Synthesis and pyrolysis of silicon and tin containing poly(2,2′-dioxy-1,1′-biphenoxy-phosphazenes)

The polyphosphazene {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_0.5[NP(OC₆H₄Br)₂]_0.5}_n (1) [(O₂C₁₂H₈) = 2,2′-dioxy-1,1′-biphenyl] that, as an strictly alternating copolymer, can be considered nearly as the homopolymer [NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)NP(OC₆H₄Br)₂]_n, was reacted first with ^tBuLi in THF at −78 °C to give the intermediate [NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)NP(OC₆H₄Li)₂]_n (2) and subsequently with the chlorosilanes SiMe₃Cl and SiMe₂(C₆H₅)Cl or with the chlorostannane SnMe₃Cl, to obtain the new polyphosphazenes {(NP[O₂C₁₂H₈])_0.5[NP(OC₆H₄SiMe₃)₂]_0.5−x[NP(OC₆H₅)(OC₆H₄SiMe₃)]_x}_n (3a) (x = 0.15-0.5), {(NP[O₂C₁₂H₈])_0.5[N(POC₆H₄SiMe₂Ph)₂]_0.2[NP(OC₆H₅)(OC₆H₄SiMe₂Ph)]_0.3}_n (3b), and {(NP[O₂C₁₂H₈])_0.5[NP(OC₆H₅)(OC₆H₄SnMe₃)]_0.5}_n (4), having a very regular distribution of the silicon or tin organometallic sites along the chains. The pyrolysis of the polymers in air at 800 °C gave microcrystalline residues (characterized by IR, XRD, SEM and TEM-EDXA) consisting on phases of SiO₂ · P₂O₅ · P₂O_7.9 · SiP₂O₇, or, in the case of the tin derivative, almost pure SnP₂O₇. The results indicate that, while part of the Si content is lost during the pyrolysis, almost all the tin in the original polymer was incorporated to the final residue.     

Improved synthesis of cyclic and polymeric phosphazenes based on facile chlorine substitution with phenols promoted by cesium carbonate

In this report we describe a very convenient synthetic method for the preparation in high yields and purity of cyclic [N₃P₃(OCH₂CF₃)₆] and [N₃P₃(OC₆H₄R)₆] (R = Br, CN, CHO, COC₆H₅, COCH₃, H, OCH₃), and polymeric [NP(OC₆H₄R)₂]_n (R = Br, CHO, COC₆H₅, H, Bu^t) phosphazenes from the direct reaction of the trimer [N₃P₃Cl₆] or the high polymer [NPCl₂]_n and the alcohol HO CH₂CF₃ or the para-substituted phenols HO C₆H₄R, using Cs₂CO₃ as proton abstractor and acetone or tetrahydrofuran as solvent.     

Über Chalkogenolate. 178. Untersuchungen über Kupfer(I)-ethylxanthat

On Chalcogenolates. 178. Studies on Copper(I) Ethyl Xanthate Yellow Cu[S₂C? OC₂H₅] has been prepared by two different methods. In contrast to earlier observations it is not soluble in ethanolic solutions containing [S₂C? OC₂H₅]^? ions in excess. Cu[S₂C? OC₂H₅] reacts with CS₃^2? ions to form [Cu(CS₃)]^?. The compounds [(C₆H₅)₄E][Cu(CS₃)] with E = P, As have been isolated.     

Cleavage of the cyclic substituent in the [B10H9O2C4H8]−, [B10H9OC4H8]−, and [B10H9OC5H10]− anions upon the interaction with negatively charged N-nucleophiles

The interaction of the [B₁₀H₉O₂C₄H₈]^?, [B₁₀H₉OC₄H₈]^?, and [B₁₀H₉OC₅H₁₀]^? anions with negatively charged N-nucleophiles has been studied. It has been shown that such reactions yield doubly charged substituted closo-decaborates with a nitrogen-containing group attached to the cluster through an alkoxyl spacer. Compounds with pendant NO₂ ^?, N₃ ^?, N(CO)₂C₆H₄ ^?, and NHC₆H₅ groups have been synthesized.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Conductivity Investigation of a New Monophosphate: (2-CH3OC6H4CH2NH 3)H2PO4

Chemical preparation, crystal structure, thermogravimetric and differential analysis, solid state ³¹P MAS NMR characterization, and IR spectroscopic investigations are given for a new organic cation dihydrogenmonophosphate, (2-CH₃OC₆H₄CH₂NH₃)H₂PO₄. This compound is monoclinic C2/c, with unit cell parameters a = 27.740(8), b = 4.827(2), c = 16.435(3) Å, β = 93.79(2)°, V = 2196 (1) ų, Z = 8, and ρ = 1.422 g · cm^?3. The crystal structure has been determined and refined to R = 0.046 (Rw = 0.056), using 1,746 independent reflections with I > 3σ (I). Its atomic arrangement can be described by infinite polyanions [H₂PO₄] _n ^{n ?}, organized in ribbons alternating with organic cations. Strong hydrogen bonds connect the different components. Electrical conductivity measurements show that the [2-CH₃OC₆H₄CH₂NH₃]H₂PO₄ has a low ionic conductivity value at 403 K.     

Theoretical study of H2 elimination from [B n H n + 1]− monoanions (n = 6–9, 11)

Transition states of elementary reactions of H₂ molecule elimination from [B _n H _{n + 1}]^? anions (n = 6–9, 11) in which nucleophilic/electrophilic vacancies form at boron atoms have been localized by the density functional theory method (in the B3LYP/6-311++G** approximation). For a series of [B _n H _{n + 1}]^? anions (n = 6–12), the activation barriers to H2 elimination have been compared to consider the possibility of substitution for exopolyhedral hydrogen atoms by the mechanism with the first rate-limiting stage of formation of [B _n H _{n ? 1}]^? (n = 6–12) intermediates with a vacant “bare” vertex of the boron cluster. For the [B _n H _n ]^2?, [B _n H _{n + 1}]^?, and [B _n H _{n ? 1}]^? anions (n = 6–12), the electronic chemical potential μ and Pearson hardness η have been evaluated since these characteristics make it possible to assess the propensity of different reagents to react with each other in terms of the empirical HSAB principle (soft with soft and hard with hard). The application of this principle is exemplified by the interaction of the [B₁₀H₉]^? and [B₁₂H₁₁]^? anions with acetonitrile CH₃CN, furan C₄H₄O, and 18-crown-6.     

Designed synthesis of metal-organic frameworks containing gold(I) cations supported in phosphazene-phosphine polymeric matrices

The reaction of the polyphosphazenes {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_1−x[NP(OC₆H₄PPh₂)₂]_x}_n, x = 0.15 (1a), 0.25 (1b), 0.35 (1c), with [Au(THT)Cl] (THT = tetrahydrothiophene) in dichloromethane gave the polymers {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_1−x[NP(OC₆H₄PPh₂AuCl)₂]_x}_n, x = 0.15, (2a), 0.25 (2b), 0.35 (2c), respectively. The reaction of (1a) with [Au(PPh₃)₂]PF₆ in refluxing THF led to the replacement of the PPh₃ ligands giving a metal-organic framework of idealized formula {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_1−x[NP(OC₆H₄PPh₂)₂(AuPF₆)_0.5]_x}_n, x = 0.15, (3a), 0.25 (3b) containing cationic [-Ph₂P-Au⁺-PPh₂-] cross-linking sites. The insoluble polymeric matrix (3a), having pendant PPh₂ groups, was reacted with [Au(THT)Cl] to give the new polymeric framework of composition {[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]_0.85[NP(OC₆H₄PPh₂)₂(AuPF₆)_0.5(AuCl)_0.5]_0.15}_n (4).     

Gadolinium(III)‐Hydroxy Ladders Trapped in Succinate Frameworks with Optimized Magnetocaloric Effect

Two kinds of inorganic gadolinium(III)‐hydroxy “ladders”, [2×n] and [3×n], were successfully trapped in succinate (suc) coordination polymers, [Gd₂(OH)₂(suc)₂(H₂O)]_n ? 2n H₂O ( 1 ) and [Gd₆(OH)₈(suc)₅(H₂O)₂]_n ? 4n H₂O ( 2 ), respectively. Such coordination polymers could be regarded as alternating inorganic–organic hybrid materials with relatively high density. Magnetic and heat capacity studies reveal a large cryogenic magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in both compounds, namely (ΔH=70 kG) 42.8 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 1 and 48.0 J kg^?1 K^?1 for complex 2 . The effect of the high density is evident, which gives very large volumetric MCEs up to 120 and 144 mJ cm^?3 K^?1 for complexes 1 and 2 , respectively.     

Beiträge zur chemie des iodpentafluorids teil III. Chelatisierung und strukturisomerie bei α,β-methylierten IOD(V)-α,β-ethandiolat-fluoriden

We report metathetical reactions of IF₅ with series of α,β-trimethylsilylated ethanediolates with increasing numbers of CH₃-groups in α- and β-positions. Short lived intermediates IF₄[OC₂H_4?n(CH₃)_nO]X with X = Si(CH₃)₃ or IF₄ and stable chelates IF₃[OC₂H_4?n(CH₃)_nO] and IF[OC₂H_4?n(CH₃)_nO]₂ (n = 0–4) are observed and characterized. Time and temperature dependence of ¹⁹F-NMR-spectra in relation to degree of methylation, arrangement and stereo-chemistry are discussed referring to previously published mono- and polynuclear I(V)-compounds containing a series of monodentate alcoholates CH_3?n(CH₃)_nO^? and (CH₃)₃CCH₂O^? (n = 0,2,3) [1,2] and of bidentate alcoholates ^?O(CH₂)_nO^? (n = 2,3,4,5,6,12) [1]. In contrast to aliphatic α,β-diolates the aromatic diolates 1,2-C₆H₄(O^?)₂, 1,2-C₆Cl₄(O^?)₂ rapidly undergo redox reactions even at low temperatures.     

Schiff base derivatives of lanthanons

Bifunctional tridentate Schiff bases such as, $$\begin{gathered} HOC_6 H_4 C(CH_3 ) : NCH_2 CH_2 OH, \hfill \\ HOC_6 H_4 C(CH_3 ) : NCH_2 CH_2 (OH)CH_3 , \hfill \\ HOC_6 H_4 C(H) : NCH_2 CH_2 OH \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ and HOC₆H₄C(H)∶NCH₂CH(OH)CH₃ react with La(III), Pr(III) and Nd(III) isopropoxides to 1∶1 and 2∶3 derivatives of the type,Ln(O?i-C₃H₇)(OC₆H₄C[R]∶NR′O) andLn ₂(OC₆H₄C[R]∶ NR′O)₃ [where,Ln=La(III), Pr(III) or Nd(III); R=CH₃ or H and R′=CH₂?CH₂ or CH₂CHCH₃] in dry benzene. The labile nature of the isopropoxy groups in the 1∶1 derivatives has been shown by exchange reactions with an excess oft-butyl alcohol leading to the formation ofLn(O?t-C₄H₉)(OC₆H₄C[R]∶NR′O); (where R=CH₃ and R′=CH₂CHCH₃) type derivatives in almost quantitative yield. The IR spectra of the resulting derivatives have been recorded in the range of 4000–400 cm^?1, ν C=N frequency bands appear at ≈ 1620 cm^?1 and almost no change has been noted in their positions on complexation. Some new peaks are, however, observed in the range of 700–600 cm^?1 and these may be ascribed to the ring deformation coupled with both theLn?O stretching and C?CH₃ stretching modes.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Cyclotriphosphazenes Bearing Chalcones Derivatives

A series of new cyclotriphosphazenes bearing chalcones derivatives, N₃P₃Cl₅[OC₆H₄ CH=CHC(O)C₆H₄OC_nH_2n+1] and N₃P₃[OC₆H₄CH=CHC(O)—C₆H₄OC_nH_2n+1]₆, has been synthesized. A convenient synthetic method was performed from the reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazenes with one and six equivalents of (E)-3-(4-(alkyloxy)phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (2a–c). The compounds differ in the length of alkyl groups, C_nH_2n+1, where n = 10, 12, and 14, respectively. All the products were obtained in high yields. The structures of the synthesized compounds were defined by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ³¹P NMR.     

The Construction of Open GdIII Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on Methanetriacetic Acid: New Objects with an Old Ligand

The preparation, X‐ray crystallography and magnetic investigation of the first examples of methanetriacetate (mta)‐containing lanthanide(III) complexes of formulae [Gd(mta)(H₂O)₃]_n ? 4 n H₂O ( 1 ) [Gd(mta)(H₂O)₃]_n ? 2 n H₂O ( 2 ) and [Gd₂(mta)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ? 2 n H₂O ( 3 ) are described herein. This tripodal ligand promotes the formation of 6³ networks; thus 1 consists of a honeycomb structure, whereas in 2 two of these layers are condensed to form a rare five‐connected two‐dimensional (4⁸6²) network. Compound 3 can be seen as an aggregation of 6³ layers leading to a three‐dimensional (6,6)‐connected binodal (4¹²6³)(4⁹6⁶)‐ nia net, in which the gadolinium(III) ions and the mta ligands act as octahedral and as trigonal prismatic nodes, respectively. The magnetic properties of 1 – 3 were investigated in the temperature range 1.9–300 K. A close fit to the Curie law ( 1 ) and weak either antiferro‐ [J=?0.0063(1) cm^?1 ( 2 )] or ferromagnetic [J=+0.0264(6) cm^?1 ( 3 )] interactions between the Gd^III ions are observed; the different exchange pathways involved [extended tris‐bidentate mta ( 1 ) and μ‐O(1);κ²O(1),O(2) ( 2 and 3 ) plus single syn–syn carboxylate‐mta ( 3 )] accounting for these magnetic features. The nature and magnitude of the magnetic interactions, between the Gd^III ions in 1 – 3 , agree with the small amount of data existing in the literature for these kind of bridges.     

Chemical modification of poly(substituted-acetylene). I. Synthesis and gas permeability of poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne)/poly (dimethylsiloxane) graft copolymer

In order to improve the selectivity and the stability and the stability for gas permeation of poly (1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) membrane, it was chemically modified by grafting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains. The graft copolymers were synthesized by four different methods via metallation of PTMSP with n-butyllithium. PDMS content of the graft co-polymers was controlled in the range of 4–92 mol %. Very tough, thin membranes could be prepared from these graft copolymers using a solvent casting method. Thermal property and gas permeability of the copolymer membranes thus obtained were evaluated. These membranes were relatively thermally stable, and the softening points were over about 150°C. Oxygen permeability coefficients Po₂ and selectivity Po₂/PN₂ of PTMSP/PDMS graft copolymers depended on the PDMS content, the former was in the range of 1 X 10^?8 to 2 × 10^?7 cm³ (STP)· cm/(cm²· s · cm. Hg) and the latter was 2.0–3.1. Minimum values of PO₂ and PN₂ occured at PDMS content of about 55 mol %. The introduction of more than 60 mol % of PDMS resulted in oxygen permeability coefficient which was maintained for more than one moth (PO₂ = 2 ? 6 × 10 ^?8 cm ³ (STP)· cm/(cm²·s·cm Hg), PO₂/PN₂ = 2.3–2.7).     

Vibrational spectroscopy of phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine in sandwich-type (na)phthalocyaninato and porphyrinato rare earth complexes. Part 15: The IR characteristics of phthalocyanine in homoleptic tetrakis(phthalocyaninato) rare earth(III)-cadmium(II) quadruple-deckers

The infra-red (IR) spectroscopic data for a series of twelve sandwich-type homoleptic tetrakis[2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octa(octyloxy)phthalocyaninato] rare earth(III)-cadmium(II) quadruple-decker complexes [Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈]M[Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈]Cd[Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈]M[Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈] (M = Y, Pr–Yb except Pm) have been collected with resolution of 2 cm⁻¹ and their interpretation in terms tried by analogy with the IR characteristics of bis(phthalocyaninato) cerium double-decker [Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈]Ce[Pc(OC₈H₁₇)₈] in which the macrocyclic ligands exist as the phthalocyanine dianion. Similar to the bis/tris(phthalocyaninato) rare earth sandwich counterparts, all the absorptions contributed primarily by or at least containing contribution from the vibrations of pyrrole or isoindole stretching, breathing or deformation or aza stretching in the IR spectra of these quadruple-decker compounds show dependent nature on the rare earth ionic size. The shift toward higher energy direction in the frequencies of these vibrations along with the decrease of the rare earth radii reveals the effective and increasing π–π interactions in these quadruple-decker sandwich compounds in the same order. Nevertheless, the decreased sensitivity of the frequencies of the above mentioned vibration modes in particular the weak absorption band due to the isoindole stretching at 1414–1416 cm⁻¹ for the quadruple-decker on rare earth metal size in comparison with corresponding band for bis(phthalocyaninato) rare earth counterparts indicates the relatively weaker π–π interaction in these quadruple-deckers than in the double-deckers.     

Synthesis and characterization of heterobimetallic mixed-ligand complexes containing Zr(μ-OPri)2Al bridging units

Interesting varieties of heterobimetallic mixed-ligand complexes [Zr{M(OPrⁱ) _n }₂ (L)] (where M = Al, n = 4, L = OC₆H₄CH = NCH₂CH₂O (1); M = Nb, n = 6, L = OC₆H₄CH = NCH₂CH₂O (2); M = Al, n = 4, L = OC₁₀H₆CH = NCH₂CH₂O (3); M = Nb, n = 6, L = OC₁₀H₆CH = NCH₂CH₂O (4)), [Zr{Al(OPrⁱ)₄}₂Cl(OAr)] (where Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,5 (5); Ar = C₆H₂Me-4-Bu₂-2,6 (6), [Zr{Al(OPrⁱ)₄}₂(OAr)₂] (where Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,5 (7); Ar = C₆H₂Me-4-Bu₂-2,6 (8), [Zr{Al(OPrⁱ)₄}₃(OAr)] (where Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,5 (9); Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,6 (10), [ZrAl(OPrⁱ)_7-n (ON=CMe₂) _n ] (where n = 4 (11); n = 7 (12), [ZrAl₂(OPrⁱ)_10-n (ON=CMe₂) _n ] (where n = 4 (13); n = 6 (14); n = 10 (15) and [Zr{Al(OPrⁱ)₄}₂{ON=CMe(R)} _n Cl_2–n] [where n = 1, R = Me (16); n = 2, R = Me (17); n = 1, R = Et (18); n = 2, R = Et (19)] have been prepared either by the salt elimination method or by alkoxide-ligand exchange. All of these heterobimetallic complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight measurements, and spectroscopic (I.r., ¹H-, and ²⁷Al- n.m.r.) studies.     

Transition metal containing dendrimers based on cyclophosphazene units

The series of complexes [N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₆H₄CH₂CN·MCl_n]PF₆, N₃P₃(OC₆H₄CH₂CN)₆·(MCl_n)₆](PF₆)₆, [N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₆H₄CH₂CN·MCl_n−1]Cl and [N₃P₃(OC₆H₄CH₂CN)₆·(MCl_n−1)₆]Cl₆, MCl_n=MnCl₂, FeCl₃, CoCl₂, NiCl₂, CuCl₂ have been synthesized by reaction of the corresponding cyclophosphazene ligands: N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₆H₄CH₂CN (L₁) and N₃P₃(OC₆H₄CH₂CN)₆ (L₂) with the respective salts MCl_n in CH₃OH as solvent and in presence or absence of NH₄PF₆. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, UV–Vis and EPR spectroscopy as well as electrochemical methods. The reaction of CuCl₂ with the ligand L₁ affords the copper (I) complex. [N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₆H₄CH₂CN·Cu]PF₆ instead the expected Cu(II) complex, which was characterized by multinuclear NMR. For comparison, the complex [N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₆H₄CH₂CN·ZnCl]PF₆ was also prepared. The hexametalladendrimers of iron exhibits a six-electron reduction while that the correspondent monometalladendrimers exhibit a single one-electron reduction. Upon coordination νCN increase in a similar way to crystal field effects dependence with the metal.     

Doubly charged benzene and isomeric dications. Fragmentation energetics and charge distributions calculated by MINDO/3 molecular orbital theory

MINDO/3 calculations for singlet and triplet doubly charged benzene [C₆H₆]²⁺ are in satisfactory agreement with the experimentally determined values of the vertical double ionization energy of benzene; calculations for straight chain isomeric structures are consistent with the observed kinetic energy release on fragmentation to [C₅H₃]⁺ and [CH₃]⁺. Symmetrical doubly charged benzene ions relax to a less symmetrical cyclic structure having sufficient internal energy to fragment by ring opening and hydrogen transfer towards the ends of the carbon chain. Fragmentation of [CH₃C₄CH₃]²⁺ to [CH₃C₄]⁺ and [CH₃]⁺ is a relatively high energy process (A), whereas both (B): [CH₃CHC₃CH₂]²⁺ to [CHC₃CH₂]⁺ and [CH₃]⁺ and (C): [CH₃CHCCHCCH]²⁺ to [CHCCHCCH]⁺ and [CH₃]⁺ may be exothermic processes from doubly charged benzene. Furthermore, the calculated energy for the reverse of process (A) is less than the experimentally observed kinetic energy released, whereas larger energies for the reverse of processes B and C are predicted. Heats of formation of homologous series [HC_n]⁺, [CH₃C_n]⁺, [CH₂C_n?2CH]⁺, [CH₃C_n?2CH₂]⁺ and [CH₂?CHC_n?3CH₂]⁺ with 1 < n < 6 are calculated to aid prediction of the most stable products of fragmentation of doubly charged cations. The homologous series [CH₂C_n?2CH]⁺ is relatively stable and may account for ready fragmentation of doubly charged ions to [C_nH₃]⁺; alternatively the symmetrical [C₅H₃]⁺ ion [CHCCHCCH]⁺ may be formed. Dicoordinate carbon chains appear to be important stabilizing features for both cations and dications.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyaryloxyphosphazene copolymers

A series of polyaryloxyphosphazene copolymers with the general formulas [NP(OC₆H₅)(OR)]_n and [NP(OC₆H₄–4–OCH₃)(OR)]_n, where R = C₆H₄–4–CH₃, C₆H₄–4–C₂H₅, C₆H₄–4–isoC₃H₇, C₆H₄–4–sec-C₄H₉, C₆H₄–4–tert–C₄H₉, C₆H₄–4–OCH₃ or C₆H₄–4–OC₄H₉, have been prepared under anhydrous conditions. Copolymers as well as selected homopolymers were prepared by the reaction of polydichlorophosphazene with appropriate sodium aryloxides. Each of the polymers was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, gel–permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. Elemental analysis established the empirical formula for the polymers and showed that there were no residual P? Cl bonds left on the polymer backbone. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of a phosphorus–nitrogen backbone with two aryloxy groups bonded to each phosphorus atom. The copolymers examined exhibited molecular weights of above 1 × 10⁶. Polyaryloxyphosphazene copolymers were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and compared to several of the corresponding homopolymers. Glass transition temperatures ranged between ?34 and +44°C for the polymers. The Kelley-Bueche equation was used to predict the glass transition temperatures of the copolymers. Close agreement was found between calculated and experimental values for most of the systems examined.     

Structure of Aqueous Gallium(III) Bromide Solutions Over a Temperature Range 80–333 K by Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Absorption Fine Structure, and X-ray Diffraction

The structure and complex formation of concentrated aqueous gallium(III) bromide (GaBr₃) solutions have been investigated over a temperature range 80–333 K by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), and X-ray diffraction. The Raman spectra obtained at various [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] molar ratios and temperatures have shown that complex formation between Ga³⁺ and Br^? occurs as a predominant species, with [GaBr₄]^? at [Ga³⁺] as high as 1～2 M (M = mol?dm ^?3) and [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] ratios > ～2, and that cooling of the solutions favors the formation of the aqua Ga³⁺. The intermediate species were not seen in the Raman spectra. The XAFS data have revealed that the aqua complex has a sixfold coordination as [Ga(H₂O)₆]³⁺ with a Ga³⁺–H₂O distance of (1.96 ± 0.02) Å, whereas the [GaBr₄]^? complex has a Ga³⁺–Br^? distance of (2.33± 0.02) Å, and that vitrification of the aqueous GaBr₃ solution at liquid nitrogen temperature shifts the equilibrium toward the aqua complex. The X-ray diffraction data at different subzero temperatures have shown a tendency of decreasing Ga³⁺–Br^? and increasing Ga³⁺–H₂O interactions with lowering temperature, confirming the preference of aqua Ga³⁺ in the supercooled liquid state as well as in the glassy state. The Ga³⁺–H₂O distance of ～1.8 Å for the tetrahedral coordination was found in a 2.01 M gallium(III) bromide solution with a [Br^?]/[Ga³⁺] ratio of 3.7 and gradually increased to a value of 1.92 Å for octahedral geometry with decreasing temperature, suggesting that equilibrium shifts from [GaBr₄]^? to [Ga(H₂O)₆]³⁺ through intermediate species, [GaBr _n ]^(3?n)+ (n = 2 and 3). The Ga³⁺–Br^? and Br^?–Br^? distances within [GaBr₄]^? with an almost tetrahedral symmetry are (2.35± 0.02) and (3.82± 0.03) Å, respectively. The Ga³⁺ has the second hydration shell at (4.03± 0.03) Å and the hydration of Br^? is characterized with a Br^?–H₂O distance of (3.35± 0.02) Å at all temperatures investigated.     

Metal−Organic Precursors for Transition-Metal-Doped Ni2P via Pyrolysis for Efficient Overall Water Splitting and Supercapacitance

The synthesis of solvent-less bare-surface nickel phosphides is desired, considering their superior electrocatalytic properties and straightforward synthetic protocols compared to their analogues prepared from colloidal routes. Herein, we report the synthesis of [Ni{S₂P(OH)(4-CH₃OC₆H₄)}₂] (1), [Fe{S₂P(OH)(4-CH₃OC₆H₄)}₃] (2) and [Co{S₂P(OC₄H₉)(4-CH₃OC₆H₄)}₃] (3) and their utilization to form Ni₂P, Fe-Ni₂P and Co-Ni₂P in a solvent-less pyrolysis method. This solvent-free protocol involved the decomposition of complex ( 1 ) and the composites of complex ( 1 ) with ( 2 ) or ( 3 ) in the presence of triphenylphosphine (TPP) at 400 °C for one hour. The solvent-less decomposition of complex ( 1 ) without TPP formed nickel sulfide. A plausible explanation for this rare fabrication of pristine and doped Ni₂P in the absence of any solvent is suggested. All the transition metal doped phosphides improved the HER performance of pristine Ni₂P, with the 5 % Fe doped Ni₂P having the best performance, requiring 137 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm². Similarly, the OER performance of un-doped Ni₂P was improved by all the doped Ni₂P catalysts, where 10 % Fe-doped Ni₂P showed the best performance requiring 326 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm². Transition metal doping was also shown to improve the reaction kinetics, stability and durability of the solvent-free prepared Ni₂P.