.     

A Series of Dimeric Selenidogermanates with Lanthanide Complexes of Multidentate Chelating Amines

A series of lanthanide selenidogermanates (H₃O)[Tm(teta)₂][Ge₂Se₆] (1, teta = triethylenetetramine) and [Ln(teta)(tren)Cl]₂[Ge₂Se₆](en) {en = ethylenediamine, tren = N,N,N- tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, Ln = Pr (2a), Nd (2b), Sm (2c), Eu (2d), Gd (2e), Tb (2f)}were prepared under mild solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. 1 contains isolated [Tm(teta)₂]³⁺ ions, protonated H₃O⁺ ions and dimeric [Ge₂Se₆]^4? anions, while 2a–f are composed of [Ln(teta)(tren)Cl]³⁺ ions, dimeric [Ge₂Se₆]^4? anions and free en molecules. The lighter lanthanide ions (Pr–Tb) adopt a distorted tricapped trigonal prism with the nine-coordinated number, and the heavier Tm³⁺ ion adopts a distorted bicapped trigonal prism with the eight-coordinated number. Their band gaps in the range of 1.52–1.86 eV are derived from optical absorption spectra.     

Diamond‐ and Graphite‐Like Octacyanometalate‐Based Polymers Induced by Metal Ions

By using cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (chxn), Ni(ClO₄)₂ ? 6H₂O and Na₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O, a 3D diamond‐like polymer {[Ni^II(chxn)₂]₂[Mo^IV(CN)₈] ? 8H₂O}_n ( 1 ) was synthesised, whereas the reaction of chxn and Cu(ClO₄)₂ ? 6H₂O with Na₃[M^V(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O (M=Mo, W) afforded two isomorphous graphite‐like complexes {[Cu^II(chxn)₂]₃[Mo^V(CN)₈]₂ ? 2H₂O}_n ( 2 ) and {[Cu^II(chxn)₂]₃[W^V(CN)₈]₂ ? 2H₂O}_n ( 3 ). When the same synthetic procedure was employed, but replacing Na₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O by (Bu₃NH)₃[Mo(CN)₈] ? 4H₂O (Bu₃N=tributylamine), {[Cu^II(chxn)₂Mo^IV(CN)₈][Cu^II(chxn)₂] ? 2H₂O}_n ( 4 ) was obtained. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses showed that the framework of 4 is similar to 2 and 3 , except that a discrete [Cu(chxn)₂]²⁺ moiety in 4 possesses large channels of parallel adjacent layers. The experimental results showed that in this system, the diamond‐ or graphite‐like framework was strongly influenced by the inducement of metal ions. The magnetic properties illustrate that the diamagnetic [Mo^IV(CN)₈] bridges mediate very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the Ni^II ions in 1 , but lead to the paramagnetic behaviour in 4 because [Mo^IV(CN)₈] weakly coordinates to the Cu^II ions. The magnetic investigations of 2 and 3 indicate the presence of ferromagnetic coupling between the Cu^II and W^V/Mo^V ions, and the more diffuse 5d orbitals lead to a stronger magnetic coupling interaction between the W^V and Cu^II ions than between the Mo^V and Cu^II ions.     

[Te8]2[Ta4O4Cl16]: A Two‐dimensional Tellurium Polycation obtained via Ionic Liquid‐Based Synthesis

By reaction of elemental tellurium, tellurium(IV) chloride, tantalum(V) chloride and tantalum(V) oxychloride in the ionic liquid [BMIM]Cl ([BMIM]Cl:1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride),[Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] is obtained in the form of lucent black crystals. The title compound consists of infinite [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains (Te–Te: 264.9(1)–284.3(1) pm) and isolated [Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆]^4– anions. The [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains are interconnected to form a two‐dimensional tellurium network (Te–Te: 335.9 pm). Due to this interaction the [Te–Te–(Te₆)]_n²⁺ chains in [Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] show an arrangement that differs significantly from known polycationic [Te₈]_n²⁺ chains. The two‐dimensional tellurium network is finally separated by tetrameric, corner‐sharing oxidochloridotantalate anions [(TaO_2/2Cl_4/1)₄]^4– that are firstly observed. The composition of [Te₈]₂[Ta₄O₄Cl₁₆] is confirmed by EDX analysis; its optical band gap is estimated to 1.1–1.2 eV via UV/Vis spectroscopy.