Dielectric Relaxation and Quasielastic Neutron Scattering Study of Molecular Reorientation in the Nematic and Solid Phases of 4,4'-Di-N-Butyloxyazoxybenzene

Dielectric relaxation measurements carried out in the nematic phae of 4,4'-di-n-butyloxyazoxybenzene (BOAOB) reveal fast reorientational motions of the whole molecule around the long axis (τ₁ ∼ 60 ps) as well as slow reorientational motions of the whole molecule around the short axis (τ₁ ∼ 10^-8 s). Incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering spectra obtained for nematic BOAOB, with normal and deuteriated alkoxy terminals, are interpreted as dominated by reorientation (around the C-N bonds) of moieties consisting of benzene rings coupled with alkoxy terminal chains (τ₁ ∼ 4ps). In addition fast conformational changes occur in these chains. Dielectric relaxation measurements reveal librations of the whole molecule in the crystal phases CI and CII accompanied by reorientation of the terminal chains in these phases. The reorientations occur on the time scale amounting to 10^-8 s. Incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering spectra obtained for the CI and CII phases of BOAOB are interpreted as being dominated by overdamped librational motions of the moieties accompanied by fast conformational changes in the alkyl chains. The CIII phase corresponds to a normal molecular crystal.     

Static periodic distortion above bend Freedericksz transition in nematics

The linearized mathematical model developed by Allender, Hornreich and Johnson [1987, Phys. Rev. Lett., 59, 2654], for explaining the appearance of the magnetic field induced stripe phase (SP) above the bend Freedericksz threshold in a nematic close to the smectic transition, is generalized to the case of uniform tilt θ₁ of the nematic director n₀ away from the homeotropic with the field H acting normal to n₀. Calculations of SP threshold and domain wave vector Q are presented for different elastic ratios and tilts θ₁, by exact computation of the ground state homogeneous deformation (HD) under the rigid anchoring hypothesis. Approximate estimates based on energetics, explicitly taking into account the modal symmetry of perturbations, agree well with the results of exact calculations based on the solution of torque equations. For homeotropic alignment (θ₁ = 0) calculations predict that the SP domain width should decrease when the sample is heated away from the smectic transition point; at a given temperature when H is rotated through a small angle with respect to the sample planes the domains should grow wider. These points can be verified experimentally. It is also shown that for sufficiently high initial tilt θ₁ away from the homeotropic director alignment, SP may be quenched. Materials, such as nematic polymers, which exhibit static periodic domains (PD) in splay geometry (of the kind discovered by Lonberg and Meyer, 1985, Phys. Rev. Lett., 55, 718) may also show SP for director tilts θ₁ close to the homeotropic. It appears possible to make tentative predictions regarding the effects of weak anchoring and oblique magnetic fields on the SP threshold and domain wave vector.     

Light scattering from a nematic monodomain in an electric field Twist elastic constant and viscosity coefficient of nematic polymer-solvent mixtures

The light scattering technique was used to investigate the viscoelastic parameters characterizing director twist distortions in miscible nematic mixtures of 5CB (pentacyanobiphenyl) with two side chain liquid crystal polymers and a main chain liquid crystal polymer. By applying an AC electric field to homeotropically-aligned nematic monodomains of the mixtures, the field-dependent scattering intensities and director orientation fluctuation relaxation rates yield, respectively, the twist elastic constant K₂₂ and viscosity coefficient γ₁. The results directly demonstrate that the addition of liquid crystal polymers causes substantial decreases of the relaxation rates for dynamic light scattering from the twist mode and these changes are due to small decreases in K₂₂ coupled with large increases in γ₁. The decrements in K₂₂ are comparable for both side chain and main chain liquid crystal polymers. The relative increase in the twist viscosity for the side chain liquid crystal polymers is much smaller than those of main chain polymers. A theoretical model is used to qualitatively interpret the difference between the viscous behaviour of the twist mode for both side chain and main chain liquid crystal polymers in a nematic solvent.     

Magnetic-field induced biaxiality in nematic liquid crystals. Consequences for nuclear spin relaxation

When a uniaxial nematic liquid crystal is subjected to a magnetic field making a non-zero angle with the C_∞ axis, the uniaxial symmetry is broken. The principal effect is a field-induced biaxiality in the long-wavelength region of the director fluctuation spectrum. Whereas the induced biaxiality has little effect on the mean square director fluctuation amplitudes 〈n²_x〉 and 〈n²_y〉, which are dominated by short-wavelength modes, it can profoundly affect the nuclear spin relaxation behaviour, which is sensitive to long-wavelength modes. Motivated by the increasing number of nuclear spin relaxation studies of director fluctuations in thermotropic, amphiphilic, and polymeric nematic liquid crystals, we present here a theoretical analysis of the effects of field-induced biaxiality on nuclear spin relaxation.     

Detailed study of a two component smectic 4TPB-8OCB system with a nematic gap. Phase diagram and viscosity study

The phase diagram of a two component system composed of two smectic compounds: 4-octyloxy-4'-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB) and 4-isothiocyanatophenyl 4-butylbenzoate (4TPB) was investigated. Three Miesowicz viscosity coefficients η₁, η₂, η₃ and the refractive indices at different temperatures as well as the enthalpies of the phase transitions were measured. It was stated, that the properties of the induced nematic phase, for example, the nematic phase existing between two smectic regions, are the same as the ones observed in the case of low viscosity nematic mesogens.     

Incoherent cold neutron scattering investigation of stochastic molecular orientational fluctuations in liquid crystals

The model of rapid orientational fluctuations of the molecular long axis in liquid crystals, based upon the solution of the one-dimensional problem of the random walk of a particle between two perfectly reflecting barriers, is suggested and in conjunction with the translational diffusion of the molecular centre of mass and also uniaxial rotational diffusion, utilized for the evaluation of the incoherent scattering function, as well as EISF, appropriate to smectic A and nematic phases, and the comparison with measurements is made. On the basis of published measurements it is concluded that the molecules in the smectic A phase of DTBBA are subject to long axis orientational fluctuations between two potential barriers with an apex angle of about 100°.     

Synthesis, structure and hydrogenation catalytic activity of [Ru3(μ3,η-ampy)(μ,η:η-PhC=CHPh)(CO)6(PPh3) (Hampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridine)

The compound [RU₃(μ₃,η²- -ampy)(μ₃η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₆(PPh₃)₂] (1) (ampy = 2-amino-6-methylpyridinate) has been prepared by reaction of [RU₃(η-H)(μ₃,η²- ampy) (μ,η¹:η²-PhC=CHPh)(CO)₇(PPh₃)] with triphenylphosphine at room temperature. However, the reaction of [RU₃(μ-H)(μ₃, η² -ampy)(CO)₇(PPh₃)₂] with diphenylacetylene requires a higher temperature (110°C) and does not give complex 1 but the phenyl derivative [RU₃(μ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η ¹:η² -PhC=CHPh)(μ,-PPh₂)(Ph)(CO)₅(PPh₃)] (2). The thermolysis of complex 1 (110°C) also gives complex 2 quantitatively. Both 1 and 2 have been characterized by0 X-ray diffraction methods. Complex 1 is a catalyst precursor for the homogeneous hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene to a mixture of cis- and trans -stilbene under mild conditions (80°C, 1 atm. of H₂), although progressive deactivation of the catalytic species is observed. The dihydride [RU₃(μ-H)₂(μ ₃,η²-ampy)(μ,η¹:η²- PhC=CHPh)(CO)₅(PPh₃)₂] (3), which has been characterized spectroscopically, is an intermediate in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.     

Dynamics of the Frederiks transition in nematics consisting of disc-like molecules Thermal dependence of a bend viscosity coefficient

We report measurements of the dynamics of the magnetic Frederiks transition in nematics consisting of disc-like molecules. In this paper the results are presented for three 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11-hexakis(p-alkoxybenzoyloxy)triphenylenes, which exhibit a normal nematic phase, and for three 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 13-hexa(alkanoyloxy)truxenes, which exhibit an inverted nematic phase. We find that the thermal dependence of a bend viscosity coefficient (γ*₁) can be accurately described by the expression, γ*₁ ∼ S² exp (E_a/kT). The absolute value of γ*₁ is found to be higher (by a factor of 10-100) than is commonly encountered in nematics consisting of rod-like molecules.     

Orientational ordering in the nematic phase of 4-alkenyl-substituted bicyclohexylnitriles

The orientational ordering of a series of 4-alkenyl-substituted bicyclohexyl liquid crystals was studied by natural abundance ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. A combination of the methods of variable angle spinning (VAS) and separated local field spectroscopy (SLF) was used. Rapid sample spinning about an axis forming an angle of about 65° with respect to the magnetic field forces the nematic director to align parallel to the spinnin axis, leading to narrow peaks in the ¹³C NMR spectrum. The two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic method SLF allows the observation of decoupled ¹³C signals in the ω₂ dimension and first-order C-H splitting patterns in the ω₁ dimension, from which the C-H dipolar coupling constants for individual pairs of nuclei can be obtained. Then, the order parameters for different molecular segments can be calculated. The method was applied to five different 4-alkenyl-substituted cyanobicyclohexanes. For the compounds studied, the dependence of the ring order parameters on the alkenyl chains shows the same trend as the melting and clearing temperatures and the elastic constants.     

Observation of textures of nematic polymers and estimation of the elastic constants

The texture of a copolyesteramide, Vectra® B950, has been studied by optical microscopy. At rest, the defects are typical of a biaxial nematic phase, but under the influence of a magnetic field or under shear, the nematic transforms into a uniaxial phase. The Freedericksz geometry yields a K₁ elastic constant of the order of 10^-8 N. The diffusivities K_III/_n and K_II/_n are obtained by measuring the light intensity transmitted through a sample during shear start-up and relaxation, and from this we estimate K_III ≅ 10 ^-9N and K_II ≅ 10 ^-10N. Since the biaxiality is small, these uniaxial constants adequately describe the phase at rest.     

Synthesis of Re-Ru heterobimetallic polyhydride complexes. Study of the influence of ligands bonded to the monometallic precursors on the nature of the isolated binuclear complexes

The reaction of K[H₆ReL₂] with [RuHCl(CO)(PPh₃)_3−x {P(OPrⁱ}₃)_x](L₂ = (PMePh₂)₂, dppe, (AsPh₃)₂, or (PPh₃)₂; x = 0, 1 or 2) leads to [L₂(CO)HRe(μ-H)₃RuH(PPh₃)_2−y{P(OPrⁱ)₃}_y] (x = 0 or 1, Y = 0; X = 2, Y = 1(L₂ = PPh₃)) in a first step. Under the reaction conditions most of these complexes react rapidly with the liberated phosphine giving [L₂(CO)Re(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)_3−y- {P(OPrⁱ)₃}_y] (L₂ = (PMePh₂)₂ or dppe, Y = 0; L₂ = (PPh₃)₂, Y = 1) as the only iso complexes. The structure of [(PMePh₂)₂(CO)Re(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)₃] has been establishedby X-ray structure analysis. The complex [(PPh₃)₂(CO)Re(μ-H)₃Ru(PPh₃)₂(P(OPrⁱ)₃)] reacts with molecular hydrogen under pressure to generate [L₂(CO)HRe(μ-H)₃RuH(PPh₃)(P(OPrⁱ)₃) as the sole product.     

Optically active coordination compounds---XLVIII. Synthesis, resolution and interconversions of isomers of tris-salicylatocobaltate(III)

Stable aqueous solutions of the green ion [Co(sa1)₃]³⁻ (sa1 = dianion, C₆H₄( )(CO ), of salicylic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid) are obtained from [Co(NH₃)₅ C1]C1₂ and an excess of salicylic acid. Several salts, [C][Co(sa1)₃] have been characterized, where C = [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ and [M(en)₃]³⁺ (M = Co or Rh, EN = 1,2-diamino-ethane). By using (+)-[Rh(en)₃]³⁺, optical resolution via less soluble diastereoisomeric salts has been achieved, and isomerization and racemization have been studied. Resolved tris-malonatocobaltate(III) has been used as a model. A novel thermochromism (77-293 K) in solid Δ(+)-[Rhen₃]Λ[Co(sa1)₃ is described.     

Rotational viscosity of nematic liquid crystals and their shear viscosity under flow alignment

The influence of molecular properties on the rotational viscosity, γ₁, of nematic liquid crystals is studied. The shear viscosity under flow alignment, η_s, is determined for the same liquid crystals. A significant correlation between both quantities is found. An equation is presented which allows the calculation of γ₁ from η_s with an error of about 20 per cent for the liquid crystals studied.     

Preparation and X-ray characterization of two-coordinate Cu(I) complex of aliphatic thiolato ligand: Effect of steric bulk on coordination features

We have synthesized in a single-step procedure from available copper(I) precursor at RT two Cu(I) thiolato clusters of the formula [Cu₄(μ-SCH(CH₃)₂)₆]²⁻ and [Cu₅(μ-SC(CH₃)₃)₆]⁻ as revealed by X-ray crystallography, where increased steric bulk leads to a bigger cage with some two-coordinate metal centers. In addition, we identified a mononuclear two coordinate thiolato complex with the bulkier ligand, of the formula NEt₄[Cu(SC(CH₃)₃)₂]. This is only the second example of such a complex of an aliphatic ligand that is structurally characterized. The X-ray structure reveals an S–Cu–S angle of 176.7–179.5°, with Cu–S distances of 2.14 Å.     

Reactions of tetrakis(trifluoromethyl) diphosphine and bis(trifluoromethyl) phosphine with ruthenium carbonyl clusters; X-ray structure of tetraruthenium carbonyl cluster derivatives

Reaction of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with (CF₃)₂P---P(CF₃)₂ in p-xylene at 140°C yielded the compounds [Ru₄(CO)₁₃{μ-P(CF₃)₂}₂] (1), [Ru₄(CO)₁₄{μ-P(CF₃)₂}₂] (2) and [Ru₄(CO)₁₁{μ-P(CF₃)₂}₄] (3). Reaction with [(μ-H)₄Ru₄(CO)₁₂] under similar conditions yielded [(μ-H)₃Ru₄(CO)₁₂{μ-P(CF₃)₂}] (4). All four compounds have been characterised by X-ray crystallography. The fluxional behaviour of the hydrides in 4 has also been studied by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 were also obtained from the reactions of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with (CF₃)₂PH in dichloromethane at 80°C.     

Vibrational spectra of σ-allylmanganese pentacarbonyl

The vibrational spectra of σ-(C₃H₅)Mn(CO)₅ are reported. Assignment of bands is made and carbonyl force constants are calculated. The results indicate that the Mn(CO)₅ moiety has C_4ν symmetry. The calculated angle between the axial and equatorial carbonyl groups is approximately 95°. The bonding in this compound is very similar to that in (CH₃)Mn(CO)₅.

In the far-infrared region, seven bands are expected in C_4ν symmetry (3A₁ + 4E), and all are observed.     

Reactions of metalloalkynes VII. Protonation of ruthenium ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes

The acid–base chemistry of some ruthenium ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes, [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R)}₂(μ₂-CC)] (R=H, Me) has been investigated. Initial protonation of [{Ru(CO)₂{η-C₅H₄R}}₂(μ₂-CC)] gave the unexpected complex cation, crystallised as the BF₄ salt, [{Ru(CO)₂(η-C₅H₄R}}₃(μ₃-CC)][BF₄] (R=Me structurally characterised). This synthesis proved to be unreliable but subsequent, careful protonation experiments gave excellent yields of the protonated ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes, [{Ru(CO)₂{η-C₅H₄R)}₂(μ₂-η¹:η²-CCH)](BF₄) (R=Me structurally characterised) which could be deprotonated in high yield to return the starting ethyne-1,2-diyl complexes.     

Relative quantum yield of the S2 → S1 fluorescence from azulene

The quantum yield ratio r = φ_{2 → 0}/φ_{2 → 1} of the S₂ → S₀ and S₂ → S₁ fluorescences from azulene has been redetermined. With azulene in isopentane at 190 K, r = 455 ± 100. This value agrees with the lower limit, given by Huppert, Jortner and Rentzepis, but is an order of magnitude lower than that given by Gillispie and Lim.     

The tungsten-tungsten triple bond---18. Bridging and terminal allyl ligands in complexes of the formula W2(R)2(NMe2)4, where R = C3H5 and C4H7

The reaction between RMgCl (two equivalents) and 1,2-W₂Cl₂(NMe₂)₄ in hydrocarbon solvents affords the compounds W₂R₂(NMe₂)₄, where R = allyl and 1− and 2-methyl-allyl. In the solid state the molecular structure of W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄ has C₂ symmetry with bridging allyl ligands and terminal W---NMe₂ ligands. The W---W distance 2.480(1) Å and the C---C distances, 1.47(1) Å, imply an extensive mixing of the allyl π-MOs with the WW π-MOs, and this is supported by an MO calculation on the molecule W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NH₂)₄ employing the method of Fenske and Hall. The most notable interaction is the ability of the (WW)⁶⁺ centre to donate to the allyl π^*-MO (π₃). This interaction is largely responsible for the long W---W distance, as well as the long C---C distances, in the allyl ligand. The structure of the 2-methyl-allyl derivative W₂(C₄H₇)₂(NMe₂)₄ in the solid state reveals a gauche-W₂C₂N₄ core with W---W = 2.286(1) Å and W---C = 2.18(1) Å, typical of WW and W---C triple and single bonds, respectively. In solution (toluene-d₈) ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra over a temperature range −80°C to +60°C indicate that both anti- and gauche- W₂C₂N₄ rotamers are present for the 2-methyl-allyl derivative. In addition, there is a facile fluxional process that equilibrates both ends of the 2-methyl-allyl ligand on the NMR time-scale. This process leads to a coalescence at 100°C and is believed to take place via an η³-bound intermediate. The 1-methyl-allyl derivative also binds in an η¹ fashion in solution and temperature-dependent rotations about the W---N, W---C and C=C bonds are frozen out at low temperatures. The spectra of the allyl compound W₂(C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄ revealed the presence of two isomers in solution—one of which can be readily reconciled with the presence of the bridging isomer found in the solid state while the other is proposed to be W₂(η³-C₃H₅)₂(NMe₂)₄. The compound W₂R₂(NMe₂)₄ where R = 2,4-dimethyl- pentadiene was similarly prepared and displayed dynamic NMR behaviour explainable in terms of facile η¹ = η³ interconversions.     

On the vibrational spectra and conformational stability of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine from temperature dependent FT-IR spectra of krypton solutions and ab initio calculations

Variable temperature (−105 to −150 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (3500–400 cm⁻¹) of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, (CH₃)₂NNH₂, in liquid krypton have been carried out. No convincing spectral evidence could be found for the trans conformer which is expected to be at least 600 cm⁻¹ less stable than the gauche form. The structural parameters, dipole moments, conformational stability, vibrational frequencies, and infrared and Raman intensities have been predicted from MP2/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations. The predicted infrared and Raman spectra are compared to the experimental ones. The adjusted r₀ parameters from MP2/6-311+G(d,p) calculations are compared to those reported from an electron diffraction study. The energy differences between the gauche and trans conformers have been obtained from MP2 ab initio calculations as well as from density functional theory by the B3LYP method calculations from a variety of basis sets. All of these calculations indicate an energy difference of 650–900 cm⁻¹ with the B3LYP calculations predicted the larger values. The potential function governing the conformational interchange has been predicting from both types of calculations and comparisons have been made. The barrier to internal rotation by the independent rotor model of the inner methyl group is predicted to have a value of 1812 cm⁻¹ and that of the outer one of 1662 cm⁻¹ from ab initio MP2/6-31G(d) calculations. These values agree well with the experimentally determined values of 1852±16 and 1558±12 cm⁻¹, respectively, from a fit of the torsional transitions with the coupled rotor model. For the coupled rotor model the predicted V′₃₃ (sin 3τ₀ sin 3τ₁ term) value which ranged from 190 to 232 cm⁻¹ is in reasonable agreement with the experimental value of 268±3 cm⁻¹ but the predicted V₃₃ (cos 3τ₀ cos 3τ₁ term) value of −73 to −139 cm⁻¹ is 25% smaller and of the opposite sign of the experimental value of 333±22 cm⁻¹. These theoretical and spectroscopy results are compared to similar quantities of some corresponding molecules.